cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tacit collusion games in pool-based electricity markets under transmission constraints

Harrington et al. (Math Program Ser B 104:407–435, 2005) introduced a general framework for modeling tacit collusion in which producing firms collectively maximize the Nash bargaining objective function, subject to incentive compatibility constraints. This work extends that collusion model to the setting of a competitive pool-based electricity market operated by an independent system operator. The extension has two features. First, the locationally distinct markets in which firms compete are connected by transmission lines. Capacity limits of the transmission lines, together with the laws of physics that guide the flow of electricity, may alter firms’ strategic behavior. Second, in addition to electricity power producers, other market participants, including system operators and power marketers, play important roles in a competitive electricity market. The new players are included in the model in order to better represent real-world markets, and this inclusion will impact power producers’ strategic behavior as well. The resulting model is a mathematical program with equilibrium constraints (MPEC). Properties of the specific MPEC are discussed and numerical examples illustrating the impacts of transmission congestion in a collusive game are presented.
Technique for the continuous infusion of high doses of cocaine by osmotic minipump

The present article describes a procedure for modifying osmotic minipumps to avoid the local, toxic, necrotic effects of high concentrations of drug at the exit portal during the chronic, continuous infusion of cocaine. The present procedure eliminates the occurrence of necrotic skin lesions otherwise produced by SC administration of cocaine and/or other vasoconstrictive agents. The method of administration will therefore be useful for administration of other chronic drug regimens.
Complications after prostate brachytherapy in the Medicare population.

Abstract Objectives. Prostate brachytherapy is gaining in popularity among patients and physicians for the treatment of clinically localized prostate cancer. Although several major centers have published their results and morbidity data, nationwide data concerning complications have not been available. This study reports complications after prostate brachytherapy for men in the Medicare population. Methods. All men in the Medicare population who underwent prostate brachytherapy in 1991 were identified. All inpatient, outpatient, and physician (Part B) Medicare claims for these men from 1991 to 1993 were then analyzed to determine outcomes. Results. In 1991, 2124 men in the Medicare population underwent prostate brachytherapy. A total of 176 men (8.3%) underwent a surgical procedure for bladder outlet obstruction during the follow-up period, including transurethral resection of the prostate in 141 men. Seven men (0.3%) underwent a colostomy for complications secondary to radiation, and 4 men (0.2%) had an artificial urinary sphincter placed after prostate brachytherapy. Penile prostheses were placed in 14 men (0.6%) in the first 24 to 36 months after prostate brachytherapy. A diagnosis of urinary incontinence was carried by 140 men (6.6%) after the procedure; 179 men (8.4%) carried a diagnosis of erectile dysfunction after their procedure. A diagnosis consistent with rectal injury secondary to radiation appeared in 116 men (5.5%) after prostate brachytherapy. Conclusions. Prostate brachytherapy is being promoted as an effective treatment option for clinically localized prostate cancer that offers a low risk of complications. The low rate of urinary incontinence, bladder outlet obstruction, and erectile dysfunction was confirmed by analyzing a nationwide cohort of men. Rectal complications were also consistent with those described in published studies. The limitations of claim information in determining patient outcomes, however, must be kept in mind when evaluating these data.
Early post-operative function after transoral robotic surgery

-There were no life threatening complications. -One patient had a tonsil bleed that was controlled in the operating room. -One patient was re-intubated in the operating room, this patient was successfully extubated on POD 2. -One patient developed pneumonia that responded well to antibiotics. -Dehydration occurred in one patient requiring intravenous fluid administration. Myriam Loyo MD, Nishant Agrawal MD, Kavita Pattani MD, Heather Starmer MA CCC-SLP, Kim Webster MS MA CCC-SLP, Donna C Tippett MPH MA CCC-SLP, and Jeremy D Richmon MD Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery; The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD
Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy as a Predictor of Neuropathic Pain in Breast Cancer Patients Previously Treated With Paclitaxel

Abstract Neuropathic pain (NP) remains difficult to control for a significant number of patients with cancer. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) has been postulated as an initial stage in the development of NP. To assess whether CIPN (defined as National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria grade 2 or higher) was associated with NP, we conducted a survey of breast cancer patients who had participated in clinical trials of paclitaxel. Of the 430 potential respondents, 240 responded to the survey. Results showed that 64% experienced CIPN during paclitaxel treatment. Follow-up survey data revealed that 27% of those with CIPN were subsequently diagnosed with NP. Logistic regression analyses showed that those who had experienced CIPN were 3 times more likely to develop NP (95% confidence interval=1.2-7.2; P P = .02) and had taken more prescription (50% vs 19%; P = .001) and over-the-counter medications (62.5% versus 45%; P = .08) for pain than those without NP. The results of this study confirm that CIPN is a predictor of NP, suggesting that survivors treated with paclitaxel should be regularly monitored for NP beyond treatment. Perspective The survival rates of breast cancer patients have steadily improved over recent years; thus, research into symptoms that persist after treatment is important. We found CIPN as a predictor of NP. Understanding the epidemiology of NP in breast cancer patients has high clinical and public health significance.
Ultracentrifuge concentration of poliovirus and effect of calf serum and gelatin.

SummaryStudies were undertaken to determine the efficiency of concentration of poliovirus from tissue culture fluids in the ultracentrifuge. Under suitable sedimentation conditions most of the virus was concentrated to the lower portion of the centrifuge cup, but in the absence of calf serum was not present in a sediment adherent to the cup wall. Addition of calf serum resulted in formation of a firm, discrete pellet attached to the centrifuge cup wall which contained more than 95% of the virus. Further experiments indicated that the activity was associated with the globulin protein fraction of calf serum and that gelatin had a similar effect. Studies varying the amounts of calf serum and gelatin and duration of ultracentrifugation indicated that 2% calf serum or 0.06% gelatin and 3 hours centrifugation are minimal for effective concentration of poliovirus when sedimented at 78,000 times gravity in the number 30 rotor of the Spinco model “L” preparative Ultracentrifuge.
Mechanism of Insertion of Carbodiimides into the Zr−C Bonds of Zirconaaziridines. Formation of α-Amino Amidines

Treatment of zirconaaziridines Cp2Zr-η2-[N(R1)CH(R2)](THF) with carbodiimides results in the insertion of the carbodiimide into the Zr−C bonds. The insertion of bis(trimethylsilyl)carbodiimide is reversible, which becomes significant at high THF concentrations. Kinetic data indicate that the THF ligand must dissociate prior to carbodiimide insertion. Protic cleavage of the organic fragment from zirconium results in formation of α-amino amidines.
Benign CD10-Positive T Cells in Reactive Lymphoid Proliferations and B-Cell Lymphomas

Recent reports have indicated that the neoplastic T cells of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma express CD10. It has been suggested that the demonstration of a CD10+ T-cell population may assist in establishing a diagnosis of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma and in distinguishing angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma from other peripheral T-cell lymphomas. It has been unclear, however, whether this phenotypically unusual T-cell population might be present in other settings as well. In this report, we have retrospectively examined 64 cases of lymph node and solid tissue biopsies for the presence of CD10+ T cells using multicolor flow cytometry. Discrete populations of CD10+ T cells were found in 5 of 28 cases (18%) of reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, 4 of 17 cases (23%) of follicular lymphoma, and 9 of 19 cases (47%) of marginal zone B-cell lymphomas. The CD10+ T cells constituted 1–6% of total cells analyzed and ≤14% of the total T-cell population. Using two-color immunohistochemical stains, many of the CD10+ PAX5-negative presumptive T cells were found to be located within germinal centers. These findings indicate that a normal small subset of CD10+ peripheral T cells exists and, at least when present in small numbers, should not be considered an indication of a T-cell neoplasm.
Role of common ions in production of increased oxgyen consumption by ouabain.

Summary and conclusionsOuabain causes increased oxygen consumption of embryonic chick hearts in Locke solution and in Locke solutions whose potassium or calcium contents had been radically decreased or increased. The effects of ouabain on the beat are exaggerated in potassium-deficient and calcium-excess solutions and reduced in potassium-excess solutions. Increased oxygen consumption produced by ouabain is not dependent on changes in beat of the heart.
Dioxin-like toxic potency in Forster's tern eggs from Green Bay, Lake Michigan, North America

Abstract The endangered Forster's tern ( Sterna forsteri ) population on Green Bay, Wisconsin has exhibited symptoms of embryotoxicity, congenital deformities, and poor hatching success. The putative causal agents are planar halogenated hydrocarbons (PHH). The objectives of this study were: 1) to evaluate the toxic potency of PHHs in extracts of Forster's tern eggs taken from Green Bay, Lake Michigan and a reference site, Lake Poygan, WI; and 2) to compare the toxic potencies of the egg extracts with the reproductive data available from the same water bird colonies. The relative toxic potency of the egg extracts was assessed with the H4IIE bioassay system to obtain 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin equivalents (TCDD-EQ). The average concentrations of TCDD-EQ in Forster's tern eggs were 214.5 pg/g and 23.4 pg/g from Green Bay and Lake Poygan, respectively. The bioassay results presented here concur with the biological effects and chemical analyses information from other studies on the same Forster's tern colonies.
SU‐E‐T‐666: Evaluation of Various Spot MU Correction Methods for Range Adaptive Scanning‐Beam Proton Planning

Purpose: For CT‐based image‐guided proton therapy, it is possible to adapt to new patient anatomy by correcting the range of protons. In this work we investigated the use of several correction methods to adjust proton spot monitor units (MU) for single field uniform dose for real‐time range adaptive proton therapy. Methods: Spot MU correction factors for range‐adapted plans were calculated based on two different Methods: differences in central‐axis peak dose per MU, and differences in number of protons per MU. These factors were applied either only to the highest energy spot for each ray, or to the entire spot matrix. For each of these methods, the difference between the dose distributions from the verification (non‐adaptive) and adaptive plans to the original treatment plan was assessed. We examined target coverage (V95%), target hot spots (V110%), and dose to the organs‐at‐risk including the spinal cord (Dmax), esophagus (Dmean), contralateral lung (Dmean), and heart (Dmean). A scanning‐beam plan with single‐field optimization was created for a lung cancer patient, simulating a single‐field delivering a uniform target dose pointing directly at organs‐at‐risk. Average change in water equivalent thickness (WET) was used to quantify anatomic change. Results: Dose to normal tissues distal to the target was reduced for the adaptive plans compared to the verification plans for cases where WET decreased, but were similar for cases where WET increased. The adaptive plans almost always improved target coverage when WET increased, but the verification plans tended to have better target coverage when WET decreased. The hot spots in the target were always greater in the adaptive plans compared to the verification plans. Conclusion: The simple proton range correction adaptive scheme shows promise to reduce normal tissue doses without a full reoptimization. However, more sophisticated spot MU correction is warranted to increase dose homogeneity throughout the target volume.
Ligand Fluorination to Optimize Preferential Oxidation of Carbon Monoxide by Water-Soluble Rhodium Porphyrins

Catalytic, low temperature preferential oxidation (PROX) of carbon monoxide by aqueous [5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)-2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octafluoroporphyrinato]rhodium(III) tetrasodium salt, (1[Rh(III)]) and [5,10,15,20-tetrakis(3-sulfonato-2,6-difluorophenyl)-2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octafluoroporphyrinato]rhodium(III) tetrasodium salt, (2[Rh(III)]) is reported. The PROX reaction occurs at ambient temperature in buffered (4 ≤ pH ≤ 13) aqueous solutions. Fluorination on the porphyrin periphery is shown to increase the CO PROX reaction rate, shift the metal centered redox potentials, and acidify ligated water molecules. Most importantly, β-fluorination increases the acidity of the rhodium hydride complex (pKa = 2.2 ± 0.2 for 2[Rh-D]); the dramatically increased acidity of the Rh(III) hydride complex precludes proton reduction and hydrogen activation near neutral pH, thereby permitting oxidation of CO to be unaffected by the presence of H2. This new fluorinated water-soluble rhodium porphyrin-based hom...
Seismic velocity structure in the Hot Springs and Trifurcation areas of the San Jacinto fault zone, California, from double-difference tomography

We present tomographic images of crustal velocity structures in the complex Hot Springs and Trifurcation areas of the San Jacinto Fault Zone (SJFZ) based on double-difference inversions of earthquake arrival times. We invert for V P , V S and hypocentre location within 50 × 50 × 20 km 3 volumes, using 266969 P and 148249 S arrival times. We obtain high-fidelity images of seismic velocities with resolution on the order of a few kilometres from 2 to 12 km depth and validate the results using checkerboard tests. Due to the relatively large proportion of S-wave arrival times, we also obtain stable maps of V P /V S ratios in both regions. The velocity of the Trifurcation Area as a whole is lower than adjacent unfaulted material. We interpret a 4-km-wide low velocity zone with high V P /V S ratio in the trifurcation itself as related to fault zone damage. We also observe clear velocity contrasts across the Buck Ridge, Clark and Coyote Creek segments of the SJFZ. The Anza segment of the SJFZ, to the NW of the trifurcation area, displays a strong (up to 27 per cent) contrast of V S from 2 to 9 km depth. In the Hot Springs area, a low velocity zone between the Claremont and Casa Loma Strands narrows with depth, with clear velocity contrasts observed across both segments. A roughly 10-km-wide zone of low velocity and low V P /V S ratio at the NW tip of the Hot Springs fault is indicative of either unconsolidated sediments associated with the San Jacinto basin, or fluid-filled cracks within a broad deformation zone. High V P /V S ratios along the Anza segment could indicate a preferred nucleation location for future large earthquakes, while the across-fault velocity contrast suggests a preferred northwest rupture propagation direction for such events.
Bibles That Matter: Biblical Theology and Queer Performativity:

Discussions of Bible and homosexuality, and discussions of postmodern biblical interpretation, have often taken place in isolation from one another. However, Judith Butler's “queer” approach to sex, gender and performativity may allow biblical scholars to rethink their objects and procedures in a manner that brings such discussions together. Grounded in a reading of speech act theory, Butler's work explores the possibility that gender, rather than being conceived in a modernist fashion as the social interpretation of stable sexed bodies, is best understood in terms of collective practices that produce perceptions of fixed sexes and genders as performative effects. So too the Bible, often conceived as a fixed object, may be reconceptualized in terms of the collective practices, including conventional modes of scholarly and popular analysis, that produce perceptions of a single, stable Bible as performative effects. Postmodern queer theory's appreciation of complexity and pluralism as resources rather than ...
The Effects of Specific Health Conditions on Activities in Retirement

Abstract Specific health problems may limit older adults' ability to participate in anticipated retirement activities. We investigated the relationship between eight specific health conditions and activities often engaged in by retirees: formal and informal social activities, active leisure, and home maintenance activities. Data are based on a subsample of 502 retired individuals aged 60 or over from the Americans' Changing Livessurvey (House, 1986). Multiple regression analyses, controlling for predisposing socio-demographic characteristics, showed that lung disease, diabetes, and broken bones were negatively associated with physically demanding activities, such as active leisure and home maintenance activities. Stroke restricted frequency of walking as well as informal social activities. Certain health conditions, however, showed few effects on activities in retirement, suggesting that relatively little functional limitation may be associated with certain health problems, or that older persons make adju...
Classroom Discussions with Student-Led Feedback: a Useful Activity to Enhance Development of Critical Thinking Skills

ABSTRACT: Critical thinking skills (CTS) are the core learning outcome measures for higher education. Generally, CTS are not extensively developed or practiced during primary and secondary education. As such, early cultivation of CTS is essential for mastery prior to collegiate matriculation. Weekly engagement in 50 min of classroom discussion with student feedback (CDSF) was utilized to develop the CTS of students in an introductory food science course at Purdue Univ. Students' critical thinking ability was assessed longitudinally over a 16-wk semester using the ACT-CAAP™ (Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency) critical thinking test. The ACT-CAAP measures the students' ability to analyze, evaluate, and extend an argument described in a short passage. We hypothesized that the implementation of CDSF for 16 wk would expedite development of CTS for students enrolled in the course. The CDSF intervention significantly increased critical thinking ability for non-native English speaking students as compared to native English speaking students. Students who were classified as sophomore status or above when compared to freshmen and students enrolled as food science majors when compared to other majors also demonstrated increased critical thinking ability. Recitation size also significantly influenced critical thinking ability where students enrolled in a relatively small recitation section had elevated critical thinking when compared to the abilities of those students enrolled in a large recitation. These observations suggest that engaging students in classroom discussions with student-led feedback is a useful instructional technique for developing CTS. Further, the data suggest the development of critical thinking skill among food science majors can be augmented when classroom discussions with student-led feedback are conducted in smaller sized recitations.
Some new methods for establishing the optimality of block designs having unequally replicated treatments

In this paper we consider the problem of determining optimal block designs in experimental situations in which v treatments are applied to experimental units arranged in b blocks of size k where bh/v is not an integer. Using a minimization result proven in JACBOTJX (1989), some new methods for establishing optimality are derived which can often be used to establish the existence of optimal nearly balanced block designs within the classes of designs considered as well as the exact optimality of some specific types of nearly balanced block designs within classes where no other optimality results known to applicable
Rapid inward current in ischemically-injured subepicardial myocytes bordering myocardial infarction.

Ischemically-Injured Myocytes. Introduction: To determine if collagenase-dispersed epicardial myocytes overlying myocardial infarction reproduce the same altered electrophysiology observed in intact epicardiuma, multicellular tissue preparations and enzymatically-dispersed myocytes from ischemically-injured canine subepicardium were examined 1 and 4 days after myocardial infarction. Methods and Results: The electrophysiologica changes observed with alchemic injury in enzymatic ally-dispersed myocytes were not different from changes observed in multicellular tissue preparations at I and 4 days post infarction. Is chemically-injured myocytes were depolarized versus normal myocytes at [K0] (2.5 to 40 mM) with reduced membrane potentials also observed in injured subepicardial tissue preparations [K] (4 to 24 mM). On day 1, the reduced Vmax and the prolonged recovery of Vmax from inactivation were consistent with the reduced membrane potentials observed at each [K]+. The half-maximal Vmax, maximal Vmax and Boltzmann constant (k) in injured myocytes were unchanged versus normal myocytes. On day 4 postinfarction, the half-maximal Vmax was shifted to a more negative membrane potential, the maximal Vmax. was reduced, and k was increased in injured versus normal myocytes. Prolonged recovery from inactivation was observed with depressed membrane potentials in injured myocytes on day 4. Conclusion: Enzymatically-dispersed myocytes from ischemically-injured subepicardium closely reproduce altered cellular properties observed in multicellular tissue preparations. The data suggest that 1 day postinfarction, altered conduction and refractoriness largely result from a reduced membrane potential. At 4 days, a reduced maximal Vmax a shift in the inactivation curve to more negative voltages, and prolonged recovery of Vmax, from inactivation also contribute to slowed conduction and prolonged refractoriness.
Changing representations in Central African history

This article examines how historiography makes its objects and includes critical reflections on the epistemological frames that have shaped historical representations of Central African states and social structures. The article examines the seductive quality of migration narratives; mythical features of some classical models, creating order from reduced totalities; historiographic burdens imposed by questionable anthropological models of kinship and matrilineal descent; and asks if the prevalence of dual regimes of priest and king is a product more of ideology than history. The article argues for increasing recognition of the value in political studies of data relating to religion and art.
Direct Measurement of Optical Constants of Metals from a KrF Excimer Using Polarization Methods

A simple null modulation-polarization method of measuring optical constants of metals has been adapted for operation with a KrF 248 nm excimer laser. The approach requires only 3 optical components to extract the real and imaginary parts of the index of refraction (n,k). Experimental results will show good agreement to reference values for several metals (Cr, Au, Al) and Si.
Analogy between glass rheology and crystal plasticity: yielding at high strain rate

An abrupt increase of the yield stress at sufficiently high strain rate, seen in glassy as well as crystalline structures, signifies a transition from classical thermal fluctuation to stress activated processes. For crystals this behavior has been recently explained using transition-state-theory with a stress-dependent activation barrier for dislocation glide. An equivalent approach, developed independently for amorphous solids, suggests the physical basis of the upturn behavior of the yield stress is more general. Insights into the interplay between thermal and stress activation processes can contribute to the current efforts toward identifying materials science frontiers at the mesoscale.
Cysteine is not the sulfur source for iron-sulfur cluster and methionine biosynthesis in the methanogenic archaeon Methanococcus maripaludis.

Three multiprotein systems are known for iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster biogenesis in prokaryotes and eukaryotes as follows: the NIF (nitrogen fixation), the ISC (iron-sulfur cluster), and the SUF (mobilization of sulfur) systems. In all three, cysteine is the physiological sulfur source, and the sulfur is transferred from cysteine desulfurase through a persulfidic intermediate to a scaffold protein. However, the biochemical nature of the sulfur source for Fe-S cluster assembly in archaea is unknown, and many archaea lack homologs of cysteine desulfurases. Methanococcus maripaludis is a methanogenic archaeon that contains a high amount of protein-bound Fe-S clusters (45 nmol/mg protein). Cysteine in this archaeon is synthesized primarily via the tRNA-dependent SepRS/SepCysS pathway. When a ΔsepS mutant (a cysteine auxotroph) was grown with 34S-labeled sulfide and unlabeled cysteine, 92% of the methionine, and >87% of the sulfur in the Fe-S clusters in proteins were labeled, suggesting that the sulfur in methionine and Fe-S clusters was derived predominantly from exogenous sulfide instead of cysteine. Therefore, this investigation challenges the concept that cysteine is always the sulfur source for Fe-S cluster biosynthesis in vivo and suggests that Fe-S clusters are derived from sulfide in those organisms, which live in sulfide-rich habitats.
My eSorts and Digital Extensions of Word Study.

“My eSorts” is a strategy for helping children learn to read and spell in a socially motivated context. It is based on developmental spelling research and the word study approach to teaching phonics and spelling. “eSorting” employs digital desktop publishing tools that allow children to author their own electronic word sorts and then share these eSorts with their classmates at the classroom computer center. This article outlines the rationale for using digital extensions of word study and describes findings from a formative study that explored the effectiveness of eSorts with a group of first graders. The exploratory project suggests eSorts may help students solidify knowledge of spelling features while also fostering a positive attitude toward literacy.
Comparison of brain structural variables, neuropsychological factors, and treatment outcome in early-onset versus late-onset late-life depression.

Objective To compare differences in gray matter volumes, white matter and subcortical gray matter hyperintensities, neuropsychological factors, and treatment outcome between early- and late-onset late-life depressed (LLD) subjects. Methods We conducted a prospective, nonrandomized, controlled trial at the outpatient clinics at Washington University and Duke University on 126 subjects, aged 60 years or older, who met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria for major depression, scored 20 or more on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and received neuropsychological testing and magnetic resonance imaging. Subjects were excluded for cognitive impairment or severe medical disorders. After 12 weeks of sertraline treatment, subjects' MADRS scores over time and neuropsychological factors were studied. Results Left anterior cingulate thickness was significantly smaller in the late-onset depressed group than in the early-onset LLD subjects. The late-onset group also had more hyperintensities than the early-onset LLD subjects. No differences were found in neuropsychological factor scores or treatment outcome between early-onset and late-onset LLD subjects. Conclusion Age at onset of depressive symptoms in LLD subjects are associated with differences in cortical thickness and white matter and subcortical gray matter hyperintensities, but age at onset did not affect neuropsychological factors or treatment outcome.
Alcohol, slow wave sleep, and the somatotropic axis.

IN the cycle of life from birth through maturation, reproduction, aging, and death, there is a circadian rhythm of appetitive drives and behaviors managed by the hypothalamus that include eating (ingestive behavior), reproduction (sexual behavior), territoriality (aggressive behavior), and sleep (sleep behavior) that wax or wane in abundance and apparent need at different stages of life. Adaptive and maladaptive interactions of these drives with alcohol constitute a challenging area of inquiry. Radiating from the hypothalamus, each drive seems to involve some mediators common with other drives, but we still know little about how those mediators are reinforced or suppressed as individuals interact with their perceived environment. Those mediators influence complex adaptive processes in energy homeostasis, essential for all life. Homeostasis is maintained during daily sleep‐wake cycles by a varied set of signals that regulate metabolism, transport, and storage in tissues as well as express hunger, satiety, and ingestive behavior. Continued success of these signals for many species probably depends on linking successful appetitive behavior to reinforcement/reward signals. In interpreting these links, too narrow a focus on classical neurotransmitters [e.g., serotonin (5-HT) or dopamine (DA)] and their receptors distracts attention from the still-hidden interactions with peptide mediators of energy homeostasis [somatotropin (GH), somatotropin-releasing hormone (GHRH), somatostatin (SS), somatomedin (IGF-1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF a ), interleukin 1 (IL-1), cholecystokinin (CCK), leptin, and insulin]. Drinking alcohol provides many calories of nutrient energy that appears to cause adaptations in overall energy homeostatic controls, the extent of which will be reviewed. Efforts to reverse pathological maladaptation associated with chronic heavy alcohol intake will involve understanding ways that addiction to alcohol is inextricably entwined in the web of signals relating deep sleep (SWS) with the release of GH. Successful intervention in that maladaptation must consider the different rhythms of delta waves, circadian events, and life cycles. While doing this, it may be useful to inquire whether an elderly person’s use of low-dose alcohol in the evening to increase an otherwise low SWS delta wave intensity and GH release might produce different reward/rein
Citizen Access to Judicial Review of Administrative Action in a Transnational and Federal Context

In an international legal order dominated by states, the individual citizen is generally viewed as lacking international legal personality. It is true with little exception that an individual cannot appear in an international forum, political or judicial, to press his rights. Despite the dramatically increased emphasis upon international protection of basic human rights, individuals have been given access to international dispute-settlement machinery in only a few isolated instances within the United Nations system, and on a regional level pursuant to the European Convention on Human Rights.' The Paris Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) and the Rome Treaties establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) and the European Economic Community (EEC, the Common Market) are the only international agreements providing for a judicial tribunal of general compulsory jurisdiction open not only to member states and Community institutions but individual citizens as well. The purpose of this essay is to explore the case law of the Court of Justice of the Communities and the considerations that may have motivated that Court in its effort to define limits on access by individuals seeking judicial review of acts of Community institutions and to inquire whether
Metabolism of alkyl glyceryl ethers in the rat.

The metabolism of(14)C- and(3)H-labeled alkyl glyceryl ethers after intraperitoneal injections was examined in the liver and intestine of the rat. Additionally, in vitro experiments were conducted with intestinal homogenates and intetinal contents.From these investigations it was concluded that the liver and the intestine metabolize the alkyl glyceryl ethers very differently. Intestinal contents can alter alpha-batyl alcohol, as indicated by preliminary experiments, and intestinal cells contain enzyme systems which convert the alkyl glyceryl ethers to the mono- and di-acyl derivatives. Very little esterified glyceryl ethers were found in the liver lipids. The intestine contains an enzyme system which, although it has a greater specificity for chain length and for isomeric position of the ether than that of the liver system, does cleave the glyceryl ethers.From in vivo studies, of intestinal tissue it was concluded that all of the injected glyceryl ethers were converted intact the ethanolamine, serine, and choline alkyl glyceryl ether phospholipids; with the use of alpha-batyl alcohol, the phosphatidyl ethanolamine fraction, contained most of the labeled glyceryl ether phospholipid with beta-batyl alcohol, alpha-chimyl, and beta-chimyl alcohols, the phosphatidyl, choline fraction contained most of the labeled alkyl glyceryl ether phospholipid. No significant amount (<1%) of labeled alkyl glyceryl ether phospholipids was found in any of the rat-liver lipids.
Optimal generalization of power filters for gravitational wave bursts from single to multiple detectors

Searches for gravitational wave signals which do not have a precise model describing the shape of their waveforms are often performed using power detectors based on a quadratic form of the data. A new, optimal method of generalizing these power detectors so that they operate coherently over a network of interferometers is presented. Such a mode of operation is useful in obtaining better detection efficiencies and better estimates of the position of the source of the gravitational wave signal. Numerical simulations based on a realistic, computationally efficient hierarchical implementation of the method are used to characterize its efficiency for detection and for position estimation. The method is shown to be more efficient at detecting signals than an incoherent approach based on coincidences between lists of events. It is also shown to be capable of locating the position of the source.
“Horrid” Gothicism: Austen's NORTHANGER ABBEY

Critics have often interpreted Jane Austen's posthumously published novel, Northanger Abbey (1818), through its connection to gothic literature. Many focus on the extent to which the novel serves a...
Solid state formation of icosahedral phases

Abstract Formation of icosahedral Al-Mn and Al-Mn-Si in the solid state from deposited elemental layers by thermal transformation and by ion-beam mixing is discussed. The formation by thermal interdiffusion and subsequent transformation to crystalline phases are examined in detail. The presence or absence of excess aluminum in the icosahedral alloys indicates the minimum manganese concentration of icosahedral Al-Mn in equilibrium with f.c.c. aluminum: 15 ± 1 at.% manganese at 150 °C.
Chapter 56 The Impact of Child Health and Nutrition on Education in Less Developed Countries

Abstract Hundreds of millions of children in less developed countries suffer from poor health and nutrition. Children in most less developed countries also complete far fewer years of schooling, and learn less per year of schooling, than do children in developed countries. Recent research has shown that poor health and nutrition among children reduces their time in school and their learning during that time. This implies that programs or policies that increase children's health status could also improve their education outcomes. Given the importance of education for economic development, this link could be a key mechanism to improve the quality of life in less developed countries. Many researchers have attempted to estimate the impact of child health on education outcomes, but there are formidable obstacles to obtaining credible estimates. Data are often scarce, although much less scarce than in previous decades. Even more importantly, there are many possible sources of bias when attempting to estimate relationships between child health and education. This Chapter provides an overview of what has been learned thus far. Although significant progress has been made, much more research is still needed – especially in estimating the long term impact of child health status on living standards. The chapter first reviews some basic facts about child health and education in less developed countries. It then provides a framework for analyzing the impact of health and nutrition on education, describes estimation problems and potential solutions, and summarizes recent empirical evidence, including both non-experimental and experimental studies. It concludes with suggestions for future research directions.
Glucocorticoid resistance in premature pubarche and adolescent hyperandrogenism.

To determine whether glucocorticoid resistance due to mutations in the glucocorticoid receptor (GRL) gene is associated with premature pubarche, hirsutism, or oligo/amenorrhea, we performed single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis of genomic DNA obtained from 25 children and 16 adolescent girls referred for the evaluation of premature pubarche, hirsutism, or oligo/amenorrhea. A missense mutation, N363S, and a presumed polymorphism in the 3'-UTR of exon 9alpha were identified. We conclude that glucocorticoid resistance due to GRL mutations is an infrequent cause of mild hyperandrogenism.
Online measurement of LHC beam parameters with the ATLAS High-Level Trigger

We present the results of the first online meas purement in ATLAS of the LHC beam position and size at √s = 900 GeV in 2009 and √s = 7 TeV in spring 2010. A dedicated algorithm, implemented in the ATLAS Level 2 Trigger, takes fully reconstructed tracks in the Inner Detector as input to a fast vertex fitter in order to reconstruct vertices on an event-by-event basis. The three-dimensional distribution of primary vertices carries information of the LHC luminous region at the ATLAS interaction point and is used to extract its position, size and tilt angles. The luminous region parameters are monitored in real-time and used for feedback to the LHC.With this method, we observe changes in the transverse centroid position that mirror IP-orbit drifts, as well as longitudinal shifts arising from RF phase changes. Also, variations in the transverse widths, and an expected increase in the longitudinal spot size over the course of a fill were seen. In addition, the measured beam spot is used to track significant changes in the accelerator, which can then be redistributed to the High-Level Trigger for use by trigger algorithms that depend on the precise knowledge of impact parameter or decay length, such as b-tagging. We will present the techniques developed to allow such real-time configuration changes on the High-Level Trigger farm of currently 810 processing nodes in a way that does not disrupt data taking or incur deadtime, while ensuring a consistent and reproducible configuration across the farm. Lastly, by counting the primary vertices online, we use this same algorithm to provide online monitoring of the instantaneous luminosity of the accelerator. The beam position measurements presented here were available in real-time and used to provide feedback to the LHC operators for beam adjustments during the first LHC runs.
Anomalies and eigenvalues of Casimir operators for Lie groups and supergroups

An expression for the anomaly of any representation of the SU(N) groups and SU(N/M) supergroups is presented. Some anomaly free complex representations of SU(N) and SU(N/M) are pointed out. For SU(N) these occur for N?5 and for large dimensions. For SU(N/M) they already occur for low dimensions. Also a generating function to obtain the eigenvalues of all Casimir operators of SU(N/M) is given and an extension to other supergroups is pointed out.
Population, Housing, and the Economy

Three hypotheses underlie the view that linkages between population and the housing sector are important to evaluating population policy: I Population growth increases the demand for a) residential land; b) housing; and c) urban infrastructure. II Increased demand will lead to higher cost and/or lower quality housing. III Accommodating the demand for housing and urban infrastructure will divert resources from more growth oriented uses, e.g., investment in manufacturing, undermining development objectives.
Role of sex steroids in modulating tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced changes in vascular function and blood pressure.

Background We previously showed that the infusion of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) induces hypertension and vascular dysfunction in late pregnant but not virgin rats. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that levels of ovarian hormones to mimic pregnancy are required for TNF-α-induced changes in vascular function and blood pressure in rats. Methods Twenty-one-day-release pellets containing 17β-estradiol, progesterone, or both were implanted in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Sham OVX rats were used as controls. Twelve days after implantation, TNF-α or vehicle was infused via osmotic minipumps (days 12 to 17). On day 18, mean arterial pressure was measured, and animals were sacrificed to assess vascular function. Results Average estrogen and progesterone levels across all groups were 106 ± 6 pg/mL and 88 ± 5 ng/mL, respectively. The level of TNF-α was 41 ± 7 pg/mL compared with OVX rats infused with vehicle (4 ± 1 pg/mL). The results show that TNF-α did not cause elevated mean arterial pressure in OVX rats with increased estrogen, progesterone, or both. Vascular responses to the endothelium-dependent and independent agonists, acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside, were also unchanged. Phenylephrine-induced contraction was moderately but significantly increased at the highest concentrations (10−4 M) only in TNF-α-infused rats. Conclusions These data suggest that increased ovarian hormones to the levels observed during pregnancy are not sufficient to promote TNF-α-induced increases in blood pressure or vascular dysfunction.
Nonlinear post-beamforming filtering of pulse-echo ultrasound for contrast enhancement

We have recently validated the use of a second-order Volterra (SoVF) model for separating the linear and quadratic components of the beamformed radio frequency (RF) data in pulse-echo ultrasonic imaging. The quadratic component captures the second order nonlinearities in the echo data. Grayscale images from the quadratic component, referred to as quadratic B-mode (QB-mode) images, typically have higher contrast and increased dynamic range than the standard B-mode images (without loss in spatial resolution). An SVD-based algorithm for finding the coefficients of the SoVF based on a linear plus quadratic prediction model of the RF data was developed and validated in a variety of imaging situations, including in vivo. This approach, while successful, may produce images with ripple artifacts due to the truncation of the kernel. Adaptive SoVF implementations based on both LMS and RLS methods have been developed and are shown to produce artifact-free QB-mode images using relatively small kernels, i.e. well suited for real-time implementation. In this paper, we show results of imaging microbubble ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) to demonstrate the increased sensitivity and specificity of QB-mode imaging compared to conventional methods.
Ammonia Emissions from Broiler Houses

SUMMARY Air emissions will be one of the greatest challenges facing the poultry industry in the future. Federal regulations as applied to animal agriculture will be further defined as additional baseline data are obtained. Ammonia emissions monitoring requires accurate ventilation estimates, ammonia detection, and trained personnel. There are wide variations in ammonia emissions among houses, ages of birds, and flocks. Ammonia emission levels per house occasionally exceed the threshold of 45 kg /d (100 lb/d) set by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA). In the future poultry producers may need to address ammonia emissions when adopting best management practices for their operations.
SR proteins ASF/SF2 and 9G8 interact to activate enhancer-dependent intron D splicing of bovine growth hormone pre-mRNA in vitro

The alternative splicing of the last intron (intron D) of bovine growth hormone (bGH) pre-mRNA requires a down-stream exonic splicing enhancer (FP/ESE). The presence of at least one SR protein has been shown to be essential for FP/ESE function and splicing of intron D in in vitro splicing assays. However, in vitro reconstitution of splicing using individual purified SR proteins may not accurately reflect the true complexity of alternative splicing in an intact nucleus, where multiple SR proteins in varying amounts are likely to be available simultaneously. Here, a panel of recombinant baculovirus-expressed SR proteins was produced and tested for the ability to activate FP/ESE-dependent splicing. Individual recombinant SR proteins differed significantly in their activity in promoting intron D splicing. Among the recombinant SR proteins tested, SRp55 was the most active, SC35 showed very little activity, and ASF/SF2 and 9G8 individually had intermediate activity. At least one SR protein (ASF/SF2) bound to the FP/ESE with characteristics of a cooperative interaction. Most interestingly, low concentrations of ASF/SF2 and 9G8 acted synergistically to activate intron D splicing. This was due in part to synergistic binding to the FP/ESE. Splicing of bGH intron D is inherently complex, and is likely controlled by an interaction of the FP/ESE with several trans-acting protein factors acting both independently and cooperatively. This level of complexity may be required for precise control of alternative splicing by an exon sequence, which simultaneously is constrained to maintain translational integrity of the mature mRNA.
Derivative photoelectron holography of As/Si(001)

The new technique of derivative photoelectron holography is used to examine the As-terminated Si(001) surface, which exhibits a two-domain (2◊1) reconstruction. Logarithmic derivatives of the photoemission intensity are measured, from which the intensity fine structure function is deduced. Since the logarithmic derivative function is independent of the incident beam intensity and the detection eYciency, most experimental uncertainties are eliminated. The resulting atomic images are in good agreement with expectation. © 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Prognostic Indices as a Basis for Assessing Severity of Shock

In the management of patients in shock, objective measurements facilitate the physician’s understanding of the mechanisms underlying circulatory and respiratory failure. In turn, the indications for therapy are clarified. With the availability of large numbers of parameters and measurements, however, it is apparent that the available data on the various variables may appear contradictory with respect to the patient’s status. For example, the administration of a vasopressor drug to a patient in shock may increase arterial pressure, but this may be accompanied by an undesirable reduction in cardiac output and elevation in blood lactate. The evaluation of the patient’s status becomes increasingly complex as three or more simultaneous measurements are taken into account.