cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
RECRUITMENT IN DEGRADED MARINE HABITATS: A SPATIALLY EXPLICIT, INDIVIDUAL-BASED MODEL FOR SPINY LOBSTER

Coastal habitats that serve as nursery grounds for numerous marine species are badly degraded, yet the traditional means of modeling populations of exploited marine species handle spatiotemporal changes in habitat characteristics and life history dynamics poorly, if at all. To explore how nursery habitat degradation impacts recruitment of a mobile, benthic species, we developed a spatially explicit, individual-based model that describes the recruitment of Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) in the Florida Keys, where a cascade of environmental disturbances has reconfigured nursery habitat structure. In recent years, the region has experienced a series of linked perturbations, among them, seagrass die-offs, cyanobacteria blooms, and the mass mortality of sponges. Sponges are important shelters for juvenile spiny lobster, an abundant benthic predator that also sustains Florida's most valuable fishery. In the model, we simulated monthly settlement of individual lobster postlarvae and the daily growth, mortality, shelter selection, and movement of individual juvenile lobsters on a spatially explicit grid of habitat cells configured to represent the Florida Keys coastal nursery. Based on field habitat surveys, cells were designated as either seagrass or hard- bottom, and hard-bottom cells were further characterized in terms of their shelter- and size- specific lobster carrying capacities. The effect of algal blooms on sponge mortality, hence lobster habitat structure, was modeled based on the duration of exposure of each habitat cell to the blooms. Ten-year simulations of lobster recruitment with and without algal blooms suggest that the lobster population should be surprisingly resilient to massive disturbances of this type. Data not used in model development showed that predictions of large changes in lobster shelter utilization, yet small effects on recruitment in response to blooms, were realistic. The potentially severe impacts of habitat loss on recruitment were averted by compensatory changes in habitat utilization and mobility by larger individuals, coupled with periods of fortuitously high larval settlement. Our model provides an underutilized approach for assessing habitat effects on open populations with complex life histories, and our results illustrate the potential pitfalls of relying on intuition to infer the effects of habitat perturbations on upper trophic levels.
cDNA isolation, characterization, and protein intracellular localization of a katanin-like p60 subunit from Arabidopsis thaliana.

Katanin, a heterodimeric protein with ATP-dependent microtubule-severing activity, localizes to the centrosome in animal cells. Widespread occurrence is suspected as several species contain homologs to the katanin p60 subunit. Recently we isolated anArabidopsis thaliana cDNA with significant identity to the p60 subunit of sea urchin katanin. Like p60, the encoded protein is a member of the AAA superfamily of ATPases, containing the Walker ATP binding consensus and the signature AAA minimal consensus sequences within a single larger AAA/CAD amino acid motif. Phylogenetic analysis placed the encoded protein in the AAA subfamily of cytoskeleton-interactive proteins, where it formed a strongly supported clade with 4 other members identified as katanin p60 subunits. The clone was named AtKSSArabidopsis thaliana kataninlike protein small subunit). Western blots, performed using a polyclonal antibody raised against recombinant AtKSS, revealed AtKSS is present in protein extracts of all Arabidopsis organs examined. To evaluate potential interactions between AtKSS and the cytoskeleton, the intracellular localization of AtKSS was correlated with that of tubulin. AtKSS was found in perinuclear regions during interphase, surrounding the spindle poles during mitosis, but was absent from the preprophase band and phragmoplast microtubule arrays. These data support the thesis that AtKSS is an Arabidopsis homolog of the p60 subunit of katanin. Its cell cycle-dependent distribution is consistent with microtubule-severing activity, but additional studies will better define its role.
The CD measuring repeatability enhancement by intensity gradient

As required CD (critical dimension) measuring accuracy is tighter, it is necessary to enhance the repeatability of CD-SEM on photo-mask, by optimizing charge up, scan speed, beam size, acceleration, current and temperature control. CD-SEM shows sparkle noise which degrades the image of CD-SEM. And defocus is also getting the source of worse gauge R&R. We evaluated the effect of defocus and noise on CD repeatability by extracting CD from gradient value of image after anisotropic nonlinear diffusion filtering on SEM image. As SEM image is measured after averaging the intensity of image on range of interest (ROI) to remove scan noise, anisotropic nonlinear diffusion (AND) which has different diffusivity according to direction, is efficient tool to get smooth pattern without averaging. This smoothing technique is effective in measuring isolated pattern on mask which is difficult to measure around corner. Some simple CD measuring algorithms are available to get better CD repeatability. Using the maximum intensity and gradient of image, we were able to measure CD on various shaped patterns with enhanced repeatability.
Time-integrating acoustooptic correlator: error source modeling

The error sources present in a time-integrating acoustooptic correlator are considered. They are classified and modeled into three categories: input plane errors; frequency plane errors; and detector plane errors. To facilitate error analyses, performance measures are defined and quantified for an error-free system for detection and delay estimation applications.
Pulsed READ in spin transfer torque (STT) memory bitcell for lower READ disturb

In this paper we propose a pulsed READ for 1T-1R STT-MRAM bitcell to reduce READ disturb during the process of READing. The basic premise of the approach is based on the fact, that the READ current perturbs the nano-magnet and creates a torque, which moves the magnetic vector from the easy-axis. Monte Carlo simulations performed under variation of both the storage node and the access device reveals that the READ failure probability is significantly reduced for two different current levels when the bitcell is READ with a pulsed word line (WL) with the same current and same effective time.
Phthalocyanine-based electrically conductive, processible molecular/macromolecular hybrid materials

Abstract This contribution relates new information on the properties of electrically conductive, processible Ni(Pc)/polymer/I 2 hybrid materials. Both the temperature and composition dependence of the electrical conductivity of Ni(Pc)/Kevlar/I 2 fibres are strongly reminiscent of the behaviour of composites. Using a variant of our fibre spinning methodology, it is also possible to produce Ni(Pc)/Kevlar/I 2 ribbons. Polarized resonance Raman spectroscopy indicates that the ribbons are structurally anisotropic (Ni(Pc)I c axes are preferentially aligned in the extrusion direction), while four-probe transport measurements indicate significant anisotropy in the conductivity ( σ ‖ σ hu ≈ 8 where ‖ denotes the extrusion direction). This anisotropy is nearly temperature independent. Electrically conductive fibres can also be prepared using Nomex or poly( p -phenylene-2,6-benzobisthiazole) (PBT) instead of Kevlar as the host polymer.
Decreased cortical activation in response to a motion stimulus in anisometropic amblyopic eyes using functional magnetic resonance imaging

Purpose Motion perception abnormalities and extrastriate abnormalities have been suggested in amblyopia. Functional MRI (fMRI) and motion stimuli were used to study whether interocular differences in activation are detectable in motion-sensitive cortical areas in patients with anisometropic amblyopia. Methods We performed fMRI at 1.5 T 4 control subjects (20/20 OU), 1 with monocular suppression (20/25), and 2 with anisometropic amblyopia (20/60, 20/800). Monocular suppression was thought to be form fruste of amblyopia. The experimental stimulus consisted of expanding and contracting concentric rings, whereas the control condition consisted of stationary concentric rings. Activation was determined by contrasting the 2 conditions for each eye. Results Significant fMRI activation and comparable right and left eye activation was found in V3a and V5 in all control subjects (Average z -values in L vs R contrast 0.42, 0.43) and in the subject with monocular suppression ( z = 0.19). The anisometropes exhibited decreased extrastriate activation in their amblyopic eyes compared with the fellow eyes ( z s = 2.12, 2.76). Conclusions Our data suggest motion-sensitive cortical structures may be less active when anisometropic amblyopic eyes are stimulated with moving rings. These results support the hypothesis that extrastriate cortex is affected in anisometropic amblyopia. Although suggestive of a magnocellular defect, the exact mechanism is unclear.
A New Definition and Theory of Metal Pyrophoricity

It is recommended that the term pyrophoricity should pertain to the instantaneos combustibility of fine metal particles which have no oxide coat. Thus, what determines whether a metal will be pyrophoric is primarily its particle size, a measure of its surface area to volume ratio, and its thermochemical and thermophysical properties
Surgical exposure of the brachial plexus

A method of exposure of the brachial plexus is presented. Resection of the clavicle is emphasized in repairing large defects in the plexus to obtain primary anastomosis.
The truth about quality: medical usefulness and analytical reliability of laboratory tests.

Background: In this age of evidence-based medicine, nothing is more important than the quality of laboratory tests. It is commonly thought that laboratory tests provide two-thirds to three-fourths of the information used for making medical decisions. If so, test results had better tell the truth about what is happening with our patients. Methods: The age-old “truth standard” for the quality of evidence describes three dimensions that are important—a test should tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. This three-dimensional model can be used to characterize the clinical and analytical reliability of laboratory tests and guide the translation of outcome criteria, or quality goals, into practical specifications for method performance. Results: Clinical reliability, or medical usefulness, should assess the correctness of patient classifications based on stated test interpretation guidelines, taking into account the precision and accuracy of the laboratory method, and allowing for the known within-subject biologic variation and the QC needed to detect method instability. Analytical reliability should assess the correctness of a test result based on a stated error limit, taking into account the precision and accuracy of the method and allowing for the QC necessary to detect method instability. These assessments challenge the reliability of current tests for cholesterol, glucose, and glycated hemoglobin in the implementation of U.S. national clinical guidelines. Conclusions: Evidence-based medicine must employ scientific methodology for translating test interpretation guidelines into practical, bench-level, operating specifications for the imprecision and inaccuracy allowable for a method and the QC necessary to detect method instability.
Challenges to the traditional exposure paradigm: Variability in exposure therapy for contamination fears

Abstract Background and objectives Traditional models and methods of exposure therapy utilize a fear hierarchy, whereby patients complete sets of exposures in a graduated manner, with the goal of fear habituation within and between sessions. In the current experiment, we examined whether this typical exposure paradigm was necessary to achieve clinical improvement. Method Fifty undergraduate participants scoring in the top quartile of a self-report measure of contamination fears were randomly assigned to one of two groups: blocked and constant exposure (BC Group) and random and variable exposure (RV Group). Both groups completed three weekly sessions of exposure treatment, with subjective and psychophysiological indices of fear recorded throughout. Subjective, behavioral, and psychophysiological dependent measures were evaluated by an independent assessor at pre-treatment (PRE), post-treatment (POST), and two-week follow-up (2WFU). Results Both the BC Group and RV Group exhibited decreases in subjective fear from PRE to POST and 2WFU, with no significant differences between groups. Partialing group, greater variability in subjective fear during exposure predicted lower subjective fear at 2WFU. Limitations Despite significant findings for subjective fear, behavioral and psychophysiological findings were limited. Follow-up studies should investigate questions regarding traditional exposure within a clinical group. Conclusions These results support the notion that traditional exposure is sufficient, but not necessary, to produce clinical improvement in contamination-related fears. There may be benefits to variability in fear level during exposure, and evaluation of emotion variability during exposure therapy for other anxiety disorders is warranted.
ROAD RAGE: A DOMAIN FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTION?

Although there is currently no Axis I disorder holding anger as its hallmark feature (with the possible exception of intermittent explosive disorder, IED), the impact of anger, aggression, hostility, and related behaviors on society is enormous. Anger and aggression in the workplace, in schools, on the streets, in airplanes, and on the roadways appears to be becoming increasingly commonplace. This article reviews the expanding literature regarding aggression on the roadways given the proximity of such violence to our everyday lives. In particular, this article defines aggressive driving and reviews the history, extent, and consequences of "road rage." A review of the type of individual engaging in aggressive driving behaviors is also provided in an attempt to profile (demographically, psychologically, and psychiatrically) the "aggressive driver." Finally, a review of the three successful programs currently attempting to correct such behaviors through psychological intervention is provided.
THE ATTENUATION OF INSULIN BY ADSORPTION1

THE MANNER IN WHICH THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES and physiological behavior of numerous biological products, including insulin, are altered by adsorption has been indicated in previous reports (1–6). The present paper presents additional and more detailed facts concerning this behavior of insulin. When aqueous solutions of insulin are emulsified with adsorbing agents such as chloroform for a sufficient length of time, the insulin is rendered insoluble at the pH (2.5) at which insulin solutions are usually prepared. Afterthe adsorbing agent has been removed the insulin remains as a birefringent suspension which, by subcutaneous injection into rabbits and dogs, produces a prolonged insulin reaction similar to that which is produced by other insoluble insulin preparations such as protamine zinc insulin. The altered physical properties and physiological behavior of the insulin vary with the length of the period of treatment.
Analysis of the Elastic Scattering of Protons at High Energy and Momentum Transfer Using the Serber Model

Serber's model for describing proton-proton scattering is investigated in detail at two laboratory momenta, 11.26 and 30.0 GeV/c, by carrying out a partial-wave computation with the potential $A=({A}_{0}, \mathrm{A})=(\frac{i\ensuremath{\eta}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\Lambda}r}}{r, 0, 0, 0})$ inserted into the Klein-Gordon equation $[{({\mathrm{p}}_{\mathrm{o}p}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{A})}^{2}+{m}^{2}]\ensuremath{\psi}={(E\ensuremath{-}{A}_{0})}^{2}\ensuremath{\psi}$. The two resulting momentum-transfer distributions obtained differ from those obtained by Serber, who used an optical approximation. Both curves are raised above Serber's in the high-momentum-transfer region. This causes the 11.26-GeV/c curve to be in better agreement with the data and the 30.0-GeV/c curve to overshoot the data, yielding worse agreement. The raising of these momentum-transfer curves in the high-momentumtransfer region is due to the appearance of a real part in the low-angular-momentum contributions to the scattering amplitude.
The social face of economic growth: China's health system in transition.

EVEN AS CONGRESS PREPARES TO DEBATE PRESIDENT Obama’s health reform agenda, the People’s Republic of China has passed its own long-awaited health reform plan, setting aside $124 billion for this purpose over the next 3 years. This ambitious reform, issued by the State Council and the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party at the beginning of April 2009, would overhaul the health system, providing citizens with improved service quality, greater accessibility, lower cost burdens, and the guarantee of universal health coverage. China’s much-noted economic trajectory over the past decades has lifted 400 million individuals out of poverty and contributed to what a former World Bank president called “the greatest increase in wealth for the largest number of people in the shortest time in the history of mankind.” China is now the world’s third largest economic power, and its spending decisions could help determine the course of the global economy. However, China’s economic ascendency has brought major challenges. Increasing demand has strained dated drug supply and delivery systems while highlighting increasing financial and health gaps between affluent urban dwellers and their poorer rural counterparts. Meanwhile, rapid development has generated greater threats to the public’s health. The density and intermingling of human and animal populations have led to the spread of infectious diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome, AIDS, and influenza A(H5N1). Rapid urbanization has led to changing diets, sedentary lifestyles, and new environmental health hazards. Diabetes will have doubled in China and cardiovascular death will have nearly tripled in the first part of this century. China is home to one-third of the world’s smokers and obesity rates are increasing more rapidly than in any other country in the world.
Lead intoxication during development: Its late effects on kidney function and blood pressure

Lead intoxication during development: Its effects on kidney function and blood pressure. Exposure to lead in early life may result in chronic renal disease in adulthood. To test this hypothesis, we gave Sprague-Dawley rats, from 3 to 9 weeks of age, either tap water or a 1% lead acetate solution, and we studied them (in pairs) 3 and 16 weeks after exposure; that is, at 12 and 25 weeks of age. Lead-intoxicated animals failed to grow. Their GFR's were lower compared with the matched controls and fell between 12 and 25 weeks of age from 4.8 ± 0.3 to 3.3 ± 0.4 ml/min/g dry kidney wt (P Le developpement de l'intoxication par le plomb: Effets lointains sur la fonction renale et la pression arterielle. L'exposition au plomb dans le jeune âge peut avoir pour consequence une affection renale chronique chez l'adulte. Afin de verifier cette hypothese, des rats Sprague-Dawley ont recu de l'eau du robinet ou bien une solution a 1% d'acetate de plomb de la 3e a la 9e semaine de vie. Les animaux intoxiques par le plomb ont eu un retard de croissance, leur filtration glomerulaire etait plus faible que chez les controles et a diminue, entre la 12e et la 25e semaine de vie, de 4,8 ± 0,3 a 3,3 ± 0,4 ml/min/g de poids sec de rein (P
Linking faculty development to community college student achievement: a mixed methods approach

abstractUsing a mixed methods, multilevel research design, this pilot inquiry explored the relationship between college faculty professional development and the academic achievement of diverse students by coupling two separate links: (a) the effects that professional development activities have on improving teaching strategies, and (b) the effects these teaching strategies have on student learning. Data were collected from administrators, faculty, and students to discover what teaching strategies are being used and, in their view, how these strategies affect learning outcomes. Data sources included a survey, documents, interviews, and observations. The case study institution is a New Mexico community college, and the research focuses on two academic programs with 145 students enrolled. Data analyses revealed three main themes: (a) faculty development and its link to teacher effectiveness and student learning outcomes are embedded in the mission, goals, and policies of the institution; (b) faculty developm...
An optical probe for local measurements of fast plasma ion dynamics

A novel insertable probe for local measurements of equilibrium and fluctuating plasma ion flow velocity and temperature via Doppler spectroscopy is described. Optical radiation is collected by two fused silica fiber optic bundles with perpendicular viewlines. Spatial resolution of about 5 cm is achieved by terminating each view with an optical dump. The collected light is transported by the fiber bundles to a high-resolution spectrometer. Two components of the velocity are measured simultaneously—the radial along the insertion of the probe and a perpendicular component (which can be varied by simply rotating the probe by 90°). The accuracy of the velocity measurements is better than 1 km/s. The probe is armored by a boron nitride enclosure and is inserted into a high temperature plasma to obtain radial profiles of the equilibrium and fluctuating plasma velocity. Initial measurements have been done in Madison Symmetric Torus reversed field pinch.
Seasonal and longitudinal variation of large-scale topside equatorial plasma depletions

[1] We examine the large-scale properties of three classes of equatorial topside plasma depletions referred to as channels. In order of increasing zonal width and internal large-scale substructuring, we study simple channels, multichannels, and superchannels. We find that peaks in channel activity are centered on 0° (African sector) and 180° (Western Pacific sector). Superchannels are found to strongly dominate in the African sector, whereas simple and multichannels dominate the Pacific sector. Within the African sector, the relative proportions of the three channel classes remain stable in all seasons. In the Pacific sector, simple and multichannels are dominant in all seasons of activity, though small but significant seasonal variations in channel widths and spacings are seen. Structure at a zonal scale size of about 100 km is found to be present in all channels examined. Observational and model evidence suggests that 100-km density structure represents channels, such that all multichannels and superchannels consist of multiple contiguous simple channels. Since seeds that initiate channel formation necessarily influence large-scale channel features, we utilize our data to draw conclusions regarding bottomside seeding conditions in the various seasonal and longitudinal sectors. Specifically, we find that strong, long-wavelength (∼1000 km) seeds appear much more frequently in the African sector, resulting in the prevalence of superchannels there. When long-wavelength seeds appear in the Pacific sector, they result in periodic trains of simple and multichannels. A bottomside preseeded at a scale size near 100 km accounts for the ubiquity of 100-km scale size in the AE-E data.
Toward a viscoelastic modeling of anisotropic shrinkage in injection molding of amorphous polymers

A novel approach to predict anisotropic shrinkage of amorphous polymers in injection moldings was proposed using the PVT equation of state, frozen-in molecular orientation, and elastic recovery that was not frozen during the process. The anisotropic thermal expansion and compressibility affected by frozen-in molecular orientation were introduced to determine the anisotropy of the length and width shrinkages. Molecular orientation calculations were based on the frozen-in birefringence determined from frozen-in stresses by using the stress-optical rule. To model frozen-in stresses during the molding process, a nonlinear viscoelastic constitutive equation was used with the temperature- and pressure-dependent relaxation time and viscosity. Contribution of elastic recovery that was not frozen during the molding process and calculated from the constitutive equation was used to determine anisotropic shrinkage. Anisotropic shrinkages in moldings were measured at various packing pressures, packing times, melt temperatures, and injection speeds. The experimental results of frozen-in birefringence and anisotropic shrinkage were compared with the simulated data. Experimental and calculated results indicate that shrinkage is highest in the thickness direction, lowest in the width direction, and intermediate in the flow direction. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 2300–2313, 2005
Training 2.0 - Library Assistants in the Age of Information

With less staff time and more things to do, providing consistent and thorough training is sometimes a challenge. In order to streamline training and provide for more effective communication among staff and student assistants, a Blackboard course was created to provide a graded, self-paced, and interactive training tutorial. The tutorials were compiled using Powerpoint, Camtasia, and Snag-It, as well as Blackboard's internal test system.
The evolution of wind pollination in angiosperms

Wind pollination (anemophily) of angiosperms probably evolved from insect pollination (entomophily) in response to pollinator limitation and changes in the abiotic environment. Recent evidence suggests that ambophily (a combination of both wind and insect pollination) might be more common than was previously presumed and could represent either a stable or transitional state. We review factors favoring the evolution of wind pollination and analyse the extent of specialization towards such pollination. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that anemophily is more likely to evolve in groups with small, simple flowers and dry pollen. Wind-pollinated plants appear to have a bimodal distribution in selfing rates, but further studies recognizing the possibility of a combination of wind and animal pollination within taxa are needed to clarify this relationship.
Power system stabilizers as undergraduate control design projects

The use of power system stabilizers (PSS) to damp power system swing mode oscillations is of practical importance. The design of PSS is taught in graduate level courses on power system dynamics and control, and has been the topic of numerous M.S. and Ph.D. theses. This paper discusses the experience in assigning PSS projects in an undergraduate control design course to provide students with a challenging design problem using three different techniques and to expose them to power system engineering. The details of the PSS design projects using root-locus, frequency-domain, and state-space methods are provided.
Enhanced low temperature sintering of (Sr, Cu)-doped lanthanum ferrite SOFC cathodes

Abstract This study details subtle compositional modifications (marginal A-site deficiencies and Cu B-site dopant additions) to a La 0.8 Sr 0.2 FeO 3 (LSF-20) cathode to enhance sintering below 1000 °C. The interaction of the modified LSF-20 compounds with YSZ below 1000 °C was also investigated. Initial single cell studies utilizing a (La 0.8 Sr 0.2 ) 0.98 Fe 0.98 Cu 0.02 O 3 cathode on an anode-supported YSZ cell have indicated power densities in the range 1.35–1.75 W/cm 2 at 750 °C and 0.7 V.
B Vitamins in Breast Milk: Relative Importance of Maternal Status and Intake, and Effects on Infant Status and Function

Infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 mo of life. However, maternal deficiency of some micronutrients, conveniently classified as Group I micronutrients during lactation, can result in low concentrations in breast milk and subsequent infant deficiency preventable by improving maternal status. This article uses thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, and choline as examples and reviews the evidence for risk of inadequate intakes by infants in the first 6 mo of life. Folate, a Group II micronutrient, is included for comparison. Information is presented on forms and concentrations in human milk, analytical methods, the basis of current recommended intakes for infants and lactating women, and effects of maternal supplementation. From reports of maternal and/or infant deficiency, concentrations in milk were noted as well as any consequences for infant function. These milk values were used to estimate the percent of recommended daily intake that infants fed by a deficient mother could obtain from her milk. Estimates were 60% for thiamin, 53% for riboflavin, 80% for vitamin B-6, 16% for vitamin B-12, and 56% for choline. Lack of data limits the accuracy and generalizability of these conclusions, but the overall picture that emerges is consistent across nutrients and points to an urgent need to improve the information available on breast milk quality.
Reactions of Laser-Ablated Aluminum Atoms with Ammonia. Infrared Spectra of HAlNH2, AlNH2, and HAlNH in Solid Argon

Pulsed laser-ablated Al atoms react with NH3 to give two major products, HAlNH2 and AlNH2, which are trapped in solid argon and identified from infrared spectra through isotopic substitution (15N, D) and MP2 calculations of product structures and isotopic frequencies. The bent HAlNH molecule was a minor product.
Quantitative analysis of the thermal requirements for stepwise physical dormancy-break in seeds of the winter annual Geranium carolinianum (Geraniaceae)

†Background and Aims Physical dormancy (PY)-break in some annual plant species is a two-step process controlled by two different temperature and/or moisture regimes. The thermal time model has been used to quantify PY-break in several species of Fabaceae, but not to describe stepwise PY-break. The primary aims of this study were to quantify the thermal requirement for sensitivity induction by developing a thermal time model and to propose a mechanism for stepwise PY-breaking in the winter annual Geranium carolinianum. †Methods Seeds of G. carolinianum were stored under dry conditions at different constant and alternating temperatures to induce sensitivity (step I). Sensitivity induction was analysed based on the thermal time approach using the Gompertz function. The effect of temperature on step II was studied by incubating sensitive seeds at low temperatures. Scanning electron microscopy, penetrometer techniques, and different humidity levels and temperatures were used to explain the mechanism of stepwise PY-break. †Key Results The base temperature (Tb) for sensitivity induction was 17.2 8C and constant for all seed fractions of the population. Thermal time for sensitivity induction during step I in the PY-breaking process agreed with the three-parameter Gompertz model. Step II (PY-break) did not agree with the thermal time concept. Q10 values for the rate of sensitivity induction and PY-break were between 2.0 and 3.5 and between 0.02 and 0.1, respectively. The force required to separate the water gap palisade layer from the sub-palisade layer was significantly reduced after sensitivity induction. †Conclusions Step I and step II in PY-breaking of G. carolinianum are controlled by chemical and physical processes, respectively. This study indicates the feasibility of applying the developed thermal time model to predict or manipulate sensitivity induction in seeds with two-step PY-breaking processes. The model is the first and most detailed one yet developed for sensitivity induction in PY-break.
Multi-attributes tradespace exploration for survivability: Application to satellite radar

Multi-Attribute Tradespace Exploration (MATE) for Survivability is introduced as a general methodology for survivability analysis and demonstrated through an application to a satellite radar system. MATE for Survivability applies decision theory to the parametric modeling of thousands of design alternatives across representative distributions of disturbance environments. Survivability considerations are incorporated into the existing MATE process (i.e., a solution-generating and decision-making framework that applies decision theory to model-based design) by applying empirically-validated survivability design principles and value-based survivability metrics to concept generation and concept evaluation activities, respectively. MATE for Survivability consists of eight iterative phases: (1) define system value proposition, (2) generate concepts, (3) specify disturbances, (4) apply survivability principles, (5) model baseline system performance, (6) model impact of disturbances on dynamic system performance, (7) apply survivability metrics, and (8) select designs for further analysis. The application of MATE for Survivability to satellite radar demonstrates the importance of incorporating survivability considerations into conceptual design for identifying inherently survivable architectures that efficiently balance competing performance metrics of lifecycle cost, mission utility, and operational survivability.
An Empirical Evaluation of Value at Risk by Scenario Simulation

It has become standard practice for banks and financial institutions to calculate value at risk and similar measures of portfolio risk exposure on a regular basis. Typically, Monte Carlo simulation of fairly complex models is required. This creates a potentially enormous computational burden, especially when assets in multiple currencies are involved, that limits both the accuracy and the frequency that is feasible for the analysis. Using principal components to reduce the dimensionality of the set of underlying risk factors helps, but the need to revalue a large number of assets in each simulation run is still a major impediment. One recent suggestion has been to restrict each risk factor to take only a small number of distinct values, leading to a small (or, at last, manageable) number of possible “scenarios,” each corresponding to a portfolio value that only needs to be computed once. Monte Carlo simulation is then done by sampling among these scenarios, leading to a great reduction in the number of portfolio revaluations required. In this article, Abken explains these techniques in detail and examines their relative performance on a portfolio involving interest rate derivatives. Unfortunately, he finds that scenario simulation only converges slowly to the correct limiting values, and convexity of the derivative values significantly impairs the performance of scenario simulation relative to standard Monte Carlo.
Design Rationale Management Research

Many benefits potentially stem from a structured representation and use of “design rationales”, i.e. the deliberations underlying a software design process. Explicitly-represented rationales help us understand the design better so that we can produce a better design, maintain the resulting artifact better, and exploit the cumulated knowledge when we need to redesign it. Explicit representation of the rationales also provide a basis for reviewing or justifying the decisions that have been made, for communicating with other members of the design team more easily, and for defining computer services that support various design activities, such as keeping track of dependencies or managing multiple viewpoints. Technologies, that have recently become available, such as multi-media and distributed databases, provide the necessary ingredients for pursuing these potential benefits seriously. As a result, in the past few year we have seen growing interest in design rationale management.
A mitochondrial DNA perspective on the evolution of Iberian Discoglossus (Amphibia: Anura)

Sequences of a mtDNA gene, cytochrome b , were used to generate a phylogenetic hypothesis for the evolution of Iberian archaeobatrachian frogs of the genus Discoglossus . Results from the inferred phylogenetic branching pattern and the sequence divergence among species and populations support the following: (1) the two endemic species from Iberia, D. galganoi and D. jeanneae are sister taxa and are reciprocally monophyletic with respect to their mtDNA; (2) the geographic distribution of these two morphologically cryptic species differs considerably from previous expectations. D. galganoi is limited to the metamorphic granitic and shale substrates of western Spain and Portugal, while D. jeanneae extends over the limestone and gypsum substrates of most of eastern Spain from the Strait of Gibraltar to the Pyrenees; (3) sequence divergence between D. galganoi and D. jeanneae averages 8.6%, suggesting that the two lineages diverged before the Mio–Pliocene boundary. We suggest that these lineages were isolated by the opening of the Betic Strait and that isolation has been maintained until recently by the Guadalquivir River Basin; (4) all specimens of D. jeanneae , from the central Pyrenees in the north to the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula have nearly identical cytochrome b haplotypes, clear evidence of a rapid relatively recent (Late Pleistocene–Quaternary) expansion of the species; (5) populations of D. pictus from northeastern Spain are highly divergent from all other Discoglossus studied and do not fall within the Iberian clade.
Zinc Deficiency in Mice Alters Myelopoiesis and Hematopoiesis

Suboptimal nutriture causes leukopenia, but whether this is related to a modification in hematopoiesis is unknown. A 34-d period of zinc deficiency was used to obtain moderate and severely zinc-deficient (ZD) young adult mice whose bone marrow was evaluated for alterations in hematopoiesis, myelopoiesis and lymphopoiesis by flow cytometry. Expressions of CD31 (PECAM-1) and Ly-6C were used to identify changes in marrow population composition. Identity of marrow cells was confirmed with TER119, CD45R, Ly-6G and CD11b. Cells of the erythroid lineage declined as much as 60% depending on the degree of zinc deficiency, providing new insight into the early observations of clinicians that anemia accompanied ZD in humans. The lymphoid compartment also declined 50-70% with preferential losses among pre-B cells, an underlying cause of the lymphopenia that is a part of ZD, in which loss of pre-B cells was identified by CD43,CD45R, and immunoglobulin M. Conversely, cells of the myeloid lineage increased substantially in the marrow, both in proportion and absolute numbers in all ZD mice. Granulocytic cells increased 40-60%, whereas monocytic cells nearly doubled in ZD mice. These data suggest that there are important adaptations in hematopoietic functions as zinc becomes limiting. In the immune system, the precursors of phagocytic cells, which provide innate immunity, are protected, whereas precursors of lymphocytes, which provide adaptive immunity, are down-regulated. These findings illuminate the unique response of the marrow to a nutritional stress.
Detecting malicious JavaScript code in Mozilla

The JavaScript language is used to enhance the client-side display of web pages. JavaScript code is downloaded into browsers and executed on-the-fly by an embedded interpreter. Browsers provide sand-boxing mechanisms to prevent JavaScript code from compromising the security of the client's environment, but, unfortunately, a number of attacks exist that can be used to steal users' credentials (e.g., cross-site scripting attacks) and lure users into providing sensitive information to unauthorized parties (e.g., phishing attacks). We propose an approach to solve this problem that is based on monitoring JavaScript code execution and comparing the execution to high-level policies, to detect malicious code behavior. To achieve this goal it is necessary to provide a mechanism to audit the execution of JavaScript code. This is a difficult task, because of the close integration of JavaScript with complex browser applications, such as Mozilla. This paper presents the first existing implementation of an auditing system for JavaScript interpreters and discusses the pitfalls and lessons learned in developing the auditing mechanism.
Spontaneous termination of reentry ventricular tachycardia in the late myocardial infarction period: an experimental study in the dog.

Forty episodes of induced ventricular tachycardia in the late myocardial infarction period (4-6 days old) were analyzed in 12 dogs in an attempt to identify the possible mechanisms for the termination of reentry tachycardia. Multiple epicardial and endocardial composite electrograms were recorded in and around the central ischemic zone of the infarction. During tachycardia, the earliest site of activation was identified in the epicardial surface of the border or normal zone immediately adjacent to the ischemic zone in 36 of the 40 episodes, suggesting efferent epicardial spread from the site of the activity. In four instances, the efferent pathways were directed to the endocardial surface Four distinct patterns of activation sequences were observed during spontaneous termination: (a) a shift of the efferent pathways from epicardial to endocardial site (19 instances); (b) a change of the efferent pathways within the endocardium (4 instances); (c) a shift of the earliest site of activation between the left arid right ventricles (9 instances); and (d) no apparent change in the epicardial efferent pathways (4 instances). In four other instances, ventricular tachycardia deteriorated into ventricular fibrillation. In patterns (a) and (c), a shift of the efferent pathways resulted in a more rapid and homogeneous activation of the border and normal zone epicardium. These changes were associated with cessation of delayed or continuous activity in the ischemic zone epicardium, resulting in termination of tachycardia. (PACE, Vol. 2, May-June, 1979)
Gender Schematicity, Gender Identity Salience, and Gender‐Linked Language Use

Using self-categorization theory, the effects of sex, chronic gender accessibility (i.e., gender schematicity), and gender identity salience on gender-linked language use in e-mail are examined. Results confirmed interactive effects only. Gender schematic men and women whose gender was salient used typical gender-linked language (e.g., men used male language). With low gender salience, schematic men and women used countertypical gender-linked language (e.g., men used female language). The language of nonschematics varied minimally. Results are discussed regarding previous research on gendered language, the nature of gender identity salience, and examining gendered language in computer-mediated communication.
Statistical Scheduling of Offline Comparative Subjective Evaluations for Real-Time Multimedia

In this paper, we study the statistical scheduling of offline subjective tests for evaluating alternative control schemes in real time multimedia applications. These applications are characterized by multiple counteracting objective quality metrics (such as delay and signal quality) that can be affected by various control schemes. However, the trade-offs among these metrics with respect to the subjective preferences of users are not defined. As a result, it is difficult to select the proper control schemes that lead to the best subjective quality at run time. Since subjective tests are expensive to conduct and the number of possible control schemes and run-time conditions is prohibitively large, it is important that a minimum number of such tests be conducted offline, and that the results learned can be generalized to unseen conditions with statistical confidence. To this end, we study in this paper efficient algorithms for scheduling a sequence of subjective tests, while leaving the generalization of limited offline subjective tests to guide the operation of the control schemes at run time to a future paper. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we verify the robustness of our algorithms in terms of their accuracy and efficiency.
Insect Biodiversity on Plant Hybrids Within the Hawaiian Silversword Alliance (Asteraceae: Heliantheae-Madiinae)

Patterns of arthropod richness and diversity were studied across six hybrid zones within the silversword alliance (Asteraceae: Heliantheae-Madiinae), an adaptive radiation of endemic Hawaiian plants. Hybrid zones spanned a range of parental plant relatedness from those in which parental types were phenotypically and genetically similar to those in which parental types were different both phenotypically and genetically. This system of hybrid zones is uniquely suited for distinguishing among alternative hypotheses that account for biodiversity of herbivores in plant hybrid zones. In the six hybrid zones studied, arthropod family-level diversity was as high or higher on hybrid plants compared with parental plants. Family-level richness was as high or higher on hybrids plants in four cases and lower on hybrids in two cases. Generally, results were consistent with hypotheses that predict either a breakdown in insect defenses in hybrid plants or an additive increase in host recognition cues in hybrids. Hypotheses that predict an increase in hybrid resistance to herbivory were supported in two cases. Measures of community similarity suggest insect communities are more similar to each other on hybrid-parent pairs than are communities on parent-parent pairs and that insect communities across interspecific hybrid zones are more similar than communities across intergeneric hybrid zones. In four zones, hybrids supported unique arthropod taxa. Because a greater or equal diversity of arthropods is found on hybrids than on parental plant taxa and because hybrid plants may represent unique environments to insects, plant hybrid zones are important targets for conserving Hawaii's native biota.
Differential Trends in the Intestinal and Diffuse Types of Gastric Carcinoma in the United States, 1973–2000: Increase in the Signet Ring Cell Type

Abstract Context.—During the last 50 years, the incidence and mortality of gastric cancer has declined in many countries. This decline has primarily included the intestinal type (Lauren classification). However, there is an impression among pathologists that the diffuse type, especially the signet ring cell subtype, has become more prevalent. Objectives.—Using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program of the National Cancer Institute, we analyzed the trends of the 2 primary types (intestinal and diffuse) of gastric carcinomas from 1973 through 2000. Design.—Trends in age-adjusted rates were determined for gastric carcinomas through the SEER statistical program (SEER*Stat), which is available on the Internet to the public. Results.—During the period studied, the intestinal type continued to decline in males, females, African Americans, and whites. The intestinal type was more common in males than in females and more common in African Americans than in whites. In contrast, a c...
Spatial Market Integration

Markets aggregate demand and supply across actors distributed in space. Well-integrated markets play a fundamental role in ensuring that macrolevel economic policies change the incentives and constraints faced by micro-level decision-makers, in distributing risk and in preserving incentives to adopt improved production technologies. Yet the literature is replete with evidence of forgone arbitrage opportunities in both intra- and inter-national trade. Given limited data and the restrictive assumptions of existing empirical methods, economists still have only a fragile empirical foundation for reaching clear judgements about spatial market integration as a guide for corporate or government policy.