cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Accelerated gastric emptying of glucose in Zucker type 2 diabetic rats: role in postprandial hyperglycaemia

Patients with early non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) empty glucose solutions from their stomachs more rapidly than non-diabetic control subjects, and this exacerbates postprandial hyperglycaemia. To determine if accelerated gastric emptying occurred in a rat model of NIDDM and influenced postprandial hyperglycaemia, gastric emptying of glucose was measured, and the effect of slowing the gastric emptying rate on postprandial hyperglycaemia was observed. We tested eight male obese Zucker diabetic rats and eight age-matched lean Zucker controls at 10-13 weeks of age to measure gastric emptying of glucose (by gamma scintigraphy). Rats fasted overnight were gavaged with 30% glucose at 1 ml/100 g body weight. Separately, six Zucker diabetic rats and six lean controls were tested for sensitivity to the inhibitory effects of cholecystokinin and secretin on gastric emptying. The diabetic rats emptied glucose significantly faster than controls (t1/2 = 37.3 +/- 1.5 vs 58.8 +/- 2.3 min in controls), and aging exaggerated this differential. Camostat, a stimulant of cholecystokinin and secretin release, added to the glucose meal significantly slowed gastric emptying (t1/2 = 123 +/- 23 and 166 +/- 19 min, diabetic vs lean, respectively), and significantly reduced postprandial hyperglycaemia in diabetic rats. Compared to Zucker lean controls, Zucker diabetic rats were as sensitive (cholecystokinin) or more sensitive (secretin) to gastrointestinal hormones that inhibit gastric emptying. The results demonstrate accelerated gastric emptying in a rat model of NIDDM, consistant with similar observations in humans with early NIDDM. These results also support the proposal that interventions to slow gastric emptying improve glucose control in this disease.
Phase variance and Strehl ratio in adaptive optics

Some correction schemes in adaptive optics are performed with the use of the phase reconstructed from measured gradients. For these cases it can be shown that the minimum phase-variance estimator leads to the maximum Strehl ratio, that is, to the maximum peak intensity in the far field.
A Comparison of Linear and Cyclic Peptoid Oligomers as Potent Antimicrobial Agents

We investigated the antimicrobial activities of N-substituted glycine "peptoid" oligomers incorporating cationic and hydrophobic side chains. Head-to-tail macrocyclization was employed to enhance antimicrobial activity. Both linear and cyclic peptoids, ranging from six to ten residues, demonstrate potent antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. These peptoids do not cause significant lysis of human erythrocytes, indicating selective antimicrobial activity. Conformational ordering established upon macrocyclization is generally associated with an enhanced capacity to inhibit bacterial cell growth. Moreover, increased hydrophobic surface area also plays a role in improving antimicrobial activity. We demonstrate the potency of a cyclic peptoid in exerting antimicrobial activity against clinical strains of S. aureus while deterring the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.
The Clinical Spectrum of the Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome Associated with L-Tryptophan Ingestion: Clinical Features in 20 Patients and Aspects of Pathophysiology

We describe the clinical spectrum of the L-tryptophan-associated eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome in 20 patients. In all but one case, patients met the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) case definition for the syndrome: peripheral blood eosinophilia (eosinophil count greater than 1.0 x 10(9)/L) and generalized, disabling myalgias without other recognized causes. Three patients with eosinophilia and myalgia developed eosinophilic fasciitis, and 4 other patients developed, respectively, pneumonitis and myocarditis, neuropathy culminating in respiratory failure, encephalopathy, and fibrosis about the common bile duct. No relation was apparent between dose or duration of L-tryptophan exposure and the eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome. No organic contaminants were identified in L-tryptophan preparations taken by patients or asymptomatic users when these preparations were examined by chromatography or mass spectroscopy. Biopsy specimens in 12 patients showed a mononuclear exudate with a variable admixture of eosinophils in affected tissues, including skin, fascia, muscle, and some viscera. Eosinophil toxic granule proteins, major basic protein, and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin were elevated in the serum and urine of patients compared with normal control subjects (P less than 0.01 and P less than 0.02, respectively). Immunofluorescence showed major basic protein deposited outside of eosinophils in affected tissues, indicating that toxic granule proteins are released in diseased organs. Treatment included withdrawal of L-tryptophan in all cases. Corticosteroids were prescribed for 16 patients and diuretics alone for 1 patient; no drugs were prescribed for 3 patients. Four patients have recovered fully, others are stable or slowly recovering, and 1 is gravely ill despite prolonged treatment.
Anterograde transsynaptic degeneration in the deep cerebellar nuclei of Purkinje cell degeneration (pcd) mutant mice.

The genetically-determined loss of Purkinje cells (PCs) in ‘Purkinje cell degeneration’ (pcd) mutant mice results in the loss of presynaptic afferents to the deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN). This deafferentation takes place between postnatal day (P)17 and P45, i.e. after the maturation of cerebellar circuitry. We examined the DCN of normal and pcd mutant mice by quantitative light microscopic methods to determine whether neuronal atrophy or loss in the DCN take place during and after the loss of their input from the PCs. Neuronal diameters in control mice were 16.4±0.72 μm (mean±S.D.) at P23 and 15.6±0.64 μm at P300. The respective values in pcd mutant mice were 15.7±0.58 μm and 13.5±0.24 μm. Diameters in 300-day-old mutants were significantly smaller than those in both age-matched controls and 23-day-old mutants (P< 0.001). Neuronal populations in the DCN of control mice were 10,167± 949 at P23 and 10,429±728 at P300. The respective values in mutants were 9,436±1,366 and 7,424±1,324. There was a significant difference of 29% [95% confidence limits: 9–45%] between 300-day-old mutants and age-matched controls (P<0.01), and a significant loss of 21% [95% confidence limits: 4–36%] in 300-day-old mutants with respect to 23-day-old mutants (P<0.05). The total volume of the DCN was 22% less in 300-day-old mutants in relation to 23-day-old mutants (P< 0.05). These findings support the idea that the stability of DCN neurons in the mature cerebellum depends in part on the synaptic input from PCs.
Lack of correlation between serum soluble Fas/APO-1 levels and autoimmune disease.

Objective. To determine whether elevated soluble Fas/APO-1 (sFas/APO-1 ) levels are associated with either autoimmune disease or evidence of flares in autoimmune disease. Methods. Thirty-seven serum samples were retrospectively obtained from normal controls and patients with laboratory evidence of autoimmune disease activity. These samples were assayed for sFas/APO-1 levels by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and hospital medical records were retrospectively reviewed for clinical and laboratory characteristics of the patients. Results. Soluble Fas/APO-1 levels did not correlate with clinical diagnoses or laboratory abnormalities. The mean and range of sFas/APO-1 levels were similar in systemic lupus erythematosus patients (including those with active disease), patients with other autoimmune diseases, and normal controls. Conclusion. These data strongly suggest that measurement of sFas/APO-1 levels is unlikely to hold clinical value or play a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease.
Correlations in published values of UNIQUAC interaction parameters

Abstract There is a high degree of correlation between interaction parameters in the UNIQUAC equations. The coefficients for 43 sets of data for binary liquid-vapor equilibrium for ethanol-water at various temperatures and pressures as published in Dechema Chemistry Data Series (1977) are correlated by the equation (Aij + c)(Aji + c) = 2000000 where c = 1290.35. This equation accounts for 96% of the raw variance. The same equation also correlated the data given for eight other systems with only a change in the value for the constant c. Use of an equation of this type for regression analysis between Aij and c would remove the covariance of the regression parameters. The location of Aij on the correlation curve must be determined to give the minimum error for the fit. Temperature was, at best, a poor predictor for this location.
Computer network for data acquisition, storage and analysis

Modern scientific instruments can produce huge quantities of data, usually in digital form. However, data acquisition is only one of three important functions. To be useful, data must also be stored and analyzed. Fortunately, the same computer-based technologies that facilitate the generation of large data-sets provide tools to accomplish these tasks. We describe a data system based on computers connected to a network, developed for this purpose.
A new form of artificial viscosity for elastic solids

Abstract A form of artificial viscosity, which is second-order and quadratic, is developed for elastic solids. This new form and the standard linear artificial viscosity are compared. It is observed that the artificial viscosity works best when applied only to expanding zones.
Fluctuations in adhesion behavior of dividing/budding mycobacterium sp. strains JLS, KMS, MCS: An AFM evaluation

AFM was used to evaluate topography and adhesion properties of dividing Gram-positive mycobacterium sp. strains JLS, KMS, and MCS. This research revealed that these three mycobacterium strains divided by budding, and the adhesion force of mother cells differed from their daughter (or budding) cells. At the early stage of division, the adhesion force of the mother cell was larger than that of newly formed daughter cell (10-30%); however, at the anaphase of division, the mother cell possessed smaller adhesion force compared with daughter cell (4-15%). According to the range of the adhesion force measured on the dividing (budding) mycobacterium JLS (M.JLS) cells, the schematic division (or budding) models were proposed, and these mycobacterium strains were found to follow well these division models. Altogether, AFM-based topography and adhesion force measurements at the nanoscale resolution may offer new insightful views that would further facilitate the understanding and elucidation of the biophysical behaviors during division (or budding) processes of microorganisms.
Bladder and ureteral injury: prevention and management.

Few complications of gynecologic surgery create more anxiety and medicolegal concerns than lower urinary tract injuries.Improved understanding of female urinary incontinence and pelvic floor defects enables the gynecologic surgeon to treat these problems effectively. The advent of advanced lapar
Committing to Psychiatric Ethics

A source of great personal suffering and societal burden, neuropsychiatric disease affects all people throughout the world. One hundred and fifty-one million individuals globally have depression, a...
Facies of ion bombarded surfaces

Abstract Observations made in the optical examination of a variety of brittle materials subjected to bombardment by 140 keV protons, deuterons, and helium ions are summarized. Among the materials studied were commercial glasses, carbides, oxides, silicon nitride, titanium boride, and carbon. In most cases, when swelling occurred, it was by the introduction of porosity. The radiation blistering appeared to take place by fracturing in the porous layer under surface stress rather than by plastic deformation under the gas pressure of segregated implanted gas.
Silane reduction of onium salts

Novel redox initiators for cationic polymerizations were developed consisting of an onium salt together with a SiH functional silane or siloxane. The reduction of the onium salt by the silane is catalyzed by noble metal complexes or certain transition metal compounds and takes place spontaneously at room temperature. The redox reaction of the onium salt with the silane results in the liberation of a strong Bronsted acid that can be subsequently used to initiate cationic polymerizations. Typical onium salts that have been employed in these redox initiator systems are diaryliodonium salts, triarylsulfonium salts and S,S-dialkyl-S-phenacylsulfonium salts. Studies of the effects of variations in the structures of the onium salt, the silane and the type of noble metal catalyst were carried out. In principle, the redox initiator systems are applicable to all types of cationically polymerizable monomers and oligomers, including the ring-opening polymerizations of such heterocyclic monomers as epoxides and oxetanes and, in addition, the polymerization of vinyl monomers such as vinyl ethers, N-vinylcarbazole and styrenic monomers. The use of these novel initiator systems for carrying out commercially attractive crosslinking polymerizations for coatings, composites and encapsulations is discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Congenital Transmission of a Papovavirus of the Stump-Tailed Macaque

Stump-tailed macaque virus, a newly recognized papovavirus of the SV40 polyoma subgroup, was demonstrated in kidney cultures from each of five stump-tailed macaque fetuses in the second half of gestation and from six adult stump-tailed macaques. Such regular presence of virus in the fetus is an unusual feature for a papovavirus.
Forecasting Location of New Housing in Integrated Models of Land Use: Perspective of Developers in the Portland, Oregon, Region

Most housing market submodels in extant integrated models of land use have focused on the demand for dwelling units by household, with scant attention paid to the supply side of the market represented by individual home developers. This study tried to fill this gap by developing and comparing three models that forecast the development of single-family homes. The three models were characterized separately on the basis of the specifications for location of the new housing choice: (a) assumed market homogeneity and atomization of development projects (Model 1), (b) deterministic market segmentation and synthesis of projects (Model 2), and (c) probabilistic market segmentation and synthesis of projects by use of a latent class approach (Model 3). Examination of the forecast results showed that all three models could successfully capture the basic spatial pattern of single-family-home developments in the region. Although Models 2 and 3 were more sophisticated and more theoretically appealing, they did not prod...
On mandarin tone 4

Abstract This paper attempts to consider empirically the acoustical manifestation of Mandarin Tone 4, a high falling tone, as opposed to its auditory dimension observed first by Y.R. Chao (1948). Chao noticed that a Tone 4 followed by another Tone 4 does not fall to the bottom of the register; he called this tonal variation tone sandhi and set up a sandhi rule: 51+51 ? 53 +51. The present study acoustically analyses 240 Tone 4s spoken by two native Mandarin speakers through a monitoring process with the target Tone 4 in the following tonal environments: Tone 4 + Tone 1, Tone 4 + Tone 2, Tone 4 + Tone 3, Tone 4 + Tone 4, and Tone 4 + Tone 0. The results show that Tone 4 holds its fall before any full lexical tone, that is, before Tone 4 as well as before Tone 1, Tone 2 and Tone 3; it falls to its extremity before Tone 0 or a pause. This is because the tonal onsets of the following full lexical tones block the fall of the preceding Tone 4 owing to anticipatory coarticulation, while the inertia of Tone 0 and...
THE OK BDI ARCHITECTURE

The design of a belief-desire-intention (BDI) architecture is presented. The architecture is defined using a unified object-based knowledge representation formalism, called the OK formalism, and a unified reasoning and acting module, called the OK rational engine. Together they form the OK BDI architecture for modeling rational agents endowed with beliefs, desires, and intentions.
Degradation of the 34 amino acid gastrin by rat tissue homogenates.

Abstract Extracts of rat kidney contain an enzyme (gastrinase) that is highly specific for degradation of the 34 amino acid gastrin (G34). The Michaelis constant (K m ) for kidney is 0.36±0.04 μ M and the V max is 9.5±2.4 nmol·g −1 ·min −1 . Extracts of liver and brain also have gastrin degrading activity but the enzymes responsible appear to be different from the kidney gastrinase. K m for the liver enzyme is 0.08±0.02 μ M but its V max (0.10±0.02 nmol·g −1 ·min −1 ) is only 1% of the kidney gastrinase; K m for the brain enzyme is 0.10±0.03 μ M but its V max (0.023±0.007 nmol·g −1 ·min −1 ) is even lower than for the liver enzyme. The liver and brain enzymes appear to be less specific than the kidney enzyme with respect to competitive inhibition by insulin and glucagon. Cholecystokinin octapeptide is less inhibitory than the other peptides even though it shares a common C-terminal pentapeptide with G34. These findings are consistent with in vivo studies which have demonstrated that the dog kidney is an important site for extraction and degradation of endogenous dog gastrin but there is little or no hepatic removal of G34.
Ischemia’s Proliferative and Morphological Effects: Analyzing the Roles of Hypoxia, Hypercapnia, and Glucose

In ischemic tissues, oxygen (O2) and glucose become depleted while cells concomitantly promote carbon dioxide (CO2) and waste accumulation. Hypoxia has become a topic of great interest. Notably, these insults, including hypoxia, do not exist in isolation during ischemia in vivo; their simultaneous presence may influence pathological mechanisms. We hypothesized that low O2 (hypoxia), elevated CO2 (hypercapnia), and glucose deprivation each have a statistically significant main effect and interact in a non-additive manner, leading to decreased cellular proliferation and altered (i.e., increased) morphological measurements. Renal LLC-PK1 cells were subjected to: (i) hypoxia (<0.01%O2/5%CO2); (ii) hypercapnia (20%O2/20%CO2); or (iii) hypoxia + hypercapnia (<0.01%O2/20%CO2). Two levels of media glucose were used to investigate glucose depletion. Additionally, a recovery period was simulated with and without fresh media to explore post-insult reperfusion responses. Statistical analyses identified significant main effects and insult interactions. Several interactions occurred between hypoxia, hypercapnia, and/or glucose, thereby producing decreased cellular proliferation and atypical morphologies. Hypoxia-induced changes in proliferation were moderated by hypercapnia. Moreover, reoxygenation and nutrient replenishment were essential to increase cell density during simulated post-ischemia reperfusion. Multiple insults may exert main effects and interact during ischemia-induced morphological and proliferative changes. To promote clinical relevance, future studies targeting ischemic mechanisms should examine multiple insults and consider the implications of insult interactions.
Computer-controlled display demonstrations of dynamic concepts in computer science

Computer Science contains a large number of new concepts well outside most students' prior experience. An important characteristic of many of these concepts is their dynamic nature: the execution of a program, assignment of a value to a variable, change of machine state following an interrupt, convergence on a root. By using the computer itself as my demonstration apparatus, I propose to give the students personal exposure to the concepts in action. With a low-cost interactive CRT terminal and video projector, I can show various aspects of a program executing, for instance, at comparatively low investment in machine and people time.
Eutheia bekchievi sp. n. (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae) from Bulgaria.

Forty-one species of the ant-like stone beetle genus Eutheia Stephens, 1830 are known, distributed mostly in the Palaearctic (34 species, Taiwan included), and also Nearctic (3 spp.) and Neotropical (4 spp., exclusively Mesoamerican) regions (Jaloszynski 2014). As nearly all Eutheiini, Eutheia is a rare genus and even Central European species are usually represented in large museum collections by a small number of specimens. A substantial progress has been made in the recent years in the alpha-taxonomic study of East Palaearctic and Neotropical species (Hoshina 2007; Jaloszynski 2004, 2008a, 2008b, 2010a, 2010b, 2011, 2013; Kurbatov 1990, 1991; O'Keefe 1999). Phylogenetic relationships of Eutheia to other genera of Eutheiini were also recently clarified (Jaloszynski 2014). However, the West Palaearctic region remained largely neglected and the only comprehensive revision is that by Franz (1971), in which several new species are described and most of previously known members of Eutheia are redescribed. Franz (1971) did not include only E. praeclara Normand, 1909 from Tunisia and E. ptinelloides Sahlberg, 1913 from Israel, apparently because the type specimens were not available for study.
The masculinity-femininity of women who study college mathematics

The purpose of this study was to contrast women who enrolled in college mathematics courses at the level of introductory calculus and beyond, with those who did not, on the two-dimensional plane of masculinity-femininity. Data were gathered from 179 female undergraduates. Differences between the two groups were explored with respect to masculine-feminine personality traits, attitudes, and role behaviors. It was found that the math group women differed from the non-math group women on a number of variables, including background and vocational interests. There are data in this study that may be interpreted as providing evidence for the importance of social and psychological factors in women's choice of mathematics courses at the college level.
Removal of Hydrogen Sulfide on Composite Sewage Sludge-Industrial Sludge-Based Adsorbents

The sludge-based adsorbents were obtained either from mixtures of sewage sludge, waste oil sludge, and metal sludge or single components by carbonization at 650 °C in an inert atmosphere. The materials were used as media to remove hydrogen sulfide at room temperature in the presence of moisture. The initial and exhausted adsorbents after the breakthrough tests were characterized using sorption of nitrogen, thermal analysis, XRD, ICP, and surface pH measurements. Although on all materials hydrogen sulfide is oxidized to elemental sulfur, exceptionally good performance is obtained on the waste oil sludge-based adsorbent. This is attributed to the combined effects of surface chemistry and porosity. High pore volume of the waste oil sludge-based adsorbent provides space to store 30 wt % elemental sulfur formed when hydrogen sulfide undergoes oxidation on the surface. Mixing sludges and carbonization of their mixtures result in adsorbents whose capacity, although smaller than that for the single-component wast...
A simulation of bus architectures for multiprocessor systems

This paper presents the results of the simulation of three different bus architectures used in multiprocessor systems. The TIMESHARED BUS, MULTIBUS, and, CROSS BAR SWITCH configurations were modeled. Activity diagrams were used as a basis to develop the models. Since our models were based upon hypothetical multiprocessor systems, there was no way to compare the models' performance with actual hardware performance. Therefore, independent models were developed in both FORTRAN and Pascal to validate the results. Each model contains a number of functional units, i.e. memory modules (MM), central processing units (CPU's), and input/output processors (IOP's), connected by a particular bus configuration. The results of the simulations are presented as a series of graphs that display average percentage utilization curves for a particular module class, such as CPU's, as a function of some independent variable such as I/O request rate. The results of some of the simulations are compared with similar results published by other authors.
Diamondoids in nanotechnology: First-principles simulation of electronic structure and nonlinear optical response in adamantane

Diamondoids have been of great interest in recent years due to their role in nanotechnology, drug-delivery and medicine. Because of their six or more linking groups, they have found major applications as templates and as molecular building blocks in nanotechnology, polymers synthesis, drug delivery, drug targeting, DNA-directed assembly, DNA-amino acid nanostructure formation, and in host-guest chemistry. Here we present experimental investigations on the molecular nature of diamondoids and their molecular specificities, and we explore their intermolecular interactions and opto-electronic properties.
Study of the relationship between crack tip strain and crack propagation in polyurethane films using micro-FTi.r.

Abstract In the present study, a series of polyether-urethane-ureas (PEUU) were selected for investigation of crack propagation behaviour under dynamic loading conditions. These model polyurethanes were synthesized by two-stage polymerization. The hard segments were composed of 4,4′-diphenyl methane diisocyanate (MDI) and ethylene diamine (EDA). The soft segments were polyglycols having different chemical structures and number average molecular weights of 1000 and 2000. Monitoring of the variation in molecular orientation at the crack tip region was accomplished using polarized FT i.r. microscopy. Molecular orientation of the four major functional groups, NH, CH-, C=O, and C=C representing the domain, matrix, and interface region were measured as a function of strain for uncracked samples using the i.r.-dichroism technique. NH- and C=O functional groups present in the urea and correlated with the hard domains behaviour, exhibit a generalized orientation function-strain curve which was characterized by three regions. Region 1 was associated with an initial decrease in the orientation function at low strains followed by region 2, which is the minimum obtainable orientation, and region 3 a subsequent increase in the orientation function with an increase in strain. The molecular orientation was used to determine the real strain at the crack tip. The strains at the crack tip for the pure (PEUU) were between 4 to 7 times higher than the applied strain. It was observed that higher soft segment molecular weights correlated with a larger strain at the crack tip. For the same soft segment molecular weights, polypropylene glycol (PPG) based PEUU showed higher strains at the crack tip. Therefore, the strain at the crack tip depends on chemical structure and the molecular weight of the soft segment. According to the strain data and the generally accepted deformation theory for PEUU elastomers, in all PEUUs, crack propagation occurred after the individual hard segments separated and oriented along the stretching direction.
Compact solid state sources and their applications

Coherent solid-state optical sources based on Nd:YAG/Cr 4+ :YAG passively Q -switched microchip lasers cover the spectral range from 5000 to 200 nm, producing multikilohertz pulse trains with pulse durations as short as 100 ps and peak powers up to 1 MW. The wavelength diversity is achieved through harmonic conversion, parametric conversion, Raman conversion, and microchip-laser-pumped miniature gain-switched lasers. In all cases, the optical heads have been packaged in a volume of less than 0.5 liters. These compact, robust devices have the proven capability to take what were complicated laser-based experiments out of the laboratory and into the field, enabling applications in diverse areas. The short pulses are useful for high precision ranging using time-of-flight techniques, with applications in 3-dimensional imaging, target identification, and robotics. The short pulse durations and ideal mode properties are also useful for material characterization. The high peak powers can be focused to photoablate material, with applications in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and micromachining. Ultraviolet systems have been used to perform fluorescence spectroscopy for applications including environmental monitoring and the detection of biological aerosols. Systems based on passively Q -switched microchip lasers, like the lasers themselves, are small, robust, and potentially low cost, making them ideally suited for field applications.
Taxing family forest owners: Implications of federal and state policies in the United States

Taxes are a prominent policy tool and one of a number of factors that have the potential to influence the decisions of the millions of family forest owners across the United States. After a literature review, tax policies most relevant to family forest owners were catalogued, preferential property tax program administrators were surveyed, focus groups with family forest owners and forestry/conservation professionals were held, and results were synthesized with the aid of experts. The results suggest that tax policies, in and of themselves, are not causing forest owners to take unplanned actions such as prematurely selling their land or harvesting trees. However, in combination with other factors, tax policies, especially property tax policies, can influence ownership and forest management decisions. Preferential forest property tax policies exist across the United States, but a general lack of awareness, confusion, and misinformation about these programs and their often complicated and/or restrictive requirements are preventing them from reaching their full potential.
Thermophysical properties and devitrification of SrO–La2O3–Al2O3–B2O3–SiO2-based glass sealant for solid oxide fuel/electrolyzer cells

Abstract Thermal behaviors and stability of glass/glass–ceramic-based sealant materials are critical issues for high temperature solid oxide fuel/electrolyzer cells. To understand the thermophysical properties and devitrification behavior of SrO–La 2 O 3 –Al 2 O 3 –B 2 O 3 –SiO 2 system, glasses were synthesized by quenching (25 − X )SrO–20La 2 O 3 –(7 + X )Al 2 O 3 –40B 2 O 3 –8SiO 2 oxides, where X was varied from 0.0 mol% to 10.0 mol% at 2.5 mol% interval. Thermal properties were characterized by dilatometry and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Microstructural studies were performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). All the compositions have a glass transition temperature greater than 620 °C and a crystallization temperature greater than 826 °C. Also, all the glasses have a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) between 9.0 × 10 −6 K −1 and 14.5 × 10 6 K −1 after the first thermal cycle. La 2 O 3 and B 2 O 3 contribute to glass devitrification by forming crystalline LaBO 3 . Al 2 O 3 stabilizes the glasses by suppressing devitrification. Significant improvement in devitrification resistance is observed as X increases from 0.0 mol% to 10.0 mol%.
Endogenous microRNAs induced by heat‐shock reduce myocardial infarction following ischemia–reperfusion in mice

We investigated the role of microRNAs (miRNA) in protection against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in heart. Mice subjected to cytoprotective heat-shock (HS) showed a significant increase of miRNA-1, miRNA-21 and miRNA-24 in the heart. miRNAs isolated from HS mice and injected into non-HS mice significantly reduced infarct size after I/R injury, which was associated with the inhibition of pro-apoptotic genes and increase in anti-apoptotic genes. Chemically synthesized miRNA-21 also reduced infarct size, whereas a miRNA-21 inhibitor abolished this effect. Overall, these studies for the first time provide evidence for the potential role of endogenously synthesized miRNA's in cardioprotection following I/R injury.
PHEV Energy Management Strategies at cold temperatures with Battery temperature rise and Engine efficiency Improvement considerations

Limited battery power and poor engine efficiency at cold temperature results in low plug in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) fuel economy and high emissions. Quick rise of battery temperature is not only important to mitigate lithium plating and thus preserve battery life, but also to increase the battery power limits so as to fully achieve fuel economy savings expected from a PHEV. Likewise, it is also important to raise the engine temperature so as to improve engine efficiency (therefore vehicle fuel economy) and to reduce emissions. One method of increasing the temperature of either component is to maximize their usage at cold temperatures thus increasing cumulative heat generating losses. Since both components supply energy to meet road load demand, maximizing the usage of one component would necessarily mean low usage and slow temperature rise of the other component. Thus, a natural trade-off exists between battery and engine warm-up. This paper compares energy management strategies for a power-split PHEV for their ability to warm –up the battery and the engine, and ultimately the resulting fuel economy. The engine model predicts engine fuel rate as a function of engine utilization history and starting temperature, apart from speed and torque. The battery temperature rise model is a function of battery utilization. Engine and battery utilization is varied by changing the control parameter - wheel power demand at which the engine turns ON. The paper analyses the sensitivity of fuel and electrical energy consumption to engine and battery temperature rise, for different driving distances and driver aggressivenes
Reproductive factors and postmenopausal hormone use in relation to endometrial cancer risk in the Nurses’ Health Study cohort 1976–2004

Endometrial cancer is a disease primarily driven by cumulative exposure to estrogen unopposed by progesterone. Reproductive factors associated with changes in endogenous hormone levels and use of exogenous hormones such as postmenopausal hormones influence the risk of disease. The authors used the Nurses' Health Study, comprised of 121,700 nurses, to assess the above associations. Over 28 years of follow-up, 778 adenocarcinoma cases were diagnosed and 1,850,078 person-years were accumulated. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). A late age at menarche decreased the risk independent of body mass index (BMI) (P-trend = 0.02). A late age at menopause increased cancer risk (P-trend = 0.0003). An advanced age at last birth reduced the risk (P-trend or =5 years) users of both estrogen (E) (RR = 7.67, 95% CI: 5.57, 10.57) and combined estrogen plus progesterone (E+P) (RR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.03, 2.23). Normal-weight (BMI < 25) women had the highest risk following E or E+P use (P-interaction-E = 0.0008, P-interaction-E+P = 0.02). The findings from this study underscore the importance of hormonal mechanisms in endometrial carcinogenesis.
A Two‐Period Repeated Game Advertising Investment Model for Oligopolistic Markets with an Application to the Beer Industry*

This paper proposes a simple analytical model of advertising competition in oligopoly markets. The widely used log-log sales response function underlies the model specification. Advertising carryover effects are assumed to persist for one period following the period in which the expenditure occurs. Firms are assumed to be engaged in a repeated competitive game in which in every period advertising levels are set such that they maximize current and next period (i.e., two-period) profits. A Nash equilibrium solution is sought for the game. Compared with previous empirical studies of advertising competition in a game theoretic framework, the proposed model offers the following advantages: (1) oligopoly, not duopoly, markets are analyzed; (2) industry sales is allowed to vary over time as a function of advertising expenditures; (3) non-zero discount rates are used for the players. An empirical application is provided using data from the beer market on sales and advertising expenditures of Anheuser-Busch and Miller Brewing. Comparisons are provided with policies that ignore the dependence of next period profits on current advertising levels, reaction function strategies and spending levels obtained from a market share game. Extension of the model formulation to multiple marketing instruments is briefly discussed.
An approach to remote sensing and numerical modeling of orographic clouds and precipitation for climatic water resources assessment

Abstract State-of-the-art numerical models combined with new remote sensing technologies offer powerful means for determining the water budgets of cloud systems and addressing regional water resources issues. With specific examples from current technologies and a three-dimensional numerical model, this paper discusses the potential for accurately measuring and modeling the formation and fallout of mountain precipitation, a critical factor in the global climate system because it affects water resources. This paper describes application of the model and remote sensors to meet the goals of programs such as the Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment (GEWEX). To accurately predict precipitation, general circulation models that have 100-km grid spacing require parameterization of the effects of subgrid-scale processes within cloud systems. The contribution of scales of atmospheric motion 10–20 km in forming precipitation and determining its distribution on mountain ranges is demonstrated.
Estimating volcanic CO2 emission rates from atmospheric measurements on the slope of Mauna Loa

Abstract The annual quiescent CO 2 emissions from the summit of Mauna Loa volcano between 1959 and 1999 were calculated from atmospheric measurements made 6 km downslope at the Mauna Loa Observatory (MLO). Volcanic CO 2 is trapped beneath a tens of meters thick temperature inversion at night and produces excess CO 2 mixing ratios of up to tens of ppm above background. Measurements of the excess CO 2 , as a function of height above the ground, and wind direction are combined with the downslope wind speed to estimate the total flux of CO 2 trapped near the ground, which provides a minimum estimate of the total volcanic emissions. The CO 2 emissions were greatest shortly after each eruption and then decreased exponentially with 1/ e time constants of 6.6, 6.5, and 1.6 years for the post-1950, 1975, and 1984 periods. Total emissions for these periods were 3.3, 1.9, and 2.5×10 8 kg, respectively. The distribution of quiescent volcanic CO 2 with wind direction shifted eastward after the 1975 and 1984 eruptions by a few degrees, coinciding with a shift in eruptive activity from the SW rift (1950) to the NE rift (1984). A broadening of the distribution in 1993–1995 and 1998 is interpreted as indicating a new source high on the SW rift.
Gestational high saturated fat diet alters C57BL/6 mouse perinatal skeletal formation

BACKGROUND: Our present work joins growing evidence that gestational environment (maternal nutrition, health, and chemical exposures) strongly influences prenatal development (www.thebarkertheory.org). The present study suggests that maternal consumption of a diet high in saturated fats (HFD), which approximates the macronutrient content of fast food, impairs perinatal skeletal development. METHODS: In this study, administration of HFD (32% saturated fat) for one month prior to conception and throughout gestation in C57BL/6J mice was associated with a marked reduction in late-gestation fetal skeletal developmental delay that included shorter long bone lengths, decreased average bone mineral density (ABMD; 20%), lower total bone volume (TBV; 45%), and shorter crown-to-rump length (C-R; 12%), as compared to controls. RESULTS: A putative mechanism linking prenatal HFD to dysregulated fetal osteogenesis is HFD-induced oxidative stress (OS), which has been shown in our laboratory to cause placental labyrinthine vascular damage and impaired fetal signaling pathways associated with osteogenesis (Liang et al., unpublished data). CONCLUSIONS: The theory of HFD-associated, OS-mediated placental damage and skeletal pathogenesis was supported by demonstrating a protective effect of the dietary antioxidant quercetin (Q) against HFD-associated fetal skeletal developmental delay. Improved understanding of the role of HFD and elevated OS in fetal skeletal development will help to more completely elucidate the importance of the prenatal environment to fetal formation, and will be applied to better understand the contribution of the fetal environment to long-term risk of adult-onset disease. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 86:362–369, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Assessment of Diagnostic Performance of Quantitative Flow Measurements in Normal Subjects and Patients With Angiographically Documented Coronary Artery Disease by Means of Nitrogen-13 Ammonia and Positron Emission Tomography

Abstract Objectives. Regional myocardial blood flow (MBF) and flow reserve measurements using nitrogen-13 (N-13) ammonia positron emission tomography (PET) were compared with quantitative coronary angiography to determine their utility in the detection of significant coronary artery disease (CAD). Background. Dynamic PET protocols using N-13 ammonia allow regional quantification of MBF and flow reserve. To establish the diagnostic performance of this method, the sensitivity and specificity must be known for varying decision thresholds. Methods. MBF and flow reserve for three coronary territories were determined in 20 normal subjects and 31 patients with angiographically documented CAD by means of dynamic PET and a three-compartment model for N-13 ammonia kinetics. Ten normal subjects defined the normal mean and SD of MBF and flow reserve, and 10 normal subjects were compared with patients. PET flow obtained in the territory with the most severe stenosis in each patient was correlated with the angiographic assessment of the stenosis (severity ≥50%, ≥70%, ≥90%). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed for 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 and 4.0 SD of flow abnormalities. Results. MBF and flow reserve values from the normal subjects and from territories with documented stenoses ≥50% were significantly different (p Conclusions. Quantification of myocardial perfusion using dynamic PET and N-13 ammonia provides a high performance level for the detection and localization of CAD. The specificity of dynamic PET was excellent in patients with a low likelihood of CAD, whereas an abnormal flow reserve in angiographically normal territories was postulated to represent early functional abnormalities of vascular reactivity.
Seasons of Rebellion: Nature, Organisation of Cotton Production and the Dynamics of Revolution in La Laguna, Mexico, 1910–1916

Throughout the Mexican Revolution, the ebb and flow of conflict in the north-central Laguna region (see Map 1) fed directly into the mainstream of national politics. From 1900, the Laguna's workers and peasants expressed economic and social discontent through insubordination, theft, banditry and sporadic – sometimes organised – demands for better wages and working conditions. Following the lead of a discontented, highly competitive and fractious landholding elite, they were among the first to revolt against the Porfirio Diaz government and continued to influence the direction of the revolution as the region was alternately fought over and administered by each of the north's principal factions. The ultimate triumph of any faction in the revolution required control of Mexico's north, and that required controlling the Laguna.
The Effect of Formal Policies and Informal Social Learning On Perceptions of Corporate Ethics: Actions Speak Louder than Codes

This research investigates how two cues in an organizational setting, codes of conduct and company responses to ethical transgressions, affect the kinds of inferences individuals make about the ethical climate of the company. The business community has adopted the legal approach, emphasizing that the ethical climate of a corporation can be effectively mandated in a code. However, social psychological analysis intuits that management can define the ethical climate more powerfully through their overt actions. Study 1 and Study 2 find that it is not so much the presence/absence or strength of a code but how a company responds to violations of the code that influences how ethical a company will be judged. Study 3 examined motives for establishing a code, and showed that a company was judged as more unethical when its code was motivated by situational constraints. Employees' ethical judgments are critical to their acceptance of ethical conduct.
Maximizing the solar to H2 energy conversion efficiency of outdoor photobioreactors using mixed cultures

Abstract A numerical study is presented aiming to maximize the solar to hydrogen energy conversion efficiency of a mixed culture containing microorganisms with different radiation characteristics. The green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii CC125 and the purple non-sulfur bacteria Rhodobacter sphearoides ATCC 49419 are chosen for illustration purposes. The previously measured radiation characteristics of each microorganism are used as input parameters in the radiative transport equation for calculating the local spectral incident radiation within a flat panel photobioreactor. The specific hydrogen production rate for each microorganism as a function of the available incident radiation is recovered from data reported in the literature. The results show that for mono-cultures, the solar to H2 energy conversion efficiency, for all combinations of microorganism concentrations and photobioreactor thicknesses, fall on a single line with respect to the optical thickness of the system. The maximum solar energy conversion efficiency of mono-cultures of C. reinhardtii and R. spaheroides are 0.061 and 0.054%, respectively, corresponding to optical thicknesses of 200 and 16, respectively. Using mixed cultures, a total conversion efficiency of about 0.075% can be achieved corresponding to an increase of about 23% with respect to that of a mono-culture of C. reinhardtii. It has been shown that the choice of microorganism concentrations for maximum solar energy conversion efficiency in mixed cultures is non-trivial and requires careful radiation transfer analysis coupled with H2 production kinetics taking into account the photobioreactor thickness.
Reasoning with exclusive disjunction arguments

An experiment was performed to determine the effects of negation in the major premise and/or conclusion of exclusive disjunction arguments on adults' abilities to apply two basic principles of exclusive disjunction. The component of the disjunctive premise that was referred to in the minor premise was varied systematically so that the influence of this factor could also be explored. The results indicated that arguments involving the confirmation of one of the components of the disjunctive premise followed by the denial of the other component of this premise were easier to evaluate than those in which this confirmation/denial sequence was reversed. In addition, arguments in which the disjunctive premise had two affirmative components were easier than those in which the disjunctive premise contained at least one negative component, but arguments with affirmative conclusions were more difficult than those with negative conclusions. Most importantly, an examination of subjects' errors and their response patte...