cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Angiotensin II receptor antagonist blocks the expression of connexin43 induced by cyclical mechanical stretch in cultured neonatal rat cardiac myocytes.

Mechanical forces have profound effects on cardiomyocytes. To test whether angiotensin II is a potential mediator of stretch-induced effects on gap junctions, we used the angiotensin II (AT1) receptor antagonist, losartan, to investigate the cyclical stretch-induced expression of connexin43 (Cx43), the major cardiac muscle gap junction channel protein. Cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes grown on a flexible membrane base were stretched by vacuum to 20% of maximum elongation, at 60 cycles/min. The levels of Cx43 protein began to increase as early as 2 h after stretch was applied, reached a maximum of six-fold over the control by 24 h and remained at this level another 24 h (i.e. up to 48 h after stretch was applied). These increases of Cx43 protein at 24 h were largely (73%) and completely (100%) attenuated (P<0.001) by the addition (30 min before stretch) of 10 n M and 100 n M losartan, respectively. Similarly, the Cx43 mRNA levels in stretched cardiomyocytes rose 89% (P<0.01) above control (non-stretched cells) mRNA levels. This increase also was blocked by losartan. Cyclical stretch increased (and losartan decreased) the immunohistochemical labeling of Cx43 and significantly increased release of angiotensin II into the culture media from 7.5+/-0.6 ng/ml to 23.8+/-1.0 ng/ml (P<0.01) after a 1 h stretch. These findings indicate that cyclical mechanical stretch augments angiotensin II production and Cx43 gene expression in cultured cardiomyocytes, partially through mediation of the AT1 receptors, and suggests interaction between the cardiomyocyte local rennin-angiotensin system and Cx43 in response to stretch.
Neutrophil extracellular traps induce endothelial dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus through the activation of matrix metalloproteinase-2

Rationale The structural and functional integrity of the endothelium is crucial in maintaining vascular homeostasis and preventing atherosclerosis. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have an increased risk of developing endothelial dysfunction and premature cardiovascular disease. Neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation is increased in SLE and has been proposed to contribute to endothelial damage, but the mechanism remains unclear. Objective To determine the mechanism by which enhanced NET formation by low-density granulocytes (LDGs) in SLE contributes to endothelial damage and disrupts the endothelium. Results The putative role of NET-externalised matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in altering the functional integrity of the endothelium was examined. MMP-9 externalised by lupus LDGs during NET formation specifically impaired murine aortic endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation and induced endothelial cell apoptosis. Endothelial dysfunction correlated with the activation of endothelial MMP-2 by MMP-9 present in NETs, while inhibition of MMP-2 activation restored endothelium-dependent function and decreased NET-induced vascular cytotoxicity. Moreover, immunogenic complexes composed of MMP-9 and anti-MMP-9 were identified in SLE sera. These complexes, as well as anti-MMP-9 autoantibodies, induced NETosis and enhanced MMP-9 activity. Conclusions These observations implicate activation of endothelial MMP-2 by MMP-9 contained in NETs as an important player in endothelial dysfunction, and MMP-9 as a novel self-antigen in SLE. These results further support that aberrant NET formation plays pathogenic roles in SLE.
A Spatial Econometric Examination of China's Economic Growth

Abstract It is universally acknowledged that China's recent economic growth involves distinct spatial patterns across the 30 provinces. Despite this, most studies analyze provincial economic growth patterns using cross-sectional methods that average over all provinces. This study analyzes China's recent economic growth at a provincial level using non-parametric and Bayesian spatial econometric methods that allow for locally linear spatial variation in the relationships being analyzed.
Downsizing the Curriculum: A Proposed Baccalaureate Program and Contextual Basis

Engineering education is confronted with two realities which call for a rethinking of the undergraduate curriculum: (a) the baccalaureate degree, as the terminal degree for practice, has received much criticism in both industry and academia, and (b) the typical undergraduate student generally requires more than nine semesters to complete a curriculum designed for eight. We propose that the current highly impacted curriculum must give way to a reduced program oriented toward engineering science, which can be completed in four years. Such a curriculum must be based on a limited set of core educational outcomes and would educate engineers within an integrated, liberal framework while preparing graduates for a wide variety of career options. Also included in this proposal is a formal role for the masters degree as the first professional degree and a restructuring of the professional registration process.
An animal model of schizophrenia based on chronic LSD administration: Old idea, new results

Many people who take LSD experience a second temporal phase of LSD intoxication that is qualitatively different, and was described by Daniel Freedman as “clearly a paranoid state.” We have previously shown that the discriminative stimulus effects of LSD in rats also occur in two temporal phases, with initial effects mediated by activation of 5-HT2A receptors (LSD30), and the later temporal phase mediated by dopamine D2-like receptors (LSD90). Surprisingly, we have now found that non-competitive NMDA antagonists produced full substitution in LSD90 rats, but only in older animals, whereas in LSD30, or in younger animals, these drugs did not mimic LSD. Chronic administration of low doses of LSD (>3 months, 0.16 mg/kg every other day) induces a behavioral state characterized by hyperactivity and hyperirritability, increased locomotor activity, anhedonia, and impairment in social interaction that persists at the same magnitude for at least three months after cessation of LSD treatment. These behaviors, which closely resemble those associated with psychosis in humans, are not induced by withdrawal from LSD; rather, they are the result of neuroadaptive changes occurring in the brain during the chronic administration of LSD. These persistent behaviors are transiently reversed by haloperidol and olanzapine, but are insensitive to MDL-100907. Gene expression analysis data show that chronic LSD treatment produced significant changes in multiple neurotransmitter system-related genes, including those for serotonin and dopamine. Thus, we propose that chronic treatment of rats with low doses of LSD can serve as a new animal model of psychosis that may mimic the development and progression of schizophrenia, as well as model the established disease better than current acute drug administration models utilizing amphetamine or NMDA antagonists such as PCP.
Development of early emotional life during the second year of life: narratives and dynamic systems

Emotions have been investigated traditionally as internal and pre-existing states manifested in the face. This paper proposes an alternative perspective by illustrating the theoretical and methodological utility of the concepts of narratives and dynamic systems to the study of emotions. Emotions are conceived as emerging from the interaction between the individual and the environment. We consider the body, vocal, and facial actions of both partners simultaneously, as well as the communicative contexts created during their interaction. We use the method of narrative analysis to capture the emergent and social nature of emotions in one mother-infant dyad during the second year of life. We aim to elucidate how the development of emotions emerge from the subtle transformations in the daily relationship of the mother-infant dyad.
Interactive tools for global sustainability and Earth systems: Sea level change and temperature

Understanding global change is important for creating a sustainable environment, and is a key interest of the Earth systems science community. Here we present an educational tutorial that explores the relationship between sea level and global temperature using modern-day records and time-series analysis and the Java-DSP Earth Systems Edition (J-DSP/ESE) application. The objectives of the tutorial are to apply pre-processing steps based on signal type, perform spectral analysis and identify significant frequencies, perform coherency and cross-phase analysis between two records, and arrive at an informed understanding about the relationship between sea level and global temperature change. Preliminary student assessment indicates that students were comfortable using J-DSP/ESE, and quickly understood the signal processing concepts. The analysis reveals correlation between sea level variations and global temperature at inter-annual timescales related to the El Nino climatological phenomenon. In sum, the tutorial improved students' understanding of basic factors that influence global sustainability and habitability.
Neural and hormonal substrates for song learning in zebra finches

Abstract Many songbirds learn vocal sounds used to communicate with other members of their species during a restricted period of development. For example, male zebra finches (Poephila guttata) need to hear their father's song until approximately 40 days of age in order to learn to produce normal vocalizations. By the time they are fully adult (100 days of age), the song pattern they produce is a faithful copy of the song heard earlier in life, and this song pattern is maintained in a highly stereotyped fashion throughout adulthood. Song learning and behavior are controlled by a discrete system of neural circuits, which undergo profound developmental changes during the time when song behavior is being learned; both song learning and its neural substrate are regulated by sex hormones.
JTT-130, a Novel Intestine-Specific Inhibitor of Microsomal Triglyceride Transfer Protein, Reduces Food Preference for Fat

Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) is involved in the assembly and secretion of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins from enterocytes and hepatocytes. JTT-130 is a novel intestine-specific MTP inhibitor, which has been shown to be useful in the prevention and treatment of dyslipidemia, obesity, and diabetes. JTT-130 has also been shown to suppress food intake in a dietary fat-dependent manner in rats. However, whether JTT-130 enables changes in food preference and nutrient consumption remains to be determined. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of JTT-130 on food preference in rat under free access to two different diets containing 3.3% fat (low-fat diet, LF diet) and 35% fat (high-fat diet, HF diet). JTT-130 decreased HF diet intake and increased LF diet intake, resulting in a change in ratio of caloric intake from LF and HF diets to total caloric intake. In addition, macronutrient analysis revealed that JTT-130 did not affect carbohydrate consumption but significantly decreased fat consumption (P < 0.01). These findings suggest that JTT-130 not only inhibits fat absorption, but also suppresses food intake and specifically reduces food preference for fat. Therefore, JTT-130 is expected to provide a new option for the prevention and treatment of obesity and obesity-related metabolic disorders.
Infrared spectral reflectances of metals at low temperatures

Spectral reflection of metals and alloys at low temperatures graphically represented as function of wavelength
Correlating Structural Dynamics and Function in Single Ribozyme Molecules

We have studied the correlation between structural dynamics and function of the hairpin ribozyme. The enzyme-substrate complex exists in either docked (active) or undocked (inactive) conformations. Using single-molecule fluorescence methods, we found complex structural dynamics with four docked states of distinct stabilities and a strong memory effect where each molecule rarely switches between different docked states. We also found substrate cleavage to be rate-limited by a combination of conformational transitions and reversible chemistry equilibrium. The complex structural dynamics quantitatively explain the heterogeneous cleavage kinetics common to many catalytic RNAs. The intimate coupling of structural dynamics and function is likely a general phenomenon for RNA.
Assembly of root‐associated bacteria communities: interactions between abiotic and biotic factors

Nitrogen (N) deposition in many areas of the world is over an order of magnitude greater than it would be in absence of human activity. We ask how abiotic (N)and biotic (plant host and neighborhood) effects interact to influence root-associated bacterial (RAB)community assembly. Using 454 pyrosequencing, we examined RAB communities from two dominantal pine tundra plants, Geum rossii and Deschampsia cespitosa, under control, N addition and D. cespitosa removal treatments, implemented in a factorial design. We hypothesized that host would have the strongest effect on RAB assembly, followed by N,then neighbor effects.The most dominant phyla were Proteobacteria (mostly Gammaproteobacteria), Actinobacteria,Bacteroidetes and Acidobacteria. We found RAB communities were host specific, with only 17% overlap in operational taxonomic units. Host effects on composition were over twice as strong as Neffects. D. cespitosa RAB diversity declined with N, while G. rossii RAB did not. D. cespitosa removal did not influence G. rossii RAB community composition, but G. rossii RAB diversity declined with N only when D. cespitosa was absent. We conclude that RAB of both hosts are sensitive to N enrichment, and RAB response to N is influenced by host identity and plant neighborhood.
Fractionated repolarization induced by sotalol in healthy subjects

Over the past five years, regulatory authorities have been increasingly concerned with QT prolongations induced by non-cardiac drug and have recommended pharmaceutical companies to include a careful assessment of the QT interval in their drug development programs. There are controversies around the predictive value of QT prolongation in safety-drug assessment studies. The prolongation of the QT interval is an imperfect, but accepted, surrogate marker of drug cardiac toxicity. In this study, we hypothesize that the inhomogeneous effect of QT-prolonging drug in the different layers of the myocardium would not only delay cardiac repolarization, but also perturb the repolarization wavefront on surface ECGs. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to the 12-lead ECG Holier recordings. The first two eigenvectors (ev1, ev2) were computed. From PCA, several parameters were calculated based on the first eigenvector and on the T-loop. We demonstrated slower repolarization and perturbed T-wave front; 30 min after sotalol administration, turbulence of repolarization velocity increased by 9.02%, p<0.05, occurring prior to QT prolongation. These abnormalities were mainly located in the ascending part of the T-wave, whereas the descending part seemed to be less affected at this early phase. In conclusion, analyzing repolarization morphology might help identifying early drug-induced repolarization changes, which could be missed when relying exclusively on QT measurements
IRON file systems

Commodity file systems trust disks to either work or fail completely, yet modern disks exhibit more complex failure modes. We suggest a new fail-partial failure model for disks, which incorporates realistic localized faults such as latent sector errors and block corruption. We then develop and apply a novel failure-policy fingerprinting framework, to investigate how commodity file systems react to a range of more realistic disk failures. We classify their failure policies in a new taxonomy that measures their Internal RObustNess (IRON), which includes both failure detection and recovery techniques. We show that commodity file system failure policies are often inconsistent, sometimes buggy, and generally inadequate in their ability to recover from partial disk failures. Finally, we design, implement, and evaluate a prototype IRON file system, Linux ixt3, showing that techniques such as in-disk checksumming, replication, and parity greatly enhance file system robustness while incurring minimal time and space overheads.
10 MHz PWM converters with GaAs VFETs

Switching speeds of currently available power switches have limited pulsewidth modulation (PWM) techniques to 1 to 2 MHz. High-speed ( 85%) and very high power densities (500 W/in./sup 3/).
Prenatally diagnosed Down syndrome: mothers who continued their pregnancies evaluate their health care providers.

Objective This study was undertaken to ask mothers who had children with Down syndrome after receiving a prenatal diagnosis: How was the process and what, if anything, could be improved? Study design An 11-page survey was mailed to 2945 persons on the membership lists of 5 Down syndrome parent organizations. The survey gathered both quantitative and qualitative data from yes/no questions, open-ended questions, and a series of statements asking the mothers to rate their level of agreement on a 1-to-7 Likert scale. Qualitative data were analyzed using the Constant Comparative Method of Qualitative Analysis, and quantitative data were summarized using linear regressions, mixed stepwise multiple regressions, and grouped means, 1-way analysis of variance analyses. Results Of 1126 surveys received, 141 (12.5%) were from mothers who had received a prenatal diagnosis. Though satisfied with the care that they had received, the majority of respondents expressed frustration with the process. The most common suggestions were that the diagnosis be conveyed in person, that up-to-date printed materials on Down syndrome (DS) be provided, and that mothers be referred to local DS support groups. Conclusion Receiving a prenatal diagnosis of DS need not be a negative experience. By implementing suggestions proposed herein by the mothers, health care providers can even make the situation a positive one.
Mean integrated squared error of nonlinear wavelet-based estimators with long memory data

We consider the nonparametric regression model with long memory data that are not necessarily Gaussian and provide an asymptotic expansion for the mean integrated squared error (MISE) of nonlinear wavelet-based mean regression function estimators. We show this MISE expansion, when the underlying mean regression function is only piecewise smooth, is the same as analogous expansion for the kernel estimators. However, for the kernel estimators, this MISE expansion generally fails if an additional smoothness assumption is absent.
Computer-Guided Oral Reading versus Independent Practice: Comparison of Sustained Silent Reading to an Automated Reading Tutor That Listens.

A 7-month study of 178 students in grades 1-4 at two Blue Ribbon schools compared two daily 20-minute treatments. Eighty-eight students used the 2000–2001 version of Project LISTEN's Reading Tutor ...
Measure for measure: comparing morphological and biomass traits for sex allocation in two gynodioecious species.

 Premise of the study: Sex allocation models assume male and female traits are measured in a common currency, allocation traits show heritability, and tradeoffs between investment in the two sexual functions occur. The potential for model predictions and genetic parameters to depend on the currency used is not well understood, despite frequent use of measures not in a common currency.  Methods: We analyzed the relationship between common currency (biomass of carpels, seeds, and stamens) measures and morphological measures (numbers of ovules, seeds, and pollen) in Schiedea salicaria (12–13% females) and S. adamantis (39% females), two closely related gynodioecious species. Additionally, we compared heritabilities and genetic correlations for male and female allocation between these two types of measures.  Key results: Ovule, seed, and pollen number show greater sexual dimorphism in S. adamantis than in S. salicaria . Most but not all morphological traits and analogous biomass traits are highly correlated with a linear relationship. Narrow-sense heritabilities based on the two methods are often similar, but higher for ovule number than carpel mass and lower for anther number than stamen mass in S. adamantis. Neither trait type shows negative genetic correlations between male and female function.  C onclusions: Both trait types show greater sexual dimorphism in S. adamantis , and signifi cant heritabilities suggest that morphological traits will continue to evolve with breeding system changes. Although most relationships between morphological and biomass traits are linear, curvilinear relationships for two traits suggest that caution is warranted if morphological and common currency traits are used interchangeably in figain curves.
NRSF causes cAMP-sensitive suppression of sodium current in cultured hippocampal neurons

The neuron restrictive silencer factor (NRSF/REST) has been shown to bind to the promoters of many neuron-specific genes and is able to suppress transcription of Na(+) channels in PC12 cells, although its functional effect in terminally differentiated neurons is unknown. We constructed lentiviral vectors to express NRSF as a bicistronic message with green fluorescent protein (GFP) and followed infected hippocampal neurons in culture over a period of 1-2 wk. NRSF-expressing neurons showed a time-dependent suppression of Na(+) channel function as measured by whole cell electrophysiology. Suppression was reversed or prevented by the addition of membrane-permeable cAMP analogues and enhanced by cAMP antagonists but not affected by increasing protein expression with a viral enhancer. Secondary effects, including altered sensitivity to glutamate and GABA and reduced outward K(+) currents, were duplicated by culturing GFP-infected control neurons in TTX. The striking similarity of the phenotypes makes NRSF potentially useful as a genetic "silencer" and also suggests avenues of further exploration that may elucidate the transcription factor's in vivo role in neuronal plasticity.
Rubidium vapor cellwith integrated nonmetallic multilayer reflectors

This paper reports on a method for improving the optical efficiency of micromachined reflectors integrated in rubidium vapor cells. A hybrid bulk micromachining and multilayer thin film process is used to form the reflectors on angled sidewalls, which redirect laser light through the vapor cell and back toward the plane of the source with reduced optical power loss. The optical return efficiency of two paired dielectric reflectors is shown to be improved by as much as eight times over silicon reflectors alone. The D1 absorption line in a one cubic millimeter miniature alkali 87 Kb vapor cell by use of two integrated thin film reflectors is experimentally demonstrated.
The effect of pH on stable iron isotope exchange and fractionation between aqueous Fe(II) and goethite

article Enriched Fe isotope tracer studies demonstrate that aqueous Fe(II) undergoes electron transfer and atom exchange with goethite. Such processes influence contaminant fate and trace-element mobility, and result in stable Fe isotope fractionation in both biological and abiological processes. To date, the majority of experimental studies of aqueous Fe(II) and Fe oxide interactions have been done at circumneutral pH. The effect of pH variations on the rate and ex- tent of Fe isotope exchange between aqueous Fe(II) and iron oxide minerals, as well as the natural mass-dependent fractionation between these species, has not been adequately explored. Here, the three-isotope method ( 57 Fe- 56 Fe- 54 Fe), using an enriched 57 Fe tracer, was used to investigate the effect of pH (between 2.5 and 7.5) on therateandextentofisotopicexchange. 56 Fe/ 54 Fe ratioswere used to determine the natural, mass-dependent stable
Nonlinear modeling of physiological systems with multiple inputs

Effective modeling of nonlinear dynamic systems can be achieved by employing Laguerre expansions and feedforward artificial neural networks in the form of the Laguerre-Volterra network (LVN). In this paper an extension of the LVN methodology to multiple-input systems is presented. Results from simulated systems show that this method can yield accurate nonlinear models of multiple-input Volterra systems, even when considerable noise is present.
After the Crisis: Institutional Innovation and the Alternative Futures of American Finance

The worldwide financial and economic crisis of 2007-2009 and the subsequent slump in much of the world provide an opportunity to rethink the nature of finance and its relation to the real economy. Because any reshaping of this relation requires a revision of institutional arrangements established in law, it provides an opportunity for legal analysis to contribute to the project of institutional innovation. This piece addresses the role of finance in the crisis, in the economic downturn that followed it, and in the ongoing debates about how finance should now be regulated. It deals with these issues and events in the American center of the crisis. The reinterpretation of American experiences and prospects in this area exemplifies a more general approach both to finance and to comparative law. A major element in the American genealogy of the crisis was the partial hollowing out of institutional arrangements, especially with regard to banks and to the mortgage market, that were established during the New Deal period. To redress present problems it is no longer enough to re-regulate finance in the New Deal spirit. It is necessary to innovate in the arrangements governing the relation of finance to the real economy. The innovations should be oriented to two goals: to place finance more effectively at the service of the real economy in general and of production in particular and to contribute to a broadening of economic opportunity – socially inclusive economic growth. At every point along the way, both for the understanding of what has happened and for the proposal of alternatives, legal detail is crucial. The piece seeks to exemplify a practice of national and comparative legal analysis useful to the execution of this task. KEYWORDS: Financial crisis, contagion, financial regulation and reform, Dodd-Frank, resolution authority, institutions, institutional change, globalization, development, comparative law, law and finance, structural transformation.
Pressures in Cat Mesenteric Arterioles and Capillaries during Changes in Systemic Arterial Blood Pressure

An interpretive model of the myogenic autoregulatory response of cat mesenteric arterioles has appeared in the literature; it describes arteriolar dimensional changes during changes in mean systemic arterial blood pressure in terms of tension-radius diagrams (Laplace relationship). The original model assumes that arteriolar pressure is a simple, linear function of systemic blood pressure and that arteriolar pressure is always 40% of systemic blood pressure. The purpose of the present study was to test the validity of these assumptions. Using the isolated, autoperfused mesentery of 14 cats, direct, simultaneous measurements of diameter and pressure were made in microvessels during changes in systemic blood pressure. Diameters and micropressures were recorded with a video filar micrometer system and a servonull transducer, respectively. Control microvascular pressure, dimensional distributions, and stress distributions were established when systemic blood pressure was set at 100 ± 10 (SD) mm Hg. Three regions of the arteriolar vasculature were defined and identified for study in terms of these control states. Pressures in the arteriolar regions were a linear function of systemic blood pressure, thus confirming the validity of the previous assumption. Capillary pressures tended not to follow this pattern; pressure in five of eight capillaries sampled was relatively independent of changes in systemic blood pressure between 100 and 40 mm Hg. The apparent constancy of capillary pressure during changes in systemic blood pressure was examined in terms of the modular arrangement of mesenteric microvessels and resistance changes, and the question of physiological regulation of capillary pressure was considered. Data are presented to suggest that a constant capillary pressure in mesentery during changes in systemic blood pressure is primarily the consequence of the vascular geometry peculiar to this tissue.
An architecture for constructing self-evolving software systems

1. ABSTRACT This paper proposes an architecture for "closing the feedback loop" over the entire software evolution process and enabling the construction of self-evolving software systems. Self-evolving software systems are capable of automatically detecting when changing external circumstances or internal conditions can be better handled by alternate software modules and able to dynamically swap these modules into place. Our approach integrates results of recent work in software architecture and dynamic reconfiguration. Furthermore, it introduces the novel concept of an evolution engine, which sits alongside a running application, oversees its execution and automatically decides when and how to evolve it. The evolution engine relies on models of the current and alternative system configurations as well as on a generic base of reusable knowledge about software exceptions. 1.1
Metagenomic insights into evolution of a heavy metal-contaminated groundwater microbial community

Understanding adaptation of biological communities to environmental change is a central issue in ecology and evolution. Metagenomic analysis of a stressed groundwater microbial community reveals that prolonged exposure to high concentrations of heavy metals, nitric acid and organic solvents ( approximately 50 years) has resulted in a massive decrease in species and allelic diversity as well as a significant loss of metabolic diversity. Although the surviving microbial community possesses all metabolic pathways necessary for survival and growth in such an extreme environment, its structure is very simple, primarily composed of clonal denitrifying gamma- and beta-proteobacterial populations. The resulting community is overabundant in key genes conferring resistance to specific stresses including nitrate, heavy metals and acetone. Evolutionary analysis indicates that lateral gene transfer could have a key function in rapid response and adaptation to environmental contamination. The results presented in this study have important implications in understanding, assessing and predicting the impacts of human-induced activities on microbial communities ranging from human health to agriculture to environmental management, and their responses to environmental changes.
A 32 tap digitally controlled programmable transversal filter using LSI GaAs ICs (and SAW delay line)

A digitally controlled programmable transversal filter (DCPTF) is described that uses a LiNbO/sub 3/ surface-acoustic-wave (SAW) delay line and two GaAs large-scale-integrated (LSI) circuits to control magnitude and sign of the 32 tap weights. A radio-frequency (RF) signal is applied to an input transducer, which generates a surface acoustic wave that propagates down the LiNbO/sub 3/ substrate to an array of output electrodes. Each output electrode detects the electrical signal associated with the acoustic wave. Because of the delay between output electrodes, each electric signal is a delayed copy of the original output. The signal then flows into the RF tap-weighting-amplifier input. The amplifier outputs of each phase are connected to their respective summing buses. Negative tap weights are generated with an external 180 degrees hybrid. The DCPTF constitutes a significant reduction in size over previously reported PTFs with little sacrifice in performance. The filter is completely programmable and is constrained only by the bandwidth (100 MHz centered at 300 MHz) and the number of taps. >
Group desensitization of test anxiety.

Following an orientation session in which test-anxious students were instructed in the theory and method of desensitization, 18 ISU undergraduates applied for a desensitization and counseling program for test-taking anxiety. All students committed themselves to attend 7 weekly meetings and to practice daily the relaxation exercises at home. Nine of these 18 subjects were assigned to the treatment group and 9 to the wait-list control group on the basis of a free class hour at program time. Treatment consisted of 7 desensitization and counseling sessions. The treatment and control groups did not differ significantly in initial Grade Point Average or scores on the A.C.T. Test. Both groups improved their G.P.A. in the program quarter but only the treatment group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement (p< 0.05). It is concluded that counseling and group desensitization in this 7-session model is an effective and efficient technique to modify anxiety responses to test taking situations.
On the Hardness of Minimum Cost Blocking Attacks on Multi-Path Wireless Routing Protocols

This paper demonstrates the provable superiority of multi-path routing protocols over other conventional protocols in Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) against blocking, node- isolation and network-partitioning type-attacks. Though the underlying network model is of a WMN with mobile nodes, the results in this paper are equally applicable to other types of wireless data networks. The adversarial objective is to isolate a subset of network nodes through minimal cost optimal blocking of certain number of paths in the network (or partitioning the network). If less than a certain threshold of traffic from such node(s) reaches the routers, the adversary is successful. Two scenarios viz. (a) low mobility for network nodes, and (b) high degree of node mobility, are evaluated. Scenario (a) is proven to be NP-hard and scenario (b) is proven to be #P-hard for the adversary to achieve the goal. Further, several approximation algorithms are presented which show that even in the best case scenario it is at least exponentially hard for the adversary to optimally succeed in such blocking-type attacks. Simulations verify the results and demonstrate the robustness of multi-path protocols against such attacks. The objective of this paper is to study the performance and feasibility of multi-path wireless protocols over conventional single-path protocols from a security angle. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper to theoretically evaluate the attack-resiliency and performance of multi-path protocols with network node mobility.
Recent advances in flow-based sample pretreatment for the determination of metal species by atomic spectrometry

During the last few years, various flow-based separation/preconcentration methodologies have gained pertinent novel advances and exhibited powerful capability in the field of sample pretreatment and their hyphenation with detection by atomic spectrometry. The present mini-review presents and discusses the progress of flow-based sample processing approaches commonly used for the assay of trace elemental species with detection by atomic spectrometry, including preliminary sample pretreatment, solid phase extraction (including solid phase microextraction), liquid-liquid extraction, vapor generation and dialysis techniques. Special emphasis has been paid on the novel applications and analytical procedures hyphenated with atomic spectrometry. The future perspectives of flow-based sample pretreatment protocols in the determination of trace elements and their speciation are also discussed.
Panel Data Discrete Choice Models with Lagged Dependent Variables

In this paper, we consider identification and estimation in panel data discrete choice models when the explanatory variable set includes strictly exogenous variables, lags of the endogenous dependent variable as well as unobservable individual-specific effects. For the binary logit model with the dependent variable lagged only once, Chamberlain (1993) gave conditions under which the model is not identified. We present a stronger set of conditions under which the parameters of the model are identified. The identification result suggests estimators of the model, and we show that these are consistent and asymptotically normal, although their rate of convergence is slower than the inverse of the square root of the sample size. We also consider identification in the semiparametric case where the logit assumption is relaxed. We propose an estimator in the spirit of the conditional maximum score estimator (Manski (1987)) and we show that it is consistent. In addition, we discuss an extension of the identification result to multinomial discrete choice models, and to the case where the dependent variable is lagged twice. Finally, we present some Monte Carlo evidence on the small sample performance of the proposed estimators for the binary response model.
Gunnison Sage‐Grouse Use of Conservation Reserve Program Fields in Utah and Response to Emergency Grazing: A Preliminary Evaluation

Little information is available on the use of areas enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) by Gunnison sage-grouse (Centrocercus minimus) or the impacts of grazing on their habitat selection and movement patterns. Using radiotelemetry, we monitored 13 Gunnison sage-grouse in San Juan County, Utah, USA during 2001–2002 to determine their use of CRP. Additionally, in 2002 some of the CRP land used by the birds in 2001 was grazed under a drought emergency declaration. This afforded us an opportunity to monitor their response to livestock grazing. Although Gunnison sage-grouse used CRP for nesting, brood-rearing, and summer habitat, it was not selected in greater proportion than its availability (P ≤ 0.10) on the landscape. Bird-use sites in the CRP did not entirely meet habitat guidelines recommended by the Gunnison sage-grouse Rangewide Steering Committee (2005). Most of the sage-grouse we monitored avoided CRP fields when livestock were present. The one exception to this was a hen with a brood. We believe long-term maintenance of CRP in San Juan County will result in achieving habitat conditions that are more desirable for Gunnison sage-grouse. Future livestock management practices in areas used by Gunnison sage-grouse should incorporate short-term, high-intensity deferred-grazing rotations.
Applications and Future Work

Computed multimedia synchronization and multiple media correlation are new areas of research in multimedia data analysis. As such, the applications and solutions presented in this book are the Genesis of this new research area. This chapter describes many potential applications for multiple media technologies, as well as possibilities for core research in multiple media analysis and computed synchronization. This chapter is representative of planned future work in this field. Some of these applications are already in preliminary development at the DEVLAB and the Michigan State University Media and Entertainment Technologies Laboratory (METLAB), while others represent future research areas proposed or planned.
Serum transaminase as a measure of myocardial necrosis.

SummaryMyocardial necrosis in humans was accompanied in over 90% of the cases studied by elevation of the serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase. Serum adenosine triphosphatase and serum lipoprotein lipase were not elevated. Within 36 hours after myocardial infarction the transaminase levels rose to 2-10 times normal and usually returned to normal within 5 days. The myocardial ischemia of angina pectoris was not accompanied by any elevation of transaminase levels.
Vascular considerations in postchemotherapy. Retroperitoneal lymph-node dissection: Part II.

A total of 710 patients underwent postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph-node dissection (RPLND) from 1965 to 1992. Ten patients, all with bulky disease, required aortic replacement either postoperatively (n=3) or during RPLND (n=7). The principal risk factor for aortic rupture after RPLND was an extended subadventitial aortic dissection made necessary by tumor fixation. Also, duodenal enterotomy or extensive violation of the bowel serosa was a further risk for aortoenteric fistula. Prospective aortic grafting may be indicated in the presence of these risk factors. In our four elective cases, there was no further vascular or bowel complication. Omental interposition further protects against fistula formation. Although rarely indicated except under the most extenuating circumstances, the exposure requirements of RPLND permit aortic grafting as a relatively straightforward procedure that is feasible and well tolerated in this small subset of patients.
Parents’ defense of their children’s right to education: Resistance experiences against public school closings in Chile

This is a semi-ethnographic study of three schools that were closed in a marginal community in Santiago, Chile. The school closing process was violent with many social and psychological negative co...
The impact of family roles on employee’s attitudes and behaviors

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine two important family roles, financial and caregiver, and their impact on four relevant outcome variables: absenteeism, partial absences, employee performance, and life satisfaction; they also explore the intervening impact of core self-evaluations (CSE) among these relationships. Design/methodology/approach – Data are collected using a questionnaire and actual employee performance data. Hypotheses were assessed in a structural model using LISREL. Findings – The results demonstrate the impact of family roles on important outcomes, such as absenteeism and life satisfaction, as well as limited support of the moderating impact of CSE. Further, life satisfaction was significantly impacted by family roles and influenced job performance. Research limitations/implications – Although the measures were self-reported, actual job performance data were collected from company records; such a design should limit the risk of common method variance (Podsakoff et al., 2003)...
Upstream Regulation of Mycotoxin Biosynthesis

Mycotoxins are natural contaminants of food and feed products, posing a substantial health risk to humans and animals throughout the world. A plethora of filamentous fungi has been identified as mycotoxin producers and most of these fungal species belong to the genera Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium. A number of studies have been conducted to better understand the molecular mechanisms of biosynthesis of key mycotoxins and the regulatory cascades controlling toxigenesis. In many cases, the mycotoxin biosynthetic genes are clustered and regulated by one or more pathway-specific transcription factor(s). In addition, as biosynthesis of many secondary metabolites is coordinated with fungal growth and development, there are a number of upstream regulators affecting biosynthesis of mycotoxins in fungi. This review presents a concise summary of the regulation of mycotoxin biosynthesis, focusing on the roles of the upstream regulatory elements governing biosynthesis of aflatoxin and sterigmatocystin in Aspergillus.
General Concepts of Modern HF Communications

For the military in many nations, if not in all nations, HF is a primary means of communications rather than a backup. In some countries no other communication techniques are contemplated for such services as ship to shore or aircraft to ground over distances beyond line of site. The vulnerability of satellites makes nations consider HF communications as a primary military communication medium even when satellites are part of their military operations. For HF communications, the basic advances are in equipment development, in the concept of Real Time Channel Evaluation, and in the coding and error correction methods incorporated in developed and developing modems. In order to outline the concepts of modern HF communications, the Electromagnetic Wave Propagation Panel of AGARD/NATO developed a lecture series on this subject. Propagation advances, error correction methods, and equipment advances as illustrated by material from the lecturers in this unclassified series will be outlined.
Evaluation of the Home Environment Assessment for the Visually Impaired (HEAVI): an instrument designed to quantify fall-related hazards in the visually impaired

To (1) develop and refine the Home Environment Assessment for the Visually Impaired (HEAVI), and (2) determine the interrater reliability of this instrument, which was designed to quantify the number of fall-related hazards in the homes of individuals with visual impairment. Twenty homes of community-dwelling adults were included in this study. Each home was graded by an occupational therapist (OT) and two non-expert (NE) graders. Seventy-three HEAVI items were evaluated in eight rooms, for a total of 185 potential hazards per home (some items were assessed in multiple rooms). Pairwise and three-way agreement between graders was evaluated at the item, room, and home level using Krippendorff’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Additionally, the most hazardous home locations and items were determined by comparing the mean and standard deviation of the number of hazards by room and grader. Of the 73 items, 45 (62%) demonstrated at least moderate agreement overall and for each OT/NE pair (Krippendorff’s alpha >0.4), and remained in the final instrument (a total of 119 potential hazards per home as some items were assessed in multiple rooms). Of these 119 potential hazards, an average of 35.7, 33.2, and 33.3 hazards per home were identified by the OT and NE graders, respectively. Moderate to almost perfect agreement on the number of hazards per home and number of hazards per room, except the dining room, was found (ICCs of 0.58 to 0.93). Bathroom items were most often classified as hazards (>40% of items for all graders). The item classes most commonly graded as hazardous were handrails and lighting (>30% of items). Our results indicate that NE graders can accurately administer the HEAVI tool to identify fall-related hazards. Items in the bathroom and those related to handrails and lighting were most often identified as hazards, making these areas and items important targets for interventions when addressing falls.
Fitting in or Standing out? A Conflict of Belonging and Identity in Intercultural Polite Talk at Work

This study analyzes how American interns in Japanese companies use Japanese addressee honorifics to assimilate to new cultural and professional settings. Data are drawn from recorded interactions of interns’ regular work activities and are supplemented with follow-up interviews. The analysis uses Interactional Sociolinguistics to link micro-level discursive practices revealed in records of interaction to macro-level ideologies revealed in interviews. Results suggest that interns use honorifics to conform to ideological beliefs regarding politeness and formality in Japanese companies. However, the analysis also reveals that such attempts to establish social belonging may become the very means by which an intern’s foreign or outsider position is brought to the foreground. This happens as (i) overgeneralized ideologies lead to unnatural use of honorifics, (ii) appropriate use of honorifics triggers an ‘other-ing’ response from interlocutors, and (iii) interns use honorifics ironically to resist marginalization. This research contributes to an understanding of how foreigners establishing belonging in international workplaces, contending that belonging emerges in gradients, assimilation does not require ‘native-like’ speech, and attempts at conformity may be counterproductive.
Cardiovascular disease: Innovations in devices and techniques

Innovations are dominating the early part of the 21st century and the impact on cardiovascular medicine has been especially remarkable. Keeping up and evaluating the relevance of these innovations and the role in patient care is a constant challenge and opportunity for providers and scientists alike