cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermophilic downflow stationary fixed film reactors for methane production from bean blanching waste

Active thermophilic (55°C) biofilms developed in downflow stationary fixed film (DSFF) reactors (needle punched polyester or red draintile clay support material) within 8 weeks. Maximum steady state methane production rates were similar to those for mesophilic reactors.
The Association Between Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Recreational Physical Activity

We aimed to investigate the association of recreational physical activity before pregnancy with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A cross-sectional study was performed using self-reported data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment and Monitoring System. The study population included 1,052 self-reported GDM cases and 10,351 non-GDM controls. Recreational physical activity in the 3 months before pregnancy was recalled in postpartum structured interviews. Compared to women exercising less than 1 day per week, women who exercised >5 days per week in the 3 months before pregnancy had a 31% lower odds of GDM (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.46, 1.03). Women who exercised 1–4 days per week had a 7% lower odds of GDM (aOR: 0.93; 95%CI: 0.72, 1.19). We did not observe statistically significant associations between pre-pregnancy physical activity and GDM risk. However, the magnitude and direction of association are consistent with previous observational studies. These studies collectively suggest a role of physical activity in GDM prevention.
Does the current health care environment contribute to increased morbidity and mortality of acute appendicitis in children

Abstract To determine whether the current "gatekeeper" controls on health care lead to an increase in treatment delay and morbidity of acute appendicitis in children, we reviewed the experience with this disease at a large children's hospital over a 10-year period. One hundred seven consecutive children 18 years and younger operated on for acute appendicitis from July 1, 1988 to June 30, 1990 were compared with 119 children with the same diagnosis from July 1, 1978 to June 30, 1980. Age, sex, race, antecedent illnesses, initial physician contact and diagnosis, time to referral and operation, pathology, morbidity, and length of stay were reviewed. The two groups were comparable in terms of age, sex, race, antecedent illnesses, and negative appendectomy rate. More patients in the recent group were initially seen in an emergency room or urgent care setting than in the previous group (62.2% v 48.5%, P = .07). The accuracy of the initial diagnosis was significantly lower in the more recent group ( P = .05). No change existed between the groups in the time to a physician; however, a significant ( P = .04) difference existed in the time to surgeon (41.2 hours in the earlier group v 56.4 hours in the recent group). No significant difference existed between the groups in time from surgeon to operation. Although not statistically significant, the morbidity rate was increased in the recent group (13.3% v 6.5%, P = .17). However, more complex morbidity occurred in the recent group, including 6 patients with 2 or more complications, and 2 deaths, compared with one patient with multiple complications and no deaths in the earlier group. Factors affecting the presence of complications include time to physician, time to surgeon, and pathology (multiple logistic regression). No significant difference existed in length of stay between the groups. In the interval of 10 years at a children's hospital, it now takes more time for patients with acute appendicitis to reach the pediatric surgeon, with a subsequent trend toward more frequent and complex morbidity. Factors in the present health care environment to account for these findings include changes in the initial physician-contact setting, greater misdiagnosis, and delayed surgical referral. Greater physician and public education is necessary to deter these trends.
Paneth cells and innate mucosal immunity.

Purpose of reviewRecent evidence shows that disruption of Paneth cell homeostasis by induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress or autophagy, with consequent apoptosis, contributes to inflammation and morbidity in a variety of experimental mouse models.Recent findingsRecent advances show that proinfl
Modeling of curvature in multilayered epitaxially grown films

A model was developed to calculate the radius of curvature produced by stresses in lattice-mismatched multilayers grown epitaxially on a planar substrate. The analysis was done for any number (N) of layers using beam bending theory and strain partitioning theory introduced by our group earlier. This model is reduced to a limiting case of a two-layer structure (film-substrate). The variation of the radius of curvature with the relative thicknesses and other material properties of the layers was determined and compared to finite element calculations. The analytical model was further verified by applying it to a symmetric tri-laminate structure.
A Production Function for Organizations Doing Case Work

This paper examines the contribution of supervisors to an organization's output by constructing a production function in which supervisors' time and case workers' time enter as inputs. There is a quality variable associated with output: average delay. The functional form of the production function is derived for the simplest possible type of queuing model, but the method can be applied to other specifications of the queuing process and of the quality variable. Such a production function can be used to determine the most cost effective span of control. The model is extended to obtain a multi-factor production function for multi-level organizations. Numbers from a welfare agency are used as illustrations but no empirical validation is attempted.
Steppe Humanism: The Autobiographical Writings of Zahir al-Din Muhammad Babur, 1483–1530

In his essays on “Self-Expression” and “The Human Ideal” in the medieval Islamic world, the late Gustave E. von Grunebaum argued that both expressions and portrayals of individuality were a comparative rarity in the literature of pre-modern Islamic civilization.1 Von Grunebaum concluded from reviewing both autobiographical and biographical works written by Muslims that the social customs, religious values, and literary conventions of premodern Islamic society combined to discourage evocations or depictions of idiosyncratic personalities in favor of representations of impersonal stereotypes.
Interaction of temperature and salinity on oxygen consumption of the estuarine crab Panopeus herbstii

The combined effects of temperature and salinity on the rate of oxygen consuption by the estuarine crab Panopeus herbstii Milne-Edwards (Crustacea: Decapoda: Xanthidae) were studied. Crabs were acclimated to all combinations of 10° and 23°C and 5 and 30% S. The rate of oxygen consumption was measured at 10° and 25°C in experimental salinities of 5, 15, 30, and 40%. Following acclimation to 23°C and 5% S, the rate of oxygen consumption by female crabs was significantly lower than that of males. No other experimental treatments resulted in significant rate differences between males and females. The anticipated response of an increase in oxygen consumption upon exposure of this euryhaline crab to low salinity occurred. Similarly, compensatory adjustment to low temperature following acclimation was evidenced. However, unpredictable patterns of response were elicited by specific experimental manipulations of temperature and salinity. Thermal sensitivity of oxygen uptake as reflected by Q10 was also influenced by experimental conditions and further substantiated the occurrence of interactions between temperature and salinity.
Microstructure and hardness of nanostructured Al–Fe–Cr–Ti alloys through mechanical alloying

Abstract This study investigates the microstructural and compositional evolution of Al 93 Fe 3 Ti 2 Cr 2 alloys prepared via mechanical alloying (MA) starting from elemental powders. The potential of the MA-processed Al 93 Fe 3 Ti 2 Cr 2 alloy for structural applications at both ambient and elevated temperatures has also been studied. It is found that the nanocrystallization process of the Al alloy proceeds via an initial increase followed by a subsequent decrease in dislocation density to form nano-grains with a dislocation-free interior. The difficulty with which to form supersaturated Al-based solid solutions depends on alloying elements with Fe being the easiest element and Cr the most difficult one to form supersaturated Al-based solid solutions. The hardness of MA-processed Al 93 Fe 3 Ti 2 Cr 2 alloys at the as-milled condition can be twice that of 6061-Al alloys and higher than that of the cold drawn 1045 steel. The enhanced strengthening is attributed to grain refinement, formation of supersaturated solid solutions, and work hardening due to ball milling. After exposure to high temperatures (up to 450 °C) the MA-processed Al 93 Fe 3 Ti 2 Cr 2 alloy still possesses superior room-temperature hardness due to strengthening of intermetallic precipitation and the retention of fcc-Al nano-grains.
Increased expression of a 58-kDa protein kinase leads to changes in the CHO cell cycle.

Abstract We have isolated and characterized cDNA encoding a human 58-kDa protein kinase that is homologous to the cell division control (CDC) protein kinases. This protein kinase also contains a unique N-terminal domain that may potentially regulate its function. Due to its relatedness to p34CDC2, the human p58 cDNA was overexpressed in CHO cells to determine the effect on the cell cycle. Elevated expression of p58 in these cells resulted in prolonged late telophase and early G1 phase of the cell cycle. These p58 overexpressors showed a significantly increased frequency of tubulin midbodies as well as significant increases in mitotic abnormalities. Thus, proper regulation of p58 protein kinase is essential for normal cell cycle progression in these cells.
AMPTE CCE observations of Pc 3–4 pulsations at L = 2–6

Magnetic field data acquired by the AMPTE CCE satellite from L = 2-6 are analyzed. A procedure was specially developed to reduce the artificial modulation and noise in magnetic field measurements, making it possible to detect Pc 3-4 pulsations with amplitudes only 1 nT or less, even for L values less than 3. A survey of 41 CCE passes in L = 2-6 and in the postnoon sector showed that the most commonly observed pulsations in this region were the east-west oscillations of magnetic field with clearly L-dependent frequencies; these are identified as the toroidal mode standing Alfven waves. A relationship was found between the pulsation frequency and plasma density, showing that the pulsation data can be used to estimate the plasma mass density in the inner magnetosphere.
A general form for the capital projects sequencing problem

The capital sequencing problem consists of finding the lowest cost starting times for a set of capital projects when such projects: 1) are exposed to the effects of inflation, 2) cost different amounts, 3) require different lengths of time to complete, and 4) have dissimilar cash outflows per period. The problem is non-trivial when the timing of the projects is constrained by any one, or any combination of, twelve possibilities. The problem is modeled as a straightforward mathematical zero-one programming problem, and is complicated only by the large number of constraints which are typically needed for a problem of realistic size.
Basic theory of fractional differential equations

Abstract In this paper, the basic theory for the initial value problem of fractional differential equations involving Riemann–Liouville differential operators is discussed employing the classical approach. The theory of inequalities, local existence, extremal solutions, comparison result and global existence of solutions are considered.
Use and Effects of Studded Tires on Oregon Pavements

The use and effects of studded tires in Oregon are investigated, updating a 1974 report. Studded-tire use was surveyed, rut measurements collected, studded-tire traffic estimated, and pavement wear and damage analyzed. Studded-tire use in Oregon varies geographically. Half of the vehicles equipped with studs use them on all wheels, representing a significant change from 1974 practices. More than 23 percent of vehicles used studded tires in 1994. Studded-tire pavement wear coefficients were calculated and found to be half those reported previously. The coefficients for rigid and flexible pavements are 0.20 mm (0.008 in.) and 0.86 mm (0.034 in.), respectively, per 100,000 studded tire passes. Studded-tire wear will shorten pavement life on high-volume routes in Oregon. Asphalt pavements experiencing average daily traffic (ADT) volumes of 35,000 and 20 percent studded-tire use will reach the threshold rut in 7 years. Portland cement concrete (PCC) pavements experiencing 120, 000 ADT and 20 percent studded-ti...
Health beliefs among individuals at increased familial risk for type 2 diabetes: Implications for prevention

Aim To evaluate perceived risk, control, worry, and severity about diabetes, coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke among individuals at increased familial risk of diabetes.
Theoretical analyses of electrothermal thrusters with supersonic heat addition

Theoretical performance analyses for electrothermal thrustor using lithium propellant with combination of radioisotope and electrical energy sources
Improving the Writing Performance of Young Struggling Writers Theoretical and Programmatic Research From the Center on Accelerating Student Learning

This article describes the outcome and significance of studies in the area of writing conducted from 1999 to 2003 by the Center on Accelerating Student Learning (a multisite research center involving Vanderbilt University, Columbia University, and the University of Maryland). The basic purpose of the Center was to identify effective instructional practices for primary-grade students with special needs and children at risk for academic difficulties. As part of this effort, researchers at the University of Maryland surveyed primary-grade teachers nationwide to determine how they teach writing (providing a description of the context in which struggling writers learn to compose), examined the impact of extra handwriting and spelling instruction as a means for preventing writing difficulties, and assessed the effects of explicitly teaching young struggling writers strategies for planning and writing text.
Rationale for combination ketoconazole/ vitamin D treatment of prostate cancer.

The high rate of progression of prostate cancer after androgen deprivation therapy mandates that new strategies be developed. Adjuvant therapy combined with androgen deprivation may slow or prevent progression. Ketoconazole plus calcitriol therapy is an example of 1 such a combination with a mechanistic basis for synergistic activity. Ketoconazole is commonly used as a second-line androgen deprivation therapy. This imidazole derivative is an inhibitor of P-450 enzymes, including those involved in steroidogenesis. Other P-450 enzymes that are inhibited by ketoconazole include 1α-hydroxylase and 24-hydroxylase, which metabolize vitamin D. Growth inhibition of prostate cancer cells by vitamin D depends on levels of the active metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol). The enzyme 24-hydroxylase converts calcitriol to less active products. The inhibition of 24-hydroxylase by ketoconazole maintains the magnitude and duration of response to calcitriol. Combined ketoconazole/calcitriol therapy might therefore potentiate the antitumor activity of calcitriol. Because androgen-independent prostate cancer cells often remain responsive to growth inhibition by calcitriol, it is also possible that calcitriol would slow or prevent development of androgen-independent cancer growth. Another consideration is that ketoconazole blocks 1α-hydroxylase activity, which is the key enzyme that creates calcitriol in the body. Therefore, patients receiving ketoconazole therapy are likely to be deficient in vitamin D. The detrimental consequences of vitamin D deficiency in these patients would also be alleviated by the addition of calcitriol to the therapeutic regimen.
Monitoring during mechanical ventilation.

SUMMARY Monitoring is the continuous, or nearly continuous, evaluation of the physiologic function of a patient in real time to guide diagnosis and management decisions - including when to make therapeutic interventions and assessment of those interventions. Many physiologic parameters can be monitored during mechanical ventilation, including pulse oximetry, capnography, and ventilator graphics. Although its impact on patient outcomes has not been well studied, monitoring has become an integral part of the care of mechanically ventilated patients. Continuous pulse oximetry has become a standard of care for critically ill mechanically ventilated patients. Two wavelengths of light (660 nm and 940 nm) are passed through a pulsating vascular bed using two light-emitting diodes and a photodetector. This is translated into a plethysmographic waveform and the ratio of the amplitudes of these two plethysmographic waveforms is translated into a display of oxygen saturation. A number of limitations of pulse oximetry should be recognized, appreciated, and understood by everyone who uses pulse oximetry data. Most pulse oximeter errors can be explained as too little signal (e.g., low perfusion, improper probe placement) or too much noise (e.g., motion, ambient light). The newest generation of pulse oximeters is affected less by these potential errors. At saturations >80%, the accuracy of pulse oximetry is about 4–5%. Below 80%, the accuracy is worse, but the clinical importance of this is questionable. New pulse oximeters also measure carboxyhemoglobin and methemoglobin in addition to oxygen saturation. Capnometry is the measurement of CO2 at the airway opening during the ventilatory cycle. The relationship between the PaCO2 and end-tidal PCO2 will vary depending upon the relative contributions of various V/Q units of the lungs. Thus, caution should be exercised when extrapolating end-tidal PCO2 to PaCO2. End-tidal PCO2 is a standard of care to determine proper endotracheal tube position (no exhaled CO2 with esophageal placement). The slope of the capnogram is increased in patients with airway obstruction. Volume-based capnography can be used to assess carbon dioxide production (metabolic rate) and dead space ventilation. Using volume-based capnography, it is also possible to nonnvasively measure cardiac output with the partial CO2 rebreathing technique. Pulmonary mechanics is the expression of lung func
Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity and Skin Disease

Antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) is a recently described mechanism of immunologic lysis in which cellular targets sensitized by specific antibodies are efficiently and selectively lysed by Fc receptor (FcR) bearing nonspecific effectors. Immunoglobulins of various classes (IgG, IgM, IgA, IgE) and various cellular effectors (large granular lymphocytes, monocyte/macrophages, T lymphocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils) can induce ADCC in vitro, and the importance of ADCC in vivo is being tested experimentally in resistance to viral, bacterial, and parasitic infection, in tumor surveillance, in allograft rejection, and in inflammatory diseases. There is much indirect evidence that ADCC may be the mechanism of damage of different cellular targets in skin diseases, but the best direct evidence concerns immunologic keratinocyte damage, especially in cutaneous lupus erythematosus (LE). We have shown that keratinocytes of several species are highly susceptible to lymphocyte and monocyte-mediated ADCC, but not to neutrophil or eosinophil ADCC in vitro using two different cytotoxicity assays. In contrast, complement was a relatively ineffective mediator of lysis of metabolically intact keratinocyte targets. Patients with certain cutaneous lupus syndromes have serum antibodies capable of inducing monocyte and lymphocyte ADCC of targets coated with extractable nuclear antigens. We have shown that these antigens apparently move to the cell membrane of keratinocytes in vitro following ultraviolet irradiation. In an animal model, we have shown that antibodies to SSA/Ro bind to human keratinocytes in viva, especially after ultraviolet irradiation. This antigen/antibody system is highly associated with 3 different photosensitive LE syndromes. The experimental linkage of UV radiation to autoantibody binding to keratinocytes and the demonstration of mononuclear cell-mediated ADCC causing keratinocyte lasis support our hypothesis that the keratinoctye damage and mononuclear cell infiltrate seen histologically in cutaneous LE are part of an ADCC process.
Design and fabrication of fluid controlled dynamic optical lens system

Abstract A novel small fluid controlled optical lens system that is capable of displaying dynamic variation of its focal length and field-of-view (FOV) is designed and fabricated. In this active lens system, appropriate volume of the optical fluid can be pumped into or out of the lens chamber to provide double-convex (DCX) or double-concave (DCV) lens effect. Simple optical imaging experiments were performed using different sets of glass lenses with fixed focal lengths to determine the optimum lens configuration required for designing a dynamic optical lens system. The experimental results obtained from the glass lenses demonstrate that a combination of a single DCX lens with three DCV lenses provides a wider FOV. The flexible membranes for fluid controlled lenses were fabricated using polydimethylsiloxane polymer material, which has good optical transparency and elasticity. A simple fluid injection system is used to vary the radius of curvature of the lenses, and thereby to change the focal length. A dynamic optical lens system with a combination of one DCX and multiple variable focal length DCV lenses as designed here can image an object with a wide range of focal length and FOV. With this fluid controlled optical system, the FOV and focal length could be continuously varied and a maximum FOV of 118.3° could be achieved. The smallest f -number ( f /# ) for this fluid controlled single lens system was found to be 1.3, which corresponds to the numerical aperture value of 0.35.
Wechsler Digit Span subtest: diagnostic usefulness with dyslexic children.

The current study supports Levinson's contention (1988) that the diagnosis of dyslexia cannot be based solely on neurophysiological evidence but must be made in conjunction with reading and educational test scores. Contrary to much current research, in the present study specific WISC—R profiles are identified within a stringently defined subgroup of 57 9- to 12-yr.-old dyslexic children. Well-defined subtest scatter can differentiate dyslexics from proficient readers. In particular, the Digit Span subtest, which is not routinely administered by psychologists or included in computing Verbal IQ, can be considered an important component of a diagnostic battery. Unexpectedly, Coding emerged with Digit Span as a third factor in a principal component analysis; statistically significant sex differences appeared on the Coding task. Findings appear to confirm the phonological encoding deficiencies displayed by dyslexics on the Digit Span subtest. This study strongly supports consideration of WISC—R subtest differe...
Fingerprint Liveness Detection Using Local Ridge Frequencies and Multiresolution Texture Analysis Techniques

It has been demonstrated that simple and inexpensive techniques are sufficient to spoof fingerprint scanners. Previously, effective use of physiological phenomenon of perspiration is shown as a counter-measure against such attacks. These techniques require more than one image for performing the liveness check and hence may not be suited for on-line processing. In this work, a liveness measure based on single image is developed. The inherent texture and density differences between `live' and `not live' fingerprint images are exploited. Multiresolution texture analysis techniques are used to minimize the energy associated with phase and orientation maps. Cross ridge frequency analysis of fingerprint images is performed by means of statistical measures and weighted mean phase is calculated. These different features along with ridge reliability or ridge center frequency are given as inputs to a fuzzy c-means classifier. The proposed algorithm was applied to a dataset of approximately 58 live, 50 spoof and 28 cadaver fingerprint images, from three different types of scanners. An error rate of 1.4% is achieved. The algorithm provides a faster technique for doing a liveness test which relies on only one fingerprint image.
Linkage disequilibrium mapping of a Verticillium dahliae resistance quantitative trait locus in tetraploid potato (Solanum tuberosum) through a candidate gene approach

We have used the linkage disequilibrium mapping method to test for an association between a candidate gene marker and resistance to Verticillium dahliae in tetraploid potato. A probe derived from the tomato Verticillium resistance gene ( Ve1) identified homologous sequences ( StVe1) in potato, which in a diploid population map to chromosome 9, in a position analogous to that of the tomato resistance gene. When a molecular marker closely linked (1.5 cM) to the homologues was used as a candidate gene marker on 137 tetraploid potato genotypes (mostly North American cultivars), the association between the marker and resistance was confirmed ( P<0.001). The amount of phenotypic variation in resistance explained by the allele of the STM1051 marker was greater than 10% and 25% in two subpopulations that were inferred from coancestry data matrix. Cloning of homologues from the highly resistant potato cv. Reddale indicates that the resistance quantitative trait locus (QTL) comprises at least an eleven-member family, encoding plant-specific leucine-rich repeat proteins highly similar to the tomato Ve genes. The sequence analysis shows that all homologues are uninterrupted open reading frames and thus represent putative functional resistance genes. This is the first time that the linkage disequilibrium method has been used to find an association between a resistance gene and a candidate gene marker in tetraploid potato. We have shown that it is possible to map QTL directly on already available potato cultivars, without developing a new mapping population.
High Technology: Its Impact on Career Changes

In this article, the author describes the impact of high technology on career changes. Suggestions are provided to counselors for helping clients make successful career changes.
Intranasal administration of insulin-like growth factor-I bypasses the blood-brain barrier and protects against focal cerebral ischemic damage.

Ž. Background: Insulin-like growth factor-I IGF-I has been shown to protect against stroke in rats when administered intracerebroven- tricularly. However, this invasive method of administration is not practical for the large number of individuals who require treatment for Ž. Ž. stroke. Intranasal IN delivery offers a noninvasive method of bypassing the blood-brain barrier BBB to deliver IGF-I and other neurotrophic factors to the brain. Here, we demonstrate for the first time the therapeutic benefit of IN IGF-1 in rats following middle Ž. cerebral artery occlusion MCAO . Methods: A blinded, vehicle-controlled study of IN IGF-I was performed using the intraluminal suture occlusion model. Rats were randomly divided into vehicle-control, 37.5 and 150 mg IGF-I-treated groups. Treatments occurred at 10 min after onset of 2 h of MCAO, and then 24 and 48 h later. Four neurologic behavioral tests were performed 4, 24, 48 and 72 h after the onset of MCAO. Corrected infarct volumes were evaluated 72 h after the onset of MCAO. Results: Treatment with the 150 mg IGF-I Ž. significantly reduced the infarct volume by 63% vs. control ps 0.004 , and improved all the neurologic deficit tests of motor, sensory, Ž. reflex and vestibulomotor functions p- 0.01 . However, the 37.5-mg dose of IGF-I was ineffective. Conclusion: While IGF-I does not cross the BBB efficiently, it can be delivered to the brain directly from the nasal cavity following IN administration, bypassing the BBB. IN IGF-I markedly reduced infarct volume and improved neurologic function following focal cerebral ischemia. This noninvasive, simple and cost-effective method is a potential treatment for stroke. q 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Revenue management for the whole aircraft: Coordinating acceptance decisions for passenger and cargo transportation

Recent pressures on airline profitability have increased interest in cargo revenue management (RM). In particular, some industry figures have proposed that passenger and cargo RM should be integrated, either through use of a single revenue management system (RMS) or through a single RM team. This paper argues that these approaches are unlikely to succeed. Instead, it proposes a simple business process framework for coordinating passenger and cargo access to aircraft capacity through the use of displacement-based transfer prices.
Active learning for detecting a spectrally variable subject in color infrared imagery

To classify Egeria densa, Brazilian waterweed, in scan-digitized color infrared aerial photographs, we are developing an interactive computer system based on data-mining techniques with active learning capabilities. Key components of the system are: feature extraction, automatic classification, active learning, and experimental evaluation.
Industrial Agglomeration and Development: A Survey of Spatial Economic Issues in East Asia and a Statistical Analysis of Chinese Regions

In this article, we explore the issue of industrial agglomeration and its relationship to economic development and growth in the less-developed countries of East Asia. We present theoretical arguments and secondary empirical evidence as to why we should have strong expectations about finding a positive relationship between agglomeration and economic performance. We also review evidence from the literature on the roles of formal and informal institutions in East Asian regional economic systems. We then focus specifically on the case of China. We argue that regional development in China has much in common with regional development in other East Asian economies, although there are also important contrasts because of China's history of socialism and its recent trend toward economic liber- alization. Through a variety of statistical investigations, we substantiate (in part) the expected positive relationship between agglomeration and economic perfor- mance in China. We show that many kinds of manufacturing sectors are character- ized by a strong positive relationship between spatial agglomeration and produc- tivity. This phenomenon is especially marked in sectors and regions where liberalization has proceeded rapidly. We consider the relevance of our comments about industrial clustering and economic performance for policy formulation in China and the less-developed countries of East Asia.
Ofloxacin: the next generation of antibiotic in sperm and embryo cultures for assisted reproductive technologies

Abstract Objective: To analyze the effect of different concentrations of ofloxacin on sperm kinematic parameters and to determine the embryotoxicity of ofloxacin at physiologic and at 100× concentrations. Design: Prospective comparative study. Setting: Clinical and academic research environment. Patient(s): Pooled cryopreserved donor sperm ( n = 7). Intervention(s): Human sperm were processed through two-layer discontinuous Percoll gradients, and the resultant pellet was resuspended in either HEPES-buffered human tubal fluid medium containing different concentrations of ofloxacin or the control medium. After measuring the kinematic parameters, the percentages of apoptosis and viability were obtained. Next, the sperm DNA was extracted and polymerase chain reaction of P-globin gene was performed followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Mouse embryos recovered at the one-cell pronuclear or zygote stages were cultured in the presence or absence of ofloxacin up to the hatched blastocyst stage and differences in development were recorded. Main Outcome Measure(s): Sperm kinematic parameters, sperm P-globin gene, and number of embryos reaching the hatched blastocyst stage. Result(s): The number of embryos exposed to control and physiologic ofloxacin concentrations showed comparable excellent growth. However, the 100× concentration significantly arrested development. Rates of sperm viability and apoptosis measured 48 hours after exposure to the above concentrations were not different from controls. No differences were noted in the sperm kinematic parameters of sperm exposed to ofloxacin concentrations (1 X, 10×, and 100X) or control medium after 0, 4, and 48 hours of incubation. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of β-globin genes from DNA exposed to varying ofloxacin concentrations failed to show any point mutations. Conclusion(s): Ofloxacin was embryotoxic at pharmacologic concentrations (100×). At physiologic or higher concentrations, ofloxacin appears to be safe and does not affect sperm kinematic parameters when compared with controls. This may indicate that sperm motility parameters alone cannot be relied on to evaluate the effects of drugs on fertility and that in vitro embryologic studies are essential. Ofloxacin at any concentration did not alter the rates of sperm apoptosis or viability. Ofloxacin does not appear to be mutagenic as evidenced by the β-globin gene analysis.
Factors affecting long-term risk of aortic arch recoarctation after the Norwood procedure.

Background The purpose of this study was to identify factors predicting risk of aortic arch recoarctation after the Norwood procedure. Methods Patient records were reviewed retrospectively for consecutive patients who underwent the Norwood procedure from 1996 to 2005. Preoperative and intraoperative parameters were identified for analysis. Aortic arch recoarctation was defined by the need for catheter or surgical reintervention. Data were analyzed using survival analysis, with freedom from intervention as the outcome. Factors predicting need for reintervention were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression. Results Thirty-five recoarctations were observed in 117 patients (30%). Freedom from aortic arch reintervention at six months, one, three, and five years were 72%, 63%, 56%, and 52%, respectively. The majority of arch reinterventions occurred in the first six months (63%), involving either surgical (43%) or catheter (57%) techniques. The use of bovine pericardium showed the greatest risk for potential recoarctation (hazard ratio=1.81 [0.90–3.64], p = 0.09). Age, gender, weight, ascending aortic diameter, ventricular morphology, primary anatomic diagnosis, and coarctation shelf resection were not found to be predictors of recoarctation. Conclusions Most interventions for aortic arch recoarctation after the Norwood procedure occur within the first six months of life. The type of patch material used for arch reconstruction appears to influence, most strongly, the long-term risk of aortic arch recoarctation.
“To develop and test:” The inventive difference between evaluation and experimentation

The National Research Council (NRC) Report on Improving Evaluation of Anticrime Programs raises a fundamental question about the mission of evaluation research. The implicit premise of the report is that the mission of evaluation is to answer questions about programs developed by others; in short, to test anti-crime programs. In contrast, the mission of experimental criminology has, historically, been to develop anti-crime programs as well as to test them. There are times when an arm’s-length relationship between program and evaluation may be appropriate. Yet, such a separation necessarily produces a courtroom-like adjudication role for evaluators, rather than the laboratory-like, participant–inventor role that has characterized the best of experimental criminology. The recent case of the Chicago police’s “evaluating” the use of sequential suspect identification methods developed by academic psychologists shows the many flaws of the “testing-only” model. This suggests that providing “effective guidance of criminal justice policy and practice,” as the NRC report defines its focus [Lipsey, M. ed (2005). http://newton.nap.edu/pdf/0309097061/pdf_image/R1.pdf] will not only require evaluation research (defined as arm’s-length testing) but the full toolbox of experimental criminology to develop and test anti-crime programs.
Social functioning after traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between adult-onset traumatic brain injury (TBI) and social functioning including employment, social relationships, independent living, recreation, functional status, and quality of life 6 months or longer after injury. PARTICIPANTS: Not applicable. DESIGN: Systematic review of the published, peer-reviewed literature. PRIMARY MEASURES: Not applicable. RESULTS: Fourteen primary and 25 secondary studies were identified that allowed comparison to controls for adults who were at least 6 months post-TBI. TBI decreases the probability of employment after injury in those who were workers before their injury, lengthens the timing of their return if they do return to work, and decreases the likelihood that they will return to the same position. Those with moderate and severe TBI are clearly affected, but there was insufficient evidence of a relationship between unemployment and mild TBI. Penetrating head injury sustained in wartime is clearly associated with increased unemployment. TBI also adversely affects leisure and recreation, social relationships, functional status, quality of life, and independent living. Although there is a dose-response relationship between severity of injury and social outcomes, there is insufficient evidence to determine at what level of severity the adverse effects are demonstrated. CONCLUSION: TBI clearly has adverse effects on social functioning for adults. While some consequences might arise from injuries to other parts of the body, those with moderate to severe TBI have more impaired functioning than do those with other injuries alone. Language: en
Rubbery and rigid particle toughening of epoxy resins

Four types of materials were evaluated in this study: neat epoxy resins of differing initial molecular mass, and their rubbery particle-filled, rigid particle-filled, and hybrid particle-filled counterparts. Both rubbery and rigid particle-filled epoxies exhibited fracture energies, GIc, greater than the neat resins. Cured resins prepared with an optimum loading of both rubbery and rigid particles gave GIc values greater than those from rubbery or rigid particles alone (approximately sixteen-fold increase over the neat resins). Rigid particle composites were toughened by means of a crack front impedance mechanism. In hybrid particle composites, rigid particles enhanced localized plastic deformation ahead of the crack front. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Syntheses of carbocyclic aminonucleosides and (-)-epi-4'-carbocyclic puromycin: Application of palladium(0)/indium iodide-allylations and tethered aminohydroxylations.

Carbocyclic aminonucleosides and epi-4′-carbocyclic puromycin were prepared from an acylnitroso-derived hetero Diels–Alder cycloadduct. Pd(0)/InI-mediated allylations of a formyl species were used to install the 4′-hydroxymethyl group. A tethered aminohydroxylation strategy was employed to install the cis-2′,3′-aminoalcohol moiety with complete regio- and diastereocontrol.
“Social Justice Infrastructure” Organizations as New Actors From the Community: The Case of South Florida

This article reviews the decline of U.S. unions and examines proposals for their revitalization. It also notes the emergence of new actors in working class communities to fill the void left by declining union power. Using south Florida as an example, it chronicles the growth of a “social justice infrastructure” of community organizations such as worker centers, working-class grassroots community organizing groups, faith-based worker rights groups, and labor-community coalition groups. It notes difficulties in building deep coalitions between traditional unions and such groups and explores the possibility of “networks” as a new promising organizational form. It finds limitations to the network form also, and proposes that a synergistic conjunction of various types of political and economic struggles and forms holds more promise than any one particular organizational form.
An aminophospholipid translocase associated with body fat and type 2 diabetes phenotypes.

DHAR, MADHU, LOREN HAUSER, AND DABNEY JOHNSON. An aminophospholipid translocase associated with body fat and type 2 diabetes phenotypes. Obes Res. 2002;10:695–702. Objective: We have shown that a region on proximal mouse chromosome 7, near the pink-eyed (p) dilution locus, contains an ATPase (pfatp), a putative aminophospholipid translocase. Studies have suggested that this gene is a prime candidate for modulating body fat or involved in lipid metabolism in mouse and humans. Toward further analyses, our objective was to generate the complete genomic structures of mouse and human genes. Research Methods and Procedures: The genomic structure of mouse pfatp was deduced by comparing the full-length cDNA sequence with the genomic sequence derived from a mouse BAC. The human ortholog was identified from the National Center for Biotechnology Information database. Full-length cDNA was generated, and the corresponding genomic structure was deduced from the Human Genome Database. Results: Murine pfatp, and its human ortholog, PFATP, belong to class V of the third subfamily of P-type ATPases. The gene organization is strikingly similar in both organisms and all exon-intron junctions are conserved. A putative promoter region of PFATP contains a strong CpG island. The 5 untranslated regions of the two cDNAs have potential binding sites for multiple transcription factors, including Sp1, USF, AP1, and AP2, involved in adipogenesis and adipocyte metabolism. Discussion: We report the generation of the complete genomic structure of a novel aminophospholipid translocase in mice and humans. Because the exact biological role and the subsequent relevance of these ATPases to obesity and diabetes are unknown, these data help to delineate the role of these genes in lipid/adipocyte metabolism.
Survey of penalty, exact-penalty and multiplier methods from 1968 to 1993 ∗

This paper is an updated and edited version of the survey that appeared in Boukari [42]. The original work reported on research since the Fiacco-McCormick 1968 survey [95] that has been undertaken in penalty function methodology and its extensions (exact penalty and augmented Lagrangian); the software that implements penalty and augmented Lagrangian algorithms; and some of the comparative studies that have been carried on during the 1968-88 period The original survey also included some results relative to Karmarker's [I441 method and its extensions. The bulk of the new material here is contained in a new section that deals with recent (roughly, 1988-93) advances in interior-point classical penalty function, exactpenalty, and augmented Lagrangian methods
Review of possible boron speciation relating to its essentiality

Boron is one of the very few elements known to be essential in plants and is yet to be unequivocally proven as essential in animals and humans. Animal and human research on essentiality would benefit if the speciation of boron in biological fluids and tissues could be determined. This is complicated by the myriad of functional biomolecules with which inorganic borates can react and by the exceedingly low concentrations of boron present under physiological conditions. This review brings together published literature on the interaction of boron with biochemical systems which bear on the question of its essentiality. Some fundamentals of boron chemistry that are germane to the issue of speciation in living organisms are reviewed. Potential mechanisms of boron action in plants are discussed, with a view toward predicting effects in other organisms. Complexation with polyhydroxyl compounds, a well-known feature of boron chemistry, and interactions with enzymes, cofactors (NAD/NADP), and membranes are proposed as the most likely sites of boron involvement. Non-destructive techniques that might be utilized to directly study boron speciation in biological systems are discussed. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Supply chain designs and management for biocrude production via wastewater treatment

The objective of this study is to design and evaluate the performance of the supply chain for biocrude production from activated sewage sludge in wastewater treatment facilities. Experimental results indicate that feeding wastewater activated sludge with high sugar load and establishing a high carbon-to-nitrogen ratio in the wastewater can enhance biocrude yield and quality from the sludge. The biocrude will be further refined and converted to biodiesel. The optimization part, of the optimization-simulation framework that we propose, uses a mixed integer program to identify locations for sugar plants as well as the assignment of wastewater treatment plants to sugar plants and refineries. The objective is to minimize total supply chain related costs. We use the solution from the optimization model (the structure of the supply chain) to build a discrete-event simulation model. The simulation captures the seasonal and random nature of biomass supply. We use a case study that designs the supply chain for biocrude in Mississippi given the availability of lignocellulosic biomass, the locations of harvesting sites, location of wastewater treatment plants, and location of refineries. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 139–147, 2013.
Amino acid profile of the seed and other parts of the winged bean

Abstract The chemical composition of the seeds and other parts of the winged bean shows some variation in their nutrient content. The protein content in the seeds is similar to that in soybean while the roots have a protein level higher than that of any known tropical root crop. The amino acid composition of the different parts of the winged bean indicates high amounts of lysine and threonine with total essential amino acids similar—or even superior—to that of soybean seeds. All the parts studied except the roots, the unripe pods and the entire plant contain less total S-amino acids than soybean seeds. In terms of their percentage of FAO values adjusted for digestibility, all the different parts show good quality protein which can be utilised in supplementing cereal-based diets.
Nutritive values of shrimp flour.

THIS communication presents some new data and ideas concerning the chemical constituents and potential uses for shrimp of the south Atlantic Ocean, and points the way to further systematic investigations of the links in selected food chains, such as that of phytoplankton→zooplankton→fishery resources.
A synchrotron X-ray diffraction study on the phase transformation kinetics and texture evolution of a TRIP steel subjected to torsional loading

Abstract The martensitic phase transformation kinetics and the relation with texture evolution in the constituent phases were studied for a transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) steel under a torsional loading condition at ambient temperature. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction was used to measure the evolution of phase fractions and texture in terms of pole figures and orientation distribution functions as a function of the applied shear strain. The effects of deformation texture development in the parent austenite phase on the observed phase transformation kinetics are discussed in terms of preferred transformation mechanisms. The texture evolution in the product martensite phase is also discussed in terms of possible texture inheritance from the parent austenite phase and its own deformation texture.