cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The origins of agricultural policy in Ivory Coast 1960–86

There is a more limited degree of ‘urban bias’ in Cote d'Ivoire than in most other African countries. Different explanations for relatively high producer price shares, reliable extension services, etc. are required for the periods 1960–70 and 1970–86. The arguments offered focus on the composition of the income portfolios of senior political elites and on the rise of special kinds of urban, informal associations that have acted as lobbying organisations on behalf of rural household members. The article seeks to dispel the notion that differences in opportunities for political participation alone can account for the variations in the outcomes observed in the African cases.
Adjunctive therapy with brinzolamide 1% ophthalmic suspension (Azopt) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension maintained on timolol therapy.

Abstract This prospective, multicenter, double-masked, placebo-controlled study evaluated the safety and efficacy of brinzolamide 1% ophthalmic suspension (Azopt®) when used adjunctively with open-label timolol maleate 0.5% (Timoptic®). One-hundred-thirty-two patients requiring an adjunctive therapy to timolol 0.5% for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension were randomized to receive brinzolamide or placebo three times daily (t.i.d.) in addition to timolol 0.5% twice daily (b.i.d.) for 3 months. Qualifying intraocular pressure (IOP) on timolol 0.5% b.i.d. was 24–36 mm Hg in at least one eye at 8:00 a.m. and 21–36 mm Hg at 10:00 a.m. , with no greater than a 5–mm Hg difference between eyes, during two eligibility visits separated by at least 7 days. Treatments were compared using a repeated-measures analysis of variance. Adjunctive therapy with brinzolamide resulted in clinically and statistically significant reductions in IOP from the timolol baseline at all visits. IOP changes from a diurnal baseline ranged from −3.3 mm Hg to −4.1 mm Hg for brinzolamide (N = 53) compared with −0.9 mm Hg to −2.5 mm Hg for placebo (N = 55). Abnormal taste (7.7%) and transient blurred vision (6.2%) were the most frequently reported adverse events. No clinically significant differences in the incidence or severity of ocular signs, visual acuity, cup/disk ratio, or parameters studied on dilated fundus examination were observed between treatment groups. Brinzolamide 1% t.i.d., used adjunctively with timolol 0.5% b.i.d., is safe and well tolerated, and produces clinically and statistically significant additional IOP reductions.
Differentiation of bovine intramuscular and subcutaneous stromal-vascular cells exposed to dexamethasone and troglitazone

The objectives of these experiments were to compare differentiation of bovine stromal-vascular (S-V) cells isolated from i.m. and s.c. adipose tissues in response to a glucocorticoid and a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma agonist. Stromal-vascular cells were isolated from i.m. and s.c. fat depots of 3 Angus steers and propagated in culture. Cells were exposed to differentiation media containing 0.25 microM dexamethasone (DEX), a glucocorticoid analog, and 40 microM troglitazone (TRO), a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma agonist, or both. Cells treated with DEX and TRO had greater (P 0.59) or depot differences (P = 0.41) in glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity were found. Morphological assessment of adipogenic colonies showed that DEX induced a 1.8-fold increase in the percentage of adipogenic colonies (P = 0.03), whereas TRO increased the proportion of adipogenic colonies by 1.9-fold (P = 0.02) compared with those not treated with DEX or TRO, respectively. Depots had a similar percentage of adipogenic colonies (P = 0.18); however, the percentage of differentiated cells within adipogenic colonies was found to be 6.4-fold greater in s.c. isolates compared with i.m. (P < 0.001). Addition of TRO increased the proportion of differentiated cells within colonies by 10-fold compared with those of nontreated colonies (P < 0.001), whereas the percentage of differentiated cells within adipogenic colonies only tended to be increased by DEX (P = 0.10). These data indicate that bovine i.m. and s.c. S-V cells are capable of enhanced differentiation in response to DEX and TRO, and these effects were additive. Most importantly, inherent differences in the capacity to differentiate exist between adipogenic bovine i.m. and s.c. S-V cells.
A developmental approach to infant and toddler group day care theory and practice

This paper illustrates how infant and toddler group day care practice can flow directly from developmental theory. The paper presents a rationale for the use of theory, developmental tables compiled from the writings of Freud, Erikson, and Piaget, comparisons and implications of the theories. It is suggested that caregivers refer to the theoretical frameworks to make additional applications in a continuous process of developing program goals and objectives which “match” the environment to the child.
A Separation Criterion With Experimental Validation for Shear-Driven Films in Separated Flows

The behavior of a shear-driven thin liquid film at a sharp expanding corner is of interest in many engineering applications. However, details of the interaction between inertial, surface tension, and gravitational forces at the corner that result in partial or complete separation of the film from the surface are not clear. A criterion is proposed to predict the onset of shear-driven film separation from the surface at an expanding corner. The criterion is validated with experimental measurements of the percent of film mass separated as well as comparisons to other observations from the literature. The results show that the proposed force ratio correlates well to the onset of film separation over a wide range of experimental test conditions. The correlation suggests that the gas phase impacts the separation process only through its effect on the liquid film momentum.
Synthesis of Copoly[arylene-1,2-dioxy/oligodimethylsiloxanylene]s by Ruthenium-Catalyzed Dehydrogenative Silylation Copolymerization of o-Quinones with α,ω-Dihydridooligodimethylsiloxanes

Activated dihydridocarbonyltris(triphenylphosphine)ruthenium (Ru) catalyzes the dehydrogenative silylation condensation copolymerization of o-quinones with α,ω-dihydridooligodimethylsiloxanes to give high molecular weight copoly(arylene-1,2-dioxy/oligodimethylsiloxanylene)s in good chemical yield. These copolymers have been characterized by 1H, 13C, and 29Si NMR as well as IR and UV. Their molecular weight distributions (Mw/Mn) have been determined by GPC. Their thermal stability was measured by TGA, and their glass transition temperatures (Tgs) were determined by DSC. The photoluminescence properties of the copolymers were studied along with those of two model compounds. The decrease in Tgs with increase in siloxane chain length as well as fluorescence spectra will be discussed. A mechanism of the copolymerization is proposed, in which, for these substrates, β-hydride elimination is favored over reductive elimination.
Phosphoinositide Signaling Regulates the Surface Localization of the δ2 Ionotropic Glutamate Receptor

The δ2 glutamate receptor (GluD2) is a member of the ionotropic glutamate receptor family. Since GluD2 remains an orphan receptor, it has not been shown to conduct ions. It is highly expressed in the parallel fiber-Purkinje cell (PF-PC) synapse and its role in cerebellar physiology is increasingly appreciated. GluD2 has been linked to the induction of cerebellar long-term depression (LTD) and presynaptic terminal differentiation. A single point mutation in the second transmembrane domain (A654T), named Lurcher (GluD2Lc), confers constitutive activity to the receptor.We have used the Lurcher mutant as a model to examine whether phosphoinositides regulate GluD2. We show that decreasing PIP2 levels in the membrane, through Gq-coupled receptor activation or pretreatment with a PI4K inhibitor, potentiates GluD2Lc currents. Conversely, increasing PIP2 levels by co-expressing PIP5K leads to decreased GluD2Lc currents. On the other hand, utilizing PI3K inhibitors wortmannin or LY294002, and presumably decreasing PIP3 levels, reduces GluD2Lc currents, while co-expression of PI3K leads to potentiation of GluD2Lc currents.A chemiluminescence-based assay that quantifies surface localization of the GluD2 and GluD2Lc receptors, showed that manipulations of the membrane phosphoinositide levels evoke changes in the cell surface localization of both wild-type and mutant receptors. These changes in surface localization of the receptor correspond to the effects we have observed by monitoring GluD2Lc currents, suggesting that current measurements from this mutant receptor serve as a good reporter for the localization of the wild-type δ2 receptor. These results are consistent with the interpretation that increased PIP2 levels decrease, while increased PIP3 levels increase localization of the receptor at the cell surface. Signals that affect the levels of these phosphoinositides simultaneously are likely to regulate the surface localization of GluD2 based on the net change of the two opposing effects.
Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanotubes and Their Neuronal Applications

Due to their unique structural and magnetic properties, magnetic nanotubes could be used in the field of neuroscience. In this study, hematite and maghemite nanotubes were synthesized and characterized. These magnetic nanotubes with coupled proteins such as albumin or laminin were used to investigate the interaction of nanotubes and their influence on somatosensory neurons from the dorsal root ganglion of rat. Our results indicated differential effects of magnetic nanotubes on neuronal growth based on the nanomaterial.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Alveolar Macrophage Recruitment and Activation by Chronic Second Hand Smoke Exposure in Mice

Approximately 15% of cases of COPD occur in non-smokers. Among the potential risk factors for COPD in non-smokers is second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure. However, the Surgeon General reported in 2006 that the evidence linking second hand smoke and COPD is insufficient to infer a causal relationship, largely because current evidence does not establish a biological link. The goal of this study was to determine whether SHS exposure can induce alveolar macrophage recruitment and expression of activation markers that we have previously demonstrated in human smokers and in mouse models of emphysema. To achieve these goals, we studied mice exposed to an ambient mixture of predominantly [89%] sidestream smoke at increasing doses over 3 months. We found that second hand smoke exposure induced a dose-dependent increase in alveolar macrophage recruitment (mean +/- sd; 224,511 +/- 52,330 vs 166,152 +/- 47,989 macrophages/ml of bronchoalveolar lavage in smoke-exposed vs air-exposed controls at 3 months, p = 0.003). We also found increased expression of several markers of alveolar macrophage activation (PLA2g7, dkfzp434l142, Trem-2, and pirin, all p < 0.01 at 3 months) and increased lavage levels of two inflammatory mediators associated with COPD (CCL2 [MCP-1], 58 +/- 12 vs. 43 +/- 22 pg/ml, p = 0.03; and TNFalpha, 138 +/- 43 vs 88 +/- 78 pg/ml, p = 0.04 at 3 months). These findings indicate that second smoke exposure can cause macrophage recruitment and activation, providing a biological link between second-hand smoke exposure and the development of inflammatory processes linked to COPD.
The Commercial Temp Agency, the Union Hiring Hall, and the Contingent Workforce

An integral feature of today's volatile labor markets is the pervasive use of temporary help and staffing firms to respond to the cyclical economy's fluctuating labor needs. Modern workplace law has not kept pace with this development. Federal labor law was enacted and developed during the middle decades of the twentieth century to govern stable, long-term employment relationships, not the vicissitudes of the now-ubiquitous temporary work relationship. The Labor Management Relations Act (LMRA) does not address temporary work in the statutory text, and it has not provided an effective regulatory regime to govern the operations of contemporary staffing firms and other profit driven labor market intermediaries (LMIs). Despite certain notable legal breakthroughs and some exemplary efforts at creating alternative, non-exploitative agencies to challenge the likes of Labor Ready and Manpower, advocates of the rights of temporary workers have not yet crafted an effective legal framework that can advance the unionization and fair treatment of workers who are deployed by commercial, profit driven LMIs. In this regard, little attention has been paid to the legal status of the for-profit temporary agency, the primary institution driving the expanded use of contingent workers. This chapter aims to help remedy this neglect by examining the history and sociolegal character of the temp agency, an institution which by conservative industry estimates deploys more than 2.5 million workers each day--more than the number employed by Wal-Mart or the "Big Three" automakers combined.
Quantifying Metal Adsorption onto Bacteria Mixtures: A Test and Application of the Surface Complexation Model

In this study, we measure Cd, Co, Sr, and Zn adsorption onto mixtures of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, containing the bacterial species Streptococcus faecalis , Staphyloccocs aureus , Sporosarcina ureae , Bacillus subtilis , Bacillus licheniformis , Escherichia coli , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Enterobacter aerogenes , Proteus vulgaris , and Serratia marscecens . Metal adsorption experiments were conducted with mixtures of Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and mixtures consisting of both bacterial types. The objective is to compare the metal adsorption behavior of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and determine if the surface complexation model can be applied to describe metal adsorption onto complex assemblages of different bacterial types. The experimental results indicate that the metal adsorption behaviors of Gram-positive mixtures, Gram-negative mixtures, and mixtures of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria are nearly identical. We describe the metal adsorptio...
Computer-aided identification of ovarian cancer in confocal microendoscope images

The confocal microendoscope is an instrument for imaging the surface of the human ovary. Images taken with this instrument from normal and diseased tissue show significant differences in cellular distribution. A real-time computer-aided system to facilitate the identification of ovarian cancer is introduced. The cellular-level structure present in ex vivo confocal microendoscope images is modeled as texture. Features are extracted based on first-order statistics, spatial gray-level-dependence matrices, and spatial-frequency content. Selection of the features is performed using stepwise discriminant analysis, forward sequential search, a nonparametric method, principal component analysis, and a heuristic technique that combines the results of these other methods. The selected features are used for classification, and the performance of various machine classifiers is compared by analyzing areas under their receiver operating characteristic curves. The machine classifiers studied included linear discriminant analysis, quadratic discriminant analysis, and the k-nearest-neighbor algorithm. The results suggest it is possible to automatically identify pathology based on texture features extracted from confocal microendoscope images and that the machine performance is superior to that of a human observer.
An evaluation of concurrent priority queue algorithms

This paper describes the design and experimental evaluation of two novel concurrent priority queue algorithms, a parallel Fibonacci heap and a concurrent priority pool, and compares them with the concurrent binary heap. The parallel Fibonacci heap is based on the sequential Fibonacci heap, which is theoretically the most efficient data structure for sequential priority queues. The concurrent priority pool is based on the concurrent B-tree and the concurrent pool. Both new algorithms scale better and have large throughput than the concurrent binary heap, as shown by the performance results. These performance advantages are achieved by relaxing the semantics of the extract-min operation, allowing it to return items that are close to the minimum but not necessarily minimal. Two applications of concurrent priority queues, the vertex cover problem and the single source shortest path problem, are tested. >
Unloading and refilling of two classes of spatially resolved endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ stores in astrocytes

Signaling by two classes of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca(2+) stores was studied in primary cultured rat astrocytes. Cytosolic and intra-ER Ca(2+) concentrations ([Ca(2+)](CYT) and [Ca(2+)](ER)) were measured with, respectively, Fura-2 and Furaptra, in separate experiments. The agonists, glutamate and ATP, released Ca(2+) primarily from cyclopiazonic acid (CPA)-sensitive ER Ca(2+) stores (CPA inhibits ER Ca(2+) pumps). Agonist-evoked release was abolished by prior treatment with CPA but was unaffected by prior depletion of caffeine/ryanodine (CAF/RY)-sensitive ER Ca(2+) stores. Conversely, prior depletion of the CPA-sensitive stores did not interfere with Ca(2+) release or reuptake in the CAF/RY-sensitive stores. Unloading of the CPA-sensitive stores, but not the CAF/RY-sensitive stores, promoted Ca(2+) entry through "store-operated channels." Resting [Ca(2+)](ER) averaged 153 microM (based on in situ calibration of Furaptra: K(D) = 76 microM, vs 53 microM in solution). The releasable Ca(2+) in both types of ER Ca(2+) stores was increased by Na(+) pump inhibition with 1 mM ouabain or K(+)-free medium. Using high spatial resolution imaging and image subtraction methods, we observed that some regions of the ER (45-58% of the total ER) unloaded and refilled when CPA was added and removed. Other regions of the ER (24-38%) unloaded and refilled when CAF was added and removed. The overlap between these two classes of ER was only 10-18%. These data indicate that there are two structurally separate, independent components of the ER and that they are responsible for the functional independence of the CPA-sensitive and CAF/RY-sensitive ER Ca(2+) stores.
Researching Leisure and Physical Activity with Women of Color: Issues and Emerging Questions

The roles of women in the United States are changing, along with the idea that being female is mitigated by a number of constructions such as race, class, age, income, (dis)ability, culture, and sexual orientation. Interest in understanding physical activity as leisure embodied in movement, exercise, fitness, recreation, and sports has increased because moderate to vigorous physical activity is associated with a lower risk for premature death, some chronic diseases, and being overweight. Research from the Centers for Disease Control, however, has shown that fewer than 30% of minority women in the United States obtain sufficient amounts of moderate activity to derive physical and mental health benefits. The Cross Cultural Activity Participation Study was designed to measure physical activity habits in African American and American Indian women and to develop and validate a set of surveys to measure moderate physical activity. A qualitative component was included as part of the larger study to obtain additi...
On restricted edge-colorings of bicliques

We investigate the minimum and maximum number of colors in edge-colorings of Kn,n, such that every copy of Kp,p receives at least q and at most q' colors. Along the way we improve the bounds on some bipartite Turan numbers.
Joint frequency offset and channel estimation for OFDM

We investigate the problem of joint frequency offset and channel estimation for OFDM systems. The complexity of the joint maximum likelihood (ML) estimation procedure motivates us to propose an adaptive MLE algorithm which iterates between estimating the frequency offset and the channel parameters. Pilot tones are used to obtain the initial estimates and then a decision-directed technique provides an effective estimation technique. The joint modified (averaged) Cramer-Rao lower bounds (MCRB) of the channel coefficients and frequency offset estimates are derived and discussed. It is shown that, for the case of a large number of subcarriers in the OFDM system, there is approximately a 6 dB loss in the frequency offset estimate lower bound due to the lack of knowledge of the channel impulse response (CIR). The degradation of the CIR lower bound is less severe and depends on the channel delay spread. We show both analytically and by simulation, that the channel estimate accuracy is less sensitive to unknown frequency offset than the frequency offset estimation is affected by the unknown CIR. Comprehensive simulations have been carried out to validate the effectiveness of the adaptive joint estimation algorithm.
The Effects of Interfacial Suboxide Transition Regions on Direct Tunneling in Oxide and Stacked Oxide-Nitride Gate Dielectrics

Mesarjian et al. were the first to recognize the effects of suboxide interfacial transition regions at Si-SiO2 interfaces on tunneling oscillations in the Fowler-Nordheim regime. This paper extends these ideas to the direct tunneling regime and focuses on differences in interfacial transition regions between Si-SO2 interfaces with, and without monolayer level interface nitridation. Tunneling currents in both the direct and Fowler-Nordheim tunneling regimes are reduced by monolayer level interface nitridation for PMOS and NMOS devices with the same oxide-equivalent thickness. This paper develops a modified barrier layer model based on analysis of XPS results that accounts for these reductions in current in the direct tunneling regime.
Water, Sources and Quality Issues

Factors affecting stream quality and general principles of stream water geochemistry are given. Ideally, water is controlled by the alteration of rock minerals through chemical weathering processes, which liberate soluble products. These processes are controlled or influenced by climatic factors, such as rainfall, air temperature, and evaporation associated with biological or biochemical processes. Human activity impacts water quality in an ever increasing manner. Carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen are present in the hydrologic cycle and their increase or decrease is an indication of water quality. The author has studied various drainage basins and water quality of these water supplies. One study, of the Great lakes–upper St. Lawrence River, is given as an example. Keywords: Water; Sources; Stream quality; Geochemistry; Circulation rates; Quality trends; Surface water ecology; Great Lakes-Upper St. Lawrence River; Carbon; Nitrogen; Chlorine; Sulfur
Compiler Optimizations to Reduce Security Overhead

In this work, we present several compiler optimizations to reduce the overhead due to software protection. We first propose an aggressive rematerialization algorithm which attempts to maximally realize non-trusted values from other trusted values thereby avoiding the security cost for those non-trusted values. We further propose a compiler technique to utilize the secure storage in our machine model efficiently. To optimize the security cost on data that has to be stored in non-trusted storage, we propose a data grouping technique. Security operations can be performed over the group of data instead of over each piece separately. We show an interesting application of the data grouping technique to reduce the security cost. We test the effectiveness of our optimizations on a recently proposed software protection scheme that involves large overhead. Our results show that the above optimizations are effective and reduce the security overhead significantly.
Stochasticity, spikes and decoding: sufficiency and utility of order statistics

For over 75 years it has been clear that the number of spikes in a neural response is an important part of the neuronal code. Starting as early as the 1950’s with MacKay and McCullough, there has been speculation over whether each spike and its exact time of occurrence carry information. Although it is obvious that the firing rate carries information it has been less clear as to whether there is information in exactly timed patterns, when they arise from the dynamics of the neurons and networks, as opposed to when they represent some strong external drive that entrains them. One strong null hypothesis that can be applied is that spike trains arise from stochastic sampling of an underlying deterministic temporally modulated rate function, that is, there is a time-varying rate function. In this view, order statistics seem to provide a sufficient theoretical construct to both generate simulated spike trains that are indistinguishable from those observed experimentally, and to evaluate (decode) the data recovered from experiments. It remains to learn whether there are physiologically important signals that are not described by such a null hypothesis.
Neuropeptide Y‐immunoreactive Neurons in the Cerebral Cortex of Humans and Other Haplorrhine Primates

We examined the distribution of neurons immunoreactive for neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the posterior part of the superior temporal cortex (Brodmann's area 22 or area Tpt) of humans and nonhuman haplorrhine primates. NPY has been implicated in learning and memory and the density of NPY-expressing cortical neurons and axons is reduced in depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease. Due to the role that NPY plays in both cognition and neurodegenerative diseases, we tested the hypothesis that the density of cortical and interstitial neurons expressing NPY was increased in humans relative to other primate species. The study sample included great apes (chimpanzee and gorilla), Old World monkeys (pigtailed macaque, moor macaque, and baboon) and New World monkeys (squirrel monkey and capuchin). Stereologic methods were used to estimate the density of NPY-immunoreactive (-ir) neurons in layers I-VI of area Tpt and the subjacent white matter. Adjacent Nissl-stained sections were used to calculate local densities of all neurons. The ratio of NPY-ir neurons to total neurons within area Tpt and the total density of NPY-ir neurons within the white matter were compared among species. Overall, NPY-ir neurons represented only an average of 0.006% of the total neuron population. While there were significant differences among species, phylogenetic trends in NPY-ir neuron distributions were not observed and humans did not differ from other primates. However, variation among species warrants further investigation into the distribution of this neuromodulator system.
The Hydrologic and Thermodynamic Characteristics of the NCAR CCM3

Climatological properties for selected aspects of the thermodynamic structure and hydrologic cycle are presented from a 15-yr numerical simulation conducted with the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Climate Model, version 3 (CCM3), using an observed sea surface temperature climatology. In most regards, the simulated thermal structure and hydrologic cycle represent a marked improvement when compared with earlier versions of the CCM. Three major modifications to parameterized physics are primarily responsible for the more notable improvements in the simulation: modifications to the diagnosis of cloud optical properties, modifications to the diagnosis of boundary layer processes, and the incorporation of a penetrative formulation for deep cumulus convection. The various roles of these physical parameterization changes will be discussed in the context of the simulation strengths and weaknesses.
Alterations in Kainate Receptor and TRPM1 Localization in Bipolar Cells after Retinal Photoreceptor Degeneration

Photoreceptor degeneration differentially impacts glutamatergic signaling in downstream On and Off bipolar cells. In rodent models, photoreceptor degeneration leads to loss of glutamatergic signaling in On bipolar cells, whereas Off bipolar cells appear to retain glutamate sensitivity, even after extensive photoreceptor loss. The localization and identity of the receptors that mediate these residual glutamate responses in Off bipolar cells have not been determined. Recent studies show that macaque and mouse Off bipolar cells receive glutamatergic input primarily through kainate-type glutamate receptors. Here, we studied the impact of photoreceptor degeneration on glutamate receptor and their associated proteins in Off and On bipolar cells. We show that the kainate receptor subunit, GluK1, persists in remodeled Off bipolar cell dendrites of the rd10 mouse retina. However, the pattern of expression is altered and the intensity of staining is reduced compared to wild-type retina. The kainate receptor auxiliary subunit, Neto1, also remains in Off bipolar cell dendrites after extensive photoreceptor degeneration. Similar preservation of kainate receptor subunits was evident in human retina in which photoreceptors had degenerated due to serous retinal detachment. In contrast, photoreceptor degeneration leads to loss of synaptic expression of TRPM1 in mouse and human On bipolar cells, but strong somatic expression remains. These findings demonstrate that Off bipolar cells retain dendritic glutamate receptors during retinal degeneration and could thus serve as a conduit for signal transmission from transplanted or optogenetically restored photoreceptors.
Endogenous natriuretic factors 3: isolation and characterization of human natriuretic factors llu-α, LLU-β1, and llu-γ

A low molecular weight endogenous substance believed to be responsible for extracellular fluid homeostasis in mammals has been sought for many years. Our goal is to isolate and structurally characterize this putative {open_quotes}natriuretic hormone{close_quotes}. We have developed an assay using the conscious rat to measure prolonged natriuresis, the activity originally described for this putative substance. Using this assay we have identified a number of natriuretic compounds isolated from human uremic urine. The collected urine is processed by ultrafiltration ({le} 3 kDa), gel filtration chromatography (G-25) and extraction with isopropanol and diethyl ether. The organic soluble material is then subjected to sequential high-performance liquid chromatography. We report here the initial characterization of two pure isolates (LLU-{alpha} and LLU-{gamma}) obtained by this method, and the structural elucidation of a third pure compound, LLU-{beta}{sub 1}, a natriuretic and previously unreported metabolite of the drug diltiazem. 33 refs., 7 figs., 4 tabs.
A Cautionary Note on Innovative Overlap

As Ostlund [3] states, "little work has focused on the overlap of innovativeness across product categories." While the results of his study on overlap suggest that there are generalized innovators, these results must be viewed with extreme caution. The critical cautionary areas involved include the behavioral aspects of innovation, the validity of the measurement techniques, and the presentation and interpretation of the data.
The Red-Banded Osbornellus Species of the Auronitens Group Occurring in the United States

In 1937 Beamer[1][1] published a review of the Genus Osbornellus in the United States and Canada. In that paper he recognized two red-banded species both of which had formerly been placed under the specific name auronitens . The southern form he named rotundas and designated its distribution as the southeastern United States and the Atlantic coast north to Connecticut. The distribution of auronitens was defined as the northeastern United States but extending as far south as Virginia and North Carolina and as far west as Kansas, Oklahome and Minnesota. A study of the material at hand indicates that there are three distinct species instead of two. The third species is described under the name of limosus and is associated with the bog and swamp plant associations. It is apparently eastern in distribution and has been taken in Tennessee, Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Quebec in bog and swamp habitats. In appearance it most closely resembles auronitens but in male genital characters it most closely resembles the southern form. The style of limosus is unique in that it bears a pointed tooth on the inner margin of each style near the apex. The aedeagus is the same general type as rotundas but the whole process is larger and the lateral blades are more broadened, tapering to sharp pointed apices. The female segment is also different from either of the two described species. [1]: #fn-1
Transatlantic and Transpacific Connections in Early American History

This article explores America’s earliest engagement with the transpacific world and in particular with China. From the mid-eighteenth century, Americans seeking new economic opportunities considered Asia and the Pacific region important to their development. Taking advantage of their geographical proximity to both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, Americans developed ways to connect the two regions. These transoceanic networks of trade proved crucial to the economic and political development of the young United States and set the stage for its future influence in the region.
A Fuzzy Logic Approach for Low Altitude UAS Traffic Management (UTM)

In the coming years, operations in low altitude airspace will vastly increase as the capabilities and applications of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) continue to multiply. Therefore, solutions to managing vehicles in highly congested airspace must be explored. In this study, an intelligent systems approach was used to help mitigate the risk of collision between aircraft in uncontrolled airspace using a UAS Traffic Management (UTM) System. To test the effectiveness of this system, a three-dimensional environment was created using MATLAB to simulate a fully autonomous heterogeneous fleet of UAS attempting to accomplish a variety of realistic missions, including precision agriculture, package delivery services, natural resource monitoring, and disaster management. Main research challenges include situational awareness, decision making, and multi-agent control in an uncertain, time-critical, spatio-temporal environment. The UTM system was evaluated for its effectiveness at using intelligent separation assurance and collision avoidance techniques to mitigate the risk of Near Mid-Air Collisions between aircraft. This fuzzy solution utilizes only current state information and can resolve potential conflicts without knowledge of intruder intent. It was found that the collision avoidance techniques were 99.88% successful over a span of nearly 16,255 flight hours. Lastly, it was found that the techniques employed for separation assurance drastically mitigated the risk for a loss of well-clear. Comparing the unmitigated and mitigated cases, the number of losses of separation between aircraft reduced from one loss of separation per two flight hours, to one loss of separation per ten flight hours. This mitigated separation assurance platform was successful at preventing a loss of separation 88.47% of the time, over a span of 7,545 flight hours.
Labor market dynamics and the unconventional natural gas boom: Evidence from the Marcellus region

The energy extraction boom of the mid 2000s impacted local economies in areas with substantial shale oil and gas reserves. I examine the impact of the energy boom on the labor market by exploiting a natural experiment in the Marcellus region. In particular, I compare counties with fracking activity in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia to the control group of counties in New York, which imposed a moratorium and later ban on fracking. I look at how the benefits to the labor demand shock are shared between industries as well as how employment and wages in related industries adjust over the course of the resource boom. The results suggest total employment and wages per job increase by 7% and 11% respectively above pre-boom levels in the three years after the boom, but decline after 4 years or more. The results also show significant positive spillovers to related sectors, such as construction, transportation, retail trade and accommodations. However, there is no evidence of the so called ‘resource curse’ crowding out employment or increasing wages in manufacturing.
Mixing Enhancement by Boundary Feedback Control in 2D MHD Channel Flow: A Numerical Study

A direct numerical simulation (DNS) code has been developed, based on a hybrid Fourier pseudospectral-finite difference discretization scheme and the fractional step technique, to simulate a two-dimensional (2D) magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) channel flow, also known as Hartmann flow. This flow is characterized by an electrically conducting, incompressible fluid moving between parallel plates in the presence of an externally imposed transverse magnetic field. The system is described by the MHD equations, a combination of the Navier-Stokes equation and the Magnetic Induction equation, which is derived from the Maxwell equations. The laminarization effect of the imposed magnetic field is studied numerically. In addition, a nonlinear, Lyapunov-based, boundary feedback control law designed for mixing enhancement is numerically tested. Pressure sensors, magnetic field sensors, and micro-jets embedded into the walls of the flow domain are considered in this work to implement a feedback control law that maximizes a measure related to mixing (which incorporates stretching and folding of material elements), and minimizes the control and sensing efforts.
Chronic Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is the 5th leading cause of death from cancer and the 11th most common cancer in the United States1; each year 24,000 people die of pancreatic cancer in this country. The incidence of pancreatic cancer increased dramatically several decades ago, but it has remained fairly stable over the past 15 years (9.1 per 100,000). Although the five-year survival rate has improved only slightly in recent years (from 3 percent in 1970 through 1973 to 5.4 percent in 1981 through 1987 among whites and from 2 percent to 4.3 percent during the same periods among blacks), nearly all . . .
Study on the TOPSIS method for the comprehensive evaluation about tuberculosis control for Heze City in 2011

Objective To explore the feasibility and comprehensively evaluate the quality of tubeculosis control for Heze City in 2011 used by TOPSIS method.Methods Selected consultation rate of suspected patients,sputum examination rate of consulation,chest X-ray rate of consulation,total reached rate of buberculosis patients or suspected patients,cure rate of new smear positive patients as the evaluated index,used SAS program to do TOPSIS evaluation.Results The comprehensive quality of F County was better,while the quality of G County was bad,which was matching the actual work.Conclusion TOPSIS method can inflect the real work and can be widely used in quality assessment.
Design Improvement of the Structure of A Minibus' s Camber Beam

The article analyzes the crack of camber beam in the test for a minibus' s durability,puts forward optimization plans,summarizes some structural design requirements to radiator installation of camber beam,and further explains the important effects of other parts on vehicle's condition entry,intensity and function designs.
Knowledge of Industrial Noise Hazard and Protection among Workers in Putuo District,Shanghai

[Objective] To study knowledge status of industrial noise hazard and protective measures among noise-exposed workers in Putuo District of Shanghai,and to provide references for effective control and prevention of industrial noise.[Methods] A questionnaire survey enrolled 320 noise-exposed workers from Putuo District by random multistage sampling in April 2011.The relations of knowledge of industrial noise hazard and protection with job title,age,gender,household register,and educational level were analyzed.[Results] Differences in knowledge of industrial noise hazard and protective measures were found among groups of different age,gender,household register,and educational level.The workers of different age showed significant differences in the awareness rate of once-a-year-occupational-health-examination(χ2=12.37,P 0.05).The male workers showed higher awareness than the female workers on the knowledge of nervous system damage induced by industrial noise(χ2=5.01,P 0.05).There were significant differences between local and non-local residents in the knowledge that the regular occupational health exam is demanded by laws,the frequency of occupational health examination is once a year,and cotton is not good at noise blocking(χ2=5.37,4.19,7.90,respectively,all P 0.05).There were significant differences in the knowledge that industrial noise may induce hearing loss or deafness,industrial noise may damage nervous system,adverse health effect may increase with intensity,and the laws stipulate regular occupational health exams between the industrial noise exposed workers of different education background(χ2=22.37,15.09,9.63,13.07,respectively,all P 0.05).[Conclusion] The knowledge of industrial noise hazard and protection should be further strengthened among workers with occupational exposure to noise in Putuo District.Relevant instructions and trainings should be deliverable to target workers.
Effects of Lecithin on Memory and Plasma Choline Levels: A study in Normal Volunteers

Administration of choline (Ch) or lecithin (phosphatidylcholine), the biosynthetic precursors of acetylcholine (ACh) may increase functional cholinergic neurotransmission (1,14,15). Ch has been reported to increase plasma levels of Ch and brain levels of ACh (1, 14,15) and to be of some benefit in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia (7,11,12). Lecithin is similar but may be superior insofar as it does not cause one of the major side effects of Ch treatment, namely, an offensive “fishy” odor.
Marital status and living condition as predictors of mortality and readmissions among African Americans with heart failure

Abstract Socioeconomic factors, including social support, may partially explain why African Americans (AA) have the highest prevalence of heart failure and with worse outcomes compared to other races. AA are more likely to be hospitalized and readmitted for heart failure and have higher mortality. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the social factors of marital status and living condition affect readmission rates and all-cause mortality following hospitalization for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) in AA patients. Methods Medical records from 611 AA admitted to Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia from January, 2011 to February, 2013 for ADHF were reviewed. Patient demographics including living condition (nursing home residents, living with family or living alone) and marital status (married or non-married -including single, divorced, separated and widowed) were correlated with all-cause mortality and readmission rates. Results In this cohort (53% male, mean age 65±15, mean ejection fraction 32±16%) 25% (n=152) of subjects were unmarried. Unmarried patients had significantly higher 30-day readmission rates (16% vs. 6% p=0.0002) and higher 1-year mortality (17% vs. 11% p=0.047) compared with married patients. Fifty percent (n=303) of subjects were living with family members, while 40% (n=242) and 11% (n=66) were living alone or in a nursing facility, respectively. Patients living with family members had significantly lower 30-day readmission rates when compared with those living alone or in a nursing facility (7% vs 21% vs. 18% p= Conclusion The socioeconomic factors of marital status and living condition significantly correlated with mortality and 30-day readmission rate in AA heart failure patients. Specifically, being married and living with family independently predict lower mortality and fewer readmissions. Surprisingly, living in a nursing facility was associated with significantly higher mortality than living alone or with family.
Vectors and Analytic Geometry

The only subspaces of R 3 , other than the zero subspace and R 3 itself, are those of dimensions one and two. By definition, a one-dimensional subspace consists of all multiples of a fixed nonzero vector and a two-dimensional subspace consists of all linear combinations of two linearly independent vectors. These subspaces have familiar geometric interpretations. The chapter describes lines and planes. It explains coplanar and collinear vectors. Three vectors are coplanar if they are linearly dependent and noncoplanar if they are not linearly dependent. Two vectors U and V are linearly dependent if and only if line segments drawn from the origin in the directions of U and V are on the same line; hence, two vectors are said to be collinear if they are parallel and noncollinear if they are not parallel. The chapter discusses the use of vectors to study the motion of a particle in R 3 . It considers position, velocity, and acceleration vectors. The chapter also explores parametric functions, that is, vector valued functions of a single real variable. It describes two coordinate systems in R 3 , namely, cylindrical coordinates and spherical coordinates.
Toxicity, pharmacokinetics and metabolism of a novel inhibitor of IL-6-induced STAT3 activation.

Purpose The oncogenic transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) promotes gene transcription involved in cancer, and its activation by IL-6 is found in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Four triazolothiadizine STAT3 pathway inhibitors were evaluated to prioritize a single compound for in vivo examination.
Katalytische enantioselektive und diastereoselektive allylische Alkylierung mit Fluorenolaten: Synthese von C3‑fluorierten und quartären Oxindolen

Synthetisch vielseitige 3,3-disubstituierte Fluoroxindole mit benachbarten Chiralitatszentren wurden in hohen Ausbeuten und mit exzellenten Enantio-, Diastereo- und Regioselektivitaten durch katalytische asymmetrische Alkylierung von Fluorenolaten mit Allylacetaten erhalten. Die Reaktion verlauft unter milden Bedingungen und kann in groseren Ansatzen ohne Beeintrachtigung der asymmetrischen Induktion durchgefuhrt werden. Der praparative Nutzen der Produkte wird durch den Einbau von zusatzlichen Funktionsgruppen und die Bildung von C3-fluorierten Oxindolen mit vier angrenzenden Chiralitatszentren belegt. Eine neue Methode zur C-F-Bindungsfunktionalisierung, die neuartige Moglichkeiten fur die stereoselektive Erzeugung eines chiralen quartaren Kohlenstoffzentrums im Alkaloidgerust ermoglicht, wird aufgezeigt.