cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Impact of the Manufacturer-Hired Sales Agent on a Supply Chain with Information Asymmetry

This paper studies the impact of a manufacturer-hired sales agent on a supply chain comprising a manufacturer and a retailer. The sales agent is working mainly at the retailer's location to boost demand. We focus on a wholesale price contract, under which the retailer decides how much to order from the manufacturer. The information structure within the supply chain and the efficiency of the sales agent affect the supply chain members' expected profits. We show that, because of the agency issue between the sales agent and the manufacturer, when the retailer's demand forecast accuracy is similar to the manufacturer's and the wholesale price is fixed, the retailer's profit decreases as his demand forecast accuracy improves. We also illustrate that when the retailer's forecast accuracy is much better than the manufacturer's and the wholesale price is endogenous, his expected profit decreases as his forecast accuracy improves. Moreover, we demonstrate that having a more efficient sales agent is beneficial for ...
Modeling and Control of a Power-Split Hybrid Vehicle

Toyota hybrid system (THS) is used in the current best selling hybrid vehicle on the market-the Toyota Prius. This hybrid system contains a power-split planetary gear system which combines the benefits of series and parallel hybrid vehicles. In this paper, we developed a dynamic model of the THS powertrain and then apply it for model-based control development. Two control algorithms are introduced: one based on the stochastic dynamic programming method, and the other based on the equivalent consumption minimization strategy. Both approaches determine the engine power based on the overall vehicle efficiency and apply the electrical machines to optimize the engine operation. The performance of these two algorithms is assessed by comparing against the dynamic programming results, which are non-causal but provide theoretical benchmarks for other implementable control algorithms.
Distribution normality of pH and H+ activity in soil

Soil pH, a log-transformed form of hydrogen ion (H+) activity, is often used for various statistics. However whether soil pH meets the requirement of distribution normality for statistical analyses is unknown. We studied the statistical suitability of both soil pH and H+ activity by examining their distribution normalities. Results show that the variability of H+ activity is higher and its distribution is skewer, which is significantly different from the normal and soil pH, regardless of soil conditions and analytical methods. Here we demonstrate that soil pH is more appropriate than the H+ activity for performing statistical analysis in terms of distribution normality.
Simultaneous two-dimensional phononic and photonic band gaps in opto-mechanical crystal slabs

We demonstrate planar structures that can provide simultaneous two-dimensional phononic and photonic band gaps in opto-mechanical (or phoxonic) crystal slabs. Different phoxonic crystal (PxC) structures, composed of square, hexagonal (honeycomb), or triangular arrays of void cylindrical holes embedded in silicon (Si) slabs with a finite thickness, are investigated. Photonic band gap (PtBG) maps and the complete phononic band gap (PnBG) maps of PxC slabs with different radii of the holes and thicknesses of the slabs are calculated using a three-dimensional plane wave expansion code. Simultaneous phononic and photonic band gaps with band gap to midgap ratios of more than 10% are shown to be readily obtainable with practical geometries in both square and hexagonal lattices, but not for the triangular lattice.
Linear motion correction in three dimensions applied to dynamic gadolinium enhanced breast imaging.

Quantitative analysis of dynamic gadolinium-DTPA (diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid) enhanced magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is emerging as a highly sensitive tool for detecting malignant breast tissue. Three-dimensional rapid imaging techniques, such as keyhole MRI, yield high temporal sampling rates to accurately track contrast enhancement and washout in lesions over the course of multiple volume acquisitions. Patient motion during the dynamic acquisitions is a limiting factor that degrades the image quality, particularly of subsequent subtraction images used to identify and quantitatively evaluate regions suggestive of malignancy. Keyhole imaging is particularly sensitive to motion since datasets acquired over an extended period are combined in k-space. In this study, motion is modeled as set of translations in each of the three orthogonal dimensions. The specific objective of the study is to develop and implement an algorithm to correct the consequent phase shifts in k-space data prior to offline keyhole reconstruction three-dimensional (3D) volume breast MR acquisitions.
Emergent networks, locus of control, and the pursuit of social capital

In this paper we examine the relationship between emergent social network characteristics in a computer-supported collaborative learning course and locus of control. An emergent communication network of engineering students that took place in a distributed distance learning environment was examined. Three measures of an actor's social network, density, brokerage, and reach, and participants' locus of control, internal vs. external, were assessed. The data suggest that, relative to participants with external locus of control, participants with internal locus of control decreased their network density over time but increased their brokerage and reach. The results are discussed in the context of instrumental action, through which participants are assumed to develop personal networks in pursuit of maximizing potential social capital.
Acute scrotal swelling in henochschonlein syndrome: Evaluation with testicular scanning

Acute scrotal swelling may accompany Henoch-Schonlein syndrome and may be the presenting manifestation mimicking testicular torsion. Two patients with scrotal involvement were recently evaluated with nuclear imaging to assess testicular perfusion. One patient had normal perfusion, and the other had increased perfusion. Scan results allowed expectant management and avoided the need for exploratory surgery to rule out testicular torsion.
Effects of a Social Skills Intervention among High School Students with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism and Their General Education Peers.

Incorporating general education peers into social skills instructional programs has been effective at increasing social interaction of high school students with intellectual disabilities and autism...
Tests for properness in periodic control of functional differential systems

A fundamental problem in optimal periodic control may be formulated as follows: Suppose one has an optimal steady state x0 corresponding to a constant control u0. Can performance be improved by allowing for trajectories x and controls u being periodic with some common period ? > 0? If this is the case, the problem is called proper. For systems governed by ordinary differential equations the so called ?-criterion is a second order variational test for (local) properness. It has been proposed by Bittanti, Fronza, and Guarbadassi [1] and proven by Bernstein and Gilbert [3]; the most general version can be found in Bernstein [2]. Watanabe, Nishimura and Matsubara [12] gave a variant of the ?-criterion ('singular control test' or 'infinite frequency ?-criterion') which tests properness for sufficiently high frequencies and requires significantly less computational effort. The ?-criterion is of some relevance in chemical engineering and aircraft flight performance optimization (cp. Sincic and Bailey [9], Speyer [11] and the survey papers by Matsubara, Nishimura, Watanabe, Onogi [7] and Noldus [8]). This paper presents a generalization to functional differential systems of the ?-criterion and its "high-frequency" variant.
Behavior of Dictyostelium amoebae is regulated primarily by the temporal dynamic of the natural cAMP wave.

The instantaneous velocity plots of Dictyostelium discoideum amoebae responding to natural waves and simulated temporal waves of cAMP with periods of 7 min are highly similar. This similarity has been used to deduce the dynamics of a natural wave crossing an amoeba, and the behavior of amoebae has been characterized during the different phases of a natural wave with a computer-assisted dynamic image analyzing system. During the first ∼150 sec of the front of a natural wave, cells move persistently toward the aggregation center, with high instantaneous velocity and a decreased frequency of lateral pseudopod formation. During the last 30 sec of the front of the wave and the first 30 sec of the back of the wave, there is a “freeze” in cell shape and a dramatic depression in cell motility, pseudopod formation, and intracellular particle movement. During the last 180 sec of the back of the wave, there is a rebound in pseudopod formation, but it is random in direction and leads to no net cellular translocation. The data suggest that all of the behavior of a cell but orientation during the translocation phase is mediated by the temporal dynamics of the wave. The data also suggest that orientation toward the aggregation center occurs early in the front of the wave and that, once oriented, cells move in a blind fashion during the translocation phase. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Dexamethasone effects on rat hepatocyte spheroid formation and function.

Hepatocytes cultured on moderately adhesive surfaces or in spinner flasks spontaneously self-assemble into spherical tissue-like aggregates (spheroids). These spheroids have smooth surfaces and tis...
Foundation heat transfer analysis for buildings with thermal piles

Abstract Thermal piles or thermo-active foundations utilize heat exchangers embedded within foundation footings to heat and/or cool buildings. In this paper, the impact of thermal piles on building foundation heat transfer is investigated. In particular, a simplified analysis method is developed to estimate the annual ground-coupled foundation heat transfer when buildings are equipped with thermal piles. First, a numerical analysis of the thermal performance of thermo-active building foundations is developed and used to assess the interactions between thermal piles and slab-on-grade building foundations. The impact of various design parameters and operating conditions is evaluated including foundation pile depth, building slab width, foundation insulation configuration, and soil thermal properties. Based on the results of a series of parametric analyses, a simplified analysis method is presented to assess the impact of the thermal piles on the annual heat fluxes toward or from the building foundations. A comparative evaluation of the predictions of the simplified analysis method and those obtained from the detailed numerical analysis indicated good agreement with prediction accuracy lower than 5%. Moreover, it is found that thermal piles can affect annual building foundation heat loss/gain by up to 30% depending on foundation size and insulation level.
In Vitro Analysis of Downstream Particulates with Mechanical Thrombectomy Devices: Comparison of 20-kHz Sonothrombolytic and Rotating Dispersion Wire Systems

Purpose To assess the potential of macroembolization, the authors compared the downstream particulate profile generated with use of two thrombectomy devices, a 20-kHz ultrasound-based sonothrombolytic (ST) device and a rotating dispersion wire (RDW). Materials and Methods An arterial flow model was pressurized to 100 mm Hg and perfused with 1,000 mL/min normal saline. Tubing containing 7-mm × 30-cm bovine thrombus proximal to a 75% stenosis was inserted distal to a nonstenosed bypass. The effluent was passed successively through 1,000-, 500-, and 200-μm filters and a particle analyzer. The ST device and RDW were activated for 10 and 15 minutes, respectively, in randomized sequences of experimental sets with and without the use of 10-mg tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA). Results are expressed as means and standard deviations of fraction of lysed clot in each category. Results The ST device produced significantly fewer particulates larger than 1,000 μm (1.3% ± 1.4) than did the RDW (16.8% ± 8.4, P P P = .982) and without significant effect from tPA ( P = .988). There were no significant differences between particles measuring 500–1,000 μm (ST device: 0.3% ± 0.3, RDW: 0.4% ± 0.3; P = .653) and those measuring 10–199 μm (ST device: 7.5% ± 7.5, RDW: 8.6% ± 3.8; P = .624). The amount of particles on the 200-μm filter after RDW activation (0.4% ± 0.3) exceeded those trapped after use of the ST device (0.1% ± 0.1, P = .007) but contributed relatively little overall. Conclusions In this in vitro model, the use of the ST device resulted in fewer large particulates than did the use of the RDW, with more clots being reduced to less than 10 μm.
Group actions on order trees

Abstract We begin an investigation of group actions on order trees. We develop some basic definitions and properties. When G is the fundamental group of a non-Haken Seifert fibered space, we completely describe all minimal order tree actions of G by showing that any nontrivial minimal action is necessarily dual to a foliation transverse to the Seifert fibering of M .
The Acute Effects of Glucose on the Insulin Biosynthetic- Secretory Pathway in a Simian Virus 40-Transformed Hamster Pancreatic Islet β-Cell Line*

The acute regulatory effects of glucose on proinsulin synthesis at the translational level and the subsequent processing of newly made hormone through the insulin biosynthetic- secretory pathway in a clonal cell line (HIT-T15 cells) of simian virus 40-transformed hamster pancreatic islet β-ceIls were examined. Proinsulin synthesis in HIT-T15 cells, assayed by immunoprecipitatiion, comprised 2.5-5% of the total protein synthesis during a 40-min pulse label period, though preproinsulin mRNA levels were only 0.25-0.29% of the total mRNA. There was no specific enhancement of proinsulin synthesis in response to increasing concentrations of glucose or other tested metabolites or by agents stimulating the cAMP or protein kinase- C second messenger systems during a 40-min pulse label period. Compared to that in normal β-cells, processing of proinsulin to insulin was markedly retarded. Unlike that in normal β-cells, newly synthesized hormone in HIT cells was secreted at a very low rate that was not enhanced by a h...
Synaptic structural abnormalities in the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down Syndrome.

The Ts65Dn mouse is a genetic model for Down syndrome. Although this mouse shows abnormalities in cognitive function that implicate hippocampus as well as marked deficits in hippocampal long-term potentiation, the structure of the hippocampus has been little studied. We characterized synaptic structure in Ts65Dn and control (2N) mice, studying the hippocampus (fascia dentata, CA1) as well as the motor and somatosensory cortex, entorhinal cortex, and medial septum. Confocal microscopy was used to examine immunostained presynaptic boutons and to detail the structure of dendrites after Lucifer yellow microinjection. Both presynaptic and postsynaptic elements were significantly enlarged in Ts65Dn in all regions examined. The changes were detected at the youngest age examined (postnatal day 21) and in adults. In studies detailing the changes in fascia dentata and motor cortex, the enlargement of spines affected the entire population, resulting in the presence of spines whose volume was greatly increased. Electron microscopy confirmed that boutons and spines were enlarged and demonstrated abnormalities in the internal membranes of both. In addition, spine density was decreased on the dendrites of dentate granule cells, and there was reorganization of inhibitory inputs, with a relative decrease in inputs to dendrite shafts and an increase in inputs to the necks of spines. Taken together, the findings document widespread abnormalities of synaptic structure that recapitulate important features seen in Down syndrome. They establish the Ts65Dn mouse as a model for abnormal synapse structure and function in Down syndrome and point to the importance of studies to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for synapse enlargement. J. Comp. Neurol. 480:281–298, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Electrical oscillations in polypyrrole-lecithin bilayer lipid membranes

Abstract Studies were performed on oscillations across a polypyrrole-lecithin bilayer lipid membrane (BLM), separating two electrolyte solutions, one containing an electron-acceptor reagent and the other an electron-donor reagent. Studied systems showed sustained oscillations of electrical potential of about 15 mV with an interval of about 40 s. The proposed mechanism of these oscillations is based on the polypyrrole oxidation-doping/reduction-undoping process. The equivalent electric circuit of the investigated oscillating system is presented. It is suggested that the presented mechanism of this phenomenon could be useful in interpretation of some oscillations observed in biological systems. The possibility of application of the described system in the development of molecular electronic devices is also suggested.
Losing One's Head: Judges and the Law in Nineteenth Century American Legal History

Nothing in life stands still; not even the past. Historians are constantly reworking, rethinking, reexamining old assumptions, turning over new rocks, closing off old tunnels and caves, digging up long-buried cities. The process of revision is always going on, and reevaluation, in general, is very healthy. Every generation looks at history through its own lens. Something new is constantly getting discovered-new batches of material and, more significant, new ways of looking at old or neglected material. But that does not mean the revisionists are always right, or that they have improved matters. They are not even always more right than the people they are revising at any given time or in any given instance. I knew I was in for it, personally, when I opened Peter Karsten's new book and started reading it. It claims to be a profoundly revisionist account of American legal history or, to be more exact, the nineteenth-century part of American legal history. I found myself on the operating table, along with a lot of fellow scholars, and the knife of the revisionist was about to cut me open. There I was, lumped in with other malefactors as part of the "reigning paradigm" (also referred to as an "economic" or "economic determinist paradigm"). Nobody talks about a reigning paradigm unless they plan to show how completely foolish it is. In fact, Karsten's whole book is an attempt to refute and revise; to expose the shortcomings of the reigning paradigm (p.
Molecular Mechanisms of Hydrogen-Loaded β-Hydroquinone Clathrate

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate the molecular interactions of hydrogen-loaded β-hydroquinone clathrate. It is found that, at lower temperatures, higher loadings are more stable, whereas at higher temperatures, lower loadings are more stable. Attractive forces between the guest and host molecules lead to a stabilized minimum-energy configuration at low temperatures. At higher temperatures, greater displacements take the system away from the shallow energy minimum, and the trend reverses. The nature of the cavity structure is nearly spherical for a loading of one, leads to preferential occupation near the hydroxyl ring crowns of the cavity with a loading of two, and at higher loadings, leads to occupation of the interstitial sites (the hydroxyl rings) between cages by a single H2 molecule with the remaining molecules occupying the equatorial plane of the cavity. Occupation of the interstitial positions of the cavities leads to facile diffusion.
Borderline Personality Disorder and Development: Counseling University Students

Students with borderline personality disorders are difficult to counsel and present problems in consultation. Providing these students with structure through consistent limit setting can produce positive changes in their behavior.
Robust Point-Pattern Inference from Spatially Censored Data

Administrative data sources are increasingly being used for spatial analysis and policy formation. For example, ‘welfare to work’ programs have stimulated demand for spatial mismatch studies in which ES-202 employment files are used. The increased resolution gained by geocoding the address records in administrative files can be of enormous research value when the process under study resolves over small distances. Yet the resulting point-referenced data are problematic for inferential analysis. In particular, administrative data typically represent a sample of convenience, thus posing serious validity problems for statistical inference. The authors propose a robust estimation method for spatial pattern inference based on spatially censored data. The performance of the estimator is explored with the aid of simulated data and is also demonstrated with ES-202 data from North Carolina.
Toward the primary prevention of cancer

This is the threshold of an era when many of the most prevalent human cancers can, to a significant extent, be prevented through life-style changes or medical interventions. For lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, the major cause, cigarette smoking, is known and strategies for reducing smoking are slowly succeeding. Dietary changes can reduce the risk of developing large bowel cancer, the second most common cancer overall. The etiology of the major cancer in women, cancer of the breast, is sufficiently well understood that large-scale medical intervention trials are imminent. Recent changes in the incidence and mortality of these and the other major human cancers are reviewed with a brief explanation as to why these changes have occurred, followed by a summary of the state of knowledge regarding the major causes of cancer.
Effect of marginal maternal zinc deficiency in rats on mammary gland zinc metabolism

Abstract There is a paucity of studies investigating the consequences of marginal zinc deficiency (MZD) during the reproductive cycle. This study was conducted to characterize the effects of MZD during pregnancy and lactation with a focus on zinc (Zn) transfer into the mammary gland and milk. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a control diet (28 μg/g) or a marginally low Zn diet (12 μg/g) during pregnancy and lactation or the control diet during pregnancy followed by the low Zn diet during lactation. Pair-fed controls received the control diet in amounts adjusted to the mean daily intake of rats fed the low Zn diet. Pup weight and maternal mammary tissue weight were significantly lower in dams fed the MZD diet throughout pregnancy and lactation. Milk volume was significantly lower in both MZD groups. 65 Zn tissue retention was higher in the liver of MZD dams in contrast to lower 65 Zn in mammary tissue and milk. Iron and copper levels in dams and pups were not affected by dietary Zn. Although MZD during pregnancy and lactation did not impair maternal health, it significantly reduced mammary weight, milk volume and mammary Zn transfer, thus impairing factors important to neonatal growth.
The Demographics of Chronic Pain Management

Pain is the most common symptom for which patients seek care. The management of pain advanced considerably with the development of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2-specific inhibitors (coxibs). The clinical usefulness of nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is often limited by the occurrence of adverse effects, such as gastric toxicity and bleeding complications, which have been attributed to the inhibition of COX-1. At the recommended dosage by targeting only COX-2, coxibs offer patients anti-inflammatory and analgesic relief with reduced gastrotoxicity compared with traditional NSAIDs. Individualization of therapy based on a careful assessment of risks versus benefits of different agents is an important consideration in pain management. This review summarizes clinical evidence of the comparable efficacy but improved tolerability of the coxibs compared with conventional NSAIDs. Important patient considerations and risk factors involved in the selection of appropriate analgesic/anti-inflammatory treatments are highlighted.
The relationship between antisocial behavior and affective illness

Abstract It is postulated that a subgroup of antisocial personality disorders have their antisocial symptoms secondary to depression. Two theoretical positions, Akiskal's and Winokur's are discussed. The evidence of association of symptoms, treatment modalities, familial data, and cluster analysis indicate a linkage between sociopathic symptoms and affective illness. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.
The effect of multi-component aerosol particles on quantitative laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy: Consideration of localized matrix effects☆

Abstract Spectral measurements were performed in a laser-induced plasma to assess the changes in sodium or magnesium analyte emission response from particle-derived sources with the addition of concomitant mass to the aerosol particles. Temporally resolved measurements revealed up to a 50% enhancement in analyte emission with the addition of the elements copper, zinc or tungsten at mass ratios from 1:9 to 1:19, although the enhancement generally diminished by delay times of 60 μs. Additional measurements in magnesium–cadmium aerosol particles were performed to assess the temporal profile of plasma temperature in the spatial vicinity of the aerosol particles using the ion-to-neutral emission ratios. These measurements revealed a general increase in localized plasma temperature with increasing delay time, which is attributed with an initial suppression of plasma temperature about the aerosol particles as plasma energy is required to vaporize and ionize the aerosol particle mass. These measurements provide direct evidence of a matrix effect for aerosol particles, which is attributed primarily to perturbations in the localized plasma properties. These perturbations are minimized at longer plasma delay times; hence quantitative LIBS analysis of aerosol particles should be performed with careful attention given to the temporal plasma evolution. The data further elucidate the complex interactions between the plasma gas and the aerosol particles, during which the finite time-scales of particle dissociation, and heat and mass transfer are equally important.
Insecticides for Control of the Greenhouse Whiteflyl

Test materials applied to control Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) in greenhouses varied in their toxicity to nymphs and pupae. Aldicarb was more effective than other systemic insecticides tested. Sprays of parathion gave higher kills and had longer residual activity than aerosols. Sprays of azinphosmethyl and monotocrotophos were equal to parathion in controlling nymphs. Endosulfan, which had previously given good control of whitefly nymphs, was relatively ineffective. Sprays were the most effective formulations, but aerosols, mists, or fumigants are easier to use in large commercial greenhouses. Also, the highly effective slow-release formulation of dichlorvos in ground corncobs may be acceptable for use in smaller greenhouses. Regularly timed applications of calcium cyanide as a fumigant or of aerosols or mists containing parathion, tepp, or dichlorvos were highly effective.
Docosahexaenoic Acid Enhances Segregation of Lipids between Raft and Nonraft Domains: 2H-NMR Study ☆

Solid-state 2H-NMR of [2H31]-N-palmitoylsphingomyelin ([2H31]16:0SM, PSM*), supplemented by differential scanning calorimetry, was used for the first time, to our knowledge, to investigate the molecular organization of the sphingolipid in 1:1:1 mol mixtures with 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (16:0–18:1PE, POPE) or 1-palmitoyl-2-docosahexaenoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (16:0–22:6PE, PDPE) and cholesterol. When compared with 2H-NMR data for analogous mixtures of [2H31]16:0–18:1PE (POPE*) or [2H31]16:0-22:6PE (PDPE*) with egg SM and cholesterol, molecular interactions of oleic acid (OA) versus docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are distinguished, and details of membrane architecture emerge. SM-rich, characterized by higher-order, and PE-rich, characterized by lower-order, domains <20 nm in size are formed in the absence and presence of cholesterol in both OA- and DHA-containing membranes. Although acyl chain order within both domains increases on the addition of sterol to the two systems, the resultant differential in order between SM- and PE-rich domains is almost a factor of 3 greater with DHA than with OA. Our interpretation is that the aversion that cholesterol has for DHA—but not for OA—excludes the sterol from DHA-containing, PE-rich (nonraft) domains and excludes DHA from SM-rich/cholesterol-rich (raft) domains. We attribute, in part, the diverse health benefits associated with dietary consumption of DHA to an alteration in membrane domains.
Diagnostic imaging for submandibular duct atresia: literature review and case report.

Purpose The basic aim of this review was to retrospectively study the role of imaging, particularly magnetic resonance imaging, in the diagnosis of submandibular duct (SMD) orifice atresia. Materials and Methods From a literature review, data were collected from previously reported cases of imaged SMD atresia and from the present case. Results Five images, 4 from the literature and 1 magnetic resonance image from our case, were obtained to illustrate the singular appearance of SMD orifice atresia. Conclusions To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study, using a review of the literature concerning SMD orifice atresia, to call specific attention to the role imaging plays in illustrating the pathognomonic presence of the uniquely dilated and segmented salivary duct seen in SMD orifice atresia.
Simple 3D validation experiments for PRESAGETM/optical-CT dosimetry

Detailed studies of the basic dosimetric properties of small volumes of PRESAGETM have confirmed its promise as a new material with enhanced properties for 3D dosimetry. PRESAGETM is a transparent polyurethane material containing a radiochromic leucodye. Principle advantages include a relative insensitivity of the dose response to atmospheric exposure, and a radiochromic optical contrast which is light absorbing rather than light-scattering (peak optical density change is at ~633 nm). The absorptive nature of the contrast is more amenable to accurate dose read-out by optical-computed-tomography. This work represents our first feasibility tests of large volumes of PRESAGETM for dosimetric validation of radiation treatments.
Cigarette Smoking Four Years Following Treatment for Adolescent Substance Abuse

ABSTRACT The present study was undertaken to provide information relevant to intervening with cigarette smoking by substance abusing adolescents. The persistence of cigarette smoking and predictors of smoking 4 years following treatment were examined for 125 adolescent substance abusers. Eighty percent of participants were still smoking 4 years following treatment. Analyses found that age of initial cigarette use and extent of smoking at the time of treatment significantly predicted late adolescent/early adult smoking for male but not female participants. Those no longer smoking at the 4-year time-point reported less alcohol and drug involvement than those whose smoking persisted. The substantial persistence of cigarette smoking into early adulthood reinforces the need for smoking intervention with adolescent substance abusers.
Extracting salient contour groups from cluttered solar images via Markov Random Fields

We propose a method to extract salient contour groups from cluttered regions using Markov Random Fields. Our technique delineates smooth, long, and elliptical curves out of clutter. To extract salient curves, we use the following perceptual rules: smoothness, proximity, co-circularity, co-elliptic, and length. Our method consists of the following steps: obtaining individual smooth contours along their saliency measures; starting from the most salient contour search for possible grouping options for each contour; continuing the grouping until an optimum solution is reached. We introduce circularity and saliency measures for open curves. We applied our method to discern coronal loops from cluttered solar images, and were able to successfully obtain the entire set of desired coronal loops while eliminating any cluttered background.
Optimizing Cardiovascular Outcomes in Diabetes Mellitus

This article presents a series of take-home statements, compiled by a multidisciplinary steering committee, concerning significant aspects of macrovascular disease in patients with diabetes mellitus, including the extent of risk, pathogenetic mechanisms, and optimal management for risk reduction. The discussion focuses in particular on the impact of diabetes medications beyond blood glucose control. In summary, these statements are as follows: (1) Patients with diabetes have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease that contributes to decreased life expectancy; (2) prognosis after a cardiovascular event is poorer in patients with diabetes; (3) pathogenetic mechanisms include insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, dyslipidemia, chronic inflammation, procoagulability, and impaired fibrinolysis; (4) management of established cardiovascular risk factors, for example with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) and antihypertensive therapy, reduces cardiovascular event rates in diabetes; (5) correction of hyperglycemia can reduce macrovascular event rates, but the coupling to hyperglycemia is less tight for macrovascular events than it is for reduction of microvascular complications; (6) patients with diabetes should be screened for additional cardiovascular risk factors and appropriate interventions should be initiated; (7) results of observational and interventional studies have indicated that some insulin sensitizers appear to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events and improve survival; (8) thiazolidinediones have beneficial effects on metabolism that may improve cardiovascular risk, and a randomized clinical trial in patients with advanced atherosclerosis indicates that addition of pioglitazone to therapy for hyperglycemia may reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke.
Differential assay for lysosomal alpha-galactosidases in human tissues and its application to Fabry's disease

A simple and sensitive fluorometric method has been described for the differential determination of the activity of lysosomal alpha-galactosidase A and alpha-galactosidase B. The procedure employs 4-methylumbelliferyl-alpha-D-galactopyranoside as substrate and N-acetylgalactosamine as an inhibitor of alpha-galactosidase B, but not of alpha-galactosidase A to differentiate the two activities. This method was shown to be applicable in the differentiation of the two enzyme activities in human tissues and in the diagnosis of the heterozygous and hemizygous genotypes for Fabry's disease in cultured skin fibroblasts.
Bound states of a gauge boson by a magnetic monopole

Abstract We consider the massive gauge boson (W ± ) and the neutral Higgs particle (H) with zero angular momentum in the background field of a monopole for SU(2) gauge theory. The massive boson is found to form bound states. The maximum binding energy in the Prasad-Sommerfield limit is approximately 0.12 M ( M is the mass of W), independent of the gauge coupling constant. We also find that the amplitude of the process H + dyon W ± + dyon is nonvanishing even in the limit of zero gauge coupling constant, if we fix the mass of W.
Limitations of resist-based characterization of EUV mask surface roughness

The feasibility of wafer-plane measurements of EUV mask surface roughness has been analyzed through stochastic resist simulations at various defocus conditions, for mask surface roughness values ranging between 50 pm and 500 pm rms. With partial coherence of 0.5, NA of 0.25, defocus of 100 nm and mask surface roughness of 50 pm rms, 1.3% of the total resist LER is contributed by the mask surface roughness induced aerial image phase roughness, while 39.1% of the total LER contribution comes from the absorbed photon image. 31.4% of the LER contribution is from the acid image and 27.9% is attributable to the quencher image at the end of the PEB reaction/diffusion processes. For surface roughness values of interest ranging between 50 pm and 150 pm rms, partial coherence of 0.5 and 100 nm defocus, the sensitivity of wafer plane aerial image LER to mask surface roughness is 9.5 nm/nm-rms, while the resist LER sensitivity is 2.9 nm/nm-rms. With hypothetical scaling of the resist parameters, the resist LER sensitivity to mask surface roughness increases to 6 nm/nm-rms.
LEUKEMIA-ASSOCIATED TRANSPLANTATION ANTIGENS RELATED TO MURINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS THE X.1 SYSTEM: IMMUNE RESPONSE CONTROLLED BY A LOCUS LINKED TO H-2

Two BALB radiation leukemias are strongly rejected by hybrids of BALB with certain other mouse strains, although BALB mice themselves exhibit no detectable resistance whatever. Hybrids immunized with progressively increased inocula are resistant to 200 x 106 or more leukemia cells; their serum is cytotoxic for the leukemia cells in vitro and protects BALB mice against challenge with these BALB leukemias. The antigenic system thus identified has been named X.1. In (BALB x B6) hybrids the major determinant of resistance was shown to be a B6 gene in the K region of H-2 . This is likely to be the Rgv-1 ( Resistance to gross virus ) locus of Lilly, which may thus be identified in this case as an Ir ( Immune response ) allele conferring ability to respond to X.1 antigen on MuLV and leukemia cells, and so responsible for production of X.1 antibody and the rejection of X.1+ leukemia cells by hybrid mice. Immunoelectron microscopy with X.1 antiserum (from immunized hybrids) shows labeling both on the cell surface and on virions produced by the leukemia cells. It is not known whether X.1 comprises only one or more than one antigen. Three radiation-induced BALB leukemias, one A strain radiation-induced leukemia, and 15/15 AKR primary spontaneous leukemias were typed X.1+ by the cytotoxicity test. Several other leukemias, including one induced by passage A Gross virus and one long-transplanted AKR ascites leukemia carried in (B6 x AKR)F1 hybrids, were X.1-. Normal mice of strains with a high incidence of leukemia and one other strain (129) express X.1 antigen, but evidently in amounts too small for certain detection in vitro; by the method of absorption in vivo, however, these strains could be typed X.1+ and other strains X.1-. We ascribe the X.1 antigen system tentatively to a sub-type of MuLV that is not passage A Gross virus and is probably not the dominant sub-type in strains with a high incidence of leukemia. After repeated passage in hybrids, one of the BALB leukemias became relatively resistant to rejection by the hybrid, partially lost its sensitivity to X.1 antiserum in vitro, and in electron micrographs was seen to produce fewer virions. The serum of untreated (BALB x B6) hybrids often contains cytotoxic antibody against leukemia cells, some of it probably anti-X.1. But another commonly occurring antibody, which is cytotoxic for C57BL leukemia EL4, appears to belong to another (undefined) system.
High efficiency diffractive optical elements for spectral beam combining

We present a broadband, all-dielectric, diffractive optical element (DOE) for spectral beam combining with optimized efficiency. We achieve maximal efficiency and polarization insensitivity for the sum of incident wavelengths by varying grating etch depth and duty cycle of a rectangular profile grating realized with the precision of ebeam mask definition. Design and fabrication considerations that maximize efficiency are quantified, including material options, e-beam defined lithographic parameters such as grating periods and aspect ratios, tailored wavelength dispersion, and polarization independence. These results are compared to published efficiency values of >95% diffraction efficiency for a single polarization and single wavelength and polarization-independent efficiency values of >98% also for a single wavelength.
All-electronic 1-cycle carrier relaying

This carrier-relaying system meets the requirements for ultrahigh-speed operation. A relaying time of 1/2 cycle to a maximum of 15/16 cycle has been obtained and both ease of maintenance and reliability have been achieved. This system has broad applications and its accuracy and sensitivity are equal to or exceed its electromechanical counterpart.
Some rhetorical and poetic crossroads in the interpretation of literature

(1973). Some rhetorical and poetic crossroads in the interpretation of literature. Western Speech: Vol. 37, No. 4, pp. 264-272.
Chemistry and morphology of β′ precipitates in an aged Mg-Nd-Y-Zr alloy

While the Mg–Y–Nd system is used for industrial applications, the details of the precipitation sequence and exact role of each alloying element during ageing have not been fully quantified. Focusing on WE43, a Mg–Y–Nd alloy containing Zr, the chemistry of β′ precipitates and matrix during isothermal ageing at 250 °C is investigated using atom probe tomography. Precipitate morphologies and compositions are compared with previous electron microscopy observations, and the roles of the alloying elements are discussed.
Endotoxin releases a precursor to vasodilation from large veins in an NF-κB-dependent manner

Abstract Background Our previous studies have shown that when a segment of rat aorta was placed upstream and in series to a rat cremasteric isolated arteriole, endotoxin (ET) exposure produced significant vasodilatation. Without the aorta, no loss of tone was noted, indicating that a precursor, as of yet unidentified, was washed downstream, thereby inducing vasodilation. Prior treatment of the donor of either the aorta or the arteriole with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), a potent NF-κB inhibitor, prevented the loss of tone. This suggests a role for NF-κB in the signaling pathway. The aim of this study was to determine if a large vein was also capable of releasing a similar factor in response to ET. Materials and methods This project followed the same experimental design except that the upstream aortic segment was replaced by a segment of vena cava. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were given an intraperitoneal (ip) injection of PDTC (100 mg/kg) or a sham injection of saline. First-order cremasteric arterioles were isolated, cannulated, and pressurized. A segment of inferior vena cava was then placed in series with the microvascular preparation. Arterioles were allowed to equilibrate and achieve spontaneous myogenic tone in a bath of warm physiological buffer over 1 h (t = 0). Internal vessel diameters were measured with video calipers and the response to ET or continued infusion of buffer was measured over 2 h (t = 120). The control group ( n = 8) received a sham injection and the vessels were exposed to buffer only. The ET group ( n = 7) was exposed to ET only. The PDTC group ( n = 5) received PDTC only. The PDTC/ET group ( n = 6) received PDTC and was exposed to ET. Results After equilibration, spontaneous tone (measured as a percentage of maximal diameter) was similar in the four groups (t = 0). After 2 h (t = 120), the ET group had significantly less tone (30.1 ± 3.6%; P Conclusions These results show that the vena cava is capable of releasing a factor leading to vasodilation in response to ET in a manner similar to the aorta. Produced by the veins, it will affect venous capacitance as well as contribute to the total amount in the plasma pool affecting the tone of the resistant arterioles. Thus, it appears that these large conducting vessels, regardless of origin, play a role in the deleterious effects during septic events.
Dynamic Electrical Resistivity of Iron: Evidence for a New High Pressure Phase

Dynamic high pressure phase transition existence in iron from electrical resistivity increase
Genetic variation for biomass production in prairie cordgrass and switchgrass

Prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata Link.) is tall, rhizomatous, and native to marshes, drainage ways, and moist prairies in North America. Our objectives were to determine genetic variation among cordgrass populations for biomass production, to describe the distribution of biomass among phytomers and between leaf and stem components of cordgrass, to compare biomass production and composition of cordgrass to switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), and to determine heritability for biomass production in switchgrass. Seven populations of cordgrass and 'Cave-In-Rock', 'Summer', and 'Sunburst' switchgrass were harvested in October in 2001 through 2004. Mean biomass production across years ranged from 5.1 to 7. 9 Mg ha-1 among cordgrass populations. Yields of cordgrass (6.0 Mg ha-1) were similar to Cave-In-Rock (6.8 Mg ha -1 ) for the first two years. However production in the fourth year was greater for cordgrass (6.8 Mg ha-1) than Cave-In-Rock (2.0 Mg ha-1). Two cordgrass populations produced more biomass (9.3 Mg ha -1 ) than Summer and Sunburst (4.8 Mg ha-1) in the fourth year. Leaf comprised 70% of the biomass of cordgrass, and differences occurred among phytomers for leaf and internode traits. Cellulose and hemicellulose concentrations were similar for cordgrass and switchgrass, but cordgrass had higher levels of total N and ash. Narrow-sense heritability estimates for biomass production in Summer and Sunburst switchgrass were 0.6. Biomass production of native warm-season grasses intended for biofuel purposes in the northern Great Plains may be enhanced by selecting among populations of cordgrass and among families within cultivars of switchgrass.
Cerebral Imaging Using 68GA DTPA and the U.C.S.F. Multiwire Proportional Chamber Positron Camera

A multiwire proportional chamber positron camera consisting of four 48 × 48 cm2 detectors linked to a small digital computer has been designed, constructed, and characterized. Initial clinical application to brain imaging using 68Ga DTPA in 10 patients with brain tumors is described. Tomographic image reconstruction is accomplished by an algorithm determining the intersection of the annihilation photon paths in planes of interest. Final image processing utilizes uniformity correction, simple thresholding, and smoothing. The positron brain images were compared to conventional scintillation brain scans and x-ray computerized axial tomograms (CAT) in each case. The positron studies have shown significant mitigation of confusing superficial activity resulting from craniotomy in comparison to conventional brain scans. Central necrosis of lesions observed in the positron images, but not in the conventional scans, has been confirmed in CAT. Modifications of the camera are being implemented to improve image quality, and these changes combined with the tomography inherent in the positron scans are anticipated to result in images superior in information content to conventional brain scans.
An operational system for mapping insolation from goes satellite data

Abstract A system for mapping the mesoscale distribution of insolation from GOES satellite data has become operational at the University of Wisconsin Space Science and Engineering Center. An energy balance model of the earth-atmosphere system is used in conjunction with radiometrically calibrated GOES measurements to estimate surface insolation from satellite images taken at hourly intervals. Integration of these hourly estimates into daily insolation totals has produced results within 9 per cent (standard error of the mean) of pyranometer measurements on a much finer space scale than is available from the surface pyranometer network. The model has been applied, using satellite data display facilities and software designed for large satellite data sets, to produce monthly maps of insolation over large geographical areas at a resolution of approx. 12 × 12 km. Although the density of the surface pyranometer network is inadequate to directly verify the mapping results, the quality of the daily insolation estimates compared with the measurements of single pyranometers suggests that the insolation maps will have a similar accuracy.