cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Book Review: “Austrian Perspectives on Entrepreneurship, Strategy, and Organization”

Nicolai Foss, Peter Klein, and Matthew McCaffrey explain convincingly how Austrian ideas play a crucial role in gaining a better understanding of entrepreneurship, strategy, and organization research. The authors review the achievements of Austrian economics in management and propose some potentially fruitful directions for future research in a concise book.
Development of a measurement tool to assess local public health implementation climate and capacity for equity-oriented practice: Application to obesity prevention in a local public health system

Objective The objective of this study was to develop a measurement tool to capture local public health department (LHD) organizational characteristics that align with implementation of equity-oriented practice, which may be used to gauge progress in building public health structures and functions that address the needs of vulnerable populations and reduce health inequities. Methods We developed and tested a measurement tool, with practitioner input, based on an implementation science framework and informed by previous work defining public health essential services and practice recommendations for health equity. Measures assessed types of vulnerable populations served by the LHD, organizational climate, and four equity-oriented practice areas, including: assessment and planning, monitoring and analysis, leadership support, and obesity prevention. We also assessed opportunities for capacity building by identifying training needs of practitioners. Primary data were collected from Missouri local health department practitioners (n = 92, 80% response rate) via an online questionnaire, with a subset of the sample providing data for test-retest reliability. Results Measures of equity-oriented implementation climate indicated areas of variability with respect to strengths and gaps across LHDs. While implementation climate was strong with respect to perceived importance (86%), a substantial proportion of LHDs cited concern over other priorities conflicting with equity-oriented implementation (32%). Likewise, a strong internal push (67%) was often accompanied by limited external political (25%) and community support (40%). Implementation climate measures generally had good to excellent reliability and were significantly associated with areas of equity-oriented practice. Frequently identified (>70%) training needs included improving skills in applying frameworks, assessment methods, and evaluating collaborations around equity. Conclusion We developed a theory-based, practitioner-informed questionnaire to assess capacity for equity-oriented practice and identify opportunities for capacity building in local public health departments to engage in effective change toward health equity.
Microbiota Accessible Carbohydrates Suppress Clostridium difficile in a Murine Model

Clostridium difficile ( Cd ) is an opportunistic diarrheal pathogen and Cd infection (CDI) represents a major healthcare concern, causing an estimated 15,000 deaths per year in the United States alone. Several enteric pathogens, including Cd , leverage inflammation and the accompanying microbial dysbiosis to thrive in the distal gut. Although diet is among the most powerful available tools for affecting the health of humans and their relationship with their microbiota, investigation into the effects of diet on CDI has been limited. Here, we show in mice that the consumption of microbiota accessible carbohydrates (MACs) found in dietary plant polysaccharides has a significant impact on CDI. Specifically, using a model of antibiotic-induced CDI that typically resolves within 12 days of infection, we demonstrate that MAC-deficient diets perpetuate CDI. We show that Cd burdens are suppressed through the addition of either a diet containing a complex mixture of MACs or a simplified diet containing inulin as the sole MAC source. We show that switches between these dietary conditions are coincident with changes to microbiota membership, its metabolic output and Cd -mediated inflammation. Together, our data demonstrate the outgrowth of MAC-utilizing taxa and the associated end products of MAC metabolism, namely the short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) acetate, propionate, and butyrate, are associated with decreased Cd fitness despite increased Cd toxin expression in the gut. Our findings, when placed into the context of the known fiber deficiencies of a human Western diet, provide rationale for pursuing MAC-centric dietary strategies as an alternate line of investigation for mitigating CDI.
Big data analytical models for/on edge computing

In this chapter, the author presented a holistic approach to the concept of big data modeling towards edge computing. In the first part of the analysis, the author introduced a detailed introduction, critical challenges in the field of big data analytics, and how those challenges can impact edge applications deployed on the cloud. In the third section, the author presented the technical aspects of in-memory databases that can speed up the data computation for the low-power edge devices. In the fourth part, the author highlighted a few of the security challenges and mechanisms to overcome the problems during the system design phase. Nevertheless, many open issues and challenges can arrive in the field of edge computing as it's an advanced stream that has started to flourish across the various domains
The Power of Parting Words: Collective Memory in Local Television News Exit Interviews

Media historians study the “dynamic dimension of historical memory.” Describing where one has been and influencing where one is going, historical memory serves as a snapshot to capture a moment or ...
Mode-Dependent Switched Distributed Stabilization of Partially Unknown Interconnected Multiagent Systems

Centralized and decentralized configurations have been traditionally used for the stabilization of interconnected systems. From a design perspective, however, a designer usually needs to follow two separate approaches in order to develop those decentralized and centralized mechanisms. Recently, we have proposed a graph theoretic stabilization protocol to design all centralized, cooperative, and decentralized configurations in a unified distributed manner. We aim to extend that result to a fully heterogeneous interconnected multiagent system equipped with a reconfigurable control layer. To achieve this goal, we develop a systematic procedure to design a set of control sublayers with all stabilization gains and control sublayer topologies as the design degrees of freedom, and characterize a mode-dependent switching condition to reconfigure the control layer topology. We prove that all state trajectories of the closed-loop interconnected multiagent system exponentially converge to the origin despite the modeling uncertainties, and verify the feasibility of the proposed ideas in simulation.
Oxygen sensing by the Rhizobium meliloti two-component regulatory system, FixLJ.

The soil bacterium Rhizobium meliloti fixes dinitrogen (N2) when it forms root nodules with its plant host, Medicago sativa (alfalfa). The formation of nitrogen fixing root nodules is a complex developmental process that requires signal exchange between the bacterium and the plant host. There are many bacterial genes involved in establishing a successful symbiosis including the nod, exo, ndv, nif and fix genes (see Long 1989 for review). The nif and fix genes are specifically required for the nitrogen fixation process and these genes are expressed in the later stages of nodule development. The expression of nif and fix genes, including the structural genes for nitrogenase, is induced ex planta in response to a decrease in oxygen concentration (Ditta, et. al., 1987). This induction of nif and fix gene expression by low oxygen is physiologically relevant because a low oxygen environment is maintained in the nodule to prevent inactivation of the highly oxygen sensitive nitrogenase enzyme.
Inelastic Response of Columns to Dynamic Loadings

Analytical investigation of response of columns to single compressive loadings of arbitrary time history such that material of column is strained into inelastic range; column is assumed to have pinned ends and slight initial curvature or to have loading applied slightly eccentric to axis.
SU-D-304-04: Pre-Clinical Feasibility Study for Intensity Modulated Grid Proton Therapy (IMgPT) Using a Newly Developed Delivery System

Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to characterize and evaluate intensity-modulated proton grid therapy (IMgPT) using a clinical proton beam. Methods: A TOPAS MC model of a new developmental mode (pre-clinical) of the Hitachi proton therapy system (PROBEAT) was used for simulation and characterization of proton grid therapy. TOPAS simulations of different energy ranges, depths and spot separation distances were performed. LET spectra for various energies and depths were produced with FLUKA MC code for evaluation potential interplay between planning parameters and their effect on the characterization of areas (valley) between spots. IMgPT planning aspects (spot spacing, skin dose, peak-to-valley ratios, beam selection, etc.) were evaluated for different phantom and patient cases. Raysearch software (v4.51) was used to perform the evaluation. Results: Calculated beam peak-to-valley ratios scenarios showed strong energy and depth dependence with ratios to be larger for higher energies and shallower depths. Peak-to-valley ratios for R90 range and for spot spacing of 1cm varied from 30% (E = 221.3 MeV, depth 30.6 cm) to 80% (E = 70.3 MeV, depth 4 cm). LET spectra calculations showed spectral hardening with depth, which might potential increase, spot separation distance and improve peak-to-valley ratios. IMgPT optimization, using constant spotmore » spacing, showed skin dose reduction between peak regions of dose due to the irradiation of less skin. Single beam for bulky shallower tumors might be a potential candidate for proton grid therapy. Conclusions: Proton grid therapy using a clinical beam is a promising technique that reduces skin dose between peak regions of dose and may be suitable for the treatment of shallow tumors. IMgPT may be considered for use when bystander effects in off peak regions would be appropriate.« less
Closed Loop Lab Tests of NASA's Mini-Mast

A design strategy which integrates model reduction by modal cost analysis and a multi-objective controller synthesis algorithm is applied to design controllers for NASA's Mini-Mast system. The necessary modeling and control algorithms are easily programmed in Matlab standard software. Hence, this method is very practical for controller design for large space structures. The design algorithm also presents a solution for the very important problem of "tuning" multiple loop controllers (MIMO).
Acute localized administration of tetrahydrobiopterin and chronic systemic atorvastatin treatment restore cutaneous microvascular function in hypercholesterolaemic humans

Elevated oxidized low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are associated with vascular dysfunction in the cutaneous microvasculature, induced in part by upregulated arginase activity and increased globalized oxidant stress. Since tetrahydrobiopterin (BH(4)) is an essential cofactor for endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3), decreased bioavailability of the substrate l-arginine and/or BH(4) may contribute to decreased NO production with hypercholesterolaemia. We hypothesized that (1) localized administration of BH(4) would augment NO-dependent vasodilatation in hypercholesterolaemic human skin, which would be further increased when combined with arginase inhibition and (2) the improvement induced by localized BH(4) would be attenuated after a 3 month oral atorvastatin intervention (10 mg). Four microdialysis fibres were placed in the skin of nine normocholesterolaemic (NC: LDL = 95 ± 4 mg dl(-1)) and nine hypercholesterolaemic (HC: LDL = 177 ± 6 mg dl(-1)) men and women before and after 3 months of systemic atorvastatin. Sites served as control, NOS inhibited, BH(4), and arginase inhibited + BH(4) (combo). Skin blood flow was measured while local skin heating (42°C) induced NO-dependent vasodilatation. After the established plateau l-NAME was perfused in all sites to quantify NO-dependent vasodilatation (NO). Data were normalized to maximum cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC). Vasodilatation at the plateau and NO-dependent vasodilatation were reduced in HC subjects (plateau HC: 70 ± 5% CVC(max) vs. NC: 95 ± 2% CVC(max); NO HC: 45 ± 5% CVC(max) vs. NC: 64 ± 5% CVC(max); both P 0.05 vs. control site). After the atorvastatin intervention (LDL = 98 ± mg * dl(-1)) there was an increase in the plateau in HC (96 ± 4% CVC(max), P < 0.001) and NO-dependent vasodilatation (68 ± 3% CVC(max), P < 0.001). Localized BH(4) alone or combo was less effective at increasing NO-dependent vasodilatation after the drug intervention (BH(4): 60 ± 5% CVC(max); combo 58 ± 2% CVC(max), both P < 0.001). These data suggest that decreased BH(4) bioavailability contributes in part to cutaneous microvascular dysfunction in hypercholesterolaemic humans and that atorvastatin is an effective systemic treatment for improving NOS coupling mechanisms in the microvasculature.
Infrastructures from the bottom-up and the top-down: can they meet in the middle?

Based on a study of participatory design in the development of cyberinfrastructure involving the rapid composition of open source software and web services, we consider cases where researchers create their own ad hoc infrastructures out of available software. We compare 'top-down' and 'bottom-up' cyberinfrastructure development and speculate on whether the two approaches can be productively combined.
Experimental Evaluation of Tappet/Bore and Cam/Tappet Friction for a Direct Acting Bucket Tappet Valvetrain

This paper reports on tappet/bore friction and torque at the camshaft that were measured for a direct acting bucket tappet using a cam/tappet friction torque and friction coefficient as a function of cam angle were derived from those measurements. The results showed that, for the particular geometry tested, tappet/bore friction torque accounted for about 13% of the total cam/tappet/bore friction torque at 250 cam rpm. This fraction decreased with increasing speed. Tappet bore friction was greatest at about {plus minus}40 degrees of cam angle, where side loads on the tappet bore were highest. In contrast, earlier results for a center pivot rocker arm design showed tappet bore friction to be negligible.
Vitamin A Supplementation of Vitamin A Deficient Measles Patients Lowers the Risk of Measles-Related Pneumonia in Zambian Children

This is an a posteriori analysis of previously published data to assess whether improving vitamin A (VA) status resolves measles-related pneumonia (MP). Nonhospitalized acute measles patients (2 d of rash onset) had their VA status determined based on the molar ratio of retinol-binding protein to transthyretin (RBP/TTR). Using a cutoff value of </=0.36, indicative of marginal VA deficiency, 82 children were diagnosed as marginally VA deficient and 114 were diagnosed as VA sufficient. At baseline, marginally VA-deficient patients had significantly lower serum retinol and higher serum C-reactive protein concentrations than VA-sufficient children. At the 2-wk follow-up visit, serum retinol and the RBP/TTR ratio were significantly greater in marginally VA-deficient measles patients receiving VA supplements than in those receiving placebo; whereas in VA-sufficient measles patients, retinol increased in those receiving VA supplements or placebo. Concomitantly the odds ratio of unresolved pneumonia in marginally VA-deficient measles patients receiving VA supplements compared with those receiving placebo was 0.20 (95% confidence interval, 0.05-0.71). In conclusion, VA supplements during measles infection improved VA status of VA-deficient children and helped resolve MP, demonstrating the importance of determining VA status when assessing the efficacy of VA supplements.
Modelling LARES temperature distribution and thermal drag

The LARES satellite, a laser-ranged space experiment to contribute to geophysics observation, and to measure the general relativistic Lense-Thirring effect, has been observed to undergo an anomalous along-track orbital acceleration of −0.4 pm/s2 (pm : = picometer). This thermal “drag” is not surprising; along-track thermal drag has previously been observed with the related LAGEOS satellites (−3.4 pm/s2). It is hypothesized that the thermal drag is principally due to anisotropic thermal radiation from the satellite’s exterior. We report the results of numerical computations of the along-track orbital decay of the LARES satellite during the first 126 days after launch. The results depend to a significant degree on the visual and IR absorbance α and emissivity e of the fused silica Cube Corner Reflectors. We present results for two values of α IR = e IR : 0.82, a standard number for “clean” fused silica; and 0.60, a possible value for silica with slight surface contamination subjected to the space environment. The heating and the resultant along-track acceleration depend on the plane of the orbit, the sun position, and, in particular, on the occurrence of eclipses, all of which are functions of time. Thus we compute the thermal drag for specific days. We compare our model to observational data, available for a 120 day period starting with the 7th day after launch, which shows the average acceleration of −0.4 pm/s2. With our model the average along-track thermal drag over this 120 day period for CCR α IR = e IR = 0.82 was computed to be −0.59 pm/s2. For CCR α IR = e IR = 0.60 we compute −0.36 pm/s2. LARES consists of a solid spherical tungsten sphere, into which the CCRs are set in colatitude circles. Our calculation models the satellite as 93 isothermal elements: the tungsten part, and each of the 92 Cube Corner Reflectors. The satellite is heated from two sources: sunlight and Earth’s infrared (IR) radiation. We work in the fast-spin regime, where CCRs with the same colatitude can be taken to have the same temperature. Since all temperature variations (temporal or spatial) are expected to be small, we linearize the Stefan-Boltzmann law and, taking advantage of the linearity, we perform a Fourier series analysis. The variations are indeed small, validating our Fourier analysis.
Validation of Surgical Wound Classification in the Operating Room

Objective To determine the accuracy with which circulating nurses (CNs) classify surgical procedures by risk of contamination in the operating room. Design Classification of surgical procedures by CNs was compared with the classification of surgical procedures by a physician observer. Setting University-affiliated, tertiary care hospital. Methods Circulating nurses used the traditional wound classification system of clean, clean-contaminated, contaminated, and dirty-infected to classify surgical wounds in the operating room. A physician remained in the operating room throughout each of 100 surgical procedures and simultaneously classified surgical wounds without the knowledge of the CNs. Results Classification of surgical wounds by CNs was compared with classification by the physician observer for 50 cases in general surgery and 50 cases in trauma surgery. Compared with the physician observer, the overall accuracy of classification by CNs was 88% (95% confidence interval [CI] of 81.6% to 94.4%; Kappa statistic, 0.83). Classification of surgical wounds was more difficult in trauma surgery (accuracy of 82%) than in general surgery (accuracy of 94%). Accuracy increased for both services when surgical wounds were classified into just two categories (clean or clean-contaminated versus contaminated or dirty-infected). Conclusions Surgical wounds can be classified in the operating room with a high degree of accuracy by CNs. Classification was more difficult in trauma than in general surgery, but classification in trauma surgery improved with feedback to and additional education of CNs. The accuracy of classification by CNs was even higher when classifications were divided into just two categories.
Participation In Educational Activities By Active Older Adults

The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of participation in educational activities by active older adults and to describe the educational needs addressed by their present participation...
Sustainable building design

Sustainable building design has become a wide and multidisciplinary research endeavor including mechanical, electrical, electronic, communication, acoustic, architectural, and structural engineering. It involves the participation of owners, contractors, suppliers and building users. There has been a lot of talk about sustainable buildings in the past few years. Most of the published research is concerned with saving energy and water and making the buildings more environmentally friendly by, say, reducing the carbon emissions. In this article, sustainable building design is reviewed from the viewpoint of structural engineering. Different strategies presented in the literature are summarized. Finally, the authors argue that the next big leap in sustainable building design should come from the integration of the smart structure technology including the use of hybrid and semi-active vibration controllers that can result in substantially lighter and more efficient structures.
Galactose-I-phosphate uridyltransferase in red and white blood cells.

Abstract The assay of galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (E.C. 2.7.7.12: UDP-glucose: α- d -galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase) in red and white cells of blood is reported using [14C]galactose-1-phosphate and UDPglucose as substrates and measuring the 14C activity in the nucleotides. The reaction requires for optimal activity a concentration of 3.2 mM galactose-1-phosphate and 1.6 mM UDPG with the pH maintained at 8.40.
Primary cerebral neuroectodermal tumors: neuroblastoma, differentiated neuroblastoma, and composite neuroectodermal tumor.

Seven cases of primary cerebral neuroectodermal tumors with predominant neuroblastic features were studied ultrastructurally and five were evaluated immunohistochemically. The fine structural features were indicative of neuroblastic differentiation by the presence of elongated cytoplasmic processes, electron-dense neurosecretory granules, and neurotubules. Five of the seven cases had the morphologic findings of classic cerebral neuroblastoma, and the sixth case, originally diagnosed as an oligodendroglioma, had the features of a differentiated neuroblastoma. Desmoplastic and/or stromal foci were intermingled with neuronal-ganglionic cells and neuroblasts in the seventh case. In addition to strong immunoreactivity for S-100 protein and glial fibrillary acidic protein in the desmoplastic areas, the spindle cells had fibroblastic and Schwannian features by electron microscopy in the latter case. The neuroblastic cells and fibrillary network were immunoreactive for neuron-specific eno-lase and neurofilament i...
Parallel algorithm for SCF analytic Hessians. I. Small scale algorithm

Abstract A novel parallel algorithm for the calculation of SCF analytic Hessians is presented for use of a few compute nodes. This algorithm is most useful for a small laboratory with access to several workstations, since the calculation is ultimately dominated by the CPU intensive four-label transformation. Parallelization of the one- and two-electron Hessian integrals is presented, and a timing example is included.
Human glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase: purification and characterization of Negro type variant (A+) and comparison with normal enzyme (B+).

Human glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (d-glucose 6-phosphate: NADP oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.49) (A+), an electrophoretically distinguishable variant found in Negroes, was purified by column chromatographic techniques. The sedimentation patterns of analytical ultracentrifugation and interference patterns of sedimentation equilibrium indicate a homogeneous preparation. The molecular weight (by sedimentation equilibrium method) was estimated as 230,000, which was closely similar to that of the normal wild type enzyme (B+). The sedimentation constant of the variant enzyme (S 20,w=9.0) was smaller than that of the B+ enzyme (S 20,w=10.0). The molecular weight was about 45,000 in 4 mguanidine hydrochloride, indicating that the A+ enzyme, as well as the B+ enzyme, consisted of six subunits of similar size. The optimal pH of the variant enzyme was slightly higher than that of the B+ enzyme. In contrast to the B+ enzyme, magnesium ion increased the A+ enzyme activity with NAD as substrate. The Michaelis constants and the turnover rate were similar to those of the B+ enzyme. The A+ enzyme was serologically indistinguishable from the B+ enzyme when the anti-B+ serum was used as antibody. No significant difference was found in the amino acid composition of acid hydrolysates of the B+ and the A+ enzymes. This does not exclude an amino acid substitution, and, in fact, a single amino acid substitution, i.e., asparagine in B+ and aspartic acid in A+ enzyme, has been found and is being being reported separately.
Spread Spectrum Clock Generation Using Ferroelectric Capacitors

In this paper, a spread spectrum clock generator (SSCG) has been implemented with tunable ferroelectric capacitor based voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). Simple sinusoidal waveform modulation results in a uniform spread in the energy with respect to the central frequency of the oscillator. The performance of this SSCG is compared with the SSCG implemented using conventional p-n varactor tuned VCO.
Multicolor photometry of outer Jovian satellites

Multicolor photometry was obtained of satellites J6 Himalia, J7 Elara, and J10 Lysithea in the prograde cloud of outer Jovian satellites, and of J8 Pasiphae, J9 Sinope, and J11 Carme in the retrograde cloud. The data for J9 are fragmentary; otherwise, the satellites all look like C-class asteroids, except J11, which shows a remarkable brightness in the ultraviolet. The absence of D-class spectra among the outer Jovian satellites suggests that they were not derived from the same population as the outer-belt and Trojan asteroid populations.
Pathologic vertebral compression in spinal malignancy secondary to intervertebral disk expansion.

A retrospective analysis of the MR appearance of the intervertebral disks in 17 patients with spinal malignancy was performed. Disk expansion, related to neoplastic structural weakening of the bone in the face of unaltered disk biomechanics, was present in 20% of all visualized disks in association with a 77% incidence of malignant involvement of the vertebral bodies studied. This compared with a frequency in benign disk expansion (i.e., osteoporosis) of 2% in the age-matched, but randomly selected, control group. On careful review, there was no strict correlation between disk expansion and patient symptoms. Although this finding may be seen in non-neoplastic conditions, it is felt that the higher incidence of disk expansion associated with osseous vertebral malignancy nevertheless reflects the underlying gravity of the pathologic changes accompanying neoplasia.
Association between Agent Orange and prostate cancer: a pilot case-control study.

Abstract Objectives To estimate in a pilot study the risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer after exposure to Agent Orange in a clinical population of military veterans. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in American men and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. An association between Agent Orange and prostate cancer has been suggested by epidemiologic studies. Methods A case-control study was conducted at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Cases of pathologically diagnosed prostate cancer were identified and age matched in a 1:3 ratio with controls. Exposure to Agent Orange was assessed by reviewing the administrative portion of the computerized medical records. A subanalysis of the cases was conducted to examine the clinical features of prostate cancer in men reporting exposure to Agent Orange versus those who did not report exposure. Results A total of 47 military veterans with prostate cancer and 142 control men without prostate cancer were selected. After adjusting for age and race, men with prostate cancer were approximately two times more likely to report previous exposure to Agent Orange (odds ratio 2.06; 95% confidence interval 0.81 to 5.23). Conclusions The results from this pilot study suggest exposure to Agent Orange is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Additional study in larger populations is necessary to confirm and to quantify this association more accurately.
Ion chromatographic measurement of fluoride and sulfur dioxide in samples collected at aluminum smelters.

Measurement of airborne fluoride and sulfur dioxide in aluminum smelting plants is important for both industrial hygiene and environmental reasons. The traditional analytical techniques employed have been ion-selective electrodes (ISE) for fluoride and barium/thorin titration for SO2. In this study, ion chromatography (IC) was evaluated as a substitute for these two techniques. Dust for particulate fluoride was collected on membrane filters with carbonate-treated backup pads to collect HF and SO2. Gaseous fluoride and SO2 were ultrasonically extracted from the treated pad, but particulate fluoride required a borate/carbonate fusion. Collection efficiency and recovery of the analytes, along with the acceptable working ranges and instrument conditions used with IC, are discussed. IC is a desirable substitute for the electrode and titration methods because it is easily automated and the two determinations may be performed simultaneously. Organic compounds may cause interference in low-level fluoride measurem...
An optical imaging system for window chambers in MRI system

Window chambers are support structures implanted in the dorsal skin fold of a rodent model. Optical imaging of window chambers has been used in many basic cancer and vascular biology studies. We have recently shown that this technique can be extended to MRI by using plastic rather than metal window chambers. Here we describe a system for simultaneous optical and MR imaging of the window chambers. It provides many possibilities for independent cross validation of the measurements of one modality from the other. In the system, a GRIN lens images the tissue to the distal end of a coherent imaging fiber bundle, which relays this image to a camera system located outside the magnet room. Both trans- and epi-illumination are provided to this system. Light sources are located outside the magnet room and the light is delivered through fiber optics. A group of fibers are used to deliver white light from under the window chamber for standard transmission imaging, while another single fiber delivers the laser light from the top to induce fluorescence. An appropriate bandpass emission filter is inserted between the lenses at the camera end for fluorescence imaging. Results of simultaneously optical and MR imaging of tumor and vessel are presented.
Binding of plasma selenoprotein P to cell membranes

Competitive binding assays were performed to determine the amount of binding of 75Se-labeled plasma selenoprotein P (PSP) to membranes from different rat tissues at physiologic pH. 75Se PSP for use as a ligand in the binding assays was labeled in vivo by injecting rats with 75Se selenious acid. PSP was obtained from plasma by salt precipitation and affinity and ion-exchange chromatography. Membranes for receptor assays were prepared from liver, kidney, testes, and brain of rats fed diets with either 0.01, 0.1, or 2 ppm selenium. At pH 7.4 PSP was bound differentially to tissues in the following order: brain > kidney > testes > liver. Specific binding of PSP to tissue membranes from rats fed the different levels of selenium increased with increasing amounts of dietary selenium. Saturation assays indicated apparent saturation of membrane receptors by the 75Se-labeled PSP. Another significant new finding was a 134-kDa complex of PSP and membrane receptor, identified by gel-filtration chromatography of cross-linked samples from binding assays. This provides evidence for a membrane receptor for PSP in rat tissues.
Hysteroscopic treatment of submucous myomas.

Submucous myomas can cause heavy bleeding, pain, and infertility. Sonohysterography and office hysteroscopy can provide accurate diagnosis. Classification systems have been developed to help predict the difficulty of resection. Patient selection and proper surgical technique are essential to achieve
Responses of Small Mammal Populations to Logging of Douglas-Fir

Virgin forest in the Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga taxifolia ) region of northwestern California is a sterile habitat for wildlife. Dense shade and competition from large old trees prevent the growth of nearly all bushy and herbaceous vegetation except a weak understory of tan oak ( Lithocarpus densiflora ). Food for animals is scarce. The immediate effect of logging is to flood the ground with light. Then tan oak begins a rapid, aggressive growth, and many kinds of herbs, of which fireweed ( Erechtites ) is one of the most abundant, become established. In terms of plant succession, the cutover changes from bare ground to weeds to brush and finally to a climax of Douglas-fir or more often, tan oak. During the middle stages, food for animals is plentiful. Small seed-eating mammals are one of the factors that result in the economically undesirable climax of oaks instead of conifers. Mice in particular, because of their fondness for coniferous seeds, are responsible in part at least for the failure of natural seeding to restock many cutovers with firs; and they make artificial seeding difficult and often impossible. In the Douglas-fir region of California, large tracts of old timber are slated to be logged within the next few years. The usual method is to clear-cut blocks that are fifteen to twenty acres in size and burn the resulting slash. Before silvicul-turists can prepare a successful plan for reforesting these cutovers, information is needed about the various factors that hinder coniferous reproduction. As a contribution toward that end, this paper gives the results of a trapping survey of small mammals at elevations between 2,000 and 4,000 feet in Humboldt and Trinity counties near Salyer. The purpose of the survey, which was undertaken in cooperation with the California Forest and Range Experiment Station of the United States Forest Service, was to …
Synthesis of (±)-laudanoeine and a study of 1-benzyl-3-isoquinoione intermediates

A keto acid (2) has been converted to tetrahydropapaverine and (±)-laudanosine. Some intermediate 3-isochromanone (3) and 3-isoquinolone (4 and 5) derivatives have been investigated and structures assigned to these compounds from spectroscopic studies. The 3-isoquinolone tautomer with the o-quinonoid structure predominates over the 3-isoquinolinol form, but the analogous oxygen derivative has preferentially a stilbene structure (3) with an intact benzene system.
Stigmasterol antagonism of certain growth inhibitors for Tetrahymena piriformis.

Abstract Stigmasterol shortens the lag phase of growth for Tetrahymena piriformis. Colchicine, deoxycorticosterone, progesterone, and cortisone inhibit the growth of this ciliate, and stigmasterol reverses, at least in part, this inhibition. The suggestion has been made that the steroid may act in the generation or transport of high-energy phosphate groupings.
Monitoring a business approval plan for balance and numbers

This paper describes the steps taken to adjust the profile for business and economics for an approval plan at Bowling Green State University. It posits that characteristics of business publishing—the role of academic writing in a subject field heavily weighted toward selling books to professionals, the tendency toward buzzwords and managerial panaceas, and the rate and number of titles published—complicate writing an effective approval profile for business. The paper enumerates situational factors and steps taken, including the importance of vendor-library cooperation, in developing a profile that better matched the university user communities.
Conversion of bioprocess ethanol to industrial chemical products: Applications of process models for energy-economic assessments

An assessment approach for accurate evaluation of bioprocesses for large-scale production of industrial chemicals is presented. Detailed energy-economic assessments of a potential esterification process were performed, where ethanol vapor in the presence of water from a bioreactor is catalytically converted to ethyl acetate. Results show that such processes are likely to become more competitive as the cost of substrates decreases relative to petrolium costs. A commercial ASPEN process simulation provided a reasonably consistent comparison with energy economics calculated using JPL developed software. Detailed evaluations of the sensitivity of production cost to material costs and annual production rates are discussed.
LR-90 prevents methylglyoxal-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in human endothelial cells

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a highly reactive dicarbonyl compound known to induce cellular injury and cytoxicity, including apoptosis in vascular cells. Vascular endothelial cell apoptosis has been implicated in the pathophysiology and progression of atherosclerosis. We investigated whether the advanced glycation end-product inhibitor LR-90 could prevent MGO-induced apoptosis in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs). HUVECs were pre-treated with LR-90 and then stimulated with MGO. Cell morphology, cytotoxicity and apoptosis were evaluated by light microscopy, MTT assay, and Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide double staining, respectively. Levels of Bax, Bcl-2, cytochrome c, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and caspase activities were assessed by Western blotting. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were measured with fluorescent probes. LR-90 dose-dependently prevented MGO-associated HUVEC cytotoxicity and apoptotic biochemical changes such as loss of MMP, increased Bax/Bcl-2 protein ratio, mitochondrial cytochrome c release and activation of caspase-3 and 9. Additionally, LR-90 blocked intracellular ROS formation and MAPK (p44/p42, p38, JNK) activation, though the latter seem to be not directly involved in MGO-induced HUVEC apoptosis. LR-90 prevents MGO-induced HUVEC apoptosis by inhibiting ROS and associated mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic signaling cascades, suggesting that LR-90 possess cytoprotective ability which could be beneficial in prevention of diabetic related-atherosclerosis.
Successful management of anticoagulation therapy during international travel

Warfarin is considered a high-risk drug because of its narrow therapeutic window, variability in dose response, and multitude of drug and food interactions. Although travel advice is available for patients who are taking warfarin, it is geared toward patients who are traveling to developed countries and tends to be lacking in detail. We describe a 53-year-old woman with two mechanical heart valves and chronic atrial fibrillation who was taking warfarin for thromboembolism prophylaxis and had plans to travel to Vietnam for 10 weeks. Three days before her departure, she was prescribed amiodarone for long-term use. As a result of the extended duration of her travel and the complexities of warfarin use, the pharmacists who managed the patient's anticoagulation reviewed several aspects of a comprehensive management approach with the patient for a safe international trip. They assessed the patient's thromboembolic and hemorrhagic risks, and determined which other drugs (e.g., enoxaparin, phytonadione), dosages, and adequate supplies would be required along with warfarin, as well as how to safely transport these drugs during travel. In addition, the logistics of effectively monitoring international normalized ratio (INR) levels were evaluated, and methods of managing multiple potential scenarios were carefully planned out. Contact with the patient was made through pharmacist-directed telephone visits throughout the travel period. A total of 12 telephone visits were conducted with the patient during the 10 weeks of travel. Her INR was supratherapeutic on three occasions and was subtherapeutic once; however, neither enoxaparin nor phytonadione were needed during the travel period, and the patient returned safely to the United States. Effective and safe use of high-risk drugs for patients leaving the United States requires extensive pretravel planning, and pharmacists can play a central role in optimizing therapeutic outcomes for these patients during international travel.
Planning horizons for multi-item hierarchical production scheduling problems: a heuristic search procedure

Abstract A proper planning horizon is important to the effectiveness of planning results. However, there is no planning horizon study dealing with multi-item, multi-level production planning problems which are often encountered in reality. In this study, we develop a direct search procedure for finding planning horizons for a multi-item hierarchical production planning process which consists of an aggregate planning problem and a master production scheduling problem. Experimental results show that the search heuristic is quite efficient in finding planning horizons for both aggregate planning problem and the master scheduling problem. The results also show that the master schedule planning horizons need not be longer than the aggregate planning horizons.
An efficient method for measuring sod reserves for greenhouse and field studies

Nonstructural carbohydrates and other reserves in roots, rhizomes, stolons, crowns, or stubble determine regrowth by grass sod after defoliation. Traditionally, these reserves have been estimated by collecting and growing 15-cm sod plugs with optimum water and temperature in a darkroom and measuring etiolated mass per unit area. An improved sampling tool and mini-darkkrooms made by taping an inverted no. 10 (15-cm diam.) can over a similar can containing a sod plug at or near field capacity are described. A slight depression in the top of the can allows for air exchange but minimizes water loss. Dry matter reserves of 1.18 g for «Coastal», 2.26 g for «Tifton 78», and 3.62 g for «Tifton 44» bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.], were measured with approximately one-fourth less time needed to harvest, water, and retape the covers than for traditional methods
Defence Expenditure: Data Issues and Sources

The validity, utility and comparability of different defence-spending figures in France is assessed. Several institutions provide defence-spending data, yet they rely on different sources to either supply or estimate these figures, as well as on each country's characterization of what constitutes defence-spending. Despite the importance of such a measure in the comprehension of defence-spending trends, a lack of standardization in the definition of defence-spending can be observed. In the case of France, official data related to defence expenditures are marked by (a) the non-inclusion of pesions, (b) the inclusion of research and development costs in the defence budget, and (c) the inclusion of the ‘gendamerie’ as a part of the defence forces.
Plasma-assisted ignition below self-ignition threshold in methane, ethane, propane and butane-air mixtures

This paper presents measurements of time evolution of hydroxyl (OH) radicals in premixed HC-air flows in the afterglow of a nanosecond pulsed discharge at atmospheric pressure. The temperature ranged from 300 to 800 K (below the self-ignition point). The fuels were methane, ethane, propane and butane, at an equivalence ratio of 0.1 from 400 to 800 K. The plasma was generated by 20 kV pulses of 10 ns duration and a <1 ns rise time at repetition rate of 10 Hz. The tip electrode shape ensured a uniform streamer discharge in the gap of 8 mm. The reactant flow rate was set at ~20 cm/s so that each discharge pulse occurred in a fresh gas mixture. Laser induced fluorescence was used to measure the concentration of OH radicals after the discharge. The energy of the excitation laser was adjusted to insure that the measurements were made under saturation conditions for all experiments. The time evolution of OH radicals was tracked by adjusting the delay time between the high-voltage pulse and the concentration measurement.
The Making of an International Educator: Transnationalism and Nonnativeness in English Teaching and Learning.

In the last decade, international teacher recruitment has accounted for an unprecedented number of nonnative-English-speaking teachers (NNESTs) from around the world hired to work in public schools in urban areas in the United States. However, the worldwide trend of international teacher recruitment, and its implications for issues of language, power, and identity involving NNESTs in the United States, continue to be an underrepresented area of study. In this article, the author looks at her own journey as a Costa Rican English teaching professional recruited to work as a teacher of English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) in the United States. Using critical applied linguistics, she framed this study within the theories of linguistic imperialism and World Englishes. Through autoethnography, and more specifically narrative inquiry, she illuminates the local processes of socialization and globalization that contributed to her participation in the phenomena of international teacher recruitment, and reflects on her contestation and appropriation of the various linguistic and racial positionings that she experienced as a NNEST from Latin America in the United States and back in her country of origin. This article portrays the process of boundary-crossing and identity expansion of one NNEST going back and forth between countries in the expanding and inner circles of World Englishes.
Effects of particle size disparity on the compaction behavior of binary mixtures of pharmaceutical powders

Abstract The compression behavior of binary mixtures with a large size disparity has been investigated using an instrumented tableting emulator. The stress–strain correlations obtained during the compaction of blends of microcrystalline cellulose and varying amounts of micronized active ingredient have been analyzed in order to identify the nature of the phenomena controlling the densification of the different ingredients throughout the tableting process. It has been discovered that, cocurrently to the elastic and plastic deformation of the excipient, the API particles can migrate into the intrinsic void spaces of the powder bed. This secondary rearrangement step occurs on a characteristic time scale and, therefore, exhibits a strong sensitivity to the speed of compaction. The implications of this phenomenon can be far reaching, with the most significant impact manifesting in the area of tablet weight control. Most currently-implemented tableting control schemes (usually found in development and research-scale devices) rely on empirical models correlating compaction force measured by the tablet press instrumentation to the composition/mass of powder in the die. Based on these correlations the die-fill settings can be adjusted to maintain tablet weight. Since the secondary rearrangement mechanism effectively shields the smaller particles from deformation, their mass cannot be detected by the strain gauges measuring compaction force, which renders the control scheme unreliable.
Growth and Development of Leaves from Intercalary Meristems in Phalaris arundinacea L.

THERE is general agreement1–4 that the differentiation of phytomer units from the vegetative shoot apex of grasses initially involves the appearance of periclinal divisions in the dermatogen, and that these give rise to a series of alternate distichously arranged ridges which mature basipetally. The blade of the phytomer develops as a result of a combination of marginal growth from periclinal divisions and apical growth from a rib meristem. This eventually transforms the ridge into a crescent, then a collar, and finally a hood over the apex. Shortly thereafter the ligule is formed from the epidermal cells on the upper surface of the blade.