cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimal retrofit design for improving process flexibility in nonlinear systems—II. Optimal level of flexibility

Abstract In this paper the problem of establishing the optimal trade-off between investment costs for the retrofit and expected revenue that results from increasing flexibility in systems described by nonlinear models is addressed. A systematic procedure is first proposed for constructing the cost vs flexibility curve. A stochastic optimization method is then presented for evaluating the expected optimal revenue at a number of redesigns with specified degree of flexibility with which the trade-off curve relating expected revenue to flexibility is generated. This allows one to identify the level of flexibility that maximizes the expected profit in a retrofit design. Examples are presented to illustrate the proposed strategy.
Apparent reaction products desorbed from tenax used to sample ambient air

Abstract Ambient air was sampled using distributed air volume sets of tandem Tenax beds. In situ estimates of retention volumes were made and sometimes found to differ greatly from literature values. Inconsistent sets of apparent concentrations not due to contamination, operating errors or blanks were often observed. Unidentified chemical reactions during sampling and/or thermal desorption are implicated. It is concluded that empirical evaluation of data from Tenax sampling of ambient air is warranted in each sampling situation.
Restoring plant cover on high-elevation gravel areas, Sequoia National Park, California

Our objective was to learn whether Carex exserta sod plugs could be successfully transplanted as a technique for restoring plant cover on high-elevation gravel areas of the southern Sierra Nevada. Our study area was Siberian Outpost in Sequoia National Park, California. The plugs (either 1·9 cm or 5·1 cm in diameter and 10-cm deep) were transplanted in September 1981 and 1982 and without papier-mâche pots and fertilizer. The most promising treatment (52% survival after four years) was to transplant large-diameter sod plugs unpotted and unfertilized. Water appears to be the main factor limiting existing plant cover at Siberian Outpost. Nevertheless, plants present in the gravel could not effectively use fertilizer, and some species were reduced by fertilization.
Trace elements in solflde minerals from the Central district, New Mexico and the Bingham district, Utah☆

Abstract Chalcopyrite and sphalerite (373 samples) from a variety of ore types in the Central district and the Bingham district have been analyzed spectrographically for trace element content. Both districts exhibit classic examples of hydrothermal deposits zonally related to intrusives. The following conclusions are reached: 1. (1) Solid diffusion at temperatures of 300–500°C is not effective in attaining a homogeneous distribution of trace elements, even over distances of a millimeter, as shown by variability of trace element content within single crystals and polished sections. 2. (2) Correlations of trace element content with textural and structural features, plus zoning within single crystals, show that the trace element content of the Sulfides being deposited changed with time. 3. (3) Several factors besides temperature are necessary to explain the lack of correlation between different trace elements. 4. (4) In both districts, the samples can be divided into two or more groups defined by trace element content, geographic location and geologic occurrence. The groups appear to result from deposition by separate surges of ore fluid differing in trace element content. The separate surges (analogous to the polyascendent ores of Kutina) may have been derived from the same source (magma?) at different stages of differentiation, or from separate sources. 5. (5) Within some groups, lateral and vertical zoning can be distinguished, although considerable variability of unknown origin is superimposed on the zoning, and numerous samples are necessary to confirm it. 6. (6) The partition of elements between sulfides shows no correlation with inferred temperature or with geologic features. It appears that the trace element content in coexisting sulfides in the two districts is generally not in equilibrium.
Dietary l-Homoserine Spares Threonine in Chicks

Four chick bioassays were conducted to evaluate the threonine (Thr) replacement value of L -homoserine (HS). Growth rate was increased (P < 0.05) by dietary addition of 800 mg L -HS/kg diet to a purified diet severely deficient in Thr or by the addition of 800 or 1000 mg of L -HS/kg diet to a corn-peanut meal diet distinctly deficient in Thr. The addition of an isomolar level of α-ketobutyrate, a catabolic product of both Thr and HS, did not elicit a response. Standard-curve methodology predicted a Thr replacement value of 38 ± 9% for HS. Interactions (P < 0.01) were observed in assays 2 and 4 between dietary Thr adequacy and 800 or 1000 mg L -HS/kg supplementation. Thus, HS improved growth performance when added to a Thr-deficient diet (0.46 g Thr/100 g diet), but it decreased growth performance when added to the same diet containing surfeit Thr (0.80 g Thr/100 g diet). The results indicate that low levels of HS elicit a growth response in young chicks fed Thr-deficient diets.
Reduction of recycling by pumping at the PDX limiter

We have installed two arrays of Zr-Al getters adjacent to the PDX limiter to affect the pumping of neutrals formed in this region. The projected area of the getters is approximately 0.4% of the plasma area, and the measured H/sub 2/ pumping speed is 16,000 l/sec. During ohmic discharges, the getters reduced the electron density decay time from 340 to 180 msec. This result, combined with H/sub ..cap alpha..'/ data indicates that the recycling coefficient decreases by 10% or more.
Light dilaton in walking gauge theories

We analyze the existence of a dilaton in gauge theories with approximate infrared conformal symmetry. To the extent that these theories are governed in the infrared by an approximate fixed point (walking), the explicit breaking of the conformal symmetry at these scales is vanishingly small. If confinement and spontaneous chiral-symmetry breaking set in at some infrared scale, the resultant breaking of the approximate conformal symmetry can lead to the existence of a dilaton with mass parametrically small compared to the confinement scale, and potentially observable at the LHC.
A new fabrication technique utilizing a composite material applied to orthopedic bracing

An orthopedic brace fabrication and fitting technique was explored as a rapid and cost-effective alternative process to polypropylene fabrication. Other potential benefits could also be reduced weight and lower profile with the added advantage of allowing profile and firmness variation where desired. The novel process concept is based on the finding that a partially cured composite remains somewhat malleable. Clinicians conceivably can adjust an ankle-foot brace to the patient directly before fully curing the brace. Flexure experiments assessed both the partial curing concept and the ability to post-form. Results indicate that partial curing followed by ambient or heated adjustments and full curing compromises the strength by no more than 7%. However, adjustments resulted in a net displacement change averaging only 50% of that desired when heat was applied. It is also possible to post-form the fully cured brace. This compromises the material strength significantly in the deformed area, but it may be feasible for minor adjustments where applied loads are not extreme. This research demonstrates the feasibility of the process as an alternative to current techniques, especially for patients needing a strong brace.
Transitions to agroecological farming systems in the Mississippi River Basin: toward an integrated socioecological analysis

Industrial agriculture has extensive environmental and social costs, and efforts to create alternative farming systems are widespread if not yet widely successful. This study explored how a set of grain farmers and rotational graziers in Iowa transitioned to agroecological management practices. Our focus on the resources and strategies that farmers mobilized to develop opportunities for, and overcome barriers to, transitioning to alternative practices allows us to go beyond the existing literature focused on why farmers transition. We attend to both the ecological and socioeconomic context of innovation by comparing processes of technical change in two contrasting regions of Iowa. Farmers cultivated farm-level biodiversity and enterprise diversity, developed new cognitive and psychological competencies, and overcame barriers to innovation by developing external network linkages with peers, knowledge organizations, and federal policies. Our research provides insights into how biophysical, cognitive, structural and market considerations can be integrated into research efforts that aim to make sense of innovation toward sustainable agriculture.
TU‐C‐211‐11: Thoracic and Abdominal Atlas Segmentation with Diffeomorphic Multi‐Modality Registration

Purpose: Anatomical segmentation remains the most time‐consuming task in radiotherapy planning. Atlas‐based segmentation methods using deformable registration emerged as a practical approach to automate the process for head and neck anatomy, but it poses significant challenges in thoracic and pelvic regions where large inter‐patient variations are present. We present an approach combining diffeomorphic inter‐modality deformable registration with level‐set based refinement for an accurate atlas‐ based segmentation of CT scans. Methods: Our automated approach involves a multi‐atlas matching stage followed by a per‐organ refinement. At the atlas matching stage, multiple atlases are matched to the patient anatomy to determine a rough segmentation using a new non‐parametric multi‐modality diffeomorphic deformable registration algorithm able to cope with differences in contrast, bowel filling, and artifacts. A probabilistic map of organ shape and locations is constructed from each atlas mapping using the STAPLE algorithm, followed by a refinement procedure using variants of level‐set algorithms customized for each organ. Validation was performed by comparing results against clinical manual segmentations using the Dice coefficientResults: Dice comparison with manual segmentation measured on 20 clinical cases ranged 0.89–0.92 for liver, 0.91–0.93 for kidneys, 0.94–0.96 for spleen 0.87–0.92 for heart and 0.87–0.92 for the spinal cord. The algorithm is fully automated, running as a software service in the background without any user interaction Conclusions: Automated segmentation accuracy for abdominal and thoracic regions is affected without a multi‐atlas and per‐structure refinement strategy. The process significantly decreases segmentation times improving clinical workflow and efficiency as segmentations of normal tissue are automatically performed immediately after image acquisition.
A Robust Multi-Input Multi-Output Control Strategy for the Secondary Controlled Hydraulic Hybrid Swing of a Compact Excavator With Variable Accumulator Pressure

Over the last decade, a number of hybrid architectures have been proposed with the main goal of minimizing energy consumption of excavator swing drives. One of the most notorious architectures is the secondary controlled hydraulic swing drive. One of the advantages of this system is that, through the installation of a hydraulic accumulator, energy which otherwise would be wasted can be stored and reutilized on demand. However, the fact that the hydraulic motor in this architecture operates under a constant high pressure at all times diminishes the overall system efficiency significantly. Therefore, to investigate machine power management strategies, it is imperative to formulate a controller that overcomes this weakness. In this paper, a robust multi-input multi-output controller is synthesized for the control of the hybrid swing velocity and for first time the control of the accumulator state of charge. The simplified plant is tested using a high fidelity nonlinear model developed in the Simulink-Matlab environment. The proposed controller is then tested and compared against a PI controller using the optimal accumulator pressure obtained from dynamic programming and the desired cab velocity. Results show satisfactory tracking of the swing drive velocity and pressure. In addition, a study of the nominal stability, robust stability and robust performance of the controlled system reveals the advantages of the H∞ controller.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Streptomycin ototoxicity and hair cell regeneration in the adult pigeon utricle

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to develop a technique to investigate the regeneration of utricular hair cells in the adult pigeon (Columba livia) following complete hair cell loss through administration of streptomycin. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental animal study. METHODS: Animals were divided into four groups. Group 1 received 10 to 15 days of systemic streptomycin injections. Animals in Groups 2 and 3 received a single direct placement of a 1-, 2-, 4-, or 8-mg streptomycin dose into the perilymphatic space. Animals in Groups 1 and 2 were analyzed within 1 week from injection to investigate hair cell destruction, whereas Group 3 was investigated at later dates to study hair cell recovery. Group 4 animals received a control injection of saline into the perilymphatic space. Damage and recovery were quantified by counting hair cells in isolated utricles using scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Although systemic injections failed to reliably achieve complete utricular hair cell destruction, a single direct placement of a 2-, 4-, or 8-mg streptomycin dose caused complete destruction within the first week. Incomplete hair cell loss was observed with the 1-mg dose. Over the long term, regeneration of the hair cells was seen with the 2-mg dose but not the 8-mg dose. Control injections of saline into the perilymphatic space caused no measurable hair cell loss. CONCLUSIONS: Direct placement of streptomycin into the perilymph is an effective, reliable method for complete destruction of utricular hair cells while preserving the regenerative potential of the neuroepithelium.
Oxidation behaviour of TiAl3 coatings and alloys

Various thicknesses of TiAl3 coatings were produced on Ti3Al by pack aluminizing at various processing conditions. Thick coatings affected oxidation by increasing the amount of cracking and oxidation within the coating. Bulk TiAl3 and Al67X8Ti25 tau-phase alloys were oxidized in cyclic and isothermal oxidation from 800 to 1200°C. Anomalously high oxidation rates for TiAl3 were related to second phase aluminum oxidation and were eliminated by alloying. Chromium had an overall beneficial effect, while manganese additions could be catastrophic. Cyclic oxidation below 1000°C proved to be excellent for all alloys, while at 1200°C, spalling to bare metal, aluminum depletion and excessive TiO2 formation were related to more excessive degradation.
Challenges at the frontiers of structural biology

Knowledge of the three-dimensional structures of proteins is the key to unlocking the full potential of genomic information. There are two distinct directions along which cutting-edge research in structural biology is currently moving towards this goal. On the one hand, tightly focused long-term research in individual laboratories is leading to the determination of the structures of macromolecular assemblies of ever-increasing size and complexity. On the other hand, large consortia of structural biologists, inspired by the pace of genome sequencing, are developing strategies to determine new protein structures rapidly, so that it will soon be possible to predict reasonably accurate structures for most protein domains. We anticipate that a small number of complex systems, studied in depth, will provide insights across the field of biology with the aid of genome-based comparative structural analysis.
Interacting with human physiology

We propose a novel system that incorporates physiological monitoring as part of the human-computer interface. The sensing element is a thermal camera that is employed as a computer peripheral. Through bioheat modeling of facial imagery almost the full range of vital signs can be extracted, including localize blood flow, cardiac pulse, and breath rate. This physiological information can then be used to draw inferences about a variety of health symptoms and psychological states. Our research aims to realize the notion of desktop health monitoring and create truly collaborative interactions in which humans and machines are both observing and responding.
Isolation of synaptic junction-enriched fraction from the forebrain of day-old chickens. Preparation and characterization of chick forebrain subcellular fractions.

Synaptosomal plasma membrane (SPM) and other subcellular fractions were isolated from the forebrain of 1-day-old chickens by a procedure based on that of Davis and Bloom (16) and Cotman and Taylor (13). The procedure involves the centrifugation through a discontinuous sucrose gradient of a crude synaptosomal-mitochondrial fraction which has been lysed and weighted with iodonitrotetrazolium. SPM isolated by this method contains only small amounts of lysosomal or mitochondrial membranes and is practically devoid of contaminating microsomal membranes, as estimated by enzyme marker assays. The purity of chick-brain SPM prepared by this method is compared to the purity of chickbrain fractions obtained by two other laboratories, using different methods (4, 59). The SPM were extracted with Triton X-100 and all fractions solubilized in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The delipidated proteins of all fractions were subjected to SDS-polyacrylamide electrophoresis on slab gels and stained for protein. A distinct difference was observed between the patterns given by the Triton-soluble and-insoluble fractions. Electron microscopy of the synaptic junction fraction showed numerous junctional complexes.
Neuronal death or dismemberment mediated by Sox14

The pruning of unneeded axons and dendrites is crucial for circuitry maturation, but poorly understood on the molecular level. During Drosophila metamorphosis, the transcription factor Sox14 acts as a context-dependent mediator of death, axonal or dendritic pruning. Its transcriptional target Mical acts specifically in dendrite pruning.
A Comparative Study on the Solution Techniques for Fiber Orientation in Two-Dimensional Converging and Diverging Flows

The two-dimensional steady flow of both infinite and finite aspect ratio (length to diameter ratio) fibers suspended in a Newtonian fluid is investigated numeri cally. Forty-five-degree convergent and divergent channel geometries are considered for the analysis. Due to symmetry, only half the channel geometry is considered and the ori entation field is assumed to be planar. The analysis is carried out for the creeping flows where the inertia terms are neglected. Numerical grid generation is used to generate the mesh, and the transformed governing equations in terms of the stream function are solved in the computational domain using a finite difference scheme. In this study, several solu tion strategies for solving the orientation field are investigated. The orientation of individ ual fibers are assumed to be governed by Jeffery's equation. The orientation field, which can be expressed in different forms (i.e., a unit vector, tensorial quantities, or an orienta tion distribution function), is specified by ...
Trionymus haancheni McKenzie: A New Pest of Barley in Idaho

A new insect pest of barley, sometimes referred to as the Haanchen barley mealybug, was discovered for the first time in Idaho near Soda Springs during June 2003 in a commercial barley field. This ...
Broadening of interfacial solitary waves

Progressing interfacial gravity waves are considered for two fluids of differing densities confined in a channel of finite vertical extent and infinite horizontal extent. An integrodifferential equation for the unknown shape of the interface is derived. This equation is discretized and the resulting algebraic equations are solved using Newton’s method. It is found that, for a range of heights and densities of the two fluids, the system supports a branch of solitary waves. Progression along the branch produces a broadening of the wave. With increased broadening both the amplitude and the wave speed approach limiting values. The results are in good agreement with analytical studies and indicate the existence of internal surges.
Optimal nitrogen application rates for three intensively-managed hardwood tree species in the southeastern USA

Abstract Forest production can be limited by nutrient and water availability, and tree species are expected to respond differently to fertilization and irrigation. Despite these common expectations, multi-species comparisons are rare, especially ones implementing a range of fertilization rates crossed with irrigation. This study compares the response of three forest hardwood species to numerous nitrogen (N) fertilization levels and water availability using a novel non-replicated technique. A range of N levels was included to determine how N affected the growth response curve, and statistical procedures for comparing these non-linear response functions are presented. We used growth and yield data to calculate the Land Expectation Value (LEV) for these intensive management treatments, and to determine the optimal growing conditions (accounting for tree productivity and grower expenses). To accomplish these objectives, we used a series of cottonwood, sycamore, and sweetgum plots that received a range of N fertilization with or without irrigation. Regression is an economical approach to define treatment responses in large-scale experiments, and we recommend >3 treatment levels so the response of any single plot does not disproportionally influence the line. The non-replicated plots showed a strong positive N response below 150 kg N ha−1 yr−1, beyond which little response was observed. However, different amounts of fertilization were required for the greatest biomass accumulation rate in each tree species. Cottonwood and sycamore growth was optimized with less than 150 kg N ha−1 yr−1 while sweetgum growth was optimized with less than 100 kg N ha−1 yr−1. Results from this experiment should be representative of many of the nutrient-poor soils in the Coastal Plain in the southeastern USA. The LEVs were not positive for any treatment × genotype combination tested when using irrigation or liquid fertilizer, but our analysis showed that several non-irrigated treatments in sycamore and sweetgum did result in positive LEVs when fertilized with granular urea.
Role of the radiation oncology nurse.

Objectives To discuss the role of the radiation oncology nurse as changes in technology and treatment impact care delivery. Data Sources Published articles and texts, professional organizations, and the authors’ experience. Conclusion Patients receiving cancer treatment today face a myriad of treatment options that can be delivered over days, weeks, and months. As treatments become more complex and standard chemotherapy regimens are combined with new agents and targeted agents, radiation oncology nurses need to have the knowledge and skills to accurately assess and intervene. The radiation oncology nurse is the cornerstone of patient advocacy, care, and education. Implications for Nursing Practice Changes in treatment and technology continue to drive cancer care. Radiation oncology nurses need to collaborate with colleagues and incorporate evidence into practice.
Determination of moxifloxacin in human plasma by liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

Abstract Moxifloxacin is an advanced-generation, 8-methoxy fluoroquinolone that is active against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including antibiotic resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae. Development of a rapid, sensitive and selective method for the determination of moxifloxacin in human plasma is essential for understanding the pharmacokinetics of the drug when administered orally or intravenously. Solid phase extraction (SPE) using Oasis® HLB was used to extract moxifloxacin and the internal standard lomefloxacin from plasma. A method based on liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI–MS/MS) was developed and validated to quantitate moxifloxacin in human plasma. The precursor and major product ion of the analyte was monitored on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with positive ion electrospray ionization (ESI) in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. Mechanisms for the formation of collision-induced dissociation (CID) products of moxifloxacin are proposed. Linear calibration curves were generated from 1 to 1000 ng/ml with coefficients of determination greater than 0.999. The inter-day and intra-day precision (% CV) was less than 11.3% and accuracy (% error) was less than 10.0% for moxifloxacin. The limit of detection (LOD) for the method was 50 pg/ml based on a signal to noise ratio of 3.
High-dose fentanyl for rapid induction of anaesthesia in patients with coronary artery disease.

Nine premedicated patients, chronically maintained on beta-adrenergic blocking agents and demonstrating good ventricular function without significant valvular or left main coronary artery disease, were investigated to determine their haemodynamic responses to rapid induction of anaesthesia and tracheal intubation during elective coronary artery bypass surgery. Fentany150 Ixg.kg-1 and pancuronium 0.15 mg.kg-1 were administered intra-venously over 20 seconds followed by tracheal intubation 90 seconds thereafter. The rapid sequence of anaesthetic induction and tracheal intubation was well tolerated by all patients. Though statistically significant changes were detected in heart rate, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and systemic vascular resistance, these changes were small and not considered clinically significant and no signs of ischaemia were detected on the ECG. The present study demonstrates that high-dose fentanyl is capable of inducing anaesthesia rapidly and protecting against the haemodynamic changes associated with tracheal intubation.
Conductivity mechanisms in phthalocyanine-based "molecular metals": Calculation of the temperature-dependent resistivity

The temperature dependence of the conductivity σ in the low‐dimensional material, NiPcI (Pc=phthalocyanine), is investigated using a transport theory for noninteracting electrons in a tight‐binding band scattered by one‐ and two‐phonon processes. The lattice motions found to be the dominant sources of resistivity along the chain are the longitudinal stretch and the interplanar twist (libron), with the former being a first‐order scattering process (σ1p ∝1/T) and the latter a second‐order mechanism (σ2l ∝1/T2). The resulting conductivity has a room‐temperature value of ∼400 Ω−1 cm−1 which increases to almost 4000 Ω−1 cm−1 at 50 K, with an overall temperature dependence of σ∼T−1.4, in good agreement with experiment. It is found that at low temperature, one‐phonon scattering is most important, while at room temperature one‐phonon and two‐libron scattering contribute nearly equally to the resistivity. The accuracy of the bandwidths and of the electron/phonon coupling constants, calculated using first‐principle...
Inhibition of cadmium-induced hypertension in rats.

Abstract In a low cadmium environment, adding 10 parts per million (ppm) of cadmium to the drinking water of rats for 3 to 18 months induced increases in systolic pressure averaging 12 to 18 mm Hg. The pressor effect of the cadmium was inhibited by adding 3.6 ppm of selenium or 200 ppm of zinc to the drinking water or by dissolving the cadmium in hard water rather than deionized water. A second experiment with 2.5 ppm of cadmium and smaller amounts of selenium and zinc was confirmatory. Exposure to 10 ppm of cadmium increased renal, hepatic, and cardiac cadmium many fold from barely detectable control levels; however, the increases were much less when the cadmium was dissolved in hard water. Cadmium exposure also increased tissue zinc by 30 to 60%. The addition of selenium to cadmium further increased cardiac cadmium, but the addition of zinc to cadmium had no further effect on tissue cadmium. Tissue selenium concentrations were suggestively bot not significantly higher following selenium exposure. Cadmium alone, or combined with selenium or zinc, increased renal copper; while the combination of cadmium and selenium increased hepatic copper.
Growth inhibition of tomato-rot fungi by phenolic acids and essential oil extracts of pepperfruit (Dennetia tripetala)

Abstract Phenolic and essential oil extracts of pepperfruit ( Dennetia tripetala ) showed antifungal activity against Saccharomyces cerevisiae , Saccharomyces sp., Candida tropicalis , Candida sp., Cryptococcus sp., Geotrichum sp., Rhizopus stolonifer , Aspergillus niger and Fusarium sp. isolated from spoilt tomato fruits and cultured on agar plates. Antifungal activity of phenolic and essential oil extracts was observed at inhibitory concentrations (IC) in the range of 2.5–6.5 and 1.5–3.0 mg/ml tomato/glucose medium respectively. Combination of phenolic and essential oil extracts at concentrations below IC values significantly retarded growth of fungi resident in blended freshly harvested and open market tomato fruits. These fungi were not detected in the tomato after 1 month storage when mild heat (80°C for 1 min) and NaCl (10 mg/g) were combined with the phenolic and essential oil extracts as preservative hurdles. The population of challenge fungi in blended tomato treated with the same low concentration of the extracts and salt but without heat hurdle, steadily declined till none was detected after 3 months. Being an edible fruit, pepperfruit extracts may prove a useful natural preservative in food processing.
The F1 region at 170 km

Abstract The electron density and the density gradient at a fixed height of 170 km are analyzed using electron density profiles from Digisondes operating at mid and low latitudes. The density and the gradient show a well behaved diurnal variation.
The cardiovascular effects of dexmedetomidine given by continuous infusion during isoflurane anesthesia in dogs

In a previous study we showed that the MAC of isoflurane was decreased by 18 ± 12% and 59 ± 7% by constant rate infusions of dexmedetomidine at 0.5 and 3 μg kg–1 hour–1. The purpose of this study was to document the cardiovascular changes associated with these infusions of dexmedetomidine at 1.3 MAC isoflurane/ dexmedetomidine. Dogs were anesthetized with isoflurane in oxygen given by mask. A cephalic venous catheter, a dorsal pedal arterial catheter and a balloon tipped, Swan–Ganz, pulmonary arterial catheter were placed percutaneously. After instrumentation the dogs were maintained at 1.3 MAC isoflurane for 60 minutes. At this time a set of measurements was made including, heart rate, respiratory rate, core body temperature, pulmonary and systemic arterial blood pressures (SAP, MAP, DAP, CVP, SPAP, MPAP, DPAP and PAOP), cardiac output and arterial and mixed venous blood samples were collected for the measurement of blood gases, pH, hemoglobin concentration, PCV and total protein. Calculated variables included base excess (BE), (HCO3−), cardiac index, systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance indices, oxygen delivery, oxygen consumption, oxygen utilization ratio and shunt fraction. After these measurements to dogs were randomly assigned to receive a loading dose of 0.5 or 3 μg kg–1 of dexmedetomidine given over 6 minutes followed by an infusion of 0.5 (LD) or 3 μg kg–1 hour–1 (HD), respectively. The concentration of isoflurane was reduced by the above percentages, respectively, to maintain 1.3 MAC. Full sets of measurements were repeated at 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 minutes after the start of the loading dose. Measured and calculated variables were compared with baseline using an anovaand a post-hoc Tukey's test. Significance was set at p = 0.05 and results are given as mean ± SD. The initial concentration of isoflurane was 1.73 ± 0.02% and was reduced to 1.41 ± 0.02 and 0.72 ± 0.09% for the LD and HD, respectively. Heart rate decreased with both doses but no other parameter changed significantly with the LD. With the HD there were significant changes in SAP, MAP, DAP, CVP, MPAP, PAOP, CI, SVRI, PCV, DO2 and shunt fraction. The LD appeared to have minimal effect on the cardiopulmonary values measured, whereas the HD caused typical changes expected with an alpha-2 agonist.
Shared Urges? The Links Between Drugs of Abuse, Eating, and Body Weight

The results of several behavioral and neurophysiological studies suggest that some obese people respond to foods in a manner that resembles the behavior of drug dependent persons toward drugs. Indeed, there are common mechanisms in the brain responsible for the reinforcement of eating and drug use by food and drugs respectively and for the cue incentives associated with them. There is some evidence that dependence in one modality may influence the other. Active drug use is associated with normal (or even low) body weight but recovery from drug dependence may lead to increased consumption of food and ultimately to weight gain. It is possible that drug abstinence leads to incentive seeking in the food domain, increased food consumption, and weight gain. Thus, those in treatment for substance use disorders may benefit from weight maintenance counseling.
Microcystic/reticular Schwannoma: morphological features causing diagnostic dilemma on fine-needle aspiration cytology.

Patient: Male, 28 Final Diagnosis: Microcystic/reticular Schwannoma Symptoms: Neck fullness • finger tingling and numbness Medication: — Clinical Procedure: Surgical resection Specialty: Anatomic Pathology Objective: Rare disease Background: Schwannoma is a common, benign, peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) has been very useful for diagnosing classic Schwannoma. Recently, a new morphological variant, the so-called microcystic/reticular Schwannoma, has been recognized. Although histological features of microcystic/reticular Schwannoma have been described, there are no available reports on its FNA cytological appearance. Case Report: A 28-year-old male presented with right arm and finger tingling and numbness. Physical examination found a right lower neck mass. He underwent FNA, followed by needle core biopsy. A diagnosis of microcystic/reticular schwannoma was made. In this case report, we focused on the FNA diagnostic features, thoroughly searched the literature, and discussed relevant information for differential diagnosis. Conclusions: Unlike classic Schwannoma, microcystic/reticular variant has unique cytological features which can mimic those of several morphologically similar mass lesions, making the FNA interpretation more challenging. Cytopathologists should be aware of this new variant of Schwannoma when evaluating FNA cytology of mass lesions showing low-grade, paucicellular, and myxoid features.
Altered β-Adrenoceptor Internalization Does Not Explain Reduced β-Adrenergic Responsiveness in the Elderly

To determine whether altered β-adrenoceptor internalization contributes tothe reduced adrenergic responsiveness of the elderly, the ability to internalize β-adrenoceptors in young and elderly men was studied by in vitro exposure of whole lymphocytes to a range of isoproterenol concentrations. The total numbers of receptors per cell were similar inthe two groups [young, 1645 ± 206 ± SE); elderly, 1707 ± 120], as were the basal levels of β-adrenoceptor internalization (young, 8.85 ±1.09%; elderly, 8.73 ± 1.35%). Incubation in the presence of isoproterenol resulted in dose-dependent internalization of receptors. The EC50 values for isoproterenol-induced internalization were similar in the young (20.7 ± 3.5 nmol/L) andelderly groups (26.9 ± 4.4 nmol/L). These results suggest that altered receptor internalization does not contribute to impaired β-adrenoceptor function in the elderly.
Intrauterine Growth Retardation in the Rat Leads to Reduced Proliferation and Increased Apoptosis of the B-Cell

Intrauterine Growth Retardation in the Rat Leads to Reduced Proliferation and Increased Apoptosis of the B-Cell
Patient characteristics and patterns of drug use for sleep complaints in the united states: Analysis of national ambulatory medical survey data, 1997–2002

Abstract Objective: The aims of this work were to characterize ambulatory patients in the United States presenting with primary or secondary insomnia complaints and resultant diagnoses, and to describe the characteristics of patients treated with medications commonly used for sleep complaints. Methods: Data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey for the years 1997 through 2002 were analyzed. Data were stratified by patient characteristics, physician specialty, resulting diagnosis, and medications prescribed or provided. The unit of analysis was the individual patient visit; statistical comparisons were made using the χ 2 test for categorical variables and the Rao-Scott design-adjusted χ 2 test for comparisons of patient age groups. P Results: The data included 147,945 patient visit records; rates of physician response to the survey ranged from 62.9% in 1999 to 70.4% in 2002. Based on this sample, it was projected that 30 million office visits involved insomnia complaints over the 6-year period from 1997 to 2002 throughout the United States. With a total of 4.9 billion physician visits projected for that time period, 0.6% of visits were insomnia related. Women were 1.5 times more likely to have insomnia-related visits ( P P P P P Conclusions: Demographics of patients with insomnia and their diagnoses from 1999 to 2002 remained stable, but the use of medications changed predictably as newer agents became available.
Gallium nitrate in the treatment of bladder cancer.

For over 15 years, the MVAC regimen (methotrexate/vinblastine/doxorubicin/cisplatin) has been standard chemotherapy for patients with unresectable or metastatic bladder cancer. The taxanes and gemcitabine have provided new treatment options, but development of more effective regimens is needed. Gallium nitrate has significant activity as a single agent in the treatment of advanced bladder cancer, including activity in heavily pretreated patients and patients previously treated with MVAC or single-agent cisplatin. At a dosage of 300 mg/m(2) daily by continuous infusion for 5 to 7 days every 3 weeks, toxicity has been acceptable in the treatment of patients with refractory disease. Gallium nitrate is also active in combination regimens for advanced bladder cancer. Because it has a different mechanism of action, minimal myelosuppression, and activity in previously treated patients, gallium nitrate may be useful as a single agent in patients with advanced bladder cancer who fail front-line chemotherapy regimens. Evaluation of gallium nitrate in combination with newer agents such as the taxanes or gemcitabine may also be warranted given its activity, different mechanism of action, and non-overlapping toxicity profile.
Unusual behavior of water soluble polyelectrolyte macromolecules shown by QELS study: is it a property of hydrophobic backbones ?

Etude du polyelectrolyte (Ph−CHR−CH 2 ) n (R= + SC 4 H 8 ) en solution aqueuse. En l'absence de sel, on observe 2 modes de fluctuations, un mode cooperatif et un mode a longue distance, ce qui reflete une conformation allongee du polyelectrolyte. L'augmentation de la force ionique de la solution entraine une reduction de la conformation et un seul mode de fluctuation est observable. Le coefficient de diffusion mutuelle ne depend pas des concentrations nen polymere et en sel en raison des interactions hydrophobes
A model for gel drying

A theoretical model for drying of a thin gel film is presented. The model is based upon the premise that as solvent is removed from any portion of a gel structure which is permeable by the solvent, the structure shrinks locally to fill the voids left by the solvent. The diffusion coefficient of solvent through the gel film is assumed to be an exponential function of concentration and temperature. The governing equations for the model indicate that for nonisothermal drying, the results of drying and shrinkage rates are functions of 13 independent dimensionless system variables. These results are obtained with the help of a computer solution of the proposed model. The computer results indicate that, except under extreme temperature conditions, the drying and shrinkage rates are most influenced by dimensionless groups M, P, and P, defined by eq. (9) of the paper. Furthermore, the drying and shrinkage rates are essentially independent of groups M and P for the values of M and P greater than approximately 100 and 10, respectively. The effect of variable solvent diffusivity on approximate time to achieve the steady-state drying and shrinkage rates is approximately handled by defining a dimensionless time variable τ in terms of average solvent diffusivity. Finally, some experimental data on drying and shrinkage rates of isothermal drying of lyphogel film under natural convection condition are obtained. These data are found to be in qualitative agreement with similar computer predictions by the proposed model.
Hypotensive mechanisms of amifostine

Amifostine, a chemo- and radioprotective agent developed as adjunctive therapy for malignancies, induces hypotension after approximately 20% of patient administrations. This study examines the molecular mechanisms underlying hypotension induced by amifostine. Amifostine and its metabolite, WR-1065, induced dose-dependent hypotension in anesthetized rats that was not blocked by N(G)-methyl L arginine (L-NAME), an NO synthase inhibitor. WR-1065 but not amifostine induced concentration-dependent relaxation of isolated rat aortic rings in an endothelium-independent fashion. Relaxation was not associated with increases in cGMP or cAMP and could not be blocked by L-NAME or indomethacin. Similarly, neither amifostine or WR-1065 activated adenylyl, particulate guanylyl, or soluble guanylyl cyclases. WR-1065 relaxed rat aortic rings precontracted with norepinepherine, suggesting alpha-adrenergic blocking activity. However, neither amifostine nor WR-1065 altered the ability of prazosin or phentolamine to bind to alpha-adrenergic receptors. Further, WR-1065 had no effect on receptor-mediated increases in intracellular calcium in BAL 17 murine B lymphocytes in vitro. Thus, hypotension after administration of amifostine is mediated by WR-1065 and appears to result from direct relaxation of vascular smooth muscle. Smooth muscle relaxation induced by WR-1065 is not related to production of nitric oxide, prostaglandins, or cyclic nucleotides; alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonism; or interference with receptor-dependent increases in intracellular calcium. Administration of ephedrine, an efficacious adrenergic agonist, attenuated hypotension induced by amifostine in anesthetized rats and may be useful in alleviating hypotension associated with amifostine administration in patients.
Evidence for sites of methylmercury formation in a flowing water system: Impact of anthropogenic barriers and water management

The Truckee River, California-Nevada, USA is impacted by mercury (Hg) contamination associated with legacy gold mining. In this work, we investigated the potential for hot-spots of methylmercury (MeHg) formation in the river. Mercury concentrations in multiple media were also used to assess the impacts of anthropogenic barriers, restoration, and water management in this flowing water ecosystem. Water samples were collected on a seasonal time step over 3 years, and analyzed for total Hg (THg) and MeHg concentrations, along with a variety of other water quality parameters. In addition, we measured THg and MeHg in sediments, THg in macroinvertebrates, and THg and δ(15)N and δ(13)C concentrations in fish. Differences in stable isotopes and Hg concentrations in fish were applied to understand the mobility of fish in the river. Mercury concentrations of specific macroinvertebrate species were used to identify sites of MeHg production. In general, loads of Hg and nutrients in the river reach above the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area were similar to that reported for pristine systems, while within and below the city, water quality impacts were observed. Fish isotope data showed that in the city reach food resources were different than those upriver and downriver. Based on Hg and isotope data, mobility of the fish in the river is impacted by anthropogenic obstructions and water manipulation. Below the city, particle bound Hg, derived from the legacy mining, continues to be input to the Truckee River. This Hg is deposited in riparian habitats and areas of river restoration, where it is methylated and becomes available to biota. During spring, when flows were highest, MeHg produced and stored in the sediments is mobilized and transported downriver. Fish and macroinvertebrate concentrations increased downriver indicating passive uptake from water. The information presented here could be useful for those doing river restoration and water manipulation in mercury contaminated environments.
Effect of monitor-subject cheap talk on ultimatum game offers

Abstract We explore the influence of experimental monitor cheap talk on offers in single-shot ultimatum bargaining games. We find that behavior more closely resembles Nash equilibrium predictions when subjects are provided information about the theoretical money maximizing solution in addition to information about why behavior may deviate from this equilibrium. Among other things, results suggest subjects fail to behave consistently with the Nash equilibrium prediction because of a lack of knowledge of the theoretical money maximizing solution or because of a lack of common expectations about the rationality and beliefs of other players.
Impact of information sharing on supply chain performance.

In this study, the effect of information sharing on on-time delivery rate and total cost in a supply chain is investigated via simulation. The experimental factors include capacity tightness, resource reliability, and information sharing modes, which are sharing of resource reliability information, customer demand, and inventory level. The simulation results show that all three experimental factors are statistically significant. Yet, the information sharing modes perform uniquely when the main and interaction effects are analyzed. This study demonstrates that the level of interaction between capacity tightness, resource reliability, and information sharing modes depend on the operational parameters, as well as the flexibility available in a supply chain. Therefore, it may be more feasible to introduce additional flexibility instead of solely focusing on information sharing capability as a coordination tool.