cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of Spike Models in Measuring Consumers' Willingness to Pay for Non-GM Oil

In this paper, Chinese consumers' preferences and their willingness to pay (WTP) for non-genetically modified (GM) vegetable oil were elicited by a payment card approach. In addition to the conventional model, spike models, which were originally developed to evaluate public goods, were adopted in this paper. These spike models recognize the possibility of zero WTP and provide opportunities to analyze two correlated decision stages: whether to pay a premium for non-GM oil and how much the premium is. Results show that consumers behaved consistently in the two decision stages and there is a premium associated with non-GM oil.
Collagen Type XI α 1 Chain Amino Propeptide Structural Model and Glycosaminoglycan Interactions in Silico

Modeling of the collagen 1(XI) amino propeptide (NPP) domain was performed to better understand how dimerization and glycosaminoglycan binding are coordinated. The program MODELLER was used to generate a homology model of collagen 1(XI) NPP domain based on the crystal structure of the closely related NC4 domain of collagen 1 (IX) (PDB:2UUR) to a root mean square deviation (rmsd) of 0.785 A resolution. A model of collagen 1(XI) NPP domain dimer was constructed in two alternative templates; 1) the thrombospondin dimer template (PDB:1Z78), and 2) by submission of two monomer subunits based on PDB:2UUR to ClusPro. Calculation of relative binding energy for the interaction between each collagen α1(XI) NPP model and glycosaminoglycans as ligands was performed using AutoDock4. Results support a higher affinity between heparan sulfate and the dimer compared to the monomer. Sequential point mutation studies in the putative binding site (147-KKKITK-152) indicated the importance of each basic lysine residue in the binding of heparan sulfate. Two orders of magnitude change in binding affinity was predicted when comparing wild type to the mutation K152A.
Corporate Governance: Sliding Seamlessly into the Twenty-First Century

Corporate governance is an often discussed, but little understood, topic that generally generates more heat than light. Beginning with an analytical overview of how business law prognosticators have evaluated the theoretical premises for corporate governance through the years, this article examines the competing forces that currently pull and push governance into the twenty-first century. It reviews how the significant surrounding legal contexts – management’s general fiduciary obligations, takeovers and related restructurings, and securities regulation – have dramatically reformed the climate in which corporations operate, yet have overall remained strangely static. Ultimately, this article ties together many disparate corporate governance themes to reach a surprising conclusion: that corporate governance today is in a relatively stable and healthy condition despite extreme influences; that the corporate governance debate has reached a higher plane of cooperative discussion, enabling business law commentators, practitioners, and business people to examine and resolve the underlying issues in a manner beneficial to all concerned; and that the governance of America’s businesses will slide seamlessly into the twenty-first century, retaining a reasoned balance of corporate wealth and accountability. No single monitor will be responsible for the vitality of good governance; indeed, the multiple forces represented by active, informed shareholders and responsible, responsive management working together will provide the required checks and balances. Most miraculously, even as mistakes are made in the affecting legal fields, corporate governance has shown an uncanny, cat-like ability to land on its feet and maintain an equilibrium that benefits corporations, shareholders, and society.
OxycomTM treatment suppresses Pseudomonas syringae infection and activates a mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in tobacco

Abstract Commercial field use of Oxycom TM is correlated with improved plant performance in diverse crops. Oxycom TM conferred disease resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci ( Pst ) in tobacco. Symptoms were reduced and bacterial multiplication was inhibited in leaves pretreated with Oxycom TM in comparison to the levels in leaves treated with water. Oxycom TM treatment enhanced the accumulation of PR-1 protein occurring after challenge by Pst . Oxycom TM -treated plants showed greater accumulations of transcripts from the defence genes PR-1a , PR-1g and PR-3a than plants treated with salicylic acid (SA). Oxycom TM treatment caused rapid phosphorylation of a 48 kDa protein with MAP kinase activity. Phosphorylation of the same protein was caused by SA treatment of leaves and suspension cultured tobacco cells. Thisprotein was recognized by a SIPK-specific antibody. These results suggest to us that Oxycom TM stimulates expression of a broad range of defence genes in plants, including those connected to the SA-activated MAPK pathway.
Habitat and water quality as drivers of ecological system health in Central Appalachia

Abstract Ecological mitigation in Central Appalachia often takes one of two approaches: a water quality-driven focus (TMDLs), or a geomorphological focus on stream/habitat restoration (404 permit-related requirements). While often successful at reducing in-stream pollutants or restoring stable hydrology respectively, recent studies have shown that neither approach appreciably improves aquatic ecosystem health. We report here on a field sampling campaign along the Kentucky–Virginia border aimed at identifying primary macroinvertebrate stressors in order to inform ecological remediation efforts and how those efforts might fit into the current regulatory structure. Over two years, we collected 178 observations of benthic species diversity at 36 unique sites representing watersheds of varying surface disturbance and anthropogenic activities, along with associated data from rapid bioassessment protocols (RBPs). Using land use metrics (derived from GIS data), water quality data, habitat metrics, and stream condition indices, principal component analysis (PCA) identified surface disturbance, forest cover, and specific conductivity as significant variables comprising the first PC. Habitat appears to be a secondary driver affecting community sensitivity with channel alteration, bank vegetation, riparian vegetation, and epifaunal substrate contributing significantly to the second PC. PERMANOVA analysis showed these groups to be significantly different from one another ( p = 0.001), R 2 = 0.44. Change point analysis via 500 bootstrapped replications identified shifts in community composition means at 326, 609, and 1065 mS/cm along the conductivity gradient, and habitat change points at 42.6 and 58.2 along the composite habitat gradient. These findings suggest that approaches that improve water quality, upland hydrology, and localized habitat structures may simultaneously be necessary to improve aquatic ecosystem health.
4. GLOBALIZING THE COMANCHE EMPIRE

The Comanche rose by adapting to the technological and trade opportunities brought to New Mexico by the eighteenth-century expansion of New Spain's globally linked silver economy. They built an empire that flourished in the first half of the nineteenth century, dominating vast areas of the high plains and controlling complex trades, just as a social revolution within Mexico's wars of independence undermined the silver economy and ended its northward dynamism. Comanche power flourished between a struggling Mexico and an expanding US, until the military and industrial power of the latter combined with the ecological vulnerabilities of the Comanche economy to enable the Anglo-American triumph in what should be called the War for North America of 1846–1848. The US claimed a continental West from an uncertain Mexican sovereignty and an assertive Comanche empire of war and trade. The expansion and collapse of New Spain, the rise and fall of the Comanche empire, and the rise of the United States all occurred within an evolving globalization. Spanish North America expanded to 1810; Comanche power rose in the eighteenth century and soared after 1810 as Mexico struggled with the challenges of nation-making; then the United States defeated both to claim continental hegemony in the 1840s. These expansions, conflicts, and changes—all tied to larger processes of globalization—reshaped North America between 1700 and 1850.
Functional Reconstitution of Recombinant Phospholamban with Rabbit Skeletal Ca2+-ATPase

Phospholamban (PLB) is a small, transmembrane protein that resides in the cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and regulates the activity of Ca2+-ATPase in response to β-adrenergic stimulation. We have used the baculovirus expression system in Sf21 cells to express milligram quantities of wild-type PLB. After purification by antibody affinity chromatography, the function of this recombinant PLB was tested by reconstitution with Ca2+-ATPase purified from skeletal SR. The results obtained with recombinant PLB were indistinguishable from those obtained with purified, canine cardiac PLB. In particular, PLB reduced the apparent calcium affinity of Ca2+-ATPase but had no effect on Vmax. At pCa 6.8, PLB inhibited both calcium uptake and ATPase activity of Ca2+-ATPase by 50%. This inhibition was fully reversed by addition of a monoclonal antibody to PLB, which mimics the physiological effects of PLB phosphorylation. Maximal PLB regulatory effects occurred at a molar stoichiometry of ∼3:1, PLB/Ca2+-ATPase. We also investigated peptides corresponding to the two main domains of PLB. The membrane-spanning domain, PLB26–52, appeared to uncouple ATPase hydrolysis from calcium transport, even though the permeability of the reconstituted vesicles was not altered. The cytoplasmic peptide, PLB1–31, had little effect, even at a 300:1 molar excess over Ca2+-ATPase.
Energy cost and error performance of range-aware, anchor-free localization algorithms

Many applications that use sensor data from a wireless sensor network (WSN) require corresponding node position information as well. Therefore, it is not surprising that a common figure of merit for localization algorithms is the accuracy of the position estimate produced. Similarly, the amount of communication required by a localization algorithm is often of paramount interest as well since it is common knowledge that communication expends the most energy in a WSN. However, localization algorithms seldom characterize their communication cost. Furthermore, when they do it is often merely qualitative and is typically described as ''expensive''. For two types of range-aware, anchor-free localization algorithms we found the opposite to be true. Rather than being expensive, the communication costs were quite modest. So much so that we maintain range-aware, anchor-free localization algorithms should be chosen on the basis of the accuracy required by the intended application independent of the communication cost. In this paper, we examine the effect of node degree, node distribution, range error and network size on distance error and communication cost for both incremental and concurrent versions of range-aware, anchor-free algorithms. The concurrent algorithm is twice as accurate as the incremental, but less efficient. Furthermore, node degree influences the energy cost of the algorithms the most, but neither algorithm uses more than a surprisingly small 0.8% of a 560mAh battery. This result indicates less energy efficient localization algorithms can be tolerated, especially if they provide better accuracy. Furthermore, if energy does need to be conserved, there is not much savings available within the localization algorithm and savings must be found in other areas such as the MAC protocol or routing algorithm.
Utilization of Phosphorus in Lactating Cows Fed Varying Amounts of Phosphorus and Forage

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of dietary forage proportion and P content on fecal P excretion. Four dietary treatments were formed in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. The P content was 0.33 or 0.42%, and the forage proportion was 48 or 58% on a dry matter (DM) basis. The neutral detergent fiber content was 27 and 30% for the low and high forage diets, respectively. The P amount was varied by using monosodium phosphate, and the forage amount by changing the proportions of alfalfa silage and corn. The diets were fed to 44 midlactation Holsteins for 14 wk. Fecal P excretion was estimated using Cr marker and grab sampling. Dietary P content did not affect DM intake, milk yield, or milk composition. The P intake averaged 74 and 96 g/d and fecal P averaged 0.69 and 0.92% (DM basis) or 49 and 65 g/d for the low and high P diets, respectively. Thus, reducing dietary P from 0.42 to 0.33% resulted in approximately 25% less estimated fecal P excretion. Increasing dietary forage reduced milk yield (34.0 vs. 36.5 kg/d), but increased milk fat content (3.66 vs. 3.25%). Estimated apparent digestibility of P tended to decrease (31.1 vs. 36.6%) when the forage proportion increased, but most of the change occurred when the diets contained the low amount of P. Overall, the effect of forage proportion on estimated fecal P excretion was small when diets contained 48 or 58% forage, varied by alfalfa silage. Phosphorus intake has a much larger impact on fecal P excretion than forage proportion, and it does not seem necessary to adjust the dietary P content according to the forage proportion to provide the same amount of absorbed P.
Addition of different sources and levels of amino acids and sugars to broiler litter before deep-stacking

Abstract Different sources and levels of amino acids (soybean meal at 0, 10, 20 or 40% of dry matter; similar quantities of lysine and methionine in synthetic forms) and sugars were mixed with broiler litter and placed in dacron bags embedded in a deep-stack for 3 or 9 weeks to determine changes in concentrations of nitrogen fractions and digestibility in ruminants. Pepsin-insoluble nitrogen concentration after 48 h of ruminal incubation was not changed by deep-stacking for 3 wk and only slightly elevated at 9 wk. Deep-stacking did not markedly alter in situ ruminal disappearance of broiler litter nitrogen. Conversely, in situ ruminal nitrogen disappearance of soybean meal substrates was decreased by deep-stacking; the change was greater for 16 than for 48 h of ruminal incubation. Sugar addition to soybean meal substrates did not appear to enhance rumen undegradable protein concentration. In conclusion, these results suggest that potential exists to markedly increase rumen undegradable protein in soybean meal and possibly other feedstuffs high in rumen digestible protein by addition to broiler litter before deep-stacking.
Cancer gene expression signatures - the rise and fall?

Abstract A ‘gene expression signature’ can be defined as a single or a combined gene expression alteration with validated specificity in terms of diagnosis, prognosis or prediction of therapeutic response. Since the publication of the first signature in the late 90s, high-throughput gene expression analysis has revolutionised genetics over the last 15 years. The scientific community has used this new technology to find responses to these fundamental questions; from understanding tumour biology, to prediction of progression, and treatments to which it will respond. Nevertheless, legitimate excitement about the attractiveness of molecular technologies and the promise of discovery-based research should not overlook adherence to the rules of evidence, otherwise it may result in claims that are not meaningful and lead to disappointment. This review will thus focus on the approaches developed to answer these three fundamental questions and the results evidenced both at biological and clinical level. On looking at this huge amount of data that have become increasingly minute, and at times contradictory, we discuss how gene expression signature improve our understanding of cancer biology, our ability to predict progression and response, and finally, our capacity to treat cancers more efficiently.
INSECTICIDAL ACTIVITY OF GONYAULAX (DINOPHYCEAE) CELL POWDERS AND SAXITOXIN TO THE GERMAN COCKROACH1

Crude cell powders prepared from unialgal cultures of Gonyaulax monilata Howell, and G. tamarensis Lebour and saxitoxin were found to be insecticidal against the German cockroach Blatella germanica L., yielding respective LD50 values of 194, 12.50 and 0.7 μg/g insect body weight. Although mice appear more sensitive to saxitoxin than German cockroaches, the insect's small mass and simple rearing requirements favor it as a bioassay organism in analytical situations of limited toxin quantities.
Facial Recognition Software Success Rates for the Identification of 3D Surface Reconstructed Facial Images: Implications for Patient Privacy and Security

Image de-identification has focused on the removal of textual protected health information (PHI). Surface reconstructions of the face have the potential to reveal a subject’s identity even when textual PHI is absent. This study assessed the ability of a computer application to match research subjects’ 3D facial reconstructions with conventional photographs of their face. In a prospective study, 29 subjects underwent CT scans of the head and had frontal digital photographs of their face taken. Facial reconstructions of each CT dataset were generated on a 3D workstation. In phase 1, photographs of the 29 subjects undergoing CT scans were added to a digital directory and tested for recognition using facial recognition software. In phases 2–4, additional photographs were added in groups of 50 to increase the pool of possible matches and the test for recognition was repeated. As an internal control, photographs of all subjects were tested for recognition against an identical photograph. Of 3D reconstructions, 27.5% were matched correctly to corresponding photographs (95% upper CL, 40.1%). All study subject photographs were matched correctly to identical photographs (95% lower CL, 88.6%). Of 3D reconstructions, 96.6% were recognized simply as a face by the software (95% lower CL, 83.5%). Facial recognition software has the potential to recognize features on 3D CT surface reconstructions and match these with photographs, with implications for PHI.
Analysis of the absorption kinetics for the detection of parathion using hybrid organic/inorganic coating on SH-SAW devices in aqueous solution

Abstract Organophosphate pesticides (OPs) have been found as contaminants in surface and ground waters, soil, and agricultural products. Because OPs are toxic compounds, monitoring of OPs in groundwater is necessary to allow for real-time remediation. Various types of polymer-coated sensors are being investigated for the rapid detection/monitoring of OPs in groundwater. The focus of this paper is on analyzing the sensor response of an acoustic wave device for the detection of organophosphate pesticides in aqueous solutions to determine whether the analyte absorption is penetration limited or diffusion limited. In this work, kinetic studies for the absorption of organophosphates (parathion-methyl, parathion, and paraoxon) from aqueous solutions into a hybrid organic/inorganic chemically sensitive layer [bisphenol A–hexamethyltrisiloxane (BPA-HMTS)] coating are conducted using guided shear horizontal surface acoustic wave sensor platforms on 36° rotated Y-cut LiTaO 3 . The objective of the studies is to provide an understanding of the underlying physics of the sensor response. The sensor data are analyzed within the context of two absorption models: penetration-limited and diffusion-limited absorptions. It is shown that the absorption process is rate-limited by penetration with a concentration independent absorption time constant or mass transfer coefficient. The absorption time constants for parathion-methyl, parathion, and paraoxon are calculated. It is seen that even though paraoxon is only 3.8% smaller (by volume) than parathion, its absorption time constant (∼10.5 ± 2.1 min) is, for the same coating thickness, at least 50% faster than parathion (∼32.5 ± 1.6 min). On the other hand, parathion-methyl, which is 9.5% smaller than paraoxon, exhibited about the same absorption time (∼8.3 ± 0.5 min) as paraoxon. This difference in transient information can be used to improve analyte recognition (between parathion/paraoxon and parathion/parathion-methyl).
Sources of Change in the Process of Population Redistribution in the United States, 1955–1980

The location of population in the United States is being altered by processes of population redistribution which are themselves subject to change. A framework for the investigation of changes in a continuing process of population redistribution is introduced in this paper, and is used to test hypotheses about the sources of change in the process of the redistribution over the states of the USA. Changes in migration behavior are the major source of change in redistribution patterns, and incremental logit models are used to test the hypothesis that changes in migration behavior are responsive to changes in the localization of employment and changes in the demography of the population. Models of changes in migration behavior are used to construct a series of models of the relocation of population, which are investigated by means of information statistics. The results support the hypothesis that patterns of population redistribution in the 1970s differed substantially from the patterns of earlier decades. Cha...
3D Navier-Stokes Simulations of a rotor designed for Maximum Aerodynamic Efficiency

The present paper describes the design of a three-bladed wind turbine rotor taking into account maximum aerodynamic efficiency only and not considering structural as well as offdesign issues. The rotor was designed assuming constant induction for most of the blade span, but near the tip region a constant load was assumed. The rotor design was obtained using an Actuator Disc model and was subsequently verified using both a free wake Lifting Line method and a full 3D Navier-Stokes solver. Excellent agreement was obtained using the three models. Global mechanical power coefficient, CP, reached a value of slightly above 0.51, while global thrust coefficient, CT, was 0.87. The local power coefficient, Cp, increased to slightly above the Betz limit on the inner part of the rotor as well as the local thrust coefficient, Ct, increased to a value above 1.1. This agrees well with the theory of de Vries which states that including the effect of the low pressure behind the centre of the rotor stemming from the increased rotation both Cp and Ct will increase towards the root. Towards the tip both Cp and Ct decrease due to tip corrections as well as drag.
Mild skin photosensitivity in cancer patients following injection of Photochlor (2-[1-hexyloxyethyl]-2-devinyl pyropheophorbide-a; HPPH) for photodynamic therapy

Purpose: To measure skin photosensitivity in cancer patients infused with the new second-generation photodynamic sensitizer Photochlor (2-[1-hexyloxyethyl]-2-devinyl pyropheophorbide-a). A major disadvantage of using the clinically approved photosensitizer Photofrin is potentially prolonged and sometimes severe cutaneous phototoxicity. Patients and methods: Forty-eight patients enrolled in Phases 1 and 2 clinical trials underwent two or more exposures to four graded doses (44.4, 66.6, 88.8 or 133.2 J/cm2) of artificial solar-spectrum light (SSL) before and after administration of Photochlor at a dose of 2.5, 3, 4, 5 or 6 mg/m2 . Results: The most severe skin response, experienced by only six of the subjects, was limited to erythema without edema and could only be elicited by exposure to the highest light dose. Conversely, eight subjects had no discernible reaction to SSL at any light dose. For nearly all the patients, the peak skin response was obtained when the interval between sensitizer injection and exposure to SSL was 1 day and, generally, their sensitivity to SSL decreased with increasing sensitizer-light interval. For example, a 2-day sensitizer-SSL interval resulted in less severe reactions than those obtained with the 1-day interval in 79% of the subjects, while 90% of the subjects exposed to SSL 3 days after Photochlor infusion had responses that were less severe than those obtained with either the 1- or 2-day sensitizer-SSL interval. Conclusions: Photochlor, at clinically effective antitumor doses, causes only mild skin photosensitivity that declines rapidly over a few days.
Spiritual Well Being In Appalachian Women: An Instrument Evaluation

The purpose of this research was to investigate the efficacy of the Spiritual Well Being instrument constructed by Paloutzian and Ellison. A convenience sample of 50 rural Appalachian women agreed to complete the questionnaire. Guarantees of confidentiality were made by the investigator. Although the Cronbach alpha for the instrument was 9.11, the Likert scale may have been unsatisfactory as a response format. The conceptual clarity of the construct, spiritual well being, is unclear and requires further phenomenologic investigation to determine the indicators for the population of Appalachian women.
Design of cyclic and other templates for potent and selective peptide α-MSH analogues

For over three decades, the design of linear peptide ligands often has incorporated cyclic constraints to improve potency, receptor selectivity, proteolytic stability and biodistribution. Its importance has been so well established that modern day schemes for ligand-based drug design often start with cyclization of linear peptides to rigidify peptide structure, to limit its conformational possibilities, and to find key pharmacophore elements in three-dimensional space. In the past several years, cyclic constraints have been used to develop ligands with improved efficacy, binding affinity, biostability and receptor selectivity for α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Furthermore, potent cyclic α-MSH analogues, such as MT-II and SHU-9119, have made structure–activity relationship studies and molecular modeling more useful for creating new three-dimensional, topographical pharmacophore templates.
Breeding for Striga Resistance in Sorghum: Exploitation of an Intricate Host–Parasite Biology

The parasitic weed Striga Lour. has been one of the more intractable agricultural problems seriously limiting productivity of cereal and legume crops in sub-Saharan Africa. The development of crop plants with resistance to Striga has been limited because of the complexity of interactions between host, parasite, and the physical environment. We formulated a novel approach based on developing and exploiting a thorough understanding of the biology of this intricate association. We employed this knowledge-based approach to develop powerful selection assays, to conduct genetic analyses, and to characterize the range of mechanism involved in host plant resistance to Striga. Information thus generated has been used to identify unique sources of resistance to Striga, introgress these genes into selected cultivars, and deploy sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] cultivars with known sources of Striga resistance either independently or in tandem as genotypes with multiple mechanisms of resistance. High yielding sorghum cultivars with Striga resistance and evident grain quality characteristics have been developed and deployed in a number of African countries to be used as cultivars per se or as a central component of an integrated Striga management program.
Long-term anticholinergic administration and gastric secretory function in dogs

An anticholinergic, glycopyrrolate, was given in a dosage of 0.1 mg./kg. 4 times daily for a period of 11 weeks to 4 dogs equipped with Heidenhain pouches and 2 intact dogs in which maximal histamine tests were performed weekly 1 hr. after glycopyrrolate administration. A steadily diminishing acid secretory response was found in both groups throughout the periods of drug administration. Four weeks elapsed following the drug discontinuation before control secretory function was regained. Serial pouch and mucosal biopsies, examined by light and phase microscopy, revealed no departures from the normal state. In a third group of 4 intact dogs, parietal cell counts performed after the 11 weeks of glycopyrrolate were sharply lower than those obtained in 2 intact, untreated controls. Ultramicroscopic examination of the mucosa in this group revealed in approximately 25% of the parietal cells alterations consisting of collapse of the intracellular canaliculi, marked dilatation of the endoplasmic reticulum, and transformation of endoplasmic reticulum from a smooth to a granular type.
The Relationships between Invertebrate Drift and Salmonid Populations in the Matamek River, Quebec, Below a Lake

Abstract The amount of daily invertebrate drift in the Matamek River varied both seasonally and down the length of the river. From June to September 1973, the volume of drift was about eight times greater in June than in August. Filter feeding insects and planktonic crustacea were more numerous at the upstream station near a lake, than at a station 4 km downstream. Larvae of net-spinning Trichoptera were twice as abundant at the upstream station, and simuliid larvae four times as abundant. Numbers of zooplankton closely followed changes in water level, and were highest in early summer and the fall, and were lowest in August. The salmonid bio-mass was at least four times greater at the upstream station than the lower one, most likely the result of a greater abundance of insect larvae suitable as food nearer the lake.
Insect control in mainland China. Good progress has been made through combining the knowledge and methods of scientists and farmers.

On the whole, one must say in all fairness that good progress has been made. So far, the regime9s achievements reflect credit more on contributions from other countries, especially the United States, than on the creative work of its own entomologists. In a decade or so, Communist China may approach Western standards in applied entomology, but her contributions to basic research will be spotty at best. According to a statement made in 1956 by an Indian delegation which visited China (30), "There is no technical measure in the field of agriculture practiced in China which is really new. But it is the manner in which these technical measures are being implemented which is remarkable."
Superior Vena Cava and Innominate Vein Reconstruction in Thoracic Malignancies: Single-Vein Reconstruction

Benign or malignant disease processes involving the superior vena cava can be resected and reconstructed with excellent perioperative results and sustained durability.
Mongolia’s Economic Development in the context of Northeast Asian Economic Cooperation

No abstract available The Mongolian Journal of International Affairs; Number 6, 1999, Pages 50-63
On LP decoding of polar codes

Polar codes are the first codes to provably achieve capacity on the symmetric binary-input discrete memoryless channel (B-DMC) with low encoding and decoding complexity. The parity check matrix of polar codes is high-density and we show that linear program (LP) decoding fails on the fundamental polytope of the parity check matrix. The recursive structure of the code permits a sparse factor graph representation. We define a new polytope based on the fundamental polytope of the sparse graph representation. This new polytope P is defined in a space of dimension O(N logN) where N is the block length. We prove that the projection of P in the original space is tighter than the fundamental polytope based on the parity check matrix. The LP decoder over P obtains the ML-certificate property. In the case of the binary erasure channel (BEC), the new LP decoder is equivalent to the belief propagation (BP) decoder operating on the sparse factor graph representation, and hence achieves capacity. Simulation results of SC (successive cancelation) decoding, LP decoding over tightened polytopes, and (ML) maximum likelihood decoding are provided. For channels other than the BEC, we discuss why LP decoding over P with a linear objective function is insufficient.
Use of a tapered transmission line as an Ideal transformer

A tapered transmission line [1, 2] has an impedance that slowly varies spatially from source end to load end. Use of a tapered line yields a nearly ideal transformer for frequencies above the transmission-line cutoff frequency, which is related to the taper rate and phase velocity in the transmission medium. Use of a material with high permeability and high permittivity reduces the wavelength in a transmission line, and so extends the use to lower frequencies. Calculations for an exponential line utilizing a high-permeability high-permittivity material include the range of impedance transformation, transformer ratio, phase velocity, input impedance, power reflection coefficient, power deposition, and thermal loading.
Conferring durable antimicrobial properties on nonwoven polypropylene via plasma-assisted graft polymerization of DADMAC

Abstract Spunbond nonwoven polypropylene (SB-PP), commonly used for hygienic products, was treated with diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC) to confer antimicrobial properties. Atmospheric pressure glow discharge plasma was used to induce free radical chain growth polymerization of DADMAC monomer onto the SB-PP in the presence of a crosslinker, which produced a graft polymerized network on the fabric with durable antimicrobial properties. The effects of different DADMAC concentrations and plasma operating condition parameters including the RF power (400–800 W) and the time of plasma exposure (0–120 s) were studied and the optimum treatment conditions were identified by determining the surface charge density on the treated fabrics. The presence of grafted poly-DADMAC on the polypropylene surface was confirmed using SEM, FT-IR and TOF-SIMS techniques. Antibacterial performance was investigated using the AATCC Test Method 100 for both gram positive and gram negative bacteria, and the antimicrobial test results showed 6 log reductions in the number of bacterial activities of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus on the SB-PP samples, which is unprecedented.
ABA-triblock copolymer ion gels for CO2 separation applications

Abstract The gas separation performance of two block copolymer ion gel systems were examined for CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 gas pairs. The ion gels were formed by self-assembly of 10–15 wt% poly(styrene-b-ethylene oxide-b-styrene) (SOS) and poly(styrene-b-methyl methacrylate-b-styrene) (SMS) triblock copolymers in the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide ([EMIM][TFSA]), via association of the insoluble S blocks. Due to the high ionic liquid (IL) concentration, these gels exhibit rapid gas transport properties as well as high selectivity. The selectivity for both gas pairs was influenced by the type of polymer midblock: the SOS gel shows higher selectivity than both pure IL and SMS gels. Gas solubility tests on [EMI][TFSA]/PEO solutions indicate that poly(ethylene oxide) can suppress the solubility of N2 and CH4, and thereby increase the selectivity for CO2. This important result qualitatively agrees with the gel gas separation performance, and confirms the importance of the midblock chemistry. Additionally, since the selectivity mainly stems from the differential gas solubility rather than gas diffusivity, the real selectivities obtained from mixed gas experiments are almost the same as the ideal selectivities. Ion gels show favorable separation performance in comparison with the corresponding “upper bound” on the Robeson plots for CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4, highlighting the potential of these gels in future CO2-selective membrane separation.
Synthetic cyclic stratigraphy

Abstract There are many examples of cyclic stratigraphy in the sedimentary record. In some cases this stratigraphy is attributed to periodic variations in sea level. In this paper a harmonic variation in sea level is superimposed on a constant velocity of tectonic subsidence in order to generate synthetic cyclic stratigraphy. Maximum rates of sedimentation and erosion are considered. The age dependence and water depth of the resulting cyclic stratigraphy is determined. The results are compared with cyclic sedimentation in the Pennsylvanian age sediments in northwestern Kansas. Spatial variations of synthetic cyclic stratigraphy can be used to generate synthetic seismic stratigraphy.
Highly Sensitive, Mechanically Stable Nanopore Sensors for DNA Analysis

Understanding the biophysics governing single-molecule transport through solid-state nanopores is of fundamental importance in working toward the goal of DNA detection and genome sequencing using nanopore-based sensors. Even with significant advances in semiconductor fabrication technologies, the state-of-the-art in nanopore technology still falls well short of mimicking the elegance and functionality found in biology. Kasianowicz et al.[1] pioneered the first in vitro studies of biomolecule transport through single nanopore channels by translocating individual ssDNA and ssRNA molecules through α-hemolysin protein pores inserted into a lipid bilayer membrane. More recently, focus has shifted to the solid-state domain with numerous groups studying biomolecule transport through solid-state nanopores.[2-7] Solid-state nanopores exhibit superior chemical, thermal, and mechanical stability over their biological counterparts, and can be fabricated using conventional semiconductor processes, thereby facilitating mass fabrication and size tunability. They are typically formed in thin Si3N4 or SiO2 membranes using a combination of decompositional ion/electron-beam-based sputtering and surface-tension-driven shrinking processes.[2,4,7] Other techniques for creating individual nanopores include the track-etch method for the formation of conical nanopores in polycarbonate membranes.[8] The translocation of negatively charged DNA molecules through these nanometer-sized solid-state pores is conventionally performed using two-terminal electrophoresis, resulting in characteristic blockades in the measured ionic current. This technique has been used to study various physical phenomena at the single-molecule level, including unzipping kinetics of hairpin DNA,[9] detection of single-nucleotide polymorphisms,[10] stretching transitions in dsDNA,[11] biomolecule folding,[3] discrimination of long DNA molecules based on length,[12] and nanopore-based DNA force spectroscopy.[13] Though this technology shows much promise, major hurdles still remain. Fabrication challenges (stress-induced membrane deformation and mechanical failure in SiO2 structures),[5] limited nanopore lifetime, electrical noise,[14,15] and a lack of chemical specificity limit the feasibility of this technology in high-end applications such as DNA sequencing. Thus, there is a need for highly sensitive, mechanically robust nanopore sensors with well-defined surface-charge properties for the detection of specific biological molecules (ssDNA, dsDNA, mRNA).
Relativistic effects on the surface electronic structure of Mo(011).

High-resolution photoemission studies of the Mo(011) surface have allowed us to isolate and to study the effects of the spin-orbit interaction on the surface electronic structure of Mo(011). We have observed and characterized three distinct phenomena, all related to the breaking of symmetry by the spin-orbit interaction. The first is a zone-center surface resonance which exists in a pseudogap between the bulk ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{8+}$ and the ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{7+}$ points, and is similar to one observed previously on W(011). We also have observed a surface state in a projected band gap opened by spin-orbit-induced hybridization between bulk bands at N\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}. Finally, we have observed avoided crossings of surface bands along the symmetry azimuths. These bands would be of opposite mirror-plane symmetry in the absence of the spin-orbit interaction, but hybridize under its influence. The transfer of both the polarization behavior and contamination sensitivity from one band to another is observed and characterized. We speculate on the relevance of these results to other surface properties, including reconstruction and work-function change.
A review of III-V semiconductor based metal-insulator- semiconductor structures and devices

Abstract Recent breakthroughs in the deposition of multilayer semiconductor/dielectric systems have potentially paved the way for metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) structures with excellent interface properties to be achieved. In this paper, we review the recent progress in III–V MIS structures and divices. The semiconductors of interest are In0.53Ga0.47As, InP, and GaAs with their excellent electrical properties. These III–V semiconductor based MIS structures have shown steady progress over the past few years, taking advantage of the in situ deposited heteromorphic insulators that led to insulator/III–V compound semiconductor (ICS) interfaces with low interface trap density. Though preliminary in nature, with Si3N4 gate dielectric, minimum interface state densities in the region of low 1010 eV−1 cm−2 have been obtained in GaAs albeit with some frequwncy shift and a deep interface trap. The structures in InGaAs have so far shown minimum interface state densities in the low 1011 eV−1 cm−2 region and very little frequency dispersion. They are void of mid-gap interface traps, and given the recent ongoing developments, it is extremely likely that interface state densities similar to those in GaAs should be possible shortly. Metal-insulator-semiconductor field effect transistors with transconductances of over 200 mS mm−1 have already been fabricated in InGaAs channels. In situ insulator deposition has been demonstrated to be very effective in avoiding interfacial contamination, for example, oxygen, water vapor, and carbon, a scheme deemed extremely pivotal in the eventual realization of high quality ICS interfaces. Apart from technological difficulties in realizing III–V semiconductor MIS devices, interpretation of the electrical properties of ICS interfaces is still not well understood. Also discussed in this paper are the issues involved in characterizing ICS interfaces.
Distinct transcripts are recognized by sense and antisense riboprobes for a member of the murine HSP70 gene family, HSP70.2, in various reproductive tissues

The expression of hsp70.2, an hsp70 gene family member, originally characterized by its high levels of expression in germ cells in the adult mouse testis, was detected in several other reproductive tissues, including epididymis, prostate, and seminal vesicles, as well as in extraembryonic tissues of mid-gestation fetuses. In addition, hybridization with RNA probes transcribed in the sense orientation surprisingly indicated the presence of slightly larger "antisense" transcripts in several tissues. The levels of antisense transcripts varied among the tissues, with the highest signal detected in the prostate and no signal being detectable in the testis. Consistent with these results, in situ hybridization analysis clearly localized the sense-orientation transcripts to pachytene spermatocytes, while no antisense-orientation transcripts were observed in adjacent sections of the same tubules. Our findings have thus shown that although hsp70.2 was expressed abundantly and in a highly stage-specific manner in the male germ line, it was also expressed in other murine tissues. Furthermore, we have made the surprising observation of antisense transcription of the hsp70.2 gene in several mouse tissues, revealing another level of complexity in the regulation and function of heat shock proteins.
An evaluation of the SPIFE® 3000 semi‐automated gel electrophoresis system for the identification of hemoglobin variants and comparison of relative electrophoretic mobilities with manual gel electrophoresis methods

Summary Laboratory identification of hemoglobin (Hb) variants can involve multiple techniques. The use of semi-automated instruments that perform gel electrophoresis and staining, such as the SPIFE® 3000 electrophoresis system, can greatly reduce the labor required for these commonly used techniques. We performed a comparison of the method involved in SPIFE® 3000 system with those of manual gel electrophoresis. A total of 22 540 samples were analyzed using the SPIFE® 3000, and compared with mobilities on cellulose acetate and citrate agar gels using standard manual methods. The results were compared using relative electrophoretic mobilities (REM). Of the 191 Hb variants identified, only 13 had REM that differed from manual electrophoresis when analyzed using the SPIFE® 3000 system. One variant (Hb O-Indonesia) showed different mobility on both acid and alkaline gels, two (Hb E, Hb Sunshine Seth) on alkaline gel only, and 10 (Hbs N-Baltimore, N-Seattle, O-Arab, Shelby, Summer Hill, Tak, Hasharon, M-Iwate, Q-Iran, and Setif) on acid gels only. The SPIFE® 3000 semi-automated electrophoresis system produces similar results when compared with those of standard manual electrophoresis methods.
Post‐prandial ranitidine is superior to post‐prandial omeprazole in control of gastric acidity in healthy volunteers

Background : Episodic heartburn is a common problem, affecting over 40 million Americans. Although omeprazole provides excellent acid suppression when used daily, the use of omeprazole as on-demand therapy for episodic symptoms has not been extensively studied. Aim : To compare the onset and duration of post-prandial gastric acid suppression by omeprazole (10 and 20 mg) or ranitidine (75 and 150 mg) taken as single doses in healthy volunteers. Methods : Twenty-four healthy volunteers (14 male, 10 female, mean age 33.4 years, range 18–56 years) were given ranitidine (RAN) 75 mg or 150 mg vs. omeprazole (OME) 10 mg or 20 mg when pH returned to below 2 after breakfast, in a randomized open label crossover design, with a washout of at least 2 days between medications. Intragastric pH was monitored for 6 h. The time between drug ingestion and rise of gastric pH > 3 and 4, and total time pH remained > 3 and 4 during the 6 h post drug, was compared between groups using two way ANOVA and Wilcoxon matched pairs test. Results : The median time needed to pH > 4 was 204.5 min for RAN 75 mg, 186 min for RAN 150 mg and > 360 min for both OME 10 and 20 mg (P 4 was 93 min for RAN 75 mg, 143.5 min for RAN 150 mg and 0 min for both OME 10 and 20 mg (P 3. Conclusion : Ranitidine 75 or 150 mg provides more rapid increase in gastric pH to > 3 and > 4 compared to omeprazole 10 or 20 mg when taken at the end of the post-prandial period. These data suggest that ranitidine may be more effective for episodic post-prandial heartburn than omeprazole.
A model for the polar transition layer and corona for November 1967.

A model for the chromospheric-coronal transition layer and lower corona has been constructed for the south polar region. EUV observations acquired by the Harvard OSO-4 experiment in the fall of 1967 were used in the analysis. The observations can be explained with a simple model consisting of two types of regions. One region has a temperature-density structure similar to that in models developed for typical equatorial quiet areas. The other region has a corona in which the temperature and density are a factor of about 2 lower and the chromospheric-coronal temperature gradient is less steep by a factor of 4.
Third Brine Pool in the Red Sea

DURING the autumn of 1966 the R.V. Chain (cruise number 61) discovered a third area of hot, highly saline water in the rift valley of the Red Sea where two areas of similar water had previously been reported1–3. The two known areas, now called the Discovery Deep (21° 17′ N., 38° 02′ E.) and Atlantis II Deep (21° 21′ N., 38° 04′ E.), have salinities of about 255 parts per thousand and temperatures of 44° and 56° C respectively (refs. 2–4, and footnote (†) to Table 1). This communication describes the dimensions and characteristics of a third hole (Chain Deep, 21° 17′ N., 38° 03.5′E.) and its relationship to the other two areas.