cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biotransformation of carbon tetrachloride by various acetate- and nitrate-limited denitrifying consortia

Fed-batch experiments were performed to determine the carbon tetrachloride (CT)-degrading ability of three denitrifying consortia cultured from sites not contaminated with CT. A mathematical model was used to quantify the rates of CT transformation by the consortia under both acetate-limiting and nitrate-limiting conditions. A rate constant for CT transformation on a cellular protein basis and the fraction of degraded CT transformed to chloroform (CF) were determined for each consortium by optimizing the model to fit the experimental data. The parameters for these experiments were statistically compared to those obtained for previous experiments with a denitrifying consortium cultured from an aquifer soil sample from the US Department of Energy Hanford site in southeastern Washington state. Results of F-test analysis indicated the rate of CT transformation and the production of CF both were functions of the limiting nutrient. Under nitrate-limited conditions, the rate constant for CT transformation for all four consortia was about 30 L/gmol/min and approximately 50% of the CT transformed was converted to CF. When acetate was the limiting nutrient, the rate constant for CT transformation was approximately 8 L/gmol/min and the CF yield decreased to about 25%. These results imply the ability to degrade CT may be inherent tomore » some denitrifying organisms, regardless of previous exposure to CT.« less
Inflorescence culture of wheat-Agropyron hybrids: Callus induction, plant regeneration, and potential in overcoming sterility barriers

Segments of young inflorescences of Triticum aestivum cv. Chinese Spring (CS), its F1 hybrids with Agropyron trachycaulum and A. scirpeum and backcross derivatives with A. yezoense, A. intermedium and A. junceum, and of a A. yezoense x T. aestivum cv. Wichita hybrid were cultured. Different parts of young spikelets of A. trachycaulum x CS F1 and A. yezoense x Wichita F1 's were also cultured. Percent callus induction was lower in wheat than in the wheat-Agropyron hybrids or backcross derivatives. Percent callus induction from different organs in both hybrids was in the descending order of whole spikelet, spikelet without glumes, rachis, and glumes. No plants could be regenerated from calli of wheat and backcross derivatives except those of CS x A. intermedium combination. Callus induction in hybrids varied from 54 to 84% and plant regeneration from 14 to 31%. The regenerants required no vernalization. Variants including one with top-dense spikes and another with elongated spikelets were recovered. Out of eight A. trachycaulm x CS hybrid regenerants, one had anthers and stigma as opposed to neutral flowers of the original hybrid.
Resveratrol protects against polychlorinated biphenyl-mediated impairment of glucose homeostasis in adipocytes

Resveratrol (RSV) is a plant polyphenol that exhibits several favorable effects on glucose homeostasis in adipocytes. Recent studies from our laboratory demonstrated that coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) that are ligands of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor impair glucose homeostasis in mice. PCB-induced impairment of glucose homeostasis was associated with augmented expression of inflammatory cytokines in adipose tissue, a site for accumulation of lipophilic PCBs. This study determined if RSV protects against PCB-77 induced impairment of glucose disposal in vitro and in vivo and if these beneficial effects are associated with enhanced nuclear factor erythoid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling in adipose tissue. PCB-77 increased oxidative stress and abolished insulin stimulated 2-deoxy-d-glucose uptake in 3 T3-L1 adipocytes. These effects were restored by RSV, which resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), the downstream target of Nrf2 signaling. We quantified glucose and insulin tolerance and components of Nrf2 and insulin signaling cascades in adipose tissue of male C57BL/6 mice administered vehicle or PCB-77 (50 mg/kg) and fed a diet with or without resVida (0.1%, or 160 mg/kg per day). PCB-77 impaired glucose and insulin tolerance, and these effects were reversed by RSV. PCB-77 induced reductions in insulin signaling in adipose tissue were also abolished by RSV, which increased NQO1 expression. These results demonstrate that coplanar PCB-induced impairment of glucose homeostasis in mice can be prevented by RSV, potentially through stimulation of Nrf2 signaling and enhanced insulin stimulated glucose disposal in adipose tissue.
Hybrid DSMC-CFD Simulations of Hypersonic Flow Over Sharp and Blunted Bodies

A hybrid particle-continuum computational framework is developed and presented for simulating hypersonic interacting flows, aimed to be faster and more accurate than conventional numerical methods. The framework consists of the direct simulation Monte Carlo-Information Preservation (DSMC-IP) method coupled with a Navier-Stokes solver. Since the DSMCIP method provides the macroscopic information in each time step, determination of the continuum fluxes across the interface between the particle and continuum domains becomes straightforward. Numerical experiments of hypersonic flows over a simple blunted cone and a much more complex hollow cylinder-flare are conducted. The solutions for the two geometries considered from the hybrid framework are compared in detail with pure particle calculations. It is concluded that the hybrid method basically works very well. Numerical accuracy improvement is achieved in simple flows but unclear in complex flows. It is also concluded that the numerical eciency obtained with the hybrid method is far from satisfactory. Overall, the hybrid framework provides a foundation for future development.
Biases in technical efficiency scores caused by intra-input aggregation: mathematical analysis and a DEA application using simulated data

In Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) applications involving multiple inputs and outputs, inputs are aggregated into the total amounts of each type of input. For example, if input types ‘labour’ and ‘capital’ are used to produce multiple outputs, the total amount of labour used to produce all outputs is treated as one aggregated input and the total amount of capital as another. Resources are not disaggregated into input variables measuring the amount of labour used to produce the first output, the amount of labour used to produce the second output, the amount of labour used to produce the third output and so on, for both labour and capital. It is shown that such intra-input aggregation causes downward bias in reported technical efficiency scores, with variations in bias unrelated to true technical efficiency. Therefore, with few exceptions, any technical efficiency comparisons among DMUs are invalid. The presence of intra-input aggregation bias is demonstrated mathematically, simulation is used to exhibit it...
BEARING CAPACITY OF TWO CLOSELY-SPACED SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS ON SAND

Laboratory model test results for the ultimate bearing capacity of two closely-spaced strip foundations on sand have been presented. The model test results have been compared with the theoretical study given by Stuart (1962). The nature of variation of the experimental efficiency factors, αq and αr, associated with the bearing capacity factors, Nq and Nr, are similar to those predicted by the theory; however, their magnitudes are substantially lower for S/B<about 3. The foundation settlement at ultimate failure load increases for S/B<4.5 when compared with that of an isolated foundation.
Imaging interfacial layers and internal fields in nanocrystalline junctions

Nanotechnology will likely play a large role in developing future-generation solar photoconversion concepts. Thus, improved resolution or new techniques with the ability to characterize electronic properties of exceptionally small features could greatly aid device design. For example, photovoltaic devices with conductive films of colloidally synthesized PbSe quantum dots (QDs) possess external quantum efficiencies in the blue region of the solar spectrum greater than 100% due to multiple exciton generation (MEG) (where a high-energy photon can produce multiple electron-hole pairs) (1). This greatly motivates continued research on this type of solar cell that has the potential to achieve >40% power conversion efficiency (2). The state-of-the-art (highest overall efficiency) optimized structure for lead chalcogenide QD solar cells uses a variety of interfacial layers that play an important role in the device functionality. The p-n heterojunction (3) model is often used to describe the operation of QD solar cells despite the complex electronic structure of a disordered array of QDs acting as a macroscopic thin-film semiconductor (4). Advancements in device efficiency could follow better understanding of energetics along interfaces, throughout coupled films, and within individual nanostructures. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques offer exceptional spatial resolution that can resolve such properties within devices and individual structures. Scanning Kelvin probe microscopy (SKPM) is one such technique that can accomplish these goals. We have correlated the contact potential difference between a conductive AFM tip and the layers within an operating colloidal QD solar cell with device cross-section exposed. SKPM can also be used on isolated nanostructures to visualize regions of localized band bending and space charge.
Preparation and electrical conductivity of Cr2V2WO10 and Cr2Nb2WO10 with the rutile structure

Abstract Polycrystalline samples of Cr 2 V 2 WO 10 and Cr 2 Nb 2 WO 10 isostructural with the rutile type FeNbO 4 have been prepared. The compounds are nonstoichiometric with respect to all the constituent metal ions. Their crystallographic parameters and electrical resistivities have been characterized. The stabilization of rutile structure in these compounds is attributed to electronic effects.
Light-regulated root gravitropism: a role for, and characterization of, a calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase homolog

Roots of many species grow downward (orthogravitropism) only when illuminated. Previous work suggests that this is a calcium-regulated response and that both calmodulin and calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinases participate in transducing gravity and light stimuli. A genomic sequence has been obtained for a calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase homolog (MCK1) expressed in root caps, the site of perception for both light and gravity. This homolog consists of 7265 base pairs and contains 11 exons and 10 introns. Since MCK1 is expressed constitutively in both light and dark, it is unlikely that the light directly affects MCK1 expression, though the activity of the protein may be affected by light. In cultivars showing light-regulated gravitropism, we hypothesize that MCK1, or a homolog, functions in establishing the auxin asymmetry necessary for orthogravitropism.
Three differential variables and their relation to retail strategy and profitability

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate three variables utilized frequently within the retail grocery industry to gain a differential advantage within a target market. These variables are Trading Stamps, Credit, and Delivery. Essentially, the study seeks to determine whether these differential variables are related to retail strategy and retail store profitability for a selected group of retail grocery stores belonging to a retailer cooperative. The study also seeks to determine if the utilization of the differential variables creates any profitability changes within the basic retailing strategy variables of the researched respondents.
Application of antigen-antibody reactions on supporting media for the purification of proteins. II. The removal of a subtilisin-like enzyme from carboxypeptidase preparations by antisubtilisin on cellulose

Abstract 1. 1. Antibody to subtilisin, which had been reacted with subtilisincoated cellulose, retained immunologically active sites for additional subtilisin binding. 2. 2. Carboxypeptidase passed through such an antigen-antibody column was freed of detectable amounts of subtilisin-like activity and was recovered almost quantitatively without loss of specific activity.
Management of Status Epilepticus in Adults

Status epilepticus (SE) may cause death or severe sequelae unless seizures are terminated promptly. Various types of SE exist, and treatment should be adjusted to the specific type. Yet some basic guiding principles are broadly applicable: (1) early treatment is most effective, (2) benzodiazepines are the best first line agents, (3) electroencephalography should be used to confirm the termination of seizures in patients who are not alert and to monitor therapy in refractory cases, and (4) close attention to the appearance of systemic complications (from the SE per se or from the medications used to treat it) is essential. This article expands on these principles and summarizes current knowledge on the definition, classification, diagnosis, and treatment of SE.
Effects of caffeinated coffee consumption on intraocular pressure, ocular perfusion pressure, and ocular pulse amplitude: A randomized controlled trial

Effects of caffeinated coffee consumption on intraocular pressure, ocular perfusion pressure, and ocular pulse amplitude: a randomized controlled trial
Suspending do-not-resuscitate orders during anesthesia and surgery

We outline a model hospital policy that amends existing do-not-resuscitate (DNR) policies to temporarily suspend DNR orders during the perioperative period. The policy amendment is justified because, by accommodating the needs of the DNR patient, the surgeon, and the anesthesiologist, it contributes to the betterment of patient care.
The Future of Spatially-Resolved Polychromatic Neutron and X-Ray Microdiffraction

Polychromatic microdiffraction is an emerging materials-characterization tool made practical by powerful X-ray and neutron sources, and by advanced optics and software. With polychromatic techniques, local crystalline properties including phase, texture (orientation), elastic strain, and defect density can be mapped with submicron spatial resolution in three dimensions. Here, we describe the evolving ability to nondestructively map local crystal structure in three dimensions and discuss how future advances will help address long-standing issues of inhomogeneous grain growth, deformation, fracture, and elastic strain. Current and future applications impact virtually all materials including electronic, solar, and light-emitting-diode (LED) materials, nanomaterials, structural materials, and joining materials. In addition, the ability to focus small beams on small samples dramatically increases signal-to-noise and greatly reduces the cost for extreme environmental chambers required for high-pressure, high-temperature, high-magnetic field or corrosive environments. Polychromatic techniques efficiently use source brilliance and minimize the required sample volume, which is essential for hard-to-make materials, irreplaceable materials, and for radioactive, toxic, or otherwise dangerous materials. New polychromatic neutron capabilities will significantly extend the range of samples that can be studied with neutrons and presents important new scientific opportunities for studies of magnetic materials, low Z elements, fragile crystal structures, and small samples in extreme environments.
Making Sense out of Nonsense: The Deconstruction of State-Level Sex Offender Residence Restrictions

Releasing a sex offender from prison or placing the offender on community-based sanctions, only to have the offender commit a new sex crime, is a policy-maker’s worst nightmare. Fueled by misperceptions and public fear, sex offender laws have developed piecemeal and without rigorous empirical insight and testing. While policies and practices are well-intended, they are unlikely to resolve the very real social problem of sexual violence and may inadvertently increase victimization. Such is the possibility with residence restrictions. This type of law is among the newest in an ever-growing barrage of legislation designed specifically for sexual criminals yet what little research that exists suggests there is no correlation between residence and sexual recidivism. This article identifies 30 states with state-level residence restrictions and conducts a content analysis of each state’s legislation. Geographical and other assessments are also conducted.
The use of differential display‐PCR to isolate and characterize a Legionella pneumophila locus induced during the intracellular infection of macrophages

Summary The differential display (DD)-PCR technique has been modified to identify prokaryotic cDNA fragments that are differentially induced by facultative intracellular bacteria in response to the intracellular environment of eukaryotic cells. Several DD-PCR fragments identified from the intracellular bacterium Legionella pneumophila were induced at 4 h post-infection of the U937 macrophage-like cells. From these, a 700 bp fragment was cloned and sequenced. Neither the DNA sequence nor the predicted protein sequence from the open reading frame has similarity to other sequences in genetic databases. Transcription of the chromosomal locus containing the 700 bp fragment (eml, for early stage macrophage-induced locus) was induced by intracellular bacteria during the first few hours post-infection of macrophages but the expression was downregulated by 12 h post-infection. Transcription of eml was not growth phase-related in vitro, and was not affected by in vitro stress stimuli. A 3.7 kb EcoRI genomic fragment containing the 700 bp DD-PCR product was cloned. Six mini-Tn 10 insertions in the 3.7 kb EcoRI fragment were recombined into the L. pneumophila chromosome. Compared to the wild-type strain, five of the eml isogenic mutants had a similar phenotype of reduced cytopathicity to the U937 cells, showed a 100-fold increase in killing by macrophages during the first 5h of the intracellular infection, and showed a 100-fold increase in killing during the first 24 h of infection of the amoeba Hartmanella vermiformis. The 6th mutant had a phenotype indistinguishable from the wild-type strain. The cytopathicity defect of the mutants to the U937 cells was restored to wild-type levels by complementation of the mutants with a plasmid containing the 3.7 kb EcoRI fragment. These data showed that the 3.7 kb fragment containing eml is a novel L. pneumophila locus whose expression is uniquely induced by non-stress stimuli during early stages of the intracellular infection of phagocytic cells. Expression of this locus is required for survival of L. pneumophila within macrophages and within amoebae during early stages of the infection.
Does Culture Matter? An Examination of the Association of Immigrants’ Acculturation With Workplace Relationship Quality

In spite of immigrants’ growing role in the workforce of the United States and other developed countries, organizational communication research about the experience of immigrant employees in the host culture is still very limited. Drawing on the bidimensional acculturation theory, the purpose of this study was to investigate the association of acculturation of immigrant employees with three types of workplace relationships: leader–member exchange (LMX), coworker, and mentoring relationship. Based on a survey of immigrant employees in a U.S. Midwestern city, the study reveals that the two dimensions of acculturation, adjustment to one’s host culture and retention of one’s original culture, are differentially related to the three types of workplace relationships. Both theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed in the study.
Does Johnny's Reading Teacher Love to Read? How Teachers' Personal Reading Habits Affect Instructional Practices.

This article investigates the relationship between teachers' personal reading habits and their instructional practices. Teachers responded to a questionnaire that revealed their attitudes toward reading, the amount of time they spent reading per day and the kind of literacy practices that they used in their classrooms. Results indicate: (1) while most teachers value reading as a leisure time activity, only about half read for pleasure on a daily basis, (2) teachers who read more than 30 minutes per day use a greater number of best practice strategies, (3) teachers who value reading the most tend to share insights from their own personal reading, and (4) teachers who read for pleasure use both intrinsic and extrinsic types of motivation.
The moral self of infancy: Affective core and procedural knowledge

Abstract The early self has dual orgins in (1) a set of biologically prepared motives and (2) interactions with emotionally available caregivers. We think of self as an organizing mental process and as a regulator of experience. Most emotionally engaging experiences in infancy are stored as procedural knowledge and are made use of in ways that are not accessible to consciousness; such experiences nonetheless contribute substantially to an “affective core” of a dynamic self. Recent research also leads us to the view that the early self is a moral one. Significant variations in the moral self occur in both developmental and social contexts, and these variations point to the need for further research.
Respiratory Gas Exchange and Control in the Chicken

Gas exchange in parabronchial lungs can be described by: 1) representing the entire lung as one parabronchus, 2) solving iteratively a series of equations relating CO2 and O2 levels to the partial pressures of the gases, blood pH, and flows of gas and blood at thin sections of the parabronchus to give changes of gas pressures, and 3) integrating the changes over the parabronchus. At rest, diffusion resistance to exchange between gas and blood is a relatively small effect while ventilation/perfusion inequalities between parabronchi are responsible for most of the disequilibrium between gas and blood. Ventilation is altered to control body temperature and intrapulmonary and arterial PCO2. Chickens pant at a relatively lower respiratory frequency than mammals of comparable body weight. The respiratory time constant of hyperthermic chickens predicts maximal parabronchial ventilation at usual panting frequencies. Above this frequency, CO2 would increase from the minimum in hyperthermia, decreasing frequency of respiration. Inhaling CO2-enriched air in hyperthermia slows frequency but increases ventilation, protecting against lethally hot climates. Intrapulmonary chemoreceptors reduce ventilation if intrapulmonary PCO2 falls. Left ventricular CO2-sensitive mechanoreceptors also inhibit ventilation if PaCO2 falls or blood pressure increases. Both sensory systems may buffer respiratory gas and acid-base changes at the tissue. No known system can explain ventilation during exercise.
Limited systemic sclerosis patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension show biomarkers of inflammation and vascular injury.

Background Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a common complication for individuals with limited systemic sclerosis (lSSc). The identification and characterization of biomarkers for lSSc-PAH should lead to less invasive screening, a better understanding of pathogenesis, and improved treatment. Methods and Findings Forty-nine PBMC samples were obtained from 21 lSSc subjects without PAH (lSSc-noPAH), 15 lSSc subjects with PAH (lSSc-PAH), and 10 healthy controls; three subjects provided PBMCs one year later. Genome-wide gene expression was measured for each sample. The levels of 89 cytokines were measured in serum from a subset of subjects by Multi-Analyte Profiling (MAP) immunoassays. Gene expression clearly distinguished lSSc samples from healthy controls, and separated lSSc-PAH from lSSc-NoPAH patients. Real-time quantitative PCR confirmed increased expression of 9 genes (ICAM1, IFNGR1, IL1B, IL13Ra1, JAK2, AIF1, CCR1, ALAS2, TIMP2) in lSSc-PAH patients. Increased circulating cytokine levels of inflammatory mediators such as TNF-alpha, IL1-beta, ICAM-1, and IL-6, and markers of vascular injury such as VCAM-1, VEGF, and von Willebrand Factor were found in lSSc-PAH subjects. Conclusions and Significance The gene expression and cytokine profiles of lSSc-PAH patients suggest the presence of activated monocytes, and show markers of vascular injury and inflammation. These genes and factors could serve as biomarkers of PAH involvement in lSSc.
Initial and Long-Term Management of Autoimmune Neuropathies

The inflammatory neuropathies (chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy [CIDP], Guillain-Barre syndrome [GBS] and multifocal motor neuropathy [MMN]) affect only one to two individuals per 100 000 of the population, but result in major disability and impairment. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) can be used as an initial treatment for CIDP, GBS and MMN. While plasma exchange and corticosteroids can also be used initially, they are not as uniformly effective for each of these disorders as IVIg. Substituting corticosteroids, plasma exchange or immunosuppressants may be appropriate for patients not responding to initial IVIg therapy, and combination therapy may be needed in some patients. There are no data from controlled clinical trials of long-term management strategies for CIDP and MMN; however, empirical evidence suggests that a positive long-term response to IVIg can be achieved by increasing the initial dose or its frequency of administration. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressants may be appropriate in some patients with CIDP. Adverse events with IVIg are usually mild and not treatment limiting; however, patients do need to be monitored for uncommon, but serious, adverse events such as renal insufficiency, stroke and thromboembolic events. Nevertheless, the safety profile of IVIg is exceptional relative to the potential complications of other long-term treatments for CIDP and MMN, especially corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. Predictors of response have been reported for each of the neuropathies, and until controlled clinical trials provide evidence on which to base treatment strategies, effective management will require individualising therapy according to patient response.
Why clinicians are natural bayesians: Authors' reply

EDITOR—Hutchon is correct that Bayes's original theorem concerned probabilities rather than odds. We should have stated more clearly that expressing this is an application of Bayes's theorem expressed as odds. Odds and probabilities are interchangeable quantities [P = 1/(1 - odds); and Odds = (1 - P)/(P)]. This can be expressed more precisely by using Bayes's original equations as follows, although these are cumbersome and not as intuitively useful as the version that we presented in the paper. Posterior odds are P(D|data)/P(not D|data) (where P = probability and D = having the disease). By Bayes's rule, the numerator is P(D)P(data|D)/P(data) …
Older Women's Perceptions of Successful Aging

ABSTRACT Little is known about the ways in which older adults view or define successful aging. This qualitative study, therefore, examined older women's perceptions of the characteristics and components of successful aging. Transitions are complex person–environment interactions that include the disruption of the individual's life and their responses to the disruption. Older adults experience many life transitions or changes in life situations, such as relocation or loss of spouse, that result in new life patterns and perhaps even changes in well-being. Because transition is theoretically a time of change that involves introspection and self-examination, older adults who are experiencing transition, such as the study sample, are expected to be able to express their views on successful aging. Acceptance of change, engagement, and comportment emerged as key components of successful aging. Findings from this study can contribute to the development of interventions for older women, in particular, and their fa...
Security Concentration and Active Fund Management: Do Focused Funds Offer Superior Performance?

We examine gross fund returns based on the number of securities held and find no evidence that focused funds outperform diversified funds. After deducting expenses, focused funds significantly underperform. Controlling for various fund characteristics, fund performance is positively related to the fund’s number of holdings both before and after expenses. We find evidence linking focused fund underperformance to agency and liquidity problems. Finally, the attrition rate of focused funds is higher than that of diversified funds. These results do not support the view that managers holding focused portfolios have superior stock-picking skills or that focused funds provide value to investors.
Is Management a Science

The article discusses the concept of management science and compares scientific method to management phenomena. An argument is developed in which practices in the discipline of management fulfill the criteria that defines science—such as having a specific subject matter that is based in the real world, the presumption of underlying relationships in the phenomena being studied, and the application of inter-subjectively certifiable methods of studying a distinct subject matter—and therefore management should be recognized as a science.
Synchronized phase shifting of multiple variable cam actuators

Modern automotive engines often employ additional devices or systems, such as variable cam timing (VCT), that improve fuel economy, emissions, and/or peak torque and power. Every additional degree of freedom introduced by a new actuator increases mapping, calibration, and control design complexity. In addition, in VCT engine configurations with two banks of cylinders such as "V" engines or horizontally opposed engines, VCT creates control issues that arise due to requirements that multiple VCT devices shift synchronously. Non-synchronous VCT actuator movement may be caused by oil pressure differences between the banks (asymmetric oil supply), actuator sticking (cold starts), other mechanical imbalances, or improperly calibrated actuator control loops. Forcing the actuators to move together provides sufficient mitigation so that emission control and torque response are not compromised due to incorrect airflow estimation or spark timing. There are several approaches one can take to synchronize actuators. In this paper, we describe a system that modifies the reference cam phase command sent to the local VCT control loops in the two banks in order to slow down the faster actuator to match the response rate of the slower one. In this way we can prevent the difference between the banks from exceeding a set of threshold. The control algorithm accomplishes this without a-priori knowledge of which is the slow actuator and at what rate it is moving. The system automatically adjusts if actuators characteristics alter further, which may happen due to ageing or other factors.
Ischemic preconditioning limits infarct size following regional ischemia–reperfusion in in situ mouse hearts

Objective: Ischemic preconditioning has been demonstrated in a wide variety of animals, from dogs to rats. Experimentally-induced murine myocardial ischemia–reperfusion has been described, but ischemic preconditioning has not been reported in mouse hearts. To test the hypothesis that mouse hearts exhibit preconditioning-induced protection, experiments were conducted in anesthetized open chest mice subjected to regional myocardial ischemia–reperfusion. Methods: Following barbiturate anesthesia the FVB and C57BL/6J mice underwent a tracheostomy and were mechanically ventilated. The heart was exposed via a left thoracotomy performed with the aid of a dissecting microscope. A 7-0 silk suture on a curved taper needle was passed under the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery to form a snare. Mice were then randomly assigned to receive either no preconditioning or preconditioning. All mice were subjected to 60 min regional myocardial ischemia followed by 2.5 h of reperfusion. Ischemic preconditioning (IP) was induced with two (FVB mice) or three (C57BL/6J mice) cycles of 5 min coronary occlusion and 5 min reperfusion. Control animals did not receive preconditioning ischemia. Area-at-risk was assessed with fluorescent particles. Infarct size was assessed with triphenyl tetrazolium chloride, and is expressed below as a percentage of the area-at-risk. Results: In FVB mice preconditioning reduced infarct size 49%, from 36.7±4.5% to 18.9±2.8% ( P <0.05). In C57BL/6J mice preconditioning reduced infarct size by 66%, from 56.4±8.3% to 18.9±4.2% ( P <0.05). Conclusion: From these data we conclude that the infarct limiting effect of ischemic preconditioning is demonstrable in murine hearts.
A GLOBAL OPTIMIZATION APPROACH TO RATIONALLY CONSTRAINED RATIONAL PROGRAMMING

Abstract The rationally constrained rational programming (RCR) problem is shown, for the first time, to be equivalent to the quadratically constrained quadratic programming problem with convex objective function and constraints that are all convex except for one that is concave and separable. This equivalence is then used in developing a novel implementation of the Generalized Benders Decomposition (GBDA) which, unlike all earlier implementations, is guaranteed to identify the global optimum of the RCRP problem. It is also shown, that the critical step in the proposed GBDA implementation is the solution of the master problem which is a quadratically constrained, separable, reverse convex programming problem that must be solved globally. Algorithmic approaches to the solution of such problems are discussed and illustrative examples are presented.
Enhancement of SO2 sorption on lime by structure modifiers

The presence of certain inert compounds in lime can improve the rate and the final limiting conversion significantly during the lime SO2 reaction. This physical effect is primarily due to modification of porosity. In particular, the enhancement appears to he due to increase in macro-porosity and macro-pore diffusivity; this in turn increases the sulfation rate and decreases pore plugging. In certain lime application processes, these compounds (structure modifiers) can be added to lime as beneficial additives to promote the reaction. Experimental data on the effect of kaolin, silica and bauxite as structure modifiers are presented. A theoretical model is developed which explains the observed effects both qualitatively and quantitatively. La presence de certains composes inertes dans la chaux peut ameliorer la vitesse et la conversion limitante finale de maniere significative lors de la reaction du SO2 a la chaux. Cet effet physique est surtout dǔ a la modification de la porosite. En particulier, l'amelioration semble ětre reliee a l'augmentation de la macroprosite et de la diffusivite des macro-pores; ceci augmente a son tour la vitesse de sulfatation et diminue l'obturation des pores. Dans certains procedes d'application de la chaux, ces composes (modificateurs de structure) peuvent ětre ajoutes a la chaux comme additifs avantageux pour promouvoir la reaction. Des donnees experimentales sur l'effet du kaolin, de la silice et de la bauxite en tant que modificateurs de structure sont presentees. Un modele theorique est mis au point pour expliquer les effets observes a la fois du point de vue qualitatif et quantitatif.
Acadesine improves tolerance to ischemic injury in rat cardiac myocytes.

Abstract The ability of acadesine to modulate injury in a myocyte model of simulated ischemia was studied. When freshly isolated adult rat ventricular myocytes were subjected to 10 min of simulated ischemia and reperfusion, greater that 75% of myocytes developed hypercontracture and the amplitude of contraction of the remaining, potentially viable myocytes was markedly depressed. When cells were pretreated with 50 μM acadesine for min and exposed to acadesine during simulated ischemia and during 2-10 min of reperfusion, followed by reperfusion with control buffer, up to 90% of myocytes maintained normal morphology and could be stimulated to contract. Acadesine alone had no significant effect on amplitude of contraction of the myocytes. Acadesine is known to alter adenosine metabolism and to increase coronary sinus [adenosine] in the ischemic heart. When cells were treated with the non-selective adenosine receptor antagonist 8-sulfonylphenyltheophylline, the protective effect of acadesine was abolished. Thus, in this adult rat cardiac myocyte model of simulated ischemia, acadesine protects partially against ischemia/reperfusion injury. The protective effect of acadesine is mediated, at least in part, by an adenosine receptor-dependent mechanism.
Simulation of power electronic circuits containing nonlinear inductances

Power electronic circuits which contain nonlinear inductances are described by a set of nonlinear state equations. The author presents a sampled-data model for the circuit from which a set of linear state equations can be formulated. In the sampled-data model, the nonlinear inductor is modeled by an ideal sampler, a variable gain, and a clamp. The state variables for the circuit are updated during the simulation using a three-step procedure. One step involves the solution of the linear state equations using a technique such as the state transition matrix approach. Two additional steps are employed to account for the effects of the ideal sampler, variable gain, and clamp. >
Colocalization of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and GABA immunoreactivities in a population of wide-field amacrine cells in the rabbit retina.

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) immunoreactive (IR) neurons in the rabbit retina constitute a population of wide-field amacrine cells. To better define this cell population, we examined the coexpression of VIP with other putative retinal transmitters or their biosynthetic enzymes, including γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and somatostatin (SRIF). Colchicine-treated retinas were immersion fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde. The retinas were cut either perpendicular or parallel to the vitreal surface and processed by double-label immunofluorescence techniques using antibodies directed to VIP, GABA, TH, and SRIF. The immunoreactive staining patterns obtained with these antibodies were the same as those described in previous studies. GABA-IR neurons were localized to the proximal inner nuclear layer (INL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL) and processes were distributed throughout the inner plexiform layer (IPL). TH- and SR1F-IR neurons were sparsely distributed to the proximal INL and GCL, respectively. TH-IR processes ramified in laminae 1, 3, and 5, and SRIF-1R processes in laminae 1 and 5 of the IPL. Colocalization experiments showed that all VIP-IR neurons contain GABA immunoreactivity. In contrast, colocalization of VIP and TH or SRIF immunoreactivities was never observed. These results demonstrate that VIP-IR wide-field amacrines of the rabbit retina make up a neurochemically and morphologically distinct subpopulation of the GABA-IR amacrine cell population. Furthermore, VIP-IR amacrine cells constitute a distinct group with respect to the TH- and SRIF-IR amacrine cells.
Convergent Chemical Synthesis of [Lysine24, 38, 83] Human Erythropoietin

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein hormone that plays important roles in regulating the production of red blood cells (erythrocytes).[1] Since human EPO was first isolated and purified from urine in 1977,[2] the structure and physiological properties of EPO have been thoroughly studied.[3] Mature human EPO found in nature consists of a polypeptide chain of 165 amino acids with four covalently attached oligosaccharides,[4] one of which is an O-linked oligosaccharide at Ser126, and the other three are N-linked oligosaccharides at residues Asn24, 38, 83.[ 5 ] EPO is used as a therapeutic agent to treat anemia caused by chronic kidney disease.[6] Commercial EPO is prepared using recombinant DNA technology. The carbohydrate moieties of both native and recombinant EPO[7] are heterogenerous and composed of multiple glycans with different lengths and composition at each glycosylation site.[5a,8] This heterogeneity makes it difficult to evaluate the effects of carbohydrate on EPO’s pharmacokinetic properties and, more importantly, complicates the understanding of mechanism of EPO’s action at the molecular level. For these reasons, it is important to develop an alternative strategy to prepare homogeneous EPO.
The increased effect of a visual training procedure after sensory restriction

Eighty-four undergraduates, previously identified as having an esophoric condition, were divided into two experimental groups: (1) sensory restriction followed by visual training, (2) patterned stimulation followed by visual training, and four control groups, two receiving pseudo-training and two no training. The effect of the training procedure was enhanced by a preceding period of sensory restriction.
Neuropsychology of Child Psychopathology

What is the relationship between brain dysfunction and psychopathology in childhood? Notice that the question is not posed as to whether there is a relationship because, as we shall see, it is simple enough to answer that there is. Clearly, there are mental, emotional, and behavioral sequelae for the child who has sustained brain damage or who shows an anomalous course of brain maturation. In some instances, these symptoms may persist and significantly hamper the child’s psychosocial adjustment. What is not so clear, though, is how often this is the case and the precise factors that influence it. Does it depend on the extent or type of brain dysfunction? What about the age or other attributes of the child at the time of onset? How might environmental factors potentiate the child’s risk? Are certain forms of psychopathology more likely to arise than others? Does the form of psychopathology manifested change over time?
Design algorithm for the placement of identical segments in a large spherical mirror

We present a design algorithm to compute the positions of identical, hexagonal mirror segments on a spherical surface, which is shown to provide a small variation in gap width. A one-dimensional analog to the segmentation problem is developed in order to motivate the desired configuration of the tiling patterns and to emphasize the desire for minimizing segment gap widths to improve optical performance. Our azimuthal equidistant centroid tiling algorithm is applied to three telescope architectures and produces mirror segment arrangements that compare favorably with existing and alternative designs.
Triflic acid controlled successive annelation of aromatic sulfonamides: an efficient one-pot synthesis of N-sulfonyl pyrroles, indoles and carbazoles

A novel one-pot synthesis of N-substituted heterocycles via successive cyclization/annelation starting from primary sulfonamides is described. This process leads directly to N-sulfonyl pyrroles, indoles and carbazoles. The selection of appropriate reactant/triflic acid ratio successfully controls the formation of the desired product.
Degradability of forage proteins by in situ and in vitro enzymatic methods.

Abstract The overall objective of these two studies was to evaluate the efficacy of using the proteolytic enzyme from Streptomyces griseus to estimate concentrations of ruminally degradable protein (RDP) in a wide array of forages. In the first study, alfalfa and prairie hays that previously had been evaluated in vivo for RDP were incubated in a replicated 3 × 3 factorial combination of enzyme concentrations (6.6, 0.66, and 0.066 activity units/ml of incubation medium) and incubation times (2, 4, and 48h). Two treatment combinations (6.6 activity units for 4h and 0.066 activity units for 48h) yielded respective RDP estimates for alfalfa and prairie hay that were close to the known in vivo values. In the second study, 20 diverse forages were evaluated for RDP by using the in situ technique. These forages also were evaluated for RDP with the two enzyme concentrations identified in the first study, but incubation times were expanded to include 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5h at the high concentration and 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, and 54h at the low concentration. At the high enzyme concentration, r 2 statistics from linear regressions of enzymatic estimates of RDP on corresponding estimates obtained by the in situ procedure were high (r 2 ≥0.898) at all incubation times; in addition, slopes (range = 0.88 to 1.00) and intercepts (range = −9.4 to 3.5%) approached unity and 0, respectively. At the lower enzyme concentration, r 2 statistics were still good (>0.81), but slopes (0.59 to 0.67) and intercepts (18.5 to 21.9%) for all incubation times did not meet the respective goals of unity and 0.
Urban Spaces in Contemporary China: The Potential For Autonomy And Community In Post-Mao China

Acknowledgements 1. Introduction: Urban China Deborah S. Davis Part II. Urban Space: Introduction Barry Naughton 2. Urban transformations in post-Mao China: impacts of the reform era on China's urban form Piper Rae Gaubatz 3. Cities in the Chinese economic system: changing roles and conditions for autonomy Barry Naughton 4. State sprawl: the regulatory state and social life in a small Chinese city Vivienne Shue 5. The floating population in the cities: chances for assimilation? Dorothy J. Solinger Part III. Urban Culture and Identities: Introduction Richard Kraus 6. The politics of private time: changing leisure patterns in urban China Shaoguang Wang 7. China's artists between plan and market Richard Kraus 8. Velvet prisons and the political economy of Chinese film making Paul G. Pickowitz 9. The avant-garde's challenge to official art Julia F. Andrews and Gao Minglu 10. The disintegration of the poetic 'Berlin Wall' Su Wei and Wendy Larson Part IV. Urban Associations: Introduction Elizabeth J. Perry 11. Labour's battle for political space: the role of worker associations in contemporary China Elizabeth J. Perry 12. Dissident and liberal legal scholars and organisations in Beijing and the Chinese state in the 1980s Mark Sidel 13. Urban spaces and experiences of qigong Nancy N. Chen 14. Student associations and mass movements Jeffrey N. Wasserstrom and Liu Xinyong 15. Conclusion: historical perspectives David Strand List of editors and contributors Index.
Considering the Visual Element in Clinical Pediatric Data Management

This paper overviews private pediatric practice clinical data management needs and discusses the basic visit types. It then models the patients' trajectory in the course of a visit as he or she sees the nurse for routine measurements then the doctor for age-based well visit interviews or ad-hoc sick visit consultations. For both the nurse and the doctor, we consider conventional text-based electronic health records (EHR) data entry forms as well as an alternative, visually-based, user interface. We discuss the impacts of the alternative visual interface and projected benefits. It is our hope that the findings are generalizable to other medical specialties.
Team huddles: the role of the primary care educator.

Summary Background: The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (USA) has recommended the ‘team huddle’ as one communication strategy to improve health care outcomes. Context: Although there is no literature on the extent of the practice within primary care fields, or the outcomes associated with it, anecdotal reports from innovative family medicine practices in the USA suggest that the team huddle has the potential to increase office efficiency, communication and staff satisfaction. Innovation and implications: We review considerations in applying the team huddle to practice, and provide recommendations for ambulatory health care educators to teach this technique to trainees.