cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bacillus Subtilis T 99, a Biocontrol Agent of Soil-Borne Fungal Diseases of Greenhouse Crops

ABSTRACT Application to the substrate of the fungal antagonist Bacillus subtilis strain T 99, isolated and produced by the Research Centre of Biotechnology (Berlin) leads to growth-promoting effects on plants, as shown by results of model experiments with tomato. Pre-infectional substrate dressings with T 99 reduce corky root disease ( Pyrenochaeta lycopersici ) in tomato and Phomopsis root rot ( Phomopsis sclerotioides ) in cucumber and increase yields. Optimal fertilization of the plants and a combined use of T 99 and small dosages of zineb or mancozeb improve the growth-promoting and biocontrol effect of the antagonist, as was shown in tomato affected by corky root disease and in cucumber affected by Phomopsis root rot. Large-scale experiments under practical greenhouse conditions in cucumber production confirmed the activity of Bacillus subtilis T 99 as an effective biocontrol agent after repeated pre-infectional soil applications combined with a minimal use of mancozeb.
(CoCr)1-xMx (M = Pt, Ta, W) composite magnetic thin films with admixed SiO2

We studied (CoCr)i-xMx composite magnetic thin films (M = Pt, Ta, and W) by admixing SiO2 without using a Cr underlayer. The coercivity of CoCrTa and CoCrW composite films is not significantly increased either by the addition of Ta or W elements or by the admixture of SiO2, unlike that of CoCrPt alloy systems. Torque magnetometer measurements revealed that the in-plane anisotropy of these CoCrTa and CoCrW alloy films was relatively small and not greatly enhanced by the admixture of SiO2. On the other hand, pole figure measurements showed that the c-axes of all these alloy films were considerably inclined and dispersed in the in-plane direction when SiO2 was admixed. We also measured the lattice parameters of Co (002) in these alloy systems with and without admixture of SiO2. The results showed that the expansion of the c-axis of CoCr alloys is much larger when Pt is added than when Ta or W is added. This tendency is further enhanced by admixture of SiO2. Thus, a magnetoelastic effect obtained through lattice expansion can also play an important role in increasing coercivity in these alloy systems.
Tree-based parsing schemata

The primordial soup algorithms of Chapter 2 served to provide some intuition of what parsing schemata do. We specify a domain of trees, an initial set of trees and deduction steps that allow to add new trees to a current set of trees. Control structures and data structures must be added to turn these specifications into sensible algorithms (and, for parallel algorithms, communication structures as well). We will now develop a formal theory of what we have been doing informally. Furthermore (as we have argued in Section 2.4), the primordial soup metaphor carries some connotations that should not restrict the kind of parsing schemata that we intend to define.
High-Order Parity-Time-Symmetric Electromagnetic Sensors

We propose and experimentally validate the higher-order parity-time (PT)-symmetric telemetric technique, which can boost the sensitivity and quality factor (Q-factor) of passive inductor-capacitor (LC) wireless sensors, widely used for various medical and industrial applications. As inspired by PT-symmetric quantum mechanics, the proposed telemetric system has a non-Hermitian effective Hamiltonian that commutes with the antilinear, combined ${\mathcal{P}}\mathcal{T}$ operator, where ${\mathcal{P}}$ and $\mathcal{T}$ are and time reversal operators. We demonstrate that by tailoring equivalent circuits of magnetically-coupled sensor, intermediate resonator, and reader, fulfilling the higher-order PT-symmetry, the sensitivity in terms of resonance frequency shift can be significantly enhanced, compared to conventional telemetric techniques using passive loop antennas. This finding may benefit various wireless sensing and imaging systems based on portable, wearable, and implantable sensors, as well as micromachined actuators.
Alloy Engineered Nitride Tunneling Field-Effect Transistor: A Solution for the Challenge of Heterojunction TFETs

Being fundamentally limited to a current–voltage steepness of 60mV/dec, MOSFETs struggle to operate below 0.6 V. Further reduction in ${V}_{\text {DD}}$ and, consequently, power consumption can be achieved with novel devices, such as tunneling transistors (TFETs) that can overcome this limitation. TFETs, however, face challenges with low ON-current leading to slow performance. TFETs made from III-nitride heterostructures are quite promising in this regard. The lattice mismatch induces a piezoelectric polarization field in a nitride heterojunction that can boost the ON-current. However, it is shown here that the carrier thermalization at the heterointerface degrades the subthreshold characteristics. Therefore, a good design should minimize the number of confined quantum well (QW) states at the heterointerface so as not to degrade the subthreshold characteristics while maintaining the lattice mismatch induced polarization to boost the ON-current. We show here that an InAlN QW on an InGaN substrate alloy engineered TFET design is promising to fulfill these requirements. Proper engineering of the alloy mole fractions and the width of the well can eliminate (or at least minimize) the undesired thermalization effects and, at the same time, provide a lattice mismatch to induce a piezoelectric field for boosting the ON-current. We have used a suitable atomistic quantum transport model to simulate these devices. The model accounts for the different mechanisms that are involved, and captures realistic scattering thermalization effects. This model has been benchmarked in our earlier work with experimental measurements of nitride tunneling heterojunction diodes and is used here to optimize the alloy engineered nitride TFET.
Antimicrobial Stewardship: Considerations for a Transplant Center

Caring for immunocompromised patients is challenging. Despite significant advances, infection remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality, and as such, these patients are frequently exposed to antimicrobial agents. Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) can assist transplant centers in optimizing antibiotic usage, particularly in this age of growing microbial resistance and the scarcity of new anti-infective agents in development. The collaborative approach of antimicrobial stewardship serves well in the transplant center where multidisciplinary teamwork is the norm. The purpose of this chapter is to explore both the basic and unique aspects of coordinating an ASP at a transplant center.
Conceptual issues of softcopy photogrammetric workstations

A conceptual approach to digital photogrammetry is presented. Automation of photogrammetric processes on digital photogrammetric workstations is considered with particular attention given to the automatic orientation and the surface reconstruction module. It is suggested that major progress toward autonomous softcopy workstations depends more on advances on the conceptual level rather than on refinement of system components such as hardware and algorithms.
Adaptivity provably helps: Information-theoretic limits on l 0 cost of non-adaptive sensing

The advantages of adaptivity and feedback are of immense interest in signal processing and communication with many positive and negative results. Although it is established that adaptivity does not offer substantial reductions in minimax mean square error for a fixed number of measurements, existing results have shown several advantages of adaptivity in complexity of reconstruction, accuracy of support detection, and gain in signal-to-noise ratio, under constraints on sensing energy. Sensing energy has often been measured in terms of the Frobenius Norm of the sensing matrix. This paper uses a different metric that we call the l 0 cost of a sensing matrix- to quantify the complexity of sensing. Thus sparse sensing matrices have a lower cost. We derive information-theoretic lower bounds on the l 0 cost that hold for any non-adaptive sensing strategy. We establish that any non-adaptive sensing strategy must incur an l 0 cost of a Θ(N log 2 (N)) to reconstruct an N-dimensional, one-sparse signal when the number of measurements are limited to Θ(log 2 (N)). In comparison, bisection-type adaptive strategies only require an l 0 cost of at most O(N) for equal order of measurements. The problem has an interesting interpretation as a sphere packing problem in a multidimensional space, such that all the sphere centres have minimum non-zero co-ordinates. We also discuss the variation in l 0 cost as the number of measurements increase from Θ(log 2 (N)) to Θ(N).
Die révolution tranquille und der Aufstieg des PQ (1960 – 1976)

Um die Entwicklungen in Quebec in den vergangenen knapp 60 Jahren zu beurteilen und um die Frage nach dem Aufstieg der Unabhangigkeitsbewegung beantworten zu konnen, muss zeitlich an die Stelle zuruckgegangen werden, an der die moderne Zeitrechnung der quebecer Politik beginnt: die revolution tranquille. In der revolution tranquille erfolgte die Politisierung des modernen quebecer Nationalismus (Moniere 2001, S. 114). Sie bedeutete die Umsetzung eines kulturellen, politischen und wirtschaftlichen Programms durch die liberale Partei Quebecs, welche in den 1950er und 1960er Jahren zunehmend nationalistischer wurde, und vermehrt auf Staatsinterventionismus setzte.
Van Gogh among the philosophers: painting, thinking, being

The paintings of Vincent Van Gogh have held a particular fascination for twentieth-century philosophers and their current intellectual heirs. His style was uniquely revolutionary even as it drew up...
A Practical Guide for Anesthesia Providers on the Management of COVID-19 Patients in the Acute Care Hospital.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has infected millions of individuals and posed unprecedented challenges to health care systems. Acute care hospitals have been forced to expand hospital and intensive care capacity and deal with shortages in personal protective equipment. This guide will review two areas where the anesthesiologists will be caring for COVID-19 patients: the operating room and on airway teams. General principles for COVID-19 preparation and hospital procedures will be reviewed to serve as a resource for anesthesia departments to manage COVID-19 or future pandemics.
The Epidemiology and Genetics of Hyperuricemia and Gout across Major Racial Groups: A Literature Review and Population Genetics Secondary Database Analysis

Gout is an inflammatory condition caused by elevated serum urate (SU), a condition known as hyperuricemia (HU). Genetic variations, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), can alter the function of urate transporters, leading to differential HU and gout prevalence across different populations. In the United States (U.S.), gout prevalence differentially affects certain racial groups. The objective of this proposed analysis is to compare the frequency of urate-related genetic risk alleles between Europeans (EUR) and the following major racial groups: Africans in Southwest U.S. (ASW), Han-Chinese (CHS), Japanese (JPT), and Mexican (MXL) from the 1000 Genomes Project. The Ensembl genome browser of the 1000 Genomes Project was used to conduct cross-population allele frequency comparisons of 11 SNPs across 11 genes, physiologically involved and significantly associated with SU levels and gout risk. Gene/SNP pairs included: ABCG2 (rs2231142), SLC2A9 (rs734553), SLC17A1 (rs1183201), SLC16A9 (rs1171614), GCKR (rs1260326), SLC22A11 (rs2078267), SLC22A12 (rs505802), INHBC (rs3741414), RREB1 (rs675209), PDZK1 (rs12129861), and NRXN2 (rs478607). Allele frequencies were compared to EUR using Chi-Square or Fisher's Exact test, when appropriate. Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons was used, with p < 0.0045 for statistical significance. Risk alleles were defined as the allele that is associated with baseline or higher HU and gout risks. The cumulative HU or gout risk allele index of the 11 SNPs was estimated for each population. The prevalence of HU and gout in U.S. and non-US populations was evaluated using published epidemiological data and literature review. Compared with EUR, the SNP frequencies of 7/11 in ASW, 9/11 in MXL, 9/11 JPT, and 11/11 CHS were significantly different. HU or gout risk allele indices were 5, 6, 9, and 11 in ASW, MXL, CHS, and JPT, respectively. Out of the 11 SNPs, the percentage of risk alleles in CHS and JPT was 100%. Compared to non-US populations, the prevalence of HU and gout appear to be higher in western world countries. Compared with EUR, CHS and JPT populations had the highest HU or gout risk allele frequencies, followed by MXL and ASW. These results suggest that individuals of Asian descent are at higher HU and gout risk, which may partly explain the nearly three-fold higher gout prevalence among Asians versus Caucasians in ambulatory care settings. Furthermore, gout remains a disease of developed countries with a marked global rising.
1144-P: Chemical Assessment of Populations of Human Pancreatic Islets Isolated for Transplantation

Clinical transplantation of human cadaveric islets is an important therapy for the treatment of T1D. Such transplantation has demonstrated safety and efficacy in academic and clinical trials. Quality control during all stages of islet isolation, handling, and transplantation is critical for success of the therapy. A variety of tests are used to assess cellular integrity, islet population purity, and potency. Unfortunately, most of applied tests are not evaluating individual pancreatic islet chemical compositions which are indicative of overall islets functional and health state. Here we describe the results of mass spectrometric (MS) assessment of populations of individual pancreatic islets received from seven donors including four T2D cases. Random sampling and MS analysis of 232 islet-like structures detected 150 islets (based on size, morphology, and visual inspection). Our findings correlate (R2=0.9) with data on sample purity for different batches provided by the ADI IsletCore. The classic pancreatic islet hormones are observed in the majority of islets. Peptide profiles are mostly dominated by insulin, although we observe a greater variability of insulin peaks than somatostatin- and glucagon-related signals by mass spectrometry. No significant differences in our results are observed between healthy and T2D-affected islets. Fast mass-spectrometry-based assessment allowed selection of representative individual islets for liquid chromatography-MS (LC-MS), which provides an in-depth chemical coverage. Using LC-MS, a number of histone-related peptides are detected significantly expanding analyte coverage. To increase the throughput of direct MS analysis of islets, we use our optically guided mass spectrometry approach to automate the localization and analysis of larger islet populations. Using this technology and MS detection, hundreds of islets can be profiled for presence of a variety of metabolites, lipids, and peptides during a several-hour timespan. Disclosure S. Rubakhin: None. E. V. Romanova: None. J. V. Sweedler: None. Funding American Diabetes Association/Pathway to Stop Diabetes (1-18-VSN-19 to J.V.S.)
The Outside Earnings of Politicians

In this chapter we develop and test a theory of the labor supply of politicians from various occupational backgrounds. In our analysis, as in conventional theories of labor supply, individuals with the lowest reservation wage will be the first to be hired, or as it is more commonly called in this market — elected. If we can isolate those individuals and the characteristics of their opportunity costs that make their reservation wages low, we can identify what types of people will supply political labor at various wage levels. Moreover, to the extent that reservation wages are similar across occupational backgrounds, a standard labor supply-occupational choice model will provide an economic theory of the occupational composition of legislatures.
Optimism and Pessimism

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the link between pessimism and optimism and the onset and recurrence of depression. Optimistic individuals tend to be happier, more successful, and more resistant to a variety of mental disorders, including depression. Pessimists, on the other hand, worry about the future, doubt they will reach their goals, and expect the worst. Not surprisingly, pessimists are more likely to experience depression and the most pessimistic individuals experience the most severe episodes. Although optimism is commonly defined as expecting the best and looking to the positive side of life, there are two dominant modes of measurement: dispositional optimism and attributional style. Optimism is related to the onset of depression, the characteristics of depressive episodes, and the occurrence of subsequent episodes. The link between optimism and depression is best understood within the framework of cognitive theories of depression. Cognitive theories of depression posit that onset is caused by a maladaptive cognitive style. Depressogenic cognitions are a risk factor for depression in just the same way that smoking is a risk factor for lung cancer. Different optimism interventions that have been successful in preventing depression are discussed.
Optimized design of a rigid kinematic module for antagonistic soft actuation

Soft actuators can be useful in human-occupied environments because of their adaptable compliance and light weight. We previously introduced a variation of fluidic soft actuators we call the reverse pneumatic artificial muscle (rPAM), and developed an analytical model to predict its performance both individually and while driving a 1 degree of freedom revolute joint antagonistically. Here, we expand upon this previous work, adding a correction term to improve model performance and using it to perform optimization on the kinematic module dimensions to maximize achievable joint angles. We also offer advances on the joint design to improve its ability to operate at these larger angles. The new joint had a workspace of around ±60°, which was predicted accurately by the improved model.
A switched-capacitor controlled digital-current modulated class-E EER transmitter

An envelope elimination and restoration (EER) transmitter that comprises a class-E power amplifier and a digitally controlled current DAC modulator is presented. A switched capacitor DAC is designed to control an open-loop transconductor that operates as a current modulator, modulating the amplitude of the current supplied to a class-E PA. Such a topology allows for increased filtering of the quantization noise that is problematic in most digital PAs (DPA). The system measurements yield a peak output power and power added efficiency (PAE) of 22.5 dBm and 23.6%, respectively. When applying a WCDMA signal, the measured EVM is 1.32% and the adjacent channel power ratio (ACPR) is −37.9 dBc, while outputting 19.9 dBm at 14.3% PAE. For an LTE signal, the measured EVM is 3.72% and the ACLR is −30.2 dBc, while outputting 18.1 dBm at 10.6% PAE.
Amish: The Way of Life of the Amish in Berne, Indiana

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Brigitte Bachmann-Geiser Translators: John Bendix Year: 2009 Pages: 245 Publisher: Picton Press ISBN: 0-89725-850-9 (soft cover). Prices: $37.50 USD(soft cover).
Squirrel monkey lateral thalamus. I. Somatic nociresponsive neurons and their relation to spinothalamic terminals

The incidence and response properties of nociresponsive neurons, their locations relative to spinothalamic terminals, and their relations to cytoarchitectonic borders were studied in the lateral thalamus of the squirrel monkey. Nociceptive neurons were found in ventral posterior inferior nucleus (VPI), in the lateral and medial nuclei (VPL and VPM) of the ventral posterior complex (VP = VPL + VPM), as well as the posterior complex (PO). The overall incidence of nociresponsive cells was 19% (50 of 270 cells). The proportion of nociresponsive neurons within VPI was 50% (23 of 46), 38% in PO (8 of 21), and 10% in VP (19 of 203). Most nociresponsive cells (90%) in VP were of wide-dynamic-range type, while within VPI 43% of nociresponsive cells were nociceptive-specific type. Most of these nociresponsive cells had thermal and mechanical responses, and a small number also responded to cooling. The receptive fields of nociresponsive cells in VPL were in continuity, in both size and body location, with surrounding low-threshold units. The receptive fields of VPI and PO nociresponsive cells were larger than those in VPL. The probability of encountering nociresponsive cells located within 100 microns of spinothalamic terminations was high in VPI (73%) and low in VPL (33%). On the other hand, the probability of encountering non-nociceptive cells located within 100 microns of spinothalamic terminals was low in both VPI (20%) and VPL (26%). The results indicate segregation of nociresponsive cell types across VP, VPI, and PO and suggest that VPI, and perhaps PO, is an important region for discriminative processing and perception of painful stimuli.
Effects of skirting on processing characteristics of Targhee wool.

Ninety mature Targhee ewes were randomly allocated to nine lots. Lots were randomly assigned to three fleece preparation treatments: 1) nonskirted (control); 2) bellies removed, in which bellies and topknots were removed on the shearing floor; and 3) skirted, in which bellies and topknots were removed and remaining fleece was thrown on a table and lightly skirted. Bellies and topknots composed about 6 to 7% of the fleece weight. An additional 6.6% was removed when fleeces were skirted. Top fiber diameters were not affected (P greater than .10) by skirting. Although not significant (P greater than .10), percentage yield, vegetable content, percentage of noilage, top fiber length, and yellowness indexes tended to be most desirable for skirted lots and least desirable for unskirted lots. Lots with bellies removed were intermediate. Removal of bellies reduced vegetable contamination by 8.4%, with an additional reduction of about .5% by further skirting. Skirting reduced the number of fibers less than 25.4 mm (P less than .10) by 42%. Minimal colored fiber contamination of top was observed. One colored fiber per 15 g of top was detected in two lots of the treatment with bellies removed. All other lots contained no colored fibers. All wools evaluated were well below industry limits set for use in high-quality white or pastel fabrics. All skirted lots of wool evaluated in this study had improved processing characteristics for all processing traits evaluated.
Estimating supraglacial lake depth in West Greenland using Landsat 8 and comparison with other multispectral methods

Abstract. Liquid water stored on the surface of ice sheets and glaciers impacts surface mass balance, ice dynamics, and heat transport. Multispectral remote sensing can be used to detect supraglacial lakes and estimate their depth and area. In this study, we use in situ spectral and bathymetric data to assess lake depth retrieval using the recently launched Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI). We also extend our analysis to other multispectral sensors to evaluate their performance with similar methods. Digital elevation models derived from WorldView stereo imagery (pre-lake filling and post-drainage) are used to validate spectrally derived depths, combined with a lake edge determination from imagery. The optimal supraglacial lake depth retrieval is a physically based single-band model applied to two OLI bands independently (red and panchromatic) that are then averaged together. When OLI- and WorldView-derived depths are differenced, they yield a mean and standard deviation of 0.0 ± 1.6 m. This method is then applied to OLI data for the Sermeq Kujalleq (Jakobshavn Isbrae) region of Greenland to study the spatial and intra-seasonal variability of supraglacial lakes during summer 2014. We also give coefficients for estimating supraglacial lake depth using a similar method with other multispectral sensors.
Characterization of breast masses with sonography: can biopsy of some solid masses be deferred?

Objective. To determine whether sonography can be used to categorize some solid breast masses as probably benign so that biopsy can be deferred. Methods. We prospectively characterized 844 sonographically visible solid breast masses referred for biopsy. Mammographic and sonographic features of the masses were recorded, and all masses were categorized by American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System classification before biopsy. Of the 844 masses, 148 were categorized as probably benign (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System category 3). Sonographically guided biopsy (n = 804) or fine-needle aspiration (n = 40) was performed for pathologic correlation. Results. Of the 148 masses that met the sonographic criteria for probably benign masses, there was 1 malignancy, for a negative predictive value of 99.3%. Conclusions. Follow-up can be an acceptable alternative to biopsy for sonographically probably benign solid masses.
Swearing by God: Muslim Oath-Taking in Late Medieval and Early Modern Christian Iberia

AbstractThis paper examines Muslim oaths found in Christian legal texts in late medieval and early modern Iberia, especially in the Crown of Aragon. Whereas lawmakers in Castile used Castilian to record Muslim oaths, in the kingdoms of Aragon and Valencia these formulas appeared in Arabic, though written in Latin characters. This paper traces the evolution of these Arabic formulas during four centuries, from the abbreviated forms of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, such as “baylle ylloe,” to the more elaborate forms of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, which include references to the qibla (the direction of prayer), the Qurʾān, and Ramadan. Comparing these formulas with those found in Muslim legal compilations produced in Christian Iberia shows that despite different emphases (on location, timing, and manner of oath taking), both Christian and Muslim legal texts recognized and established that Muslims swear by God. Although attitudes towards Muslims grew increasingly hostile in the latter Middle Ages, this analysis of Muslim oaths shows that Arabic continued to mediate the legal interaction between the two communities and that Islamic rituals, as mentioned in the oaths, were still very much a part of the multicultural landscape of late medieval and early modern Iberia.
Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Special Populations: A Cognitive Restructuring Program

People who are the most likely to be traumatized and to develop PTSD are often the least likely to receive treatment. These special populations often have limited social support and resources and face multiple life challenges. These factors, along with vulnerability to stress, make it difficult for mental health professionals to engage them in conventional treatment programs for PTSD. This accessible volume includes everything needed to implement a program, including session-by-session instructions, sample dialogues to demonstrate techniques, and user-friendly handouts and worksheets. This volume is suitable for people in the clinical or counseling psychology field, including individuals in private practice. It is intended for clinicians who provide psychiatric rehabilitation or addiction treatment services, those who work in schools or primary care clinics, and care providers whose work is defined by the needs of special populations such as cultural minorities, refugees, homeless people, or the urban poor.
Homology and cohomology of locally supersoluble groups

In a recent article [ 13 ] a series of vanishing theorems was obtained for the (co)homology of locally nilpotent groups. These results assert that if (co)homology vanishes in low dimensions (0 or 1), then it vanishes in all dimensions, provided that the module satisfies an appropriate finiteness condition.
Effect of Ascorbic Acid on Guinea Pig Colon

SummaryAscorbic acid, in the concentrations studied (up to 10 mg%), markedly increased the tone of the isolated guinea pig colon. This experimental observation is in keeping with the clinical impression that ascorbic acid administration may occasionally produce colicky pains of intestinal origin.
Axenic and Synchronous Cultures of Caenorhabditis Elegans

A technique to axenize cultures of Caenorhabditis elegans on a large scale is described. This procedure has enabled the isolation of eggs of C. elegans in quantities sufficient to perform biochemical tests. Adults from monoxenic cultures were used to isolate eggs. When egg-bearing worms were suspended for 2-3 hr at 25 o in an alkaline (0.4 M) solution of NaOH, the worm cuticle was partially digested, releasing free eggs. The high alkalinity rendered the eggs bacteria-free. Eggs were then isolated from a linear sucrose gradient. Eggs from the least dense band (1.13 g/cm 3 ) hatched within 10-13 hr when resuspended in a liquid medium and yielded a synchronous culture. The hatchability of these eggs ranged from 20-35%. Inhibitory effects of 5-fluorodeoxyuridine and hydroxyurea on freshly hatched (L 1 stage) worms are described. Levels of isocitrate lyase were determined in eggs and in synchronous cultures.
Development of product family-based robust design: a case study

As markets continue to globalise, product diversification and manufacturing flexibility have become requirements for competitive advantage. However, companies have difficultly developing new high-quality products that simultaneously minimise manufacturing complexity. Interrelated products, such as product families, are one solution to this problem. Robust design techniques based on the concept of building quality into a design are increasingly popular in industry. However, developing product families using robust design techniques has not been fully addressed in the literature and consequently is not being used in industry. Therefore, in this paper we develop a new design methodology called Product Family-Based Robust Design to address this area of research. A case study using this approach is presented, and the results are compared to that of the traditional robust design methodology.
Chromate (CrO(4)(2-)) and copper (Cu2+) adsorption by dual-functional ion exchange resins made from agricultural by-products.

Abstract Ion exchange resins commonly have a single functionality for either cations or anions. Resins that have a dual functionality for both cations and anions are uncommon. The objective of this study was to create dual-functional ion exchange resins derived from soybean hulls, sugarcane bagasse and corn stover. Dual-functional resins were prepared by two separate two-step processes. In the first two-step process, by-products were reacted with a solution of citric acid in order to impart additional negative charge, and then reacted with the cross-linking reagent dimethyloldihydroxyethylene urea (DMDHEU) and a quaternary amine (choline chloride) to add positive charge to the lignocellulosic material. In the second two-step process, the order of reaction was reversed, with positive charge added first, followed by the addition of negative charge. These combined reactions added both cationic and anionic character to the by-products as evidenced by the increased removal from solution of copper (Cu 2+ ) cation and the chromate (CrO 4 2− ) anion compared to unmodified by-products. The order of reaction appeared to slightly favor the functionality that was added last. That is, if negative charge was added last, the resulting resin sequestered more copper ion than a comparable resin where the negative charge was added first and vice-versa. Cu 2+ and CrO 4 2− were used as marker ions in a solution that contained both competing cations and anions. The dual-functional resins adsorbed as much as or more of the marker ions compared to commercial cation or anion exchange resins used for comparison. None of the commercial resins exhibited dual-functional properties to the same extent as the by-product-based resins.
The impact of midline versus transverse incisions on wound complications and outcome in simultaneous pancreas‐kidney transplants: a retrospective analysis

Intraperitoneal placement of the pancreas allograft, usually through a midline incision, has so far achieved the best results in pancreas transplantation. The usefulness and safety of a transverse incision has not been previously reported. The purpose of this study was to compare midline and transverse incisions, with respect to wound complications and outcome, in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant recipients with intraperitoneal placement of the pancreatic graft. The incidence of deep abscess formation, superficial abscess formation, wound leak, and fascial dehiscence, as well as graft survival, were retrospectively compared in 41 bladder-drained simultaneous pancreas-kidney recipients with a midline incision and in 15 with a transverse incision. The overall incidence of wound complications was similar (34% vs 20%, P=NS) in the two groups. Deep abscess formation occurred more frequently in the midline group (27% vs 0%, P=0.02). Staphylococcus epidermidis and Candida albicans were the most common microbial isolates from deep abscesses. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed donor age 40 years or older (P=0.04), the occurrence of a bladder leak (P=0.05), and a peak serum amylase in the 1st week of 1000 IU/l or greater (P=0.02) to be independent risk factors for the development of wound complications. The type of incision, however, was not found to be an independent risk factor. Patient (90% vs 83%, P=NS), pancreas allograft (78% vs 82%, P=NS), and kidney allograft (83% vs 70%, P=NS) survival rates were similar for the midline and transverse groups. We conclude that the transverse incision is a reasonable alternative to the midline incision in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation and it is presently the incision of choice at our institution. It offers excellent exposure and is associated with a similar wound complication rate and outcome when compared to the midline incision.
Marginal analysis guided design justification: a material handling example

The design and justification of an integrated manufacturing system and all of the supporting sub-systems (e.g. material handling system) is a difficult task. One of the most difficult aspects in the design process is determining how and where to proceed. This paper proposes the use of a marginal analysis-directed branch and bound approach as the basis for directing the design process so that a combined economic and performance justification path results. The background and rationale for a marginal analysis guided design approach is given and an example of a material handling system design is presented to illustrate the development of a design justification decision path.
Age-related changes in antioxidant enzymes and prooxidant generation in tissues of the rat with special reference to parameters in two insect species.

The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between partially reduced oxygen species and the aging process. Effect of age on antioxidant defenses and prooxidant generation was evaluated by comparing the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase, and rates of mitochondrial O-2 and H2O2 generation in the liver, heart, and brain of 3-month and 18-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats. In addition, comparisons of antioxidant defenses and mitochondrial prooxidant generation were made between short-lived insects and the rat tissues. Results indicated that antioxidant enzymes exhibit a mixed pattern of age-related alterations. In each organ of the rat examines, activities of some enzymes were up with age and of others down with age. The overall magnitude of decline in antioxidant defenses observed here and elsewhere in the literature was deemed to be unlikely to be functionally significant. In contrast, the rate of mitochondrial O-2 and H2O2 generation increased in various tissues of the rat. Antioxidant defenses in insects were comparable to tissues in the rat but rates of O-2 and H2O2 generations were notably higher. Results are interpreted to suggest that rates of prooxidant generation may be more crucial than antioxidant levels as possible longevity determinants.
Identification of genes expressed preferentially in the developing peripheral margin of the optic cup

Specification of the peripheral optic cup by Wnt signaling is critical for formation of the ciliary body/iris. Identification of marker genes for this region during development provides a starting point for functional analyses. During transcriptional profiling of single cells from the developing eye, two cells were identified that expressed genes not found in most other single cell profiles. In situ hybridizations demonstrated that many of these genes were expressed in the peripheral optic cup in both early mouse and chicken development, and in the ciliary body/iris at subsequent developmental stages. These analyses indicate that the two cells probably originated from the developing ciliary body/iris. Changes in expression of these genes were assayed in embryonic chicken retinas when canonical Wnt signaling was ectopically activated by CA-β-catenin. Twelve ciliary body/iris genes were identified as upregulated following induction, suggesting they are excellent candidates for downstream effectors of Wnt signaling in the optic cup.
Minding the stops: Performance and affective stylistics

Because performance particularizes and reifies all the component elements of the literary experience, it can be a valuable test of descriptions of the reading process. A comparison of performance practice and theory with one of the most famous descriptions of reading in contemporary literary theory, Stanley Fish's affective stylistics, demonstrates the accuracy of its claims. The study concludes that Fish's later rejection of affective stylistics is inconsistent with the neo‐pragmatism he currently espouses.
The Mechanism of Uncoupling ATP Hydrolysis and Calcium Transport in Serca by Sarcolipin

The interactions of sarcolipin (SLN) with the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) causes uncoupling of SERCA's ATP hydrolysis and Ca2+ -transport activities. SERCA is an integral component of proper muscle function. It is one of the key proteins responsible for re-establishing the low cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations needed for normal muscle contraction. When SLN is bound to SERCA, fewer moles of Ca2+ are transported per mole of ATP hydrolyzed, which leads to an increase in the heat released. By using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and functional assays, we demonstrate that it is the topological coupling between these proteins that is important for the regulation of SERCA. It is through the interactions of their transmembrane regions as well as the interactions of SLN's lumenal tail that lead to uncoupling. These results also provide insight into the mechanism for non-shivering, muscle-based thermogenesis.
Abstract 2102: The germline nonsense variant K1019X results in loss of tumor suppressing function of EphB2 in prostate cancer cells

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common form of cancer in all men and also the second leading cause of cancer related deaths. On average, African American (AA) males are twice as likely to develop prostate cancer and three times more likely to die from it compared with Caucasian men. Previously we combined nonsense-mediated RNA decay microarrays and array-based comparative genomic hybridization for the genome-wide identification of genes with biallelic inactivation involving nonsense mutations and loss of the wild-type allele (Huusko et al, Nature Genetics 2004). This approach enabled us to identify previously unknown mutations in the receptor tyrosine kinase gene EphB2 in ∼7% of prostate tumors. EPHB2 is a member of the tyrosine kinase receptor family of proteins and regulates intracellular signaling pathways involved in cell growth, migration, adhesion, and polarity. Furthermore, there is also strong evidence for EphB2 as a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer. There are two main isoforms (1 and 2) of the EphB2 gene, which is the result of alternative splicing. Previous studies from our lab also shows that a germline 3055A>T nonsense variant (K1019X) in the EphB2 gene differs in frequency between AA and Caucasian males, is associated with increased risk for PC in AA men with a positive family history, and may be an important genetic risk factor for prostate cancer in AA. The DU145 prostate cancer cell line, originating from a brain metastasis, carries a truncating mutation of isoform 1 of EphB2 and a deletion of the remaining allele. Transfection of DU145 cells, which lack functional EPHB2, with wild-type EPHB2 suppresses clonogenic growth. The goal of this project is to determine the effect of the K1019X mutation on the growth of DU145 cells. Introduction of wild-type and 3055A>T EphB2 into DU145 cells using a lentiviral-based vector led to successful expression as seen by RT-PCR and western blot analysis. We also demonstrated using RT-PCR and western blot analysis that while DU145 cells lack functional expression of the isoform 1, there is expression of the second isoform, implying that the tumor suppressing function of EPHB2 may be unique to isoform 1. Using a sulforhodamine B assay we demonstrated that the K1019X mutation inhibits growth suppression of DU145 cells as compared with wild-type EPHB2. These initial findings suggest that the K1019X is a true functional variant and support the role of the K1019X in increasing prostate cancer risk in AA. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2102. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2102
Glucose metabolism in anaerobic rice seedlings

Abstract More than 80% of the radioactivity from [U- 14 C]glucose metabolised by anaerobic rice seedlings or by excised roots or coleoptiles was recovered as ethanol plus CO 2 ; less than 5% was recovered as water-soluble acidic components. Rates of 14 CO 2 formation from [U- 14 C]glucose were similar in roots and coleoptiles in both N 2 and air atmospheres. More 14 CO 2 was formed from [U- 14 C]glucose than could be accounted for by ethanolic fermentation, and the specific yields of 14 CO 2 from [6- 14 C]glucose and [1- 14 C]glucose gave unusually high C-6/C-1 ratios (1.7) in the anaerobic coleoptile. The results may indicate that appreciable pentan synthesis occurs in the anaerobic coleoptile.
Control of single-input/single-output systems with time delays and infinite number of right-half plane zeros

Abstract An approach for the design of control systems for processes having time delays and an infinite number of right-half plane zeros is presented. The models of such systems take the form of exponential polynomials and arise from problems such as tubular processes, multicomponent mixing processes, and population balance equations. The model predictive control designs presented here handle constraints on the controller power and allow ISE, minimum settling time, or other optimal designs.
Long-wave instabilities and saturation in thin film equations

Hocherman and Rosenau conjectured that long-wave unstable Cahn-Hilliard type interface models develop nite-time singularities when the nonlinearity in the destabilizing term grows faster at large amplitudes than the nonlinearity in the stabilizing term (Phys. D 67:113-125, 1993). We consider this conjecture for a class of equations, often used to model thin lms in a lubrication context, by showing that if the solutions are uniformly bounded above or below (e.g. are nonnegative) then the destabilizing term can be stronger than previously conjectured yet the solution still remains globally bounded. For example, they conjecture that for the long-wave unstable equation ht = (h n hxxx)x (h m hx)x; m>n leads to blow-up. Using a conservation of volume constraint for the case m> n> 0, we conjecture a dierent critical exponent for possible singularities of nonnegative solutions. We prove that nonlinearities with exponents below the conjectured critical exponent yield globally bounded solutions. Specically, for the above equation, solutions are bounded if m<n + 2. The bound is proved using energy methods and is then used to prove the existence of non-negative weak solutions in the sense of distributions. We present preliminary numerical evidence suggesting that m n +2 can allow blow-up.
Re-description of Arapaima agassizii (Valenciennes), a Rare Fish from Brazil (Osteoglossomorpha: Osteoglossidae)

The bony-tongue fish genus Arapaima Muller has been considered monotypic since 1868, with A. gigas being the only recognized species. Review of species-level taxonomy of Arapaima has revealed that Arapaima agassizii Valenciennes (in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1847) should be considered a valid species. The holotype was destroyed in World War II, but the species can be recognized based on the original description, which included detailed osteological illustrations. At least nine characters distinguish it from all other Arapaima: 1) dentary teeth 44 (counted on one ramus only, vs. 21–37 in other Arapaima); 2) maxillary teeth 43 (vs. 21–38 in other Arapaima); 3) orbit diameter 1.5% standard length (SL, vs. 1.5–2.8, relatively larger in all other Arapaima at similar SL); 4) interorbital width 4.1% SL (vs. 5.3–6.5 in other Arapaima); 5) parietals with pronounced posterior projections that are pointed and curve slightly toward midline (vs. absent in other Arapaima); 6) caudal fin widely separated from dorsal and ...
Brain cancer in petrochemical workers: a case series report

Eighteen primary brain cancer deaths among male workers at one Texas petrochemical plant from 1965-1980 are reported. Federal officials from OSHA and NIOSH are performing with company cooperation an historical prospective cohort mortality study, a case-control study, and neuropathological case confirmation. Average age at death was 53 (range 30-66). Median employment was 21 years and median latency was 24 years. 15/18 tumors were glioblastoma multiforme, an unusual histologic distribution. A preliminary estimate reveals a plant-wide excess brain cancer risk twice expected among 6,800 white males at the plant since 1941. Brain cancer mortality rates in surrounding counties are in the median range for US counties from 1950-1969. Ten recognized or suspected carcinogens are present in quantities greater than 10(6) lbs/yr. To date no common chemical exposures or work assignments have been identified among the cases. Data on 26 experimental brain carcinogens and relevant epidemiological studies are provided.
A revision of the value for the anomeric effect

Abstract An analysis of literature data has resulted in the establishment of an equation for the correlation of the apparent size of a substituent in a tetrahydropyran with its size in cyclohexane. This correlation permits the re-evaluation of the anomeric effect for ether oxygen and the assignment of anomeric effects to carbomethoxy, methylamino and dimethylamino.