cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Glycine input induces the synaptic facilitation in salamander rod photoreceptors.

Glycinergic synapses in photoreceptors are made by centrifugal feedback neurons in the network, but the function of the synapses is largely unknown. Here we report that glycinergic input enhances photoreceptor synapses in amphibian retinas. Using specific antibodies against a glycine transporter (GlyT2) and glycine receptor β subunit, we identified the morphology of glycinergic input in photoreceptor terminals. Electrophysiological recordings indicated that 10 μM glycine depolarized rods and activated voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in the neurons. The effects facilitated glutamate vesicle release in photoreceptors, meanwhile increased the spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents in Off-bipolar cells. Endogenous glycine feedback also enhanced glutamate transmission in photoreceptors. Additionally, inhibition of a Cl− uptake transporter NKCC1 with bumetanid effectively eliminated glycine-evoked a weak depolarization in rods, suggesting that NKCC1 maintains a high Cl− level in rods, which causes to depolarize in responding to glycine input. This study reveals a new function of glycine in retinal synaptic transmission.
Helping to Prevent Banking Crises: Taking the "State" Out of State Banks

The banking crises experienced in many countries worldwide in recent years can often be attributed, at least in part, to state owned or controlled banks. These banks are often not typically banks in the traditional sense, but are effectively arms of the government to direct credit to favored borrowers in pursuit of economic, political, or social objectives. This frequently results in costly misallocation of resources. In addition, because their bottom line is not necessarily profitability, many consistently generate losses and continue to operate while economically insolvent. They can do this because all of their deposit liabilities are perceived to be fully guaranteed. Thus, their negative net worths are effectively off-budget liabilities of the government. At some point, taxpayers become reluctant to bear this increasing burden and the government is forced to recapitalize their institutions explicitly. To avoid repetitions of these costly policies, state owned banks should be completely privatized.
Boundary-layer flow and turbulence near porous obstacles

We derive a set of governing equations for flow through porous obstacles by employing a two-step averaging processes. The Navier-Stokes equations under the Boussinesq approximation that describe the air space of the porous obstacle are subjected to high-wavenumber a veraging, which leads to a set of high-frequency (wake) turbulence equations. We then use conventional Reynolds-averaging methods to obtain statistically steady mean and turbulence equations that include interactions between wake and shear turbulence. Our method provides a theoretical basis for the cascade of turbulent kinetic energy. We use this approach to analyze the constants and parameters of simpleK-theory and higher-order closure models. We also discuss qualitatively the theory of the turbulence energy generation process and the significance of interactions between different turbulent mechanisms.
Hypoxia, sleep and respiration in relation to opioids in developing swine

Abstract To test the role of mu and delta systems in neonates during hypoxia, a total of sixteen, 4–11 (n = 7) and 26–33-day-old piglets (n = 9) were instrumented aseptically for assessment of sleep/wake states (S/W), electromyographic activities of the diaphragm and posterior cricoarytenoid muscles (EMGdi, EMGpca, respectively), heart rate, and arterial pressures, pH and gas tensions. During daily sessions for 5 consecutive days, the piglets inhaled 10% O2/90% N2 for 10 min twice per session, first before any drug, then after either naltrexone (2 mg·kg−1 i.v.), a predominantly mu opioid antagonist, or naltrindole (4 mg·kg−1 i.v.), a specific delta opioid antagonist. During hypoxia, young, in contrast to older piglets, spent more time asleep, and increased sleep during the second half of the hypoxic exposure before, but not after each antagonist. They also exhibited, overall, higher breathing frequency, and lower slope, amplitude, area and initial area of EMGdi and EMGpca activity than older piglets. Naltrindole stimulated EMGpca activity in both age groups, and naltrexone increased the breathing frequency and slope of EMGdi in the older group. We conclude that hypoxia enhances the activation of central mu and delta opioid systems which influence S/W and respiration.
Combinatorial extensions of radical, nil, and locally nilpotent algebras☆

Abstract Using methods of combinatorial noncommutative ring theory, extension theorems are proved for radical, nil, and locally nilpotent algebras: to illustrate, just some special consequences. Each radical K-algebra can be embedded into a radical K-algebra which contains neither a nil nor a residually nilpotent nonzero ideal. Each nil (locally nilpotent) K-algebra can be embedded into a nil (locally nilpotent) K-algebra which has no nonzero ideal satisfying some polynomial identity. Moreover, embedding theorems are shown for nil K-algebras concerning the locally nilpotent ideals.
Advanced chemical oxidation: Its present role and potential future in hazardous waste treatment

Abstract Chemical oxidation reactions involving hydroxyl radicals have been extremely effective in the destruction of organic pollutants. These advanced chemical oxidation processes (AOP) generally use a combination of oxidation agents (such as H2O2 or O3), irradiation (such as uv or ultrasound), and catalysts (such as metal ions or photocatalysts) as a means to generate hydroxyl radical. The hydroxyl radical is one of the strongest inorganic oxidants next to elemental fluorine. The hydroxyl radical is stable over a wide pH range, up to pH 10. The hydroxyl radical reacts with organic by three major mechanisms: hydroxy addition, hydrogen abstraction, and electron transfer. Several AOP systems are reviewed first. The merits as well as limitations of these systems are discussed. The potential of AOP for future hazardous wastes treatment is then demonstrated by four AOP systems, H2O2/Fe2+, TiO2/uv/O2, H2O2, and TiO2/uv/H2O2, exemplifiedby chlorophenols. A reaction scheme can be generalized for the oxidation of halogenated phenols by advanced chemical oxidation, specifically, ones involving hydroxyl radicals. Upon the attack of a halogenated phenol, ArXnOH, by a hydroxyl radical, OH·, a free radical, Ar(OH)2Xn·, is formed. This free radical can undergo two reaction paths: (1)hydroxylation without dechlorination (Type A) and (2) hydroxylation with dechlorination (Type B). It has been observed that mono-halogenated phenols (n=1) only follow Type A path: dichlorophenols (n=2) and trichlorophenols (n=3) can have both Type A and Type B reaction pathways; tetrahalogenated (n=4) and pentahalogenated (n=5) phenols only follow Type B reaction pathway.
The response of dogs to perfusion and arrest of circulation at near zero cerebral temperatures

Summary o 1. Twenty-six dogs were cooled by a whole body, closed chest perfusion technique to end perfusion brain temperatures of 14.1° to 0.2° C. inclusive. 2. There were no deaths in the group of six dogs in which the end perfusion brain temperature was 10.0° C. or higher. 3. In the 17 dogs cooled to brain temperatures of 5.0° C. or less there were nine deaths, of which five occurred quickly from cardiovascular failure, while four resulted from gross neurologic disturbances. 4. There was no evidence of aortic incompetence during whole body, closed chest hypothermic perfusion. 5. The lower the temperature of the brain at the end of the cooling perfusion, the greater was the passive transfer of heat from the environment.
Management of giant duodenal ulcer

Giant duodenal ulcer is a variant of peptic ulcer that is 2 cm in diameter or greater and essentially replaces the duodenal bulb. Diagnosis by upper gastrointestinal series is often missed, due to the large size of the ulcer, which causes it to look like a scarred duodenal bulb or duodenal diverticulum. This study reviews our experience with 32 patients who presented with giant duodenal ulcer between 1963 and 1982. Seventy-five percent of the patients were men between 30 and 81 years of age (mean age 59 years). Gastrointestinal hemorrhage was a presenting symptom in 75 percent of the patients and free perforation in 9 percent. Diagnosis was made by upper gastrointestinal series (24 patients), and endoscopy (11 patients), alone or in combination. Three patients were diagnosed at surgery and one at necropsy. Mean size of the ulcer was 3.5 cm in diameter, range 2 to 6 cm. Twenty-four patients were initially managed medically (mean length of treatment 41 months), with 2 deaths (hemorrhage) and 20 recurrences (83 percent). Twenty-seven operations were required in 25 patients. In 17 of the 25, medical treatment had failed. Seven of these patients required emergency surgery. Eight patients were managed primarily by surgery, of whom five presented emergently. There were three deaths in the surgical group after emergency surgery. In two of these patients, medical treatment had failed. There were no deaths among the elective surgery group. Twenty-five of the 27 operative procedures were definitive, acid-reducing operations (15 vagotomy and antrectomy and 10 vagotomy and drainage). Two patients underwent emergency exploration and oversewing of a giant perforated ulcer alone, and both patients required subsequent surgery because of symptoms. The results indicate that giant duodenal ulcer should be primarily surgically managed and that an acid-reducing procedure should be performed during primary surgery. These patients do very poorly with medical therapy, and the mortality rate is increased if emergency surgery is required for hemorrhage. Medical treatment alone is associated with a high morbidity (92 percent). Should operation be required, a definitive acid reduction operation is the procedure of choice.
Single question about drunkenness to detect college students at risk for injury.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the frequency of injuries reported by college students who replied affirmatively to the question, "In a typical week, how many days do you get drunk?" METHODS: In Fall 2003, a Web-based survey was administered to a stratified random sample of 3,909 college students from ten North Carolina (NC) universities. Students answered questions regarding alcohol use and its consequences. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression, controlling for within-school clustering of drinking behaviors and adjusting for other significant covariates. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for significant predictors (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Two thousand four hundred eighty-eight students reported that they are current drinkers; 1,353 (54.4%) reported getting drunk at least once in a typical week. Compared with students who did not report getting drunk at least once a week, these students had higher odds of being hurt or injured at least once as a result of their own drinking (AOR = 4.97; 95% CI = 3.47 to 7.09), experiencing a fall from a height that required medical treatment (AOR = 2.16; 95% CI = 1.36 to 3.43), and being taken advantage of sexually as a result of another's drinking (AOR = 2.59; 95% CI = 1.72 to 3.89). Students who reported getting drunk at least one day in a typical week also were more likely to cause an injury requiring medical treatment to someone else. They had higher odds of causing injury in an automobile crash (AOR = 1.84; 95% CI = 1.01 to 3.40), of causing a burn that required medical treatment (AOR = 2.85; 95% CI = 1.51 to 5.39), and of causing a fall from a height that required medical treatment (AOR = 2.02; 95% CI = 1.01 to 4.04). Getting drunk was a better indicator of "self-experienced injury" and of "injury caused to someone else" than was binge drinking, for all outcomes (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The single question, "In a typical week, how many days do you get drunk?" identifies college students who are at higher than normal risk of injury as a result of their own drinking and the drinking of others. Future research should assess this question's effectiveness as a screening tool in campus health centers and in emergency departments. Language: en
Evaluating human-automation interaction using task analytic behavior models, strategic knowledge-based erroneous human behavior generation, and model checking

Human-automation interaction, including erroneous human behavior, is a factor in the failure of complex, safety-critical systems. This paper presents a method for automatically generating task analytic models encompassing both erroneous and normative human behavior from normative task models by manipulating modeled strategic knowledge. Resulting models can be automatically translated into larger formal system models so that safety properties can be formally verified with a model checker. This allows analysts to prove that a human automation-interactive system (as represented by the formal model) will or will not satisfy safety properties with both normative and generated erroneous human behavior. This method is illustrated with a case study: the programming of a patient-controlled analgesia pump. In this example, a problem resulting from a generated erroneous human behavior is discovered and a potential solutions is explored. Future research directions are discussed.
Testosterone implants alter the frequency range of zebra finch songs

To investigate whether changes in testosterone alter the frequency range in which a zebra finch produces song, we assigned male zebra finches to two groups, one of which received testosterone implants and the other empty silastic capsule implants. We then recorded songs up to 52 weeks after the surgery and measured frequency changes in the fundamental frequencies of arbitrarily chosen harmonic stacks in the songs of birds in either group. We found statistically significant decreases after 5 weeks in the songs of the testosterone-treated birds. No changes were found in the fundamental frequencies of the control group. The frequency change remained after the apparent effects of the testosterone implants ended. These data show that high levels of testosterone can lower the frequencies of elements in zebra finch songs.
Corrected bohr-sommerfeld quantum conditions for nonseparable systems

Abstract For a separable or nonseparable system an approximate solution of the Schrodinger equation is constructed of the form Ae i h −1S . From the single-valuedness of the solution, assuming that A is single-valued, a condition on S is obtained from which follows A. Einstein's generalized form of the Bohr-Sommerfeld-Wilson quantum conditions. This derivation, essentially due to L. Brillouin, yields only integer quantum numbers. We extend the considerations to multiple valued functions A and to approximate solutions of the form σ A k exp (i h −1 S k ). In this way we deduce the corrected form of the quantum conditions with the appropriate integer, half-integer or other quantum number (generally a quarter integer). Our result yields a classical mechanical principle for determining the type of quantum number to be used in any particular instance. This fills a gap in the formulation of the “quantum theory”, since the only other method for deciding upon the type of quantum number—that of Kramers—applies only to separable systems, whereas the present result also applies to nonseparable systems. In addition to yielding this result, the approximate solution of the Schrodinger equation—which can be constructed by classical mechanics—may itself prove to be useful.
On-chip low-profile nano-horn metal-clad optical cavity with much improved performance

We propose an on-chip nano-horm-shaped metal-clad cavity. The proposed device is 0.8 µm in height-half the size of the previously reported devices— and achieves the quality factor of 1000 and effective volume of 0.31(λ/n)^3.
Experimental bacterial infections in the oyster Crassostrea virginica

Abstract The course of infection in oysters initiated by intracardial injection of Bacillus thuringiensis (spores and vegetative cells), Mycobacterium smegmatis , and bacterium A-3 (a Pseudomonas -like organism) was monitored periodically by plate counts of whole oyster homogenate and of heart blood samples. All three species of bacteria used in the present study, when injected into the oysters, were eventually rendered nonviable by the host. However, the susceptibility of these microorganisms to host defensive action was quite different and presumably reflected their potentials as prospective oyster pathogens. Prior to the 5th day, M. smegmatis apparently suffer little or no loss in the oyster. The bacteria, however, were rapidly destroyed by the host thereafter. Oysters injected with bacterium A-3 ran a relapsing course of infection which was influenced by the ambient temperatures of sea water in which the oysters were maintained. Apparently oysters were not affected by the toxin produced by B. thuringiensis . Histological studies of tissues of oysters injected with B. thuringiensis and M. smegmatis showed that most of the vegetative bacteria were quickly ingested by the leucocytes in the circulatory system, and were eventually rendered nonviable by intracellular digestion. Migration of microorganism-laden leucocytes through the intestinal epithelium was seen occasionally. Occlusion of visceral mass blood vessels by leucocytes began 4 hours post-injection of B. thuringiensis and remained for at least 2 days before it was resolved. Injection of M. smegmatis did not elicit such a host response.
Time-dependent quantal calculations for L=0 models of the electron-impact ionization of hydrogen near threshold

The electron-impact ionization cross section for hydrogen near threshold is calculated using both time-dependent wave-packet and time-dependent Green{close_quote}s-function methods. The time-dependent Green{close_quote}s-function method also allows the calculation of the elastic cross section. The need for absorbing potentials was removed by allowing our fast waves to leave our two-dimensional grid. Two different models are used for the Coulomb interaction between the electrons: a cusp model with v(r{sub 1},r{sub 2})=1/r{sub {gt}} and a linear model with v(r{sub 1},r{sub 2})=1/(r{sub 1}+r{sub 2}), both with all angular momenta set to zero. Between 0.2 and 2.0 eV the cusp model cross section may exhibit an exponential suppression, while the linear model cross section follows a power-law behavior with an exponent of 1.1 with no noticeable oscillations. The results of the numerical experiments are compared with previous classical and quantal predictions extending back over 40 years to the pioneering work of Wannier. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Risk factors for 72-hour admission to the ED

This study's purpose was to identify risk factors for return and admission within 72 hours of discharge from the emergency department (ED). During a 2-year period, 104,584 patients were seen and discharged in the ED, and 493 (0.47%) patients returned within 72 hours requiring admission. Risk factors compared were age, sex, race, insurance status, and initial diagnosis. Initial visits were also characterized by weekday, means of arrival, time of arrival and discharge, and time between visits. Older patients, especially over 65 years, and patients with insurance for the elderly (Medicare) were at higher risk. The highest risk initial diagnosis categories were mental disorder (1.2%), genitourinary system (0.93%), and symptom-based diagnoses (0.76%). Also, a high proportion of patients arrived by ambulance. Patients at increased risk of early admission can be identified and should be the first target for prospective prevention strategies that seek to minimize high-risk early returns to the ED.
The total numbers of cerebellar granule neurons in young and aged Fischer 344 and Wistar-Kyoto rats do not change as a result of lengthy ethanol treatment.

It is generally accepted that long term chronic ethanol consumption by young rats will lead to significant losses of cerebellar granule neurons (GN). A recent study in this laboratory showed, however, that 40 weeks of chronic ethanol consumption had no effect on the total numbers of GN in aged Fischer 344 rats (F344). The goals of the present study were to determine whether F344 GN were resistant to ethanol toxicity only in aged rats and whether resistance of GN in aged rats to ethanol toxicity occurred only in the F344 strain. To accomplish those goals, young and aged adult F344 and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were treated chronically with ethanol for 40 weeks during the first or second half of their life span. In each rat the total numbers of GN were estimated with the optical fractionator and the volumes of the GN layer were estimated according to Cavalieri’s theorem. After the 40 weeks of ethanol, there were significant age-related differences in the total numbers of GN in the F344 rats. There were also significant strainrelated differences in the total numbers of GN and volumes of the GN layer. There were no significant ethanol-related differences, however, in numbers of cerebellar GN or volumes of the GN layer in F344 rats or WKY rats. The results presented here show that consumption of ethanol over long periods of time had no effect on the total numbers of cerebellar GN or the granular layer volumes in young or aged F344 or WKY rats.
PH-dependent appearance of chiral structure in a langmuir monolayer

) acid monolayer with cadmium ions inthe subphase, at near-zero surface pressure and˘9 °C, show that there exists a pH “window” within whichthe monolayer takes on a chiral structure and an ordered superlattice is also observed. Below this pH window,the monolayer has a tilted structure like that of a pure fatty acid monolayer at low pressures, indicatingnegligible headgroup-ion interaction. Above the window, the monolayer goes to a structure very similar tothe high-pressure untilted S phase seen in pure fatty acid monolayers. The chiral structure is never seen whencadmium is replaced by zinc, another divalent metal with only slightly lower electronegativity, or (as reportedearlier) with calcium. Raising temperature within the cadmium pH window destroys the superlattice andtakes the monolayer to the backbone-disordered Rotator-I structure.
Structure/property relationships in pulsed-laser-deposited ferroelectric thin films for frequency-agile microwave electronics

Low loss ferroelectric thin films deposited by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) are currently being used to develop a new class of tunable microwave circuits based on the electric field dependence of the dielectric constant. Single phase, (100) oriented Ba 0.5 Sr 0.5 TiO 3 (BST) films have been deposited onto (100) LaAlO 3 , SrTiO 3 , and MgO substrates. Interdigitated capacitors have been used to measure the dielectric constant and dissipation factor of these films as a function of DC bias and temperature at 1 MHz and as a function of DC bias at 1 to 20 GHz at room temperature. A low phase noise voltage controlled oscillator is currently being developed for use at frequencies from 1 - 20 GHz. To achieve low phase noise in the oscillator will require the loss tangent in the ferroelectric to be -3 . Origins of the dielectric loss are being investigated using optical techniques. Optical imaging of the ferroelectric films using confocal scanning optical microscopy shows reproducible polarization fluctuations over sub-micrometer length scales for BST films deposited onto SrTiO 3 which are not observed for films deposited onto MgO. Dielectric loss in the ferroelectric film is reduced through a combination of post deposition processing and donor/acceptor doping of the films. The lowest dielectric loss measured at microwave frequencies (tan(delta) equals 0.01 at 1 - 10 GHz) has been in a post-deposition annealed Ba 0.5 Sr 0.5 TiO 3 film doped with approximately 1 - 2 atomic % Mn.
Some neurotoxic properties of triethylene glycol dinitrate: a comparison with decamethonium.

Abstract The 24-hr, ip LD50 of triethylene glycol dinitrate (TEGDN) in rats is 995 (1063-932) mg/kg. The ip LD50 of TEGDN in rats anesthetized with pentobarbital is only 321 (605-170) mg/kg. Significant increases in pentobarbital sleep times were observed in rats pretreated with 50 mg of TEGDN/kg ip. Higher doses of TEGDN ameliorated Metrazol toxicity and increased zoxazolamine paralysis times. The peripheral nervous system toxicity of TEGDN was compared to that of decamethonium (C10). Both compounds caused severe tremors and clonic convulsions in vivo, and in vitro both selectively blocked nerve stimulated contractions of the cholinergic rat phrenic nerve diaphragm (PND) preparation, with C10 being 60 times more potent in this respect than was TEGDN. When TEGDN and C10 were applied to PND preparations in combination, the inhibition of the force of contraction occurred more rapidly and was greater than that expected from either compound applied alone. It appears that TEGDN and C10 act at the same site in vivo in the peripheral nervous system to block cholinergic transmission.
Venturi scrubber optimization revisited

A previous paper of ours on venturi scrubber optimization used a model by Calvert et al. to describe particle collection. Several assumptions in this model are improved in the present work; actual values for droplet drag coefficient are used rather than the Ingebo approximation, and the actual scrubber geometry is used rather than assuming the scrubber is a duct infinitely long and constant in diameter. Results from the present model suggest that the scrubber geometry affects the effectiveness with which liquid is utilized and the effectiveness with which energy is utilized. Furthermore, the conditions necessary to obtain optimum venturi performance change with particle diameter, throat velocity, and scrubber geometry. With these results, the conditions necessary for theoretically optimum performance of the scrubber can be readily identified.
Treponema bryantii sp. nov., a rumen spirochete that interacts with cellulolytic bacteria

A saccharolytic spirochete that associated and interacted with cellulolytic bacteria was isolated from bovine rumen fluid. Isolation was accomplished by means of a procedure involving serial dilution of a sample of rumen fluid into a cellulose-containing agar medium. Clear zones appeared within the medium as a result of cellulose hydrolysis by rumen bacteria. The saccharolytic spirochete and a cellulolytic bacterium later identified as a strain of Bacteroides succinogenes were isolated from the clear zones. The spirochete did not utilize cellulose, but grew in coculture with the cellulolytic bacterium in cellulose-containing media. When cocultured in these media the spirochete used, as fermentable substrates, soluble sugars released from cellulose by the cellulolytic bacterium. In cellulosecontaining agar medium the spirochete enhanced cellulose breakdown by the B. succinogenes strain. Electron microscopy showed that the helical spirochete cells possessed an outer sheath, a protoplasmic cylinder, and two periplasmic fibrils. Under a CO2 atmosphere, in a reduced medium containing inorganic salts, rumen fluid, glucose, and NaHCO3, the spirochete grew to a final density of 1.9×109 cells/ml. Succinate, acetate, and formate were products of the fermentation of glucose by growing cells. CO2 (HCO3 -), branched short-chain fatty acids, folic acid, biotin, niacinamide, thiamine, pyridoxal, and a carbohydrate were required for growth of the spirochete. The results of this study indicated that the rumen spirochete represents a new species of Treponema. It is proposed that the new species be named Treponema bryantii.
Nitrogen mineralization, nitrification and denitrification in upland and wetland ecosystems.

Nitrogen mineralization, nitrification, denitrification, and microbial biomass were evaluated in four representative ecosystems in east-central Minnesota. The study ecosystems included: old field, swamp forest, savanna, and upland pin oak forest. Due to a high regional water table and permeable soils, the upland and wetland ecosystems were separated by relatively short distances (2 to 5 m). Two randomly selected sites within each ecosystem were sampled for an entire growing season. Soil samples were collected at 5-week intervals to determine rates of N cycling processes and changes in microbial biomass. Mean daily N mineralization rates during five-week in situ soil incubations were significantly different among sampling dates and ecosystems. The highest annual rates were measured in the upland pin oak ecosystem (8.6 g N m−2 yr−1), and the lowest rates in the swamp forest (1.5 g N m−2 yr−1); nitrification followed an identical pattern. Denitrification was relatively high in the swamp forest during early spring (8040 μg N2O−N m−2 d−1) and late autumn (2525 μg N2O−N m−2 d−1); nitrification occurred at rates sufficient to sustain these losses. In the well-drained uplands, rates of denitrification were generally lower and equivalent to rates of atmospheric N inputs. Microbial C and N were consistently higher in the swamp forest than in the other ecosystems; both were positively correlated with average daily rates of N mineralization. In the subtle landscape of east-central Minnesota, rates of N cycling can differ by an order of magnitude across relatively short distances.
The ADEMEX Study and PD Adequacy

The ADEMEX study was a prospective, randomized, controlled, interventional trial that evaluated the effect of an increase in peritoneal clearance on the relative risk of death for patients on CAPD. The results suggest that over the range of solute clearance studied, increasing peritoneal solute clearance had no beneficial effect on survival. Residual renal function did predict outcome. The findings are clinically relevant, but there are some limitations of the study that may limit the generalizability of the results. First of all, exclusion criteria were likely to result in the exclusion of rapid transporters and small patients, the subgroup of patients found to have an increased relative risk of death on PD in other studies. Secondly, ADEMEX evaluated the effect of an increase in small solute, not middle molecular weight solute clearances on outcome. Lastly, ADEMEX did not evaluate outcomes for patients on cycler therapies, the most popular form of PD in use currently. The data confirms (a) that one size prescription does not fit all; (b) that many patients below current NKF-DOQI targets for small solute clearance may be adequately dialyzed, and (c) it provides us with evidence-based data that national societies can consider using when preparing for the next revisions of their guidelines.
Increasing transport efficiency using simulation modeling in a dynamic modeling approach

Abstract The effective movement of people is the purpose of transportation, but the behavior of people within a transportation system is not always well understood. Using analytical data, particularly simulations, to understand the behavior of passengers can offer valuable insight on improving processes and optimizing transportation infrastructure. The bus route at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA, was optimized and the optimal number of buses on the route was estimated in order to streamline the working process and reduce any unwanted activity, thereby saving operating costs and reducing pollution. The present paper presents a dynamic simulation modeling methodology that reduces the variation between the simulation model results and actual system performance. The dynamic simulation model presented updates itself based on the dynamics of the actual system to reflect correctly the impact of organization restructuring on overall organizational performance.
Interference of a four-hole aperture for on-chip quantitative two-dimensional differential phase imaging

We present a novel on-chip method for quantitative two-dimensional differential phase imaging. This technique uses four circular holes (600 nm diameter, 1.2 μm spacing) arranged in a 'plus' pattern that are fabricated in a layer of metal above a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) imaging sensor. The interference pattern of the aperture shifts position with respect to the differential phase of the incident light. By imaging the interference pattern with the CMOS sensor, this method measures amplitude and differential phase (1°/μm sensitivity for signal-to-noise ratio ≥16 dB) of the incident light field simultaneously. An application to optical beam profiling is presented; we show the amplitude and differential phase profiles of a Gaussian laser beam and an optical vortex.
Ubiquinone biosynthesis in Leishmania major promastigotes

Abstract Promastigotes of Leishmania major contain a ubiquinone which has a side chain made up of nine isoprene subunits (UQ9). Incorporation of radioactivity from [ 14 C] acetate and [ 14 C] mevalonate into ubiquinone as well as the identification of hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG CoA reductase), and mevalonate kinase indicate that the isoprenoid portion of the molecule is synthesized by the acetate-mevalonate pathway as in mammalian cells. Incorporation of [ 14 C] tyrosine into ubiquinone is low, but [ 14 C] parahydroxybenzoic acid is readily incorporated. Distribution of radioactivity from [ 14 C] acetate indicates that about 60–80% is associated with the side chain and about 20% with the ring. Label from parahydroxybenzoic acid is, however, incorporated preferentially into the ring. L. major is capable of synthesizing the aromatic ring of ubiquinone from acetate, parahydroxybenzoate being an important intermediate. In this behaviour it resembles procaryotes. Ubiquinone biosynthetic pathway in L. major thus shares characteristics with mammalian and bacterial systems.
Solid form selection of zwitterionic 5-HT4 receptor agonist.

Abstract From discovery synthesis of a zwitterionic pharmaceutical compound, 4-{[4-({[(3-isopropyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzimidazol-1-yl)carbonyl]amino}methyl)piperidin-1-yl]methyl}tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-carboxylic acid (compound A), two anhydrous ZW-I and ZW-II and two hydrate forms ZW-III and ZW-IV were identified. Although stable form ZW-I was chemically stable at 70 °C/75% RH for 10 days, it was transformed to hydrate form ZW-IV under ambient conditions within a few days, taking up water from atmospheric moisture. In order to select a solid form for further investigation, solid-state characterization, salt screening on 96-well plate, stable polymorph and hydrate screening and physical stability were performed. Based on the results of the salt screening, besylate, camsylate, hemi-edisylate, hemifumarate, monosuccinate salts of compound A were prepared, and their polymorphism and chemical and physical stability were evaluated. From the viewpoint of stability and manufacturability, a stable form of besylate salt (BSA-I), which had two anhydrous forms BSA-I and BSA-II and hydrate form BSA-III, was selected as a solid form. BSA-I was quite stable at high relative humidity and provided significant improvement of physical stability compared with ZW-I.
Rapid Determination of Methyl Chloride in Ambient Air Samples by GC-MS

Abstract The methyl chloride concentration distribution in the atmosphere is of importance to the discussion of potential ozone destruction by chlorine-catalyzed reactions in the stratosphere. A gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric technique for rapid measurement of methyl chloride in air samples is described. The procedure provides both better sensitivity and better precision than previously reported determinations of methyl chloride in air. Some representative data are presented to illustrate the use of the method.
Processing algorithms for tracking speckle shifts in optical elastography of biological tissues.

Parametric and nonparametric data processing schemes for analyzing translating laser speckle data used to investigate the me- chanical behavior of biological tissues are examined. Cross- correlation, minimum mean square estimator, maximum likelihood, and maximum entropy approaches are discussed and compared on speckle data derived from cortical bone samples undergoing dynamic loading. While it was not the purpose of this paper to demonstrate that one processing technique is superior to another, maximum likelihood and maximum entropy approaches are shown to be particularly useful when the observed speckle motion is small. © 2001 Society of Photo-Optical
New approaches for the validation of transfer maps using remainder-enhanced differential algebra

Abstract High-order transfer maps of particle systems play an important role in the design and optimization of particle optical systems, both for satisfying the basic design needs as well as for the correction of aberrations and non-linear effects, and the differential algebraic (DA) method has proved useful for this problem. Since the high-order maps represent an approximation of the motion, in particular in strongly nonlinear cases in which convergence of the maps may be slow, it is important to know the quality of the approximation. Recent work has shown that it is in principle possible to not only propagate the conventional differential algebraic high-order objects, but also adjoint remainder terms that rigorously account for any errors made by the approximation by the Taylor expansion over the domain of interest. In this paper we describe various recent enhancements of the original method of computations with remainder bounds that allow the control of the errors made both by the integrator scheme and any possible inaccuracy of the description of the system. Using suitable extensions of the DA and Taylor model operators used in the Schauder fixed point theorem formulation of the ODE problem leads to a very transparent approach for the calculation of enclosures for the intergration errors. Under the presence of a scheme for effective treatment of sparsity in the DA vectors, such as the method available in the code COSY INFINITY, the additional resources necessary for this algorithm are very modest.
Unsedated small-caliber esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) versus conventional EGD: a comparative study.

Abstract Background & Aims: Significant portions of the cost and complications of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) are related to sedation. This study aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and accuracy of unsedated small-caliber transoral EGD (sc-EGD). Methods: A 4-phase study was performed in healthy volunteers and patients. Phases 1 and 2 involved assessment of the technical feasibility of sedated sc-EGD and the tolerability of unsedated sc-EGD, respectively, in volunteers. Subsequently, the technical feasibility, tolerability, and diagnostic accuracy of sedated and unsedated sc-EGD were determined by having each patient undergo sc-EGD (Pentax EG-1840) with (phase 3) and without (phase 4) sedation, followed by sedated conventional EGD (c-EGD) (Olympus GIF-100 or GIF-Q140) by a staff endoscopist blinded to the findings of the sc-EGD. The t test for paired samples was used for statistical analysis. A P value of Results: Sedated and unsedated sc-EGD were technically feasible and tolerable in all volunteers. In patients, compared with sedated c-EGD, sedated and unsedated sc-EGD were 96% and 97% accurate, respectively. The overall acceptability of unsedated sc-EGD was only slightly worse than that of sedated c-EGD (median, 2 vs. 1 on a scale of 1–10). After unsedated sc-EGD, 98% of patients expressed willingness to undergo the procedure again. No complications were observed during any phase of the study. Conclusions: Unsedated sc-EGD is technically feasible, tolerable, and accurate. It can potentially decrease the costs and complications of sedated conventional EGD. GASTROENTEROLOGY 1999;117:1301-1307
Epic Heroes, Ethical Issues, And Time Paradoxes In Quantum Leap

(1993). Epic Heroes, Ethical Issues, And Time Paradoxes In Quantum Leap. Journal of Popular Film and Television: Vol. 21, Ethical Issues in Film and Television, pp. 111-120.
Chemistry and physics of silicon nanowire

This article provides a short overview of the current status of the silicon nanowire research including its synthetic chemistry and physical property characterization, with examples drawn mainly from the author's lab.
Competitive posture and IPO performance in high technology firms

Small to medium sized technology firms significantly impact the national and world economy and it is paramount that the best-managed firms have long term success. Empirical analysis must determine the competitive posture that will enhance performance and increase success rates for this population. This research examines the competitive posture of 168 high technology initial public offering (IPO) firms from 1992 and their short term and long term performance. Content analysis of the IPO prospectus provides the source of data for the variables. The research supports the hypotheses that pioneering competitive posture outperform others in the population.
Reducing combustion variation of late-phasing HCCI with cycle-to-cycle exhaust valve timing control

Abstract A framework for modeling late-phasing homogeneous charge, compression ignition (HCCI) combustion shows that combustion instability can be represented as a negative real-axis pole in a discrete-time linearized system. A simple, nonlinear model of the HCCI process presented in previous work effectively captures decreases in heat transfer at late-phasing HCCI points. These decreases in heat transfer result in highly oscillatory responses of combustion phasing at late-phasing HCCI points. Root loci generated by linearizing the nonlinear model at different operating conditions illustrate that a system pole moves from the origin at a nominal case onto the negative real axis for the late-phasing case. Finally, simple proportional control of exhaust valve closing, based on output feedback, demonstrates sufficient reduction in drastic swings in combustion phasing and indicated mean effective pressure.
Middle triassic megafossil plants and trace fossils from Tank Gully, Canterbury, New Zealand

Abstract Coal measures conformably underlying marine rocks of Ladinian age in Tank Gully have yielded a diverse assemblage of fossil plants. The presence of Dicroidium and Johnstonia leaves and corystosperm fructifications, supported by other remains (Neocalamites, Cladophlebis, Lobifolia and Sphenobaiera), indicate correlation of the flora with the Dicroidium odontopteroides zone of Late Anisian to Ladinian age. Several taxonomic changes are proposed. The ginkgoalean affinities of “Phoenicopsis” elongatus seem more remote than ever, so it is transferred to the non-committal genus Desmiophyllum. A re-organization of palaeophyllalean form-genera and of the species of Ginkgophylopsis is proposed to include remains formerly referred to Chiropteris. Glosso-pteridalean affinities are suggested for the redefined species of Linguifolium and their likely seeds, Carpolithus mackayi. The following new combinations are proposed: Desmiophyllum elongatum (Morris), Ginkgophytopsis cuneala (Carruthers), G. lacerata (Arb...
Effects of incubation temperature on the bone development of broilers

ABSTRACT Manipulating the development of the leg bone by making simple changes to incubation temperature could help reduce the incidence of abnormalities. This study tested the hypothesis that increasing or decreasing the temperature of chick incubation by 1°C for 3 d during ED 4 to 7 affects hatchability, growth, and leg abnormalities of Cobb 500 broilers fed 3 diets: a diet that induced tibial dyschondroplasia, a Ca-deficient diet that induced rickets, and a P-deficient diet that induced rickets. In experiment 1, eggs hatched earlier, and more eggs hatched, at 38.5°C (92.77%) compared with at 37.5°C (86.22%). Body weight was lower in chicks incubated at the higher temperature compared with those incubated at the lower temperature (44.66 vs. 42.92 g). In experiment 2, egg setting times were +17 h for 36.5°C eggs and −10 h for 38.5°C compared with standard setting at 37.5°C (508 h). Hatchability of fertile eggs (92.92%) was highest at 37.5°C and decreased at 36.5°C (89.82%) and 38.5°C (81.55%). Body weight was lower (48.98 g) at 36.5°C than at 37.5°C (49.57 g) and at 38.5°C (50.56 g). Experiment 3 separated effects of incubation temperature and incubation time and was conducted with control and Ca-deficient diets. No main effects or interactions between incubation temperature or time and bone abnormalities were detected. It is important to note that eggs hatched at different times in this study. A difference as little as 1°C for 3 d during ED 4 to 7 affected hatching time and weight.
Priming in pronunciation: Beyond pattern recognition and onset latency

Abstract Three experiments that address the impact of associative relatedness on both onset latencies and production durations in pronunciation performance are reported. In Experiment 1, a related response cue, presented after a to-be-pronounced target word, decreased the target word's production duration, compared to an unrelated response cue, but did not influence its onset latency. In Experiment 2, two related or two unrelated words were simultaneously presented. The response cue was presented 400, 900, 1400, or 1900 ms after the stimuli were presented and indicated whether to pronounce the stimuli in a prepared sequence or in an unprepared sequence. The results indicated that the production durations were shorter when the two words were related, compared to unrelated, independent of cue delay. Also, the onset latencies were faster when the words were related compared to unrelated at each delay except the 1900-ms delay. In Experiment 3, three word sequences were presented to distinguish between associative-cooccurrence accounts and meaning-level accounts of the results obtained in Experiments 1 and 2. The results of Experiment 3 yielded a significant impact of the primes on both onset latencies and production durations. The pattern of priming effects supported a meaning-level account of the present production duration effects. The results from these experiments are interpreted within both an interactive activation model of speech production and a cooperative-based model of language processing.
Markov sources achieve the feedback capacity of finite-state machine channels

The feedback capacity of a finite-state machine channel is achieved by a feedback-dependent Markov source with the same memory length as the channel. The optimal feedback is captured by the conditional probabilities of the channel states given all previous channel outputs, i.e., by the forward coefficients in the Bahl, Cocke, Jelinek and Raviv (1974) algorithm. We formulate the optimization of the feedback-dependent Markov source distribution as an average-reward-per-stage stochastic control problem, and solve it numerically using dynamic programming algorithms.
The Effect of Changes in World Crude Oil Prices on U.S. Automobile Exports

This study describes an export model where consumers differentiate between different types of automobiles by the distance they can travel on one dollar’s worth of fuel. The model predicts that the overall demand for vehicles falls as crude oil prices rise, and that the demand for less fuel-efficient vehicles falls relatively more. In particular, we estimate that between 2007 and 2008, when the crude oil prices increased by 32 percent, the export demand for the SUVs manufactured in the United States declined by over $700 million. This implies that the relatively less fuel-efficient U.S.-model vehicles will tend to suffer a competitive disadvantage worldwide when crude oil prices are high. We discuss the potential role of the proposed CAFE standards in improving fuel-efficiency and growing exports of the U.S. vehicle fleet. Keywords : Fuel efficiency; CAFE standards; International trade; Econometrics JEL Classifications : C1; F1; Q4