cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Concurrent Activation of Liver X Receptor and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Alpha Exacerbates Hepatic Steatosis in High Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Liver X receptor (LXR) activation improves glucose homeostasis in obesity. This improvement, however, is associated with several side effects including hyperlipidemia and hepatic steatosis. Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), on the other hand, increases fatty acid oxidation, leading to a reduction of hyperlipidemia. The objective of this study was to investigate whether concurrent activation of LXR/PPARα can produce synergistic benefits in treating obesity-associated metabolic disorders. Treatment of high fat diet-induced obese mice with T0901317, an LXR activator, or fenofibrate, the PPARα agonist, or in combination alleviated insulin resistance and improved glucose tolerance. The combined treatment dramatically exacerbated hepatic steatosis. Gene expression analysis in the liver showed that combined treatment increased the expression of genes involved in lipogenesis and fatty acid transport, including srebp-1c, chrebp, acc1, fas, scd1 and cd36. Histochemistry and ex vivo glycerol releasing assay showed that combined treatment accelerated lipid mobilization in adipose tissue. Combined treatment also increased the transcription of glut4, hsl, atgl and adiponectin, and decreased that of plin1, cd11c, ifnγ and leptin. Combined treatment markedly elevated the transcription of fgf21 in liver but not in adipose tissue. These results suggest that concurrent activation of LXR and PPARα as a strategy to control glucose and lipid metabolism in obesity is beneficial but could lead to elevation of lipid accumulation in the liver.
The preorganization step in organic reaction mechanisms. Charge-transfer complexes as precursors to electrophilic aromatic substitutions.

Metastable (pre-reactive) intermediates, as commonplace transients in simple bimolecular reactions, are usually unobserved (and ignored)−though they provide vital mechanistic insight. Thus, the preequilibrium (charge-transfer) complexes of various aromatic donors with rather typical electron acceptors such as Br2, NO+, and NO2+ are examined quantitatively (via their molecular and electronic structures) to reveal surprisingly unorthodox aspects of what is conventionally referred to in organic chemistry textbooks as electrophilic aromatic bromination, nitrosation, and nitration, respectively.
Simulation of nearshore wave processes by a depth-integrated non-hydrostatic finite element model

Abstract This paper presents CCHE2D-NHWAVE, a depth-integrated non-hydrostatic finite element model for simulating nearshore wave processes. The governing equations are a depth-integrated vertical momentum equation and the shallow water equations including extra non-hydrostatic pressure terms, which enable the model to simulate relatively short wave motions, where both frequency dispersion and nonlinear effects play important roles. A special type of finite element method, which was previously developed for a well-validated depth-integrated free surface flow model CCHE2D, is used to solve the governing equations on a partially staggered grid using a pressure projection method. To resolve discontinuous flows, involving breaking waves and hydraulic jumps, a momentum conservation advection scheme is developed based on the partially staggered grid. In addition, a simple and efficient wetting and drying algorithm is implemented to deal with the moving shoreline. The model is first verified by analytical solutions, and then validated by a series of laboratory experiments. The comparison shows that the developed wave model without the use of any empirical parameters is capable of accurately simulating a wide range of nearshore wave processes, including propagation, breaking, and run-up of nonlinear dispersive waves and transformation and inundation of tsunami waves.
Antifungal prophylaxis and therapy in patients with hematological malignancies and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients

Patients with acute leukemia and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients are at risk of a spectrum of invasive fungal diseases corresponding to the type and intensity of immunosuppression. The development of newer antifungal agents has broadened therapeutic options. In the 1990s, lipid formulations of amphotericin B became widely used as safer alternatives to amphotericin B deoxycholate. In addition, fluconazole was shown to be beneficial as a yeast-active prophylaxis in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. In the past decade, the antifungal armamentarium was further enhanced with the availability of extended-spectrum azoles and echinocandins. The development of effective broad-spectrum antifungal agents has led to their use as prophylaxis rather than delaying treatment until clinical signs of infection manifest. Antigen-based and PCR-based diagnostic adjuncts facilitate earlier detection of invasive fungal diseases compared with conventional culture, and have been incorporated into strate...
Classical dynamics and ground-state phase transitions of a model SU(1,1) Hamiltonian

We discuss the classical dynamics of a model SU(1,1) Hamiltonian system that may have some application in many-boson systems. A ground-state phase transition is shown to exist in this model, and the energy surface is shown to undergo a qualitative change at this transition.
Near-monolayer 3He-4He films: Two superfluid transitions and the 3He effective mass and binding energy.

We have measured the mass loading on a torsional oscillator of mixture films of $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ and $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ at coverages near one active atomic layer of $^{4}\mathrm{He}$. These measurements yield information about the superfluid transition of $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ and the effective mass and binding energy of $^{3}\mathrm{He}$. Unlike the situation with submonolayer and multilayer films, where the superfluid transition takes place at a single temperature, we observe for these films a transition in two steps. This confirms a report some time ago of a similar observation by Bishop and Reppy. By comparing the mass loading at T=0 of pure $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ films with that of mixtures, we obtain the $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ effective mass which can be compared with results from the specific heat. We find, in particular, that the effective mass has a maximum as a function of $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ thickness with correct asymptotic values for infinite and zero thickness limits. This maximum coincides very nearly with the thickness of $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ at which the transition into the superfluid state takes place in two steps. In the submonolayer region the effective mass agrees with a density dependence one might expect as an extension of the theory of Pandharipande and Itoh for three-dimensional mixtures. We believe such theory should be able to be done for the two-dimensional case.
Multimodality treatment of deep periventricular cerebral arteriovenous malformations.

Abstract The surgical treatment of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) located in deep periventricular regions such as the basal ganglia is associated with marked morbidity and mortality. Approaches through critical brain regions afford limited exposure of the lesions, while surgical dissection is sometimes complicated by acute severe brain swelling and/or hemorrhage in the surrounding tissues. In our approach to deep AVMs, our regimen has evolved from direct staged microsurgical excision under routine fentany-N2O-relaxant anesthesia (first four patients) to the use of elective high-dose barbiturate anesthesia (subsequent 12 patients). In the first group of four patients, 11 operations were performed. Two patients improved, one of whom returned to normal neurologically. There were three episodes of acute brain swelling and/or hemorrhage. One patient died as a result, and another deteriorated. In the second group of 12 patients, all but two lesions were completely excised. Among the 10 patients in whom the AVM was completely excised, seven improved, six of whom achieved a good to excellent outcome, with two regaining full neurologic function. Three patients worsened (one as the result of acute brain swelling and/or hemorrhage). There was no death in this group. Only one incidence of acute brain swelling and/or hemorrhage occurred in 26 operations. Even though the number of patients is too small in the first group for meaningful statistical comparison, our intraoperative observations and postoperative results suggest that our evolved multimodality regimen, such as staged excision and the use of elective high-dose barbiturates, was likely to have contributed to the improved treatment results of these formidable lesions.
Discordance between non-HDL-cholesterol and LDL-particle measurements: results from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Background Cardiovascular risk assessment incorporates measurement of atherogenic lipids such as non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-C). It remains uncertain under which circumstances atherogenic lipoprotein enumeration such as LDL particle number (LDL-P) differs from simultaneously acquired non-HDL-C.
Fluorogenic Pyrosequencing in Microreactors

High-throughput sequencing techniques are revolutionizing biology and promise to have a significant impact on the future of medicine. We have developed a scalable, parallel, low-cost method for nucleic acid sequencing that combines resealable microreactors and terminal-phosphate labeled fluorogenic nucleotides. To accomplish this, we have fabricated arrays of microreactors in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) that can be reversibly sealed, and have developed techniques for immobilizing different populations of identical DNA fragments specifically and efficiently within these microreactors. We have synthesized a series of terminal-phosphate labeled fluorogenic substrates for DNA polymerase which, upon their incorporation into a primer strand of DNA and subsequent digestion by a phosphatase, generate fluorescent dye molecules that are effectively trapped in the microreactors. By sequentially interrogating the microreactor array with solutions containing different fluorogenic nucleotide substrates, and recording which microreactors generate fluorescence, we can sequence the immobilized DNA. This “fluorogenic pyrosequencing” method promises significant advantages over existing sequencing technologies, and has the potential to be elegantly interfaced with the wide variety of PDMS-based microfluidic devices suitable for the preparation and amplification of DNA or RNA for sequencing, opening the possibility of one-chip, sample-to-sequence capabilities.
A Little More Rigidity: Firming the Construct of Leader Flexibility

Scholars and practitioners have identified leader flexibility as a determinant of leader emergence and effectiveness. Yet the existing literature on leader flexibility describes it as a general capacity to respond well to situational requirements. Described as a general capacity, it is difficult for leaders to consider specific strategies to develop flexibility. By looking at flexibilities (e.g. cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal) available in other literatures, we can deepen our understanding of the multi-dimensionality of leader flexibility. The purpose of this article is to: (a) introduce various specific flexibilities found within the broader psychological literature, (b) integrate these with leader flexibility, (c) identify thematic patterns across the specific flexibilities, in order to (d) construct a general framework to better understand leader flexibility. The article contributes to the literature by offering a detailed and nuanced version of the flexibility construct as it applies to leade...
Aggregating REST requests to accelerate Web 2.0 applications

Web 2.0 applications often rely on programming techniques that involve Ajax and mashups to provide rich user experiences and remixing of contents. Such techniques allow browser-based clients to communicate with the server using numerous units of information that are small compared with traditional (Web 1.0) applications for which the communication unit is typically an entire page. As a result, Web 2.0 applications tend to generate a larger number of smaller-sized requests. We describe a technique that aggregates multiple client requests of the same type and that processes them at the same time to accelerate Web 2.0 applications when the server is heavily loaded with a large number of client requests. We used a Representational State Transfer (REST) architecture style because they allow the server to detect the request type by examining a small portion in the Hypertext Transfer Protocol request. Due to this aggregation, the application server can process multiple client requests together. Request-invariant computations need to be done only once for a set of aggregated requests. Our experimental results with a simple application within a framework of WebSphere® sMash demonstrate that our technique can improve the throughput of client requests by more than a factor of 2 when we aggregate up to only four requests at a time.
Rainfall, ambient temperature, and Clethrionomys californicus capture frequency

Sixty Western Red-backed Voles Clethrionomys californicus inhabiting an old-growth mixed conifer forest in north-western California (USA) were studied over 2 years to assess relationships among vole capture frequency, rainfall, and ambient temperature. Red-backed Voles were encountered more often and recapture rates per vole doubled with the tripling of yearly rainfall. In addition, more voles were captured during wet months than dry months. Analysed over weekly intervals, captures were positively correlated with the amount of weekly rainfall, a greater proportion of the known vole population was encountered during wet weeks than dry weeks, and increased weekly rainfall resulted in an increased proportion of the vole population captured. Significant relationships were not found between daily rainfall and vole captures, but both minimum and maximum daily ambient temperatures were lower when voles were trapped. Vole captures increased with decreases in daily and weekly minimum and maximum ambient temperatures. Weekly rainfall in combination with minimum weekly temperatures accounted for the greatest explanation of variability in vole capture frequencies. These results document that rainfall and ambient temperature have an impact on Western Red-backed Vole capture frequency; thus these weather variables should be addressed as covariates in analyses focused on capture data for this species.
The Chemistry and Physics of Stratospheric Ozone

Perhaps no other environmental issue has captured as much widespread public interest and concern as stratospheric ozone depletion due to man-made chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Increasing scientific understanding of the connections between CFCs and global-scale ozone changes, highlighted by observations of dramatic ozone loss in the Antarctic, has led to a landmark international treaty and subsequent treaty amendments. As outgrowths of these developments, stratospheric ozone depletion has found its way into science fiction fare and the term “ozone hole” has become part of the English lexicon.
Comparisons of plantar pressures between the elderly and young adults

Abstract Loading variables were compared for 35 elderly (71–90 years) and 35 young adult (aged 18–24) participants. Plantar pressures were measured at 70 Hz with a capacitive platform with a resolution of two sensors per square centimetre. Subjects were required to walk barefoot at their ‘preferred’ gait speed down a 15-m walkway. Gait speed was determined via a photoelectric timing system. Five right foot pressure trials were gathered and stored. During analysis seven plantar regions were identified: one heel, one midfoot, three forefoot (medial, central, and lateral), and two toe (medial toe or hallux and lesser toes). Averages were generated for each loading variable respective to each plantar region. Gait speed was significantly slower for the elderly than the young adults. Thus, gait speed was used as a covariate in a multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) to detect differences between the young adults and the elderly. Similar loading characteristics were found in the heel region of the foot. For the young adults, greater plantar loading occurred across the midfoot region. There was a difference in the loading rate across the medial forefoot region for the elderly and no differences in force or peak pressures. The medial forefoot region exhibited greatest peak pressure for the elderly. No differences were found between groups in the central forefoot. The elderly exhibited a greater contact area and less contact time. For the elderly, less force was produced relative to the medial toe region. No differences between the loading characteristics of the lateral toe region between the two groups were exhibited.
Low-copy repeats mediate the common 3-Mb deletion in patients with velo-cardio-facial syndrome.

Summary Velo-cardio-facial syndrome (VCFS) is the most common microdeletion syndrome in humans. It occurs with an estimated frequency of 1 in 4,000 live births. Most cases occur sporadically, indicating that the deletion is recurrent in the population. More than 90% of patients with VCFS and a 22q11 deletion have a similar 3-Mb hemizygous deletion, suggesting that sequences at the breakpoints confer susceptibility to rearrangements. To define the region containing the chromosome breakpoints, we constructed an 8-kb–resolution physical map. We identified a low-copy repeat in the vicinity of both breakpoints. A set of genetic markers were integrated into the physical map to determine whether the deletions occur within the repeat. Haplotype analysis with genetic markers that flank the repeats showed that most patients with VCFS had deletion breakpoints in the repeat. Within the repeat is a 200-kb duplication of sequences, including a tandem repeat of genes/pseudogenes, surrounding the breakpoints. The genes in the repeat are GGT, BCRL, V7-rel, POM121-like, and GGT-rel. Physical mapping and genomic fingerprint analysis showed that the repeats are virtually identical in the 200-kb region, suggesting that the deletion is mediated by homologous recombination. Examination of two three-generation families showed that meiotic intrachromosomal recombination mediated the deletion.
Characterizing the potential energy surface of the water dimer with DFT: failures of some popular functionals for hydrogen bonding.

Ten stationary points on the water dimer potential energy surface have been examined with ten density functional methods (X3LYP, B3LYP, B971, B98, MPWLYP, PBE1PBE, PBE, MPW1K, B3P86, and BHandHLYP). Geometry optimizations and vibrational frequency calculations were carried out with the TZ2P(f,d)+dif basis set. All ten of the density functionals correctly describe the relative energies of the ten stationary points. However, correctly describing the curvature of the potential energy surface is far more difficult. Only one functional (BHandHLYP) reproduces the number of imaginary frequencies from CCSD(T) calculations. The other nine density functionals fail to correctly characterize the nature of at least one of the ten (H2O)2 stationary points studied here.
Ovarian follicular development and oocyte quality in anestrous ewes treated with melatonin, a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) device and follicle stimulating hormone

The objective of the current study was to determine the effects of hormonal treatments on ovarian follicular development and oocyte quality in anestrous ewes. Multiparous crossbred (RambouilletxTarghee) ewes were given melatonin implants (MEL) and/or controlled internal drug release (CIDR) devices in conjunction with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) during anestrus (March-May). In Experiment 1, ewes (n=25) were assigned randomly to four groups (n=4-7/group) in a 2x2 factorial arrangement [+/-MEL and +/-CIDR], resulting in Control (no treatment), CIDR, MEL, and MEL/CIDR groups, respectively. Ewes received an implant containing 18 mg of melatonin (Melovine) on Day 42 and/or a CIDR from Days 7 to 2 (Day 0: oocyte collection). In Experiment 2, ewes (n=12) were assigned randomly to two groups (n=6/group; 1CIDR or 2CIDR) and received the same type of melatonin implant on Day 60. All ewes received a CIDR device from Days -22 to -17 and 2CIDR ewes received an additional CIDR device from Days -10 to -2. In both experiments, ewes were given FSH im twice daily (morning and evening) on Days -2 and -1 (Day -2: 5 units/injection; Day -1: 4 units/injection). On the morning of Day 0, ovaries were removed, follicles>or=1 mm were counted, and oocytes were collected. Thereafter oocytes were matured and fertilized in vitro. In Experiment 1, the number of visible follicles and the rates of oocyte recovery and in vitro maturation were similar (P>0.10) for Control, CIDR, MEL and MEL/CIDR (overall 29.7+/-2.9%, 89.9+/-7.1% and 95.0+/-2.0%, respectively). The rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF) were lower (P 0.10) for 1CIDR and 2CIDR groups (overall 27.3+/-3.2%, 92.1+/-2.7% and 90.2+/-1.9%, respectively). However, the rates of IVF were lower (P<0.01) for 2CIDR than 1CIDR group (30.2% versus 58.0%, respectively). In summary, when treatment with P4 commenced only 2 d before oocyte collection, rates of IVF were reduced in both experiments. Therefore, progestin treatment protocols used in ovine IVF programs should be carefully designed to minimize adverse effects on fertilization rates. In addition, melatonin treatment did not affect follicular development and oocyte quality for anestrous ewes.
Management issues of consortia. Part two

Defines terms associated with consortia – co‐ordination, co‐operation and collaboration – and identifies critical success factors for consortia. Provides four case studies based on the author’s personal experience indicating the reasons for the success or failure of these collaborative ventures. The outcomes are discussed and conclusions drawn. The evidence indicates that successful consortia require time to develop a high level of trust between partners and a willingness to contribute. Part one appeared in Library Management (2002), Vol. 23 No. 4/5.
A Plant-Wide Dynamic Model of a Continuous Pharmaceutical Process

The pharmaceutical industry has historically benefited from high profit margins for their products, and over the years limited efforts have been made to change the main manufacturing concept from batch into continuous. However, over the past decade, as a result of an increased demand for more efficient and cost-effective processes, interest has grown in the application of continuous manufacturing to address economical and technical issues in the pharmaceutical field. This option is becoming more viable, particularly with the implementation of new process analytical technology (PAT). In this paper, we present a plant-wide mathematical model inspired by a recently developed continuous pharmaceutical pilot plant. This model is first used to simulate a base case that shows typical limitations in achieving simultaneously high productivity and quality. The main critical quality attribute considered is the purity of the final product. To alleviate the base case limitations and improve the pilot plant performance...
Experiences with multiphasic screening for cancer.

Abstract This study reports on our experiences with a multiphasic cancer screening clinic for the detection of early‐stage cancers. The clinic under review is the Prevention‐Detection Clinic (PDC) housed at Roswell Park Memorial Institute in Buffalo. The PDC offers both free cancer screening examinations and risk‐reduction education and counseling. Since its inception in May 1979 through 1984, over 13,000 individuals have been screened and counseled. Names of screenees were recently matched against the files of the Western New York Tumor Registry, a population‐based cancer registry, to identify screenees subsequently diagnosed with cancer. Matching identified a total of 332 individuals with a cancer diagnosis. Of these, 98 individuals were found to have been diagnosed prior to screening. Of the remaining 234 individuals, 135 were diagnosed after referral from the PDC, 23 went undetected at screening, and 76 were either diagnosed several years after screening or with recurrent disease. The majority of canc...
Application of the Neuman Systems Model to Teaching Health Assessment and Nursing Process

TOPIC.A nursing theory framework for teaching health assessment. PURPOSE.To improve teaching of health assessment and nursing process to beginning-level baccalaureate nursing students. SOURCES.The Assessment and Analysis Guideline Tool, published and unpublished literature, personal observation, and faculty feedback were used in tool development. CONCLUSIONS.Faculty concluded that students who could envision the connection of the Neuman Systems Model and NANDA nursing diagnoses through the nursing process would be better able to understand the nursing model and choose appropriate nursing diagnoses for client care.
Spectroelectrochemical Investigation of Double-Walled Tubular J-Aggregates of Amphiphilic Cyanine Dyes

The amphiphilic cyanine dye 3,3‘-bis(2-sulfopropyl)-5,5‘,6,6‘-tetrachloro-1,1‘-dioctylbenzimidacarbocyanine (C8S3) self-assembles in aqueous solution to form double-walled, tubular J-aggregates with ∼13 nm diameters and lengths up to several hundred nanometers. The redox and light absorption properties of immobilized J-aggregates on transparent, conductive indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes have been studied directly using cyclic voltammetry (CV) in conjunction with UV−vis spectroscopy to elucidate unique mechanistic features of J-aggregate oxidation. Morphological properties were examined using in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM). Irreversible J-aggregate oxidation appears to occur primarily along the outer wall of the tubular structure as evidenced by the potential-induced irreversible bleaching of J-band absorption. Voltammetric studies as a function of scan rate and pH indicate that J-aggregate oxidation involves both electrochemical and chemical steps in which dimerization and subsequent dehydrogena...
Penile self-injection for impotence in patients after radical cystectomy-ileal loop

Abstract Eight patients with impotence following radical cystectomy and ileal loop surgery for cancer of the bladder were treated with a mixture of papaverine/phentolamine at 30 1 ratio. All but 1 patient had a successful result. In the majority of patients the duration of the erection was significantly less than in impotent patients with different causations.
Machine indexing: Linguistic and semiotic implications

The implications of some major linguistic and semiotic concepts for the machine manipulation of natural language text are examined. It is proposed that the study of meaning should contribute to the development of sophisticated algorithms for machine indexing.
Secular rates and correlates for gastroschisis in California (1968–1977)

This study reports on an epidemiological investigation of gastroschisis using birth certificate data from California for the period of 1968-1977. Gastroschisis has been reported to be on the increase in a number of countries. The distribution of the 166 California gastroschisis cases reported during this time period indicated a clear upward secular trend (P less than .001) with the rate per 1,000 increasing from .006 in 1968 to .089 by 1977. This secular trend was observed in every maternal age group and for gravidity level 1. Gastroschisis also occurred more frequently among younger mothers (P less than .001) and low gravidity mothers (P less than .001). Omphalocele, another eventration defect, was also examined but did not display an upward secular trend.
Regulation of seed protein concentration in soybean by supra-optimal nitrogen supply

The physiological and biochemical basis for increased seed protein concentrations (SPC) observed in restriction-index, recurrent-selection breeding programmes with soyabean (Glycine max) are poorly understood. The hypothesis that soyabean SPC is regulated by the supply of nitrogenous substrates available to the seed was evaluated. Effects of supra-optimal external N on seed storage protein accumulation, amino acid concentration and composition in leaves and seeds at R5, and levels of specific storage protein subunits were measured. Genotypes with different SPC (NC 107, normal; N87-984-16, intermediate; and NC 111, high) were grown in controlled-environment chambers and supplied with 30 mM N as NH4NO3 from V5 to maturity or from R5 to maturity. Control plants received 10 mM N throughout the growth cycle. Relative to control, supra-optimal N increased SPC of NC 107 and N87-984-16 by an average of 28%. Greater enhancement of protein accumulation than of dry matter accumulation in the seed resulted in SPCs of 460 to 470 g kg-1, which are appreciably higher than concentrations reported for these cultivars grown in the field and outdoor pot culture. Supra-optimal N also increased SPC of the high protein line (NC 111) by 15%, but this increase resulted entirely from a decrease in yield. Supra-optimal N supplied to NC 107 and N87-984-16 from V5 until R5 increased total free amino acid concentrations in seeds and leaves at R5 by an average of 21 and 46%, respectively. Enhanced accumulation of the β subunit of β-conglycinin, which does not contain methionine and cysteine, accounted for the increase in SPC. While enhanced N availability increased the SPC of a normal protein line into the high range, availability of sulfur amino acids in the developing seed determined which storage protein subunits were synthesized from the extra N.
Reductive decolorization of a textile reactive dyebath under methanogenic conditions.

The objective of the present study was to assess the biological decolorization of an industrial, spent reactive dyebath and its three dye components (Reactive Blue 19 [RB 19], Reactive Blue 21 [RB 21], and Reactive Red 198 [RR 198]) under methanogenic conditions. Using a mixed, methanogenic culture, batch assays were performed to evaluate the rate and exten of color removal as well as any potential toxic effects. Overall, a high rate and extent of color removal (>10 mg/[L·h] and 88%, respectively) were observed in cultures amended with either RB19 (an anthraquinone dye) or spent dyebath at an initial dye concentration of 300 mg/L (expressed as RB 19 equivalent) and 30 g/L of NaCl. Inhibition of acidogenesis and, to a larger degree, of methanogenesis resulting in accumulation of volatile fatty acids was observed in both RB 19- and spent dyebath-amended cultures. RB 21 (a phthalocyanine dye) and RR 198 (an azo dye) tested at an initial concentration of 300 mg/L did not result in any significant inhibition of the mixed methanogenic culture. Based on results obtained with cultures amended with RB 19 with and without NaCl, as well as a control culture amended with 30 g/L of NaCl, salt was less inhibitory than either RB 19 or the dyebath. Therefore, the toxic effect of the spent dyebath is at least partially attributed to its major dye component RB 19 and NaCl. Further testing of the effect of RB 19 decolorization products on the methanogenic activity in the absence of NaCl demonstrated that these products are much less inhibitory than the parent dye. Although color removal occurred despite the severe culture inhibition, biological decolorization of full-strength reactive spent dyebaths using methanogenic cultures in a repetitive, closed-loop system is not deemed feasible. For this reason, a fermentative and halotolerant culture was developed and successfully used in our laboratory for the decolorization of industrial reactive dyebaths with 100 g/L of NaCl.
Molecular approaches for understanding biological control mechanisms in bacteria: Studies of the interaction of Enterobacter cloacae with Pythium ultimum

(1992). Molecular approaches for understanding biological control mechanisms in bacteria: Studies of the interaction of Enterobacter cloacae with Pythium ultimum. Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology: Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 106-114.
Nonparametric Applications of Shaffer's Extension of Dennett's Procedure

Abstract Shaffer's extensions and generalization of Dunnett's procedure are shown to be applicable in several nonparametric data analyses. Applications are considered within the context of the Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test for ranked data, Friedman's two-way ANOVA test for ranked data, and Cochran's test of change for dichotomous data.
Cholesteric-Isotropic Biphasic Morphology in Liquid Crystalline Polyesters with Chiral Substituents as Pendant Groups.

A series of copolyesters based on 2-[(S)-(+)-methyl-1-butoxy]hydroquinone, I, as the chiral monomer with non-chiral hydroquinone monomers was investigated for formation of a biphasic morphology in which a cholesteric and isotropic phases coexisted close to an isotropic transition temperature. For the copolyesters with hydroquinone, the biphasic formation occurred for the lower molecular weight copolyester over a wider temperature range presumably because of both molecular weight and the chemical heterogeneity effects on the isotropization transition. The temperature range of the biphasic morphology was influenced by a substituent of the copolymerized non-chiral hydroquinone monomer.
Colloidal Stability of Gold Nanoparticles Coated with Multithiol-Poly(ethylene glycol) Ligands: Importance of Structural Constraints of the Sulfur Anchoring Groups

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) coated with a series of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) ligands appended with four different sulfur-based terminal anchoring groups (monothiol, flexible dithiol, constrained dithiol, disulfide) were prepared to explore how the structures of the sulfur-based anchoring groups affect the colloidal stability in aqueous media. The PEG-coated AuNPs were prepared by ligand exchange of citrate-stabilized AuNPs with each ligand. The colloidal stability of the AuNPs in different harsh environmental conditions was monitored visually and spectroscopically. The AuNPs coated with dithiol- or disulfide-PEG exhibited improved stability under high salt concentration and against ligand replacement competition with dithiothreitol compared with those coated with their monothiol counterpart. Importantly, the ligands with structurally constrained dithiol or disulfide showed better colloidal stability and higher sulfur coverage on the Au surface compared to the ligands with more flexible dithiol and monot...
In vitro binding of bile acids by spinach, kale, brussels sprouts, broccoli, mustard greens, green bell pepper, cabbage and collards

Abstract The in vitro binding of bile acids by spinach ( Spinacia oleracea ), kale ( Brassica oleracea acephala ), Brussels sprouts ( Brassica oleracea gemmifera ), broccoli ( Brassica oleracea italica ), mustard greens ( Brassica juncea ), green bell peppers ( Capsicum annuum ), cabbage ( Brassica oleracea capitala ) and collards ( Brassica oleracea acephala ) was determined using a mixture of bile acids secreted in human bile at a duodenal physiological pH of 6.3. Six treatments and two blank incubations were conducted testing various fresh raw green vegetables on an equal dry matter basis. Considering cholestyramine (bile acid binding, cholesterol lowering drug) as 100% bound, the relative in vitro bile acid binding of various vegetables tested on equal dry matter and total dietary fibre basis was 2–9% and 6–32%, respectively. Bile acid binding for spinach, kale and brussels sprouts was significantly higher than for broccoli and mustard greens. For broccoli and mustard greens binding values were significantly higher those for cabbage, bell pepper and collards. These results point to the health promoting potential of spinach = kale = brussels sprouts > broccoli = mustard greens > cabbage = green bell peppers = collards, as indicated by their bile acid binding on dry matter basis.
Speculation and price fluctuations with private, extrinsic signals

Abstract We consider an overlapping generations model in which asset prices are determined through a Vickrey auction. The existence of speculative (sunspot) equilibria is proven, where traders strictly prefer to act based on private, nonfundamental signals. An example is presented in which speculation over “market psychology” nearly drives fundamental analysis (inside information about dividends) out of the market. Another example demonstrates price fluctuations that persist as the number of traders approaches infinity. The equilibria produce price fluctuations without any trader able to identify the source; we informally argue that the model sheds light on the phenomenon of technical analysis.
Passage and behavior of adult American shad in an experimental louver bypass system

Abstract We tested 436 adult American shad Alosa sapidissima in an experimental louver bypass system, which was similar to a system operating at Holyoke Dam, Massachusetts, to determine guidance and passage efficiency and to study fish response to stimuli from physical structures, light intensity, and water velocity. Groups of 5–29 fish were exposed to combinations of two bypass exits (wide-shallow and vertical-slot sharp-crested weirs) and two louver arrays (7.6- and 15.2-cm slat spacing) oriented 20° to water flow direction. Underwater video observations showed fish responded to louvers as a physical barrier during the day, when they stayed 30–55 cm (1.3 cm/5 klx) away from and oriented parallel to louvers, and as a behavioral barrier at night, when they moved closer to louvers and oriented into the current. Both louver arrays guided fish effectively, (i.e., prevented fish from passing through the slats) 100% for narrow spacing and 97% for wide spacing. Adults avoided moving closer than 0.5 m to either ...
Descartes's demon and the madness of Don Quixote.

Comparaison de l'hypothese du malin genie developpee par Descartes dans la premiere «Meditation» avec la folie du personnage de Don Quichotte en proie a la rationalisation de ses propes illusions. Denoncant le meme monde trompeur a travers la figure du chevalier-errant, l'analyse epistemologique de Descartes et la nouvelle de Cervantes traitent du meme probleme philosophique: le scepticisme
Twinning-induced internal stresses in ferroelectric ceramics

Ferroelectric crystals are widely used for manufacturing smart actuators owing to their strong electromechanical coupling effect and the prompt response to the applied electric fields. Many ferroelectric actuators are operated under cyclic loading conditions. The cyclic-loading strengths of these materials are, however, substantially lower than their monotonic-loading strengths. It has been observed that the macroscopic properties of these materials deteriorate after a large number of cycles of the applied electric field. This is the so-called electric fatigue. Recent experimental investigations suggest that microcracking may be the major cause of electric fatigue. The authors investigated the interactions of ferroelectric twins with grain boundaries and pre-existing microcracks. They have demonstrated that the stress fields exhibit a power-law singularity at the intersecting points of twinning planes and grain boundaries. This concentration in stresses may initiate microcracks at the intersecting points. They have also shown that the formation of ferroelectric twins at a pre-existing crack tip results in stronger singularities of the stress and electric fields than the common (root)r-singularity. This indicates that the interaction between the ferroelectric twins and the microcracks may promote crack growth.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Pushing Back: What Happens When Member States Resist the European Court of Justice? A Multi-Modal Approach to the History of European Law

Established explanations of the development of the European legal system focus on the decisive power of the Court of Justice in determining the system's practice and parameters. Even accounts highlighting the various interlocutors involved with the Court are ultimately drawn to Luxembourg as the fulcrum of decision. However, these approaches neglect the equally constitutive role played by national courts, particularly when resisting the European Court of Justice (ECJ). By analysing the important consequences of the German Constitutional Court's Solange decision of 1974, this paper argues that we must complicate our retelling of the European Union's (EU) legal history by rethinking the importance of national-level agency.
Carbohydrate Metabolism and the Skeleton: Picking a Bone with the β-Cell

Novel data show that the bone protein, undercarboxylated osteocalcin, increases islet cell growth and insulin and adiponectin synthesis and enhances glucose metabolism in mice. Human studies, in which undercarboxylated osteocalcin concentrations have been perturbed, show no effect (or a very minor effect) on fasting glucose or insulin concentrations. More extensive and detailed experiments in humans are needed to definitively establish the role of undercarboxylated osteocalcin in human carbohydrate metabolism.
VIIRS reflective solar bands on-orbit calibration using solar diffuser and solar diffuser stability monitor

The reflective solar bands (RSB) of the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on board the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (SNPP) satellite are primarily calibrated on-orbit by a solar diffuser (SD) panel whose performance is monitored by an accompanying solar diffuser stability monitor (SDSM). In this paper, the SD and SDSM calibration methodology is reviewed and the results from the analysis of the up-to-date three and half years of mission data are presented. With the newly derived product of the SD bidirectional reflectance factors, the vignetting functions for the screens in the SD/SDSM system and the carefully selected “sweet spots”, and the fully illumination region, the artificial seasonal patterns and noises in the derived SD degradation and the RSB calibration coefficients are removed or significantly reduced. The result shows that the SD degrades faster at short wavelengths while the RSB degrades in a much complex pattern.
A Content Analysis of Interviewee Reports of Medical School Admissions Interviews

Introduction. Prospective medical school applicants use Internet websites to gain information about medical school interviews as well as to offer their experience in such interviews. This study examined applicants’ reported experiences of interviews and compared them to the purposes of the interview as purported by medical schools. Method. Content analysis of student feedback regarding medical school interviews at 161 medical schools was conducted for entries of over 4600 students applying to medical school who anonymously and voluntarily completed an online questionnaire. Results. Across all medical schools, nearly one half of all cited interview questions addressed noncognitive characteristics of the applicants. Top ranked medical schools were reported to ask significantly more interpersonal and illegal questions and fewer academic/general knowledge questions than other medical schools. Lower ranked schools did not differ significantly in the types of questions reportedly asked applicants compared to other medical schools. Discussion. Medical school interviews are generally gathering types of information about applicants that admissions personnel identify as important in the admission decision. In addition to measuring interpersonal characteristics, medical school admissions interviews are assessing cognitive abilities and ethical decision-making. Sources on the Internet provide actual medical school interview questions to prospective students. This practice can help them gain an undue advantage in interviewing. Admissions committees and faculty who interview students may want to consider how best to obtain accurate and valid responses from applicants.
Design of Helically-Wound Superconducting AC Power Transmission Cables

Conceptually, one phase of a proposed three-phase power transmission system consists of a pair of coaxial tubes or pipes, with superconductor on the outside of the inner pipe and on the inside of the outer pipe. Although rigid versions of this concept have been under development for nearly a decade there are strong economic and technical reasons to develop a flexible form of cable. In this construction the conductor and insulation are wound as concentric helices, thus permitting many of the advantages of flexibility to be reaped at the expense of several new problems not encountered in plain concentric cylindrical designs. In this paper the electrical complications arising from helical current paths are discussed. The practical manifestations are primarily heating of the normal metal used in the cable and undesirable voltages appearing on the outer conductor.
Surgical management of posttraumatic thoracolumbar kyphosis

Abstract Background context Spine trauma is relatively common, and each year approximately 10,000 to 17,000 people in the United States will sustain a spinal cord injury and approximately 150,000 to 160,000 will fracture their spinal column. Posttraumatic spinal deformity is a common potential complication of spinal injury and poses one of the greatest challenges in spinal surgery. Purpose To provide a comprehensive and current review of posttraumatic deformity focusing on the epidemiology, clinical and radiographical presentation, treatment options, and prognosis. Study design/setting A thorough review of the English literature on the management of posttraumatic deformity was performed. Pertinent articles were identified by using PubMed and a review of publications by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Methods Each article was reviewed, and findings were analyzed to formulate a concise review of current treatment methods for posttraumatic deformity. Results Successful treatment of posttraumatic deformity is dependent on careful patient selection and appropriate surgical intervention, which should be considered in the presence of significant or increasing deformity, increasing back and/or leg pain, “breakdown” at levels above or below the deformity, pseudarthrosis or malunion, and increasing neurological deficit. The goals of surgery should be to decompress the neural elements if neurological claudication or a neurological deficit is present, to recreate normal sagittal contours and balance, and to optimize the chances for successful fusion; these goals can be achieved through an all-anterior, all-posterior, or a combined anterior/posterior approach assuming that close attention is paid to using the appropriate bone-grafting techniques, selecting technically sound segmental instrumentation, and providing appropriate biomechanical environment for maintenance of correction and successful fusion. Conclusions Posttraumatic spinal deformity is a common complication of spinal injury, and it is therefore essential for patients with vertebral column injuries to have a careful initial evaluation, close follow-up, and early intervention when needed. Once posttraumatic deformity is present, successful outcome is achievable assuming a thorough, systematic, and technically well-executed surgical intervention is performed.
Loeb measure, finitely additive measures, and a theorem of Banach

The Loeb measure construction from nonstandard analysis is applied to two theorems in standard measure theory. In both cases the essential simplification offered by the approach is the ability to work with a σ-additive measure space, even if the hypotheses only guarantee finite additivity. The key to this simplification is the property of \({\aleph_1}\)-saturated nonstandard models, that any finitely additive measure on an internal algebra extends immediately to a σ-additive measure.