cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exploiting Temporal Dynamics in Sybil Defenses

Sybil attacks present a significant threat to many Internet systems and applications, in which a single adversary inserts multiple colluding identities in the system to compromise its security and privacy. Recent work has advocated the use of social-network-based trust relationships to defend against Sybil attacks. However, most of the prior security analyses of such systems examine only the case of social networks at a single instant in time. In practice, social network connections change over time, and attackers can also cause limited changes to the networks. In this work, we focus on the temporal dynamics of a variety of social-network-based Sybil defenses. We describe and examine the effect of novel attacks based on: (a) the attacker's ability to modify Sybil-controlled parts of the social-network graph, (b) his ability to change the connections that his Sybil identities maintain to honest users, and (c) taking advantage of the regular dynamics of connections forming and breaking in the honest part of the social network. We find that against some defenses meant to be fully distributed, such as SybilLimit and Persea, the attacker can make dramatic gains over time and greatly undermine the security guarantees of the system. Even against centrally controlled Sybil defenses, the attacker can eventually evade detection (e.g. against SybilInfer and SybilRank) or create denial-of-service conditions (e.g. against Ostra and SumUp). After analysis and simulation of these attacks using both synthetic and real-world social network topologies, we describe possible defense strategies and the trade-offs that should be explored. It is clear from our findings that temporal dynamics need to be accounted for in Sybil defense or else the attacker will be able to undermine the system in unexpected and possibly dangerous ways.
Critical Heat Flux of R-123 in Silicon-Based Microchannels

Critical heat flux (CHF) of R-123 in a silicon-based microchannel heat sink was investigated at exit pressures ranging from 227 kPa to 520 kPa. Critical heat flux data were obtained over effective heat fluxes ranging from 53 W/cm 2 to 196 W/cm 2 and mass fluxes from 291 kg/m 2 s to 1118 kg/m 2 s. Flow images and high exit qualities suggest that dryout is the leading CHF mechanism. The effect of mass velocity, exit quality, and system pressure were also examined, and a new correlation is presented to represent the effect of these parameters.
Clay mineralogy of Pliocene-Pleistocene mudstones, eastern Taiwan: Combined effects of burial diagenesis and provenance unroofing

Pliocene-Pleistocene sedimentary rocks in the Coastal Range of eastern Taiwan were deposited in a synorogenic collisional basin that developed immediately east of the growing Taiwan fold and thrust belt during active arc-continent collision. Unmetamorphosed mudstones from this stratigraphic sequence, which were buried up to 6 km deep, contain abundant detrital illite and chlorite derived from the adjacent metamorphic orogen. A surprisingly small down-section increase in percent illite layers in mixed-layer illite/smectite provides evidence for a low paleogeothermal gradient (about 14 °C/km), possibly combined with kinetic retardation of the illitization reaction resulting from the short duration of maximum burial. Illite crystallinity increases from the base to the top of the stratigraphic sequence, opposite to the expected trend for burial metamorphism. This reverse trend parallels lithic-fragment detrital modes of sandstones from the same sequence and records progressive unroofing of the nearby prograde metamorphic terrane during collision-related uplift and deformation.
Resuscitator’s perceptions and time for corrective ventilation steps during neonatal resuscitation

Effective ventilation of the lungs remains the cornerstone of neonatal resuscitation. Approximately 10% of newborns require assistance to establish effective ventilation and less than 1% need more extensive resuscitation with chest compressions and/or medications.1 In the neonatal resuscitation program (NRP) algorithm in the 2005 AAP/NRP guidelines initiation of circulatory support (chest compressions) was indicated if the heart rate remained below 60 beats per minute (bpm) following 30 s of positive pressure ventilation (PPV).2 The timeframe for initiation of chest compressions as per the 2005 guidelines was 90 s following delivery of the infant.2 In the current neonatal resuscitation guidelines published in 2010, if the heart rate remained less than 60 bpm following 30 s of PPV then additional corrective ventilation steps have been incorporated, (abbreviated as MRSOPA) prior to initiation of chest compressions. These steps include Mask adjustment, Repositioning of the airway, Suctioning the mouth and nares, Opening mouth, increasing Pressure and placing Alternate airway such as laryngeal mask airway or endotracheal tube These steps have been added with the belief that providers may be progressing to circulatory support without providing adequate ventilation.1 Ventilation alone is sufficient to effectively resuscitate greater than 99% of newborn infants and performing chest compressions without providing adequate ventilation may compromise successful resuscitation. Circulatory support with chest compressions is important to maintain pulmonary circulation and gas exchange in the presence of severe bradycardia.3,4 Delay in initiation of circulatory support may be detrimental in infants with asystole or severe cardiorespiratory compromise. Chest compressions are associated with increased risk of pneumothorax, rib fractures and trauma to the viscera.5,6 In a simulation based study of change of practice in adult resuscitation with the 2010 basic life support guidelines by eliminating the step of positive pressure ventilation prior to initiation of chest compressions shortened the time of initiation of chest compressions by approximately 20 s.7 The time taken for or the effectiveness of the corrective ventilation steps has not been evaluated in the neonate. This study was undertaken to estimate the time taken in performing the corrective ventilatory steps and to evaluate the provider preference in performing the steps at varying degrees of cardiorespiratory compromise. Based on NRP guidelines, initial steps of resuscitation (providing warmth, clearing airway if necessary, drying and stimulating) require 30 s. If the heart rate is <60 bpm in spite of PPV for 30 s, chest compressions are indicated. Dannevig et al. showed that in newborn piglets, initiation of chest compression after 90 s of cardiac arrest led to increased mortality and increased time to return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). So, if corrective steps for ventilation require more than 30 s (60 + 30 = 90 s), infants in cardiac arrest at birth may have a lesser chance of survival.
Colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis has a worse 30-day outcome when performed for colonic inertia than for a neoplastic indication.

Aim Whether bowel related dysfunction adversely affects postoperative recovery after total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (C + IRA) for colonic inertia (CI) has not been previously well evaluated. This study compared the early postoperative outcome of C + IRA for CI and for other noninflammatory indications. Method Patients undergoing elective C + IRA from 1999 to 2010 were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Since inflammation in the rectum or small bowel may influence the outcome, patients with inflammatory bowel disease were excluded. Patients undergoing surgery for CI (group A) were compared with patients having the operation for other benign noninflammatory diseases (group B). Demographics, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, body mass index (BMI), surgical procedure and 30-day complications were assessed. Results The study population consisted of 333 patients undergoing elective C + IRA (99 men, mean age 39 ± 16 years). The procedure was laparoscopic in 163 (49%) patients. Groups A (n = 131) and B (n = 202) had similar age and ASA score (39 ± 11 vs 39 ± 19 years, P = 0.4; 2.2 ± 0.5 vs 2.4 ± 0.7). Group A patients had lower BMI (25 ± 5 vs 28 ± 8 kg/m2, P = 0.002), more women (99 vs 51%, P < 0.001) and fewer laparoscopic procedures (43 vs 53%, P = 0.04). Compared with group B, group A had a greater incidence of postoperative ileus (32 vs 19%, P = 0.009), higher overall morbidity (36 vs 15%, P < 0.001) and increased length of stay (8.4 ± 6 vs 7.2 ± 5 days, P < 0.006). These differences persisted when subgroups of patients who underwent laparoscopic or open surgery were compared. Conclusion Although CI is considered a ‘benign’ condition, patients undergoing C + IRA for this indication have significant morbidity compared with patients having the operation for other noninflammatory benign conditions.
Effects of Stimulant Medication on Learning in Children with ADHD

It is well established that stimulant medication improves classroom manageability and attention in terms of time on task, but does stimulant medication improve learning or long-term academic achievement in children with ADHD? There is no clear evidence that it does, but there are at least two reasons why beneficial effects may be obscured in research studies and clinical practice: (1) Higher-than-optimal doses may be prescribed if behavioral response (rather than cognitive response) is used to titrate the dose, and (2) treatment may be overinclusive if diagnostic groups are targeted in which a significant proportion of cases do not have favorable cognitive responses to medication. This article addresses these two issues and describes a large clinical series of patients who were evaluated using a double-blind medication assessment protocol designed to overcome some of the theoretical deficiencies suggested by these issues.
Transformations of mercury, iron, and sulfur during the reductive dissolution of iron oxyhydroxide by sulfide

Abstract Methylmercury can accumulate in fish to concentrations unhealthy for humans and other predatory mammals. Most sources of mercury (Hg) emit inorganic species to the environment. Therefore, ecological harm occurs when inorganic Hg is converted to methylmercury. Sulfate- and iron-reducing bacteria (SRB and FeRB) methylate Hg, but the effects of processes involving oxidized and reduced forms of sulfur and iron on the reactivity of Hg, including the propensity of inorganic Hg to be methylated, are poorly understood. Under abiotic conditions, using a laboratory flow reactor, bisulfide (HS − ) was added at 40 to 250 μM h −1 to 5 g L −1 goethite (α-FeOOH) suspensions to which Hg(II) was adsorbed (30–100 nmol m −2 ) at pH 7.5. Dissolved Hg initially decreased from 10 3 or 10 4 nM (depending on initial conditions) to 10 −1 nM, during which the concentration of Hg(II) adsorbed to goethite decreased by 80% and metacinnabar (β-HgS (s) ) formed, based on identification using Hg L III -edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopic analysis. The apparent coordination of oxygens surrounding Hg(II), measured with EXAFS spectroscopy, increased during one flow experiment, suggesting desorption of monodentate-bound Hg(II) while bidentate-bound Hg(II) persisted on the goethite surface. Further sulfidation increased dissolved Hg concentrations by one to two orders of magnitude (0.5 to 10 nM or 30 nM), suggesting that byproducts of bisulfide oxidation and Fe(III) reduction, primarily polysulfide and potentially Fe(II), enhanced the dissolution of β-HgS (s) and/or desorption of Hg(II). Rapid accumulation of Fe(II) in the solid phase (up to 40 μmol g −1 ) coincided with faster elevation of dissolved Hg concentrations. Fe(II) served as a proxy for elemental sulfur [S(0)], as S(0) was the dominant bisulfide oxidation product coupled to Fe(III) reduction, based on sulfur K-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. In one experiment, dissolved Hg concentrations tracked those of all sulfide species [S(-II)]. These results suggest that S(-II) reacted with S(0) to form polysulfide, which then caused the dissolution of β-HgS (s) . A secondary Fe-bearing phase resembling poorly formed green rust was observed in sulfidized solids with scanning electron microscopy, although there was no clear evidence that either surface-bound or mineralized Fe(II) strongly affected Hg speciation. Examination of interrelated processes involving S(-II) and Fe(III) revealed new modes of Hg solubilization previously not considered in Hg reactivity models.
The role of photosynthesis in the recruitment of juvenile Quercus gambelii into mature Q. gambelii communities

Abstract Previous work with Quercus gambelii (Gambel's oak), a widespread oak species from the mountains of the western United States and northern Mexico, showed high juvenile density (< 3 cm in DBH [diameter at breast height] or less than 150 cm in height), but few or no small (3–5 cm in DBH) tree sized plants, suggesting a recruitment bottleneck. We postulate that there could be several factors preventing the recruitment of juveniles into the adult population, including reduced light levels, herbivory, competition for soil resources, or a combination of these factors. In this study, we evaluated the response of leaves of Q. gambelii to various light levels. Surface light levels and leaf gas exchange rates were measured for sun (open) and shade (understory) Q. gambelii seedlings in Q. gambelii communities in the Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico, USA. Mean daily photosynthetic flux densities (PFD) in the understory during the monsoon period (wet season) were 40 ± 46 µmol m−2 sec−1, or 6% of the open co...
Reconsidering Messiaen as Serialist

The present study challenges prevailing interpretations of Messiaen's serial practice by arguing that it not only focused on rhythm but also was ongoing, extending far beyond the years (1949–52) in which he supposedly used and then abandoned serial techniques. Messiaen's serial practice emerged from his theological preoccupation with time and eternity and his fascination with number. His temporal ideas and efforts to express them in his music are indebted to the philosophies of Henri Bergson (1859–1941) and Gaston Bachelard (1884–1962). These precepts are examined in the context of several works dating from the 1960s to the 1990s.
The Germline MLH1 K618A Variant and Susceptibility to Lynch Syndrome-Associated Tumors

Missense variants discovered during sequencing of cancer susceptibility genes can be problematic for clinical interpretation. MLH1 K618A, which results from a 2-bp alteration (AAG→GCG) leading to a substitution of lysine to alanine in codon 618, has variously been interpreted as a pathogenic mutation, a variant of unknown significance, and a benign polymorphism. We evaluated the role of MLH1 K618A in predisposition to cancer by genotyping 1512 control subjects to assess its frequency in the general population. We also reviewed the literature concerning MLH1 K618A in families with colorectal cancer. The measured allele frequency of the K618A variant was 0.40%, which is remarkably close to the 0.44% summarized from 2491 control subjects in the literature. K618A was over-represented in families with suspected Lynch syndrome. In 1366 families, the allele frequency was 0.88% (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.3 to 3.5; P = 0.006). In studies of sporadic cancers of the type associated with Lynch syndrome, K618A was over-represented in 1742 cases (allele frequency of 0.83) (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.2 to 3.2; P = 0.008). We conclude that MLH1 K618A is not a fully penetrant Lynch syndrome mutation, although it is not without effect, appearing to increase the risk of Lynch syndrome-associated tumors approximately twofold. Our systematic assessment approach may be useful for variants in other genes.
Effects of Ethanol on Brain Metabolism

Ethanol is a primary and continuous depressant of the central nervous systems and reversibly inhibits a variety of cellular functions. In general the effects of ethanol are proportional to its concentration in the blood and are very marked and dramatic in spite of the fact that liver is the principal organ involved in the oxidation of ethanol.
Classroom Quality and Student Engagement: Contributions to Third-Grade Reading Skills

This study, using NICHD-Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development longitudinal data, investigated the effects of global classroom quality and students’ 3rd grade behavioral engagement on students’ 3rd grade reading achievement (n = 1364) and also examined the extent to which students’ 3rd grade behavioral engagement mediated the association between global classroom quality and children’s’ reading skills. Structural equation modeling (SEM) results revealed that controlling for family sociodemographic risk and students’ 1st grade reading achievement, global classroom quality significantly promote children’s behavioral engagement, which in turn predicts greater reading achievement. Higher level of children’s behavioral engagement was associated with higher reading achievement. Implications for policy and practice were discussed.
Long‐Term Trends in Faunal Recolonization After Bauxite Mining in the Jarrah Forest of Southwestern Australia

Abstract Fauna serve a key role in many forest ecological processes. Despite this, few studies have considered long-term faunal recolonization after mining and rehabilitation of forest ecosystems. In the jarrah forest of southwestern Australia, permanent fauna monitoring sites have been established in bauxite mined areas rehabilitated in 1990 and in a range of representative unmined forest control sites. At each site mammals, birds, reptiles, and ants were surveyed in 1992, 1995, and 1998. The aims of the monitoring were to develop a better understanding of faunal recolonization trends, to produce recommendations for promoting fauna return, and to consider which techniques and fauna groups are best suited for monitoring recolonization. The results showed that successional trends varied between fauna groups. Generalist foraging mammals recolonized rapidly, whereas small predators took longer. Feral mice were initially abundant and then declined. Birds gradually recolonized, and after 8 years bird communities were very similar to those in unmined forest sites. Reptile species took longer, and after 8 years numbers of species remained lower than in unmined forests. Species richness and diversity of ants in 8-year-old rehabilitation were comparable with those of unmined forest in some rehabilitated sites but were lower in others. The composition of ant communities was still different from that of unmined sites. Ant species that only use disturbed forest declined rapidly in abundance as rehabilitation aged. The results suggest that although the rates of faunal recolonization will vary, with time most or all mammal, bird, reptile, and ant species should inhabit rehabilitated bauxite mines. The densities of many are likely to be similar to those in unmined forest, but for others it is too early to know whether this will be the case. Techniques for promoting fauna return are discussed. This study demonstrates that no single fauna group is suitable for use as an overall “indicator” of faunal recolonization; different fauna species and groups reflect different aspects of faunal succession.
Using Curriculum-Based Measurement to Identify the 2% Population:

In this article, the authors explain the federal requirements for identifying the population of learners who may participate in the alternate assessment based on modified achievement standards. The authors present four approaches to providing the necessary documentation, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each. The authors then focus entirely on curriculum-based measurement (CBM) as the most promising approach for providing such documentation. The hope is that a CBM decision-making process not only provides a clear and objective means for identifying the population to participate in the alternate assessment based on modified achievement standards but also enhances the quality of special education programming as well as student outcomes.
Potential role of size and hemodynamics in the efficacy of vascular-targeted spherical drug carriers

Targeting of drug carriers to the vascular wall is of interest for localized delivery of therapeutics in many human diseases. Nanometer-sized spherical particles are widely proposed for use as carriers for vascular targeting, yet very little evidence has been presented as to their ability to interact with the vascular wall. Thus, this work focuses on elucidating the effect of particle size along with hemodynamics, blood rheology, and vessel size on the adhesion efficiency of targeted polymeric spheres to inflamed endothelium in vitro via parallel plate flow chamber assays. We find that the binding efficiency of spheres to the endothelium from blood flow generally increased with increasing particle size, wall shear rate and channel height for particle sizes from 100 nm up to 10 microm. However, nano-sized particles showed minimal adhesion to the endothelium from blood flow in horizontal (gravity or anti-gravity direction) and vertical channels on the order of small to medium-sized venules and arteries when compared to micron-sized spheres. Furthermore, adhesion of nanospheres was not enhanced with pulsatility in flow. Overall, the presented data suggests that spheres 2-5 microm in size are optimal for targeting the wall in medium to large vessels relevant in several cardiovascular diseases.
Improved model-order reduction by using spacial information in moments

The new concept of multinode moment matching (MMM) is introduced in this paper. The MMM technique simultaneously matches the moments at several nodes of a circuit using explicit moment matching around s=0. As compared to the well known single-point moment matching (SMM) techniques (such as asymptotic waveform evaluation), MMM has several advantages. First, the number of moments required by MMM is significantly lower than SMM for a reduced-order model of the same accuracy, which directly translates into computational efficiency. This higher computational efficiency of MMM as compared to SMM increases with the number of inputs to the circuit. Second, MMM has much better numerical stability as compared to SMM. This characteristic allows MMM to calculate an arbitrarily high-order approximation of a linear system, achieving the required accuracy for systems with complex responses. Finally, MMM is highly suitable for parallel-processing techniques especially for higher order approximations while SMM has to calculate the moments sequentially and cannot be adapted to parallel processing techniques.
Effects of various diets on gastric tone in the proximal portion of the stomach of horses

OBJECTIVE To assess gastric tone in the proximal portion of the stomach in horses during and after ingestion of 4 diets (2 diets of grain and 2 diets of hay). ANIMALS 6 adult horses. PROCEDURE A polyester bag with a volume of approximately 1,600 ml was inserted through a gastric cannula into the proximal portion of the stomach of each horse. Internal pressure of the bag was maintained at 2 mm Hg by use of an electronic barostat, and changes in bag volume were recorded before, during, and after horses consumed diets of grain or hay. Each horse was fed 0.5 and 1.0 g of grain/kg and 0.5 and 1.0 g of hay/kg. Changes in bag volume measured by use of the barostat were indirectly related to changes in tone of the gastric wall. RESULTS Food intake caused a distinctly significant biphasic increase in volume. The first phase was during active ingestion, which was followed shortly by a second, more prolonged postprandial phase. The ingestion-related phase of the response to intake of a diet of 1 g of hay/kg was significantly greater than that for the other diets. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE ingestion of a solid meal induces a biphasic relaxation response in the proximal portion of the stomach of horses. Magnitude of the ingestion-related phase may be determined by size of the meal.
Susceptibility of Coxiella burnetii to chemical disinfectants.

Abstract : The resistance of Coxiella burnetii to physical and chemical stress is well documented. Compared with vegetative bacteria and other rickettsiae, this hardy microorganism resists elevated temperatures, desiccation, osmotic shock, ultraviolet light, and chemical disinfectants. The environmental stability of C. burnetii is perhaps related to (i) the sporulation process, which produces endogenous spores and small dense cells, and (ii) the metabolic dormancy of C. burnetii at neutral pH C. burnetii is very stable and easily transmitted in aerosols. Estimates of infectivity for humans range from 1 to 10 microorganisms. Survival of the microorganisms for long periods in contaminated foods, buildings, and pastures has resulted in human and animal infections.
Effects of isatin‐isoniazid derivatives on drug metabolizing and chemoprotective enzymes in mice

Four isatin-isoniazid derivatives with proven efficacy against resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, that had greater lipophilicity than isoniazid were evaluated for effects on hepatic drug metabolizing and chemoprotective enzymes and compared to isoniazid. Following intragastric administration to mice (75 or 150 mg/kg×3 days), none of the four compounds exhibited hepatotoxicity, and only isoniazid was found to elevate CYP2E1 activity. All compounds slightly elevated Cyp1a1/2 mRNA levels, but these did not result in increased methoxyresorufin demethylase activity. With the exception of isoniazid, approximately twofold elevations in Ugt1a mRNAs (seen with isatin-isoniazid [Ugt1a1, Ugt1a6, Ugt1a9], 1-propynylisatin-isoniazid [Ugt1a1, Ugt1a9], and 1-propylisatin-isoniazid [Ugt1a1]) also did not result in changes in 4-nitrophenol glucuronidation activity. 1-Benzylisatin-isoniazid was the only compound that (1) elevated Ugt2b5 mRNA, and (2) like isoniazid, had no effect on glutathione transferase activities and mRNAs. 1-Propynylisatin-isoniazid elevated glutathione transferase activity toward 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, 1-propylisatin-isoniazid decreased the 2.4-kb Gstp transcript, and isatin-isoniazid increased Gsta, Gstm, and the 1.2-kb Gstp transcripts. None of the four compounds affected glutathione peroxidase activity, although 1-propynylisatin-isoniazid and 1-benzylisatin-isoniazid elevated mRNA transcripts. None of the four compounds affected microsomal epoxide hydrolase or thioredoxin reductase activities but, in parallel, isoniazid, 1-propynylisatin-isoniazid, and 1-propylisatin-isoniazid elevated mRNAs of each. 1-Propynylisatin-isoniazid, 1-propylisatin-isoniazid, and 1-benzylisatin-isoniazid, and isoniazid, elevated quinone oxidoreductase (Nqo1) mRNA, but only 1-propylisatin-isoniazid elevated the activity. Altogether, and despite some changes in mRNA expression, the novel isatin-isoniazid derivatives had only minor effects on mouse hepatic enzyme activities and are worthy of further investigation as possible therapeutic agents likely free of major induction-related drug–drug interactions. Drug Dev Res 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Comparison of ASME B31.12 Versus B31.3 for Hydrogen-Containing Piping in Refinery Services

For more than fifty years the oil refining industry has been using American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B31.3 “Process Piping” for the design of piping systems in hydrogen-containing services. In 2008, ASME B31.12 “Hydrogen Piping and Pipelines” was released, which caused uncertainty within the refining industry about which Code to apply in these services. The foreword of B31.12 states that it “applies to design, construction, operation, and maintenance requirements for piping, pipelines, and distribution systems in hydrogen service. Typical applications are power generation, process plants, refining , transportation, distribution, and automotive filling stations.” Typical refinery services containing hydrogen include a gamut of applications. Some operate at high pressures and/or temperatures; some also contain water, hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) and/or other corrosives and others are pure hydrogen at mild conditions. This paper describes the various services along with a summary of associated material degradation or cracking mechanisms and the measures used to prevent piping failures. This is followed by a discussion about whether the more rigorous requirements of B31.12 provide safeguards for these potential degradation mechanisms. A comparison of the two Codes in design, materials, fabrication and non-destructive examination (NDE) requirements is provided along with qualitative estimates of the cost differences. This comparison should help new design and construction projects choose which Code to apply. The paper also has suggestions for clarifying the scope of B31.12.© 2011 ASME
Greater Coffee Intake in Men Is Associated With Steeper Age-Related Increases in Blood Pressure

However, these effects were rendered nonsignificant after adjusting for body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcohol use, and physical activity. One study relating caffeine con-sumption to hypertension in women examined data from the Nurses’ Health prospective cohort study of 155,594 healthy women followed for 12 years.
Efecto de la alta presión hidrostática (APH) en la imbibición de agua, tiempos de cocción y microestructura del Phaseolus vulgaris

The effect of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on water imbibition, cooking times, and microstructure of cotyledons and seed coats of black beans was evaluated. High pressure treatments at 275, 410, 550 or 690 MPa and 25 degrees C for 5 min increased the rate of water imbibition of black beans. The saturation degree of HHP treated black beans was reached 50% faster than the saturation degree of untreated black beans. High hydrostatic pressure treatments reduced the cooking times (CT) of unsoaked black beans by 25% to 39%, similar to black beans soaked for 3 h. The microstructure of HHP treated beans exhibited protein aggregation in cell protoplasm and swelling of cell walls and starch granules. Seed coats of HHP treated black beans were less smooth than seed coats of untreated black beans. The swelling of palisade, hourglass, and parenchyma cells was also observed in HHP treated black beans such as soaked beans. High hydrostatic treatment is an alternative for reducing the preparation long times of Phaseolus vulgaris.
Recombinant protein expression and purification: A comprehensive review of affinity tags and microbial applications

Protein fusion tags are indispensible tools used to improve recombinant protein expression yields, enable protein purification, and accelerate the characterization of protein structure and function. Solubility-enhancing tags, genetically engineered epitopes, and recombinant endoproteases have resulted in a versatile array of combinatorial elements that facilitate protein detection and purification in microbial hosts. In this comprehensive review, we evaluate the most frequently used solubility-enhancing and affinity tags. Furthermore, we provide summaries of well-characterized purification strategies that have been used to increase product yields and have widespread application in many areas of biotechnology including drug discovery, therapeutics, and pharmacology. This review serves as an excellent literature reference for those working on protein fusion tags.
Testing a rapid quantitative ethnobiological technique: First steps towards developing a critical conservation tool

Effective conservation programs require data on both biodiversity and resource use. The rapid loss of biologically diverse areas adds urgency to the task. This study tests a forest valuation technique that provides essential data in a very short time on local resource use that can serve as a foundation for integrated conservation and development programming. This rapid interview method was tested by comparison with an intensive six-month technique. The data analyzed included the number of plant and animal species used and the calculated value in dollars per hectare per year ($/ha/yr) of different forest types for 67 families in three communities in the northern Peruvian Amazon. While the rapid ethnobiological method gave an accurate list of the most widely used species, accurate data on the quantities collected of these species and their relative values were substantially different from those in the long-term study. At present, the rapid survey is recommended only when necessary to provide data on the most useful species in order to prevent imminent forest destruction. We urge continued study of rapid methods to improve the accuracy of this potentially important conservation tool.
Computational Assessment of Naturally Occurring Neutron and Photon Background Radiation Produced by Extraterrestrial Sources

A computational assessment of the variation in terrestrial neutron and photon background from extraterrestrial sources is presented. The motivation of this assessment is to evaluate the practicalit...
Security for the scientific data services framework

Scientific data is often shared among researchers and even reorganized by colleagues or third-party users. Thus, it is essential to provide an adequate degree of access control for such shared data to preserve a desired level of security requirements. In this work, we develop an essential, lightweight access control model for secure data services in a limited distributed setting such as an HPC cluster. In particular, we consider SDS (the Scientific Data Services framework) as a use case system, which is a framework offering performance-optimized data access, reorganization, and analysis. We outline the requirements and challenges for access control for effective data services, and develop an authorization service model based on the defined requirements. We also present an initial prototyping model.
Emprendedurismo social y comercial: ¿iguales, diferentes o ambos?

O emprendedurismo ha sido el motor que viene impeliendo una buena cuota del crecimiento del sector de negocios, ademas de ser la fuerza motriz responsable por la rapida expansion de este sector. Este articulo ofrece un analisis comparativo del emprendedurismo comercial y del social, valiendose de un modelo analitico prevaleciente, proveniente del area del emprendedurismo comercial. El analisis destaca las principales semajanzas y diferencias entre esas dos formas de emprendedurismo y presenta un marco para un abordaje mas sistematico y eficaz del proceso emprendedor. Exploramos las implicaciones de este analisis de emprendedurismo social tanto para sus practicantes como para sus investigadores.
Addressing Challenges to Implementation of the Contraceptive Coverage Guarantee of the Affordable Care Act

The contraceptive coverage guarantee of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires that privately insured women receive insurance coverage for US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - approved contraceptive methods sterilization procedures and patient education and counseling without any out-of-pocket costs. Medicaid recipients have been excluded from this requirement. This coverage must encompass the clinical visit services needed for provision of contraception follow-up and management of adverse effects counseling for continued adherence and device removal. The guarantee is not absolute and does not apply to supplies (such as emergency contraception) obtained without a prescription nor does it apply to methods used by men (eg vasectomy male condoms). Plans can exclude coverage or require cost sharing for out-of-network services and supplies. Some plans are exempt including so-called grandfathered plans (preexisting plans given a temporary reprieve from many ACA rules) and plans of some religious employers. Despite these limitations the ACA provision has already directly benefited millions of women who use contraceptives by decreasing their total out-of-pocket spending on contraceptives. Prior to the ACA high initial costs were barriers to women using highly effective contraceptive methods such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants. Cost also affected adherence to commonly used refillable methods such as oral contraceptive pills the contraceptive patch or the vaginal ring with recurring prescription co-payments previously required. The provision has the potential to substantially improve public health. Access to contraception without financial barriers reduces unintended pregnancies and births which in turn can improve maternal and infant health. Contraceptive access also can help women achieve their educational and workplace goals and support themselves and their families. Insurance companies benefit from the contraceptive coverage provision because all methods are cost saving after accounting for the costs of unintended pregnancies and births. (excerpt)
Differences in Transitional Care Provided to Mexican American and Non-Hispanic White Older Adults

Background:Transitional care, assisting patients to move safely through multiple health care settings, may be insufficient for older Hispanic patients. Purpose: Describe home health care services r...
Applications of Individual-Differences: Assessment of Enviromental Influences

Enhancing assessments of environmental-effects, particularly through the capturing and use of individual-differences information, has been of continuing interest over the last two decades. Applications of individual-differences information during the phases of environmental research are reviewed with illustrations from recent research studies (re: workplace exposures to Styrene, Perchloroethylene, and Hg0). Utility of individual-differences information is illustrated during: (1) early phases of research when concern is on understanding past research, (2) middle phases when focus is on selecting research methodology, and (3) the final phases when attention is turned to understanding and generalization of findings. It is concluded that: Assessments of environmental influences can be made more powerful, cost-efficient and meaningful by taking advantage of individual-differences information throughout the environmental research process.
NIMG-39A CASE REPORT OF RAPID RECURRENCE OF CERVICAL SCHWANNOMA IN A PEDIATRIC PATIENT

OBJECTIVE: To describe a unique clinical presentation and rapid recurrence of cervical Schwannoma. BACKGROUND: Schwannomas are known to be benign peripheral nerve tumors, 25% of the cases occur in the head and neck region and are frequently ( 18%) associated with NF -2 with recurrence rates (5%) after subtotal resection. CASE DESCRIPTION: 16 year-old right-handed female presented to the ED for right arm and leg weakness, right foot drop, patchy paresthesias after a fall five months prior to the presentation. Physical exam revealed absence of neurocutaneous markers, subtle right arm and leg weakness, hand apraxia, hyperreflexia, high steppage gait with right-sided ataxia. Outpatient Brain and Lumbar MRI prior to presentation were reported normal. Patient underwent cervical MRI with and without contrast in ED, which revealed a dumbbell lesion, expanding the right neural foramina at C6-C7 and severe central spinal stenosis with cord compression. She received IV dexamethasone and subsequently underwent subtotal resection of a right C7 schwannoma with posterior cervicothoracic instrumentation. Genetics consultation suggested NF-2, given family history of cervical schwannoma in paternal uncle. RESULTS: Surgical pathology revealed WHO grade I schwannoma. Patient was discharged home with short interval follow-up showing resolution of her right upper extremity weakness. MRI c-spine, 6 weeks post-op, revealed regrowth of the schwannoma through the neural foramen at C6-7. NF-2 work-up pending. DISCUSSION: Schwannomas may present in an acute setting in a variety of ways despite an absence of cutaneous findings. Imaging of the total spine should be performed in a timely manner, preferentially MRI with and without contrast, in suspected cases. Surgical resection is preferred to spare permanent neurologic impairment. Gross total resections have been associated with better outcomes. Short interval follow up is suggested for patients with subtotal resection.
Effects of Guide and Logo Signs on Freeway Driving Behavior

In the United States, white-on-blue highway logo signs are typically used to notify drivers of food, gas, and lodging at an upcoming interchange, whereas green guide signs are used to notify drivers of the distance to upcoming cities and roadways. This study assessed driver performance and attention allocation during simulated interstate freeway driving when drivers were exposed to six-panel logo signs, nine-panel logo signs, and green guide signs. The results revealed that glance durations and fixation frequencies to green guide signs were significantly lower than they were for six-panel and nine-panel logo signs; however, no differences were found between six-panel and nine-panel logo signs. There were statistical differences between the independent variables for speed deviation and lane deviation, but the magnitudes of difference were not considered practically significant for driving safety. Overall, minor differences in sign processing time between logo signs and green guide signs did not translate i...
Assessment of weight status, dietary habits and beliefs, physical activity, and nutritional knowledge among university students

Aims:The purpose of this study was to assess weight status, dietary habits, physical activity, dietary beliefs, and nutrition knowledge among a sample of students from Central Michigan University.M...
Effect of zeranol implants in ram and wether lambs on performance traits, carcass characteristics, and subprimal cut yields and distribution.

In two separate 2 x 2 factorial arrangements, 69 male, crossbred lambs were allotted randomly to the following treatments: 1) nonimplanted (NI) rams, 2) implanted (I) rams, 3) NI wethers, and 4) I wethers. In Trial 1, 36 lambs were allotted to treatment groups at birth (n = 9) and I lambs were implanted with 12 mg of zeranol between 1 and 3 d of age and again at weaning (average age of 62 d). Lambs were slaughtered at three time-constant end points of 78, 93, and 107 d on feed postweaning (average age of 155 d). Rams grew faster postweaning, were more efficient in their feed conversion, were heavier at slaughter, and had lower numerical yield grades than did wethers (P less than .05). Implanted lambs tended (P = .08) to grow faster and were (P less than .05) more efficient in their feed conversion than NI lambs. Rams produced heavier (P less than .05) trimmed subprimal shoulders, loins, and legs and had (P less than .05) a higher percentage of their carcass weight in the subprimal shoulder than did wethers. During Trial 2, NI rams (n = 8), I rams (n = 8), NI wethers (n = 8), and I wethers (n = 9) were allotted to treatment groups, and I lambs were implanted at average ages of 14, 55, and 98 d. After weaning, lambs were weighed every 14 d and were slaughtered 7 d after reaching a minimum weight of 50 kg (average age of 148 d).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Influence of Prestressing Strand Damage on Modal Parameters of a Hybrid Composite Bridge Beam

In-service condition assessment of large civil infrastructure systems has remained a particularly challenging area of research in the fields of nondestructive evaluation and structural health monitoring (SHM). Extensions of theoretically-based and laboratory verified vibration-based methods for assessing damage have been investigated experimentally on full-scale structures within several studies offering mixed conclusions. This paper introduces a recent experimental test program conducted on a full-scale bridge beam subjected to prescribed damage to the tension reinforcement. Details of the experimental testing program and vibration testing of the full-scale bridge beam both prior to and after damage to tension reinforcement are presented. System identification is applied to compare estimates of the natural frequencies, relative damping factors, and mode shapes obtained in the as-built state against those obtained after cutting over half of the tension reinforcement strands in the beam. A data-driven damage detection algorithm previously applied to detect damage in a full-scale bridge is also explored for application to the current dataset.
Sex variation in the prevalence of exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage in racing quarter horses.

Post race endoscopy was carried out on 255 two-year-old quarter horses and exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage ( eiph ) was diagnosed in 166 (65 per cent) of them. Visible epistaxis was seen in a higher proportion of geldings than in either mares or stallions. The prevalence of eiph was similar in mares (73 per cent) and in geldings (74 per cent). A significantly lower prevalence (49 per cent) was noted in stallions (P eiph exists in two-year-old quarter horses.
WEATHERINFO: A WEB‐BASED WEATHER DATA CAPTURE SYSTEM

Past and current weather data are needed for many agriculture and natural resource management applications. With the rapid development and popularity of web technology solutions, the Internet has become a major means for collecting and presenting information. The Weatherlnfo system prototype was developed as a framework platform to provide end users a way to automatically retrieve weather information over the Internet to support simulation models or other applications needing these kinds of data. To make data retrieval and manipulation easy by users, Weatherlnfo was implemented with a relational database to store weather data extracted directly from the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) website. The database is automatically updated daily. Based on daily updated data, weekly and monthly data are automatically calculated using the daily updated data. The system also includes a Web service implemented in ASP. NET to support data retrieval by clients who desire weather data in either graphic or table form. The system framework was set up to demonstrate data retrieval over the web from the NWS website (http:// www.nws.noaa.gov; verified 22 Oct. 2004) for 19 locations in California for periods from 1 February 2003 to the present date. The Weatherlnfo system demonstration can be accessed at: http://yolo.een.orst.edu/ WeatherInfo/index.htm (verified 22 Oct. 2004).
Frequency-Severity Models

Chapter Preview . Many datasets feature dependent variables that have a large proportion of zeros. This chapter introduces a standard econometric tool, known as a tobit model , for handling such data. The tobit model is based on observing a left-censored dependent variable, such as sales of a product or claim on a health-care policy, where it is known that the dependent variable cannot be less than zero. Although this standard tool can be useful, many actuarial datasets that feature a large proportion of zeros are better modeled in “two parts,” one part for frequency and one part for severity. This chapter introduces two-part models and provides extensions to an aggregate loss model , where a unit under study, such as an insurance policy, can result in more than one claim. Introduction Many actuarial datasets come in “two parts:” One part for the frequency, indicating whether a claim has occurred or, more generally, the number of claims One part for the severity, indicating the amount of a claim In predicting or estimating claims distributions, we often associate the cost of claims with two components: the event of the claim and its amount, if the claim occurs. Actuaries term these the claims frequency and severity components , respectively. This is the traditional way of decomposing two-part data, where one can consider a zero as arising from a policy without a claim (Bowers et al., 1997, Chapter 2).