cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Character segmentation using visual interword constraints in a text page

Character segmentation is a critical preprocessing step for text recognition. In this paper a method is presented that utilizes visual inter-word constraints available in a text image to split word images into smaller image pieces. This method is applicable to machine-printed texts in which the same spacing is always used between identical pairs of characters. The visual inter- word constraints considered here include information about whether a word image is a sub- image of another word image. For example, given two word images A and B, which are `mathematical' and `the.' If the short word image B is found to be a sub-image of the long word image A, the longer image A is split into three pieces, A1, A2, and A3, where A2 matches B, A1 corresponds to `ma,' and A3 corresponds to `matical.' The image piece A1 can be further used to split A3 into two parts, `ma' and `tical.' This method is based purely on image processing using the visual context in a text page. No recognition is involved.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Creep of lanthanum gallate

Strontium- and magnesium-doped lanthanum gallate (LSGM) was deliberately prepared to give A-site deficient nonstoichiometry with compositions (La0.9Sr0.1)z(Ga0.8Mg0.2)O3-δ (z = 1.0, 0.98, and 0.95). Creep tests in four-point bending for 950 °C < T < 1350 °C and 15 MPa < σ < 75 MPa in air demonstrated that all three compositions shared a common stress dependence, n= 1.49 ± 0.10, and a common apparent activation energy, Q = 426 ± 9 kJ/mol. Despite this agreement, the creep rates of the different compositions depended on grain size in different ways: p = 3.1 ± 0.2 for z = 0.98, and p = 1.9 ± 0.1 for z = 0.95. The measured apparent activation energy, Q, for creep is similar, though statistically significantly smaller, than that measured in another LSGM. Both are nearly twice as large as reported activation energies for cation impurity diffusion. The absolute magnitude of the creep rates, after correction for grain size, were 30 to 100 times slower than in another LSGM of similar composition.
Effects of Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field on Segregation Layer during Hot-Top Casting of Aluminium Alloy

Surface segregation layer are frequently encountered during aluminium alloy direct chill casting process, and the removal of the surface segregation layer before further processing of the ingot decreases the ingot yield. In this work, the low frequency electromagnetic field was applied to study the effects of low frequency electromagnetic field on segregation layer during the direct chill casting process. The results show that under the effect of the low frequency electromagnetic field, the surface quality of ingot is improved, the structure of the ingot is refined, and the thickness of segregation layer is decreased.
Mechanisms of persistent NF-κB activation by HTLV-I tax

Human T cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) is the causative agent of a fatal malignancy known as adult T cell leukemia (ATL). The HTLV-I Tax protein is thought to play a significant role in the initiation and pathogenesis of HTLV-I-mediated disease. Tax is a potent oncogene that deregulates cellular gene expression by persistently activating signaling pathways such as NF-κB. Tax activation of NF-κB is critical for the immortalization and survival of HTLV-I-infected T cells. In this review, we describe recent insights into the mechanisms employed by Tax to activate the canonical and noncanonical NF-κB signaling pathways. The adaptor function of Tax appears to be a common and important mechanism for the pathological activation of both NF-κB pathways. IUBMB Life, 57: 83-91, 2005
Water relations and hydraulic architecture of woody hemiepiphytes

Several parameters related to the water relations of eight woody hemiepiphytes with different photosynthetic pathways were studied in situ and in the laboratory on Barro Colorado Island, Panama. As a group, woody hemiepiphytes tended to have less conductive stems per unit leaf area (lower k L ) and invested less wood cross-section per unit leaf area compared to free-standing trees, while their specific conductivity (K s ) was significantly higher. Among hemiepiphytes, there were significant differences between C 3 and CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) species in respect to leaf characteristics, transpiration rates, diel patterns of water flow through aerial roots, and in hydraulic architecture parameters. Average transpiration rates of the two Clusia species (C 3 -CAM) were lower by about an order of magnitude compared to the C 3 species. In all C 3 species, sap flow through aerial roots (F) closely followed transpiration (E), whereas E and F were decoupled in time in the C 3 -CAM species Clusia uvitana: considerable long-distance water flow occurred at night. The hydraulic efficiency of the other C 3 -CAM species, C. minor, was the lowest of the five species investigated.
Retinoid metabolism and nuclear receptor responses: New insights into coordinated regulation of the PPAR–RXR complex

Retinoids, naturally-occurring vitamin A derivatives, regulate metabolism by activating specific nuclear receptors, including the retinoic acid receptor (RAR) and the retinoid X receptor (RXR). RXR, an obligate heterodimeric partner for other nuclear receptors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), helps coordinate energy balance. Recently, many groups have identified new connections between retinoid metabolism and PPAR responses. We found that retinaldehyde (Rald), a molecule that can yield RA through the action of retinaldehyde dehydrogenases (Raldh), is present in fat in vivo and can inhibit PPARγ-induced adipogenesis. In vitro, Rald inhibits RXR and PPARγ activation. Raldh1-deficient mice have increased Rald levels in fat, higher metabolic rates and body temperatures, and are protected against diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. Interestingly, one specific asymmetric β-carotene cleavage product, apo-14′-carotenal, can also inhibit PPARγ and PPARα responses. These data highlight how pathways of β-carotene metabolism and specific retinoid metabolites may have direct distinct metabolic effects.
Techniques for Suture Anchor Removal in Shoulder Surgery

Although suture anchor complications after arthroscopic shoulder surgery are uncommon, they can be devastating, such as articular cartilage or bone loss secondary to a dislodged or prominent suture anchor. Proper insertion of the anchor is the most important factor in the prevention of this complication, but if a complication occurs, prompt recognition and treatment are important to prevent damage to the shoulder. The goals were to (1) discuss strategies for preventing or dealing with dislodged or prominent suture anchors and (2) introduce techniques for removal of these implants.
TANZANIA'S NEW POLITICAL REGIONALISM AND INTRODUCTORY GEOGRAPHY'S PORTRAYAL OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

Regionalism in Tanzania's recent transition to multi-party politics is examined as a means of interrogating themes from political geography as they appear in introductory geography textbooks from N...
An RT-PCR analysis of mRNA for growth factor receptors in damaged and control sensory epithelia of rat utricles

Abstract Sensory epithelia from normal rat utricles and those cultured with and without neomycin treatment were assayed for the presence of growth factor receptor mRNAs by RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction). Both undamaged and damaged utricles showed mRNA for Insulin receptor, IGF-I receptor, FGF receptor 1, EGF receptor, and PDGF α receptor. Neomycin-damaged sensory epithelia showed less PDGF α receptor mRNA than undamaged epithelia, suggesting that this message may be expressed at higher copy levels in hair cells than in supporting cells. Consistent with that hypothesis, immunohistochemistry revealed much stronger PDGF α receptor staining in the hair cells than in the supporting cells. Preliminary evidence suggests that IGF-I receptor message also may be lowered in neomycin-damaged epithelia.
The solution of elastostatic and elastodynamic problems with Chebyshev spectral finite elements

Chebyshev spectral finite elements are applied to the solution of elastostatic and elastodynamic problems in two dimensions. The accuracy of the spectral approach is judged by examining the dispersion of the solutions. It is shown that the spectral approach can achieve nearly zero dispersion for a wide range of spatial and temporal discretizations. Even coarse mesh solutions using the explicit lumped capacitance approach demonstrate exceptional accuracy. A brief description of the development of the Chebyshev spectral elements is included.
The Incremental Effect of Dementia‐Related Problem Behaviors on the Time to Nursing Home Placement in Poor, Frail, Demented Older People

OBJECTIVES: To examine the incremental effect of dementia-related problem behaviors (DRPBs) on the risk of and time to nursing home placement (NHP) in poor, frail, demented older people. DESIGN: Client assessments were reviewed retrospectively for clinical, functional, and cognitive information, particularly the presence of DRPBs and the time during enrollment at which they occurred. SETTING: The Georgia Community Care Services Program (CCSP), a Medicaid 1915-C home and community-based services program (HCBS). PARTICIPANTS: A random sample of demented clients (n = 204) discharged during fiscal year 1996 from four CCSP regions. MEASUREMENTS: The risk of and time to nursing home placement. Cox proportional hazards models and an extended Cox model with a time-varying covariate for the presence of DRPBs were used to evaluate the risk factors associated with NHP in demented older people. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to estimate the time to NHP for several risk groups. RESULTS: In demented older people in a HCBS program, having a DRPB was found to increase the hazard rate of NHP. Having a problem behavior shortened average median survival in the community by approximately 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: DRPBs in demented older people shorten the time to NHP. Exploration of effective interventions is warranted.
Production of Achlorhydria in Rats by Direct Irradiation of the Stomach

SummaryLasting achlorhydria was produced in rats by irradiation of the exposed stomach. Gastric pH determination in the living animal correlates well with the degree of impairment of gastric acid secretion induced by irradiation. Rats treated in this way provide a good experimental model comparable to an animal with total gastrectomy but without the disadvantage of an interrupted gut.
A New Model for Predicting Policy Choices Preliminary Tests

A new forecasting model, solved for Bayesian Perfect Equilibria, is introduced. It, along with several alternative models, is tested on data from the European Union. The new model, which allows for contingent forecasts and for generating confidence intervals around predictions, outperforms competing models in most tests despite the absence of variance on a critical variable in all but nine cases. The more proximate the political setting of the issues is to the new model’s underlying theory of competitive and potentially coercive politics, the better the new model does relative to other models tested in the European Union context.
Latency and Amplitude Compound Action Potential Tuning Curves for Tonal Stimuli with Nontraditional Envelopes

To evaluate the influence of the acoustic context on the latency and amplitude tuning curves (TCs) of cochlear nerve compound action potentials (CAPs), tonal stimuli were generated with a variety of amplitude modulation envelopes. CAPs were produced by intensity increases (onsets) and decreases (offsets) from the low ambient sound level and by intensity changes from a preexisting tonal level. Onset CAPs from ambient levels generated V-shaped TCs. However, when simultaneous masking was used with onset CAPs which were produced by a 5- to 12-dB increase from preexisting levels of approximately 65 dB SPL, TCs were W-shaped and similar in appearance to those produced by simultaneous masking of offset CAPs. The forward masking of this same CAP resulted in a very sharp V-shaped TC. These data suggest that the preadaptation to 10 ms of a moderate level of a tonal stimulus can increase the tuning of ensembles of cochlear neurons to subsequent transient amplitude changes.
Anisakis, Phocanema, Contracaecum, and Sulcascaris Spp.: Electrophoresis and thermostability of alcohol and malate dehydrogenases from larvae

Abstract Electrophoretic surveys were conducted on individual larvae of four anisakine nematode genera: Anisakis, Phocanema, Contracaecum , and Sulcascaris . The larval worms were obtained from a variety of fish and molluscan hosts from widely dispersed geographic regions. Of several enzymes detected, constant and apparently species-specific electrophoretic patterns were obtained for alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH, alcohol:NAD oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.1) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH, l -malate: NAD oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.37). ADH, in all but Sulcascaris sp., possessed two isozymes, the slower of which was sensitive to temperature and inhibitors. Failure of preelectrophoretic treatment with NAD to cause interconversion of these isozymes suggests that they are products of separate genetic loci. Both isozymes were maximally active with isopropanol, sec -butanol, and amyl alcohol. Within a given species, ADH showed negligible variation (i.e., apparent genetic polymorphism) with respect to individual larvae, site of larvae in the host, or geographical origin of the host. MDH from Anisakis, Sulcascaris , and Phocanema spp. possessed one, two, and three bands of activity, respectively; MDH is highly thermostable in Anisakis sp. but not in the other species.
Boron isotopic analysis of natural fresh and saline waters by negative thermal ionization mass spectrometry

Abstract Negative thermal ionization mass spectrometry (NTIMS) is an effective and robust analytical method which allows to analyze the boron isotopic composition (δ 11 B) of natural waters directly with an analytical uncertainty of ± 0.5‰ (2σ m , corresponding to 2σ/n 0.5 , where n = 3 − 8 replicate analyses), determined by analysis of a large number ( N = 70) of natural fresh and saline waters. A similar reproducibility has been determined for the NIST SRM-951 standard ( 11 B/ 10 B = 4.00125 ± 0.00264 (2σ m ), n = 5). It is shown that B concentrations of aqueous samples can be increased by a simple dry down procedure ( T = 45–50°C) to allow even low-mineralized waters ( B ≤ 0.1mg/1) to be analyzed directly, without separation of boron prior to NTIMS isotope dilution analysis.
Absolute instability in variable density round jets

This is a brief report on the properties of round jets of different densities issuing into the ambient air. Different densities were obtained by premixing helium and air in various proportions. We show that these jets have two types of behaviour depending on the density ratio between the jet and the ambient fluids, one characterized by very sharp peaks in the power spectral density of the velocity in the near field of the jet, and another with broadened and much less prominant spectral peaks. We examine the possibility that the first state corresponds to absolute instability, and the second to convective instability. It appears that the nature of instability can be changed from absolute to convective by very simple means reminiscent of similar possibilities in low Reynolds number wakes of circular cylinders. Flow visualization reveals that the low-density jets intermittently breakdown, and spread spectacularly, beyond a certain small axial distance.
Assessing the performance and cost of oil spill remediation technologies

Abstract Oil spills are an especially challenging chemical contamination event to remediate. Predicting the fate and effects of spilled oil is a formidable task, complicated by its complex chemical composition and the potential for catastrophically large discharge volumes. The proper choice of cleanup technique is equally complex, and depends on a host of factors, including oil type, spill location, spill size, weather, and local regulations and standards. This paper aims to provide a broad review of the current technologies used to remediate oil spills, and the context in which they operate. The chemical characteristics of an oil spill are discussed, including implications for transport modeling, and impacts that arise from short-term and chronic toxicity. The most common remediation technologies (mechanical recovery, dispersants, and in-situ burning) are reviewed, as are emerging technologies (hydrophobic meshes). A comparative analysis is performed on these methods by calculating a maximum oil encounter rate for each device, which is a performance characteristic critical to planning a response effort. Finally, a review of cleanup cost estimation techniques is used to assess the cost-effectiveness of remediation methods. Analysis shows that waiving the legal penalty for recovered oil can result in significant cost savings for the liable party, and may drive improvements in recovery-focused technologies. The authors suggest continued research into improving oil spill recovery methods and understanding the fate of individual compounds in the spilled oil. This will both minimize potential environmental damages, and reduce the uncertainty of their impacts.
Neural elements subserving pulmonary stretch receptor-mediated facilitation of phrenic motoneurons.

The neural elements responsible for facilitation of phrenic nerve activity by lung inflation were investigated in cats by the simultaneous recording of individual pulmonary stretch receptor afferents, respiratory neurons of the ventrolateral nucleus of the tractus solitarius and phrenic nerve activity. Monosynaptic excitation of Iβ neurons by slowly adapting pulmonary stretch receptors was demonstrated by cross-correlational analysis. It was also demonstrated that the majority of these same Iβ neurons projected to the contralateral C5 phrenic motoneuron pool. Thus, this study has shown that Iβ neurons can act as central neural elements to mediate the facilitatory effect of lung inflation upon phrenic nerve activity.
Effect of nitro-compounds and aldehyde semicarbazones on virus of primary atypical pneumonia.

Summary1. Chloramphenicol inhibited the growth of primary atypical pneumonia virus in chick embryos when injected into the yolk sac as a single dose of 5 mg one hour after amniotic inoculation of virus. Less definite inhibition of the growth of this virus in chick embryos was observed with two derivatives of 5-nitro-2-furaldehyde semicarbazone. 2. Cotton rats infected intranasally with the virus of atypical pneumonia were treated by intraperitoneal injection of several different cyclic aldehyde semicarbazone and thiosemicarba—zone derivatives. Most marked suppression of the pulmonary lesions was obtained with substituted 5-nitro-2-furaldehyde semicarba—zones, p-nitrobenzaldehyde semicarbazone, and p-acetylaminobenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone.
On the Joint Path Length Distribution in Random Binary Trees

During the 10th Seminar on Analysis of Algorithms, MSRI, Berkeley, June 2004, Knuth posed the problem of analyzing the left and the right path length in a random binary trees. In particular, Knuth asked about properties of the generating function of the joint distribution of the left and the right path lengths. In this paper, we mostly focus on the asymptotic properties of the distribution of the dierence between the left and the right path lengths. Among other things, we show that the Laplace trans- form of the appropriately normalized moment generating function of the path dierence satisfies the first Painleve transcendent. This is a nonlinear dierential equation that has appeared in many modern applications, from nonlinear waves to random matrices. Surprisingly, we find out that the dierence between path lengths is of the order n 5/4 where n is the number of nodes in the binary tree. This was also recently observed by Marckert and Janson. We present precise asymptotics of the distribution's tails and moments. We shall also discuss the joint distribution of the left and right path lengths. Throughout, we use methods of analytic algorithmics such as generating functions and complex asymptotics, as well as methods of applied mathematics such as the WKB method.
Akinetic-rigid syndrome in a 13-year-old girl with HIV-related progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

A 13-year-old HIV-infected girl presented with a rapidly progressive akinetic-rigid syndrome. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral centrum semiovale lesions extending into the basal ganglia. Detailed histopathological study of a biopsy specimen from the involved regions resulted in a diagnosis of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). This case illustrates that an akinetic-rigid syndrome may be a rare presentation of PML. HIV-related PML may have unusual radiological features. Brain biopsy may be necessary to confirm PML in cases associated with atypical clinical and radiological presentations.
Income and the Locations of AAA Minor League Baseball Teams

Minor league baseball in the United States provides a recreational activity for fans. We focus on the possibility that higher income of the local population leads to greater demand for professional baseball, which will lead to the presence of a baseball team in the city. Other than income, key factors include population, alternative recreational activities, and proximity to other teams. As expected, population is a key determinant of the presence of sports teams (Davis, International Journal of Sport Finance, 2006; Siegfried & Eisenberg, Atlantic Economic Journal, 1980). The impact of income is not clear. Davis (2006) found that higher income leads to a higher level of baseball in the metropolitan area, while Siegfried and Eisenberg (1980) found that increased income does not lead to higher attendance. Davis (2006) attributed the difference to a leisure–consumption tradeoff. Wealthier fans do not have sufficient time to attend a greater number of sporting events (measured by attendance) because they have to spend as much or more time working. However, wealthier fans will demand and can afford a higher quality product (measured by a higher level of a minor league baseball team). One concern with these findings on income is that income and population are highly correlated. In a sample of all metropolitan and micropolitan areas across the country, the correlation coefficient between population and per capita personal income is 0.38. Since population is such an important determinant and it was only Atl Econ J (2007) 35:371–372 DOI 10.1007/s11293-007-9079-5
Tutorial on x-ray lasers

The fundamental principles of X-ray lasers are discussed. Topics such as inversion density requirements, gain saturation, plasma production, excitation mechanisms (including electron excitation, photoionization and recombination), electron density limitations and laser mirror properties are described. Various laser systems including quasi-steady-state lasers and transient, non-equilibrium photoionization-pumped lasers are summarized© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Use of behavioral and physiological indicators to evaluate Scaphirhynchus sturgeon spawning success

Summary Thirty gravid, female shovelnose sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus) were captured in the Lower Missouri River in March 2004 to evaluate the effectiveness of physiology, telemetry and remote sensor technology coupled with change point analysis in identifying when and where Scaphirhynchus sturgeon spawn. Captured sturgeons were instrumented with ultrasonic transmitters and with archival data storage tags (DST) that recorded temperature and pressure. Female sturgeon were tracked through the suspected spawning period. Thereafter, attempts were made to recapture fish to evaluate spawning success. At the time of transmitter implantation, blood and an ovarian biopsy were taken. Reproductive hormones and cortisol were measured in blood. Polarization indices and germinal vesicle breakdown were assessed on the biopsied oocytes to determine readiness to spawn. Behavioral data collected using telemetry and DST sensors were used to determine the direction and magnitude of possible spawning-related movements and to identify the timing of potential spawning events. Upon recapture observations of the ovaries and blood chemistry provided measures of spawning success and comparative indicators to explain differences in observed behavior. Behavioral and physiological indicators of spawning interpreted along with environmental measures may assist in the determination of variables that may cue sturgeon reproduction and the conditions under which sturgeon successfully spawn.
Autism is characterized by dorsal anterior cingulate hyperactivation during social target detection

Though the functional neural correlates of impaired cognitive control and social dysfunction in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have been delineated, brain regions implicated in poor cognitive control of social information is a novel area of autism research. We recently reported in a non-clinical sample that detection of 'social oddball' targets activated a portion of the dorsal anterior cingulate gyrus and the supracalcarine cortex (Dichter, Felder, Bodfish, Sikich, and Belger, 2009). In the present investigation, we report functional magnetic resonance imaging results from individuals with ASD who completed the same social oddball task. Between-group comparisons revealed generally greater activation in the ASD group to both social and non-social targets. When responses to social and non-social targets were contrasted, the ASD group showed relatively greater activation in the right and middle inferior frontal gyri and a region in dorsomedial prefrontal cortex that abuts the dorsal anterior cingulate (Brodmann's Area 32). Further, dorsal anterior cingulate activation to social targets predicted the severity of social impairments in a subset of the ASD sample. These data suggest that the dorsal anterior cingulate mediates social target detection in neurotypical individuals and is implicated in deficits of cognitive control of social information in ASD.
How Do Salespeople Make Decisions? The Role of Emotions and Deliberation on Adaptive Selling, and the Moderating Role of Intuition

This research explores how salespeople make decisions and what factors influence these decisions. Research in psychology suggests that, in making decisions, people use both intuition and deliberation, often relying on some degree of both processes. This study examines the impact of emotion, intuition, and deliberation on a salesperson's adaptability and resulting performance. Intuition is found to play a significant moderating role in the relationships between both deliberation and regulation of emotions on adaptive selling. However, as anticipated, the role of this moderation variable differs for each of these relationships. Findings suggest that intuition provides an important input to deliberative and emotive thought processes, and plays an important role in salesperson adaptiveness. Implications for salesperson mentoring and training programs are explored.
Trajectories of couple relationship satisfaction in families with infants The roles of parent gender, personality, and depression in first-time and experienced parents

This study examined trajectories of relationship satisfaction for couples (n = 99) who had recently experienced the birth of an infant, and further examined the roles of parent gender, personality, depression, and first-time parent status in initial levels of relationship satisfaction and change over time. Expectant parents reported their personalities during the third trimester of pregnancy, and relationship satisfaction and depression during the third trimester and at 3.5 and 13 months postpartum. Hierarchical Linear Modeling analyses indicated that individuals who were initially more satisfied in their relationships were those whose partners were low in negative emotionality. In addition, first-time fathers had higher initial relationship satisfaction than non-first-time fathers, but experienced fathers had higher initial relationship satisfaction when their partners had greater agency. Declines in relationship satisfaction were more pronounced for mothers and those with higher levels of depressive sym...
Probability and uncertainty in nuclear safety decisions

Abstract In this paper, we examine some problems posed by the use of probabilities in Nuclear Safety decisions. We discuss some of the theoretical difficulties due to the collective nature of regulatory decisions, and, in particular, the calibration and the aggregation of risk information (e.g., experts opinions). We argue that, if one chooses numerical safety goals as a regulatory basis, one can reduce the constraints to an individual safety goal and a cost-benefit criterion. We show the relevance of risk uncertainties in this kind of regulatory framework. We conclude that, whereas expected values of future failure frequencies are adequate to show compliance with economic constraints, the use of a fractile (e.g., 95%) to be specified by the regulatory agency is justified to treat hazard uncertainties for the individual safety goal.
PRODUCTION OF CALCIUM CARBONATE ON THE MAINLAND SHELF OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA1

Although calcareous organisms are abundant on hard-bottom portions of the southern California mainland shelf, negligible amounts of CaCOa are accumulating there. Data collected at three localities and 22 stations along the southern California coastline give subtidal rates of CaC03 production by calcarcous organisms, from turnover rates calculated from growth rate data, from mortality calculations based on size distribution and growth data, and from miscellaneous information, near 400 g CaCO3 mW2 yr-l. Although this temperate climate production rate is lower than rates of coral reef production, it is similar to tropical nonreef production rates and much higher than pelagic production rates of CaC03. The CaC03 produced is lost from the mainland shelf, probably by transportation to adjacent basins, and then is apparently in large part dissolved. About 4 x 1W g CaC03 yr-1 are produced across lo3 km2 of the shallow hard-bottom shelf areas of southern California and subsequently removed from those areas.
Filtering random noise via data compression

A general technique is suggested for reducing random noise from signals using data compression in conjunction with the principle of Occam's Razor. Not only are classical spectral filters realisable as a particular instance of the technique, but more powerful nonlinear filters fall within its scope. >
A new approach to the equation of state of silicate melts: An application of the theory of hard sphere mixtures

Abstract A comparison of compressional properties of silicate solids, glasses, and liquids reveals the following fundamental differences: (1) Liquids have much smaller bulk moduli than solids and glasses and the bulk moduli of various silicate melts have a narrow range of values; (2) Liquids do not follow the Birch’s law of corresponding state as opposed to solids and glasses; (3) The Gruneisen parameter increases with increasing pressure for liquids but decreases for solids; (4) The radial distribution functions of liquids show that the interatomic distances in liquids do not change upon compression as much as solids do. The last observation indicates that the compression of silicate melts occurs mostly through the geometrical arrangement of various units whose sizes do not change much with compression, i.e., the entropic mechanism of compression plays a dominant role over the internal energy contribution. All of the other three observations listed above can be explained by this point of view. In order to account for the role of the entropic contribution, we propose a new equation of state for multi-component silicate melts based on the hard sphere mixture model of a liquid. We assign a hard sphere for each cation species that moves in the liquid freely except for the volume occupied by other spheres. The geometrical arrangement of these spheres gives the entropic contribution to compression, while the Columbic attraction between all ions provides the internal energy contribution to compression. We calibrate the equation of state using the experimental data on room-pressure density and room-pressure bulk modulus of liquids. The effective size of a hard sphere for each component in silicate melts is determined. The temperature and volume dependencies of sphere diameters are also included in the model in order to explain the experimental data especially the melt density data at high pressures. All compressional properties of a silicate melt can be calculated using the calibrated sphere diameters. This equation of state provides a unified explanation for most of compressional behaviors of silicate melts and the experimental observations cited above including the uniformly small bulk moduli of silicate melts as well as the pressure dependence of Gruneisen parameters. With additional data to better constrain the key parameters, this equation of state will serve as a first step toward the unified equation of state for silicate melts.
Repositioning of supraorbital nerve stimulation electrode using retrograde needle insertion: a technical note.

Introduction: With growing interest and acceptance of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) approach, there is now an increasing need in developing clear procedural details to resolve frequent complications and minimize associated tissue injury. Migration and suboptimal positioning of PNS electrodes are one of the most commonly observed complications of PNS approach. Materials and Methods: We present a simple technique for repositioning a supraorbital electrode using retrograde insertion of introducer needle that allows one to place percutaneous (cylindrical) PNS electrode into appropriate anatomical location with minimal additional injury to surrounding tissues. Results: This approach has been successfully used in multiple cases. An illustrative case of electrode revision with proposed technique is described in detail. Conclusion: This technically simple approach to repositioning of cylindrical supraorbital electrodes using retrograde needle insertion eliminates the need for a more elaborate and invasive procedure. The technique can be used for electrode repositioning in most PNS applications.
Interactions between Parenteral Lipid Emulsions and Container Surfaces.

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between changes in emulsion globule size distributions and container uptake of lipid emulsions in total nutrient admixtures. Methods: A total nutrient admixture was prepared from a commercial lipid emulsion, 20% ClinOleic®, separated into glass (borosilicate) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) plastic containers, and then stored at ambient conditions for approximately 24 h. The large globule size distribution was monitored continuously for both containers, and the quantity of triglycerides associated with both containers was measured by liquid chromatography. The changes in mass of the EVA containers were also measured gravimetrically. Results: The volume percent of globules greater than 5 microns in diameter (PFAT5) levels for an emulsion admixture in EVA containers showed a 75% reduction compared to a marginal decrease of PFAT5 when in the glass container. Extraction of the containers showed that the quantity of triglycerides associated with the EVA surfaces steadily increased with emulsion exposure time, while the glass showed a significantly lower triglyceride content compared to the EVA. Gravimetric measurements confirmed that the EVA containers gained significant mass during exposure to the emulsion admixture. Conclusion: A time-dependent decrease in PFAT5 values for an emulsion admixture was associated with container triglyceride absorption where EVA containers had a greater uptake than glass containers. The larger globules appear to absorb preferentially, and the admixture globule size distribution fraction represented by PFAT5 accounts for 15–20% of the total triglyceride adsorption to the container. LAY ABSTRACT: The goal of this work is to evaluate how emulsions in total nutrition admixtures are affected by the containers within which they are stored. Specifically, the study examines how the emulsion globule size distribution in different containers is related to adsorption or absorption of the lipids onto or into the container. The admixtures were prepared from a commercial lipid emulsion, 20% ClinOleic®, and the containers were either glass (borosilicate) or plastic (ethylene vinyl acetate, EVA). The large globule size distribution was monitored continuously for both containers over the course of 24 h, and the quantity of triglycerides taken up by both containers was measured by liquid chromatography. The lipid uptake by the EVA containers was also monitored by gravimetric methods. Briefly, the percent of fat globules greater than 5 micrometers (PFAT5) in EVA containers showed a 75% reduction compared to a marginal decrease of PFAT5 when in the glass container. Extraction of the lipids from the containers showed that the quantity of triglycerides associated with the EVA surfaces steadily increased with admixture exposure time, while the glass showed a significantly lower triglyceride content. Gravimetric measurements confirmed that the EVA containers gained measurable mass during exposure to the emulsion admixture.
Next-Generation Sequencing Panels for the Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer and Polyposis Syndromes: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

Purpose To evaluate the cost effectiveness of next-generation sequencing (NGS) panels for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer and polyposis (CRCP) syndromes in patients referred to cancer genetics clinics. Patients and Methods We developed a decision model to evaluate NGS panel testing compared with current standard of care in patients referred to a cancer genetics clinic. We obtained data on the prevalence of genetic variants from a large academic laboratory and calculated the costs and health benefits of identifying relatives with a pathogenic variant, in life-years and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). We classified the CRCP syndromes according to their type of inheritance and penetrance of colorectal cancer. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess uncertainty. Results Evaluation with an NGS panel that included Lynch syndrome genes and other genes associated with highly penetrant CRCP syndromes led to an average increase of 0.151 year of life, 0.128 QALY, and $4,650 pe...
Dietary Cholecalciferol and Calcium Levels in a Western-Style Defined Rodent Diet Alter Energy Metabolism and Inflammatory Responses in Mice

Male and female C57Bl6 mice were fed a control AIN76A diet, a new Western-style diet (NWD1) reflecting dietary patterns linked to elevated colon cancer incidence (higher fat, lower cholecalciferol, calcium, methyl donors, fiber), or NWD1 with elevated cholecalciferol and calcium (NWD2) from weaning. After 24 wk, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] decreased by >80% in the NWD1 group compared with controls, but with no alteration in serum calcium or bone mineral density. The decreased serum 25(OH)D was prevented in the NWD2 group. After 32 wk, the NWD1 group compared with controls reduced overall energy expenditure by 15% without altering food consumption or physical activity and induced glucose intolerance, phenotypes associated with metabolic syndrome. These responses were unexpectedly exacerbated in the NWD2 group, further shifting mice toward greater fatty acid storage rather than oxidation compared with both control and NWD1 groups, but there was no change in physical activity, causing significant weight gain due to increased fat mass. The NWD1 group also exhibited inflammatory responses compared with controls, including macrophage-associated crown-like structures in epididymal adipose tissue and increased serum concentrations of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β, and of its targets, MCP-1 and Rantes, which were prevented or greatly mitigated in the NWD2 group. However, there was also elevated lipid storage in the liver and steatosis not seen in the control and NWD1 groups. Thus, elevating cholecalciferol and calcium in a Western-style diet can reduce inflammation associated with risk for colon tumor development, but interaction of nutrients in this diet can compromise liver function when fed long term.
Test generation for synchronous sequential circuits using multiple observation times

The test generation problem for synchronous sequential circuits is considered in the case where hardware reset is not available. The observations which form the motivation for the work are given. On the basis of the observations, the use of multiple fault free responses as well as multiple time units for fault detection is suggested. Application to gate level synchronous sequential circuits is then considered. Experimental results are given to support the claim that a small number of observation times is required, and that a small number of fault free responses need be stored for every fault. 100% fault efficiency is achieved. >
Ischemic Heart Disease Worldwide, 1990 to 2013 Estimates From the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) was responsible for 8.1 million deaths in 2013 (95% uncertainty interval, 7.3–8.8 million), the most recent year estimated, which was 14.8% of deaths worldwide (95% uncertainty interval, 13.4%–15.8%). IHD was the leading cause of death globally among men and women in both 1990 and 2013. In 2013, it was responsible for nearly half of all deaths from cardiovascular disease, causing as many deaths as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, cirrhosis, lung cancer, and liver cancer combined. There was an increase of 42% (95% uncertainty interval, 36%–48%) in the number of IHD deaths since 1990. The number of men dying …
Probing compositeness on the Z pole

Signatures for charged lepton compositeness at e+e− colliders at s = MZ are studied. Searches for deviations in the angular distribution of e+e− → e+e−, μ+μ− will substantially improve present limits on the coefficients of form factor operators. However, this is a poor way of searching for four-fermion contact operators and limits on these coefficients are unlikely to be greatly improved without doing experiments off the Z pole. If the weak mixing angle is only known to 3%, its variation can mimic in some cases the effects of compositeness in these angular distributions. Furthermore, contact operators can lead to a shift in energy of the Z peak which could lead to a mismeasurement of MZ and the weak mixing angles.
Three-Dimensional Computerized Angiography

A new technique for 3-D angiography is presented. Its purpose is to provide fully automatic, high-resolution 3-D imaging of blood vessels. The 3-D vascular structure is reconstructed from a set of 2-D X-ray conic projections acquired around the patient, using a time-efficient multi-resolution detection/estimation scheme.
Pediatric tubular pulmonary heart valve from decellularized engineered tissue tubes

Pediatric patients account for a small portion of the heart valve replacements performed, but a pediatric pulmonary valve replacement with growth potential remains an unmet clinical need. Herein we report the first tubular heart valve made from two decellularized, engineered tissue tubes attached with absorbable sutures, which can meet this need, in principle. Engineered tissue tubes were fabricated by allowing ovine dermal fibroblasts to replace a sacrificial fibrin gel with an aligned, cell-produced collagenous matrix, which was subsequently decellularized. Previously, these engineered tubes became extensively recellularized following implantation into the sheep femoral artery. Thus, a tubular valve made from these tubes may be amenable to recellularization and, ideally, somatic growth. The suture line pattern generated three equi-spaced leaflets in the inner tube, which collapsed inward when exposed to back pressure, per tubular valve design. Valve testing was performed in a pulse duplicator system equipped with a secondary flow loop to allow for root distention. All tissue-engineered valves exhibited full leaflet opening and closing, minimal regurgitation (<5%), and low systolic pressure gradients (<2.5 mmHg) under pulmonary conditions. Valve performance was maintained under various trans-root pressure gradients and no tissue damage was evident after 2 million cycles of fatigue testing.
Taxonomies for Process Improvement

Due to forces such as technology change and increased competition, to sustain manufacturing success a firm must continually evaluate and modify its resource capabilities. This fact underscores the importance of a firm's process change strategy. However, despite its impact on manufacturing performance, fundamental elements of process change strategy are not well understood. Long term performance benefits associated with potential process change alternatives are often unclear. Exacerbating the problem is the fact that uncertainty exists in terms of the actual benefits that may be attained from various types of process change. Issues impacting on the proper implementation of process change are frequently underestimated or ignored. As a consequence, process change often results in reduced productivity, excessive equipment downtime, and quality problems. Related to the above, firms often ignore the underlying dynamics of process change strategy. Finally, firms do not focus sufficient attention on either developing or applying existing knowledge to improve the likelihood of success derived from current or future process change endeavors. In this paper, we introduce taxonomies that provide a framework for firms to develop successful process change strategies. In addition, the empirical and normative literature on process change are assessed in relation to the framework introduced. Lastly, an agenda for future research in the domain of process change is discussed. Thus, it is hoped that this paper will aid practicing managers and researchers alike to better understand the full scope and implications of process change.
Effect of Hemolysis on Apparent Values of Platelet-Associated IgG

Addition of red blood cells hemolyzed in the presence of dilute plasma in quantities equivalent to as little as 0.2% hemolysis of red blood cells in whole blood caused significant elevation in the apparent value of IgG associated with platelets (PAIgG) isolated from the preparation. Addition of hemolysate to plasma containing low concentrations of platelets, simulating that obtained from thrombocytopenic patients, caused more striking elevations in apparent PAIgG. Centrifugation of platelet-rich plasma containing hemolysate through a 30% solution of Percoll restored the value of PAIgG essentially to normal. Additional studies using simulated patient whole blood samples anticoagulated with EDTA yielded similar results. The apparent elevation of PAIgG in these preparations appears to result from IgG-bearing membranous material and microspherocytes that co-isolate with platelets separated from blood by conventional methods. Caution should be used in interpreting the results of PAIgG measurements on platelets isolated from blood samples in which even minimal in vitro hemolysis has occurred.
The Incomparable Georgians

The present issue of Soviet Psychology is devoted to the outstanding work of D. N. Uznadze (1886-1950) and his school, focused for close to fifty years on the concept and the manifold phenomena of "set" (ustanovka in Russian, Einstellung in German).
Improved Forecasting through Feedback

Feedback is essential to modern control — we could not get a rocket to the moon without it. And what is useful for the scientific world also holds true for the managerial world.Can techniques of fe...