cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Staying secure in an insecure world: 802.1x secure wireless computer connectivity for students, faculty, and staff to the campus network

During this past year, the ASU West IT Department has successfully implemented network connectivity throughout the campus for users who desire to use their computers in places other than the usual designated office spaces and computer labs. Students and staff alike can now access their network file shares, check email, browse the web, and work on projects while sitting in the cafeteria, out on the grass, or under the shade of a tree. With the constant threat of virus attacks, Trojans, hackers, etc., one of the highest priorities for this project was that of security. There are several ways to implement wireless connections, such as 802.11b, 802.11a, and 802.11g, but these solutions, by themselves did not prove secure enough for IT administration. For enhanced security, it was decided to implement the wireless connections on this campus with the addition of the new 802.1x protocol for secure authentication. After extensive testing, wireless access points were established in popular public areas, in classrooms and office buildings, and were incorporated within new classrooms as well. This paper will discuss the driving factors for this type of connectivity, why we chose to implement the 802.1x protocol for secure connectivity, and show the configurations necessary for wireless network connections.
Some lower and upper bounds for algebraic decision trees and the separation problem

The complexity of computing Boolean functions with algebraic decision trees over GF(2) and R is considered. Some lower and upper bounds for algebraic decision trees of various degrees are found. It is shown that over GF(2) decision trees of degree d are more powerful than trees of degree or=n/2-O( square root n log /sup O(1)/n) are more powerful than trees of degree cn, with 0 >
Experience with milk and an artificial nipple promotes conditioned opioid activity in the rat fetus.

Milk promotes activity in the kappa opioid system of the rat fetus and reduced responsiveness in a behavioral bioassay of cutaneous sensitivity. In the study, E20 rat fetuses were presented with an artificial nipple (CS) and intraoral infusions of milk (US) to condition opioid activity. Paired presentations of the CS and US resulted in conditioned changes in perioral cutaneous sensitivity, which was not evident in groups exposed to the CS alone, US alone, or explicitly unpaired presentations of US and CS. Selective opioid antagonists administered between conditioning and testing revealed that reexposure to the nipple resulted in activation of the endogenous opiod system. The nipple promoted activity at mu, not kappa, opioid receptos. Conditioned opioid activity to an artificial nipple in the fetus, which lacks experience with milk or other suckling stimuli, implies that conditioned changes in the endogeneous opioid system of the newborn rat may develop quickly during the first suckling episodes. © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Geodynamo theory and simulations

80 years ago, Joseph Larmor planted the seed that grew into today's imposing body of knowledge about how the Earth's magnetic field is created. His simple idea, that the geomagnetic field is the result of dynamo action in the Earth's electrically conducting, fluid core, encountered many difficulties, but these have by now been largely overcome, while alternative proposals have been found to be untenable. The development of the theory and its current status are reviewed below. The basic electrodynamics are summarized, but the main focus is on dynamical questions. A special study is made of the energy and entropy requirements of the dynamo and in particular of how efficient it is, considered as a heat engine. Particular attention is paid to modeling core magnetohydrodynamics in a way that is tractable but nevertheless incorporates the dynamical effects of core turbulence in an approximate way. This theory has been tested by numerical integrations, some results from which are presented. The success of these simulations seems to be considerable, when measured against the known geomagnetic facts summarized here. Obstacles that still remain to be overcome are discussed, and some other future challenges are described.
Nuclear magnetic resonance studies on a cyclic dodecapeptide analogue of a repeat hexapeptide of tropoelastin: Evaluation of secondary structure

Abstract The cyclododecapeptide, , was synthesized and its secondary structure was evaluated from extensive studies in dimethyl sulphoxide, trifluoroethanol and water using NMR methods. A selective decoupling technique in 13C-NMR has been utilized in order to assign the C O carbon resonances. Temperature dependence of the peptide N H protons and the solvent perturbation of the peptide N H and C O resonances show the occurrence in all solvents of a β-turn (a 10-membered H-bond between the Val4 NH and Ala1 CO) and a γ-turn, an 11-membered H-bond between the Gly3 NH and the Gly5 CO; and a possible 14-membered H-bond between the Ala1 NH and the Val4 CO in dimethyl sulphoxide and trifluoroethanol. These secondary structural features are compared with the linear polyhexapeptide and found that the β-turn and the γ-turn are the common conformational features of these peptide systems.
Effects of sensorineural hearing loss on temporal coding of harmonic and inharmonic tone complexes in the auditory nerve.

Listeners with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) often show poorer thresholds for fundamental-frequency (F0) discrimination and poorer discrimination between harmonic and frequency-shifted (inharmonic) complex tones, than normal-hearing (NH) listeners—especially when these tones contain resolved or partially resolved components. It has been suggested that these perceptual deficits reflect reduced access to temporal-fine-structure (TFS) information and could be due to degraded phase locking in the auditory nerve (AN) with SNHL. In the present study, TFS and temporal-envelope (ENV) cues in single AN-fiber responses to band-pass-filtered harmonic and inharmonic complex tones were ­measured in chinchillas with either normal-hearing or noise-induced SNHL. The stimuli were comparable to those used in recent psychophysical studies of F0 and harmonic/inharmonic discrimination. As in those studies, the rank of the center component was manipulated to produce ­different resolvability conditions, different phase relationships (cosine and random phase) were tested, and background noise was present. Neural TFS and ENV cues were quantified using cross-correlation coefficients computed using shuffled cross correlograms between neural responses to REF (harmonic) and TEST (F0- or frequency-shifted) stimuli. In animals with SNHL, AN-fiber tuning curves showed elevated thresholds, broadened tuning, best-frequency shifts, and downward shifts in the dominant TFS response component; however, no significant degradation in the ability of AN fibers to encode TFS or ENV cues was found. Consistent with optimal-observer analyses, the results indicate that TFS and ENV cues depended only on the relevant frequency shift in Hz and thus were not degraded because phase locking remained intact. These results suggest that perceptual “TFS-processing” deficits do not simply reflect degraded phase locking at the level of the AN. To the extent that performance in F0- and harmonic/inharmonic discrimination tasks depend on TFS cues, it is likely through a more complicated (suboptimal) decoding mechanism, which may involve “spatiotemporal” (place-time) neural representations.
The use of microcomputer based videodisc technology to enhance student learning

An approach to teaching problem solving that relies on generative learning environments is discussed. These generative learning environments are created via videodisc and microcomputers and have been developed for the domains of mathematics and science. The approach is based on theory and research that emphasize the importance of anchoring instruction in meaningful, problem solving contexts that allow one to simulate in the classroom some of the advantages of apprenticeship learning. The goal is to use the video environments to motivate students to learn formal domain knowledge that they then use as a tool for solving problems presented in the video. In the process, students are provided with models of the function of this domain knowledge. >
Notch signaling controls multiple steps of pancreatic differentiation

Multiple cell types of the pancreas appear asynchronously during embryogenesis, which requires that pancreatic progenitor cell potential changes over time. Loss-of-function studies have shown that Notch signaling modulates the differentiation of these progenitors, but it remains unclear how and when the Notch pathway acts. We established a modular transgenic system to heritably activate mouse Notch1 in multiple types of progenitors and differentiated cells. We find that misexpression of activated Notch in Pdx1-expressing progenitor cells prevents differentiation of both exocrine and endocrine lineages. Progenitors remain trapped in an undifferentiated state even if Notch activation occurs long after the pancreas has been specified. Furthermore, endocrine differentiation is associated with escape from this activity, because Ngn3-expressing endocrine precursors are susceptible to Notch inhibition, whereas fully differentiated endocrine cells are resistant.
4-Dimensional Trajectories and Automation Connotations and Lessons learned from past research

The article consists of a Powerpoint presentation on 4D trajectories and automation. The areas discussed include: automated 4D trajectory based control; aircraft flight path; required time of arrival; aircraft position monitoring; area navigation; RNAV.
Effects of Chronic Turbidity on Density and Growth of Steelheads and Coho Salmon

Abstract Chronic turbidity in streams during emergence and rearing of young anadromous salmonids could affect the numbers and quality of fish produced. We conducted laboratory tests to determine the effect of chronic turbidity on feeding of 30–65 mm long steelheads Salmo gairdneri and coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch in straight and oval channels. Fish subjected to continuous clay turbidities grew less well than those living in clear water, and more of them emigrated from channels during the experiments. Received February 28, 1983 Accepted December 4, 1983
Use of information about maternal distress and negative life events to facilitate identification of psychosocial problems in children.

BACKGROUND Despite the availability of effective screening measures, primary care physicians fail to identify and manage many children with psychosocial problems. Physicians often have information about significant negative events in a child's life. The present study evaluated the potential utility of using information about negative life events to facilitate physician identification of children with psychosocial problems. METHODS Negative life events, maternal distress and child psychosocial functioning measures were completed by 185 mothers of children, aged 4-12 years. Family physicians provided data about the children's psychosocial functioning. RESULTS Mothers identified 15.1% (n = 28) of the children as having psychosocial problems. Physicians correctly identified 21% (n = 6) of these at-risk children. Physician use of negative life events would have led to the identification of 39.2% (n = 11) at-risk children. Information about maternal distress and negative life events would have resulted in an additional 18% (n = 5) of children identified by the physicians. Information about maternal distress alone would have resulted in an identification rate of 53.5% (n = 15). CONCLUSIONS Using information about negative events in a child's life, physicians could improve their rate of identification of children with psychosocial problems. Children who have had more than two negative events in their lives are at increased risk for psychosocial problems.
Compounding Pharmacy Conundrum: “We Cannot Live Without Them but We Cannot Live With Them” According to the Present Paradigm

Compounding pharmacies serve a critical role in modern health care to meet special patient care needs. Although the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has clearly delineated jurisdiction over drug companies and products manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations to ensure quality, potency, and purity, compounding pharmacies are regulated by the State Boards and are not registered by the FDA. In recent years, some compounding pharmacies acted like a manufacturer, preparing large amounts of injectable drugs with interstate activities. Multiple outbreaks have been linked to compounding pharmacies, including a recent outbreak of fungal meningitis related to contaminated methylprednisolone, exposing > 14,000 patients in multiple states. This tragedy underscores the urgency of addressing safety related to compounding pharmacies. There is a call for action at the federal and state levels to set minimum production standards, impose new labeling conditions on compounded drugs, and require large-scale compounders be regulated by the FDA. "Industrial" compounding must come under FDA oversight, require those pharmacies to meet GMP standards, and ensure quality and safe products for patient use. Moreover, compliance with the Institute for Safe Medication Practices 2011 recommendations that any type of sterile compounding must be in compliance with the United States Pharmacopoeia chapter 797 guidelines will reduce the risk of patient harm from microbial contamination. Finally, other critical factors that require close attention include addressing injectable products compounded in hospitals and other outpatient health-care centers. The FDA and State Boards of Pharmacy must be adequately funded to exercise the oversight effectively.
Distributed decision support systems: a perspective

A distributed decision support system (DDSS) is defined as a decision support system which supports distributed organizational decision making. The author develops and illustrates the DDSS concept and explores its usefulness in furthering research and practice in the DSS field. Distributed decision making is taken as the foundation for any DDSS. The domain for distributed decision support involves situations in which decision models are semi-structured and decision criteria are semi-determined among decision makers. This domain may be usefully understood as juxtaposed between two other domains, those of distributed communications and distributed computing. Alternative strategies for distributed decision support include decision ordering, information sharing, and negotiated choice. These strategies have distinctly different implications for system restrictiveness, guidance, and focus. >
Validation of wind power plant models

Wind energy will continue to grow at a rapid pace and will provide an increasingly large portion of the total electricity generation. To achieve its full potential, the industry needs adequate wind-turbine generator (WTG) dynamic models to determine the impact of adding wind generation, and establish how the system needs to be upgraded.For the most part, WTG manufacturers have sponsored the development of WTG dynamic models. Models developed under this paradigm tend to be proprietary and specific to a particular WTG model. They often disclosed under confidential terms for interconnection studies and design of individual projects. However, once the projects are installed, the use of proprietary models is incompatible with critical grid planning activities that are conducted by regional reliability organizations as a collaborative effort among many stakeholders. In this context, the use of generic or simplified models is desirable. To address this industry need, the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) has embarked on the development of generic positive sequence WTG models for large- scale power system transient stability analysis. As an integral part of this WECC activity, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is engaged in a model validation effort. This paper discusses the process of model validation against field measurements. The procedure is illustrated with a specific example.
Mechanistic Insights from a Refined Three-dimensional Model of Integrin αIIbβ3

The integrin αIIbβ3 plays an important role in platelet function, and abnormalities of this protein result in a serious bleeding disorder, known as Glanzmann thrombasthenia. Although crystallographic data exist for the related integrin αVβ3, to date, there are no high resolution structures of integrin αIIbβ3 available in the literature. Therefore, it is still unclear how specific elements of the αIIb subunit contribute to integrin αIIbβ3 function. Here we describe a refined model of the αIIb N-terminal portion of integrin αIIbβ3 obtained by using the αVβ3 template combined with a new method for predicting the conformations of the unique αIIb loop regions comprising residues 71-85, 114-125, and 148-164. The refined model was probed based on a structural prediction that differentiates it from standard homology models: specifically, that Lys-118 of αIIb contacts Glu-171 of β3. To test this hypothesis experimentally, the mutant integrin chains αIIb K118C and β3 E171C were cotransfected into HEK 293 cells. We show that the cells expressed the mutants αIIbβ3 on their surface as a disulfide-linked dimer, supporting the close proximity between αIIb Lys-118 and β3 Glu-171 predicted from the refined model. This validated model provides a specific structural context for the analysis and interpretation of structure-function relations of integrin αIIbβ3. In addition, it suggests mechanistic hypotheses pertaining to both naturally occurring mutations responsible for Glanzmann thrombasthenia and to point mutations that affect ligand binding.
SPONTANEOUS SMALL-SCALE MELT SEGREGATION IN PARTIAL MELTS UNDERGOING DEFORMATION

A partial melt undergoing large scale deformation is shown to be unstable with respect to small scale redistribution of melt, provided the shear viscosity of the matrix depends on melt fraction. In the physically realistic case where melt “softens” the matrix, melt migrates along the direction parallel to the axis of minimum compressive stress and accumulates in “veins” (melt-rich lenses). The maximum growth rate of the instability is of order —⋵_od ln η/df (⋵_o ≡ largest component of the principal strain tensor, η = shear viscosity, f = melt fraction), and plausibly fast enough to invalidate the conventional applications of Darcy's law (e.g., mid-ocean ridges, subduction zones) since melt migrates into veins in preference to being pervasively flushed vertically. The preferred lengthscale of the instability is poorly determined but probably ∼ meters. Veins may eventually form an interconnected drainage network, allowing rapid vertical flushing of melt.
On-the-fly progress detection in iterative stream queries

Multiple researchers have proposed cyclic query plans for evaluating iterative queries over streams or rapidly changing input. The Declarative Networking community uses cyclic plans to evaluate Datalog programs that track reachability and other graph traversals on networks. Cyclic query plans can also evaluate pattern-matching and other queries based on event sequences.An issue with cyclic queries over dynamic inputs is knowing when the query result has progressed to a certain point in the input, since the number of iterations is data dependent. One option is a "strictly staged" computation, where the query plan quiesces between inputs. This option introduces significant latency, and may also "underload" inter-operator buffers. An alternative is to settle for soft guarantees, such as "eventual consistency". Such imprecision can make it difficult, for example, to know when to purge state from stateful operators.We propose a third option in which cyclic queries run continuously, but detect progress "on the fly" by means of a Flying Fixed-Point (FFP) operator. FFP sits on the cyclic loop and circulates speculative predictions on forward progress, which it then validates. FFP is always able to track progress for a class of queries we term strongly convergent. A key advantage of FFP is that it works with existing algebra operators, thereby inheriting their capabilities, such as windowing and dealing with out-of-order input. Also, for stream systems that explicitly model input-event lifetimes, we know exactly which values are in the query result at each point in time.A key implementation decision is the method for speculating. Using the high-water mark of data events minimizes the number of speculative punctuations. Probing operators on the cyclic loop to determine their external progress circulates many more speculative messages, but tracks actual output progress more closely. We show how a hybrid approach limits predictions while coming close the progress-tracking ability of Probing.
Evidence for the Delayed Oscillator Mechanism for ENSO: The “Observed” Oceanic Kelvin Mode in the Far Western Pacific

Abstract Observed surface winds from 1961 through September 1992 are used to force a reduced gravity shallow water ocean model. Results from the hindcast of ocean variability are found to be consistent with the results Li and Clarke presented in a previous study of sea level and zonal wind variability in the tropical Pacific. In this note the apparent discrepancies are reconciled between “delayed oscillator” theory and calculated lag correlations between the observationally based records of western boundary Kelvin mode amplitude (ηW) and zonal wind forcing. Evidence for sensitivity in these “delayed oscillator” lag correlations is presented from a variety of sources, including: the hindcast data, output from the standard version of the Zebiak and Cane coupled ocean-atmosphere model, and through three cases with idealized time series of ENSO variability. The authors demonstrate that the low lag correlations for ηW leading the zonal wind forcing by 1 to 1½ years is not inconsistent with the hypothesized rol...
A Urethral Mass in a 67-Year-Old Woman

We present a unique case of papillary endothelial hyperplasia arising in the urethra of a female patient This was an incidental finding in our patient, who was hospitalized for diarrhea and dehydration. The gross and histologic features of papillary endothelial hyperplasia are reviewed. This entity is essentially an organizing thrombus with prominent endothelial hyperplasia. The most important diagnostic consideration is distinguishing this benign lesion from angiosarcoma. Other entities in the differential diagnosis of urethral lesions are also briefly reviewed.
Clinical significance of Cdh1-Skp2 cascade in breast cancer

10609 Background: Skp2 (S-phase kinase-associated protein 2) is substrate-recognizing subunit of an ubiquitin E3 ligase SCF (Skp1, Cullin and F-box) complex and has a major role in p27 regulation. ...
Biomarkers of Infection and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease

Chronic infection has been found to be significantly associated with the development of atherosclerosis and the clinical complications of unstable angina, myocardial infarction, and stroke. A variety of infectious agents have been proposed to be involved in atherothrombosis, and, indeed, the number of implicated agents continues to increase each year. These include specific bacterial and viral agents, as well as a variety of agents associated with periodontal disease. However, failure to confirm initial reports of serological associations also has been common. The infectious agents with the most evidence to support an etiological role in atherosclerosis include Chlamydia pneumoniae and cytomegalovirus. In addition, evidence is mounting for a variety of other potential agents including other herpes viruses, influenza, other specific bacteria (such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae), and chronic infections with common bacterial agents (e.g., periodontal disease, chronic bronchitis, chronic urinary tract infection). Nevertheless, specific causative relationships on par with that determined between Helicobacter pylori and peptic ulcer disease have not yet been established. In addition, treatment of some of these pathogens has failed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications. Future studies are expected to elucidate further the pathophysiological relationship between chronic infection and atherosclerosis and the potential of a variety of treatment approaches including antibiotics. Until then, however, a general recommendation for the use of any of these infectious markers during routine cardiovascular risk stratification cannot be made.
Biaxial Fatigue Testing Of Vulcanizates

Abstract Extensive fatigue tests of vulcanizates of natural rubber and SBR were carried out using a cycle of alternate stretching in two perpendicular directions. It is shown that the data can be best handled statistically by assuming a lognormal distribution or by the use of extreme probability techniques. Illustrative results are given to compare the fatigue life of different types of SBR ; to show the value of the method for studying the effects of processing variations on fatigue life ; to determine the effect of various loadings of different types of carbon black; and to evaluate the effectiveness of anitoxidants and antiozonants. Exploratory tests using ozone instead of pinholes to initiate the failure eliminated the wide range in fatigue life between natural rubber and SBR, and in this respect gave a result which is more consistent with general service experience. This type of biaxial fatigue testing has many areas of usefulness for developing good endurance qualities in vulcanizates.
A Rebel’s Best Friend? External Intervention and Local Government Ineptitude in Counterinsurgency and Peacekeeping Operations

External military interventions, whether conducted as counterinsurgents or peacekeepers can and do succeed. They can be credible deterrents to rebels and spoilers; can offer monetary and in-kind assistance, providing for humanitarian needs and rebuilding physical infrastructure; and may provide technical assistance and protection for overseeing elections and establishing new government institutions. In the end, however, such military interventions can only buy time for local governments to develop their legitimacy with the population, to be seen as an acceptable ruling body and as an alternative preferable to war. Yet, governments often do not do this; whether through sustained corruption, overt discrimination towards ethnic or religious groups, or seemingly willful incompetence, local governments often undermine the military efforts of foreign interveners, paradoxically resulting in increasing threats to their own ability to rule. This paper discusses how divergent interests between foreign interveners and local governments, the timing of elections, and other factors can result in undermining military success for peacekeeper and counterinsurgent alike. Taking lessons from military interventions and from literature on the effects of foreign aid and democratization, this paper examines how counterinsurgents and peacekeepers may enhance the probability that local governments will act to enhance legitimacy and result in a long-lasting peace.
Computer simulation of laminated wood panel warping

The warping of laminated panels in response to moisture content changes is simulated by a computer model based on the assumption that the layers respond elastically to the developing forces. The computer model is capable of simulating large numbers of laminated panels in which face layers are selected from a large pool of naturally variable veneer sheets. The strong effect of this natural variability on warping is clearly demonstrated. The model is applied to loblolly pine plywood and veneered furniture panels. The sometimes significant warping along the face grain of construction plywood is ascribed to the presence of cross grain, reaction wood, or juvenile wood. Furniture panels appear to be rather warp resistant due to their large overall thickness and the very small veneer thickness. As in construction plywood, the stiffness of face and core material is of relatively small importance. Graphs and nomographs illustrate the effect of variables such as veneer thickness, core thickness, core modulus of elasticity, and amount of face grain deviation. -- AATA
Squash Bug (Hemiptera: Coreidae): Biology and Management in Cucurbitaceous Crops

The squash bug, Anasa tristis (DeGeer), is an endemic species of the Americas that feeds on plants in the family Cucurbitaceae. The pest is particularly abundant and damaging on plants in the genus Cucurbita (i.e., zucchini, summer squash, and pumpkins). Squash bug has become problematic in recent years due to changes in insecticide use strategie s by conventional growers, dramatic increases in organic vegetable production, and increasing incidences of cucurbit yellow vine disease, a phloem-clogging bacterial disease transmitted by the bug. A review of insect biology, description of life stages, host plants, damage, and management options for squash bug is presented.
Transitioning From High School to College Relations of Social Support, Ego-Resiliency, and Maladjustment During Emerging Adulthood

During the transition from high school to college, youths navigate increasingly adult roles, take on new academic and economic responsibilities, and forge new social networks. We examined longitudi...
Abstract LB-12: Building a novel multifaceted nano-carrier: In vivo and in vitro applications of multifunctional nanolipoprotein particles

We have developed a novel process of production and assembly of nanolipoprotein particles (NLPs) as a multifaceted reagent for cancer imaging, drug delivery, immunomodulation and stabilizing membrane protein complexes for in vitro studies. Nanolipoproteins are components of the human HDL lipoprotein complexes that could be isolated and reconstituted to form NLPs. NLPs are discoidal nanoparticles of 10∼20 nm that self-assemble around a phospholipid bilayer. This bilayer mimics closely the cell membrane can support molecules such as dyes and proteins. NLPs present distinct advantages in terms of particle size, monodispersity and consistency: the circular protein belt constrains the dimensions of the bilayer and ensures NLP particle size distributions can be monodispersed and consistent between preparations. We have demonstrated when targeting agents and imaging agents are attached to the NLPs, they were able to accumulate at the tumor region and can be used for tumor imaging; We also managed to conjugate recombinant IL2 to NLPs. Our data showed that IL2-NLP conjugates were able to stimulate immunomodulation in mice both in vivo and in vitro. NLPs also have shown great promise for solubilizing and characterizing membrane proteins and may make many more membrane protein related complexes accessible for biophysical and biochemical study. Our approach represents a unique solution to the challenge of generating soluble and functional polytopic membrane proteins, facilitating the structural and functional characterization, providing a platform for high-throughput drug screening, and potentially a new type of carrier for tumor imaging and drug delivery. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-12. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-LB-12
Is the Marketing of Art Exhibitions Economically Justifiable

As art museums are in the nonprofit sector, they are oftentimes perceived as economic drains. However, as is demonstrated in this research, museums also have a major economic impact when they present major art exhibitions. The economic contribution of an international exhibition on one region is estimated to have been approximately $18 million, and was considered to have been an outstanding success, economically as well as culturally.
Direct determination of cadmium in whole blood with platform graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

Objective:To establish a method for reduction of matrix interference rapidly and effectively.Methods:Several modifiers were tested for the determination of cadmium in whole blood by platform graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry and the mixture of 0.1%PdCl2/0.05%Mg(NO3)2 was chosen as the matrix modifier.The whole blood was diluted with the mixture of 0.05% TritonX-100/0.1% HN03 and determined directly.Results:The detection limit of this method was 0.04 μg/L.The relative standard deviation was in the range of 4.2%～8.1% and the average recovery was more than 95%.Application of this method for quality control of cattle blood samples with blood cadmium were determined,the results were in the true value of quality control within the coincidence rate of 100%.Conclusion:To choose chemical modifier was effective in the elimination of matrix interference for the determination of cadmium in whole blood.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme gene and atherosclerosis.

Common variants of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene (ACE ie humans, Ace in mice) associated with changes in circulating ACE activities have been suggested to confer differential risks for atherosclerosis. Using a mouse model of atherosclerosis induced by heterozygosity for apolipoprotein E gene disruption and an atherogenic diet, we have studied the impact on atherogenesis of a mutation that changes the level of function of Ace. We find that this genetically determined change does not influence the size or complexity of atherosclerotic lesions. Ace genotype was not a significant determinant of lesion size in female (+/+ = 12.9 +/- 1.5 and +/- = 11.7 +/- 1.6 microns2 x 10(4)) or male (+/+ = 0.95 +/- 0.25 and +/- = 1.83 +/- 0.59 microns2 x 10(4)) mice; however, lesions were significantly larger (P < .001) in female than male mice. Ace genotype also did not affect lesion complexity; however, lesions in females showed significantly increased frequency of cholesterol clefts, acellular cores, fibrous caps, and calcifications compared with those in males. The hypothesis that genetic variation in the level of ACE gene expression affects the development of atherosclerosis is not supported by these findings.
A year of convective vortex activity at Gale crater

Abstract Atmospheric convective vortices, which become dust devils when they entrain dust from the surface, are prominent features within Mars' atmosphere which are thought to be a primary contributor to the planet's background dust opacity. Buoyantly produced in convectively unstable layers at a planet's surface, these vertically aligned vortices possess rapidly rotating and ascending near-surface warm air and are readily identified by temporal signatures of reduced atmospheric surface pressure measured within the vortex as it passes by. We investigate such signatures in surface pressure measurements acquired by the Rover Environmental Monitoring Station aboard the Mars Science Laboratory rover located within Gale crater. During the first 707 sols of the mission, 245 convective vortices are identified with pressure drops in the range of 0.30–2.86 Pa with a median value of 0.67 Pa. The cumulative distribution of their pressure drops follows a power law of slope −2.77 and we observe seasonal and diurnal trends in their activity. The vast majority of these pressure signatures lack corresponding reductions in REMS-measured UV flux, suggesting that these vortices rarely cast shadows upon the rover and therefore are most often dust-free. The relatively weak-magnitude, dustless vortices at Gale crater are consistent with predictions from mesoscale modeling indicating that the planetary boundary layer is suppressed within the crater and are also consistent with the almost complete absence of both dust devils within Mars Science Laboratory camera images and Gale crater surface dust devil streaks within orbiter images.
Assessment of kinematic brain injury metrics for predicting strain responses in diverse automotive impact conditions

Numerous injury criteria have been developed to predict brain injury using the kinematic response of the head during impact. Each criterion utilizes a metric that is some mathematical combination of the velocity and/or acceleration components of translational and/or rotational head motion. Early metrics were based on linear acceleration of the head, but recent injury criteria have shifted towards rotational-based metrics. Currently, there is no universally accepted metric that is suitable for a diverse range of head impacts. In this study, we assessed the capability of fifteen existing kinematic-based metrics for predicting strain-based brain response using four different automotive impact conditions. Tissue-level strains were obtained through finite element model simulation of 660 head impacts including occupant and pedestrian crash tests, and pendulum head impacts. Correlations between head kinematic metrics and predicted brain strain-based metrics were evaluated. Correlations between brain strain and metrics based on angular velocity were highest among those evaluated, while metrics based on linear acceleration were least correlative. BrIC and RVCI were the kinematic metrics with the highest overall correlation; however, each metric had limitations in certain impact conditions. The results of this study suggest that rotational head kinematics are the most important parameters for brain injury criteria.
Simulation and economic evaluation of a coupled thermal vapor compression desalination process for produced water management

Abstract Produced water management at oil and gas fields is gaining vast attention due to its large volume, high salinity and high disposal cost. Opportunities for disposal by such methods as remote injection are shrinking and increasingly costly. On the other hand, gas flaring at the oil and gas fields wastes large amounts of thermal energy that could potentially be used to reduce the produced water disposal cost. In this paper, a coupled thermal vapor compression (TVC) desalination process powered by flare gas is proposed and rigorously simulated in Aspen Plus. Based on that, the energy intensity and unit product cost ($/vol. of product) are estimated and compared with multistage flash (MSF), multi-effect distillation (MED), mechanical vapor compression (MVC) and reverse osmosis (RO). Sensitivity analysis is also performed to obtain the ranges of energy intensity and production cost, which are influenced by the water salinity, boiling brine temperature, compression ratio, and motive steam pressure. Results indicate that the proposed TVC process is technically viable and cost-effective at most locations; it could also save roughly one-third of the disposal cost compared to the remote injection method.
A grounded analysis of experts’ decision-making during security assessments

Security analysis requires specialized knowledge to align threats and vulnerabilities in information technology. To identify mitigations, analysts need to understand how threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations are composed together to yield security requirements. Despite abundant guidance in the form of checklists and controls about how to secure systems, evidence suggests that security experts do not apply these checklists. Instead, they rely on their prior knowledge and experience to identify security vulnerabilities. To better understand the different effects of checklists, design analysis, and expertise, we conducted a series of interviews to capture and encode the decision-making process of security experts and novices during three security analysis exercises. Participants were asked to analyze three kinds of artifacts: source code, data flow diagrams, and network diagrams, for vulnerabilities, and then to apply a requirements checklist to demonstrate their ability to mitigate vulnerabilities. We framed our study using Situation Awareness, which is a theory about human perception that was used to elicit interviewee responses. The responses were then analyzed using coding theory and grounded analysis. Our results include decision-making patterns that characterize how analysts perceive, comprehend, and project future threats against a system, and how these patterns relate to selecting security mitigations. Based on this analysis, we discovered new theory to measure how security experts and novices apply attack models and how structured and unstructured analysis enables increasing security requirements coverage. We highlight the role of expertise level and requirements composition in affecting security decision-making and we discuss how our method produced new hypotheses about security analysis and decision-making.
Neutron activation analysis with a Monte Carlo simulation for kidney stones

Mechanistic questions regarding kidney stone formation have led researchers to look for the presence of trace elements. Neutron activation analysis is able to identify elements at parts-per-million concentrations. Four different types of kidney stones were irradiated with thermal neutrons to produce radioisotopes. Gamma spectroscopy of samples at different counting times was used to reduce identification errors by correlating results with the half-life of identified elements. For more precise identification, Monte Carlo simulation was used to cross-check the identification process. The simulation showed promising results that could lead to fast and accurate identification of trace elements as the simulation code is improved. Sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), bromine (Br), samarium (Sm), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), ytterbium (Yb), gold (Au), cobalt (Co), and manganese (Mn) were identified as being present in the stones, by both the experimentally measured gamma spectrum and the simulation. Among these, Ca, Br, and Zn were found to be of potential clinical relevance via a literature review. Concentrations of the elements were compared to those noted in the literature. For uric acid stones, a correlation with the literature was found for Zn and Ca. A negative correlation was found between Zn and Br for non-uric acid stones. More samples are needed to test for statistical significance.
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics

Commonsense is nothing more than a deposit of prejudices laid down by the mind before you reach eighteen
Capital Market and Economic Growth in Transition Countries: Evidence from South East Europe

Influence of capital market on economic growth has been proven to be positive by majority empirical studies up to now. Throughout these studies, only secondary capital market indicators were used, while neglecting primary market activities. This empirical research uses PCSE model to test the significance of three capital market indicators on economic growth in SEE region, for ten years, from 2003-2012. The sample included six countries from SEE region and was extended with eight countries from Central and Eastern Europe to stabilize the model. A country dummy variable was used to distinguish between two regions. Data for panel regression was taken from GFDR, WDI (both from World Bank database) and one variable from UNECE. Results show that only market capitalization indicator is found to be significant, which is contrary to preliminary expectations. It was hard to expect secondary market activities to spur growth in transition countries, where primary issues almost do not exist. However, this result could be explained through an indirect effect that capital market had on economic growth concerning increased liquidity injections from foreign portfolio investments during a transition period. LSDVC regression tested endogeneity and reverse causality, and no significant reverse relationship was detected. The main conclusion of this study is that more qualitative research has to be done to discover the main limitations to capital market development in transition countries with more emphasis on primary issues, what could be of better use for policymakers.
Utilizing an ecological framework to integrate social identities and sociopolitical analysis in psychotherapy.

This article explores how the political events from the past year have influenced psychotherapeutic sessions with a female adolescent who is Peruvian, undocumented, and initially presented with symptoms of anxiety and a history of trauma. Focusing on this case example and utilizing an ecological framework, this article explores how the social identities of the therapist and their relation to power and privilege impact the therapeutic interventions that were chosen and not chosen. Additionally, there is a review of the benefits of consultation with a colleague of differing social identities and how this form of consultation can influence a clinician's reactions to clients regarding social or political issues, as well as how integrating a sociopolitical analysis is a useful and sometimes necessary addition to the usual work of therapy.
Low-Luminosity Stars: Past and Future

The expression “low luminosity stars” is a descriptive category which spans a wide range of objects, from the oldest stellar remnants in the Galaxy (Wood) through failed stars (Jones, Gould) to the enigmatic MACHOs, discernible not in themselves but only through their effects on others (Bennet). All of these have attracted considerable attention in recent years, and significant progress has been achieved in each case, even if our understanding has failed to keep up with observations. However, it is in the area of brown dwarfs where the most dramatic results have been obtained. The existence of such objects has been predicted theoretically for well over thirty years, but predictions can fail. Thus the discovery of G1229B (Nakajima et al, 1995), an unambiguous substellar-mass object, followed by the detection of lithium in Teide 1 and Calar 3 in the Pleiades (Rebolo et al, 1996) mark a turning point in studies of brown dwarfs. The issue now is not whether they exist, but what are their properties as a class. With that in mind, a number of obvious questions arise. First, what is the most effective method of finding brown dwarfs? Both brown dwarfs and VLM stars have effective temperatures below 2500K. Hence, many surveys concentrated on searching for objects which were very red at near-infrared wavelengths, and the blue JHK colours exhibited by Gl 229B cameas something of a surprise. This should not have been the case, of course, since Tsuji (1964) predicted the presence of methane in such cool atmospheres well before the term ’brown dwarf’ was invented. Current theory, as summarised in these sessions by Tsuji and Burrows, predicts that, as one moves to lower temperatures, grain formation initially drives (J-K) redward, before grains settle below τ ~ 1 and CH4 absorption sets in. Throughout, however, the optical-to-IR colours, straddling the peak in the emergent flux distribution, become progressively redder (Reid, 1994). Those colours therefore offer the most effective means of identifying both GD 165B-like and Gl 229B-like sources - an argument reinforced by the first results from the IJK DENIS survey (Delfosse et al, 1997).