cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High comonomer selectivity in ethylene/hexene copolymerization by unbridged indenyl metallocenes

Catalysts derived from unbridged 2-arylindene metallocenes of Hf and Zr are active for ethylene/hexene copolymerization and show a much higher selectivity toward hexene than unsubstituted bis(indenyl) metallocenes. The ligand substitution pattern and the nature of the metal ion have a strong influence on the ability of unbridged 2-arylindenyl metallocenes to incorporate 1-hexene comonomer in ethylene/hexene copolymerizations. Our data support the hypothesis that arene substituents near the active site promote the α-olefin coordination and insertion, thereby providing comonomer-rich polyethylenes. Hafnium-based metallocenes incorporate α-olefins better than their zirconium congeners. The sterically encumbered bis(3‘,5‘-di-tert-butyl-2-phenylindenyl)hafnium dichloride incorporates α-olefins with an ability comparable to the cyclopentadienylamido metallocene {η1:η5-[(tert-butylamido)dimethylsilyl](2,3,4,5-tetramethyl-1-cyclopentadienyl)}titanium dichloride (Me2Si(Me4Cp)tBuNTiCl2).
Assisting adults with severe mental illness in transitioning from parental homes to independent living.

This study explores mental health professionals’ practices with adult clients and their parents at the departure of the clients’ transition from the parental home to independent living. Using grounded theory methodology, the author interviewed 24 case managers in Assertive Community Treatment programs in Wisconsin and applied dimensional analysis to identify and categorize concepts in verbatim transcripts. Different client-parent relationships were sampled to compare practices on client independent living. Results show that case managers considered client independent living a desirable social norm and a practical approach to addressing long-term care concerns. Based on the status of parental approval of independent living, case managers applied various strategies to foster helpful parental emotional boundaries with clients in order to facilitate client independence. The author discussed implications for practice and suggested future research on clients’ and parents’ perspectives on independent living and the short-term and long-term effects of the transition on their well-being.
IncA/C Plasmid-Mediated Florfenicol Resistance in the Catfish Pathogen Edwardsiella ictaluri

Florfenicol (FFC) has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of several bacterial diseases of cultured fish species in the United States, including enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC) caused by Edwardsiella ictaluri. The FFC-resistant E. ictaluri strain (M07-1) described herein was isolated from a moribund catfish obtained from the Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Research Center (Stoneville, MS) in May of 2007 and was confirmed to be E. ictaluri by 16S rRNA gene sequencing (6). Fish showing signs of ESC were examined for FFC-resistant E. ictaluri because losses due to ESC persisted in this population despite FFC treatment. To characterize the resistance properties of this strain, conjugative transfer experiments were performed as described previously (14) using FFC (30 μg/ml) for selection. The antimicrobial susceptibilities of M07-1, the corresponding FFC-resistant transconjugant, and the isogenic parent strain (Table ​(Table1)1) were quantified using standard microdilution assays (3, 4, 11), demonstrating that the resistance phenotype observed in strain M07-1 was self-transmissible, conferring resistance to FFC, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, streptomycin, ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ceftiofur, and cefoxitin, as well as decreased susceptibility to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and ceftriaxone. Resistance transfer correlated to a 150-kb plasmid (referred to hereinafter as pM07-1), suggesting the presence of a multidrug resistance plasmid in this isolate (data not shown). PCR analysis (15) followed by sequencing confirmed that E. ictaluri M07-1 and its multidrug-resistant (MDR) transconjugant harbored the floR gene.
Bio-diesel effects on combustion processes in an HSDI diesel engine using advanced injection strategies

Abstract An optically accessible single-cylinder high-speed direct-injection (HSDI) diesel engine was used to investigate the combustion process using different fuels including European low sulfur diesel and bio-diesel fuels with advanced multiple injection strategies. Influences of injection timings and fuel types on combustion characteristics and emissions were studied under similar loads. In-cylinder pressure was measured and used for heat release analysis. High-speed combustion videos were captured for all the studied cases using the same frame rate. NO x emissions were measured in the exhaust pipe. Different combustion modes including conventional diesel combustion and low-temperature combustion were observed and confirmed from the heat release rates and the combustion images. Natural luminosity was found consistently lower for bio-diesel than the European low sulfur diesel fuel for all the cases. However, for NO x emissions, under conventional combustion cases such as cases 2 and 3, it was found that bio-diesel leads to increased NO x emissions. Under a certain injection strategy with retarded main injections like case 4 and 5, it is possible to have up to 34% lower NO x emissions for B100 than B0 for case 4 with low-temperature combustion mode. Simultaneous reduction of NO x and natural luminosity was achieved for advanced low-temperature combustion mode. It is hypothesized based on the results that the lower soot generation for bio-diesel fuel is believed due to a lower soot formation rate and a higher soot oxidation rate. The NO x increase problem for bio-diesel fuel can be amended by employing advanced injection strategies with low-temperature combustion modes.
Wizards, guides, and beyond: rational and empirical methods for selecting optimal intelligent user interface agents

User interface (UI) agents are new intelligent user interface technologies that can help pwent people fmm making mistakes by guiding them through information system tasks. To be effective, UI agents must be applied to tasks that exploit the potentials of UI agents without expecting them to perform beyond their constraints. The potentials and constraints of two kinds of UI agents (wizards and guides) were consideti and criteria for the application of these UI agents were outlined. An empirical study of 61 0S/2 Warp beta testem with varying degrees of computer experience is ~ported that assessed respondents’ penxptions of the importance, tlequency, and difficulty of 57 information system tasks. Empirical and rational analyses were used to select a set of tasks to which Ul agent technologies were applied in the latest release of IBMs 0S/2 Warp operating system.
Experimental modeling of gravity underflow in a sinuous submerged channel

[1] This paper describes the results of an experimental study involving density driven gravity underflow in a submarine sinuous channel. A single bend channel with sine generated planform was constructed inside a laboratory basin. Saline density flow was released at a constant rate at the upstream end of the channel which was submerged under fresh water. Instantaneous velocity data recorded within the body of the developed current were used to derive the vertical structures of the streamwise and cross-stream velocity. The vertical distributions of the streamwise and lateral velocity were found to vary modestly between cross sections and also within an individual cross section. The distance of the maximum velocity position from the bed was found to vary between 0.4 and 0.6 times the local current thickness. In the vicinity of the bend apex the curvature effect led to the development of two helical flow cells with one forming on top of the other. The sense of rotation of the bottom cell was similar to that observed in curved open channel flow, while the upper circulation cell had an opposite sense of rotation. Turbulent kinetic energy profiles were derived from the instantaneous velocity data. The observed turbulent kinetic energy profiles confirm some previous observations that the location of the maximum velocity in a density underflow also corresponds to significant reduction in turbulent kinetic energy.
Cotherapy: A Review of Current Literature (with Special Reference to Therapeutic Outcome).

This paper presents a review of the current literature on cotherapy with special reference to therapeutic outcome. The review covers the fields of sex therapy, group therapy, and family and marital therapy. It considers both patient variables and cotherapist variables. There are few "research" studies of cotherapy. Most data derive from case illustrations, which, however well detailed, are anecdotal in nature. The most widely addressed effect of cotherapy upon patients is presented in terms of treatment process and not treatment outcome.
Effect of ELMs on deuterium-loaded-tungsten plasma facing components

Abstract Prior heat pulse testing of plasma facing components (PFCs) has been completed in vacuum environments without the presence of background plasma. Edge localized modes (ELMs) will not be this kind of isolated event and one should know the effect of a plasma background during these transients. Heat-pulse experiments have been conducted in the PISCES-A device utilizing laser heating in a divertor-like plasma background. Initial results indicate that the erosion of PFCs is enhanced as compared to heat pulse or plasma only tests. To determine if the enhanced erosion effect is a phenomena only witnessed in the laboratory PISCES device, tungsten and graphite samples were exposed to plasmas in the lower divertor of the DIII-D tokamak using the Divertor Material Evaluation System (DiMES). Mass loss analysis indicates that materials that contain significant deuterium prior to experiencing a transient heating event will erode faster than those that have no or little retained deuterium.
Scaling limitations of silicon multichannel recording probes

The scaling limitations of multichannel recording probes fabricated for use in neurophysiology using silicon integrated circuit technologies are described. Scaled silicon probe substrates 8- mu m thick and 16- mu m wide can be fabricated using boron etch-stop techniques. Theoretical expressions for calculating the thickness and width of silicon substrates have been derived and agree closely with experimental results. The effects of scaling probe dimensions on its strength and stiffness are described. The probe shank dimensions can be designed to vary the strength and stiffness for different applications. The scaled silicon substrates have a fracture stress of about 2*10/sup 10/ dyn/cm/sup 2/, which is about six times that of bulk silicon, and are strong and very flexible. Scaling the feature sizes of recording electrode arrays down to 1 mu m is possible with less than 1% electrical crosstalk between channels. >
Observation of Large and Strongly Energy Dependent Directional Anisotropies in Noncharacteristic K X Rays Emitted in Heavy-Ion Collisions

The existence of directional anisotropies in quasimolecular $K$-x-ray emission has been independently confirmed in experiments on the C-C, O-C, Al-Al, and Si-Al collision systems. Anisotropies ranging from zero to substantially larger values than measured by Greenberg, Davis, and Vincent for the Ni-Ni system are strongly dependent on beam energy (0.06-2 MeV/amu). The C-C and O-C anisotropies decrease with energy. The Al-Al and Si-Al anisotropies increase with energy, in accord with a dependence predicted theoretically.
Phospholipids in Dairy Products. II. Determination of Phospholipids and Lecithin in Lipids Extracted from Dairy Products

Summary Data concerning the amounts of phospholipids and choline present in milk fat for various products are given, and the application of the periodide method for the analysis for choline is discussed. The average total phospholipids and lecithin in the milk fat from cows of various breeds was about the same. There was no noticeable increase in the phospholipid material of the milk fat from the few cows having mastitis than that in normal milk. The amount of total phospholipids and choline associated with the fat in cream was proportionately less than for whole milk fat. However, the ratio of total phospholipids to lecithin was not significantly different from that for whole milk fat. One-third to one-fourth of the amount of phospholipids and choline was associated with the fat of butter as compared to that in whole milk. The results indicated that about 43 milligrams of choline were present per pound of experimental butter. Evaporated milk contained from 0.26 to 0.43 milligrams of choline per gram of fat, and from 0.42 to 0.50 per cent phospholipids in the fat. The ratio of lecithin to total phospholipids averaged 46 per cent for whole milk fat, 54 per cent for fat from cream, 48 per cent for butter lipids, and 34 per cent for buttermilk lipids.
Individual- and population-level effects of Odocoileus virginianus herbivory on the rare forest herb Scutellaria montana

Odocoileus virginianus (white-tailed deer) grazing can impact rare plant species dramatically given their risk for local extirpation and extinction. To determine if O. virginianus management could aid conservation of federally threatened Scutellaria montana (large-flowered skullcap), we conducted an exclosure experiment across a large occurrence of this rare species in Catoosa County, Georgia, USA. We aimed to: (1) quantify the effects of O. virginianus grazing on S. montana individuals, and (2) evaluate the potential of O. virginianus to influence S. montana populations. A lesser percentage of S. montana individuals protected from O. virginianus were grazed than plants accessible to grazers and additional protection from smaller grazers did not reduce grazing, suggesting that O. virginianus primarily do graze S. montana. But grazing did not significantly influence S. montana individuals as evidenced by changes in stem height or the number of leaves per plant assessed during two single growing seasons or across those growing seasons. At the population-level, grazing impacts were buffered by a lack of grazer preferences for specific plant life stages. Although mostly not significant, our findings are biologically interesting given the numerous ecological concerns associated with O. virginianus abundance, including their demonstrated and proposed impact on rare plants.
Allosteric Communication between the Pyridoxal 5′-Phosphate (PLP) and Heme Sites in the H2S Generator Human Cystathionine β-Synthase

Human cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) is a unique pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme that has a regulatory heme cofactor. Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of Arg-266, a residue at the heme pocket end of α-helix 8, for communication between the heme and PLP sites. In this study, we have examined the role of the conserved Thr-257 and Thr-260 residues, located at the other end of α-helix 8 on the heme electronic environment and on activity. The mutations at the two positions destabilize PLP binding, leading to lower PLP content and ∼2- to ∼500-fold lower activity compared with the wild-type enzyme. Activity is unresponsive to PLP supplementation, consistent with the pyridoxine-nonresponsive phenotype of the T257M mutation in a homocystinuric patient. The H2S-producing activities, also impacted by the mutations, show a different pattern of inhibition compared with the canonical transsulfuration reaction. Interestingly, the mutants exhibit contrasting sensitivities to the allosteric effector, S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet); whereas T257M and T257I are inhibited, the other mutants are hyperactivated by AdoMet. All mutants showed an increased propensity of the ferrous heme to form an inactive species with a 424 nm Soret peak and exhibited significantly reduced enzyme activity in the ferrous and ferrous-CO states. Our results provide the first evidence for bidirectional transmission of information between the cofactor binding sites, suggest the additional involvement of this region in allosteric communication with the regulatory AdoMet-binding domain, and reveal the potential for independent modulation of the canonical transsulfuration versus H2S-generating reactions catalyzed by CBS.
A general approach for assessment of print quality

Laser electrophotographic printers are complex systems that can generate prints with a number of possible artifacts that are very di_erent in nature. It is a challenging task to develop a single processing algorithm that can effectively identify such a wide range of print quality defects. In this paper, we describe an image processing and analysis pipeline that can effectively assess the presence of a wide range of artifacts, as a general approach. In our paper, we will discuss in detail the algorithm that comprises the image processing and analysis pipeline, and will illustrate the efficacy of the pipeline with a number of examples.
High specific activity heme-Fe and its application for studying heme-Fe metabolism in Caco-2 cell monolayers.

Heme-Fe is an important source of dietary iron in humans. Caco-2 cells have been used extensively to study human iron absorption with an emphasis on factors affecting nonheme iron absorption. There...
Theory of four-point alternating current potential drop measurements on conductive plates

Measurements of alternating current potential drop (ACPD) made at the surface of a conductive plate can be used to determine, non-destructively, the parameters of the plate such as its thickness, electrical conductivity and linear effective magnetic permeability. In order to invert the measured potential drop to yield values for these parameters, a theoretical model is needed. In this work, closed form analytical expressions are derived for the ACPD measured between the two voltage electrodes of a four-point probe. Alternating current is injected and extracted by two current electrodes. The problem is formulated in terms of a single, transverse magnetic, potential. The exact solution for the electromagnetic field is expressed in terms of a Green’s function for a plate via the method of images. The ACPD is also expressed as a sum of contributions from multiple images. Two series representations are given: one converges more rapidly for plates which are somewhat thicker than the probe dimensions and the other for plates which are somewhat thinner. Theoretical expressions for the ACPD in special cases of thick (half space) and thin conductors are shown to agree with the results presented previously. In this paper, calculated ACPD values are compared with the experimental data taken on a titanium plate, in the regime in which the plate thickness is similar to the probe length and excellent agreement is obtained.
SUPERSTITIOUS BELIEF AND INTENSIONALITY

The Paranormal Belief Scale and the Is of Identity Scale were given to two different samples of college students (ns = 75 and 171). As hypothesized, for both samples but for men only, greater reported belief in Superstition was associated with Is of Identity scores reflecting greater intensionality.
Concave Cubic Gold Nanocrystals with High-Index Facets

A new class of gold nanostructures, concave nanocubes, enclosed by 24 high-index {720} facets, have been prepared in a monodisperse fashion by a modified seed-mediated synthetic method. The Cl− counterion in the surfactant plays an essential role in controlling the concave morphology of the final product. The concave nanocubes exhibit higher chemical activities compared with low-index {111}-faceted octahedra.
On strength scaling of composites with long aligned fibres

Strength measurements of a specially made composite material are reported. The material consisted of an epoxy matrix and the reinforcement of one layer of well aligned and equally spaced glass fibers. For a certain range of fiber spacing λ, matrix initiation strength σc, under uniaxial tension, and λ were related as % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+-% feaafiart1ev1aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn% hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr% 4rNCHbGeaGak0dh9WrFfpC0xh9vqqj-hEeeu0xXdbba9frFj0-OqFf% ea0dXdd9vqaq-JfrVkFHe9pgea0dXdar-Jb9hs0dXdbPYxe9vr0-vr% 0-vqpWqaaeaabaGaciaacaqabeaadaqaaqaaaOqaaiabeo8aZTGaam% 4yaOWaaOaaaeaacqaH7oaBaeqaaiabgIKi7UGaae4saaaa!3E6C!\[\sigma c\sqrt \lambda \approx {\text{K}}\]. Dimensional analysis indicated that the constant κ was proportional to the matrix fracture toughness. Using reported data on matrix initiation strength of a borosilicate glass-SiC composite under bending, a similar relation was suggested between σc and the maximum fiber spacing, % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+-% feaafiart1ev1aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn% hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr% 4rNCHbGeaGak0dh9WrFfpC0xh9vqqj-hEeeu0xXdbba9frFj0-OqFf% ea0dXdd9vqaq-JfrVkFHe9pgea0dXdar-Jb9hs0dXdbPYxe9vr0-vr% 0-vqpWqaaeaabaGaciaacaqabeaadaqaaqaaaOqaaiabeo8aZTGaam% 4yaOWaaOaaaeaacqaH7oaBjeaycaqGTbGaaeyyaiaabIhaaOqabaGa% eyisISlaaa!40D6!\[\sigma c\sqrt {\lambda {\text{max}}} \approx\]. The latter relationship was also applicable to hardened cement paste with the largest void on the fracture surface as the appropriate length scale. The results outlined in this paper suggest that, for a range of fiber spacing, matrix initiation strength is dictated by a Griffith type flaw proportional to the fiber spacing (uniform case) or the largest fiber spacing (non-uniform case).
Flow and Turbulence in an Urban Canyon

Abstract A better understanding of the interaction between the built environment and the atmosphere is required to more effectively manage urban airsheds. This paper reports an analysis of data from an atmospheric measurement campaign in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, during the summer of 2003 that shows wind flow patterns, turbulence, and thermal effects in the downtown area. Experimental measurements within a street canyon yielded airflow patterns, stability conditions, and turbulence properties as a function of the incoming wind direction and time of the day. Air and surface temperatures at two different sites, one within the downtown urban canyon and the other in a nearby park, were measured. A study of the stability conditions within the urban canyon during the campaign indicates that dynamically stable conditions did not occur within the canyon. This provides evidence that the built environment can strongly influence the thermal characteristics in cities. Mean flow patterns close to the street level are a...
A direct method for fabricating tongue-shielding stent

During oral cancer radiotherapy, a tongue-shielding radiation stent guides the patient's upper and lower jaws to a repeatable position, attenuates radiation doses, and protects the tongue and structures adjacent to the irradiated field. Conventionally, a tongue-shielding radiation stent is made of heat-cured polymethyl methacrylate resin in which a low-melting Pb−Bi−Sn alloy is embedded as a shielding layer. Its use involves multiple and lengthy clinical and laboratory procedures. An improved polyvinyl siloxane-metal composite shielding system for radioprotection has recently been developed. This two-component, base and catalyst, putty material offers a shielding effect similar to that of the conventional shielding alloys. Its major advantages are that it is simple to use, requires only one clinical appointment, and affords efficient collaboration between dental and medical teams during cancer treatment. This article describes a simplified direct method of fabricating a tongue-shielding stent with the use of a new polyvinylsiloxane-metal composite in conjunction with impression putty material.
Early breast cancer: predictors of breast recurrence for patients treated with conservative surgery and radiation therapy☆

The identification of factors associated with breast recurrence following conservative surgery (CS) and radiation therapy (RT) is of potential use in refining patient selection criteria and treatment technique. In an attempt to define such factors we examined the relationship between various clinical, pathologic and treatment characteristics and the likelihood of breast recurrence in 783 patients with clinical stage I or II breast cancer treated between July 1968 and December 1982. Treatment consisted of complete gross excision of the primary tumor and RT to a total dose of at least 60 Gy to the primary site. During this period, pre-treatment mammograms and detailed histologic assessment of the margins of resection were not routinely performed. Median follow-up for surviving patients was 80 months. Thirteen patients (1.6%) were lost to follow-up. Ninety-one patients (12%) have developed a breast recurrence, corresponding to 5- and 10-year actuarial rates of 10 and 18%, respectively. The major feature associated with breast recurrence was the presence of an "extensive intraductal component" (EIC+). An EIC+ tumor was seen in 28% of evaluable cases with infiltrating ductal carcinoma and accounted for 60% of breast recurrences. Forty-three of 166 patients (26%) with EIC+ tumors developed a breast recurrence compared with 29 of 418 patients (7%) without an EIC (EIC-) (p = 0.0001). The 5-year actuarial rates of breast relapse were 24 and 6%, respectively (p = 0.0001). Very young age (defined as 34 years of age or younger) was also a significant factor associated with the risk of breast recurrence. Very young patients comprised 8% of the patient population and accounted for 16% of breast recurrences. Fifteen of 61 very young patients (25%) developed a breast recurrence compared with 76 of 722 older patients (11%) (p = 0.001). The corresponding 5-year actuarial rates of breast recurrence were 21 and 9% (p = 0.005). None of the other clinical or pathological factors examined by univariate analysis were significantly correlated with recurrence in the breast. A multivariate model of site of first failure (polychotomous logistic regression) also showed that EIC+ tumors and very young age were the main factors associated with a high relative risk of breast recurrence. We conclude that EIC+ tumors and very young age are associated with a high risk of breast recurrence for patients treated with limited excision prior to RT.
Asymmetrical crossing barriers in angiosperms

Patterns of reproductive isolation between species may provide insight into the mechanisms and evolution of barriers to interspecific gene exchange. We used data from published interspecific hybridization experiments from 14 genera of angiosperms in order to test for the presence of asymmetrical barriers to gene exchange. Reproductive isolation was examined at three life-history stages: the ability of interspecific crosses to produce seeds, the viability of F1 hybrids, and the fertility of F1 hybrids. Statistically significant asymmetries in the strength of reproductive isolation between species were detected in all genera and at each of the three life-history stages. Asymmetries in seed production may be caused by a variety of mechanisms including differences in stigma/style lengths, self compatibility and differential fruit abortion. Asymmetries in post-zygotic isolation are probably caused by nuclear-cytoplasmic interactions. Asymmetrical reproductive isolation between plant taxa may have important implications for the dynamics of hybrid zones, the direction of genetic introgression and the probability of reinforcement.
Prostate-specific antigen: Critical issues

Abstract Objective To assess recent developments in prostate-specific antigen(PSA) methods, the recent literature concerning PSA has been reviewed. Salient developments related to new advances in the application of this most important tumor marker are discussed. Results PSA has clearly revolutionized how we approach men with prostaatc disease.Its applicability continues to evolve. Undoubtedly, the largest Use is in the areas of early detection, screening, and as an adjunct to diagnosis. In this regard, considerable attention has been placed on increasing the specificity of this analyte. Such concepts as PSA density, PSA velocity, and age-specific PSA are gaining increased interest and have engendered some controversies. The use of PSA in. staging has been increasingly refined, as has its most established utility, that of monitoring patients with established malignancy. Conclusions Despite its entrenchment in the management of patients, we continue toevolve in our understanding of PSA and strive to improve its performance characteristics. The future undoubtedly will bring many new developments in the area of prostate tumor markers.
Functionally Defective High-Density Lipoprotein: A New Therapeutic Target at the Crossroads of Dyslipidemia, Inflammation, and Atherosclerosis

High-density lipoproteins (HDL) possess key atheroprotective biological properties, including cellular cholesterol efflux capacity, and anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. Plasma HDL particles are highly heterogeneous in physicochemical properties, metabolism, and biological activity. Within the circulating HDL particle population, small, dense HDL particles display elevated cellular cholesterol efflux capacity, afford potent protection of atherogenic low-density lipoprotein against oxidative stress and attenuate inflammation. The antiatherogenic properties of HDL can, however be compromised in metabolic diseases associated with accelerated atherosclerosis. Indeed, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes are characterized not only by elevated cardiovascular risk and by low HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels but also by defective HDL function. Functional HDL deficiency is intimately associated with alterations in intravascular HDL metabolism and structure. Indeed, formation of HDL particles with attenuated antiatherogenic activity is mechanistically related to core lipid enrichment in triglycerides and cholesteryl ester depletion, altered apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) conformation, replacement of apoA-I by serum amyloid A, and covalent modification of HDL protein components by oxidation and glycation. Deficient HDL function and subnormal HDL-C levels may act synergistically to accelerate atherosclerosis in metabolic disease. Therapeutic normalization of attenuated antiatherogenic HDL function in terms of both particle number and quality of HDL particles is the target of innovative pharmacological approaches to HDL raising, including inhibition of cholesteryl ester transfer protein, enhanced lipidation of apoA-I with nicotinic acid and infusion of reconstituted HDL or apoA-I mimetics. A preferential increase in circulating concentrations of HDL particles possessing normalized antiatherogenic activity is therefore a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of common metabolic diseases featuring dyslipidemia, inflammation, and premature atherosclerosis.
Feigned insanity in nineteenth‐century America: Tactics, trials, and truth

Feigned insanity in nineteenth-century America is appraised through a review of the medical and legal literature. The authors focus on the explanations for feigning, procedures used in uncovering feigning, and the role of feigning in the courtroom. This discussion of feigned insanity demonstrates the remarkable consistency of approach to this form of malingering over the past 200 years.
The Quick Discrimination Index: Normative Data and User Guidelines for Counseling Researchers

This article summarizes normative data and psychometric evidence for scores on the Quick Discrimination Index (J. G. Ponterotto et al., 1995; S. O. Utsey & J. G. Ponterotto, 1999). Specific guidelines for counseling researchers and practitioners are provided. Este articulo resume los datos normativos y evidencia psicometrica para resultados del Indice Rapido de la Discriminacion (J. G. Ponterotto et al., 1995; S. O. Utsey & J. G. Ponterotto, 1999). Las normas especificas para investigadores y profesionales practicantes de la consejeria son proporcionadas.
Impact of Alginate Conditioning Film on Deposition Kinetics of Motile and Nonmotile Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains

The initial deposition of bacteria in most aquatic systems is affected by the presence of a conditioning film adsorbed at the liquid-solid interface. Due to the inherent complexity of such films, their impact on bacterial deposition remains poorly defined. The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of the effect of a conditioning film on the deposition of motile and nonmotile Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells in a radial stagnation point flow system. A well-defined alginate film was used as a model conditioning film because of its polysaccharide and polyelectrolyte nature. Deposition experiments under favorable (nonrepulsive) conditions demonstrated the importance of swimming motility for cell transport towards the substrate. The impact of the flagella of motile cells on deposition is dependent on the presence of the conditioning film. We showed that on a clean substrate surface, electrostatic repulsion governs bacterial deposition and the presence of flagella increases cell deposition. However, our results suggest that steric interactions between flagella and extended polyelectrolytes of the conditioning film hinder cell deposition. At a high ionic strength (100 mM), active swimming motility and changes in alginate film structure suppressed the steric barrier and allowed conditions favorable for deposition. We demonstrated that bacterial deposition is highly influenced by cell motility and the structure of the conditioning film, which are both dependent on ionic strength.
Electrochemical and structural characterization of titanium-substituted manganese oxides based on Na0.44MnO2

A series of titanium-substituted manganese oxides, Li{sub x}Ti{sub y}Mn{sub 1-y}O{sub 2} (y = 0.11, 0.22, 0.33, 0.44, and 0.55) with the Na{sub 0.44}MnO{sub 2} structure were prepared from Na{sub x}Ti{sub y}Mn{sub 1-y}O{sub 2} (x {approx} 0.44) precursors. The electrochemical characteristics of these compounds, which retain the unique double-tunnel structure during ion exchange, were examined in lithium/polymer electrolyte cells operating at 85 C. All of the substituted cathode materials intercalated lithium reversibly, with Li{sub x}Ti{sub 0.22}Mn{sub 0.78}O{sub 2} exhibiting the highest capacity in polymer cells, about 10-20% greater than that of unsubstituted Li{sub x}MnO{sub 2} made from Na{sub 0.44}MnO{sub 2}. In common with Li{sub x}MnO{sub 2}, the Ti-substituted materials exhibited good capacity retention over one hundred or more cycles, with some compositions exhibiting a fade rate of less than 0.03% per cycle.
Challenges measuring cardiomyocyte renewal

Interventions to effect therapeutic cardiomyocyte renewal have received considerable interest of late. Such interventions, if successful, could give rise to myocardial regeneration in diseased hearts. Regenerative interventions fall into two broad categories, namely approaches based on promoting renewal of pre-existing cardiomyocytes and approaches based on cardiomyogenic stem cell activity. The latter category can be further subdivided into approaches promoting differentiation of endogenous cardiomyogenic stem cells, approaches wherein cardiomyogenic stem cells are harvested, amplified or enriched ex vivo, and subsequently engrafted into the heart, and approaches wherein an exogenous stem cell is induced to differentiate in vitro, and the resulting cardiomyocytes are engrafted into the heart. There is disagreement in the literature regarding the degree to which cardiomyocyte renewal occurs in the normal and injured heart, the mechanism(s) by which this occurs, and the degree to which therapeutic interventions can enhance regenerative growth. This review discusses several caveats which are encountered when attempting to measure cardiomyocyte renewal in vivo which likely contribute, at least in part, to the disagreement regarding the levels at which this occurs in normal, injured and treated hearts. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Cardiomyocyte biology: Cardiac pathways of differentiation, metabolism and contraction.
Surface waves on an oil film driven by corona-induction

The first demonstration of the creation of expanding circular waves an a precharged oil film spread over a flat dielectric surface used a triggering scheme of sudden grounding of the corona point. Wave initiation by the more general potential-switching method has been explored since. We introduce here a second independent experimental scheme of triggering which can be effective if pre-charging has been by a corona source and if charging level is sufficiently moderate: By switch-reducing the point potential far enough to cause corona-cessation first and then mechanically but impulsively lower the point tip near to the surface of the oil film, sudden wave initiation is invariably encountered in the process when the separation setting is below a threshold. As to the resulting surface characteristics, all essential observations resemble those associated with waves produced with the first scheme except that in a typical event expansion would ultimately cease after initial front propagation. Thus, temporal disturbance affects a maximum but finite size domain only. In this report, details from representative triggering results are presented.
Perturbation of Cell Wall Synthesis Suppresses Autolysis in Staphylococcus aureus: Evidence for Coregulation of Cell Wall Synthetic and Hydrolytic Enzymes

Bacterial peptidoglycan hydrolases are considered to have destructive potential, which in the presence of inhibitory concentrations of cell wall synthesis inhibitors is involved in cell lysis. Therefore, the expression and activity of autolytic enzymes must be tightly regulated in growing cells. We describe here a series of experiments undertaken to examine further the coordination between cell wall synthesis and degradation. Cell growth in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of beta-lactam antibiotics was used to determine the effects of the partial inhibition of cell wall synthesis on the status of the autolytic system in Staphylococcus aureus. Our results revealed that, despite increased in vitro hydrolysis of cell walls by autolytic enzymes due to hypo-cross-linked peptidoglycans, cells grown in the presence of beta-lactams were dramatically less prone to autolysis as a result of decreased transcription and enzymatic activities of several major autolytic enzymes. Similar repression of autolytic enzymatic activity and transcription was also observed when cell wall synthesis was disturbed by lowering the level of transcription of pbpB, the gene encoding the major transpeptidase in S. aureus. Our data show that the perturbation of cell wall synthesis in growing cells of S. aureus induces strong repression of the autolytic system and provide evidence for transcriptional regulation between cell wall synthetic and hydrolytic enzymes.
Advancing Theory in Entrepreneurship from the Lens of Operations Management

Early writings in economics describe the entrepreneur's role in terms of bearing the uncertainty inherent in new undertakings. Much of the research published in the pages of Production and Operations Management deals with management under uncertainty. The shared concerns over the impacts of multiple types of uncertainty suggest that research on Operations Management (OM) can play a role in the development of theory in entrepreneurship. We discuss aspects of such a role from two perspectives. First, we consider several topics in the OM literature that have clear applications or parallels in entrepreneurship. These topics include innovation, the management of technology, new product development, flexibility, and hedging strategies. Understanding these topical connections should aid in the development of tools and applications central to the practice of entrepreneurship. On another level, when we consider how the approaches to many of these topics in OM are grounded in theory adapted from Operations Research and Economics we argue that these same roots can be used as starting points for the development of theory in entrepreneurship. As examples, we will argue that the theoretical bases supporting robust optimization, stochastic dynamic programming, and even Total Quality Management can also serve as foundations of theories about the roles, practice, and behaviors of entrepreneurs.
Controller development for a prototype high-speed low-tension tape transport

This paper describes the entire MIMO process control system design for a prototype tape spooler that is used for conducting research into the dynamics of high-speed and low-tension tape transport. The tape speed and tension are regulated by controlling the torque applied to the supply and the take-up reels. Each reel is directly driven by a motor, and no capstan is used. The system has slowly time-varying dynamics due to changing reel packs, but more challenging are dynamics associated with low-tension operation. The spooler operates near a hard nonlinearity, because the tape only supports positive tension. At low tension, air entrainment in between layers of tape in the take-up reel causes the effective spring constant of the tape to rapidly decrease during start-up. This paper describes: physical modeling of the transport, iterative MIMO system identification and controller optimization. Adaptive tension ripple cancellation and fault detection and compensation are demonstrated.
Measurement of band structures of photonic bandgap materials by picosecond optoelectronic techniques

It is now well established that electromagnetic waves in a periodic dielectric array (photonic crystal) exhibit band structure where regions of allowed modes are separated by forbidden frequency gaps (band gaps). In this talk, we discuss the application of ultrafast optoelectronics to the measurement of band structure in two-dimensional photonic crystals. For the first time, the imaginary wave-vector dispersion in the bandgap region is measured using the coherent microwave transient spectroscopy (COMITS) technique. Also, by constructing the photonic analog of a semiconductor quantum well, we observe quantized states in the photonic band gap. >
The equitable dispersion problem

Most optimization problems focus on efficiency-based objectives. Given the increasing awareness of system inequity resulting from solely pursuing efficiency, we conceptualize a number of new element-based equity-oriented measures in the dispersion context. We propose the equitable dispersion problem that maximizes the equity among elements based on the introduced measures in a system defined by inter-element distances. Given the proposed optimization framework, we develop corresponding mathematical programming formulations as well as their mixed-integer linear reformulations. We also discuss computational complexity issues, related graph-theoretic interpretations and provide some preliminary computational results.
Cholestasis Induced by Estradiol-17β-D-Glucuronide: Mechanisms and Prevention by Sodium Taurocholate†

Estradiol-17β-D-glucuronide (E-17G), a metabolite of natural estrogen, is a potent cholestatic agent in vivo. We, therefore, studied the mechanisms of E-17G cholestasis using in vitro perfused rat liver system. Furthermore, since it has been postulated that sodium taurocholate (TC) may interfere with either uptake or biliary excretion of other steroid agents, we tested whether E-17G cholestasis could be modified by TC administration. During a constant infusion of TC at a physiological rate (0.50 μ mole per min), a dose-dependent decrease of bile flow was observed after E-17G addition from 1.5 to 5 x 10−5M. E-17G decreased bile acid excretory rate but not bile acid concentration in bile. In separate experiments, TC was infused at different rates (0, 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 μ mole per min) into the perfusate over the entire experimental period, and E-17G was added at 1.75 x 10−5M. In this setting, E-17G cholestasis was diminished by increasing TC infusion rate and was prevented by TC at 0.75 μ mole per min. Infusion of sodium dehydrocholate (0.75 μ mole per min), a nonmicelle-forming bile acid, did not prevent E-17G cholestasis. During E-17G cholestasis, an increased biliary permeability to 14C-sucrose was observed. This effect was also prevented by TC, but not by sodium dehydrocholate which was infused at 0.75 μ mole per min. The perfusate disappearance curves of 3H-E-17G at the different TC infusion rates showed no changes in the initial uptake phase, but a profound dose-dependent difference in the excretory phase. The amount of E-17G left in perfusate at the end of experiments was 34% when no TC was infused and decreased to 28%; 22 and 7% at 0.25; 0.50 and 0.75 nmole per min TC rate, respectively. Measurement of 3H-E-17G excreted in bile as well as its biliary concentration in the four TC groups showed that TC significantly increased E-17G excretion. Small amounts of E-17G were recovered in liver plasma membranes. However, these amounts were directly proportional to changes of bile flow induced by estrogen at different TC infusion rates. In these same liver membrane preparations, neither Na+,K+− nor Mg++−ATPases were altered. The data suggest that alterations of canalicular membrane permeability may be critical in the development of E-17G cholestasis. Prevention of E-17G cholestasis by TC infusion may occur through increased micellar solubilization and facilitated biliary excretion of the estrogen thus avoiding its membrane-altering action.
The prevalence of extracardiac findings by multidetector computed tomography before atrial fibrillation ablation

Background and Objectives The study was designed to determine the prevalence of extracardiac findings discovered during multidetector computed tomography (CT) (MDCT) examinations before atrial fibrillation ablation. Multidetector CT has become a valuable tool in detailing left atrial anatomy before catheter ablation. The incidence of extracardiac findings has been reported for electron beam CT calcium scoring and coronary MDCT, but no data exist for the prevalence of extracardiac findings discovered before atrial fibrillation ablation with MDCT. Methods and Results Clinical reports from MDCT examinations before atrial fibrillation ablation and interpretations by 2 radiologists blinded to the clinical reports were reviewed for significant additional extracardiac findings and recommendations for follow-up. In 149 patients who underwent MDCT, the mean age was 55.9 ± 11.0 years, 75% were men, and 47% had a history of smoking. Extracardiac findings were identified in 69% of patients with clinical, 90% of reader 1, and 97% of reader 2 interpretations (κ = 0.086). Follow-up was recommended in 30% of clinical, 50% of reader 1, and 38% of reader 2 interpretations (κ = 0.408). Pulmonary nodules were the most common additional finding and reason for suggested follow-up for all interpreters. Conclusions The prevalence of extracardiac abnormalities detected by MDCT is considerable. Significant variability in their identification exists between interpreters, but there is good agreement about the need for further follow-up. It is important that those who interpret these examinations are adequately trained in the identification and interpretation of both cardiac and extracardiac findings.
Comparison of Weibull strength parameters from flexure and spin tests of brittle materials

Fracture data from five series of four point bend tests of beam and spin tests of flat annular disks were reanalyzed. Silicon nitride and graphite were the test materials. The experimental fracture strengths of the disks were compared with the predicted strengths based on both volume flaw and surface flaw analyses of four point bend data. Volume flaw analysis resulted in a better correlation between disks and beams in three of the five test series than did surface flaw analysis. The Weibull (moduli) and characteristic gage strengths for the disks and beams were also compared. Differences in the experimental Weibull slopes were not statistically significant. It was shown that results from the beam tests can predict the fracture strength of rotating disks.
‘A Faith for Ourselves’: Slavery, Sufism, and Conversion to Islam at the Cape

(2002). ‘A Faith for Ourselves’: Slavery, Sufism, and Conversion to Islam at the Cape. South African Historical Journal: Vol. 46, No. 1, pp. 3-24.