cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Noradrenergic mechanisms in stress and anxiety: I. preclinical studies

There is considerable preclinical evidence for a relationship between noradrenergic brain systems and behaviors associated with stress and anxiety. The majority of noradrenergic neurons are located in the locus coeruleus (pons), with projections throughout the cerebral cortex and multiple subcortical areas, including hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus, and hypothalamus. This neuroanatomical formation of the noradrenergic system makes it well suited to rapidly and globally modulate brain function in response to changes in the environment, as occurs during the presentation of stressors. Stress exposure is associated with an increase in firing of the locus coeruleus and with associated increased release and turnover of norepinephrine in brain regions which receive noradrenergic innervation. Increased firing of the locus coeruleus is also associated with behavioral manifestations of fear, such as arched back and piloerection in the cat. Exposure to chronic stress results in long-term alterations in locus coeruleus firing and norepinephrine release in target brain regions of the locus coeruleus. Norepinephrine is also involved in neural mechanisms such as sensitization and fear conditioning, which are associated with stress. These findings are relevant to an understanding of psychiatric disorders, such as panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the symptoms of which have been hypothesized to be related to alterations in noradrenergic function.
Single-Sideband Techniques in UHF Long-Range Communications

Several factors relevant to the design of uhf longrange communication systems are analyzed. In particular, singlesideband amplitude modulation is evaluated and compared to frequency modulation, with special regard to: a) spectrum conservation; b) performance in the presence of multipath; and c) realized channel signal-to-noise ratio vs total transmitted rf power. It is shown that: 1) SSB requires one-sixth to one-tenth of the spectrum width required by fm. 2) The useful bandwidth of the transmission medium in the presence of multipath is at least four times as great for SSB as for fm. 3) The average power required for a twenty-four channel SSB system is about 20 decibels less than that required for an equivalent fm system, providing equal usable communications. System design considerations are discussed for uhf single sideband, as well as the design parameters of a particular set of equipment operating in the 300 to 400-megacycle band. The linearity of high-power klystrons is discussed, and a promising technique for achieving highly efficient operation of such devices is described.
Innovation and collaboration: delivering distance English courses electronically

When the Louisiana legislature shifted significant resources to the innovation of instructional technology in public universities throughout the state, the English Department at Louisiana Tech University had to decide whether or not to devote time and money to this instructional trend. The department’s overall plan and its outcome – delivering over 12 distance English courses electronically per year – are presented in this paper. Describes how, when innovating the instruction, the department discovered that purchasing new equipment and software is not enough; a strategic plan, faculty development, and technology support are prerequisites for a successful instructional technology innovation.
An optimized gas chromatographic determination of priority pollutant phenols

Priority pollutant phenols are determined by gas chromatography on an SE-30 WCOT column using hydrogen carrier and flame ionization detection with dual internal standards. Linear responses over ranges ca. 12–125 ng per component are achieved and detection limits at or below 1 ng are obtained. Carrier flow and temperature program are optimized to maintain baseline resolution while affording an analysis time of less than 15 minutes.
Successful percutaneous treatment of gluteal claudication secondary to isolated bilateral hypogastric stenoses

We report an unusual case of bilateral buttock claudication at ambulation of less than two blocks in a 57-year-old man with normal lower-extremity segmental pressure on noninvasive exercise testing. He was found to have bilateral high-grade internal iliac artery stenoses on arteriography. Both sides were successfully treated in a staged fashion via a contralateral approach with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and a balloon-expandable stent, with complete symptom resolution. A clinical vascular examination with normal findings of the common iliac, external iliac, and common and superficial femoral arteries eliminates significant vascular obstruction as a cause of claudication. However, internal iliac occlusive disease may be suspected when symptoms are limited to the gluteal musculature and other causes are eliminated. Percutaneous interventions can be of diagnostic and therapeutic value.
Major Optical Depth Perturbations to the Stratosphere from Volcanic Eruptions: Stellar-Extinction Period, 1961-1978

A revised chronology of stratospheric aerosol extinction due to volcanic eruptions has been assembled for the period 1961-1978, which immediately precedes the era of dedicated satellite measurements. On the whole, the most accurate data consist of published observations of stellar extinction, supplemented in part by other kinds of observational data. The period covered encompasses the important eruptions of Agung (1963) and Fuego (1974), whose dust veils are discussed with respect to their transport, decay, and total mass. The effective (area-weighted mean) radii of the aerosols for both eruptions are found to be 0.3-0.4 microns. It is confirmed that, among known tropical eruptions, Agung's dust was unique for a low-latitude eruption in remaining almost entirely confined to the hemisphere of its production. A new table of homogeneous visual optical depth perturbations, listed by year and by hemisphere, is provided for the whole period 1881-1978, including the pyrheliometric period before 1961 that was investigated previously.
Management of hypertension in liver transplant patients

Hypertension is a common co-morbidity and a frequent complication in liver transplant patients. The aim of this paper is to concisely review available clinical data and propose a hypertension treatment algorithm in liver transplant patients. Calcium channel blockers are mainstay of the treatment due to their potent vasodilatory effects. Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers are preferable due to their least interaction with cytochrome P450 enzyme system and, therefore, minimal risk of potential disruption of immunosuppressive drug levels. Beta-blockers may be considered first line drugs in patients with resting tachycardia and in those with high cardiac outputs. Data support the use of beta-blockers for patients intolerant or unresponsive to calcium channel blockers. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers have little value when used early after liver transplant but may have a more pronounced role during the later periods. Diuretics may be of value in combination with other drugs, especially to counteract the potassium-retaining effects of calcineurin inhibitors. Treatment of post liver transplantation hypertension in patients with co-morbid conditions such as coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, and renal disease will likely require combination therapy.
Brief communication. A dominant, host plant mutation conferring ineffective nodulation in the chickpea-Rhizobium symbiosis

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) mutant PM638, a derivative of wild-type, desi chickpea line ICC 640, forms yellowish, ineffective root nodules and differs phenotypically from previously described chickpea nodulation mutants. To establish the mode of inheritance of the mutant nodule trait, and to eliminate independent chlorophyll and sterility mutations carried by the mutant, PM638 was crossed with ICC 640 and an F5 generation mutant was reciprocally backcrossed to ICC 640. Segregation analysis indicated that the mutant phenotype was conferred by a single, dominant nuclear gene mutation. In keeping with established nomenclature for chickpea nodulation genes, the mutant allele is tentatively designated Rn7.
Comparison Study Between Probabilistic and Possibilistic Approach for Problems With Correlated Input and Lack of Input Statistical Information

Due to expensive experimental testing costs, in most industrial engineering applications, only limited statistical information is available to describe the input uncertainty model. It would be unreliable to use an estimated input uncertainty model, such as distribution types and parameters including the standard deviations for the distributions, that is obtained from insufficient data for the design optimization. Furthermore, when input variables are correlated, we would obtain non-optimum design if we use the assumption of independency for the design optimization. In this paper, two methods for problems with lack of input statistical information — possibility-based design optimization (PBDO) and reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) with confidence level on the input model — are compared using a mathematical example and Abrams roadarm of an M1A1 tank. The comparison study shows that the PBDO could provide an unreliable optimum design when the number of samples is very small and that it provides an optimum design that is too conservative when the number of samples is relatively large. Furthermore, the optimum design does not converge to the optimum design obtained using the true input distribution as the number of samples increases. On the other hand, the RBDO with confidence level on the input model provides a conservative and reliable optimum design in a stable manner, and the optimum design converges to the optimum design obtained using the true input distribution as the number of samples increases.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
An evaluation of ActivStats for SPSS for teaching and learning

This article is a review of the multimedia software package ActivStats for SPSS, a program that teaches introductory statistics concepts and methods using activities that contain narration and animation, video, simulation, and interactive experiments. Using evaluation criteria from the statistics education and instructional technology literature, we consider the usefulness of this software based on a framework of how students learn statistics. Our recommendations about how to best use ActivStats for introductory students as well as limitations of the review conclude the article.
Does Winning Mean the Same Thing around the World? National Ideology and the Performance of Global Competitors

Abstract Do firms based in different countries have different and predictable performance objectives that reflect their national ideologies? This question is tested by examining the performance of 114 firms based in the United States, Japan, and the European Union. We find that firm performance reflects country of origin in a predictable fashion based on national ideologies. Implications for business include the possibility that competitive strategies for successful global competition can be developed based on the results reported. Opportunities for future research are also offered.
Getting touchy‐feely: application of the plain view doctrine to plain touch, plain smell, and plain hearing situations by the United States Courts of Appeal and District Courts

The plain view doctrine allows police officers to seize contraband they see without first obtaining a search warrant. It is one of many exceptions to the warrant requirement. Since the exception was first announced in 1971, the Supreme Court and lower federal courts and state courts have attempted to apply its rationale to situations involving the use of senses other than sight – such as the senses of touch, smell, and hearing. In this paper, we review the development of the plain view exception and its expansion to ‘plain touch,’ ‘plain smell,’ and ‘plain hearing’ situations. We analyze and categorize the decision of the lower federal courts – both the Court of Appeals and the District Court – in an effort to provide an overview of the status of the law.
Increasing prostate specific antigen following radical prostatectomy and adjuvant hormonal therapy: doubling time predicts survival.

Purpose: Adjuvant hormonal therapy may be beneficial in patients who are treated with RRP and found to have adverse pathological findings. We assessed the natural history of detectable PSA in such patients with particular emphasis on the prognostic usefulness of PSADT.Materials and Methods: We identified 903 patients treated with RRP and adjuvant hormonal therapy (started less than 90 days postoperatively) for prostate cancer at our institution between 1990 and 1999. PSADT was calculated by log linear regression in men with 2 or more PSA measurements available at least 90 days apart. CSS and sRFS were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and analyzed using Cox proportional hazard models.Results: At a median followup of 9.1 years PSA had become detectable in 369 of 771 patients (47.9%) who achieved an undetectable nadir. PSADT evaluable in 463 patients was less than 12 months in 68 (14.6%) and more than 10 years in 283 (61.1%). N stage and Gleason score were significantly associated with sRFS and CSS. PSAD...
Effective Seebeck coefficient for semiconductors

A distinction between two common definitions of Seebeck coefficient is clarified. The effective Seebeck coefficient, which describes the effective electric field induced by a temperature gradient, is found to be a constant for a homogeneous doped semiconductor regardless of its doping.
Advances in Preclinical Investigation of Prostate Cancer Gene Therapy

Treating recurrent prostate cancer poses a great challenge to clinicians. Research efforts in the last decade have shown that adenoviral vector-based gene therapy is a promising approach that could expand the arsenal against prostate cancer. This maturing field is at the stage of being able to translate many preclinical discoveries into clinical practices. At this juncture, it is important to highlight the promising strategies including prostate-targeted gene expression, the use of oncolytic vectors, therapy coupled to reporter gene imaging, and combined treatment modalities. In fact, the early stages of clinical investigation employing combined, multimodal gene therapy focused on loco-regional tumor eradication and showed promising results. Clinicians and scientists should seize the momentum of progress to push forward to improve the therapeutic outcome for the patients.
Cost and cost effectiveness of vaginal progesterone gel in reducing preterm birth: an economic analysis of the PREGNANT trial.

Background Preterm birth (PTB) is a costly public health problem in the USA. The PREGNANT trial tested the efficacy of vaginal progesterone (VP) 8 % gel in reducing the likelihood of PTB among women with a short cervix.
On the accuracy of the polynomial chaos approximation

Polynomial chaos representations for non-Gaussian random variables and stochastic processes are infinite series of Hermite polynomials of standard Gaussian random variables with deterministic coefficients. Finite truncations of these series are referred to as polynomial chaos (PC) approximations. This paper explores features and limitations of PC approximations. Metrics are developed to assess the accuracy of the PC approximation. A collection of simple, but relevant examples is examined in this paper. The number of terms in the PC approximations used in the examples exceeds the number of terms retained in most current applications. For the examples considered, it is demonstrated that (1) the accuracy of the PC approximation improves in some metrics as additional terms are retained, but does not exhibit this behavior in all metrics considered in the paper, (2) PC approximations for strictly stationary, non-Gaussian stochastic processes are initially nonstationary and gradually may approach weak stationarity as the number of terms retained increases, and (3) the development of PC approximations for certain processes may become computationally demanding, or even prohibitive, because of the large number of coefficients that need to be calculated. However, there have been many applications in which PC approximations have been successful.
Oversampled Sigma-Delta Modulation

Oversampled sigma-delta modulation has been proposed as a practical implementation for high rate analog-to-digital conversion because of its simplicity and its robustness against circuit imperfections. To date, mathematical developments of the basic properties of such systems have been based either on simplified continuous-time approximate models or on linearized discrete-time models where the quantizer is replaced by an additive white uniform noise source. In this paper, we rigorously derive several basic properties of a simple discrete-time single integrator loop sigma-delta modulator with an accumulate-and-dump demodulator. The derivation does not require any assumptions on the correlation or distribution of the quantizer error, and hence involves no linearization of the nonlinear system, but it does show that when the input is constant, the state sequence of the integrator in the encoder loop can be modeled exactly as a linear system in an appropriate space. Two basic properties are developed: 1) the behavior of the sigma-delta quantizer when driven by a constant input and its relation to uniform quantization, and 2) the rate-distortion tradeoffs between the oversampling ratio and the average mean-squared quantization error.
Optimal Radiated Waveforms From an Arbitrary UWB Antenna

Solutions are presented for the optimal electric field waveforms radiated by an arbitrary ultrawideband (UWB) antenna. Optimization criteria include maximization of the electric field amplitude at a particular time and location, or maximization of energy density over a specified time interval at a particular location. Assuming bandpass signals, constraints are placed on the total radiated energy, the Q of the antenna, and the size of the antenna. The solution is developed using a spherical mode expansion of the fields radiated by an arbitrary antenna enclosed by a spherical mathematical surface, and optimized using variational methods. A closed-form result is obtained for the case of amplitude maximization, while an integral equation must be solved numerically for the case of energy maximization in a time interval. An interesting result from these solutions is that the shapes of the optimal radiated field waveforms are largely independent of the size of the antenna. The solutions also indicate that the antenna characteristics that provide optimum field amplitude or energy in the transient case are identical to those associated with maximum gain in the CW case.
Beyond income transfers: The decline of regional inequality in Brazil during the 2000s

This article seeks to explain declining regional inequality in Brazil by exploring the economic ‘catch-up’ of Brazil’s poorest region. To that end, the article analyzes income policies as well as supply-side policies aimed at improving the productive capacity of poor regions, and presents data showing that both have proven more important than the current literature suggests. The article also introduces the concept of regional Keynesian effects, and provides preliminary evidence for its relevance, to demonstrate that income policies, such as cash transfers to poor regions, have the potential to foster local output growth.
Organizational Leadership: The Case of the School Superintendent

Two dimensions of the leadership of educational organizations are explored: (1) the day to day behavior of superintendents and (2) the meanings superintendents attach to their work. The work stems from related studies by the authors. Two clusters of patterns emerged from this analysis. First, superintending is communicating. Second, superintendents are constrained by social and organizational structures and, yet, control a major part of their day-to-day work and exert an important organizational influence. Questions are raised concerning the adequacy of the dominant notions about leadership.
Using MATCON to generate CASE tools that guide deployment of pre-packaged applications

The complex process of adapting pre-packaged applications, such as Oracle or SAP, to an organization's needs is full of challenges. Although detailed, structured, and well-documented methods govern this process, the consulting team implementing the method must spend a huge amount of manual effort to make sure the guidelines of the method are followed as intended by the method author. MATCON breaks down the method content, documents, templates, and work products into reusable objects, and enables them to be cataloged and indexed so these objects can be easily found and reused on subsequent projects. By using models and meta-modeling the reusable methods, we automatically produce a CASE tool to apply these methods, thereby guiding consultants through this complex process. The resulting tool helps consultants create the method deliverables for the initial phases of large customization projects. Our MATCON output, referred to as Consultant Assistant, has shown significant savings in training costs, a 20 - 30% improvement in productivity, and positive results in large Oracle and SAP implementations.
Structuring targeted surveillance for monitoring disease emergence by mapping observational data onto ecological process.

An efficient surveillance system is a crucial factor in identifying, monitoring and tackling outbreaks of infectious diseases. Scarcity of data and limited amounts of economic resources require a targeted effort from public health authorities. In this paper, we propose a mathematical method to identify areas where surveillance is critical and low reporting rates might leave epidemics undetected. Our approach combines the use of reference-based susceptible–exposed–infectious models and observed reporting data; We propose two different specifications, for constant and time-varying surveillance, respectively. Our case study is centred around the spread of the raccoon rabies epidemic in the state of New York, using data collected between 1990 and 2007. Both methods offer a feasible solution to analyse and identify areas of intervention.
An environmental assessment of United States drinking water watersheds

There is an emerging recognition that natural lands and their conservation are important elements of a sustainable drinking water infrastructure. We conducted a national, watershed-level environmental assessment of 5,265 drinking water watersheds using data on land cover, hydrography and conservation status. Approximately 78% of the conterminous United States lies within a drinking water watershed. The typical drinking water watershed had a high percentage of natural vegetation (\( \tilde{x} \) = 77%) but a low percentage of it was set aside for conservation (\( \tilde{x} \) = 3%). Median percentage values for urban and agriculture were 5 and 8%, respectively. Between ca. 1992 and ca. 2001, approximately 23% of the drinking water watersheds lost at least 1% of their natural vegetation, and approximately 9% of the watersheds had at least a 1% increase in the amount of urban land. Loss of natural vegetation was common in nearly all areas of the country, but also concentrated in the Ohio River and Southeast hydrologic regions. Urbanization was concentrated in the eastern United States, primarily in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast hydrologic regions.
THE MEDICAL TREATMENT OF HYPERTHYROIDISM

THE CONCEPTION that treatment of Graves' disease (1) is primarily surgical, is widespread despite the fact that American as well as European literature contains numerous reports of satisfactory results with non-surgical treatment in selected cases. It is undoubtedly true that since Plummer and Boothby (2, 3, 4) inaugurated routine preoperative iodine preparation, the prognosis of surgical procedures in Graves' disease has been markedly improved. It is also true that a high percentage of cures is obtained by subtotal thyroidectomy, but the results are by no means universal. Because of these operative failures, and because of those cases not amenable to surgery, it is the immediate concern of the internist, from a practical point of view, to continue his search for a satisfactory medical treatment. The mode of action of different types of therapy is still far too speculative to be discussed in this purely clinical paper, but one must admit that it is extremely difficult for patho-physiologists to comprehend...
Mandarin speech perception by ear and eye follows a universal principle

In this study, the nature of speech perception of native Mandarin Chinese was compared with that of American English speakers, using synthetic visual and auditory continua (from /ba/ to /da/) in an expanded factorial design. In Experiment 1, speakers identified synthetic unimodal and bimodal speech syllables as either /ba/ or /da/. In Experiment 2, Mandarin speakers were given nine possible response alternatives. Syllable identification was influenced by both visual and auditory sources of information for both Mandarin and English speakers. Performance was better described by the fuzzy logical model of perception than by an auditory dominance model or a weighted-averaging model. Overall, the results are consistent with the idea that although there may be differences in information (which reflect differences in phonemic repertoires, phonetic realizations of the syllables, and the phonotactic constraints of languages), the underlying nature of audiovisual speech processing is similar across languages.
Changes in blood flow to bones during the hypocalcemic and hypercalcemic phases of the response to parathyroid hormone.

Labeled microspheres were used to measure blood flow to the leg bones of the laying hen at 0, 3, and 30 min after iv injection of parathyroid hormone (PTH) (Wilson) or the synthetic 1 to 34 fragment of bovine parathyroid hormone (PTH 1-34). At 3 min, which corresponds to the hypocalcemic phase of the PTH response, blood flow to the combined femur, tibia, and metatarus was significantly reduced by PTH (Wilson) relative to 0 time and to carrier-injected controls. At 30 min, i.e., the time of maximum hypercalcemia in the hen, blood flow to these bones was significantly increased relative to 0 time. The results obtained with PTH 1-34 were similar, except that the decrease at 3 min was only significant in comparison with the controls injected with inactivated hormone. Femoral blood flow and the venous minus arterial calcium gradients across the femur were positively correlated, irrespective of sampling time (0 or 30 min) or type of injection (PTH [Wilson] or carrier). Taken together, these results suggest that there is a relationship between calcium mobilization from bone and the rate of osseous blood flow. Other organs which showed significant changes in blood flow after PTH (Wilson) were the adrenals, thyroids, and shell gland; the cerebellum, parathyroids, heart, spleen, liver, pancreas, duodenum, magnum, isthmus, and kidneys were not affected.
Associations Between Glycemic Control, Depressed Mood, Clinical Depression, and Diabetes Distress Before and After Insulin Initiation: An Exploratory, Post Hoc Analysis

Introduction Although depression is often associated with poor glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), this observation has been inconsistent. This exploratory, post hoc analysis investigated associations between depression parameters and glycemic control using data from a 24-month, prospective, observational, non-interventional study evaluating glycemic response following insulin initiation for T2DM.
A theory of the first order Raman scattering of light by polaritons in crystals of the rocksalt structure

Abstract In crystals of the rocksalt structure the electro-optic coefficient as well as the first derivative of the electronic polarizability with respect to an ionic displacement vanishes because every ion is at a center of inversion. Consequently, the zone center optical phonons are inactive in first order Raman scattering. However, these phonons are infrared active, and the transverse optical (TO) phonons form polaritons when the retardation of the Coulomb interaction is taken into account. Because of the axial vector character of the magnetic field, the first derivative of the electronic polarizability with respect to the macroscopic magnetic field associated with the polaritons does not vanish in rocksalt type crystals. Thus the polaritons in crystals of the rocksalt structure can give rise to first order Raman scattering. In this note we present a theory of the Raman scattering intensity by polaritons via the magneto-optic effect, and estimate the intensity of the light scattered by this mechanism.
Antecedents of Resistance: Populism and the Possibilities for Democratic Globalizations

This essay theorizes globalization as not new, but rather a new iteration of the ongoing liberal dialectic between capitalism and democracy now writ large on the entire world. Using theoretical insights from Polanyi's analysis of the rise and fall of laissez-faire in the 19th century from his classic, The Great Transformation, we argue that the “double movement” of the late-19th century is parallel to the expansion and of resistance to neoliberalism today. The argument of this essay is that globalization is the current outcome of liberal institutional development. Too often it has been viewed as a structural inevitability not amenable to democratic action. Just as in previous historical moments, capitalism and democracy enable and constrain one another in developing liberal societies. The American Populists farmers' response to their time is an instructive frame through which to interpret the development of the resistance to the current incarnation of economic liberalization.
Metalworking Fluid—The Toxicity of a Complex Mixture

Various chemicals are used in the manufacture of cooling and lubricating fluids and fall into the classes of straight, soluble, semisynthetic, and synthetic metalworking fluids. The diversity of chemicals and in-use contaminants makes the risk assessment of metalworking fluids quite difficult. Toxicologists have used a number of methods to evaluate the component(s) responsible for the adverse pulmonary effects of metal working fluid aerosols encountered in the workplace. Although investigators have studied the adverse effects of metalworking fluid chemicals alone and in combination, the majority of evidence strongly suggests that the microbial changes that occur in fluid composition, during use and storage in the workplace, are responsible for the pulmonary effects reported for workers exposed to metalworking fluid aerosols. This review discusses the methodologies used to examine the toxicity of the complex nature of modern metalworking fluids and the findings that point toward bacterial endotoxin as a major contributor to their adverse effects.
Spin accumulation in degenerate semiconductors near modified Schottky contact with ferromagnets : Spin injection and extraction

We study spin transport in forward and reverse biased junctions between a ferromagnetic metal and a degenerate semiconductor with a $\ensuremath{\delta}$-doped layer near the interface at relatively low temperatures. We show that spin polarization of electrons in the semiconductor, ${P}_{n}$, near the interface increases both with the forward and reverse current and reaches saturation at certain relatively large current while the spin injection coefficient, $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$, increases with reverse current and decreases with the forward current. We analyze the condition for efficient spin polarization of electrons in degenerate semiconductor near interface with ferromagnet. We compare the accumulation of spin polarized electrons in degenerate semiconductors at low temperatures with that in nondegenerate semiconductors at relatively high, room temperatures.
Semantic index assignment

Conventional performance criteria for communication networks do not take into account the semantics of the data to be communicated. For example, (word) error rates treat errors between semantically similar words (car and automobile) and semantically distant words (car and computer) equally. In reality, the meaning of the message is distorted much less when automobile is recovered instead of computer when the intended message is car. In order to correctly address the performance of a semantic system, a new performance criterion is necessary that takes into account the semantic similarities between recovered words. We study in this paper the index assignment problem with a source that produces semantic messages to develop a better understanding of how their meanings affect the semantic error performance in a noisy communication network, and in particular for networks with queries. To this end, we utilize the semantic distances based on lexical taxonomies as a distortion measure in a communication system. Our findings indicate the need for development of semantics-aware physical systems that allow for better integration of human factors and intelligence within complex systems design.
Derivation of Kane's dynamical equations for a three link (3R) manipulator

The authors present a derivation of the dynamical equations of Kane et al. (1982) for a three-link manipulator. An efficient formulation of equations of motion in an explicit form for a three-link manipulator based on Kane's method is developed. The computational efficiency of this method is compared to that of Lagrangian and Newton-Euler methods. Kane's method leads to fewer arithmetic operations than are required when either of the other two approaches are used. The method results directly in the development of first-order differential equations of motion having a simple form. >
Reducing communication detection and eavesdropping using mobile agent relay networks

Although mobile wireless communication provides connectivity where hardwired links are difficult or impractical, environmental conditions can still hinder communications. Increasing transmission power reduces battery life and increases susceptibility to eavesdropping. Adding stationary repeater nodes is impractical for highly mobile users in dangerous environments. Using remotely-controlled mobile relay nodes requires centralized control schemes which and adds network traffic overhead and introduces a single point of failure at the controller. An alternative is to create a Mobile Agent Relay Network (MARN). Each autonomous node in the MARN is an agent that decides where to move to maintain the network connectivity using only locally available information from onboard sensors and communication with in-range neighbor nodes. MARN agents form and maintain a communication network that provides connectivity for users while reducing the overall radio frequency footprint, minimizing the likelihood of detection and eavesdropping. We characterize the footprint reduction both theoretically and in simulation.
Studies in guinea pig anaphylaxis with the house dust antigen

Abstract 1.1. Guinea pigs can be sensitized with house dust by the use of alumprecipitated extracts. 2.2. The specificity of the reactions is convincingly demonstrated by the Dale studies. 3.3. Neutralization of sensitivity can be demonstrated with this technique, and the two-stage method demonstrated specific desensitization in vivo, and in vitro as well. 4.4. Because of the narrow working range of the dust excitant in anaphylactic techniques, these procedures do not lend themselves to conclusive studies of the antigenic nature of the dust excitant.
Reconstructing Vegetation Past: Pre-Euro-American Vegetation for the Midwest Driftless Area, USA

Historical reference conditions provide important context for creating ecological restoration and management plans. The U.S. 19th Century Public Land Survey (PLS) records provide extensive ecological information for constructing such reference conditions. We used PLS records to reconstruct pre-Euro-American tree species cover class and vegetation structure types for the Midwest Driftless Area, a 55,000 km2 region currently experiencing multiple conservation threats. We related cover classes to soil texture, topographic roughness, and distance from waterway. Our analyses revealed that the landscape of the Driftless Area was mostly composed of savanna, with two large patches of closed forest and smaller, scattered patches of closed forest, open woodland, and prairie. The Driftless Area was heavily dominated by a variety of oak communities, with bur ( Quercus macrocarpa ), white ( Q. alba ), and black ( Q. velutina ) oak by far the most dominant species across the region. A variety of non-oak communities occurred within the closed forest patches, along rivers, or in smaller areas near the periphery of the region. The prevalence of savanna and oak communities indicates that fire played a key role in mediating historical landscape patterns and ecosystem processes in the region. Variation in soil texture, topographic roughness, and distance from waterways additionally contributed to the diversity of cover classes present prior to Euro-American settlement. Restoration practitioners can use our reconstructions to inform regional and site-specific restoration planning. Because oaks tend to be foundational species within ecosystems and are currently in decline throughout the Driftless Area, restoration activities that encourage these species are urgently needed.
Concurrent flip-flop and repeater insertion for high performance integrated circuits

For many years, CMOS process scaling has allowed a steady increase in the operating frequency and integration density of integrated circuits. Only recently, however, have we reached a point where it takes several clock cycles for global signals to traverse a complex digital system such as a modern microprocessor. Thus, interconnect latency must be taken into account in current and future design tools at the architectural as well as synthesis level. For this purpose, the author proposes a new latency-aware technique for the performance-driven concurrent insertion of flip-flops and repeaters in VLSI circuits. Overwhelming evidence showing an exponential increase in the number of pipelined interconnects with process scaling, for high-performance microprocessors as well as high-end ASICs, is also presented. This increase indicates a radical change in current design methodologies to cope with this new emerging problem.
Urgency of evolution-process congruent thinking in physics

It is now generally recognized that physics has not been contributing anything conceptually fundamentally new beyond the century old Relativity and 90 years old Quantum Mechanics [1-4]. We have also started recognizing that there is an increasing rate of species extinction all over the world, especially since the last century [5]; and we are beginning to understand that the related problems are being steadily accelerated by human behavior to conquer nature, rather than understanding nature as is and living within its system logics [6,7]. We are beginning to appreciate that our long-term sustainability as a species literally depends upon proactively learning to nurture the entire bio-diversity [8-10]. Thus, humans must consciously become evolution process congruent thinkers. The evolutionary biologists have been crying out loud for us to listen [5,6, 8-10]. Social scientists, political scientists, economic scientists [13] have started chiming in to become consilient thinkers [6] for re-constructing sustainable societies. But, the path to consilient thinking requires us to recognize and accept a common vision based thinking process, which functionally serves as a uniting platform. I am articulating that platform as the “evolution process congruent thinking” (EPCT). Do physicists have any obligation to co-opt this EPCT? Is there any immediate and/or long-term gain for them? This paper argues affirmatively that co-opting EPCT is the best way to re-anchor physics back to reality ontology and develop newer and deeper understanding of natural phenomena based on understanding of the diverse interaction processes going on in nature. Physics is mature enough to acknowledge that all of our theories are “work in progress”. This is a good time to start iteratively re-evaluating and re-structuring all the foundational postulates behind all the working theories. This will also consistently energize all the follow-on generation of physicists to keep on fully utilizing their evolution-given enquiring minds without being afraid by the prevailing culture of “publish-or-perish”, requiring them to stay within the bounds of the prevailing theories as the final ones. Current physics thinking has been successfully driven by Measurable Data Modeling Epistemology (MDM-E); which is basically curve-fitting without demanding to understand the actual physical processes nature is carrying out. I am proposing to add an iterative repertoire, Interaction Process mapping Epistemology (IPM-E) over and above successful MDM-E. This will facilitate the physicists to become conceptual reverse engineers of nature. The gap between physicists and engineers will start melting down and our collective sustainability will be re-assured as successful engineers of nature.
Evolutionary developments in antenna structural engineering

A survey of evolutionary developments in antenna structural engineering is presented. Particular attention is given to the STAIR program developed for the analysis of the 120-ft Haystack antenna; Von Hoerner's advocacy of homology; site winds and antenna wind loading; and a temperature-measurement program consisting of 34 thermocouples installed on the 210-ft Australian CSIRO antenna. >
fMRI study of face perception and memory using random stimulus sequences.

Clark, Vincent P., Jose M. Maisog, and James V. Haxby. fMRI study of face perception and memory using random stimulus sequences. J. Neurophysiol. 79: 3257–3265, 1998. A new functional magnetic reso...
DESIGN AND VALIDATION OF ROBUST AND AUTONOMOUS CONTROL FOR NUCLEAR REACTORS

A robust control design procedure for a nuclear reactor has been developed and experimentally validated on the Penn State TRIGA research reactor. The utilization of the robust controller as a component of an autonomous control system is also demonstrated. Two methods of specifying a low order (fourth-order) nominal-plant model for a robust control design were evaluated: 1) by approximation based on the 'physics' of the process and 2) by an optimal Hankel approximation of a higher order plant model. The uncertainty between the nominal plant models and the higher order plant model is supplied as a specification to the ,u-synthesis robust control design procedure. Two methods of quantifying uncertainty were evaluated: 1) a combination of additive and multiplicative uncertainty and 2) multiplicative uncertainty alone. The conclusions are that the optimal Hankel approximation and a combination of additive and multiplicative uncertainty are the best approach to design robust control for this application. The results from nonlinear simulation testing and the physical experiments are consistent and thus help to confirm the correctness of the robust control design procedures and conclusions.
Nijmegen breakage syndrome 1 (NBS1) gene polymorphism and chemotherapy-induced neutropenic fever in breast cancer patients

574 Background: Neutropenic fever (NF) is a serious complication of the chemotherapies given to breast cancer patients and often limits their use. Hence, identifying which patients are at increased risk to develop NF is very important. The NBS1 gene product is important for the repair of double-strand DNA breaks and is activated by chemotherapy. The objective of this study was to determine if genetic variations of NBS1 polymorphisms predict the risk of chemotherapy-induced NF in breast cancer patients. Methods: Blood from 306 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy were prospectively collected on a study approved by the institutional review board. The relationship of chemotherapy administration (e.g. dose, timing) and growth factor use were correlated with the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and NF development. For each patient, we assessed three polymorphisms (924T>C, 8360G>C, and 30537G>C) of NBS1 gene using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism meth...
Soluble interleukin 2 receptors in sera of Japanese patients with adult T cell leukemia mark activity of disease

Serum concentrations of soluble interleukin 2 receptors (sIL 2R) were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 30 patients with adult T cell leukemia (ATL), in 9 patients with other hematopoietic malignancies, and in 17 asymptomatic individuals seropositive for human T cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I). Sixty HTLV-I seronegative, age-matched controls showed a normal range of form 63.2 to 480.8 U/mL. All asymptomatic carriers of HTLV-I had sIL 2R in their sera within the normal range. sIL 2R in sera was not related to the anti-HTLV-I antibody titer. Eleven patients with acute ATL, a clinical phenotype with median survival rate of 4.4 months, had markedly elevated sIL 2R (11,100 to 99,000 U/mL), but eight patients with smoldering ATL had low sIL 2R values (less than 480.8 U/mL) comparable to controls. Eleven patients with chronic ATL had intermediate elevated levels of sIL 2R (480.8 to 37,300.0 U/mL). Serum levels of sIL 2R correlated with the number of ATL cells (r = 0.812) and CD25-positive cells (r = 0.725) circulating in the peripheral blood. Longitudinal studies performed in four patients with ATL showed significant correlation between serum concentration of sIL 2R and activity of the malignancy. These findings suggest that the level of sIL 2R in serum indicated tumor load and, possibly, prognosis.
Understanding Rationalism: Descartes's morals and The Passions of the Soul

The place of morals in Descartes's philosophy Descartes is remembered mostly for his contributions in epistemology, metaphysics and physics. Yet by his own account, these philosophical discoveries have value only to the extent that they allow us to improve our lives and gain moral excellence. “Thus the whole of philosophy is like a tree,” he wrote in his Principles of Philosophy . “The roots are metaphysics, the trunk is physics, and the branches emerging from the trunk are all the other sciences, which may be reduced to three principal ones, namely medicine, mechanics, and morals” (AT IXB, 14). And he continued: “By ‘morals’ I understand the highest and most perfect moral system, which presupposes a complete knowledge of the other sciences and is the ultimate level of wisdom.” And so, although he wrote comparatively little about morals (and not much on medicine and mechanics either), he took morality to be one of the great and final ends of his philosophy. After all, he viewed it as the ultimate level of wisdom. The first time Descartes laid down some moral rules was in his Discourse on Method , published in 1637 when he was 41 years old. We should keep in mind that in this work, as in the Meditations , Descartes is pretending to chronicle his adventures as a clear-minded pilgrim seeking the truth. His goal is to discover what he is certain of – what is ultimately real, whether there is a god, who and what he really is, and so on.