cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Some simple Cartesian solutions to plane non-homogeneous elasticity problems

Abstract The paper presents some simple solutions to plane stress non-homogeneous isotropic elasticity problems described in Cartesian coordinates. The general problem is formulated in terms of the usual Airy stress function allowing spatial variation in Young’s modulus while keeping Poisson’s ratio constant. The resulting general equation is lengthy and involves various derivatives of the stress function and first and second order derivatives of the modulus distribution. Two inverse schemes are presented which greatly simplify the general governing equation and allow simple exact solutions to be generated. The first scheme employs simple biharmonic polynomial forms for the stress function thereby automatically giving stress fields identical to the homogeneous case. The governing equation is reduced to a form involving only modulus gradation terms and can often be easily solved for the allowable modulus distribution. The resulting displacement fields are then determined by standard methods. A second related method uses special simplifying elastic modulus variation to greatly reduce the general equation thereby allowing simple integration to determine the solution.
770-1 Exogenously Administered Growth Hormone and IGF-1 Alter Intracellular Calcium Handling and Enhance Cardiac Performance

To further elucidate the mechanisms by which growth hormone (GH) and IGF-l modulate cardiac function, we studied isolated, isovolumic, bufferperfused rat hearts after 4 weeks of treatment with high doses of GH, IGF-l or combination of both (G + I). Flow rate was 10 ml/min/g heart wt., baseline perfusate Ca 2+ was 1.0 mmol/l. Functional parameters including systolic and diastolic pressure (P sys , P dias , mmHg), maximal + dP/dt/DevP (sec -1 ) and (calculated) peak systolic circumferential wall stress (σ sys , kdyn/m 2 ) were measured at 50% of the intracardiac balloon volume at which maximal developed pressure (DevP) occurred. EC 50 (μmol/l) of the force Ca 2+ relationship and maximum Ca 2+ activated force (σ sysmx , kdyn/cm 2 ) were assessed by stepwise increase of Ca 2+ in the perfusate and plotting σ sys vs. intracellular peak systolic Ca 2+ measured by the aequorin bio-Iuminescence method. Results at baseline and Ca 2+ response were as follows: P sys σ sys +dP/dt/DevP EC 50 σ sysmx Control 139 ± 5 # 68 ± 5 15.4 ± 0.1 0.67 ± 001 78 ± 5 IGF-1 169 ± 6 # * 68 ± 2 17.7 ± 0.2 # * 0.73 ± 0.02 * 103 ± 4 * GH 162 ± 5 # * 67 ± 3 16.5 ± 0.2 * 0.74 ± 0.01 * 107 ± 4 * G + I 153 ± 4 * 69 ± 3 156 ± 0.3 0.72 ± 0.02 * 106 ± 2 * Data are mean ± SEM: * p l 0.05 vs. control. # vs. G + I P dias , Ca sys , Ca dias , shape and duration of the Ca 2+ transient were not influenced by the treatments. All treatmenls caused a similar increase of heart wt. although the heart wt. to body wt. ratio remained unchanged. asys was unchanged by the treatments despite increasing P sys , suggesting a concenlric growth pattern. In addition to the increased P sys enhanced systolic performance was demonstrated by an increased σ sysmx , although this effect is not seen on σ sys at baseline due to an increased EC 50 . These data support the hypothesis, that both IGF-l and GH have a direct effect on cardiac performance by influencing geometry and maximum Ca 2+ activated force capacity.
Video recognition of breaking waves

An algorithm is presented to automate the identification of breaking waves in images collected with a camera on a drifting buoy. Each image is given a score from four separate analysis techniques: brightness detection, pixel histogram, entropy (texture) analysis, and glare identification. By combining these in a composite score, potential breaking wave images are detected and the number of images requiring manual review is a small fraction of the original set. Most of the images with false breaking wave signals due to sun glare are identified and removed. The final output is the wave-breaking rate over the length of the video capture.
Risks associated with intraaortic balloon pumping in patients with and without diabetes mellitus

Between 1967 and 1982, intraaortic balloon pumping (IABP) was attempted in 733 patients. Of these, 132 were diabetic: 51 patients were managed with diet alone, 46 patients took oral hypoglycemic agents and 35 patients required insulin. Vascular complications associated with IABP occurred in 34% of the insulin-dependent diabetics, in 18% of other diabetics and in 14% of nondiabetic patients. Infectious complications were 37, 22 and 25%, respectively. Seventy-five diabetic patients (57%) were discharged alive from the hospital after balloon pumping, essentially the same proportion as among nondiabetic patients (58%). It is concluded that although diabetics incur a higher complication rate, IABP is not contraindicated.
Fast-neutron response characteristics of TSEE dosimeters

Abstract Further applications are described of the previously reported technique of fast neutron dosimetry with combinations of hydrogenous radiators and ceramic BeO, to be evaluated by thermally stimulated exoelectron emission (TSEE). For example, a pronounced directional response has been minimized with a dosimeter-radiator-dosimeter sandwich; and information on the effective neutron energy can be obtained by varying either the radiator thickness, or the thickness of an absorber layer between radiator and TSEE dosimeter.
Use of DNA purified in situ from cells embedded in agarose plugs for the molecular analysis of tk-/- mutants recovered in the L5178Y tk+/- 3.7.2C mutagen assay system.

Abstract We have reported that tk−/− mutants recovered in the mouse L5178Y tk+/− 3.7.2C mutagen assay have often lost the tk+ allele. Allele loss in the tk−/− mutants is documented on Southern blots as the absence of a 6.3-kb Nco I fragment seen in both tk+/+ and tk+/− cell DNAs. For the routine screening of large- and small-colony tk−/− mutants DNAs for the absence of this genomic fragment, we have found that cells can be lysed in agarose plugs, and DNA of cells embedded in plugs can be purified, restricted with Nco I, electrophoresed, and analyzed on Southern blots without significant band distortion or diffusional loss of tk-specificfragments in the 2–7-kb range. Purification and restriction analysis of DNA in agarose plugs, originally developed to allow pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of very large DNA fragments, represents a convenient alternative to conventional DNA purification methods, allowing quantitative recovery of DNA from small numbers of cells, eliminating centrifugation, phenol extraction, and ethanol precipitation steps, and requiring smaller quantities of reagents.
Pollen, Seed, and Mollusk Analysis of a Sediment Core from Pickerel Lake, Northeastern South Dakota

Pickerel Lake formed on the Coteau des Prairies, northeastern South Dakota, prior to 10,670 ± 140 years ago. The lake was probably initially underlain by an ice block; it was insulated from the ice first by an undetermined thickness of outwash, and then also by sediment. Fossil pollen, spores, seeds, leaves, and mollusks of a core from Pickerel Lake were analyzed in order to work out the limnological history of the lake and the vegetational history of the nearby upland. The data were then compared with ecological data from modern vegetation and the lake. The following chronology was deduced from these studies: (1) Prior to 10,670 years ago, boreal forest existed around Pickerel Lake and on the nearby upland, the climate was cool and moist, there were a few marshes around the lake margin, and the lake was less than 3 m deep at the coring site. The lake water was alkaline but not very hard. (2) Between 10,670 and about 8000 years ago, there were mixed deciduous trees around the lake, in gullies, and on the upland; however, tree cover on the upland was less dense and had numerous prairie-like openings with grass and perhaps bracken fern. The climate was warmer than that of the previous age. The lake was probably deeper at the study site, and was probably slightly harder. (3) From about 8000 to 4000 years ago, blue-stem prairie dominated the upland. Deciduous forest was almost absent, except perhaps for a few groves around the lake or in gullies. The climate was characterized by recurring summer drought, and the level of Pickerel Lake consequently fluctuated markedly. The depth of the lake at the coring site was less than 3 m, and the water was hard with high carbonate content. Reed marshes were common around the lake margin, and during low water levels a rich herbaceous vegetation invaded the exposed lake sediments. (4) Since about 4000 years ago, the upland and lake vegetation has been about the same as now, with prairie dominating the upland and with an abundant oak and ash deciduous forest common around lakes and in gullies. Summer droughts were not so common as during the preceding period. The lake was less than 3 m deep at the study site. It was also alkaline, hard, and had reed marshes flourishing in places around its margin.
Sensitivity to N-methyl-D-aspartic acid-induced convulsions is genetically associated with resistance to ethanol withdrawal seizures

Abstract Mice genetically selected to be resistant (withdrawal-seizure resistant, WSR) or prone (withdrawal-seizure prone, WSP) to handling-induced convulsions during ethanol withdrawal were tested for sensitivity to convulsions induced by timed intravenous (i.v.) infusion of N -methyl- d -aspartic acid (NMDA). WSR mice displayed convulsions at infused doses of NMDA that averaged 20% lower than WSP mice. This result was present in both genetically independent replicates of the WSR and WSP mice and provides strong evidence for an involvelment of the NMDA system in the difference in withdrawal seizures present in these lines.
Local Regulation of Neurofilament Transport by Myelinating Cells

Axons in the vertebrate nervous system only expand beyond ∼1 μm in diameter if they become myelinated. This expansion is due in large part to the accumulation of space-filling cytoskeletal polymers called neurofilaments, which are cargoes of axonal transport. One possible mechanism for this accumulation is a decrease in the rate of neurofilament transport. To test this hypothesis, we used a fluorescence photoactivation pulse-escape technique to compare the kinetics of neurofilament transport in contiguous myelinated and unmyelinated segments of axons in long-term myelinating cocultures established from the dorsal root ganglia of embryonic rats. The myelinated segments contained more neurofilaments and had a larger cross-sectional area than the contiguous unmyelinated segments, and this correlated with a local slowing of neurofilament transport. By computational modeling of the pulse-escape kinetics, we found that this slowing of neurofilament transport could be explained by an increase in the proportion of the time that the neurofilaments spent pausing and that this increase in pausing was sufficient to explain the observed neurofilament accumulation. Thus we propose that myelinating cells can regulate the neurofilament content and morphology of axons locally by modulating the kinetics of neurofilament transport.
Divided loyalties: transdetermination and the genetics of tissue regeneration

Most tissues contain cells capable of the self-renewal and differentiation necessary to maintain tissue and organ integrity. These somatic stem cells are generally thought to have limited developmental potential. The mechanisms that restrict cell fate decisions in somatic stem cells are only now being understood. This understanding will be important in the clinical exploitation of adult stem cells in tissue repair and replacement. Experiments performed over fifty years ago in Drosophila showed that developmental restriction could be relaxed in the proliferating larval cells that are destined to form the adult fly integument. This phenomenon, called transdetermination, can serve as a model for mechanisms of stem-cell commitment. A recent publication1 sheds new light on the mechanism of transdetermination by demonstrating that loss of homeotic gene silencing leads to increased frequency of transdetermination. In addition, the authors link a specific signaling pathway induced by tissue regeneration to the relaxation of homeotic gene silencing. The data identify key mechanisms that control developmental homeostasis and cell fate restriction that could be manipulated to make somatic stem-cell engineering possible. BioEssays 28: 574–577, 2006. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analytical modeling of deformed plain woven thermoplastic composites

This research addressed the deformation predictability of post-manufactured, plain weave architecture composite panels. Often times during the production of deep drawn composite parts, a fabric preform experiences various defects ranging from local buckling, interply slip, intraply shear, delamination, overheating and thickness variations. Minimizing these defects is of utmost importance for mass produceability in a practical manufacturing process. Considering intraply shear as the enabler for panel alteration, characterization of the local trellis angles can lead to better understanding of defects. The approach is analogous to forming limit diagrams used as a design tool in the sheet metal industry when developing new products to predict draw depth based upon the strain characteristics of the material. There were two broad objectives of this research. The first objective was to adapt a grid strain analysis technique to characterize surface deformations. These deformations were related to the extent of local trellis shearing and were used as a validation tool. The second objective was to generate a predictive model with the use of a bilinearly blended Coons patch to predict formability for the top surface of a composite panel. This model was generated independently of the results obtained from the grid strain analysis. By implementing this analytical, predictive model, it was possible to characterize formability of a composite part using nothing more than geometry of tooling, material thickness and imposed boundary conditions.
The dexamethasone suppression test in children and adolescents: a review and a controlled study

Abstract Dexamethasone Suppression Test (DST) studies conducted in children and adolescents are reviewed, together with factors hypothesized to explain discrepancies in rates of DST nonsuppression across studies. These factors are then examined in a controlled study of 27 adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) and 34 normal controls (NC). subjects were given 1 mg of dexamethasone at 11:00 pm , and the following day serum samples for cortisol were collected each hr from 8 am to 11 pm through an indwelling catheter. There were no significant differences found between the MDD and NC subjects on any postdexamethasone cortisol measure. Further, cortisol suppressors and nonsuppressors were not distinguished by any of the hypothesized factors identified from the review, including inpatient status, presence of suicidality, endogenous features, psychotic symptoms, or prior history of MDD. Questions about the appropriateness of the 1 mg dose of dexamethasone (currently the standard dose used with adolescents) are raised, together with a discussion of the effects of stress on DST findings.
Some block- and trellis-coded modulations for the Rayleigh fading channel

The error performance of a modulation code over a channel depends on several distance parameters and the path multiplicity of the code. For the AWGN channel, the error performance of a modulation code depends mainly on its minimum squared Euclidean distance and path multiplicity. For the Rayleigh fading channel, however, the error performance of a modulation code depends strongly on its minimum symbol distance, minimum product distance, and path multiplicity. It depends on the minimum squared Euclidean distance in a lesser degree. This paper is concerned with the construction of block and trellis MPSK modulation codes for the Rayleigh fading channel. In each construction, the distance parameters are chosen to achieve good error performance with reduced decoding complexity.
Some acetals of methyl 2-deoxy-2-halogeno-α-D-altropyranoside and their reactions with lithium aluminium hydride

Abstract Methyl 4,6- O -benzylidene-2-deoxy-2-halogeno-α- D -altropyranosides undergo facile, acid-catalysed, acetal migrations to give methyl 3,4- O -( R )- and -( S )- O -benzylidene-2-deoxy-2-halogen-α- D -altropyranosides. Whereas reduction of methyl 3,4- O -( R )-benzylidene-2-chloro-2-deoxy-6- O -toluene- p -sulphonyl-α- D -altropyranoside with lithium aluminium hydride affords methyl 3,4- O -( S )-benzylidene-2,6-dideoxy-α- D - ribo -hexopyranoside, similar reduction of the corresponding 2-deoxy-2-iodo derivative affords only methyl 2,3,6-trideoxy-α- D - erythro -hex-2-enopyranoside.
Biocompatible nanofiber scaffolds on metal for controlled release and cell colonization.

This paper reports for the first time a preparation of biocompatible titanate nanofiber scaffolds on the surface of titanium foil/mesh via a one-step hydrothermal reaction. The length and diameter of the nanofibers can be controlled by varying the fabrication parameters, such as reaction temperature, precursor concentration, and reaction time. The nanofibers can self-organize into macroporous (mostly 0.5−10 μm in diameter) scaffolds potentially useful for developing new bioscaffolds, photocatalysts, sensors, and drug delivery vehicles.
An application of mathematical programming to sample allocation

Abstract The problem of sample allocation in multipurpose surveys is complicated by the fact that an efficient allocation for some estimates may be inefficient for others. There may also be precision goals that must be met for certain estimates plus constraints on costs and minimum sample sizes for strata to permit variance estimation. These requirements lead to formulating the allocation problem as one of mathematical programming with an objective function and constraints that are nonlinear in the sample size target variables. We discuss a flexible approach for a two-stage sample allocation that uses multicriteria optimization programming. Software was developed to permit survey designers to easily explore alternative problem formulations and to compare the resulting allocations. The method is illustrated using a business establishment survey that estimates the costs to employers of providing wages and benefits to employees and the percentages of employees that receive certain benefits. © 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.
Women's erotic rape fantasies: an evaluation of theory and research.

This article is the first systematic review of the research literature on women's rape fantasies. Current research indicates that between 31% and 57% of women have fantasies in which they are forced into sex against their will, and for 9% to 17% of women these are a frequent or favorite fantasy experience. Erotic rape fantasies are paradoxical: they do not appear to make sense. Why would a person have an erotic and pleasurable fantasy about an event that, in real life, would be abhorrent and traumatic? In this article, the major theories of women's rape fantasies are evaluated both rationally and empirically. These theories explain rape fantasies in terms of masochism, sexual blame avoidance, openness to sexuality, sexual desirability, male rape culture, biological predisposition to surrender, sympathetic physiological activation, and adversary transformation. This article evaluates theory and research, makes provisional judgments as to which theories appear to be most viable, and begins the task of theor...
Scintigraphy of throacic aortic and innominate arterial aneurysms: The value of the 99mTc-pertechnetate first pass study with subsequent in vivo labeling of red blood cell pool

The radionuclide first pass flow study, using 99mTc-pertechnetate associated with in vivo labeling of RBC is now widely applied for gated cardiac imaging (Strauss et al. 1979). Recently we had an opportnity to use this technique for the rapid demonstration of thoracic aortic and innominate aneurysms.
New configurations of rare-earth superlattices

We have successfully grown high-quality Dy/Y rare-earth superlattices with their a or b axes perpendicular to the growth plane, at choice. Earlier efforts by molecular-beam-epitaxy methods produced only growth along the c axis. In other research, we have grown almost freestanding superlattices of Dy/Y and other hexagonal rare-earths superlattices. These new configurations make a variety of significant new experiments accessible.
Neurologic complaints in young children in the ED: when is cranial computed tomography helpful?

Abstract Main Objective The objective of this study is to describe the use of emergent head computed tomography (CT) in young children and ask in which circumstances scans contributed to immediate management. Methods We reviewed electronic records of children, aged 1 month through 6 years, who received a head CT at a large suburban emergency department between February 2008 and February 2009. Age, sex, chief complaint, history, physical examination, indication for and results of head CT, red flags in history or physical examination, final disposition, and number of head CT scans performed to date were recorded. Abnormalities on CT scans were classified as significant or incidental, and subsequent interventions were documented. Results Emergent head CTs were performed on 394 children. The most common indications were trauma, 65%; seizure, 11%; and headache, 6%. Computed tomographic abnormalities were found in 40% (154 children): 32 significant findings,104 incidental findings, and 22 preexisting abnormalities. Four children with significant findings required immediate intervention. They all had red flags in both history and physical examination, and 3 of 4 children had known preexisting pathology; 1 child had nonaccidental trauma. Only 1 child had a significantly abnormal CT with no identifiable red flags; this child was admitted for observation and was discharged within 24 hours. Approximately a third of children had no readily identifiable red flag for the CT scans that they received. Of note, 20% of the young children had received more than 1 head CT scan to date, and 6% had between 6 and 20 scans. Conclusions Every child in this sample who required emergency intervention had red flags on history and physical examination. The 35% of CT scans performed in young children without red flags did not contribute usefully to their acute management.
Direct Numerical Simulations of High-Speed Turbulent Boundary Layers over Riblets

Direct numerical simulations (DNS) of spatially developing turbulent boundary layers over riblets with a broad range of riblet spacings are conducted to investigate the effects of riblets on skin friction at high speeds. Zero-pressure gradient boundary layers under two flow conditions (Mach 2:5 with T(sub w)/T(sub r) = 1 and Mach 7:2 with T(sub w)/T(sub r) = 0:5) are considered. The DNS results show that the drag-reduction curve (delta C(sub f)/C(sub f) vs l(sup +)(sub g )) at both supersonic speeds follows the trend of low-speed data and consists of a `viscous' regime for small riblet size, a `breakdown' regime with optimal drag reduction, and a `drag-increasing' regime for larger riblet sizes. At l l(sup +)(sub g) approx. 10 (corresponding to s+ approx 20 for the current triangular riblets), drag reduction of approximately 7% is achieved at both Mach numbers, and con rms the observations of the few existing experiments under supersonic conditions. The Mach- number dependence of the drag-reduction curve occurs for riblet sizes that are larger than the optimal size, with smaller slopes of (delta C(sub f)/C(sub f) for larger freestream Mach numbers. The Reynolds analogy holds with 2(C(sub h)=C(sub f) approximately equal to that of at plates for both drag-reducing and drag-increasing configurations.
The Impact of 9/11 on Organizational Development Among State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies:

This study examines the impact of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on organizational development of American state and local law enforcement agencies. Content analyses of police discourse in two practitioner magazines spanning from 1999 to 2004 are used to determine specific organizational changes that have been triggered by 9/11. Findings from our analyses indicate that changes have occurred and continue to develop mainly in organizational structures and processes. Changes in internal structures, such as the creation of a counterterrorism unit, tend to occur only in larger metropolitan and state police agencies. Changes in organizational processes or operations tend to be far more universal and typically involve an increased collaboration among police departments, specifically greater openness toward information sharing. Implications for future research are discussed.
On the statistical analysis of the number of errors remaining in a software design document after inspection

Sometimes, complex software systems fail because of faults introduced in the requirements and design stages of the development process. Reviewing documents related to requirements and design by several reviewers can remove some of these faults, but often a few remain undetected until the software is developed. In this paper, we propose a procedure leading to the estimation of the number of faults which are not discovered. The main advantage of our procedure is that we do not need the standard assumption of independence among reviewers.
Scale-invariant topography and porosity variations in fluvial sedimentary basins

We consider a model offloodplain evolving with channelvulsion, deposition, nd erosion. Avulsion is modeled asrndom process in spce and time. Sediment transport is modeled by the diffusion equation (Culling's model). The power spectrum of vritions in the topographic profiles predicted by the model S(k) is proportional to k -2 (where k is the wvenumber). This is the Brown noise often observed in topography. The power spectrum of wristions in the local elevation in time is proportional to f-s/: (where f is the frequency). The model prediction of Brown noise floodplain topography is roughly consistent with spectralnlyses of microtopography measured with lserltimetry. We inferred Brown noise pleotopogrphy by comparing the pir correlation function of showing wells in the Denvernd Powder River basins with a synthetic oil field bsed on  caprock with Brown noise topography. Topographic control of variations in the grain size of deposited sediment suggests that porosity vritions my exhibit the scale invrince predicted for the topographic profile. To illustrate vertical scale invariance in porosity vritions, we computed the power spectrum of vertical porosity well logs in 15 offshore wells in the Gulf of Mexico. At spatial scales bove 3 m we find anverge power spectral exponent of-1.4, close to our model prediction of -1.5.
Timing is everything: coordination of strike kinematics affects the force exerted by suction feeding fish on attached prey

SUMMARY During aquatic suction feeding, the predator opens its mouth and rapidly expands its buccal cavity, generating a flow field external to the mouth. The rapid expansion of the buccal cavity produces high fluid velocities and accelerations that extend only a short distance from the mouth (about half of one mouth diameter), and only persist for several milliseconds. Therefore, the predator must precisely time its strike to locate the prey within the narrow region of high flow, during the brief period when flow is at its peak. With flow being the agent for transferring force to the prey, the predator may enhance these forces by producing higher water velocities and faster acceleration at the mouth, but also through increasing the strike9s accuracy, i.e. locating the prey closer to the mouth at the instant of peak flow speed. The objectives of this study were to directly measure forces exerted by bluegill Lepomis macrochirus on their prey and to determine how bluegill modify force output. Bluegill were offered ghost shrimp tethered to a load cell that recorded force at 5000 Hz, and feeding sequences were synchronously recorded using 500 Hz video. Peak forces exerted on attached 20 mm shrimp ranged from 0.005 N to 0.506 N. In accordance with the short duration of the strikes (average time to peak gape of ∼13 ms), the forces recorded were brief (∼12 ms from initiation to peak force), and force magnitude declined rapidly after peak force. Statistical analysis indicated that rate of buccal expansion, and prey size, but not strike initiation distance, significantly affected peak force. These observed variables were used with results from flow visualization studies to estimate the flow at the prey9s location, which allowed the calculation of drag, pressure gradient force and acceleration reaction force. The relationship between these calculated forces and the measured forces was strong, indicating that the model can be used to estimate forces from strike kinematics. This model was then used to study the effects of strike initiation distance on peak force and on the rate of increasing force. Comparisons of model output to empirical results indicated that bluegill time their strike so as to exert an average of∼ 70% of the peak possible force on the prey, and that the observed strike initiation distance corresponded to the distance that maximized modeled force on an attached prey. Our results highlight the ability of bluegill to produce high forces on their prey, and indicate that precision and visual acuity play important roles in prey acquisition, beyond their recognized role in prey detection.
Management of Telecommunications Services: A Vital New Content Area and a Course Model for the College of Business

Telecommunications companies are facing a challenge in satisfying changing customer demands related to telecommunications services. Historically, the industry challenge was managing the changing technology; today, the industry also must focus on the management of telecommunications services. The purpose of this paper is twofold: (1) to provide an argument for the importance of the management of telecommunications services as a vital new course area at the university level and (2) to describe one possible model for a new undergraduate course, Management of Telecommunications Services. The paper is targeted to university faculty and administration and corporate representatives responsible for technology education. The ultimate goal of the course is to align the university curriculum with the needs of the telecommunications industry and provide industry with entry-level Information Technology (IT) employees who have an understanding of the fundamentals of the management of telecommunications services.
Hybrid video downloading/streaming over peer-to-peer networks

Peer-to-peer based multimedia delivery is becoming increasingly more important in today's networks. Using a peer- to-peer network to assist video streaming is a topic of considerable interest. In this paper, we propose a novel hybrid video downloading/streaming scheme (HDS) that efficiently integrates traditional client/server based video streaming and peer-to-peer based media distribution. Furthermore, we propose a receiver-driven algorithm to coordinate the downloading and streaming modes; and control the state transitions between these modes. We have performed real-world experiments and simulations to validate our concept. These results show that our proposed scheme greatly increases the availability of video content on the receiver side and simultaneously reduces the server load significantly.
Pesticides and children

Prevention and control of damage to health, crops, and property by insects, fungi, and noxious weeds are the major goals of pesticide applications. As with use of any biologically active agent, pesticides have unwanted side-effects. In this review, we will examine the thesis that adverse pesticide effects are more likely to occur in children who are at special developmental and behavioral risk. Children's exposures to pesticides in the rural and urban settings and differences in their exposure patterns are discussed. The relative frequency of pesticide poisoning in children is examined. In this connection, most reported acute pesticide poisonings occur in children younger than age 5. The possible epidemiological relationships between parental pesticide use or exposure and the risk of adverse reproductive outcomes and childhood cancer are discussed. The level of consensus among these studies is examined. Current concerns regarding neurobehavioral toxicity and endocrine disruption in juxtaposition to the relative paucity of toxicant mechanism-based studies of children are explored.
Quantization of Global Gene Expression Data

Many researchers are investigating the possibility of utilizing global gene expression profile data as a platform to infer gene regulatory networks. However, heavy computational burden and measurement noises render these efforts difficult and approaches based on quantized levels are vigorously investigated as an alternative. Methods based on quantized values require a procedure to convert continuous expression values into discrete ones. Although there have been algorithms to quantize values into multiple discrete states, these algorithms assumed strict state mixtures (SSM) so that all expression profiles were divided into pre-specified number of states. We propose two novel quantization algorithms (QAs), model-based quantization algorithm and model-free quantization algorithm, that generalize SSM algorithms in two major aspects. First, our QAs assume the maximum number of expression states (Es) be arbitrary. Second, expression profiles can exhibit any combinations of Es possible states. In this paper, we compare the performances between SSM algorithms and QAs using simulation studies as well as applications to actual data and show that quantizing gene expression data using adaptive algorithms is an effective way to reduce data complexity without sacrificing much of essential information.
Ventral Striatal Blood Flow is Altered by Acute Nicotine but Not Withdrawal from Nicotine

Neural mechanisms underlying the reinforcing effects of nicotine and other drugs have been widely studied and are known to involve the ventral striatum, which is part of the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system. In contrast, mechanisms of nicotine withdrawal have received less attention although subjective withdrawal likely contributes to the difficulty of quitting. The goal of this study was to determine if nicotine withdrawal was associated with alterations of cerebral blood flow (CBF) in ventral striatum. Twelve smokers, moderately dependent on nicotine, underwent MR dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) imaging at baseline, after overnight withdrawal from nicotine, and after nicotine replacement. DSC images were used to calculate CBF in three regions of interest: ventral striatum, thalamus, and medial frontal cortex. Subjective withdrawal symptoms were measured at each time point. In spite of significant subjective withdrawal symptoms, there was no main effect of withdrawal on CBF in the three regions. However, there was a significant correlation between the increase in withdrawal symptoms and a reduction in thalamic CBF. In contrast to withdrawal, nicotine replacement significantly increased CBF in ventral striatum. Our findings are consistent with the known role of ventral striatum in drug reward. The lack of a main effect on withdrawal, but correlation of thalamic blood flow with withdrawal symptoms suggests that more complex mechanisms mediate the subjective features of the withdrawal state.
Subadditivity of matrix phi-entropy and concentration of random matrices

This paper considers a class of entropy functionals defined for random matrices, and it demonstrates that these functionals satisfy a subadditivity property. Several matrix concentration inequalities are derived as an application of this result.
The Treatment of Preschool Mood Disorders

Pediatric mood disorders are a genuine concern within the clinical setting, and they cause significant morbidity among children and adolescents. Evidence supports the presence of mood disorders in even very young, preschool-aged children, but they can be difficult to diagnose accurately in this population. They may present somewhat differently, especially with regards to duration and timing of mood symptoms. For example, clinically significant depression may be missed in this age group when using the strict 2-week duration criterion, and clinicians will identify these significant cases more successfully when using a proposed 1-week duration criterion. Mood disorders in the preschool population may also present with more non-specific symptoms (i.e., irritability), and developmental aspects encountered in this age group may also contribute to diagnostic uncertainty. There is considerable controversy surrounding the diagnosis of mood disorders, especially bipolar disorder, in young children. Children seem to present more often with fairly rapid cycling between mood states, and this seems especially true with preschool-aged children. This can lead to misdiagnosis and incorrect treatment decisions. Evidence examining these diagnostic issues is limited, but it supports the validity of mood disorder diagnoses in this young population. Evidence regarding treatment in this age group is even more limited. Treatment of mood disorders in the preschool age should begin with psychosocial interventions, first. These include parent-training, psychoeducation, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Medication studies in this age group are lacking, and those available are largely open label trials or case series. When medication is necessary, special attention to dosage should be made, with starting doses cut in half from regular pediatric dosing recommendations to avoid adverse effects. Fluoxetine should be considered as first-line pharmacotherapy in preschool children with depression, due to the available safety and efficacy data in school-aged children. Atypical antipsychotics have the most evidence supporting their use in the treatment of bipolar disorder in preschool-aged children and should considered first, in cases where pharmacotherapy is necessary. While there is a definite need for additional research in both the diagnosis and treatment of preschool mood disorders, clinicians should use what available evidence there is to aide them in treating this very young population.
Mucosal Defenses against Salmonella Infection in the Mouse

Specific pathogen-free ICR (Institute of Cancer Research) mice were challenged with Salmonella orally, aerogenically, or parentally 24 hr after they received sublethal whole-body irradiation. The early growth for the sublethal inoculum was identical in irradiated and control mice. In the irradiated group, Salmonella multiplied in the liver and spleen until death of the host. Increasing the dose of irradiation reduced the size of the mean lethal dose for the intravenous, intraperitoneal, and aerogenic challenges. However, in the orally challenged mice, the 50% lethal dose dropped only 100-fold when the radiation was increased from 0 to 400 rad, with little further decrease even when the dose was increased to 800 rad. Presumably, the local gut defenses were responsible for this considerable disparity in the lethal effects of an oral vs. parenteral challenge. No evidence was found for enhanced local infection of the gut or increased involvement of the gut-associated lymphoid organs in the irradiated host. The increased mortality seen in the irradiated group seemed to be associated with a continued unrestricted growth of Salmonella in the liver and spleen when the number of peripheral blood leukocytes was at a minimum. Resistance to the sublethal salmonella challenge was eventually restored as the total counts of white blood cells returned to normal.
Real-time nanoscale proteomic analysis of the novel multi-kinase pathway inhibitor rigosertib to measure the response to treatment of cancer.

Introduction: Rigosertib (ON01910.Na), is a targeted therapeutic that inhibits multiple kinases, including PI3K and PIk-1. Rigosertib has been found to induce the proliferative arrest and apoptosis of myeloblasts but not of other normal hematopoietic cells. Rigosertib has significant clinical activity as a therapy for patients with high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome who are otherwise refractory to DNA methyltransferase inhibitors. Moreover, rigosertib has potential clinical activity in a multitude of solid tumors. Areas covered: The objective of this review is to evaluate the mechanism of activity, efficacy and dosing of rigosertib. Furthermore, the challenge in the clinical development of rigosertib, to identify the specific patients that are most likely to benefit from this therapeutic agent, is discussed. A PubMed search was performed using the following key words: rigosertib and ON01910.Na. Expert opinion: We describe the application of a novel nanoscale proteomic assay, the nanoimmunoassay, a tractab...
Inflation and Presidential Popularity

THIS NOTE presents some preliminary findings on the impact of inflation on presidential popularity from Eisenhower to Nixon. It does not attempt to deal with an overall theory of popularity or with such forces as corruption and domestic violence. The independent variable, inflation, is an important indicator of general economic conditions which may affect the electoral fate of politicians (Tufte, 1974:49). In contrast to unemployment, which imposes hardship on a limited number of people, inflation affects all citizens and hypothetically may have a greater political impact (Ireland, 1973:180). The dependent variable, presidential popularity, is significant not only as a sensitive reflector of public attitudes toward the chief executive but also because of its association with the success of the presidential party in midterm congressional elections (Gallup, 1972:A 16; Tufte, 1975:816). In this note, presidential popularity is measured in two ways: first, the percentage expressing approval of the president's performance in the Gallup polls, and second, the changes in approval or first differences (percentage approving at time t + 1 minus the percentage approving at time t).1 Inflation is measured by the six-month moving increases in both general prices and food prices.2 This indicator was chosen in preference to monthly price increases to reduce the atypicality of any single observa-
Reducing Insufficient-Cyclic-Prefix Distortion Using Tone Reservation

Multicarrier modulation partitions an inter-symbol interference channel into multiple narrowband channels if the length of a cyclic prefix is longer than the channel impulse response. Otherwise, interference from the current and previous symbols cause significant distortion at the receiver. This paper proposes a low complexity approach to efficiently suppress this distortion by reserving a few tones. While the interference from the previous symbol is canceled by the receiver using the already detected symbol, the interference from the current symbol is suppressed at the transmitter by appropriately correlating transmit data tones and the reserved tones. This correlation and tone reservation cause a small data-rate loss depending on the severity of the channel conditions but overall the proposed scheme will lead to an improved performance.
Vesicle transport: the role of actin filaments and myosin motors.

The transport of vesicles and the retention of organelles at specific locations are fundamental processes in cells. Actin filaments and myosin motors have been shown to be required for both of these tasks. Most of the organelles in cells associate with actin filaments and some of the myosin motors required for movement on actin filaments have been identified. Myosin V has been shown to transport endoplasmic reticulum (ER) vesicles in neurons, pigment granules in melanocytes, and the vacuole in yeast. Myosin I has been shown to be involved in the transport of Golgi-derived vesicles in epithelial cells. Myosin VI has been shown to be associated with Golgi-derived vesicles, and cytoplasmic vesicles in living Drosophila embryos. Myosin II may be a vesicle motor but its role in vesicle transport has not been resolved. Secretory vesicles, endosomes and mitochondria appear to be transported on actin filaments but the myosin motors on these organelles have not been identified. Mitochondria in yeast may be transported by the dynamic assembly of an actin "tail." The model that has unified all of these findings is the concept that long-range movement of vesicles occurs on microtubules and short-range movement on actin filaments. The details of how the microtubule-dependent and the actin-dependent motors are coordinated are important questions in the field. There is now strong evidence that two molecular motors, kinesin and myosin V, interact with each other and perhaps function as a complex on vesicles. An understanding of the interrelationship of microtubules and actin filaments and the motors that move cargo on them will ultimately establish how vesicles and organelles are transported to their specific locations in cells.
Community action for health promotion: a strategy to empower individuals and communities

Health status is directly affected by environmental conditions and by personal health-related behaviors, and it is indirectly affected by environmental conditions that themselves influence health behaviors. A comprehensive approach to health promotion, therefore, should encourage individuals to adopt and maintain personal behaviors that would prevent disease and promote health; discourage health-damaging personal behaviors by individuals and facilitate people engaging in health-promoting behaviors; and eliminate health hazards from the physical and social environment and make that environment more health-promoting. This comprehensive approach would require social and community action to change environmental conditions as well as efforts to change individual behavior. A model of health promotion interventions is developed within which community action plays a central role. The author then presents a model of community organization to influence public policy to achieve health promotion goals. The community organization model, previously tested in comparative case-study research, is illustrated with examples drawn from appropriate health promotion programs.
Optical bandpass filters for detector arrays’ modulation transfer function estimation by means of laser speckle

Two apertures, a square slit (SS) and a diamond slit (DS), both zero’th-order magnitude transparencies with bandpass filters in their optical transfer functions (OTFs), are designed and optimized for the purpose of modulation transfer function (MTF) evaluation of detector arrays by means of laser speckle. The SS and DS apertures are compared to an existing design, the extended frequency aperture (EFA), and show, respectively, improvements of 464% and 58% in filter magnitude; improvements of 213.4% (a compromise) and 17% in bandwidth; and improvements of 627% and 423% in throughput, implying a greatly reduced laser power requirement. As a result, they should significantly enhance detector arrays’ MTF evaluations and at a greatly reduced cost. The DS aperture possesses identical OTFs in both the horizontal and vertical directions, enabling MTF evaluation using the bandpass filters in those directions from the same speckle data frame—previously not possible. The DS aperture can be further modified to yield filter magnitude and bandwidth improvements of 111% and 40%, respectively; although becoming easier to fabricate, this modification would be at a lower throughput improvement of 310% over the existing design.