Process and System for Establishing a Moving Target Connection for Secure Communications in Client/Server Systems

A system and method performs a moving target blind rendezvous by exchanging data through a distributed hash table. The system allows users to securely send small pieces of information over a network while only requiring an exchange of public keys ahead of time. The system relies on the size and resilience of the BitTorrent Distributed Hash Table and the security properties of cryptographic constructions such as Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman key exchange and secure one-way hash functions.https://digitalcommons.usmalibrary.org/patents/1000/thumbnail.jp

The X-ray Size-Temperature Relation for Intermediate Redshift Galaxy Clusters

We present the first measurements of the X-ray size-temperature (ST) relation in intermediate redshift (z~0.30) galaxy clusters. We interpret the local ST relation (z~0.06) in terms of underlying scaling relations in the cluster dark matter properties, and then we use standard models for the redshift evolution of those dark matter properties to show that the ST relation does not evolve with redshift. We then use ROSAT HRI observations of 11 clusters to examine the intermediate redshift ST relation; for currently favored cosmological parameters, the intermediate redshift ST relation is consistent with that of local clusters. Finally, we use the ST relation and our evolution model to measure angular diameter distances; with these 11 distances we evaluate constraints on Omega_M and Omega_L which are consistent with those derived from studies of Type Ia supernovae. The data rule out a model with Omega_M=1 and Omega_L=0 with 2.5 sigma confidence. When limited to models where Omega_M+Omega_L=1, these data are inconsistent with Omega_M=1 with 3 sigma confidence.Comment: ApJ: submitted April 7, accepted June 28, to appear Dec 1 (vol 544

The C-Terminal Domain of CENP-C Displays Multiple and Critical Functions for Mammalian Centromere Formation

CENP-C is a fundamental component of functional centromeres. The elucidation of its structure-function relationship with centromeric DNA and other kinetochore proteins is critical to the understanding of centromere assembly. CENP-C carries two regions, the central and the C-terminal domains, both of which are important for the ability of CENP-C to associate with the centromeric DNA. However, while the central region is largely divergent in CENP-C homologues, the C-terminal moiety contains two regions that are highly conserved from yeast to humans, named Mif2p homology domains (blocks II and III). The activity of these two domains in human CENP-C is not well defined. In this study we performed a functional dissection of C-terminal CENP-C region analyzing the role of single Mif2p homology domains through in vivo and in vitro assays. By immunofluorescence and Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP) we were able to elucidate the ability of the Mif2p homology domain II to target centromere and contact alpha satellite DNA. We also investigate the interactions with other conserved inner kinetochore proteins by means of coimmunoprecipitation and bimolecular fluorescence complementation on cell nuclei. We found that the C-terminal region of CENP-C (Mif2p homology domain III) displays multiple activities ranging from the ability to form higher order structures like homo-dimers and homo-oligomers, to mediate interaction with CENP-A and histone H3. Overall, our findings support a model in which the Mif2p homology domains of CENP-C, by virtue of their ability to establish multiple contacts with DNA and centromere proteins, play a critical role in the structuring of kinethocore chromatin

Examining the Role of Marine Mammals and Seabirds in Southeast Alaska’s Marine Ecosystem Dynamics

Primary producers are the foundation of marine food webs and require reliable nutrient sources to maintain their important role with ecosystems. While marine mammals and seabirds can play critical roles in marine nutrient cycling, their contributions are often overlooked. The fjord systems of Southeast Alaska support a high diversity of marine mammals and seabirds in addition to some of the most valuable fisheries in the US. Nonetheless, there is still relatively little known about nutrient sources and fluxes in this region which is a critical component of fisheries management. The goal of our study was to advance knowledge of the role of mammals and seabirds in marine nutrient cycling and to understand how changing marine mammal and seabird populations may alter ecosystem dynamics. We analyzed nutrient levels in marine mammal scat, seabird guano, and seawater samples collected in Berners Bay, Southeast Alaska, to determine the influence of marine mammals and seabirds on nearshore nutrient concentrations. Utilizing qualitative network models (QNMs), we then examined how a simulated Berners Bay ecosystem would respond to an increase in marine mammals, seabirds, and nutrients. Researchers are increasingly utilizing QNMs as a first step in the development of ecosystem-based fisheries management plans as their adaptable nature is well suited to address rapidly changing climatic conditions. Our direct nutrient measurements and QNM results indicate that marine mammals and seabirds have the potential to provide substantial contributions to marine nutrient concentrations in the region and that these valuable ecosystem services should not be overlooked.We sincerely thank the reviewers for their suggestions and feedbackYe

The Grizzly, April 2, 1982

PA Special Olympics This Weekend • Room Selection Continues • Student Publications Staffs Chosen • Parents Day Plans Offer Variety of Talents • USGA Notes • Letters to the Editor • Dean of College Accepting Nominations for Lindback Award • Class Elections Next Week • News Briefs: Hooters Concert Tickets Now Available; Friends of Library Book Sale; Senior Women Invited to Parents Day Reception; Photography in Space Topic of Final Forum; Scholarship Offered for Students of Hellenic Descent • Food Day: A Chance to Share the Wealth • New Library Survey Conducted • Alumna Presents DuPont Grant • Students Direct Comedy Series • Duet Takes First in Talent Show • F&M Tops Track Team • W\u27s Tennis Drops Warm-up • Division 1 West Chester a Little Too Strong • MAC Champs Back • Harvard Slips by Lady Bears • Batsmen Split Twin Bill • Softball Team Takes Two Out of Threehttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1077/thumbnail.jp

The Grizzly, October 30, 1981

Founders Day 100th Year of Coeducation • Board of Directors Approve Tuition Increase • Stevens Talks on Hazing to Packed House • Comment: What Eileen Stevens Didn\u27t Say • Drexel-Ursinus Offer Evening Courses at Limerick and UC • Old Men\u27s Undergoes Heating Renovations • ZX Business Society Grows • Lee Savary: Contrasting Natural and Man-made • Study Abroad Series: Seize the Day • Law of the Sea, Law of the Nations • Gridders to Enter New League in 1983 • Bears Lose Homecoming Heartbreaker • X-Country: 38 Straight W\u27s • Field Hockey Trips West Chester 3-0https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1065/thumbnail.jp

Determining the Cosmic Distance Scale from Interferometric Measurements of the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich Effect

We determine the distances to 18 galaxy clusters with redshifts ranging from z~0.14 to z~0.78 from a maximum likelihood joint analysis of 30 GHz interferometric Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect (SZE) and X-ray observations. We model the intracluster medium (ICM) using a spherical isothermal beta model. We quantify the statistical and systematic uncertainties inherent to these direct distance measurements, and we determine constraints on the Hubble parameter for three different cosmologies. These distances imply a Hubble constant of 60 (+4, -4) (+13, -18) km s-1 Mpc-1 for an Omega_M = 0.3, Omega_Lambda = 0.7 cosmology, where the uncertainties correspond to statistical followed by systematic at 68% confidence. With a sample of 18 clusters, systematic uncertainties clearly dominate. The systematics are observationally approachable and will be addressed in the coming years through the current generation of X-ray satellites (Chandra & XMM-Newton) and radio observatories (OVRO, BIMA, & VLA). Analysis of high redshift clusters detected in future SZE and X-ray surveys will allow a determination of the geometry of the universe from SZE determined distances.Comment: ApJ Submitted; 40 pages, 9 figures (fig 3 B&W for size constraint), 13 tables, uses emulateapj5 styl

The Grizzly, September 25, 1981

Greaseband Tonight • Campus Welcome • Fridge Fee Unfrozen • Deutsch und Deutschland Heute: German Professor Co-authors Text • Public Speaking Exemption Exam • Books Sought by Ursinus Friends • Red Cross Bloodmobile at Helfferich Hall • Career Planning and Placement Office • Dessert Held in Union • Fast Food Service Losing Convenience • ProTheatre: Canterbury Tales Presented • Transplanted Texan: Nobody Expects the Moral Majority • School Bands Looking for Musicians • WRUC: Back on the Air? • First Coffeehouse Sparkles With Talent • Late Mail for Off-Campus Houses • [Reprinted Articles About the Greaseband] • Bear\u27s Booters Kick Off Season • Business as Usual for Cross-Country • Bears Drop 10-3 Decision to Western Maryland • Davis Leads Hockey Over Widenerhttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1061/thumbnail.jp

Within-Compound Versus Public Latrine Access and Child Feces Disposal Practices in Low-Income Neighborhoods of Accra, Ghana.

In crowded urban settlements in low-income countries, many households rely on shared sanitation facilities. Shared facilities are not currently considered "improved sanitation" because of concerns about whether hygiene conditions sufficiently protect users from the feces of others. Prevention of fecal exposure at a latrine is only one aspect of sanitary safety. Ensuring consistent use of latrines for feces disposal, especially child feces, is required to reduce fecal contamination in households and communities. Household crowding and shared latrine access are correlated in these settings, rendering latrine use by neighbors sharing communal living areas as critically important for protecting one's own household. This study in Accra, Ghana, found that household access to a within-compound basic latrine was associated with higher latrine use by children of ages 5-12 years and for disposal of feces of children < 5 years, compared with households using public latrines. However, within-compound access was not associated with improved child feces disposal by other caregivers in the compound. Feces was rarely observed in household compounds but was observed more often in compounds with latrines versus compounds relying on public latrines. Escherichia coli and human adenovirus were detected frequently on household surfaces, but concentrations did not differ when compared by latrine access or usage practices. The differences in latrine use for households sharing within-compound versus public latrines in Accra suggest that disaggregated shared sanitation categories may be useful in monitoring global progress in sanitation coverage. However, compound access did not completely ensure that households were protected from feces and microbial contamination

Evidence for dark energy from the cosmic microwave background alone using the Atacama Cosmology Telescope lensing measurements

For the first time, measurements of the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB) alone favor cosmologies with $w=-1$ dark energy over models without dark energy at a 3.2-sigma level. We demonstrate this by combining the CMB lensing deflection power spectrum from the Atacama Cosmology Telescope with temperature and polarization power spectra from the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe. The lensing data break the geometric degeneracy of different cosmological models with similar CMB temperature power spectra. Our CMB-only measurement of the dark energy density $\Omega_\Lambda$ confirms other measurements from supernovae, galaxy clusters and baryon acoustic oscillations, and demonstrates the power of CMB lensing as a new cosmological tool.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures; replaced with version accepted by Physical Review Letters, added sentence on models with non-standard primordial power spectr