cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mice lacking the β4 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor show memory deficits, altered anxiety- and depression-like behavior, and diminished nicotine-induced analgesia.

Rationale The role of β4-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in cognition, anxiety, depression, and analgesia in the absence of nicotine is unclear. Methods Wild-type (β4(+/+)) and knockout (β4(-/-)) mice for the nAChR β4 subunit were tested in behavioral tests assessing cognitive function, affective behaviors, and nociception. Results There were no learning and memory deficits in β4(-/-) mice compared with β4(+/+) mice during the acquisition of the Barnes maze, contextual fear conditioning, and Y maze tasks. In the Barnes maze memory retention test, male β4(-/-) mice showed reduced use of the spatial search strategy, indicating small spatial memory deficits compared with β4(+/+) mice. In the cue-induced fear conditioning memory retention test, β4(-/-) mice exhibited reduced freezing time compared with β4(+/+) mice. Compared with β4(+/+) mice, β4(-/-) mice exhibited decreased anxiety-like behavior in the light-dark box. Depression-like behavior in β4(-/-) mice was decreased in the tail suspension test and increased in the forced swim test compared with β4(+/+) mice. β4(-/-) mice did not differ from β4(+/+) mice in basal nociception but were less sensitive to the antinociceptive effect of nicotine in 2 tests of acute thermal pain. Conclusions Lack of β4-containing nAChRs resulted in small deficits in hippocampus- and amygdala-dependent memory retention functions. β4-containing nAChRs are involved in anxiety- and depression-like behaviors and contribute to the analgesic effects of nicotine.
The postpartum period: the key to maternal mortality

Abstract Objectives: To assess postpartum care at an international level, we reviewed published literature on postpartum maternal deaths. Methods: Meta-analysis was used to summarize the literature reviewed. Postpartum deaths in developing countries were compared with those in the United States. Results: In both developing countries and the United States, >60% of maternal deaths occurred in the postpartum period; 45% of postpartum deaths occurred within 1 day of delivery, >65% within 1 week, >80% within 2 weeks. In developing countries, 80% of postpartum deaths caused by obstetric factors occurred within 1 week. Conclusions: The first 24 h postpartum and the first postpartum week is the high risk of postpartum deaths, and the risk remains significant until the second week after delivery. In developing countries, hemorrhage, pregnancy-induced hypertension complications, and obstetric infection are commonest causes of postpartum deaths. We suggest primary prevention, early detection, and secondary prevention of postpartum deaths.
A Low-Voltage 1 Mb FRAM in 0.13 $\mu$ m CMOS Featuring Time-to-Digital Sensing for Expanded Operating Margin

In the effort to achieve low access energy non-volatile memory, challenges are encountered in sensing data at low power supply voltage. This work presents the design of a ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) as a promising candidate for this need. The challenges of sensing diminishingly small charge and developing circuits compatible with the scaling of FRAM technology to low voltage and more advanced CMOS nodes are addressed with a time-to-digital sensing scheme. In this work, the 1T1C bitcell signal is analyzed, the circuits for a TDC-based sensing network are presented, and the implementation and operation details of a 1 Mb chip are described. The 1 Mb 1T1C FRAM fabricated in 130 nm CMOS operates from 1.5 V to 1.0 V with corresponding access energy from 19.2 pJ to 9.8 pJ per bit. This approach is generalized to a variety of non-volatile memory technologies.
Binding of unconjugated and conjugated sulfobromophthalein to rat liver plasma membrane fractions in vitro

Abstract As part of a study of the mechanism whereby organic anionic dyes such as sulfobromophthalein and bilirubin enter hepatocytes, the binding of [35S]sulfobromophthalein and of its glutathione conjugate to two rat liver plasma membrane fractions were studied in vitro. Both fractions reversibly and saturably bound conjugated and unconjugated sulfobromophthalein. Three classes of binding site were necessary to account for the observed sulfobromophthalein binding, their maximal binding capacities being 3.5 · 10−11, 1.6 · 10−7 and 5.4 · 10−7 mol/mg membrane protein. The corresponding association constants were 5.5 · 107, 1.5 · 105 and 1.3 · 103 M−1. Binding of the glutathione conjugate could be accounted for by two classes of binding site only, their association constants being 2.0 · 108 and 1.9 · 103 M−1 and their maximal binding capacities 5.0 · 10−11 and 2.2 · 10−7 mol/mg protein, respectively. Conjugated and unconjugated sulfobromophthalein mutually competed for binding, K I being 7.8 · 10−7 and 5.5 · 10−5 M for conjugated and unconjugated sulfobromophthalein, respectively. Similarly, bilirubin and indocyanine green, but not taurocholate, competitively inhibited sulfobromophthalein binding. Treatment with trypsin and phospholipases reduced, while treatment with neuraminidase did not affect binding. Neither changes in pH nor substitution of other cations for Na+ in the incubation mixture significantly affected sulfobromophthalein binding. Heating the membranes increased binding. This was due to an increase in maximal binding capacity of the low-affinity, high-capacity sites. The description of saturable binding sites on hepatocellular surface membranes, the affinity of one of the sites exceeding the reported affinities for albumin and ligandin, supports the hypothesis that a membrane-located membrane carrier is responsible for hepatic uptake and biliary excretion of organic anionic dyes. Based on the studies with enzyme treatments, it is speculated that this carrier is a phospholipid-dependent, integral membrane protein.
Effect of a Single Dose of Propofol and Lack of Dextrose Administration in a Child With Mitochondrial Disease A Case Report

Propofol infusion syndrome is a recognized complication of prolonged propofol use in the pediatric population, but little is reported on other metabolic effects of propofol, especially in children with mitochondrial disorders. We report on a child with metabolic encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like syndrome who received a single dose of propofol for procedural sedation. The patient's initial presentation was consistent with a mild exacerbation of her underlying disease. She received a single dose of propofol and non-dextrose-containing fluids during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study to rule out stroke and progressed to develop severe acidosis, neurologic deterioration, and cardiorespiratory compromise. This is the first case report of severe metabolic disturbances after a single dose of propofol administered for procedural sedation in a patient with metabolic encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like syndrome and it questions the safety of propofol and absence of dextrose infusions during an acute illness in patients with mitochondrial disorders.
Mental task discrimination: Digital signal processing

Abstract Objectives in this research is to increase the accuracy of the distinction between functions of various Kulaip through a careful analysis of brain electrical signals and electrical signals are out of the brain and can be received from sensors, especially in plants and solid enlarge and stored. It is characteristic of brain signals Abbaas Electrical signals are weak force and the Pacific area affected by humans, so it is also loaded with signal noise changed from its true value. Of my goals in this research is to arrive to delete possible from the noise signal from the brain signals Electrical and represented in a precise manner by factors and components unique to each signal and then train the system to these signals and it means the function of certain mental, and after the training system signals available for training begin the testing phase where the system will signal a new mentality, including the system by comparing the store to his posts, and then classified into one of mental functions that are stored for him. I have in this research to distinguish between five mental functions are: Baseline task1-when a person is completely relaxed in the case of Multiplication task2-mind when it calculates the multiplication operation is not simple Letter composing task3-imagine when the person writing and the formation of a character in his mind Rotation task4-When the person imagine a three-dimensional model of rotation around the axis Counting task 5 - when you imagine the person that writes numbers in sequence This means that one of the 83.7813% and thank God I was able to distinguish the origin of the five functions correctly by the health 100 electrical signal to the brain can identify correctly the 84 signal and we determine the brain function that she made this reference. There are high hopes might build on this research where possible to increase the number of functions of the mind which distinguishes them we reach the distinction between all functions of the mind and know what to think of human, and also the feelings, and also of the objectives of this research is to try to help people with special needs through know what is going on in their minds and meet their needs. I hope to benefit from this research all interested in this area and reach a new height in the analysis and understanding of the functions of the human mind and offer all support to fellow human with special needs.
Ensuring the Future of Clinical and Basic Stroke Research

The stroke field has seen tremendous progress regarding both clinical and basic research advances over the past several decades. Preclinical stroke research has identified the major components of the ischemic cascade that contribute to the death of ischemic brain tissue and the important interactions between neuronal, glial, and endothelial cells not only as they relate to acute ischemic injury but also to brain recovery.1 Recently, the interactions between the nervous system and other systems such as the immune and cardiovascular systems have become increasingly recognized as contributors to stroke pathophysiology.2,3 Another important basic science advance was the demonstration that processes may be deleterious at one stage after ischemic injury but recovery promoting at another phase.4 Many important clinical research and patient care advances have also occurred and the ones that I consider most important are provided in Table 1. A detailed report by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke’s (NINDS) Stroke Progress Review Group was presented recently.5 In this report, recent advances in areas including imaging, genetics, acute treatment, prevention, epidemiology, clinical trials, and health service implementation were summarized and recommendations for future research suggested. Another NINDS endeavor, a recent stroke research priorities meeting, led to a report suggesting 9 high-priority research areas outlined in Table 2 that were crosscutting along the spectrum of basic, translational, and clinical stroke research.6 The field of stroke has been energized by the contributions of many talented, dedicated, and innovative clinicians and basic scientists. Despite all of the successes, much work needs to be done to reduce the increasing incidence of stroke occurring in many countries, develop therapies to successfully treat ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, and to enhance and amplify the endogenous recovery processes that occur after stroke. To meet these challenges, we will need …
Linear programming under uncertainty: A basic property of the optimal solution

We show that if the two-stage linear programming problem under uncertainty has an optimal solution, then it has an optimal solution in which the column vectors corresponding to the positive first stage decision variables are linearly independent. This leads to the result that if an optimal solution exists, then there exists an optimal solution in which not more than m + ¯m of the first stage decision variables are positive. These results extend to the multi-stage case.
TVA Co-ordinated Communication System

This paper describes communication and control systems used by the Tennessee Valley Authority, principally to expedite the operation of its multiple-purpose dams, electric power generating stations, transmission lines, and substations. Seventy per cent of the 10,000-mile communication and control system is obtained by carrier channels superimposed upon power lines. This paper explains relationships which exist between carrier channels that are utilized for pilot relay, remote trip, telemeter, automatic load-frequency control, and telephone purposes. Close engineering co-ordination of 45 telephone switchboards, including 13 of the automatic type, and a variety of kinds of telephone circuits, totaling over 6,000 miles in length, permits the rapid handling of 2,500,000 telephone calls each year. The basic equipment used in establishing these circuits and their flexible interconnecting arrangements is standardized and the units are applicable to systems of any size.
Impact of endometriosis on IVF outcomes

Endometriosis, a disease of reproductive-age women, is defined by the identification of aberrant growth of endometrial glands or stroma in sites outside of the uterine cavity. Endometriosis is a spectrum of disease spanning from minimal disease (stage I; <5 mm of peritoneal implants) to severe disease (stage IV; ovarian endometriomas and pelvic adhesions). Often, women with endometriosis require IVF to conceive. However, to date, there is a lack of large, randomized controlled trials that assess the efficacy of IVF in the treatment of infertility in women with endometriosis. Whether endometriosis is culpable in depressing the natural fecundity of affected women remains controversial. Similarly debated are the adverse effects of endometriosis on the success of IVF. This review examines the purported means by which endometriosis may render a women either subfertile or infertile. These associations include: embryotoxicity, altered endometrial receptivity, dysfunctional implantation, poorer oocyte quality and...
Can I treat this small larynx lesion with radiation alone? Update on the radiation management of early (T1 and T2) glottic cancer

This article endeavors to explain the advantages and disadvantages of radiotherapy (RT) versus transoral laser excision (TLE)and to suggest when each modality may be employed for optimal treatment of patients with this heterogeneous group of tumors. It compares RT and TLE using the criteria of cure and local control rates, posttreatment voice quality, side effects and morbidity, cost,convenience, and salvage potential.
The Candida Genome Database: The new homology information page highlights protein similarity and phylogeny

The Candida Genome Database (CGD, http://www.candidagenome.org/) is a freely available online resource that provides gene, protein and sequence information for multiple Candida species, along with web-based tools for accessing, analyzing and exploring these data. The goal of CGD is to facilitate and accelerate research into Candida pathogenesis and biology. The CGD Web site is organized around Locus pages, which display information collected about individual genes. Locus pages have multiple tabs for accessing different types of information; the default Summary tab provides an overview of the gene name, aliases, phenotype and Gene Ontology curation, whereas other tabs display more in-depth information, including protein product details for coding genes, notes on changes to the sequence or structure of the gene and a comprehensive reference list. Here, in this update to previous NAR Database articles featuring CGD, we describe a new tab that we have added to the Locus page, entitled the Homology Information tab, which displays phylogeny and gene similarity information for each locus.
Quantification of midline shift as a predictor of poor outcome following head injury

A retrospective study of patient outcome, based on admission computed tomography, was carried out in 75 consecutive patients with head injury. Computed tomography data collected included the type and extent of intracranial hemorrhage, the extent of midline shift, and the ratio of midline shift compared with the extent of intracranial hemorrhage. Midline shift was considered to be out of proportion to intracranial hemorrhage when the midline shift of the septum pellucidum exceeded the extent of the hemorrhage as measured radially from the inner table of the skull. When computed tomography data were analyzed by logistic regression, significant predictive factors for poor outcome were intracranial hemorrhage (34%), intracranial hemorrhage with midline shift (61%), and midline shift out of proportion to the extent of intracranial hemorrhage (88%). When patient outcome and mortality rates are considered, our study indicates that midline shift out of proportion to the extent of intracranial hemorrhage is a highly useful predictor of poor patient outcome following head injury.
Effects on the melt rheology of systems of Nd‐Fe‐B particles suspended in a poly(phenylene sulfide) and liquid crystalline polymer blend

The melt rheology of blends of a liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) and poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS) and their composites with ferromagnetic Nd-Fe-B particles (MQP) was studied. We investigated the effects of LCP concentration, Nd-Fe-B particle volume fraction and size, distribution, and shear rate on the rheological properties of these composites. Enthalpy of fusion changes that were observed resulted from the addition of the LCP and Nd-Fe-B particles to the polymer blends/composites. The shear rate and frequency dependencies of the materials revealed a viscosity reduction at low (1-3 wt%) and moderate (10-15 wt%) LCP concentrations, and strong effects on the shear-thinning characteristics of the melt. The suspensions of polydispersed Nd-Fe-B particle configurations in PPS that were of lower size ratios gave better processability, which is contradictory to previously reported behavior of suspensions containing spherical particles. Specifically, the compositions with unimodal and a bimodal distribution of Nd-Fe-B particles gave the lowest viscosities. The experimental data were correlated with semi-empirical viscosity model equations of Maron-Pierce, Krieger-Dougherty, Eilers, and Thomas and were found to be consistent with the data. The maximum packing fraction, Φ m , of the MQP particles was estimated to be within the range of 0.78 ≤ Φ m ≤ 1.0 through graphical and parametric evaluation methods.
A review and perspective on far-field hydraulic fracture geometry studies

Abstract A review of the published literature and expert opinions shows that the traditional oil and gas industry paradigm for far-field hydraulic fracture geometry – simple, deterministic fracturing – is changing to include the potential for creating complex fracture geometries. For six decades, the established paradigm has purported the creation of two mirror-image fracture wings radiating from opposite sides of the wellbore with each wing growing into the far-field as a single (deterministic) fracture along a single plane. This review found that the roots and development of this paradigm are based in theory and laboratory studies that were pre-disposed to the bi-wing, deterministic geometry. These studies lacked critical factors (e.g., realistic wellbore-casing descriptions; realistic fluid rheologies; simulated pumping histories; including stoppages and slowdowns; formation heterogeneities, etc.), that can foster the creation of complex fracture geometries. In addition to a historical perspective, this review summaries studies from the last decade that were designed specifically to investigate fracture geometry. The data from these studies show multiple, far-field fracture geometries. These data include (1) recovered cores drilled laterally through the fracturing, (2) mining through the fracturing, (3) treatment-induced (i.e., passive) microseismicity, (4) controlled source seismic exploration, (5) borehole overcores and videos, (6) anomalous treatment pressure histories, and (7) surface tilts. The literature from laboratory simulations, theoretical models, and natural hydraulic fracture analogues support these findings, the creation of multiple fracture geometries in the far-field.
γ-Glutamyl Transpeptidase of Bovine Milk Membranes: Distribution and Characterization

Abstract The distribution and characterization of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase from bovine milk was examined. The enzyme was associated mainly with components of milk membrane. Skim milk membrane had 41% of the total activity in whole milk whereas milk fat globule membrane showed 7%. Enzyme kinetic characterization of these two membrane fractions showed they had identical amino acid specificities, pH, and sodium chloride effects, and similar apparent Michaelis constants. The main enzymatic difference between the membranes was a 2 to 3 times higher specific activity of the skim milk membranes. Skim milk membrane from milk would be a good source of this enzyme for continued studies of the function of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase in amino acid transport during lactation.
TeamSTEPPS Improves Operating Room Efficiency and Patient Safety

The objective was to evaluate the effect of TeamSTEPPS on operating room efficiency and patient safety. TeamSTEPPS consisted of briefings attended by all health care personnel assigned to the specific operating room to discuss issues unique to each case scheduled for that day. The operative times, on-time start rates, and turnover times of all cases performed by the urology service during the initial year with TeamSTEPPS were compared to the prior year. Patient safety issues identified during postoperative briefings were analyzed. The mean case time was 12.7 minutes less with TeamSTEPPS (P < .001). The on-time first-start rate improved by 21% with TeamSTEPPS (P < .001). The mean room turnover time did not change. Patient safety issues declined from an initial rate of 16% to 6% at midyear and remained stable (P < 0.001). TeamSTEPPS was associated with improved operating room efficiency and diminished patient safety issues in the operating room.
On the extension of geometric optics from Riemannian to Riemann-Cartan spacetime

Abstract In the extension to Riemann-Cartan spacetime, the optical properties of electromagnetic waves are found to depend strongly on the nature of the Lorentz gauge condition. If the Lorentz gauge condition is treated similar to the non-minimal extension of the electromagnetic field to Riemann-Cartan spacetime, then the optical properties of waves are identical to those in riemannian spacetime. If the gauge is treated as an intrinsically Riemann-Cartan condition, then, to the same order of approximation, the optical properties of waves remain the same, except that the polarization vector is no longer parallel propagated along the wave vector.
UV and thermally stable superhydrophobic coatings from sol-gel processing

Abstract A method for the preparation of inorganic superhydrophobic silica coatings using sol–gel processing with tetramethoxysilane and isobutyltrimethoxysilane as precursors is described. Incorporation of isobutyltrimethoxysilane into silica layers resulted in the existence of hydrophobic isobutyl surface groups, thereby generating surface hydrophobicity. When combined with the surface roughness that resulted from sol–gel processing, a superhydrophobic surface was achieved. This surface showed improved UV and thermal stability compared to superhydrophobic surfaces generated from polybutadiene by plasma etching. Under prolonged UV tests (ASTM D 4329), these surfaces gradually lost superhydrophobic character. However, when the as-prepared superhydrophobic surface was treated at 500 °C to remove the organic moieties and covered with a fluoroalkyl layer by a perfluorooctylsilane treatment, the surface regained superhydrophobicity. The UV and thermal stability of these surfaces was maintained upon exposure to temperatures up to 400 °C and UV testing times of 5500 h. Contact angles remained >160° with contact angle hysteresis ∼2°.
Analysis of thermal transport in zinc oxide nanowires using molecular-dynamics simulations with the ReaxFF reactive force-field

The objective of this paper is to determine the thermal conductivity of Zinc Oxide nanowire by Steady State Non-equilibrium and Transient Non-equilibrium Molecular Dynamics (SS-NEMD and T-NEMD) simulations using the ReaxFF reactive force field [5]. While SS-NEMD uses an equilibrated system and statistical averaging; T-NEMD uses cooling/heating rates in order to calculate the conductivity. The validity of the methods is first verified using Argon as a test case. The thermal conductivity of Argon thus calculated is compared with those presented by Bhowmick and Shenoy [20]. We then study the effects of system size using SS-NEMD method while effects of periodic boundary conditions — 1D, 2D and bulk variation of conductivity with temperature are analyzed using T-NEMD simulations. The results obtained compare favorably with those measured experimentally [12, 13]. Thus the SS-NEMD and T-NEMD methods are alternatives to the traditional Green-Kubo approach. In conjunction with ReaxFF, they are computationally cheaper than the Green-Kubo method and can be used to determine the thermal conductivity of materials involved in surface chemistry reactions such as catalysis and sintering.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Positive Surgical Margins After Radical Prostatectomy: Does It Matter?

After decades of study, it remains difficult to accurately quantify the incidence or prevalence of positive surgical margins (PSMs) after radical prostatectomy (RP). Reported percentages of PSMs vary greatly (range: 1% to 50%) depending on whether the prostate cancer (PCa) was organ confined (pT2) or not (pT3+) [1]. This is due to amultitude of factors including varying definitions of PSMs, changing pathologic specimen handling and reporting, innovative surgical techniques, stage migration due to prostatespecific antigen testing, and publication bias whereby rates of pT2 or pT3 PSMs reported by high-volume centers of excellence may not be representative of levels seen at the population level. For example, published rates of pT2 PSMs range from1.3% to 24.2%,whereas a population-based study from Ontario, Canada, found the rate to be 33% [2,3]. Having a standard definition for PSMs and determining what pathologic description is requiredwill certainly clarify the issue and strengthen future studies investigating the impact of PSMs on pT2 and pT3+ disease. The recent publication regarding standardized pathology reporting of PSMs including location, Gleason grade at PSM, length in millimeters, and a standard definition of PSM in organconfined disease is a big step in the right direction [4]. Evidence to date does not justify the routine intraoperative frozen section analysis of prostatectomy specimens. Although the reported specificity is high (100%), the sensitivity is low (42%), meaning that a significant proportion of PSMswould bemissedwith this technique [5]. In the current era of cost containment, this does not appear to be justified. If frozen section analysis is done, it is imperative that the final pathology report represent the actual findings and margin status of the extirpated primary specimen.
Darkness-induced changes in noradrenergic input determine the 24 hour variation in beta-adrenergic receptor density in the rat pineal gland: in vivo physiological and pharmacological evidence.

Abstract In male rats housed under a 14:10 LD cycle (lights on at 0600h), pineal beta-adrenergic receptors, assessed as 125Iodopindolol (IPIN) binding to membrane preparations, showed a 24 hour variation characterized by a nocturnal increase that peaked around middark (2300h–0200h) and a decrease during the latter half of the dark period. Animals exposed to light for 3 hours into the normal dark period showed a similar increase in IPIN binding that was prevented by a single sc injection (0.5 mg/kg) of isoproterenol (ISO). The decrease in IPIN binding observed after middark was prevented both by moving the animals to light at 0200h and by propranolol administration (20 mg/kg). Likewise, the reduction in IPIN binding was induced in light exposed animals both by ISO administration (in a dose dependent manner) and by injection of norepinephrine (NE) plus the catecholamine uptake blocker desmethylimipramine (DMI). DMI alone was without effect. Chronic denervation of the pineal gland by superior cervical ganglionectomy (SCGx) increased IPIN binding to levels not higher than those observed at middark. The results suggest that rat pineal beta-adrenergic receptors are regulated in a rhythmic 24 hour pattern. A decrease in density (downregulation) induced by a darkness-associated increase in NE release, occurs late in the night before lights on; recovery from the down regulated state (upregulation) occurs during the light and early dark phase, reaching a maximum density of beta-adrenergic receptors at middark not different from that observed in chronically denervated pineal glands.
The MURF3 gene of T. brucei contains multiple domains of extensive editing and is homologous to a subunit of NADH dehydrogenase.

Abstract Mitochondrial MURF3 transcripts of T. brucei are extensively edited by the addition and deletion of uridines. The editing creates potential initiation and termination codons and a continuous open reading frame. The predicted amino acid sequence has homology to a subunit of NADH dehydrogenase (ND7). ND7 is independently edited in two distinct domains, suggesting two editing initiation sites. Editing in the two domains is differentially regulated: the 5′ domain is edited in both bloodstream and procyclic forms but the 3′ domain is completely edited only in the bloodstream form. Two potential guide RNA (gRNA) coding sequences were identified in the same minicircle. One is complementary to edited sequence in the 5′ domain, the other to edited sequence in the 3′ domain.
Risky business: The political economy of Chinese investment in Kazakhstan

Abstract Kazakhstan lacks the democratic institutions that have been shown to protect foreign investors ( Jensen, 2008 , Li and Resnick, 2003 ). Nevertheless, as latecomers to globalization, China's resource-seeking state-owned enterprises (SOEs) must go, not only where resources are, but also where they are available. These are often less than ideal investment environments, such as Kazakhstan, where they are confronted by high corruption, weak rule of law, and political risk. Focusing on investments by the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), this study analyzes how Chinese foreign economic policies, such as aid and loans, assist Chinese SOEs in securing protection for their investments. They do so by making key members of the Kazakh government stakeholders in the success of the investments. In addition, the study details how Chinese government strategy has evolved from one of simply buying off key members of the Kazakh government in order to gain approval for investments to one of making institutions in the Kazakh state, such as KazMunaiGas, stakeholders in the long-term success of the investment in order to secure protection for investments in a climate of political uncertainty.
One-dimensional molecular-dynamics simulation of the detonation of nitric oxide

A series of one-dimensional molecular-dynamics simulations was performed to model the shock-induced initiation of detonation in nitric oxide. Three-body potentials were used to reproduce accurately the energetics of the elementary reactions leading to the formation of the product species, molecular nitrogen and oxygen. The model produces a stable, self-propagating detonation front, without additional parametrization or the introduction of frictional forces. Initiation threshold, reaction-zone widths, product distributions, steady-state detonation-front velocities, and density and temperature profiles resulting from these simulations are presented.
DNA damage in isolated hamster and rat pancreas cells by pancreatic carcinogens

Abstract N -Nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine (BOP), N -nitrosobis(2-hydroxypropyl)amine (BHP) and N -nitroso(2-hydroxypropyl-2-oxopropyl)amine (HPOP) are pancreatic carcinogens in the Syrian golden hamster (SGH) but do not cause pancreatic tumors in rats. In this study, the ability of these three compounds to induce DNA damage in isolated pancreas cells from both species was determined by alkaline elution analysis. BOP was highly potent in SGH cells, causing DNA damage at concentrations as low as 0.5 μg/ml, and HPOP, although less potent than BOP, also caused considerable damage. Isolated SGH pancreas cells are thus able to metabolize BOP and HPOP to DNA-damaging species. Of the three compounds tested, only HPOP at higher doses (25–100 μg/ml) induced DNA damage in isolated rat pancreas cells. BHP did not damage rat or SGH pancreas cell DNA at concentrations up to 100 μg/ml, apparently due to lack of uptake of this compound by the cells. The observed insensitivity to DNA damage in rat cells is consistent with the resistance of the rat pancreas to carcinogenesis by these three compounds. The sensitivity of SGH pancreas cells to BOP- and HPOP-induced DNA damage correlates with the high carcinogenicity of these compounds for the SGH pancreas.
Anesthesia for magnetic resonance imaging in children: A low incidence of protracted post-procedure vomiting

Abstract Study Objective: To determine the incidence and severity of vomiting in pediatric patients who have had inhalation anesthesia for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Design: A retrospective study of consecutive pediatric patients who had anesthesia for MRI. Setting: A large university hospital with an integrated clinic facility. Patients: 234 children who required an MRI under general anesthesia over a 30 month period (July 1989 to February 1992). Measurements and Main Results: The duration of inhalation anesthesia was 105 ± 33 minutes. Following anesthesia, the time to oral intake was 92 ± 69 minutes. Eighteen patients (9%) experienced one or more episodes or emesis. In 14 of the 18 patients, vomiting occurred once and did not delay the intake of oral fluids or the discharge time from clinic when compared with the rest of the patients. Only one patient had frequent vomiting (more than three episodes), and all vomiting resolved spontaneously without anti-emetic therapy in less than eight hours following anesthesia. Conclusions: Protracted post-procedure vomiting is an infrequent complication of inhalation anesthesia for MRI. Inhalation anesthesia may be a less important cause of postoperative vomiting than factors such as the type of operative procedure, use of opioids, or presence of postoperative pain.
Forces of Production and Direction: A Test of an Expanded Model of Suicide and Homicide

This research examines the utility of the stream analogy of lethal violence. Based on frustration/aggression thesis and attribution thesis, expanded integrated models of total lethal violence and the suicide-homicide ratio are proposed. Using updated cross-national data, the results of regression analysis indicate that income inequality and economic development remain to be the predictors for the direction of lethal violence expressed as suicide, as the stream analogy predicts, after the divorce rate and unemployment rate are controlled for. The authors’ data also reveal that the divorce rate greatly increases the total amount of violence but does not influence the percentage of lethal violence that is expressed as suicide over homicide.
Repeat PEG placement is safe for head and neck cancer patients

Abstract Purpose Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) provides durable nutritional access for head and neck (HNC) patients as they undergo treatment. Continuing treatment of HNC may necessitate repeat PEG placement. We report our outcomes with repeat PEG compared to first-time PEG in HNC patients. Materials and Methods A retrospective chart review identified morbidity, mortality, and possible risk factors for complications. Results Repeat PEG tubes constituted 17% of PEG procedures. Morbidity was rare and similar complication rates were found between the initial PEG and repeat PEG groups (2% vs. 11%, p = 0.131). There were no mortalities. Conclusions Repeat PEG plays an important role in the care of HNC patients and can be considered a safe means to establish durable enteric feeding access for patients with recurrent cancer or treatment complications.
Match Day in Cardiff: (Re)imaging and (Re)imagining the Nation

In their work on postcards as cultural texts, Pritchard & Morgan (2003) suggest that there is evidence of ‘an internal re-mapping of Wales that is celebrating the capital city of Cardiff as its metropolitan cultural core and marginalizing alternative imagined communities of Wales’ (Pritchard & Morgan, 2003, p. 111). This paper critically assesses this remapping with specific reference to the place of rugby union in the country and problematises the way(s) in which national identity is (re)created through the sport. Through focusing upon what is considered to be the national sport of Wales, this research critically assesses the relationship between sport and tourism in a country often overlooked in academic work within both of these areas. It shows how rugby union is a significant tool in the (re)imaging and (re)imagining of the nation but also considers how Cardiff is increasingly being used as a substitute for Wales and argues that many (re)presentations of Welshness are little more than a means of (re)i...
Password authentication with insecure communication

A method of user password authentication is described which is secure even if an intruder can read the system's data, and can tamper with or eavesdrop on the communication between the user and the system. The method assumes a secure one-way encryption function and can be implemented with a microcomputer in the user's terminal.
The Impact of Inflation Measures on the Real Returns and Risk of U.S. Stocks

Using different inflation measures produces economically significant differences in both the inflation record and inflation-adjusted stock returns. We introduce a more consistent measure of the monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate to better measure real returns over 1913–2004, for which the official CPI exists. We also extend the series backward to 1871 on a monthly basis, an important addition to the data series. We analyze the impact of inflation on the real standard deviation of stock returns and find that, in contrast to the results for geometric mean returns, inflation adjustments have little impact on estimates of return variability.
Should Acetaminophen Be Added to the List of Anti-Inflammatory Agents That Are Associated With Cardiovascular Events?

See related article, pp 1008–1014 Ever since the use of rofecoxib turned our attention toward the potential for adverse cardiovascular events associated with the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), other NSAIDs and other anti-inflammatory agents have been scrutinized. More recently, attention has been turned toward acetaminophen. In 2006, Chan et al1 reported (from the Nurses Health Study) the association of acetaminophen with adverse cardiovascular events and found that although the use of NSAIDs or acetaminophen at high frequency or dose was associated with increased risk, moderate use did not confer a substantial risk. Chan et al1 also observed that cardiovascular event risk was greater in women than in men and in smokers compared with nonsmokers. Small studies also suggested small increases in blood pressure of a few mm Hg in acetaminophen users that at a population level could be important.2 The mechanism(s) for the increased cardiovascular risk has been linked to selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase, officially known as prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase of which cyclooxygenase-2 is a subfamily. It was initially thought that acetaminophen had no effect on cyclooxygenase, but recent evidence suggests it may, particularly in higher doses. Although the exact mechanism(s) by which cyclooxygenase is inhibited in various circumstances is still subject to debate, it has been postulated that >2 cyclooxygenase variants exist.3 Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors have been found to increase the risk of atherothrombosis even with short-term use.4 A 2006 analysis of 138 randomized trials and almost 150 000 participants showed that selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors are associated with a moderately increased risk of vascular events, mainly from a 2× …
On optimal b-robust influence functions in multidimensional parametric models

In this paper we consider robust estimation in multidimensional parametric models. Following Hampel's approach we focus on estimates with bounded influence functions, and try to find the optimal B-robust influence functions that solve Hampel's variational problem. We have established existence and uniqueness of the optimal influence functions with the form as stated by Hampel et al. (1986). The optimal influence functions are shown to be continuous with respect to the parameters. This property enables us to construct the corresponding optimal B-robust estimates using a one-step procedure.
A new characterization for the m-quasiinvariants of Sn and explicit basis for two row hook shapes

In 2002, Feigin and Veselov [M. Feigin, A.P. Veselov, Quasiinvariants of Coxeter groups and m-harmonic polynomials, Int. Math. Res. Not. 10 (2002) 521-545] defined the space of m-quasiinvariants for any Coxeter group, building on earlier work of [O.A. Chalykh, A.P. Veselov, Commutative rings of partial differential operators and Lie algebras, Comm. Math. Phys. 126 (1990) 597-611]. While many properties of those spaces were proven in [P. Etingof, V. Ginzburg, On m-quasi-invariants of a Coxeter group, Mosc. Math. J. 3 (2002) 555-566; M. Feigin, A.P. Veselov, Quasiinvariants of Coxeter groups and m-harmonic polynomials, Int. Math. Res. Not. 10 (2002) 521-545; G. Felder, A.P. Veselov, Action of Coxeter groups on m-harmonic polynomials and Knizhnik-Zamolodchikov equations, Mosc. Math. J. 4 (2003) 1269-1291; A. Garsia, N. Wallach, The non-degeneracy of the bilinear form of m-quasi-invariants, Adv. in Appl. Math. 3 (2006) 309-359. [7]] from this definition, an explicit computation of a basis was only done in certain cases. In particular, in [M. Feigin, A.P. Veselov, Quasiinvariants of Coxeter groups and m-harmonic polynomials, Int. Math. Res. Not. 10 (2002) 521-545], bases for m-quasiinvariants were computed for dihedral groups, including S"3, and Felder and Veselov [G. Felder, A.P. Veselov, Action of Coxeter groups on m-harmonic polynomials and Knizhnik-Zamolodchikov equations, Mosc. Math. J. 4 (2003) 1269-1291] also computed the non-symmetric m-quasiinvariants of lowest degree for general S"n. In this paper, we provide a new characterization of the m-quasiinvariants of S"n, and use this to provide a basis for the isotypic component indexed by the partition [n-1,1]. This builds on a previous paper, [J. Bandlow, G. Musiker, Quasiinvariants of S"3, J. Combin. Theory Ser. A 109 (2005) 281-298], in which we computed a basis for S"3 via combinatorial methods.
Cellular Regulation of RGS Proteins: Modulators and Integrators of G Protein Signaling

Regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) and RGS-like proteins are a family (>30 members) of highly diverse, multifunctional signaling proteins that bind directly to activated G alpha subunits. Family members are defined by a shared RGS domain, which is responsible for G alpha binding and markedly stimulates the GTPase activity of G alpha subunits leading to their deactivation and termination of downstream signals. Although much has been learned in recent years about the biochemistry of RGS/G alpha interactions, considerably less is known about the broader cellular roles and regulation of RGS proteins. Recent findings indicate that cellular mechanisms such as covalent modification, alternative gene splicing, and protein processing can dictate the activity and subcellular localization of RGS proteins. Many family members also directly link G proteins to a growing list of signaling proteins with diverse cellular roles. New findings indicate that RGS proteins act not as dedicated inhibitors but, rather, as tightly regulated modulators and integrators of G protein signaling. In some cases, RGS proteins modulate the lifetime and kinetics of both slow-acting (e.g., Ca(2+) oscillations) and fast-acting (e.g., ion conductances, phototransduction) signaling responses. In other cases, RGS proteins integrate G proteins with signaling pathways linked to such diverse cellular responses as cell growth and differentiation, cell motility, and intracellular trafficking. These and other recent studies with animal model systems indicate that RGS proteins play important roles in both physiology and disease. Recognition of the central functions these proteins play in vital cellular processes has focused our attention on RGS proteins as exciting new candidates for therapeutic intervention and drug development.
A computationally efficient thermal model of cylindrical battery cells for the estimation of radially distributed temperatures

This paper presents a computationally efficient thermal model of a cylindrical lithium ion battery for real-time applications. Such a model can be used for thermal management of the battery system in electrified vehicles. The thermal properties are modeled by volume averaged lumped values under the assumption of a homogeneous and isotropic volume. A polynomial approximation is then used to estimate the radial temperature distribution that arises from heat generation inside the cell during normal operation. Unlike previous control oriented models, which use discretization of the heat equation, this model formulation uses two states to represent the average value of temperature and its gradient. The model is parameterized using experimental data from a 2.3 Ah 26650 Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP) battery cell. Finally, a Kalman filter is applied based on the reduced order thermal model using measurements of current, voltage and surface temperature of the cell and ambient temperature. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is validated against core temperature measurements.
Perceptually-Based Appearance Modification for Compliant Appearance Editing

Projection-based appearances are used in a variety of computer graphics applications to impart different appearances onto physical surfaces using digitally controlled projector light. To achieve a compliant appearance, all points on the physical surface must be altered to the colors of the desired target appearance; otherwise, an incompliant appearance results in a misleading visualization. Previous systems typically assume to operate with compliant appearances or restrict themselves to the simpler case of white surfaces. To achieve compliancy, one may change the physical surface's albedo, increase the amount of projector light radiance available, or modify the target appearance's colors. This paper presents an approach to modify a target appearance in order to achieve compliant appearance editing without altering the physical surface or the projector setup. Our system minimally alters the target appearance's colors while maintaining cues important for perceptual similarity (e.g., color constancy). First, we discuss how to measure color compliancy. Next, we describe our approach to partition the physical surface into patches based on the surface's colors and the target appearance’s colors. Finally, we describe our appearance optimization process which computes a compliant appearance that is as perceptually similar as possible to the target appearance’s colors. We perform several real-world projection-based appearances and compare our results to naive approaches which either ignore compliancy or simply reduce the appearance's overall brightness.