cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acute Exposure to Oil Induces Age and Species-Specific Transcriptional Responses In Embryo-Larval Estuarine Fish

Abstract Because oil spills frequently occur in coastal regions that serve as spawning habitat, characterizing the effects of oil in estuarine fish carries both economic and environmental importance. There is a breadth of research investigating the effects of crude oil on fish, however few studies have addressed how transcriptional responses to oil change throughout development or how these responses might be conserved across taxa. To investigate these effects, we performed RNA-seq and pathway analysis following oil exposure 1) in a single estuarine species (Cyprinodon variegatus) at three developmental time points (embryos, yolk-sack larvae, free-feeding larvae), and 2) in two ecologically similar species (C. variegatus and Fundulus grandis), immediately post-hatch (yolk-sack stage). Our results indicate that C. variegatus embryos mount a diminished transcriptional response to oil compared to later stages, and that few transcriptional responses are conserved throughout development. Pathway analysis of larval C. variegatus revealed dysregulation of similar biological processes at later larval stages, including alteration of cholesterol biosynthesis pathways, cardiac development processes, and immune functions. Our cross-species comparison showed that F. grandis exhibited a reduced transcriptional response compared to C. variegatus. Pathway analysis revealed that the two species shared similar immune and cardiac responses, however pathways related to cholesterol biosynthesis exhibited a divergent response as they were activated in C. variegatus but inhibited in F. grandis. Our results suggest that examination of larval stages may provide a more sensitive estimate of oil-impacts than examination of embryos, and challenge assumptions that ecologically comparable species respond to oil similarly.
Dual Mechanism of the Antidotal Action of Atropine-like Drugs in Poisoning by Organophosphorus Anticholinesterases

Although more potent anti-acetylcholine drugs than atropine have been described, attempts to find atropine-like drugs that are significantly superior to atropine for the treatment of poisoning by anticholinesterases have been unsuccessful. Possible reasons for this have been investigated by comparing enantiomeric pairs of atropine-like drugs in a variety of tests for anti-acetylcholine activity (e.g. affinity constants on ileum, mydriasis, blockade of oxotremorine-induced tremors and salivation) and for their anticholinesterase antidotal properties. Large and consistent anti-acetylcholine enantiomeric potency ratios were observed, thereby providing an indication of a similar receptor structure in the PNS, CNS and in different species. However, the enantiomers of any compound studied showed equal antidotal properties. The conclusion reached was that atropine-like drugs have anti-convulsant as well as anti-acetylcholine properties.
Deformation and the Complexity=Volume Conjecture

Complexity in quantum physics measures how difficult a state can be reached from a reference state and more precisely it is the number of fundamental unitary gates we have to operate to transform the reference state to the state we are considering. In the holographic context, based on several explicit calculations and arguments, it is conjectured that certain bulk volume calculates the boundary field theory subregion complexity. In this paper, we will show that the deformation shows a strong signal of the correctness of this complexity equals volume conjecture. A bonus is a way to look at the deformation, by its reversibility, as operating a unitary quantum circuit which prepares states in quantum field theory.
Mediating Parenting Solutions in the Age of Technology

In 2020, programs in all sectors underwent an unprecedented push towards virtual communication, enhanced accessibility and, in effect, the evolution of service delivery networks. In order to assess the effectiveness of virtual mediation as an additional option to in-person and phone mediation options, a research team conducted a case study of M.A.R.C.H. Inc. – Mediation Achieving Results for Children – a non-profit that provides mediation services to help parents resolve disputes involving custody, access and visitation, and child support throughout Missouri. The study utilized administrative data, client and mediator surveys, and interviews with mediators, parties, and parenting court stakeholders to compare quality, accessibility, engagement, outcomes, and satisfaction. The data indicates that the various formats of mediation offered by M.A.R.C.H. mediators met the needs of different clientele and were largely preferentially chosen by parents and mediators based on case characteristics. The study can also initiate conversations around measures of mediation and parenting court success, accessibility, and best practices in an age of technology.
PARkinson's: From cellular mechanisms to potential therapeutics

Our understanding of the progression and mechanisms underlying the onset of Parkinson's disease (PD) has grown enormously in the past few decades. There is growing evidence suggesting that poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) hyperactivation is involved in various neurodegenerative disorders, including PD, and that poly (ADP-ribose) (PAR)-dependent cell death is responsible for neuronal loss. In this review, we discuss the contribution of PARP-1 and PAR in the pathological process of PD. We describe the potential pathways regulated by the enzyme, review clinically relevant PARP-1 inhibitors as potential disease-modifying therapeutics for PD, and outline important factors that need to be considered for repurposing PARP-1 inhibitors for use in PD.
Skorohod Embedding and Functional Convergence

Embedding of random walk, Brownian martingales, moment identities and estimates, rate of continuity, approximations of random walk, functional central limit theorem, laws of the iterated logarithm, arcsine laws, approximation of renewal processes, empirical distribution functions, embedding and approximation of martingales, martingales with small jumps, time-scale comparison.
Changes in central nervous system free amino acids with development and aging.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the changes in central nervous system free amino acids with development and aging. It is well known that amino acids play an important role in regulating the functions of the central nervous system (CNS). These amino acids are not only involved in intermediary metabolism but also participate in protein synthesis and control the rate of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. The observation that the concentration of alanine increases in old animals in parallel with a decrease in aspartic acid is also suggestive of functional imbalances occurring with age on the basis of the purported role of alanine as an inhibitory neurotransmitter and aspartic acid as an excitatory neurotransmitter. More importantly, one should consider the role of free amino acids in brain metabolism, generally, to effectively explain the functional significance of their high concentration, particularly those of the glutamate group, throughout the CNS. Amino acids are compartmentalized or distributed in various metabolic pools; however, physiological function depends upon their activity levels in specific compartments-activity that is regulated by enzymes.
Accurate convergence of transient-absorption spectra using pulsed lasers

Transient-absorption spectroscopy is a common and well-developed technique for measuring time-dependent optical phenomena. One important aspect, especially for measurements using pulsed lasers, is how to average multiple data acquisition events. Here, we use a mathematical analysis method based on covariance to evaluate various averaging schemes. The analysis reveals that the baseline and the signal converge to incorrect values without balanced detection of the probe, shot-by-shot detection, and a specific method of averaging. Experiments performed with sub-7 fs pulses confirm the analytic results and reveal insights into molecular excited-state vibrational dynamics.
Gas phase protonolysis reactions

Abstract Gas phase protonolysis reactions of a wide variety of N-nitrosamines have been studied utilizing methane chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS). N-Nitrosamines are protonated at either the N or O atoms of the N-nitroso triad (NNO) leading to aminium radicals, nitrenium ions, ammonium ions, carbenium ions and various elimination reaction. A structure-CIMS reactivity relationship of N-nitrosamines is presented.
Derivation of an F-Merogenote and a φ80 High-Frequency Transducing Phage Carrying the Histidine Operon of Salmonella

An F' factor, FS400, carrying the his operon, the gnd gene, and the rfb gene cluster of Salmonella typhimurium was isolated. FS400 was introduced into an Escherichia coli strain having a lengthy deletion of the his gene region. From this strain, Hfr derivatives were isolated which had the F' factor integrated in the tonB locus near the attachment site of phi80. One of the Hfr strains was lysogenized with a heat-inducible, h mutant of phi80, and from this strain a high-frequency transducing phage carrying the his genes and the gnd gene of Salmonella was isolated.
Remote sensing of river stage using the cross-sectional inundation area-river stage relationship (IARSR) constructed from digital elevation model data

Remote sensing of discharge and river stage from space provides us with a promising alternative approach to monitor watersheds, no matter if they are ungauged, poorly gauged, or fully gauged. One approach is to estimate river stage from satellite measured inundation area based on the inundation area – river stage relationship (IARSR). However, this approach is not easy to implement because of a lack of data for constructing the IARSR. In this study, an innovative and robust approach to construct the IARSR from digital elevation model (DEM) data was developed and tested. It was shown that the constructed IARSR from DEM data could be used to retrieve water level or river stage from satellite-measured inundation area. To reduce the uncertainty in the estimated inundation area, a dual-thresholding method was proposed. The first threshold is the lower limit of pixel value for classifying water body pixels with a relatively high-level certainty. The second threshold is the upper limit of pixel value for classifying potentially flooded pixels. All pixels with values between the first threshold and the second threshold and adjacent to the classified water body pixels may be partially flooded. A linear interpolation method was used to estimate the wetted area of each partially flooded pixel. In applying the constructed IARSR to the estimated inundation areas from 11 Landsat TM images, 11 water levels were obtained. The root mean square error (RMSE) of the estimated water levels compared with the observed water levels at the US Geological Survey (USGS) gauging station on the Trinity River at Liberty in Liberty County, Texas, is about 0.38 m. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An equivalent circuit for the noise in VHF triodes

It is the aim of this paper to show that the present Information about the response of vhf triodes to signals and to noise can be represented is an equivalent circuit consisting of an equivalent noise emf in series with the input and of an independent equivalent noise current generator with an admittance in parallel to it connected between grid and cathode.
Emerging role of RNA•DNA hybrids in C9orf72-linked neurodegeneration

RNA plays an active role in structural polymorphism of the genome through the formation of stable RNA•DNA hybrids (R-loops). R-loops can modulate normal physiological processes and are also associated with pathological conditions, such as those related to nucleotide repeat expansions. A guanine-rich hexanucleotide repeat expansion in chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) has been linked to a spectrum of neurological conditions including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Here we discuss the possible roles, both locally and genome-wide, of R-loops that may arise from the C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat. R-loops have the potential to influence the pathological processes identified in many repeat expansion diseases, such as repeat instability, transcriptional dysregulation, epigenetic modification, and antisense-mediated gene regulation. We propose that, given the wide-ranging consequences of R-loops in the cell, these structures could underlie multiple pathological p...
Orchid conservation in the Americas - lessons learned in Florida

Conservation can be a difficult concept to define, let alone apply. For some, plant conservation can simply mean the survey and cataloging of plant diver- sity within a defined conservation area. Others may define plant conservation as the collection and propa- gation of germplasm from one, or many, areas within a species’ range.
Twelve tips for getting your manuscript published

The author shares twelve practical tips on how to navigate the process of getting a manuscript published. These tips, which apply to all fields of academic writing, advise that during the initial preparation phase authors should: (1) plan early to get it out the door; (2) address authorship and writing group expectations up front; (3) maintain control of the writing; (4) ensure complete reporting; (5) use electronic reference management software; (6) polish carefully before they submit; (7) select the right journal; and (8) follow journal instructions precisely. Rejection after the first submission is likely, and when this occurs authors should (9) get it back out the door quickly, but first (10) take seriously all reviewer and editor suggestions. Finally, when the invitation comes to revise and resubmit, authors should (11) respond carefully to every reviewer suggestion, even if they disagree, and (12) get input from others as they revise. The author also shares detailed suggestions on the creation of effective tables and figures, and on how to respond to reviewer critiques.
Oral contraceptives and pathologic changes in the breast.

A comparison was made of the histologic appearance of normal breast tissue and a variety of benign and malignant epithelial lesions in women using oral anti-ovulants and in age-matched controls. No histologic changes have been found that can reliably be attributed to the oral steroids by either light or electron microscopy. Reported changes in fibroadenomas and in carcinomas associated with oral contraceptive use have not been confirmed in studies utilizing controls. Additionally no differences in the prevalence or in the age of patients at the time of diagnosis have been found for fibroadenomas chronic cystic disease or carcinoma. The lack of any demonstrable morphological changes in womens breasts related to oral contraceptives does not necessarily mean that these agents do not have a carcinogenic or co-carcinogenic potential but it makes such a possibility seem quite remote.(AUTHORS MODIFIED)
Deep‐sea sediment records of the Laschamp geomagnetic field excursion (∼41,000 calendar years before present)

[1] We have recovered two new high-resolution paleomagnetic records of the Laschamp Excursion (∼41,000 calendar years B.P.) from deep-sea sediments of the western North Atlantic Ocean. The records document that the Laschamp Excursion was characterized locally by (1) declination changes of ±120°, (2) inclination changes of more than 140°, (3) ∼1200-year oscillations in both inclination and declination, (4) near 90° out-of-phase relationships between inclinations and declinations that produced two clockwise loops in directions and virtual geomagnetic poles (VGPs) followed by a counterclockwise loop, (5) excursional VGPs during both intervals of clockwise looping, (6) magnetic field intensities less than 10% of normal that persisted for almost 2000 years, (7) marked similarity in excursional directions over ∼5000 km spatial scale length, and (8) secular variation rates comparable to historic field behavior but persisting in sign for hundreds of years. All of these features, with the exception of anomalously large directional amplitude, are consistent with normal magnetic field secular variation. Comparison of our Laschamp Excursion paleomagnetic records with other late Quaternary excursion records suggests that there is a group of excursions, which we term class I, which have strikingly similar patterns of field behavior and likely share a common cause as part of the overall core dynamo process. Three general models of secular variation are described that can qualitatively produce class I excursions. On the basis of these observations we conclude that class I excursions, epitomized by the Laschamp Excursion, are more closely related to normal secular variation and are not necessarily a prelude to magnetic field reversal.
Detection of Hydroxyapatite in Calcified Cardiovascular Tissues

Objective The objective of this study is to develop a method for selective detection of the calcific (hydroxyapatite) component in human aortic smooth muscle cells in vitro and in calcified cardiovascular tissues ex vivo. This method uses a novel optical molecular imaging contrast dye, Cy-HABP-19, to target calcified cells and tissues.
Mapping of the Nb-Ti-Si phase diagram using diffusion multiples

Abstract A high-efficiency diffusion-multiple approach was employed to map the phase diagram of the Nb–Ti–Si ternary system, which is critical for the design of niobium silicide-based composites. These composites have high potential as a replacement for Ni-base superalloys for jet engine applications. Titanium is one of the most important elements for oxidation resistance and fracture toughness enhancement. Three isothermal sections of Nb–Ti–Si at 1000, 1150 and 1200 °C were constructed from the results obtained from diffusion multiples using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Extremely high solubility of Nb in Ti 5 Si 4 (up to ∼46 at.% Nb at 1200 °C, substituting for Ti) was observed.
Surfactant for Pediatric Acute Lung Injury

This article reviews exogenous surfactant therapy and its use in mitigating acute lung injury (ALI) and the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in infants, children, and adults. Biophysical and animal research documenting surfactant dysfunction in ALI/ARDS is described, and the scientific rationale for treatment with exogenous surfactant is discussed. Major emphasis is placed on reviewing clinical studies of surfactant therapy in pediatric and adult patients who have ALI/ARDS. Particular advantages from surfactant therapy in direct pulmonary forms of these syndromes are described. Also discussed are additional factors affecting the efficacy of exogenous surfactants in ALI/ARDS.
The Beckmann - Zipf Effect and Plant Location under Uniform Pricing

Abstract This paper examines the impact of Beckmann-Zipf effect on location choice. Under the uniform price policy, it shows that the delivery cost minimization approach can not be applied, and the median location is unlikely to be chosen, even if the delivery cost function is linear.
Developing a Dry-Cured Ham Nutritional Database

Manufacturers of country ham, a dry-cured ham with a minimum 4% NaCl in the finished product, are required by Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to declare the nutrient content on the label. This study investigated the distribution of nutrients within whole hams to permit calculation of nutrient content for various cuts. Results of a preliminary experiment utilizing six country hams to develop sampling techniques were used to develop the final study protocol. The final study measured the nutrient content of 15 whole hams representative of Southeastern country hams and 7 side meats. Each ham was divided into four sections (butt, center, shank, and hock), which were subdivided into bone and skin, fat, and muscle groups. All muscle and fat samples were analyzed for moisture, protein, fat, sugar profile, cholesterol, fatty acid profile, and minerals (Ca, Fe, K, Na, Zn). Significant variations (P 28% DV), were high in protein and fat (>20% DV), and were “good” to “high” in cholesterol (16 to 28% DV). The lean muscle products contained higher sodium and protein, but lower amounts of fat, cholesterol, and calories compared to untrimmed products. Side meat was higher in calories, fat, and cholesterol but lower in protein and sodium content than country ham products. Country ham products and side meats were low (<2% DV) in total carbohydrate, sugars, and calcium. The data presented for nutrient content of all the muscle systems in whole country hams permit calculations for a nutritional label for virtually all of the subdivided portions of country ham that are currently being marketed.
Rule-based morphological feature extraction of microcalcifications in mammograms

In this paper, we discuss a method using combined morphological filtering and rule-based feature extraction for detecting microcalcifications in mammograms. After preprocessing of digitized mammographic images where salt-pepper noise is removed, morphological operations are applied to extract local background of the images. The extracted background is then used for an adaptive thresholding on the images. The objective of the adaptive thresholding is to separate local gray-scale variations from the image, since microcalcification features are most likely embedded in local variations. A threshold is set to binarize the local variations. After thresholding, morphological size filters are applied to extract the features related to mirocalcifications. To facilitate the feature extraction process, a rule-based selection procedure is developed based on local density distribution of the binarized feature image, local variation deviation, and connectivity of suspicious spots. The limited experimental results show that the approach, while combined with other image analysis and pattern classification techniques, can provide a useful tool for assisting mammographic diagnosis processes.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Reconstruction of smooth distributions from a limited number of projections

Two reconstruction methods that recognize smoothness to be a priori information and use numerically space-limited basis functions have been developed. The first method is a modification of the well-known convolution method and uses such basis functions for the projections. The second method is a continuous algebraic reconstruction technique that employs consistent basis functions for the projections as well as the distribution and makes use of other a priori information like the constraints on the domain as well as the range of the distribution in a rigorous way. The efficacy of these methods has been demonstrated using a limited number of projections synthetically generated from a distribution phantom.
928-82 Neural Sprouting and Ventricular Tachycardia

Damaging the axons of a nerve may result in initial degeneration of the distal axon, followed by a regenerative process which forms aberrant synapses (neural sprouting). Because myocardial infarction (MI) can result in cardiac nerve damage, neural sprouting will follow, and could contribute to the generation of ventricular tachycardia (VT). To test this hypothesis, we retrospectively studied 7 pts with drug-resistant sustained monomorphic VT who underwent surgical subendocardial ablation. The age ranged from 54 to 77 years. All pts had a history of MI. Five pts had discrete ventricular aneurysm and 2 pts had a history of sudden cardiac death. Computerized mapping was used to determine the VT origin. Surgical treatment was performed by endocardial excision techniques. Paraffin-embedded tissue samples from the sites where VT were originated were sectioned and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H & E) and for S-100 protein using standard immunohistochemical techniques to identify Schwann cells. The results of S-100 protein stain were classified on a scale of 0 to 4+ based on light microscope examination, with 0 being negative and 4+ being strongly positive. The H & Estain showed various degrees of fibrosis in all specimens, compatible with old MI. The S-100 protein stain was positive in 6 of 7 pts, showing numerous small regenerated nerve twigs within the region of MI not seen in normal myocardium. The average strength of S-100 protein stain was 1.7 ± 1.0+ (range 0+ to 3+). Tyrosine hydroxylase stain was performed in 2 pts. Both showed positive staining. We conclude that sympathetic neural sprouting is present at the origin of VT and may playa role in the generation of VT and sudden death after MI.
Female adolescent service in a psychiatric hospital.

A short description of an adolescent service for girls in a psychiatric hospital is given. Included is the history of the ward and a description of the staff personnel. Three hundred twentyeight consecutive admissions over a one-year period are discussed, including age, color, source of referral, IQ range, diagnosis and disposition. Special factors and problems in the handling of adolescents are briefly discussed.
Mutiny on board modernity: Heidegger, Sorel and other fascist intellectuals

Zeev Sternhell and Hans Sluga show that fascism and Nazism were part of an early twentieth‐century intellectual rebellion against universalism, liberalism, and Enlightenment rationalism. Western technology, values, and political institutions were seen as outmoded, but instead of wanting to return to the traditions of the past, as conservatives wished, these intellectuals thought that fascism could transcend modernity. Sorel, Heidegger, and other fascist modernists offered different radical solutions to what was conceived of as the decadence of liberal Western civilization. It remains an open question whether the discontent with modernity is an intellectual construction or a result of actual defects in modern life itself.
Course of anomalous left main not clearly determined by angiography.

A 54-year-old man with atypical chest pain and abnormal stress test and anomalous left main coronary artery presented. Course of the anomalous left main could not be clearly determined by angiography. Sixty-four-slice cardiac CT angiography clearly delineates the origin and course of the left main, which passes anterior to the pulmonary artery. In addition, cardiac CT angiography found no evidence of coronary disease and found normal left ventricular function. Scan time was 10 s and used 85 cc of contr ast (Figs . 1 – 3).
The impact of mass media on fertility rates: An exploration

Data were gathered from the United Nations Statistical yearbooks 1955-1972 in the effort to investigate the impact of the mass media on fertility rates. Only those years and countries or territories which included information on fertility rates number of daily newspapers per 1000 population number of radio receivers/1000 population number of television receivers/1000 number of cinema seats/1000 and per capita income in dollars were used. Examination of the relationships among the 4 types of mass media - televisions newspapers radios and cinema seats - reveals that they all are substantially associated with the reduction of fertility rates. This finding is inconsistent with the works that indicate printed matter to be more detailed and tended to be considered as a more credible source than other forms of mass media. The entertainment media of television is the strongest media variable associated wth fertility rates; newspapers radios and cinema seats in this order are also substantively related to fertility.
Trauma, dissociation, and antiretroviral adherence among persons living with HIV/AIDS

Abstract Background There are approximately 1,000,000 persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLH) in the United States; to reduce rates of new infection and curb disease progression, adherence to HIV medication among PLH is critical. Despite elevated trauma rates in PLH, no studies to date have investigated the relationship between dissociation, a specific symptom of trauma, and HIV medication adherence. We hypothesized that Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms would be associated with lower adherence, and that dissociation would moderate this relationship. Methods Forty-three individuals with HIV were recruited from community-based clinics to participate in a cross-sectional study. The relationship of trauma, dissociation, and their interaction to the probability of antiretroviral adherence was assessed using a hierarchical binary logistic regression analysis. Results Among 38 eligible participants, greater PTSD was associated with lower odds of adherence (OR = .92, p .05). Conclusions This is the first study to demonstrate a relationship between dissociation and medication adherence. Findings are discussed in the context of clinical management of PLH with trauma histories and the need for interventions targeting dissociative symptomatology to optimize adherence.
Interaction of fish myoglobin and myofibrillar proteins.

Interactions between fish myoglobin (Mb) and myofibrillar proteins were investigated in a Mb-natural actomyosin (NAM) model at 4 degrees C. Increases in metmyoglobin (MetMb) formation and the relative content of bound Mb were observed, as were decreases in whiteness and Ca(2+)-ATPase activity (P 206 kDa) also increased with time. Electrophoretic study revealed that disulfide bonds were not involved in Mb-NAM interactions.
Creating multisided rational Bézier surfaces using base points

Rational Be´zier surfaces provide an effective tool for geometric design. One aspect of the theory of rational surfaces that is not well understood is what happens when a rational parameterization takes on the value (0/0, 0/0, 0/0) for some parameter value. Such parameter values are called base points of the parameterization. Base points can be introduced into a rational parameterization in Be´zier form by setting weights of appropriate control points to zero. By judiciously introducing base points, one can create parameterizations of four-, five- and six-sided surface patches using rational Be´zier surfaces defined over triangular domains. Subdivision techniques allow rendering and smooth meshing of such surfaces. Properties of base points also lead to a new understanding of incompatible edge twist methods such as Gregory's patch.
The enthalpy of formation of plutonium sesquicarbide

Abstract The energy of combustion in oxygen of a sample of plutonium sesquicarbide having a composition PuC 1.467 ± 0.009 was measured in a bomb calorimeter. The standard enthalpy of formation ΔH f o (PuC 1.467 ± 0.009 , c, 298.15 K), was determined to be −(19.80 ± 0.97) kcal th mol −1 .
The closed-loop supply chain network with competition and design for remanufactureability

Abstract In this paper, a two-period closed-loop supply chain network is investigated, with manufacturers as decentralized decision makers who compete for market share. In the first period, each manufacturer decides on the production quantity and level of remanufactureability, which has impact on the cost of both new and remanufactured products. In period two, manufacturers can manufacture and/or remanufacture products, taking into account that consumers have different valuations of new and remanufactured products. We derive the optimality conditions and establish that the governing equilibrium conditions can be formulated as a finite-dimensional variational inequality problem. Through a series of case studies, we answer several important research questions, such as the impact of remanufactureability design and the consumers' perception of the remanufactured product on profitability and market share.
Echocardiographic demonstration of a right ventricular tumor in a neonate

Famil ial clustering of ascaris and trichuris carriers was the outstanding finding in this study. In ex tens ive studies of he lmin ths in the 1930s, Cor t and Otto 4, 5 noted that the impor tan t uni t in ascaris infections was the family. A t present several effective drugs o f low toxicity are available for t r ea tment o f ascariasis, and it is felt that asymptomat ic carriage warrants t reatment . 6 Our "red i scovery" of the familial aggregation of ascaris infections therefore has significant implications for communi ty control. The siblings of a child with ascaris are likely to have the parasite, and they should be examined for it. Barring this, we would r e c o m m e n d that the sibling be treated for ascaris at the same t ime as the infected child.
A chronically implantable multiple micro-electrode system with independent control of electrode positions

Abstract A chronically implantable, multiple micro-electrode system for use with unanesthetized animals is described. The system may be left on the animal's head for extended periods of time, yet its parts can be decoupled so that electrodes are easily changed. The device is comparatively small, provides for independent control of several closely spaced micro-electrodes and is designed so that a single implant allows for sets of electrode penetrations over a relatively large expanse of neural tissue. The system has been used for recording simultaneously from several individually selected neurons in the motor cortex of an unanesthetized monkey, with excellent results.
Vocal tract response to toxic injury: clinical issues.

Summary Toxic substances commonly affect the voice. In many cases, the mechanism of toxicity is unknown. Treatment is often based on intuition, rather than scientific fact. Extensive collaborative research is needed.
Barriers facing patients referred for kidney transplant cause loss to follow-up

End-stage renal disease affects many Americans; however, transplant is the best treatment option increasing life years and offering a higher quality of life than possible with dialysis. Ironically, many who are eligible for transplant do not follow through on the complex workup protocols required to be placed on the transplant waiting list. Here we surveyed vascular access clinic patients at an academic medical center referred for transplant, who did not follow up on the needed workup to be added to the national transplant waiting list. The most frequent responses of 83 patients for not pursuing transplantation were that the patients did not think they would pass the medical tests, they were scared of getting a transplant, and they could not afford the medicine or the transplantation. These impediments may result from unclear provider communication, misinformation received from peers or other sources, misperceptions related to transplant surgery, or limited health literacy/health decision-making capacity. Thus, patients with end-stage renal disease lost to follow-up after referral for kidney transplant faced both real and perceived barriers pursuing transplantation.
Formation of inclusion complexes of starch with fatty acid esters of bioactive compounds

Abstract The formation of amylose, amylopectin, and high amylose maize starch inclusion complexes with ascorbyl palmitate, retinyl palmitate, and phytosterol esters was evaluated. Amylose and high amylose maize starch formed inclusion complexes with the studied fatty acid esters. However, only retinyl palmitate formed a complex with amylopectin sufficient to cause precipitation. In general, ascorbyl palmitate resulted in the highest complexation, followed by retinyl palmitate and phytosterol ester. The presence of native lipids in high amylose maize starch did not inhibit complex formation. On the contrary, native lipids appear to increase the complexation yield and thermal stability of the starch–fatty acid ester inclusion complexes. The results of this study suggest that the formation of starch inclusion complexes with fatty acid esters seems to be limited by the solubility of the compound in the reaction medium and the structure of the molecule forming the ester with the fatty acid.
Equity and adverse selection with correlated costs

Abstract We show that agent concern with inequity is not constraining for a principal when the binary costs of two risk neutral agents are correlated.
First-principles computations of mechanical properties of Ni2Cr and Ni2Mo

Nickel-based alloys are being considered for use as the outer container of the waste package for the disposal of high-level nuclear waste. During fabrication processes and long-term storage, Ni-based alloy outer containers can undergo microstructural changes due to the formation of Ni2Cr, Ni2Mo, and Ni2(Cr, Mo), which are ordered orthorhombic (oI6) phases whose mechanical properties are unknown because of fabrication difficulties. To circumvent the experimental limitation, a first-principles quantum-mechanical code based on the full-potential linearized augmented plane-wave (FLAPW) method was used to compute the elastic constants and the theoretical stress-strain curves of Ni2Cr and Ni2Mo. The theoretical mechanical properties were then correlated with charge-density distributions of the stressed oI6 unit cell to identify the critical conditions at the onset of fracture. Using first-principles results as material input, the unstable stacking energy and the Peierls-Nabarro (P-N) barrier energy were computed and used to estimate the tensile ductility and fracture toughness of Ni2Cr and Ni2Mo. The influences of the elastic anisotropy and slip vector on dislocation mobility in Ni2Cr and Ni2Mo are identified and contrasted to those in MoSi2 with a tetragonal (tI6) crystal structure.
Physician follow-up and observation of guidelines in the post treatment surveillance of colorectal cancer.

Background Guidelines for post resection surveillance of colorectal cancer recommend a collection of the patient’s history and physical examination, testing for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and colonoscopy. No consistent guidelines exist for the use of abdominal computed tomography (CT) and position emission tomography (PET)/PET-CT. The goal of our study was to describe current trends, the impact of oncologic follow-up on guideline adherence, and the patterns of use of nonrecommended tests. Methods We used Texas Cancer Registry−Medicare-linked data (2000-2009) to identify physician visits, CEA testing, colonoscopy, abdominal CT, and PET/PET-CT scans in patients ≥66 years old with stage I-III colorectal cancer who underwent curative resection. Compliance with guidelines was assessed with a composite measure of physician visits, CEA tests, and colonoscopy use from start of surveillance. Results In patients who survived 3 years, the overall compliance with guidelines was 25.1%. In patients seen regularly by a medical oncologist, compliance with guidelines increased to 61.5% compared with 8.8% for those not seen by a medical oncologist regularly (P Conclusion Compliance with current minimum guidelines for post treatment surveillance of colorectal cancer is low and the use of nonrecommended testing has increased over time. Both compliance and use of nonrecommended tests are markedly increased in patients seen by a medical oncologist. The comparative effectiveness of CT and PET/PET-CT in the surveillance of colorectal cancer patients needs further examination.
Distribution and ontogeny of 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the rat brain

Abstract 3α-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the brain is responsible for production of neuroactive tetrahydrosteroids that interact with the major inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor complexes. Distribution of 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in different regions of the brain in rats was evaluated by activity assay and by Western immunoblottin using a monoclonal antibody against liver 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase as the probe. The olfactory bulb was found to contain the highest level of 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity, while moderate levels of the enzyme activity were found in other regions such as cerebellum, cerebral cortex, hypothalamus and pituitary. Some activities were found in the rest of the brain such as amygdala, brain stem, caudate putamen, cingulate cortex, hippocampus, midbrain, and thalamus. The protein levels of 3α- hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in different regions of the brain as detected by Western immunoblotting are comparable to those of the enzyme activity. No sexual dimorphism was found in either the concentration levels or the activities of the brain 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. At the time of birth, the rat brain already expresses a significant level of 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase; the levels of brain 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in rats continue to rise during the first week after their birth, and reach a plateau thereafter.
Principal components: A descent algorithm

A descent procedure is proposed for the search of low-dimensional subspaces of a high-dimensional space that satisfy an optimality criterion. Specifically, the procedure is applied to finding the subspace spanned by the first m singular components of an n-dimensional dataset. The procedure minimizes the associated cost function through a series of orthogonal transformations, each represented economically as the exponential of a skew-symmetric matrix drawn from a low-dimensional space.
Carbuncle Computational Fluid Dynamics Problem for Blunt-Body Flows

A key problem that has remained unsolved for the past quarter-century is presently compromising the accuracy of heat transfer predictions made by numerical simulations of hypersonic flow. This numerical difficulty is called the carbuncle problem, a local unpleasant displacement of the bow shock wave shape. It is most prominent in computational fluid dynamics simulations within the blunt nose region of an aerodynamic vehicle on axisymmetric grids. Most efforts to remedy this problem have concerned the numerical treatment of the bow shock wave: both the algorithm calculating the discontinuities across the bow shock wave and the alignment of the computational mesh with the shock wave location. Although these efforts have improved simulation accuracy, none have yet removed the problem. The fundamental requirement of any numerical procedure is that it has sufficient numerical dissipation to control error growth. All methods contain it, and an unintended consequence will be shown to be its contribution to the c...
RESCATTERING CORRECTIONS IN RADIATIVE PION ABSORPTION.

Abstract Rescattering corrections to radiative pion absorption in nuclei are considered. The rescattering process is known to make important contributions to the nuclear absorption of S orbit pions with two-nucleon ejection. We calculate the rescattering corrections both in perturbation theory and with an approach based on the actual pion-nucleus scattering length. For the detailed evaluation of nuclear matrix elements the particle-hole formalism is used, and it is assumed that odd-parity spin-isospin nuclear states are excited by the radiative absorption mechanism. The calculation shows that incoherent rescattering effects involving an excited nucleus in the intermediate state are of little importance. Retaining only the coherent rescattering, decreases are found in the transition rate of approximately 40% relative to the leading term for 16 O. The relationship between our calculation and analyses based on the use of an optical potential is presented.
In situ TEM investigation of Xe ion irradiation induced defects and bubbles in pure molybdenum single crystal

Abstract In order to study irradiation damage and inert gas bubble formation and growth behaviors, and to provide results and insights useful towards the validation of a multi-scale simulation approach based on a newly developed Xe–Mo inter-atomic potential, in situ Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) studies of Xe implantations in pure single crystal Molybdenum (Mo) have been conducted. 300 keV and 400 keV Xe+ ion beams were used to implant Xe in pre-thinned TEM Mo specimens. The irradiations were conducted at 300 °C and 600 °C to ion fluence up to 4 × 1016 ions/cm2. In situ TEM characterization allows detailed behaviors of defect clusters to be observed and is very useful in illustrating defect interaction mechanisms and processes. Dislocation loops were found to form at relatively low irradiation fluence levels. The characterization results showed that the free surfaces, formed in the process of producing pre-thinned specimens, play an important role in influencing the behaviors of dislocation loops. Similar characterizations were conducted at high fluence levels where Xe gas bubbles can be clearly observed. Xe gas bubbles were observed to form by a multi-atom nucleation process and they were immobile throughout the irradiation process at both temperatures. Measurements on both the number density and the size of dislocation loops and gas bubbles were taken. The results and implications of the measurements are discussed in this paper.
Bias/variance analyses of mixtures-of-experts architectures

This article investigates the bias and variance of mixtures-of-experts (ME) architectures. The variance of an ME architecture can be expressed as the sum of two terms: the first term is related to the variances of the expert networks that comprise the architecture and the second term is related to the expert networks' covariances. One goal of this article is to study and quantify a number of properties of ME architectures via the metrics of bias and variance. A second goal is to clarify the relationships between this class of systems and other systems that have recently been proposed. It is shown that in contrast to systems that produce unbiased experts whose estimation errors are uncorrelated, ME architectures produce biased experts whose estimates are negatively correlated.
Symmetry of Magnetically Ordered Quasicrystals

The notion of magnetic symmetry is reexamined in light of the recent observation of long-range magnetic order in icosahedral quasicrystals [Charrier et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 78, 4637 (1997)]. The relation between the symmetry of a magnetically ordered (periodic or quasiperiodic) crystal, given in terms of a “spin space group,” and its neutron diffraction diagram is established. In doing so, an outline of a symmetry classification scheme for magnetically ordered quasiperiodic crystals, is provided. Predictions are given for the expected diffraction patterns of magnetically ordered icosahedral crystals, provided their symmetry is well described by icosahedral spin space groups.
Observations of Current Flow Through the Mouth of the Chesapeake Bay

Abstract Seven transects of the narrowly-constricted mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, U.S.A., were made using an acoustic doppler current profiler (ADCP) and conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) sensor during the period 16–21 September 1996. Data were acquired while participating in the Chesapeake Bay Plume Outfall Experiment (COPE I). Seven CTD stations per transect were conducted across the 17 km wide mouth along with continuous high-resolution ADCP coverage. Although discontinuous, the transect data covered nearly all phases of a generic tidal current cycle. The ratio of water level anomaly to average depth was O(10 −3 ) during the transects with atmospheric pressure and wind accounting for most of the anomaly. Freshwater discharge from the Bay was above normal during this period. The resultant flow structure obtained from the ADCP is much more complete than was previously possible with point measurements. Analysis in all tidal phases revealed near-isothermal conditions with horizontal and vertical temperature differences across the mouth rarely exceeding 1·0 °C in any tidal phase, higher surface salinity to the north coupled with higher subsurface salinity in the Chesapeake Channel and unidirectional flow from surface to depth. Horizontal and vertical current gradients were found to be quite strong, O(10 −3 ) s −1 and O(10 −2 ) s −1 respectively. A consistent feature found on nearly every ADCP transect was a subsurface flood current core and a surface ebb current core, both on the right side of the main channel in the direction of flow.
The Convict and the Colonel

The Convict and the Colonel. Richard Price. Boston: Beacon Press, 1998. xviii. 285 pp., IIlustrations, notes, source notes, illustration credits, references.