cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Full length article: A Resiliency-Connectivity metric in wireless sensor networks with key predistribution schemes and node compromise attacks

Applications for wireless sensor networks require widespread, highly reliable communications even in the face of adversarial influences. Maintaining connectivity and secure communications between entities are vital networking properties towards ensuring the successful and accurate completion of desired sensing tasks. We examine the required communication range for nodes in a wireless sensor network with respect to several parameters. Network properties such as key predistribution schemes and node compromise attacks are modelled with several network parameters and studied in terms of how they influence global network connectivity. These networks are physically vulnerable to malicious behavior by way of node compromise attacks that may affect global connectivity. We introduce a metric that determines the resilience of a network employing a key predistribution scheme with respect to node compromise attacks. In this work,we provide the first study of global network connectivity and its relationship to node compromise attacks. Existing work considers the relationship between the probability of node compromise and the probability of link compromise and the relationship of the probability of secure link establishment and overall network connectivity for the Erdos network model. Here, we present novel work which combines these two relationships to study the relationship between node compromise attacks and global network connectivity. Our analysis is performed with regard to large-scale networks; however, we provide simulation results for both large-scale and small-scale networks. First, we derive a single expression to determine the required communication radius for wireless sensor networks to include the effects of key predistribution schemes. From this, we derive an expression for determining required communication range after an adversary has compromised a fraction of the nodes in the network. The required communication range represents the resource usage of nodes in a network to cope with key distribution schemes and node compromise attacks. We introduce the Resiliency-Connectivity metric, which measures the resilience of a network in expending its resources to provide global connectivity in adverse situations.
Trapped Ar isotopes in meteorite ALH 84001 indicate Mars did not have a thick ancient atmosphere

Abstract Water is not currently stable in liquid form on the martian surface due to the present mean atmospheric pressure of ∼7 mbar and mean global temperature of ∼220 K. However, geomorphic features and hydrated mineral assemblages suggest that Mars’ climate was once warmer and liquid water flowed on the surface. These observations may indicate a substantially more massive atmosphere in the past, but there have been few observational constraints on paleoatmospheric pressures. Here we show how the 40Ar/36Ar ratios of trapped gases within martian meteorite ALH 84001 constrain paleoatmospheric pressure on Mars during the Noachian era [∼4.56–3.8 billion years (Ga)]. Our model indicates that atmospheric pressures did not exceed ∼1.5 bar during the first 400 million years (Ma) of the Noachian era, and were
Aquitard contaminant storage and flux resulting from dense nonaqueous phase liquid source zone dissolution and remediation

[1] A one-dimensional diffusion model was used to investigate the effects of dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) source zone dissolution and remediation on the storage and release of contaminants from aquitards. Source zone dissolution was represented by a power law source depletion model, which served as a time variable boundary condition to the diffusion equation used to describe mass transport in the aquitard. Two key variables were used to assess source zone dissolution behavior on aquitard mass storage and release: the power law exponential term Γ, which reflects the influence of the source zone architecture, and a new variable defined herein as the source to aquitard mass transfer coefficient β, which reflects the influences of both the source characteristics and the aquitard media properties. As Γ increased or as β increased because of more rapid source dissolution, the aquitard concentrations, depth of penetration, and long-term back-diffusion flux decreased. However, when β increased because of increased sorption, concentrations and back diffusion increased but penetration decreased. The duration of aquitard mass loading was found to be significantly less than the duration of mass release. Moreover, the mass per unit area stored in the aquitard was 3 or more orders of magnitude less than the initial DNAPL source zone mass per unit area, and the back diffusion flux from the aquitard was typically 4 or more orders of magnitude less than the initial source zone flux. Additionally, the effects of partial source zone remediation were investigated, and the results suggest that source remediation can have a favorable effect on long-term back-diffusion risk.
The Superpowers and International Institutions

some cases (e.g., the United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea and UNESCO) renounced-its interest in international institutions, the U.S.S.R. has recently shown a new enthusiasm for the UN itself, its peacekeeping operations,1 and its agencies. The Soviets asked the General Assembly for three consecutive years to consider its proposal for creating a "comprehensive system of international peace and security." Overall, shifts in Soviet UN policies are "... evident in such diverse places as Afghanistan; Angola; Lebanon; the Persian Gulf; the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT); the International Atomic Energy Agency; [and] UNESCO . . . "(Luck and Gati 1988: 19).2 In order to develop ways of solving the puzzle of differing trends in superpower actions and outlooks, this paper explores various indicators of U.S. and Soviet attitudes toward international institutions. It should be noted at the outset that the data sets which I use to examine
Method and device for intraoperative imaging of lumpectomy specimens to provide feedback to breast surgeon for prompt re-excision during the same procedure

Breast conserving therapy (BCT) of breast cancer is now widely accepted due to improved cosmetic outcome and improved patients’ quality of life. One of the critical issues in performing breast-conserving surgery is trying to achieve microscopically clear surgical margins while maintaining excellent cosmesis. Unfortunately, unacceptably close or positive surgical margins occur in at least 20-25% of all patients undergoing BCT requiring repeat surgical excision days or weeks later, as permanent histopathology routinely takes days to complete. Our aim is to develop a better method for intraoperative imaging of non-palpable breast malignancies excised by wire or needle localization. Providing non-deformed three dimensional imaging of the excised breast tissue should allow more accurate assessment of tumor margins and consequently allow further excision at the time of initial surgery thus limiting the enormous financial and emotional burden of additional surgery. We have designed and constructed a device that allows preservation of the excised breast tissue in its natural anatomic position relative to the breast as it is imaged to assess adequate excision. We performed initial tests with needle-guided lumpectomy specimens using micro-CT and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). Our device consists of a plastic sphere inside a cylindrical holder. The surgeon inserts a freshly excised piece of breast tissue into the sphere and matches its anatomic orientation with the fiducial markers on the sphere. A custom-shaped foam is placed inside the sphere to prevent specimen deformation due to gravity. DBT followed by micro-CT images of the specimen were obtained. We confirmed that our device preserved spatial orientation of the excised breast tissue and that the location error was lower than 10mm and 10 degrees. The initial obtained results indicate that breast lesions containing microcalcifications allow a good 3D imaging of margins providing immediate intraoperative feedback for further excision as needed at the initial operation.
Eikonal theory and computer algebra II

I show how computer algebra can be used to turn the study of aberrations from a thorny branch of lens theory into a practical design tool. After a discussion of the underlying mathematics two applications are shown: the well-known problem of a lens used at different magnifications and the analysis of an unusual afocal element.
Tensile Properties and Plane-Stress Fracture Toughness of Thin Film Aerospace Adhesives

Abstract Tensile and Mode I plane-stress fracture toughness tests were performed at room temperature on three film-type aerospace adhesives, two epoxies and one polyimide. Specimens were cut from cured sheets. Tensile modulus, strength, failure strain, and fracture toughness values were obtained for supported versions of the epoxy films which contained a non-woven carrier (“scrim”) cloth and for the polyimide which contained a woven carrier cloth. The same tensile and fracture properties were obtained for unsupported versions of the epoxies and for the supported polyimide subjected to thermal cycling or isothermal exposure. The polyimide adhesive displayed a higher tensile strength and fracture toughness than the epoxy adhesives. Isothermal exposure for 5,000 hours to a hot/wet (71°C [160°F], > 90% relative humidity [rh]) environment was the most detrimental condition for all of the adhesives. The presence of a scrim cloth reduced many of the tensile and fracture properties of the epoxy adhesives.
MEK-ERK Signaling Is Involved in Interferon-γ-induced Death of Oligodendroglial Progenitor Cells

Oligodendrocytes are exposed to various cytokines in inflammatory lesions in the central nervous system. In this study, we focused on the direct effects of interferon-γ (IFNG) on highly purified rat oligodendroglial cultures at different developmental stages. Among the three stages tested, IFNG had direct cytotoxic effects on actively proliferating oligodendrocyte progenitors but much less on immature oligodendrocytes and none on mature oligodendrocytes. This stage-specific susceptibility of progenitors to IFNG-induced cytotoxicity consisted of two components, delay in the G1/S transition of the cell cycle and increased cell death at least partly mediated by apoptosis, suggesting that progression of the cell cycle was tightly linked to this toxic mechanism. There was no functional difference in the signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) pathways between progenitors and mature oligodendrocytes as determined by induction of IRF1 mRNA in response to IFNG. We found that partial inhibition of the MEK-ERK pathway, one of the mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorelay modules, by U0126 partially reversed the IFNG-induced cytotoxicity in progenitors. In addition, ERK activity was quickly down-regulated after in vitro differentiation of progenitors to immature oligodendrocytes. Therefore, we concluded that simultaneous activation of the STAT pathway by IFNG and of the ERK pathway by exogenous trophic factors played a role in the stage-specific IFNG-induced cytotoxicity in oligodendroglial progenitors. Our study has implications with respect to the mechanisms of periventricular leukomalacia in infants and of persistent demyelination in multiple sclerosis lesions in adults.
Shadow Prices of Missouri Public Conservation Land

The directional distance function provides a complete characterization of the production technology and, when differentiable, can be used to derive shadow prices for nonmarket outputs. A quadratic ...
A review of calculations of the resistive internal m = 1 mode in Tokamaks

Abstract A review of the history of numerical calculations of the m = 1 resistive internal kink is presented. A discussion of the difficulties facing the computational physicist in doing these calculations and how these difficulties have been overcome is also given. In addition, reasons for renewed interest and recent results in this field are presented.
A Screening Model to Predict Microalgae Biomass Growth in Photobioreactors and Raceway Ponds

A microalgae biomass growth model was de- veloped for screening novel strains for their potential to exhibit high biomass productivities under nutrient-replete conditions in photobioreactors or outdoor ponds. Growth is modeled by first estimating the light attenuation by biomass according to Beer-Lambert's Law, and then calculating the specific growth rate in discretized culture volume slices that receive declining light intensities due to attenuation. The model uses only two physical and two species-specific biological input parameters, all of which are relatively easy to determine: incident light intensity, culture depth, as well as the biomass light absorption coefficient and the specific growth rate as a function of light intensity. Roux bottle culture experiments were performed with Nanno- chloropsis salina at constant temperature (238C) at six different incident light intensities (10, 25, 50, 100, 250, and 850 mmol/m 2 s) to determine both the specific growth rate under non-shading conditions and the biomass light absorption coefficient as a function of light intensity. The model was successful in predicting the biomass growth rate in these Roux bottle batch cultures during the light-limited linear phase at different incident light intensities. Model predictions were moderately sensitive to minor variations in the values of input parameters. The model was also success- ful in predicting the growth performance of Chlorella sp. cultured in LED-lighted 800 L raceway ponds operated in batch mode at constant temperature (308C) and constant light intensity (1,650 mmol/m 2 s). Measurements of oxygen concentrations as a function of time demonstrated that following exposure to darkness, it takes at least 5 s for cells to initiate dark respiration. As a result, biomass loss due to dark respiration in the aphotic zone of a culture is unlikely to occur in highly mixed small-scale photobioreactors where cells move rapidly in and out of the light. By contrast, as supported also by the growth model, biomass loss due to dark respiration occurs in the dark zones of the relatively less well-mixed pond cultures. In addition to screening novel microalgae strains for high biomass productivities, the model can also be used for optimizing the pond design and operation. Additional research is needed to validate the biomass growth model for other microalgae species and for the more realistic case of fluctuating temperatures and light intensities observed in outdoor pond cultures. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013;110: 1583-1594.
Update in Wound Healing in Facial Plastic Surgery

Many advances in wound healing have relevance to facial plastic surgery. We briefly highlight some of these advances, including new biological and synthetic products and other potential technologies to improve wound healing, as well as the literature describing them.
Scattered energy at the Starfire Optical Range 3.5-m adaptive optic telescope

In order to image faint stellar companions from the ground, high resolution adaptive optics (AO) is needed to correct atmospheric seeing. The 3.5m AO system at the Starfire Optical Range (SOR) was used to confirm theoretical models of scattered light. Halo levels were reduced by a 50 percent at 0.5 inch, which, when combined with the increased Strehl ratio, improved the gain by a factor of 23. Speckle lifetimes ranged form 20 ms at 0.1 inch to 4 ms at 0.4 inch, much longer than the 0.7 ms correction time. These results show good agreement with predictions for current technology and reveal no limitations in principle to detection of exo- solar planets using AO systems with higher speed and resolution.
Hsp90 Inhibitors Exhibit Resistance-Free Antiviral Activity against Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of respiratory illness in young children, leading to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite its medical importance, no vaccine or effective therapeutic interventions are currently available. Therefore, there is a pressing need to identify novel antiviral drugs to combat RSV infections. Hsp90, a cellular protein-folding factor, has been shown to play an important role in the replication of numerous viruses. We here demonstrate that RSV requires Hsp90 for replication. Mechanistic studies reveal that inhibition of Hsp90 during RSV infection leads to the degradation of a viral protein similar in size to the RSV L protein, the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, implicating it as an Hsp90 client protein. Accordingly, Hsp90 inhibitors exhibit antiviral activity against laboratory and clinical isolates of RSV in both immortalized as well as primary differentiated airway epithelial cells. Interestingly, we find a high barrier to the emergence of drug resistance to Hsp90 inhibitors, as extensive growth of RSV under conditions of Hsp90 inhibition did not yield mutants with reduced sensitivity to these drugs. Our results suggest that Hsp90 inhibitors may present attractive antiviral therapeutics for treatment of RSV infections and highlight the potential of chaperone inhibitors as antivirals exhibiting high barriers to development of drug resistance.
Starting a novice breeding stallion

The manner in which a stallion is initially introduced to breeding can have long-lasting effects on his breeding behavior, with implications for safety, and breeding efficiency of the horse. So successfully starting a novice stallion in an organized positive manner has become a typically satisfying challenge for our team. This how-to paper details what we at our veterinary school stallion referral clinic believe to be key handling concepts, facilities, equipment, personnel, training schedule and goals for getting novice breeders off to a good start. Also included is the specific breeding shed protocol that is used routinely at our stallion referral clinic for natural service or semen collection, as an example of one method that has worked well with all types of stallions in a teaching environment that involves new student handlers with a variety of levels of skill and experience.
A simpler procedure to study sodium-22 uptake (ouabain insensitive) in human erythrocytes.

Abstract We report a modification of the technique of Mahoney et al. (Blood 1982 ; 59: 439) for the determination of sodium-22 (22Na+) uptake in human erythrocytes. This modification facilitates the separation of 22Na+ taken up by erythrocytes from the free 22Na+ in the buffer by the addition of dibutyl phthalate, which forms an immiscible layer between the two. To further improve the sensitivity of 22Na+ uptake, we incubated a range of known numbers of erythrocytes with 22Na+ as opposed to the single cell suspension of known hematocrit used in Mahoney's et al. procedure (1). Erythrocytes are incubated in KCl buffer containing 2627 Bq (0.071 μCi) 22Na+ in a total volume of 0.5 mL for 0.5 h at 37°C. Incubation is terminated by placing the tubes in ice for 10 min and the amount of 22Na+ taken up by the erythrocytes determined. We observe a linear relationship between erythrocyte concentrations (0.5 to 2.5 × 109 cells/mL) and percent uptake of 22Na+ (0.37 ± 0.06 (1 SD) to 1.85 ± 0.27 (1 SD),of the total 22Na+, respectively). The procedure is simple and sensitive, and can be used in clinical laboratories for the routine evaluation of 22Na+ uptake in erythrocytes.
Kinetic interactions of CO, NOx, and HCI emissions in postcombustion gases

Abstract Postflame chemistry is governed largely by moist CO oxidation. During carbon monoxide burnout, trace amounts of many other pollutants formed in and/or surviving through the flame front may be present (e.g., SOx, NOx, HCI, and unburned hydrocarbons). The development of accurate chemical models describing these final stages of pollutant destruction requires evaluating the potential kinetic coupling effects that exist among these components. In the present investigation, the coupling between NO and HCI in a moist CO oxidation bath is considered. Experiments are performed in an atmospheric pressure flow reactor by perturbing the CO/H2O/O2 reaction system with trace amounts of NO and/or HCI for temperatures between 1000 and 1070 K and both stoichiometric (Φ = 1.0) and fuel-lean (Φ = 0.1) mixtures. The experimental results are compared with predictions from a detailed kinetic model and analyzed by gradient sensitivity and reaction flux analyses. While the addition of the individual perturbing agents show accelerating or inhibiting characteristics depending on the equivalence ratio and temperature, the coupling between NO and HCI generates considerable synergistic inhibition of the CO oxidation rate. Thus, accurate predictions of CO burnout in practical systems, where trace quantities of HCI and NOx are present, can be achieved only if these kinetic interactions are considered.
Reversal of H2O and OH- Ligand Field Strength on the Magnetochemical Series Relative to the Spectrochemical Series. Novel 1-equiv Water Chemistry of Iron(III) Tetraphenylporphyrin Complexes

Contrary to expectations based on the spectrochemical series, H2O is found to be a significantly weaker field ligand than OH- in the magnetochemical series ranking of ligand field strengths based on the spin states of iron(III) tetraphenylporphyrin complexes. The preparation and characterization of the [Fe(H2O)(TPP)]+ ion and the spectroscopic identification of Fe(OH)(TPP) have made this assessment possible. These two species were previously thought to be unattainable because of the facile formation of the well-known μ-oxo dimer, (TPP)Fe−O−Fe(TPP). However, the special characteristics of single equivalents of water under high acidity, relevant to metalloenzyme active sites and superacidity, make them accessible in benzene solution. Their 1H NMR β-pyrrole chemical shifts at −43 and +82 ppm indicate admixed-intermediate S = 3/2, 5/2 and high S = 5/2 spin states for the aqua and hydroxo species, respectively. The X-ray crystal structure of the aqua complex has been determined for [Fe(H2O)(TPP)][CB11H6Cl6] an...
The Meeting Selection Process: a Demographic Profile of Attendees Clustered By Criteria Utilized in Selecting Meetings

The objectives of this study were to develop homogeneous groups of meeting or conference attendees based on criteria used to select a meeting and to profile these groups based on their demographic profile. A factor analysis was performed on meeting selection criteria items to determine underlying dimensions. Four factors surfaced: education, leadership, networking and destination attributelrecreationl social. A surrogate variable from each factor was selected to represent the factor in a cluster analysis. Three homogeneous groups emerged from an agglomerative hierarchical clustering procedure. Crosstabulation analysis with demographic vari ables was used to profile the clusters. It was concluded that each homogeneous group of respondents had a distinct demographic profile. The results of the study provided implications for both the attendee and the meeting planner. Meeting planners can provide a more effective meeting if they are aware of what theirtargeted audience finds important.
Long-term Results of a Postoperative Pneumonia Prevention Program for the Inpatient Surgical Ward

Importance Pneumonia is the third most common complication in postoperative patients and is associated with significant morbidity and high cost of care. Prevention has focused primarily on mechanically ventilated patients. This study outlines the results of the longest-running postoperative pneumonia prevention program for nonmechanically ventilated patients, to our knowledge. Objective To present long-term results (2008-2012) of a standardized postoperative ward-acquired pneumonia prevention program introduced in 2007 on the surgical ward of our hospital and compare our postintervention pneumonia rates with those captured in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP). We also estimate the cost savings attributable to the pneumonia prevention program. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective cohort study at a university-affiliated Veterans Affairs hospital of all noncardiac surgical patients with ward-acquired postoperative pneumonia. Intervention A previously described standardized postoperative pneumonia prevention program for patients on the surgical ward. Main Outcome and Measure Ward-acquired postoperative pneumonia. Results Between 2008 and 2012, there were 18 cases of postoperative pneumonia among 4099 at-risk patients hospitalized on the surgical ward, yielding a case rate of 0.44%. This represents a 43.6% decrease from our preintervention rate (0.78%) ( P = .01). The pneumonia rates in all years were lower than the preintervention rate (0.25%, 0.50%, 0.58%, 0.68%, and 0.13% in 2008-2012, respectively). The overall pneumonia rate in ACS-NSQIP was 2.56% (14 033 cases of pneumonia among 547 571 at-risk patients), which is 582% higher than the postintervention rate at our ward. Using a national average of $46 400 in attributable health care cost of postoperative pneumonia and a benchmark of a 43.6% decrease in pneumonia rate achieved at our facility over the 5-year study period, a similar percentage of decrease in pneumonia occurrence at ACS-NSQIP hospitals would represent approximately 6118 prevented pneumonia cases and a cost savings of more than $280 million. Conclusions and Relevance The standardized pneumonia prevention program achieved substantial and sustained reduction in postoperative pneumonia incidence on our surgical ward; its wider adoption could improve postoperative outcomes and reduce overall health care costs.
Acquisition of cocaine self-administration after social stress: role of accumbens dopamine

Exposure to either aversive or rewarding environmental stimuli increases extracellular dopamine (DA) concentrations in terminal areas of the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system. Furthermore, behavioral reactivity to an environmental stressor has been shown to correlate with latency to initiate self-administration of psychomotor stimulant drugs. The present study examined the behavioral and dopaminergic responses of rats to social defeat stress and compared latencies to initiate cocaine self-administration in defeated and non-defeated rats. In vivo microdialysis was used to examine the effects of social defeat stress on DA concentrations in nucleus accumbens of freely-moving rats. During the experimental session, dialysate and video recording samples were collected from previously-defeated and non-defeated "intruder" rats in consecutive phases, while (1) in the home cage, (2) when placed in the empty, soiled cage of a resident rat which had previously defeated them, and (3) when exposed to threat of defeat by the resident. Immediately following threat of defeat, previously-defeated and non-defeated intruders were given the opportunity to self-administer cocaine IV. When exposed to the olfactory cues of an aggressive resident, extracellular DA levels in nucleus accumbens increased to approximately 135% of baseline in previously defeated rats versus 125% of baseline in non-defeated rats. When exposed to social threat by the resident, DA levels further increased to 145% of baseline in previously defeated rats versus 120% in non-defeated rats. Previously defeated rats acquired cocaine self-administration in approximately half the time of non-defeated rats, consistent with the hypothesis that prior stress exposure may induce a cross-sensitization to the rewarding effects of cocaine. These results are consistent with the idea that exposure to stress may induce changes in central dopaminergic activity, which may render an individual more vulnerable to acquiring psychomotor stimulant self-administration.
Nonlinear dynamic analysis of space trusses

Abstract A computational procedure is presented for predicting the dynamic response of space trusses with both geometric and material nonlinearities. A mixed formulation is used with the fundamental unknowns consisting of member forces, nodal velocities and nodal displacements. The governing equations consist of a mixed system of algebraic and differential equations. The temporal integration of the differential equations is performed by using an explicit half-station leap-frog method. The advantages of the proposed computational procedure over explicit methods used with the displacement formulation are discussed. The high accuracy of the procedure is demonstrated by means of numerical examples of plane and space trusses. The constitutive relations in these examples are assumed, for convenience, to be represented by the Ramberg-Osgood polynomials. Comparison is also made with solutions obtained by using implicit multistep temporal integration schemes.
New insights and perspectives on intrarenal renin-angiotensin system: focus on intracrine/intracellular angiotensin II.

Abstract Although renin, the rate-limiting enzyme of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), was first discovered by Robert Tigerstedt and Bergman more than a century ago, the research on the RAS still remains stronger than ever. The RAS, once considered to be an endocrine system, is now widely recognized as dual (circulating and local/tissue) or multiple hormonal systems (endocrine, paracrine and intracrine). In addition to the classical renin/angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE)/angiotensin II (Ang II)/Ang II receptor (AT1/AT2) axis, the prorenin/(Pro)renin receptor (PRR)/MAP kinase axis, the ACE2/Ang (1–7)/Mas receptor axis, and the Ang IV/AT4/insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP) axis have recently been discovered. Furthermore, the roles of the evolving RAS have been extended far beyond blood pressure control, aldosterone synthesis, and body fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. Indeed, novel actions and underlying signaling mechanisms for each member of the RAS in physiology and diseases are continuously uncovered. However, many challenges still remain in the RAS research field despite of more than one century's research effort. It is expected that the research on the expanded RAS will continue to play a prominent role in cardiovascular, renal and hypertension research. The purpose of this article is to review the progress recently being made in the RAS research, with special emphasis on the local RAS in the kidney and the newly discovered prorenin/PRR/MAP kinase axis, the ACE2/Ang (1–7)/Mas receptor axis, the Ang IV/AT4/IRAP axis, and intracrine/intracellular Ang II. The improved knowledge of the expanded RAS will help us better understand how the classical renin/ACE/Ang II/AT1 receptor axis, extracellular and/or intracellular origin, interacts with other novel RAS axes to regulate blood pressure and cardiovascular and kidney function in both physiological and diseased states.
Modeling and design of interdigital structure

A computer-aided-design-compatible model is described for an interdigital structure in microstrip configuration. The interdigital structure is modeled by using the admittance matrix of the coupled microstrip lines and modified to include the discontinuities and the distributed elements. The model takes into account all the distributed effects of the structure and models them as circuit elements. The equivalent circuit elements of the interdigital structure are computed in closed-form expressions. The results are compared with other models and also with the experimental results. Even though the model does not consider the phase shift along the terminal strip, it is shown to be valid well into the gigahertz range. >
Quality Control Management and Communication Between Radiologists and Technologists

Purpose The greatest barrier to quality control (QC) in the digital imaging environment is the lack of communication and documentation between those who interpret images and those who acquire them. Paper-based QC methods are insufficient in a digital image management system. Problem work flow must be incorporated into reengineering efforts when migrating to a digital practice. The authors implemented a Web-based QC feedback tool to document and facilitate the communication of issues identified by radiologists. The goal was to promote a responsive and constructive tool that contributes to a culture of quality. The hypothesis was that by making it easier for radiologists to submit quality issues, the number of QC issues submitted would increase. Methods The authors integrated their Web-based quality tracking system with a clinical picture archiving and communication system so that radiologists could report quality issues without disrupting clinical work flow. Graphical dashboarding techniques aid supervisors in using this database to identify the root causes of different types of issues. Results Over the initial 12-month rollout period, starting in the general section, the authors recorded 20 times more QC issues submitted by radiologists, accompanied by a rise in technologists' responsiveness to QC issues. For technologists with high numbers of QC issues, the incorporation of data from this tracking system proved useful in performance appraisals and in driving individual improvement. Conclusion This tool is an example of the types of information technology innovations that can be leveraged to support QC in the digital imaging environment. Initial data suggest that the result is not only an improvement in quality but higher levels of satisfaction for both radiologists and technologists.
Quantitative literacy on the Web of Science, 1: The bibliography and its role in the history of this journal

Prior to deciding to propose in 2006 that the National Numeracy Network (NNN) publish a new journal for quantitative literacy with their support, the University of South Florida Libraries investigated the publication environment of the field on the Web of Science. Reproducing part of that study in this paper, we present findings from topic searches (March 2008) for “numeracy,” “quantitative literacy,” and “statistical literacy.” These updated results include a combined bibliography of 338 peer-reviewed articles amongst 210 different journals, by 748 authors from 321 institutions in 25 countries, in a total of 87 subjects (34% of the subject classes in Web of Science). Publication dates indicate exponential growth since 1974, with a doubling time of 4.8 years. Citation patterns argue that the field would benefit from the development of a hub journal. With the exception of citation-connected papers in medicine, health science and public health (21% of the collection), the papers of the bibliography are either completely isolated (54%) on a citation graph or in relatively small, weakly connected clusters. Very few are cited in prominent edited volumes associated with the NNN. In keeping with the concept that this journal will become a hub journal for the field as envisioned by the proposal from the USF Libraries, this paper presents the bibliography as well as a link and guide to an online version of the Histcite citation graph where readers can browse the abstracts.
On the Tradeoff Between Logic Performance and Circuit-to-Pin Ratio for LSI

A key problem in the effective use of large-scale integration is the design and partitioning of computer logic to achieve sufficiently high circuit-to-pin ratios. In this paper a power-law relationship between pins and partitioned circuits is discussed and empirical evidence is presented that implies that the pin requirement is a sensitive function of the performance level of the logic. Two techniques for increasing the circuit-to-pin ratio are discussed. The first is to serialize the interchip transfer of information that results in a degradation in performance of the logic. The second is to encode the information to be transferred so that fewer pins are required but without reducing the performance. The results of experiments using the encoding principle to map a small logic graph onto chips are presented to obtain an indication of the effectiveness of this technique. It is shown that the relationship between circuits and pins when using encoding remains a power law.
Multi-methodology design: an experimental comparison

The paper presents a multi-methodology design process model incorporating multiple design approaches. Design productivity is quantified by measuring effort (time) required for various activities in HDL-based design. An experimental comparison is carried out to measure time required for various activities involved in textual HDL-based design and multi-methodology design. We also discuss factors influencing design productivity in multi-methodology design and merits of using multiple design approaches for integrated system design. It is shown that use of multi-methodology design, with or without design reuse, contributes towards enhanced design productivity achieving time-to-marker savings.
A review of GHRH stimulation test in psychiatry.

Abstract We critically reviewed controlled investigations of the growth hormone relaasing hormone (GHRH) stimulation test in depression, anorexia nervosa, bulimia, panic disorder, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease. Comparisons of GH responsiveness between patients and controls within each diagnostic category were equivocal and in some cases contradictory. Factors that may contribute substantially to the inconsistent findings within diagnostic categories include (1) the variability of GHRH-simulated GH among control groups; (2) the lack of uniformity in test procedures and outcome measures; and (3) the age and gender of subjects. In addition, the individual reproducibility of the GHRH stimulation test has not been adequately investigated and until the test's stability within subjects can be determined, the validity of interpretations resulting from the GHRH simulation test are in question.
Energy conservation: changes in heating practices by Alabama residents

Over one-half of all the energy consumed within the home is used for heating. Any effective campaign to conserve energy must convince consumers of the necessity of changing patterns of behaviour related to heating and improving the energy efficiency of their homes. A telephone survey using a random sample of 445 Alabama households was conducted to determine changes made by consumers in heating practices since the 1973 oil embargo. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and t-tests were used to analyse the data. It was found that the most common change in heating practices made by Alabama residents was to reduce thermostat settings. Other changes included the use of supplementary heat or improvements in building shell efficiency. Supplementary heat was used more frequently by higher income households, by Caucasians, and by households containing young family members. The improvement of building shell efficiency was found to be associated with higher income and Caucasian households.
Combining genetic and genomic approaches to study mood disorders.

Abstract Recent technological advances in genetic manipulations and DNA microarrays are profoundly altering the landscape of biological research, offering opportunities to investigate biological questions that were only dreamed of a few years ago. With this revolution comes the hope of being able to tackle some of the more arduous challenges that the central nervous system has presented to the research community. Specifically, a major goal in the study of neuropsychiatric disorders has been to identify underlying mechanisms of brain dysfunction with the expectation that these insights may allow a better diagnosis, prevention and effective treatments for these disorders. For the most part, treatments of these disorders have relied on serendipitous discovery of pharmacological entities with therapeutic efficacy, while the causes of the disorders have remained unknown. The serotonin system, and the serotonin1A (5-HT1A) receptor in particular, have been under intense investigation, mostly due to the fact that serotonergic drugs that directly or indirectly affect the 5-HT1A receptor, are effective therapeutic agents in treating patients with various neuropsychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depression. Genetic deletion of the receptor in mouse results in increased anxiety, thus supporting an active role for this receptor in mood regulation. However, the analysis of genetic deletion experiments can be confounded by hidden developmental roles of the missing receptor, by adaptive compensatory mechanisms, as well by the fact that the genes or gene products that are responsible for the cellular and molecular aspects of the phenotype may be several steps removed from the genetic intervention. Here, we present a combined methodological approach of tissue specific and conditional genetic manipulations, with large-scale search for altered gene expression, as an experimental framework to investigate the role of genes with complex functions and/or complex expression patterns. The 5-HT1A receptor is used as a model of gene product with complex functions and distributions, and as a prototypical system to which these new genetic approaches are currently being applied.
9. Recorded illustrations of the IPA

The idea of preparing an updated or revised recording that illustrates the symbols or categories of the IPA was first proposed by Ladefoged and Roach (1986). These authors noted (ibid.: 28) that ‘Thanks to John Wells and Susan Ramsaran we already have a cassette recording illustrating the symbols in the current chart.’ Of the many phoneticians who responded to the announcement of the meeting in Kiel, about 25 expressed interest in planning recorded illustrations of the revised alphabet. Acting as coordinator for this activity, I sent out a tentative plan for the illustrations as a starting point for discussion.
Systolic Time Intervals before and after Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation

The effect of cardioversion of atrial fibrillation to normal sinus rhythm on systolic time intervals was evaluated in 18 patients. Variable results in the left ventricular ejection time index, the external isovolumic contraction time (EICT), and the ratio of the left ventricular ejection time over the EICT (LVET/EICT) and shortening of the preejection period (PEP) (P
Elimination of bacteria from dogs with antibiotics

The effect of oral administration of neomycin cephalothin or kanamycin cephalothin on the aerobic intestinal bacterial flora, was studied in dogs maintained under isolation conditions in a conventional animal room. The dogs were successfully freed of aerobic bacteria with both combinations within two to seven days after the start of antibiotic treatment, and were maintained bacteria free for up to 21 days. Decontamination was attained more rapidly in dogs that were bathed in hexachlorophene surgical soap before and during the first and third days of antibiotic treatment. There was no evidence of toxicity from either of the antibiotic combinations. These results indicate that, as with mice and monkeys, decontamination of dogs with oral antibiotics is feasible. The technique is of potential value in preventing endogenous bacterial infections in canine experimental studies involving use of immunosuppressive agents.
Event-related potentials elicited by errors during the stop-signal task. II: human effector-specific error responses

Although previous research with human and nonhuman primates has examined the neural correlates of performance monitoring, discrepancies in methodology have limited our ability to make cross-species generalizations. One major obstacle arises from the use of different behavioral responses and tasks across different primate species. Specifically, it is unknown whether performance-monitoring mechanisms rely on different neural circuitry in tasks requiring oculomotor vs. skeletomotor responses. Here, we show that the human error-related negativity (ERN) elicited by a saccadic eye-movement response relative to a manual response differs in several critical ways. The human saccadic ERN exhibits a prolonged duration, a broader frontomedial voltage distribution, and different neural source estimates than the manual ERN in exactly the same stop-signal task. The human saccadic error positivity (Pe) exhibited a frontomedial voltage distribution with estimated electrical sources in supplementary motor area and rostral anterior cingulate cortex for saccadic responses, whereas the manual Pe showed a posterior scalp distribution and potential origins in the superior parietal lobule. These findings constrain models of the cognitive mechanisms indexed by the ERN/Pe complex. Moreover, by paralleling work with nonhuman primates performing the same saccadic stop-signal task (Godlove et al. 2011), we demonstrate a cross-species homology of error event-related potentials (ERPs) and lay the groundwork for definitively localizing the neural sources of performance-monitoring ERPs.
Why Are Perceptions of Change in the “Eye of the Beholder”?: The Role of Age, Sex, and Tenure in Procedural Justice Judgments

This study investigates main effects of differences in workers (age, sex, and tenure) in conjunction with relevant contextual factors that moderate these main effects on individuals’ procedural justice judgments. Studying 820 employees who underwent change in their respective organizations, the authors found that the positive relationship between unit-level justice context and individual-level judgment of justice is stronger when workers’ personal jobs have low impact and when individuals are similar in age to others in the work unit. Men are more likely than women to view change-related management actions as just, but this relationship is not significant if the organization has undergone shifts in power structures concurrent with the focal change. Tenure relates positively with personal procedural justice judgment but only when the organization has recently changed the types of people it hires. The results have implications for organizations by informing managers that their change-related actions will no...
Implementation aspects of attenuation compensation in reverse‐time migration

Attenuation compensation in reverse-time migration has been shown to improve the resolution of the seismic image. In this paper, three essential aspects of implementing attenuation compensation in reverse-time migration are studied: the physical justification of attenuation compensation, the choice of imaging condition, and the choice of a low-pass filter. The physical illustration of attenuation compensation supports the mathematical implementation by reversing the sign of the absorption operator and leaving the sign of the dispersion operator unchanged in the decoupled viscoacoustic wave equation. Further theoretical analysis shows that attenuation compensation in reverse-time migration using the two imaging conditions (cross-correlation and source-normalized cross-correlation) is able to effectively mitigate attenuation effects. In numerical experiments using a simple-layered model, the source-normalized cross-correlation imaging condition may be preferable based on the criteria of amplitude corrections. The amplitude and phase recovery to some degree depend on the choice of a low-pass filter. In an application to a realisticMarmousi model with added Q, high-resolution seismic images with correct amplitude and kinematic phase are obtained by compensating for both absorption and dispersion effects. Compensating for absorption only can amplify the image amplitude but with a shifted phase.