cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE ACCUMULATION OF RISKY CAPITAL: A SEQUENTIAL UTILITY ANALYSIS

This chapter discusses the optimal lifetime consumption strategy of an individual whose wealth holding possibilities expose him to the risk of loss. The vehicle of analysis is a stochastic, discrete-time dynamic programming model that postulates an expected lifetime utility function to be maximized. All wealth consists of a single asset called capital. The chapter discusses the utility function and a stochastic capital growth process. It also discusses the structure of the optimal consumption policy, that is, the way in which consumption depends upon the individual's age and capital. Optimal consumption is an increasing function of both age and capital. Consumption cannot be expressed as a function of aggregate expected income because expected wage income and expected capital income have different variances.
Comparison of Conductance and Capacitance techniques for Measurement of Interface States in Thin Oxides

Current trends in integrated circuit processing project gate insulators with oxide equivalent thicknesses of 1.5 to 1.0 nm. Gate oxides in this thickness range have oxide capacitances of 1 to 5 μF/cm2. When oxide capacitances are this large, traditional high-frequency capacitance-voltage techniques for measuring interface states can be inaccurate. We show that a combination of high and low frequency capacitance-voltage data, along with frequency dependent conductance methods, produce more accurate results.
Paragon: A parallel programming environment for scientific applications using communication structures☆

Abstract The Paragon project is directed toward the identification and exploration of programming methodologies to be used for the development of large-scale scientific applications on modern parallel computers. The Paragon environment consists of a set of data-parallel programming constructs and a flexible run-time environment. Among the salient features of Paragon are a data-parallel programming paradigm that is applicable to a wide variety of high-performance architectures, a practical abstraction of data distribution through the shape construct, and support for a powerful style of programming using communication structures. In this paper, programming with communication structures is considered and the performance of Paragon is characterized both for primitive operations and for several applications.
Roles of the plasticity regions of Helicobacter pylori in gastroduodenal pathogenesis.

Putative virulence genes of Helicobacter pylori are generally classified into three categories: strain-specific genes, phase-variable genes and genes with variable structures/genotypes. Among these, there has recently been considerable interest in strain-specific genes found outside of the cag pathogenicity island, especially genes in the plasticity regions. Nearly half of the strain-specific genes of H. pylori are located in the plasticity regions in strains 26695 and J99. Strain HPAG1, however, seems to lack a typical plasticity region; instead it has 43 HPAG1-specific genes which are either undetectable or incompletely represented in the genomes of strains 26695 and J99. Recent studies showed that certain genes or combination of genes in this region may play important roles in the pathogenesis of H. pylori-associated gastroduodenal diseases. Most previous studies have focused on the plasticity region in strain J99 (jhp0914–jhp0961) and the jhp0947 gene and the duodenal ulcer promoting (dupA) gene are good candidate markers for gastroduodenal diseases although there are some paradoxical findings. The jhp0947 gene is reported to be associated with an increased risk of both duodenal ulcers and gastric cancers, whereas the dupA gene, which encompasses jhp0917 and jhp0918, is reported to be associated with an increased risk of duodenal ulcers and protection against gastric cancers. In addition, recent studies showed that approximately 10–30 % of clinical isolates possess a 16.3 kb type IV secretion apparatus (tfs3) in the plasticity region. Studies on the plasticity region have only just begun, and further investigation is necessary to elucidate the roles of genes in this region in gastroduodenal pathogenesis.
Effects of Intrathecal Administration of Epinephrine on Cardiac Rhythm in Dogs Anesthetized with Cyclopropane

Summary and ConclusionsEpinephrine was administered intrathecally to 5 dogs anesthetized with cyclopropane. The characteristic changes which occur after intravenous epinephrine is given did not occur. At the end of one hour epinephrine was still present in sufficient quantities in the spinal fluid to cause disturbances in cardiac rhythm when the spinal fluid was withdrawn and given intravenously. Presumably the passage of epinephrine from the intrathecal space into the blood stream does not occur or occurs so slowly that it is of little consequence in dogs anesthetized with cyclopropane. The same is not true if epinephrine is given intravenously or into the interspinous tissues.
Cavities vis-a-vis rigid inclusions: Elastic moduli of materials with polygonal inclusions

In this paper we explore the correspondence between rigid inclusions and cavities [Dundurs(1989, J. Appl. Mech. 56, 786–790)] as applied to the effective elastic moduli of materials with polygonal rigid inclusions and cavities. In the analysis we use a complex variable method of elasticity and a conformal transformation to solve for the stress field due to a single rigid inclusion. Then we use a far field approach to obtain the effective elastic constants of composites with a dilute concentration of rigid polygonal inclusions. By employing the Dundurs correspondence we can automatically obtain the result for the effective elastic moduli of materials with cavities. Finally, we use effective medium theories to predict the elastic moduli of materials containing a finite concentration of inclusions.
Effect of Neural Network Topology on Flexible Pavement Cracking Prediction

Pavement surface cracking has long been considered an important criterion for maintenance intervention because of its detrimental effects on pavement performance. Once initiated, cracking increases in severity and extent and allows water to penetrate the pavement. The water weakens the unbound layers and consequently accelerates the rate of pavement deterioration. Cracking prediction and its control are thus key components in determining the timing and cost of pavement maintenance. A neural network-based model is presented in this paper for predicting flexible pavement cracking. One-, two-, and three-hidden-layer backpropagation neural network (BPNN) topologies are investigated and their cracking-prediction performances compared. Based on the analysis, it is concluded that for the same optimal number of processing elements, a one-hidden-layer BPNN topology may be sufficient in achieving satisfactory results in cracking prediction; increasing the number of layers may not add any significant benefit to the performance of the model.
Electrostatics of the intracellular vestibule of K+ channels.

Previous calculations using continuum electrostatic calculations showed that a fully hydrated monovalent cation is electrostatically stabilized at the center of the cavity of the KcsA potassium channel. Further analysis demonstrated that this cavity stabilization was controlled by a balance between the unfavorable reaction field due to the finite size of the cavity and the favorable electrostatic field arising from the pore helices. In the present study, continuum electrostatic calculations are used to investigate how the stability of an ion in the intracellular vestibular cavity common to known potassium channels is affected as the inner channel gate opens and the cavity becomes larger and contiguous with the intracellular solution. The X-ray structure of the calcium-activated potassium channel MthK, which was crystallized in the open state, is used to construct models of the KcsA channel in the open state. It is found that, as the channel opens, the barrier at the helix bundle crossing decreases to ≈0 kcal/mol, but that the ion in the cavity is also significantly destabilized. The results are compared and contrasted with additional calculations performed on the KvAP (voltage-activated) and KirBac1.1 (inward rectifier) channels, as well as models of the pore domain of Shaker in the open and closed state. In conclusion, electrostatic factors give rise to energetic constraints on ion permeation that have important functional consequences on the various K+ channels, and partly explain the presence or absence of charged residues near the inner vestibular entry.
Nuclear changes in Phytophthora during oospore maturation and germination.

The lenticular-shaped bodies about 4–8 m diam, which have been called pellucid spots (bodies) in oospores, were clearly differentiated in Phytophthora capsici by light microscopy with the nuclear stains iron haematoxylin, acetocarmine and methyl green-pyronin Y, and by phase contrast microscopy of unstained oospores treated with Herr's clearing agents and fixative. Two nuclei in oospores were observed to fuse which indicated that apparent karyogamy had occurred. In three homothallic taxa, Phytophthora megasperma f.sp. medicaginis, P. megasperma f.sp. glycinea and P. cactorum , oospores germinated only after nuclei had fused. In young oospores (less than 19-d-old) the percentage of oospores in which nuclei had fused was lower than in older oospores (more than 25 d). Also, the percentage of germination of young oospores was much lower than of older oospores. Fusion of nuclei in P. megasperma f.sp. glycinea oospores occurred much later than in P. megasperma f.sp. medicaginis and P. cactorum . This was correlated with a lower percentage of oospore germination of P. megasperma f.sp. glycinea compared to that of P. megasperma f.sp. medicaginis and P. cactorum . Nuclei in oospores of P. megasperma f.sp. glycinea were shown in vivo by time lapse photomicrography to migrate toward each other, make contact, and fuse prior to germination which indicated karyogamy. Use of the nuclear stain, aceto-orcein, on 40-d-old oospores showed that the numbers of nuclei per oospore varied from zero to eight.
Infrared Image-Converter Method of Observing Eye Motion in Flash Blindness Experiments

An infrared image converter is proposed for observing eye motion in experiments in which the optokinetic nystagmic reflex motion is used to indicate recovery of vision after flash blinding. Illumination is provided by an incandescent lamp with a filter which transmits only above 0.9 μ. One experiment was performed on a single human subject, using a photoflash lamp for the blinding light and a faint moving light for the test pattern. For exposures up to 0.017 J cm−2 the duration of blindness increased linearly with exposure. The durations determined by the subject and by the observer agreed very well.
A Review of: “Virtual Reality Technology, 2nd edition”

Virtual Reality (VR) brings in a few exciting new developments. Firstly it provides a major redefinition of perspective projection, by introducing the concept of user-centered perspective. Traditio...
The 5-HT1A receptor modulates the effects of cocaine on extracellular serotonin and dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens.

The regulation of extracellular levels of serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine in response to cocaine by 5-HT1A receptors was examined using in vivo microdialysis and the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist 4-(2′-methoxy-)-phenyl-1-[2′-(N-2″-pyridinyl)-p-fluorobenzamido-]ethyl-piperazine (p-MPPF). Pretreatment with p-MPPF significantly augmented the increase in extracellular levels of both 5-HT and dopamine in the nucleus accumbens produced by systemic administration of cocaine. Levels of 5-HT or dopamine were unaffected by p-MPPF given alone. Extracellular levels of 5-HT and dopamine were increased dramatically by cocaine infused locally into the nucleus accumbens. Systemic injection of cocaine given during the cocaine infusion reduced 5-HT and dopamine levels, presumably by activating inhibitory 5-HT and dopamine autoreceptors outside of the locus of infusion. The reduction of 5-HT and dopamine levels by systemic cocaine during accumbal infusion was blocked by pretreatment with the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist p-MPPF. Taken together, these findings suggest that the 5-HT1A autoreceptor acts to modulate the effects of cocaine on both 5-HT and dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens.
Small livestock producers with diffuse water pollutants: adopting a disincentive for unacceptable manure application practices

The problem of water pollution from small livestock producers (non-concentrated animal feeding operations) could be addressed through water quality regulations that apply to additional livestock producers. However, in adopting modified federal water quality regulations, the costs of mandatory controls led to the decision to exempt small producers. Thus, alternative non-water-quality state regulations may offer the best mechanism to address the problem of diffuse pollution from manure applications by small livestock producers. This paper proposes a disincentive to discourage farmers from engaging in practices that cause diffuse pollution. Farmers who fail to employ acceptable manure application measures would be disqualified from using the anti-nuisance defense of a state “right-to-farm” law. Before animal producers qualify for anti-nuisance protection for activities involving the application of manure, they would be required to be engaged in reasonable and prudent best management practices. Since many small producers live in urban fringe areas where nuisance lawsuits are a concern, this disincentive would be expected to lead to better manure application practices. In this manner, a government could reduce pollutants from manure applications thereby improving water quality.
Headaches, Lives and Value

Consider Lives for Headaches : there is some number of headaches such that the relief of those headaches is sufficient to outweigh the good life of an innocent person. Lives for Headaches is unintuitive, but difficult to deny. The argument leading to Lives for Headaches is valid, and appears to be constructed out of firmly entrenched premises. In this article, I advocate one way to reject Lives for Headaches ; I defend a form of lexical superiority between values. Based on an inquiry into the notion of human well-being, I argue that no amount of headaches is sufficient to outweigh the disvalue of the loss of a good life. Though this view has been thought subject to devastating objections, these objections are not dispositive against the form of value superiority I advance here.
Ground versus air transport of trauma victims: Medical and logistical considerations

Emergency aeromedical transport for trauma victims varies widely, from 10% or less in some programs to more than 90% in others. There is the potential in all such programs for dramatic, lifesaving efforts as well as for costly and dangerous overuse. We propose the following preliminary guidelines for emergency aeromedical transport of trauma victims. 1. Trauma scene flights should be dispatched only for seriously injured patients who are potentially salvageable. 2. Trauma scene flights are not justified if the flight does not significantly reduce the interval between injury and patient arrival at an appropriate hospital (eg, from motor vehicle accident with entrapment) unless the flight delivers needed medical expertise or equipment to the scene. 3. Critically injured patients should be returned to the closest hospital of appropriate capabilities and demonstrated expertise. 4. Flight services should be a public service fully integrated into the metropolitan emergency medical services system. 5. Scene flights should be dispatched within medical guidelines established by the regional emergency medical services system. 6. Emergency aeromedical evacuation of trauma victims should assist the regionalization of trauma care to centers with special capabilities for the management of seriously injured patients. Promulgation of more detailed guidelines will depend on the accumulation of clinical experience and will be possible only if consistent efforts are made to obtain measures of injury severity, categories of injury, and long-term outcomes of management.
Simulating integrated volt/var control and distributed demand response using GridSpice

This paper proposes VVCDDR, an integrated volt/var control scheme which also uses distributed demand response capacity on distribution networks to improve the reliability and efficiency of the distribution network. The paper uses a new simulation platform, GridSpice, to show that demand response resources can be used to maintain a flat and stable voltage profile over the feeder without increasing the allocation of voltage regulators and capacitor banks. The improved voltage profile allows for a safe reduction of voltage while ensuring that all loads remain within the standard acceptable voltage range. Previous studies have shown that a reduction of the load voltage translates into lower power consumption, a technique known as conservation voltage reduction (CVR). The simulation platform, GridSpice, built on top of Gridlab-D [11], is the first distribution simulator to consider volt/var control, demand response, and distribution automation in a single simulation.
Packer–a FORTRAN 77 code for collection, analysis, and display of interval pressure injection test data

Abstract A FORTRAN 77 code is presented which gives the user a systematic approach to the collection, storage, and graphical display of results from pressure injection testing of wells and boreholes. Transmissivities are computed using three different formulations: a simple, standard method; one which accounts for unsaturated conditions and the use of one or two packers; and a method which assumes that the majority of the transmissivity is the result of a single, horizontal fracture. Results may be displayed graphically with depth along with the matrix values to detect significant secondary porosity. A methodology is presented for calibrating for head loss in the piping system to maximize the accuracy of computed results. The code takes flow-head loss data either interactively, or from a database holding previous calibration data. The data then are fit with a best-fit polynomial, the order of which is selected by the user. The best fit of the head loss data may be viewed graphically. A set of field collected pressure injection data is presented and analyzed using the code. The results demonstrate the influence that both the computational formulation and the head loss calibration may have on computed results.
Using Trade Shows Throughout the Product Life Cycle

Abstract Trade shows have long been recognized as an important marketing tool when introducing new products. This study examines the effectiveness of trade shows across the product life cycle (PLC). The results indicate that trade shows are an effective promotion tool for products in any stage of the product life cycle, but the nature and objectives of show use change over the life cycle.
Effects of ammonia on juvenile unionid mussels (Lampsilis cardium) in laboratory sediment toxicity tests

Ammonia is a relatively toxic compound generated in water and sediments by heterotrophic bacteria and accumulates in sediments and pore water. Recent data suggest that unionid mussels are sensitive to un-ionized ammonia (NH3) relative to other organisms. Existing sediment exposure systems are not suitable for ammonia toxicity studies with juvenile unionids; thus, we modified a system to expose juveniles to ammonia that was continuously infused into sediments. This system maintained consistent concentrations of ammonia in pore water up to 10 d. Juvenile Lampsilis cardium mussels were exposed to NH3 in pore water in replicate 96-h and 10-d sediment toxicity tests. The 96-h median lethal concentrations (LC50s) were 127 and 165 m gN H 3-N/L, and the 10-d LC50s were 93 and 140 m gN H 3-N/L. The median effective concentrations (EC50s) (based on the proportion affected, including dead and inactive mussels) were 73 and 119 m gN H 3-N/L in the 96-h tests and 71 and 99 m gN H 3-N/L in the 10-d tests. Growth rate was substantially reduced at concentrations between 31 and 76 m gN H 3-N/L. The lethality results (when expressed as total ammonia) are about one-half the acute national water quality criteria for total ammonia, suggesting that existing criteria may not protect juvenile unionids.
A typology of online shoppers based on shopping motivations

This paper develops a typology based upon motivations for shopping online. An analysis of these motives, including online convenience, physical store orientation (e.g., immediate possession and social contact), information use in planning and shopping, and variety seeking in the online shopping context, suggests the existence of four shopping types. These four types are labeled convenience shoppers, variety seekers, balanced buyers, and store-oriented shoppers. The convenience shopper is more motivated by convenience. The variety seeker is substantially more motivated by variety seeking across retail alternatives and product types and brands than any other shopping type. Balanced buyers are moderately motivated by convenience and variety seeking. The store-oriented shoppers are more motivated by physical store orientation (e.g., the desire for immediate possession of goods and social interaction). Shopping types are profiled in terms of background variables and the propensity to shop online. The results are contrasted with a matched sample of off-line shoppers. Implications of this typology for theory and practice are discussed.
Caring for the Caregivers: The Hidden Victims of Illness and Disability

As advances in medical care extend the life expectancy of the elderly as well as those with disabling and chronic conditions, new sets of problems often emerge. One such problem is the constantly growing population of those providing care for spouses who, due to a disability, chronic illness, medical condition, or simply the frailty of old age, can no longer totally care for themselves. Well spouses who provide care are at risk for numerous physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial problems of their own. The literature points to several issues that emerge from the caregiving experience, as well as appropriate and effective responses to these issues. Nurses are in a position to identify at-risk caregivers and to advise them of their increased risk of physical and emotional problems. Addressing caregivers' needs helps to ensure that better care will be given to those dealing with or recovering from chronic illness, disability, or medical condition and, thus, that there will be improved results.
Development of methods for the field evaluation of Oobius agrili (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) in North America, a newly introduced egg parasitoid of the emerald ash borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

A field study was conducted in forested plots near Lansing, Michigan in 2008 and 2009 to evaluate the newly introduced egg parasitoid Oobius agrili Zhang and Huang (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) for control of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae). To measure parasitism by O. agrili, laboratory-reared ‘‘sentinel EAB eggs’’ were deployed under bark flaps on trunks of selected ash trees in both parasitoid-release and non-release control plots. In addition, naturally occurring EAB eggs were collected in both parasitoid-release and control plots to measure parasitism. While no parasitism was detected with either sentinel or naturally occurring EAB eggs in control plots in either 2008 or 2009, a low level of parasitism by O. agrili was detected in the parasitoid-release plots in both artificially deployed sentinel eggs (61%) and field-collected, naturally occurring eggs (1.1–4.2%) in both years. In addition to losses due to parasitism by O. agrili, a large proportion (37–52%) of the fielddeployed sentinel eggs disappeared, possibly due to predators such as ants, in both parasitoid-release and control plots. While no statistical differences in parasitism by O. agrili were detected between parasitoid release and control plots, other sources of egg mortality such as disappearance due to predation on eggs, varied significantly across study sites in both 2008 and 2009. The relevance of these findings to future release and evaluation strategies for O. agrili for biological control of the invasive emerald ash borer in the US is discussed.
An evaluation of the respective roles of liver disease and malnutrition in the pathogenesis of the hypogonadism seen in alcoholic rats

Abstract Considerable evidence has accumulated to suggest that ethanol is a gonadal toxin. With this emphasis the role(s) that liver disease and malnutrition might play have been neglected. The following studies were performed to either confirm the primacy of alcohol as a gonadal toxin or to point out the respective roles of these latter two conditions. Five groups of animals were studied: an ad libitum-fed control, carbon tetrachloride-treated (cirrhosis control), weight-restricted (malnutrition control), a pair-fed control, and an ethanol-fed group. The liver function and histology of all but the ethanol-fed and carbon tetrachloride cirrhosis controls were normal. In contrast, only the testicular weight and histology of the alcohol-fed animals were abnormal. Testosterone levels were reduced only in the ethanol-fed group ( P P P P
Path Planning by Unmanned Air Vehicles for Engaging an Integrated Radar Network

A growing concept in the fleld of unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) is the idea of using a team of cooperating vehicles to participate in electronic countermeasures, deflned here as jamming or deception techniques. A UAV may be tasked to engage a radar using noise jamming to mask its radar return or that of another vehicle. Similarly, a UAV may be assigned to deceive a radar by directing a delayed signal toward the victim radar, which has the efiect of producing a radar phantom perceived by the radar as an object at a false range and/or bearing. Previous work focused on generating a set of waypoints for the UAV to follow in order for the countermeasures to be successful. This paper addresses the path planning required to meet the temporal, spatial, and UAV ∞ight dynamics constraints associated with employing these electronic countermeasures, especially between jamming and deception activities. The UAVs are assigned simplifled ∞ight dynamics and performance constraints in two-dimensions, assuming constant altitude ∞ight over a ∞at-surfaced earth. All tracking radars are given simplifled detection properties. A single UAV is provided a pre-determined series of \goal positions." The goal positions may lie along a countermeasure’s pre-planned course or they may be established such that the UAV moves from the flnal waypoint of one countermeasure to the starting point of the next countermeasure. Therefore the UAV must autonomously navigate to a given goal position, subsequently perform a simple, associated task (countermeasure, if required), then navigate to the next goal position in the series. The UAVs will be required to arrive at these waypoints with a speciflc state, depending on the task at hand. Algorithms for optimal autonomous navigation of this nature were formulated to efiectively guide the UAVs to their goal positions to meet the necessary temporal and spatial requirements. Simulations were generated to test the path-planning and control strategies given UAV/radar network scenarios, and overall UAV navigational performance in each simulation was analyzed.
The association between community-level economic hardship and childhood obesity prevalence in Los Angeles.

Results: Higher community-level EH was associated with higher childhood obesity prevalence (P < 0.001). The obesity prevalence among communities in the highest EH quartile (26.9%) was more than double the obesity prevalence among communities in the lowest EH quartile (12.5%). The slope of the association between EH and childhood obesity differed by racial/ethnic group. The slope was higher for non-Hispanic White students, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic Asians, and lower for non-Hispanic Black students. Racial/ ethnic disparities were observed across the socioeconomic spectrum. Conclusions: Findings suggest that efforts to improve community socioeconomic conditions could reduce childhood obesity prevalence. Prevention efforts should target communities with high economic hardship and also focus on providing culturally relevant interventions that address disparities in obesity prevalence across communities.
Going Public With My Cancer

Personally Speaking provides a forum for readers to describe important issues or events in their lives and the role, if any, counseling has played. Guidelines for submitting manuscripts may be obtained from Stephen G. Weinrach, 303 Falvey Hall, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085–1699.
Protein kinase C and G(i/o) proteins are involved in adenosine- and ischemic preconditioning-mediated renal protection.

Renal ischemic reperfusion (IR) injury is a significant clinical problem in anesthesia and surgery. Recently, it was demonstrated that both renal ischemic preconditioning (IPC) and systemic adenosine pretreatment protect against renal IR injury. In cardiac IPC, pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins (i.e., G(i/o)), protein kinase C (PKC), and ATP-sensitive potassium (K+(ATP)) channels are implicated in this protective signaling pathway. The aim of this study was to elucidate the signaling pathways that are responsible for renal protection mediated by both IPC and adenosine pretreatment. In addition, because A1 adenosine receptor antagonist failed to block renal IPC, whether activation of bradykinin, muscarinic, or opioid receptors can mimic renal IPC was tested because these receptors have been implicated in cardiac IPC. Rats were acutely pretreated with chelerythrine or glibenclamide, selective blockers of PKC and K+(ATP) channels, respectively, before IPC or adenosine pretreatment. Some rats were pretreated with pinacidil (K+(ATP)channel opener), bradykinin, methacholine, or morphine before renal ischemia. Twenty-four h later, plasma creatinine was measured. Separate groups of rats received pertussis toxin intraperitoneally 48 h before being subjected to the above protective protocols. IPC and adenosine pretreatment protected against renal IR injury. Pretreatment with pertussis toxin and chelerythrine abolished the protective effects of both renal IPC and adenosine. However, glibenclamide pretreatment had no effect on either renal IPC or adenosine-induced renal protection, indicating no apparent role for K+(ATP) channels. Moreover, pinacidil, bradykinin, methacholine, and morphine failed to protect renal function. Therefore, the conclusion is that cellular signal transduction pathways of renal IPC and adenosine pretreatment in vivo involve G(i/o) proteins and PKC but not K+(ATP) channels. Unlike cardiac IPC, bradykinin, muscarinic, and opioid receptors do not mediate renal IPC.
Energy migration in conjugated polymers: the role of molecular structure

Conjugated polymers undergo facile exciton diffusion. Different molecular structures were examined to study the role of the excited state lifetimes and molecular conformations on energy transfer. There is a clear indication that extended fluorescence lifetimes give enhanced exciton diffusion as determined by fluorescence depolarization measurements. These results are consistent with a strong electronic coupling or Dexter-type energy transfer as the dominating mechanism. The control of polymer conformations in liquid crystal solvents was also examined and it was determined that more planar conformations gave enhanced energy transfer to emissive low band-gap endgroups.
Polymerization of allyl compounds. IV. Emulsion polymerization of allyl acetate

The emulsion polymerization of allyl acetate yields a polymer of the same average molecular weight as is obtained in bulk polymerization. The decomposition of potassimn persulfate is of the first order but is greatly accelerated by the presence of allyl acetate or of ethyl acetate. Three independent methods of analysis agree in indicating the presence of sulfate groups in 75% of the polymer molecules. It is concluded that the mechanisms of chain initiation and termination are analogous to those in the peroxide-induced bulk polymerization of allyl acetate. These facts do not serve to distinguish between different postulated loci reaction in emulsion polymerization.
An Ideological/Cultural Analysis of Political Slogans in Communist China:

By employing the frameworks of McGee's discussion on the relationship between ideology and ideographs, Wander's approach to the identification of fact and negation in cultural analysis, and by addressing Arendt's question on the process of indoctrination in totalitarian regimes, this study examines the use of political slogans in Communist China from the early 1960s to the late 1980s. It discusses rhetorical impacts of these political slogans on transforming Chinese ideology from Confucianism to Maoism, and to Deng Xiaoping's pragmatism. The analysis indicates that political slogans are coined to meet the changing need of social conditions as well as the need of authorities to establish control. Moreover, the pervasive use of these political slogans has altered the face of Chinese culture and affected the Chinese thought pattern. The rhetorical strategies and techniques employed by Communist China resemble closely those employed by other totalitarian regimes.
Resource Allocation for OFDMA Relay Networks With Fairness Constraints

This paper studies the resource allocation for orthogonal frequency-division multiple-access relay network with multiple source nodes, multiple relay nodes, and a single destination node. The optimal source/relay/subcarrier allocation problem with fairness constraint on relay nodes is formulated as a binary integer programming problem. The problem is then tackled using a graph theoretical approach by transforming it into a linear optimal distribution problem in a directed graph. Upper bound of the solution is discussed and simulation results are studied to evaluate the algorithm performance
Ventricular fibrillation: mechanisms of initiation and maintenance.

▪ Abstract Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is the major immediate cause of sudden cardiac death. Traditionally, VF has been defined as turbulent cardiac electrical activity, which implies a large amount of irregularity in the electrical waves that underlie ventricular excitation. During VF, the heart rate is too high (> 550 excitations/minute) to allow adequate pumping of blood. In the electrocardiogram (ECG), ventricular complexes that are ever-changing in frequency, contour, and amplitude characterize VF. This article reviews prevailing theories for the initiation and maintenance of VF, as well as its spatio-temporal organization. Particular attention is given to recent experiments and computer simulations suggesting that VF may be explained in terms of highly periodic three-dimensional rotors that activate the ventricles at exceedingly high frequency. Such rotors may show at least two different behaviors: (a) At one extreme, they may drift throughout the heart at high speeds producing beat-to-beat change...
Web Performance Modeling Issues

The Web has experienced phenomenal growth and has become an important element of the information infrastructure of many organizations. Web performance and around-the-clock availability are the major concerns of Webmasters of sites that support mission-critical applications, such as electronic commerce. Web sites are complex computer systems consisting of many interconnected computers, networks, and routers. Some of the computers have specific functions such as authorization or caching. Workloads on Web sites are often unpredictable in nature. Heavy-load spikes and a large variability of the objects requested over the Web are unique characteristics of Web workloads. This paper reviews the important issues and challenges in modeling Web-based systems. Workload characterization, predictive models, and their use in various situations are discussed.
Affect- and Cognition-Based Trust as Foundations for Interpersonal Cooperation in Organizations

This study addressed the nature and functioning of relationships of interpersonal trust among managers and professionals in organizations, the factors influencing trust's development, and the implications of trust for behavior and performance. Theoretical foundations were drawn from the sociological literature on trust and the social-psychological literature on trust in close relationships. An initial test of the proposed theoretical framework was conducted in a field setting with 194 managers and professionals.
Inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase-2 phosphorylation by dihydrotestosterone reduces follicle-stimulating hormone-mediated cyclin D2 messenger ribonucleic acid expression in rat granulosa cells.

Granulosa cell mitogenesis is critical for the development of normal ovarian follicles. FSH and other mitogenic stimuli play a crucial role in this process. We have shown that exposing granulosa cells to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) reduces forskolin-stimulated cyclin D2 mRNA expression, which leads to cell cycle arrest resulting in reduced cell proliferation. The present study investigated the signaling molecules upstream of cyclin D2 in FSH-mediated, cAMP-dependent signaling pathway that may be negatively affected by DHT, leading to inhibition of cell cycle progression. Because ERK is an important molecule in mitogenic signaling, the possible effect of DHT on its phosphorylation was examined. Granulosa cells from 3-d estradiol-primed immature rats were treated with DHT (90 ng/ml) for 24 h and subsequently stimulated with forskolin. DHT treatment reduced forskolin stimulation of ERK phosphorylation. Although DHT exposure did not affect cellular cAMP production in response to forskolin, treating the cells...
A Concurrent Multipath TCP and Its Markov Model

Concurrent Multipath Transport (CMT) has been of increasing interest recently for aggregating bandwidth, balancing load, and increasing reliability. In this paper we propose a concurrent multipath Transport Control Protocol (cmpTCP), which is an extension of TCP New Reno and Steam Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP). The proposed cmpTCP has been implemented by altering and extending library-based open-source for SCTP. The proposed cmpTCP manages transport control parameters of all paths simultaneously; a scheduler concurrently dispatches packets over all the paths from a common transmission queue. However, one virtual retransmission queue is maintained for each path, and the receiver sends acknowledgment for a packet on the same path on which the packet is received. A Markov model for estimation of expected window size of each path has been proposed. Next, the proposed model has been utilized to derive an expression for computing average data transmission rate when the proposed cmpTCP is used. To validate performance of the proposed model, two host computers were connected through two independent network emulators. Each network emulator runs on a separate computer, and the network parameters are adjusted independently. We used our cmpTCP for transferring files from one host to the other. Comparison of experimental results with model predicted results shows excellent agreement.
Sorting unsigned permutations by reversals using multi-objective evolutionary algorithms with variable size individuals

Sorting by reversals is a simplified version of the genome rearrangement problem that seeks to discover the evolutionary relationship between different genomes, and is one of the many challenging problems in Bioinformatics. Solving the problem optimally has been proved to be NP-Hard and so a selection of approximation algorithms have been developed. In this paper a new mapping order is introduced to solve the problem of sorting unsigned permutations using a specialized multi-objective genetic algorithm. Our modified genetic algorithm uses a population with variable length individuals to maintain a worst time running time complexity of O(n4 log2 n), where n is the problem size. The results show that this approach is more effective than the 3/2 heuristic method and previous genetic algorithm approaches.
Non-acute (residual) neurocognitive effects of cannabis use: a meta-analytic study.

The possible medicinal use of cannabinoids for chronic diseases emphasizes the need to understand the long-term effects of these compounds on the central nervous system. We provide a quantitative synthesis of empirical research pertaining to the non-acute (residual) effects of cannabis on the neurocognitive performance of adult human subjects. Out of 1,014 studies retrieved using a thorough search strategy, only 11 studies met essential a priori inclusion criteria, providing data for a total of 623 cannabis users and 409 non- or minimal users. Neuropsychological results were grouped into 8 ability domains, and effect sizes were calculated by domain for each study individually, and combined for the full set of studies. Using slightly liberalized criteria, an additional four studies were included in a second analysis, bringing the total number of subjects to 1,188 (i.e., 704 cannabis users and 484 non-users). With the exception of both the learning and forgetting domains, effect size confidence intervals for the remaining 6 domains included zero, suggesting a lack of effect. Few studies on the non-acute neurocognitive effects of cannabis meet current research standards; nevertheless, our results indicate that there might be decrements in the ability to learn and remember new information in chronic users, whereas other cognitive abilities are unaffected. However, from a neurocognitive standpoint, the small magnitude of these effect sizes suggests that if cannabis compounds are found to have therapeutic value, they may have an acceptable margin of safety under the more limited conditions of exposure that would likely obtain in a medical setting. (JINS, 2003, 9, 679‐689.)
Event-triggered feedback for resonance tuning of harmonic oscillators

Resonance tracking control of oscillatory plants whose natural frequency is unknown is investigated from a Lyapunov stability perspective. In particular, an event-triggered discrete-time system is investigated for this purpose. The proposed resonance tuner is time-synchronized with periodic sampling of the harmonic plant's output to ensure that an analytical relationship exists between the period of the driving squarewave and the tracking error. This relation defines a class of discrete-time nonlinear systems whose origin, is shown to be asymptotically stable.
Function of a key morphological innovation: fusion of the cichlid pharyngeal jaw

The pharyngeal jaw of cichlids may represent a key innovation that facilitated their unparalleled trophic divergence. In cichlids, 'fusion' of the lower pharyngeal jaw (LPJ) results from suturing between the two lower ceratobranchials. To examine, what novel abilities a more extensively fused pharyngeal jaw may confer, the function of LPJ suturing was examined in Heroine cichlids. Greater LPJ suturing, pharyngeal jaw splitting under compression and the forces used to crush molluscs in the wild suggest increased LPJ fusion in the trophically polymorphic Herichthys minckleyi operates to strengthen the pharyngeal jaw. Among Heroine cichlid species, the presence of an external LPJ suture and feeding specialization on molluscs was evolutionarily quite variable, but greater LPJ fusion estimated from the amount of external suturing was highly correlated with molluscivory. Throughout cichlid diversification, increased pharyngeal jaw fusion via suturing has likely helped to reinforce the LPJ during pharyngeal processing thereby facilitating the ability of cichlids to exploit durable prey.
Biologically-inspired multi-object tracking algorithm applied to traffic monitoring

Various sensing modalities are presently used or conceptualized for use in roadway management projects. These include, among others, bind-type (utilizing inductive loops, reflected light, etc.), acoustical, and radar sensors. However, due to lower cost; flexibility in installation, maintenance and use; high information content; lack of emissions; and wide sensing area, some researchers have argued that the use of video cameras and computer vision techniques offer the best choice. Nonetheless, due to various issues - including lighting condition sensitivity and computational complexity - even the latter approach can be less than optimal. One possible reason that a computer vision scheme can become overly complex and sensitive to lighting conditions is that too much local information needs to be captured/analyzed by the algorithm. Utilizing a patent-pending approach, this paper discusses a just-enough-smart, largely-global technique based on a simplified version of the fly's eye that can address these latter issues. This approach can easily generate vehicular flow data - such as entrance, exit and throughput rates - or serve as a front-end process for yielding pointers to vehicles to assist in the analysis activities of other algorithms. Results from the application of this approach to the tracking of multiple moving vehicles or people in real scenes with fixed and moving cameras are also presented.
Using Feedback To Control Tree Saturation In Multistage Interconnection Networks

In this paper, we propose the use of feedback schemes in multiprocessors which use an interconnection network with distributed routing control. We show that by altering system behavior so as to minimize the occurrence of a performance-degrading situation in the network, the overall throughout of the system can be improved. As an example, we have considered the problem of tree saturation caused by hot spots in multistage interconnection networks. Tree saturation degrades the performance of all processors in a system, including those not participating in the hot spot activity. We see that feedback schemes can be used to control tree saturation, reduce degradation to memory requests that are not to the hot memory module and increase overall system bandwidth. As a companion to feedback schemes, damping schemes are also considered. Simulation studies presented in this paper show that feedback schemes can improve overall system performance significantly in many cases.
Screening and management of osteoporosis in breast cancer patients on aromatase inhibitors.

Objective. Breast cancer patients are at an increased risk of osteoporosis due to age, cancer, chemotherapy, and aromatase inhibitor therapy. This retrospective review determined if patients treate...
Paleolandscape and paleoenvironmental interpretation of spring-deposited sediments in Dakhleh Oasis, Western Desert of Egypt.

Abstract Iron-rich sediments in Dakhleh Oasis, Western Desert of Egypt, have been recognized as spring mounds and as archaeological sites where Paleolithic materials have been recovered. Detailed sedimentologic investigation and mapping of these features reveal that spring mound sediments were deposited in a shallow vegetated wetland formed by the discharge of iron-rich Nubian Aquifer waters along the southern margin of the oasis, controlled largely by localized faulting and the variable paleotopography of the basin floor. The spring sediments represent peri-lacustrine or lake independent features and can be differentiated from fully lacustrine deposits on the basis of their sedimentary characteristics as well as the presence of goethite and jarosite in a region where authigenic deposition during Pleistocene pluvial activity principally resulted in tufas and lacustrine marls. Spring mound formation incorporated sediment through the ponding of surface water, aeolian entrapment by local vegetation, and the formation of iron precipitates in a low-energy, oxidative and acidic environment that was not dependent upon surface water inputs into the Dakhleh basin. The potentially interpluvial nature of this water resource makes it an important sedimentary archive for archaeological investigations in the basin. The Dakhleh spring mounds record a unique groundwater controlled paleoenvironment, providing the first evidence of a bog iron in Egypt and one of the few occurrences of iron-rich wetland remnants in the modern Sahara.