We give a brief introduction to piecewise linear (PL) algorithms, also called complementary pivot or fixed point algorithms. Our approach is based on the fundamental presentation of Eaves [14], hence we describe the algorithms in the general setting of PL manifolds. In particular, we introduce the PL homotopy method of Eaves & Saigal [16]. The recently established class of variable dimension al...

Wilson’s [19] model of oracle gates provides a framework for considering reductions whose strength is intermediate between truth-table and Turing. Improving on a stream of results by Beigel, Reingold, Spielman, Fortnow, and Ogihara [6, 9, 14], we prove that PL and PP are closed under NC1 reductions. This answers an open problem of Ogihara [14]. More generally, we show that NC k+1 = AC k and NC ...

background: mesenchymal stromal cells (mscs) are employed in various different clinical settings in order to modulate immune response. human autologous and allogeneic supplements including platelet derivatives such as platelet lysate (pl), platelet-released factors (prf) and serum are assessed in clinical studies to replace fetal bovine serum (fbs). the immunosuppressive activity and multi-pote...

Compared to single photoluminescence (PL) intensity-based sensors, dual-emitting-based ratiometric PL sensors are more preferable because the influence from PL fluctuation in the reagents and background PL can be reduced to a minimum. However, so far no report has been directed to the ratiometric PL detection of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). In this study, for the first time, high-quality quantum dots...

Three chitinases, designated pineapple leaf chitinase (PL Chi)-A, -B, and -C were purified from the leaves of pineapple (Ananas comosus) using chitin affinity column chromatography followed by several column chromatographies. PL Chi-A is a class III chitinase having a molecular mass of 25 kDa and an isoelectric point of 4.4. PL Chi-B and -C are class I chitinases having molecular masses of 33 k...

There is increasing clinical evidence that phospholipid oxidation products (Ox-PL) play a role in atherosclerosis. This review focuses on the mechanisms by which Ox-PL interact with endothelial cells, monocyte/macrophages, platelets, smooth muscle cells, and HDL to promote atherogenesis. In the past few years major progress has been made in identifying these mechanisms. It has been recognized t...