cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bringing art to market: The diversity of pricing styles in a local art market

Abstract This paper examines the pricing of visual art from the perspective of artists themselves. Based on interviews with 53 visual artists, the most common factors involved in pricing decisions are identified: size, expenses, status, market factors, and the artist's own perception of value. Using Correspondence Analysis and Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA), relationships between the components of pricing decisions are described. First, the analysis reveals that some producers of art take a craft orientation to production and distribution, while others take a fine art approach. These distinct orientations shape pricing decisions. Second, pricing based on an artist's own determination of aesthetic worth tends not to be combined with pricing based on market factors like demand. While patterns of pricing decisions are uncovered, the complexities of actual pricing decisions demonstrate that working artists negotiate lives that blend instrumental economic activity with creative self-expression, belief in fairness, and community norms both inside and outside the art world.
Pathophysiology of childhood polycystic kidney diseases: new insights into disease-specific therapy

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in children and young adults. ADPKD, with an incidence of 1:400 to 1:1,000, affects more than 13 million individuals worldwide and is a major cause of end-stage renal disease in adults. However, symptomatic disease is increasingly recognized in children. ARPKD is a dual-organ hepatorenal disease with an incidence of 1:20,000 to 1:40,000 and a heterozygote carrier rate of 1 in 70. Currently, no clinically significant disease-specific therapy exists for ADPKD or ARPKD. The genetic basis of both ADPKD and ARPKD have been identified, and delineation of the basic molecular and cellular pathophysiology has led to the discovery that abnormal ADPKD and ARPKD gene products interact to create "polycystin complexes" located at multiple sites within affected cells. The extracellular matrix and vessels produce a variety of soluble factors that affect the biology of adjacent cells in many dynamic ways. This review will focus on the molecular and cellular bases of the abnormal cystic phenotype and discuss the clinical translation of such basic data into new therapies that promise to alter the natural history of disease for children with genetic PKDs.
Citigroup’s unfortunate history of managerial and regulatory failures

Citigroup has served as the poster child for the elusive promises and manifold pitfalls of universal banking. When Citicorp merged with Travelers to form Citigroup in 1998, Citigroup’s leaders and supporters asserted that the new financial conglomerate would offer unparalleled convenience to its customers through ‘one-stop shopping’ for banking, securities and insurance services. They also claimed that Citigroup would have a superior ability to withstand financial shocks due to its broadly diversified activities. By 2009, those bold predictions of Citigroup’s success had turned to ashes. Citigroup pursued a high-risk, high-growth strategy during the 2000s that proved to be disastrous. As a result, the bank recorded more than US$130 billion of losses on its loans and investments from 2007 to 2009. To prevent Citigroup’s failure, the federal government provided $45 billion of new capital to the bank and gave the bank $500 billion of additional help in the form of asset guarantees, debt guarantees and emergency loans. The federal government provided more financial assistance to Citigroup than to any other bank during the financial crisis. During its early years, Citigroup was embroiled in a series of high-profile scandals, including tainted transactions with Enron and WorldCom, biased research advice, corrupt allocations of shares in initial public offerings, predatory subprime lending, and market manipulation in foreign bond markets. Notwithstanding a widely publicized plan to improve corporate risk controls in 2005, Citigroup continued to pursue higher profits through a wide range of speculative activities, including leveraged corporate lending, packaging toxic subprime loans into mortgage-backed securities and collateralized debt obligations, and dumping risky assets into off-balance-sheet conduits for which Citigroup had contractual and reputational exposures. Post-mortem evaluations of Citigroup’s near-collapse revealed that neither Citigroup’s managers nor its regulators recognized the systemic risks embedded in the bank’s far-flung operations. Thus, Citigroup was not only too big to fail but also too large and too complex to manage or regulate effectively. Citigroup’s history raises deeply troubling questions about the ability of bank executives and regulators to supervise and control today’s megabanks. Citigroup’s original creators – John Reed of Citicorp and Sandy Weill of Travelers – admitted in recent years that Citigroup’s universal banking model failed, and they called on Congress to reinstate the Glass-Steagall Act’s separation between commercial and investment banks. As Reed and Weill acknowledged, the universal banking model is deeply flawed by its excessive organizational complexity, its vulnerability to culture clashes and conflicts of interest, and its tendency to permit excessive risk-taking within far-flung, semi-autonomous units that lack adequate oversight from either senior managers or regulators.
Feeding responses of hybrids and the inheritance of host-use traits in leaf feeding beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Feeding responses of hybrids and the inheritance of host-use traits in leaf feeding beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Employment Policy for Regional Labor Markets

In the past, considerable attention has been paid to the global economic and social consequences of high and persistent unemployment. Regional or spatial aspects did not receive nearly as much attention. However, high unemployment rates tend to generate their own spatial dynamics. Thus a process of differentiation in the labor market takes place at two levels: First, via the spatial polarization of opportunies to earn income; second, via the incidence of high and persistent unemployment affecting particular groups, especially in ‘problem regions’, that is, in regions with high unemployment. As a consequence, ‘problem groups' of the unemployed face persistent and much higher levels of unemployment in those regions.An employment policy which attempts to operate via the demand for labor should necessarily take note of the peculiarities of each region. Thus it must be selective and specific rather than global and general in nature. Therefrom results the need for a better consideration of structural factors, s...
An Accelerated Newton-Raphson Technique for Finite Element Analysis of Magnetic Fields in Electrical Machines

An accelerated (modified) Newton-Raphson technique is presented. The new method reduces the computational (CPU) time required to carry out a finite element magnetic field analysis in saturated electrical machines by up to about 60% of typical CPU times required by present state of the art methods. In order to illustrate practical use of the method, the technique is applied to the problem of field determination in a 6-pole, 18 slot, samarium cobalt permanent magnet brushless dc motor system rated at 120 Volt, 15 hp (11.2 KW). The investigated cases include overloads of more than 4 times the rated armature current, thus insuring a substantial degree of magnetic saturation throughout the flux paths in the stator (armature) teeth and yoke. Numerical results of the field solution and armature winding inductances obtained using this method are compared with those obtained using the standard state of the art Newton-Raphson method. It is found that practically no numerical errors are introduced as a result of use of this accelerated Newton-Raphson process. Meanwhile, substantial savings can be made in the computation cost incurred for such analysis, particularly in computer-aided design situations in which large numbers of field solution cases are often required.
Changing picture of central nervous system complications in liver transplant recipients.

Central nervous system (CNS) complications are common after liver transplantation (LT). According to the literature, the most common causes are infections and the neurotoxicity of immunosuppressive drugs (cyclosporine and tacrolimus). The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence, clinical presentations, etiologies, and outcomes of CNS complications in a series of 395 consecutive LT recipients whose immunosuppression regimen was designed for low tacrolimus blood levels. An analysis of the 12-hour trough concentrations of tacrolimus in the study population showed that the target drug levels, which were designed to maintain minimal immunosuppression, were usually achieved. In all, 64 patients (16.2%) developed major neurological symptoms (37 within 30 days of LT). None of the observed CNS complications were caused by infections (viral, bacterial, or fungal), and only 3 of the 395 patients (0.8%) received a diagnosis of tacrolimus-related leukoencephalopathy. Cerebrovascular disease was identified in 15 patients (3.8%; 8 had cerebral hemorrhages, 5 had ischemic strokes, and 2 had subdural hemorrhages). Pontine myelinolysis was found in 2 patients (0.5%). Notably, no clear cause was identified for the remaining 44 cases (11.1%): brain imaging was negative for 22 cases, and diffuse hypoxic changes were present for the other 22. CNS complications were significantly associated with a reduction in 3-month patient survival (88.8% versus 95.4%) and 5-year patient survival (57.3% versus 84.1%). Among the pretransplant variables that were analyzed, the incidence of portosystemic encephalopathy, the peak serum bilirubin levels, and the lowest serum total cholesterol levels were significantly different between the 64-patient group with CNS complications and the asymptomatic group of 331 patients. Liver Transpl 17:1279–1285, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Preoperative screening of contact lens wearers before refractive surgery

Abstract Purpose To evaluate corneal stability, measured by computerized videokeratography (CVK) after discontinuation of contact lens wear in preoperative refractive surgery candidates. Setting Baylor College of Medicine, Cullen Eye Institute, Houston, Texas, USA. Methods Topographic differences were analyzed in 136 noncontact lens wearers (NCLW) and 76 contact lens wearers (CLW) (18 rigid gas-permeable contact lenses [RGPCL], 58 soft contact lenses [SCL]) using EyeSys CVK after discontinuation of SCL wear for 2 weeks and RGPCL wear for 5 weeks. Results There were no differences in CVK patterns between the NCLW and the CLW groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in topographic symmetry, asphericity, corneal uniformity index, predicted corneal acuity, and irregular astigmatism. The dioptric range for the axial and the profile difference maps in the CLW group was slightly lower than in the NCLW group. Conclusion For patients whose manifest refraction and CVK maps were within 0.5 diopters of earlier values, discontinuation of SCL wear for 2 weeks and RGPCL wear for 5 weeks was adequate for the cornea to return to its baseline topographic state.
Finding ''Lost'' Profits: An Equilibrium Analysis of Patent Infringement Damages

We examine the impact of patent infringement damages in an equilibrium oligopoly model of process innovation where the choice to infringe is endogenous and affects market choices. Under the lost profits measure of damages normally employed by U.S. courts, we find that infringement always occurs in equilibrium with the infringing firm making market choices that manipulate the resulting market profit of the patent holder. In equilibrium, infringement takes one of two forms: a “passive” form in which lost profits of the patent holder are zero and an “aggressive” form where they are strictly positive. Even though the patentee's profits are protected with the lost profits damage measure, innovation incentives are reduced relative to a regime where infringement is deterred.
Effects of Interferons β or γ on Neopterin Biosynthesis and Tryptophan Degradation by Human Alveolar Macrophages In Vitro: Synergy with Lipopolysaccharide

Interferons can induce neopterin biosynthesis and tryptophan degradation in monocytic cells. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), an inducible cellular enzyme, metabolizes tryptophan to N-formyl-l-kynurenine. Tryptophan degradation has been linked to interferon-mediated inhibition of replication by intracellular pathogens and inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. We evaluated the ability of the recombinant human interferons βser and γ to stimulate neopterin production and tryptophan degradation in vitro by alveolar macrophages (AM) obtained from normal volunteers by bronchoalveolar lavage. Additionally, because other biologic response modifiers such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can also stimulate monocytic cells to produce increased amounts of neopterin and degrade tryptophan, we evaluated the effects of LPS on interferon-induced neopterin production and tryptophan degradation by AM. Both interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interferon-β (IFN-β) induced neopterin production and tryptophan degradation by AM with corre...
Radiation induced secretion of surfactant from cell cultures of type II pneumocytes: an in vitro model of radiation toxicity.

Abstract The pathogenesis of pneumonitis and fibrosis secondary to lung irradiation is incompletly understood. The role of the type II alveolar epithelial pneumocyte in these processes has been under investigation. The type II pneumocyte has been shown in vivo to respond to radiation induced injury with release of pulmonary surfactant. The effect of irradiation on cell cultures of type II pneumocytes was studied to determine if this could be reproduced in vitro . Type II pneumocytes were found to release surfactant material with a threshold of radiation dose between 1000 and 1500 rad. This is similar to the dosage range over which the same effect has been demonstrated in vivo . Experimental results support the concept that the release of surfactant is not due to either cell disruption or non-specific release of phospholipid from cell membranes. Irradiation appears to trigger membrane receptor mediated surfactant release. In addition, irradiation abolishes the ability of cells to subsequently respond to a physiologic agonist, suggesting radiation induced damage to the secretory mechanism. These studies establish that surfactant release in response to irradiation in vivo is a direct effect on type II pneumocytes. Cell cultures of type II pneumocytes can serve as a laboratory model of lung cell radiation toxicity.
Human striatum: the distribution of neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer's disease

Abstract The distribution of neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques was surveyed in the striatum of Alzheimer's disease cases. Neurofibrillary tangles were present throughout the striatum, but displayerd significantly higher densities in the nucleus accumbens, olfactory tubercle and tail of the caudate nucleus. Senile plaques with dense amyloid cores showed a similar pattern of distribution. By contrast, non-cored senile plaques were homogenously distributed in all striatal territories. No tangles and few plaques were observed in the striatum of control cases. These findings suggest that the ‘limbic’ striatum is preferentially vulnerable to pathology in Alzheimer's disease.
Fast Imaging System and Algorithm for Monitoring Microlymphatics

The lymphatic system is not well understood and tools to quantify aspects of its behavior are needed. A technique to monitor lymph velocity that can lead to flow, the main determinant of transport, in a near real time manner can be extremely valuable. We recently built a new system that measures lymph velocity, vessel diameter and contractions using optical microscopy digital imaging with a high speed camera (500fps) and a complex processing algorithm. The processing time for a typical data period was significantly reduced to less than 3 minutes in comparison to our previous system in which readings were available 30 minutes after the vessels were imaged. The processing was based on a correlation algorithm in the frequency domain, which, along with new triggering methods, reduced the processing and acquisition time significantly. In addition, the use of a new data filtering technique allowed us to acquire results from recordings that were irresolvable by the previous algorithm due to their high noise level. The algorithm was tested by measuring velocities and diameter changes in rat mesenteric micro-lymphatics. We recorded velocities of 0.25mm/s on average in vessels of diameter ranging from 54um to 140um with phasic contraction strengths of about 6 to 40%. In the future, this system will be used to monitor acute effects that are too fast for previous systems and will also increase the statistical power when dealing with chronic changes. Furthermore, we plan on expanding its functionality to measure the propagation of the contractile activity.
Vibrating probe analysis of teleost opercular epithelium: correlation between active transport and leak pathways of individual chloride cells

We have utilized the vibrating probe technique to examine transport by individual chloride cells in the short-circuited fish opercular epithelium. Variability in the steady, state and in response to rapid perturbations, including fast-acting hormones and ion replacement, was analyzed. Negative short-circuit currents, corresponding to chloride secretion, were associated with the apical crypts of all but five of 386 chloride cells sampled. Average chloride cell short-circuit current and conductance were 2.7±0.1 nA and 87.7±3.8, nS, respectively, or 19 mA cm−2 and 620 mS cm−2 (resistance=1.6 Ω cm2) when normalized to apical crypt surface area. Exposure to 1 μm epinephrine rapidly inhibited the tissue short-circuit current by inhibiting the current pumped by all chloride cells, i.e. all chloride cells have adrenergic receptors. The time course of inhibition for each cell mirrored that of the whole tissue. Reversal of epinephrine inhibition of the tissue short-circuit current by glucagon and phosphodiesterase inhibition was by reversal of epinephrine's inhibition of individual chloride cells, and not by turning on cells which were previously inactive or uninhibited, or by stimulating nonchloride cells. A great amount of variability existed among chloride cells in the ability of these agents to reverse epinephrine-inhibited current. Likewise, considerable variability in the response of chloride cell conductance to these perturbations was observed, and in many instances a clear dissociation between current and conductance was noted. In the steady state, variability among cells in a single tissue always defined a linear relationship between chloride cell current and conductance with zero-current conductance intercept at zero. Equivalent circuit modeling indicates that the leak conductance of chloride cells within a single tissue always contributes the same proportion to the total individual chloride cell conductance, such that the ratio between the conductances of the active and leak pathways of chloride cells is constant. The leak pathway is almost certainly dominated by a sodium-selective paracellular pathway. The results suggest that these cells control the permeability of their paracellular pathway. A possible mechanism for this control is discussed.
On the ranking problem

Observed rankings of objects can be treated as arising from a time dependent probability process. Under such circumstances, associations observed are an indication of the character of this underlying process. In the particular example treated in some detail here, a quantity related to Kendall's tau is found to have an important role and its properties are examined.
Control of selectivity via nanochemistry: monolithic capillary column containing hydroxyapatite nanoparticles for separation of proteins and enrichment of phosphopeptides.

New monolithic capillary columns with embedded commercial hydroxyapatite nanoparticles have been developed and used for protein separation and selective enrichment of phosphopeptides. The rod-shaped hydroxyapatite nanoparticles were incorporated into the poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) monolith by simply admixing them in the polymerization mixture followed by in situ polymerization. The effect of percentages of monomers and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles in the polymerization mixture on the performance of the monolithic column was explored in detail. We found that the loading capacity of the monolith is on par with other hydroxyapatite separation media. However, the speed at which these columns can be used is higher due to the fast mass transport. The function of the monolithic columns was demonstrated with the separations of a model mixture of proteins including ovalbumin, myoglobin, lysozyme, and cytochrome c as well as a monoclonal antibody and its aggregates with protein A. ...
Expression and localization of sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1) in monkey retina

Sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1) is a mitochondrial P-450 enzyme with broad substrate specificity for C27 sterols including 7-ketocholesterol (7kCh). CYP27A1 is widely expressed in human tissues but has not been previously demonstrated in the retina. In this study, we examined the expression and localization of CYP27A1 in the monkey retina where it localized mainly to the photoreceptor inner segments. CYP27A1 was also observed in Muller cells with faint immuno staining detected in the RPE and choriocapillaris. We also determined that the 27-hydroxylation of 7-ketocholesterol (27OH7kCh) rendered it non-toxic to cultured RPE cells. Moreover, the 27OH7kCh when mixed with 7-ketocholesterol significantly reduced the toxicity of 7-ketocholesterol. These data, when taken in context of the known functions of CYP27A1 imply that expression in the retina serves to modify the biological activity of oxidized sterols that are either transported or generated locally by photo-oxidation.
Interaction of cytochrome c with lipid monolayers.

Abstract Cytochrome c was permitted to react with several lipid monolayers in which surface pressure, lipid charge and unsaturation were varied. Cytochrome c interaction with the films caused increased surface pressures, and the magnitude and rate of surface pressure change were compared under a variety of experimental conditions. Large surface pressure changes were associated with more expanded films, whereas greater rates of surface pressure change were associated with favorable charge interaction between cytochrome c and the films. Under the most favorable conditions, rates of surface pressure change were limited principally by protein diffusion to the interface. From these data, it is suggested that unsaturation in lipids of biological membranes may help stabilise non-polar protein-lipid interactions, whereas charge interaction may facilitate and direct initial binding of protein to membranes.
The Origins and Development of the Andean State

The Origins and Development of the Andean State. Johnathan Haas eds., Sheila Pozorski and Thomas Pozorski (eds.). New Directions In Archaeology. Cambridge:Cambridge University Press, 1987. 200 pp., graphs, maps, sketches, Index. $42.50 (cloth). ISBN 0-521-33102-1
Primary cutaneous lymphoma with a nodular pattern in infancy

We present the first reported case of primary lymphoma with a nodular pattern in infancy, accompanied by a detailed histopathological study. The diagnosis is based upon unquestionable histopathological data. Remarkable are the macroscopic findings of the lesion, the very young age of the patient, and the Burkitt's lymphoma-like appearance of the lesion in addition to the nodular pattern. Another case of cutaneous nodular lymphoma in an infant was previously reported by Traggis et al. but without a detailed histopathological description. These two cases, in consideration of the rarity of nodular lymphoma in children, promote speculative considerations, especially in regard to etiology and therapy.
Projection tensor formalism for stationary axisymmetric gravitational fields

A two-dimensional projection tensor formalism for treating spacetimes with two commuting Killing vectors is presented and its use is illustrated by two examples\char22{}an alternative proof of a sufficient condition for such a spacetime to be orthogonally transitive and an application to the Rainich-Misner-Wheeler geometrization of the electromagnetic field to derive a result previously obtained by Michalski and Wainright. Finally, the admissible Petrov types are investigated and it is proved, in particular, that all vacuum fields with two commuting orthogonally transitive Killing vectors ${{\ensuremath{\xi}}_{0}}^{\ensuremath{\mu}}$ and ${{\ensuremath{\xi}}_{1}}^{\ensuremath{\mu}}$ satisfying $\mathrm{det}({\ensuremath{\xi}}_{a}^{\ensuremath{\mu}}{\ensuremath{\xi}}_{b\ensuremath{\mu}})\ensuremath{\ne}\mathrm{const}$, except the van Stockum metric (which is in general type II), are either type I or type D.
Incommensurate ground states of the commensurate Peierls-Hubbard Hamiltonian : superlattice phases in the MX compounds

Abstract We study a two-band Peierls-Hubbard model for halogen-bridged mixed-valence transition metal linear chain complexes (MX chains). Electron-electron correlations (both Hubbard and PPP-like expressions) are incorporated using several techniques. A sequence of long period (non-2k F , superlattice) phases is found to occur even at exactly commensurate filling as the strength of on-site electron-phonon coupling is varied. These phases are understood as ordering of “bipolaronic” defects with respect to the commensurate 2k F or other states. Such long period phases may have been observed in MX chains via STM experiments [1]. The superlattice phases are analogous to intrinsic twinning textures. The effect of including the electron-phonon in addition to the electron-electron interaction on the polaron/bipolaron (real space pairing) competition is especially interesting when this class of compounds is viewed as a 1-D analog of high T c superconductors.
ESR measurement of time-dependent and equilibrium volumes in red cells

Red cell water volumes were measured using ESR methods during transient osmotic perturbation, and under equilibrium conditions. Cell water contents were determined using the spin label Tempone (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidine-N-oxyl) and the membrane impermeable quencher potassium chromium oxalate. With appropriate corrections for intracellular viscosity and changes in cavity sensitivity, equilibrium cell water measured both by electron spin resonance (ESR) and wet minus dry weight methods gave excellent agreement in solutions from 243-907 mOsm. Intracellular viscosities determined from the Tempone correlation times in the same cells gave values ranging from 9-47 centipoise at 21 degrees C. Osmotically induced transient volume changes were measured using Tempone and an ESR stopped-flow configuration. The Tempone response time was estimated at 17 msec compared to 250-350 msec for normal water relaxations. Nonlinear least square solutions to the Kedem-Katchalsky equations including a correction for the finite Tempone permeability gave 0.029 and 0.030 cm/sec for the osmotic permeability of RBCs in swell and shrink experiments, respectively. In stopped-flow experiments accurate water flux data are obtained very soon after challenging cells and do not require baseline subtractions. These results represent significant improvements over conventional light scattering techniques which necessitate corrections for long lasting optical artifacts (200-300 msec), and baseline drifts.
Evidence for locally synthesized and clonally restricted immunoglobulin in the synovial fluid from rheumatoid arthritis patients.

In this study, we examined the immunoglobulin (Ig) present in synovial fluid (SF) from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to determine if it was locally produced and to assess the presence of clonally restricted (oligoclonal) immunoglobulin. We studied SF/serum pairs from 55 RA patients and 23 patients with degenerative joint disease (DJD). We found increases in total protein, IgG, IgA, and IgM in RA vs DJD SF (P < 0.01). The immunoglobulin present in RA appeared to be locally produced as evidenced by significant increases (P < 0.01) in the immunoglobulin indices. Regression analysis among the levels of IgG, IgA, and IgM RF and the Ig indices suggested that only a minority of the locally synthesized Ig present was specific for RF. To provide evidence of clonal restriction, we further analyzed the SF specimens by isoelectric focusing and assessed the presence of oligoclonal bands present only in RA SF. In 7/55 RA specimens (13%) we found unique SF IgG bands. All bands were of similar isoelectric point (pI), being quite cathodic with pI greater than 7.5. Our evidence supports synthesis of Ig within RA synovium, with a minority of patients showing prominent and unique SF Ig bands. This suggests an oligoclonal response in SF of some patients, but polyclonal Ig synthesis in most.
How Does Product Recovery Affect Quality Choice

We study the impact of product recovery on a firm's product quality choice, where quality is defined as an observable performance measure that increases a consumer's valuation for the product. We consider three general forms of product recovery: (i) when product recovery reuses (after reprocessing) quality inducing components or material (e.g., remanufacturing), (ii) when product recovery does not reuse quality inducing components or material but it is overall profitable (e.g., cell phone recycling), and (iii) when product recovery is costly (but mandated by legislation, e.g., recycling of small appliances in the European Union). Using a stylized economic model, we show that the form of product recovery, recovery cost structure, and the presence of product take-back legislation play an important role in quality choice. Generally speaking, product recovery increases the firm's quality choice, except for some instances of recovery form (ii). In addition, we find that product take-back legislation can lead to higher quality choice as opposed to voluntary take-back. We further demonstrate that both the firm and the consumers benefit from recovery form (ii), while both are worse off with recovery form (iii). However, environmental implications of the three recovery modes differ from their impact on consumer surplus and firm profit. While recovery forms (i) and (iii) reduce consumption and increase environmental benefits, the same is not true with recovery form (ii), which can increase consumption, potentially resulting in higher environmental impact.
The Crystal and Molecular Structure of Chlorocarbonyltris (Phenyldimethylphosphine) Iridium (I). Chemical Implications of a Long Iridium-Chlorine Bond

Abstract Sir: We have recently reported that the addition of excess PMe2Ph to a solution of IrCl(CO) (PMe2Ph)2 resulted in spectral changes which were interpreted in terms of the formation of the tris(phosphine) complex, IrCl(CO) (PMe2Ph)3 (1).1 The further observation1 that the apparent rate of oxidative addition of H2 to 1 was higher than to IrCl(CO)(PMe2Ph)2 was unexpected in view of prior demonstrations that other five-coordinate d 8 complexes are intrinsically unreactive toward H2 and related substrates, the oxidative additions of such molecules generally being accomplished through mechanisms involving prior dissociation to reactive four-coordinate complexes.2–4 One possible interpretation of this unusual reversal of reactivity is that depicted by equation (1) according to which 1 is in equilibrium, through dissociation of the Cl− ligand, with a highly reactive four-coordinate ion pair [Ir(CO) (PMe2Ph)3]+Cl−.5 In the light of these considerations the isolation of 1 and the determination of its struct...
Productivity and firm size in India

Are smaller firms more productive? Intuitively, while small firms have the advantage of more flexible management and lower response time to market changes, larger firms have the advantages of economies of scale, political clout and better access to government credits, contracts and licenses, particularly in developing countries. Using a panel dataset from a commercially available database of financial statements of manufacturing firms in India, we find that firms in the lowest quintile of the asset distribution that invest in research and have better liquidity are most productive. The Indian manufacturing sector, characterized by both large scale public and private firms as well as numerous smaller firms, provides an ideal setting. Our findings are robust to alternative definitions of size, alternative estimation methods and alternative estimates of total factor productivity.
Time-varying estimates of the natural rate of unemployment: a revisitation of Okun’s law

Abstract The low unemployment/low inflation environment of the 1990s has spawned a resurgence of interest in the economy’s natural rate of unemployment. This paper develops time-varying natural rate estimates by using the Okun’s Law relationship between employment and output. The estimates are robust to alternative measures of the business cycle, and differ qualitatively and quantitatively from estimates of the NAIRU, which are typically backed out of a reduced-form Phillips curve. Despite these differences, natural rate estimates display similar utility in forecasting inflation as NAIRU estimates derived from the past history of inflation itself.
Regional lymph node and pulmonary metastases after local hyperthermia of melanomas in C57BL/6 mice.

Abstract The effects of local tumor hyperthermia on regional lymph node metastases are inconclusive. We studied the effects of hyperthermia on the incidence of popliteal, femoral, and abdominal lymph node metastases in C57BL/ 6 mice with primary B16 melanomas (F10 variant) growing subcutaneously in the left foot. Tumors were heated to 42.3, 43.5, and 44.2°C for 90 minutes either 7 days after inoculation of 5 × 10 4 viable cells (microscopic tumor=mc) or when the tumors were approximately 3 mm in diameter (macroscopic tumor=mac). Femoral lymph node metastases occurred in 021 control animals and in 822 (36%), 1119 (58%), and 1117 (65%) animals whose primary tumors were heated to 42.3, 43.5, and 44.2°C, respectively. For all three treatments, the increase in metastases as compared to controls was statistically significant ( p p > 0.02, p p p
Early Prenatal Stress Epigenetically Programs Dysmasculinization in Second-Generation Offspring via the Paternal Lineage

Studies have linked sex-biased neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and schizophrenia, with fetal antecedents such as prenatal stress. Further, these outcomes can persist into subsequent generations, raising the possibility that aspects of heritability in these diseases involve epigenetic mechanisms. Utilizing a mouse model in which we previously identified a period in early gestation when stress results in dysmasculinized and stress-sensitive male offspring, we have examined programming effects in second-generation offspring of prenatally stressed (F2-S) or control (F2-C) sires. Examination of gene expression patterns during the perinatal sensitive period, when organizational gonadal hormones establish the sexually dimorphic brain, confirmed dysmasculinization in F2-S males, where genes important in neurodevelopment showed a female-like pattern. Analyses of the epigenomic miRNA environment detected significant reductions in miR-322, miR-574, and miR-873 in the F2-S male brain, levels that were again more similar to those of control females. Increased expression of a common gene target for these three miRNAs, β-glycan, was confirmed in these males. These developmental effects were associated with the transmission of a stress-sensitive phenotype and shortened anogenital distance in adult F2-S males. As confirmation that the miRNA environment is responsive to organizational testosterone, neonatal males administered the aromatase inhibitor formestane exhibited dramatic changes in brain miRNA patterns, suggesting that miRNAs may serve a previously unappreciated role in organizing the sexually dimorphic brain. Overall, these data support the existence of a sensitive period of early gestation when epigenetic programming of the male germline can occur, permitting transmission of specific phenotypes into subsequent generations.
Distribution of Adenosine-5’-Diphosphatase Activity in the Lactating Bovine Mammary Gland

A Ca2+- and Mg2+-stimulated adenosine-5’-diphosphatase has been found in lactating bovine mammary glands. The enzyme is associated with membranes of mitochondrial, microsomal, and Golgi apparatus fractions. The pH activity curves for the Golgi apparatus and microsomal fractions display two distinct maxima, one at pH 5.8 and the other between pH 7.4 and 8.4. Studies with activators and inhibitors indicate the enzyme is similar to adenosine-5’-diphosptlatase found in other tissues. Its occurrence in the Golgi apparatus fraction indicates a possible role for this enzyme in the milk secretory process, particularly in ATP cycling in vesicles. Its occurrence in the microsomal fraction suggests a role in
Brain Damage, Light-to-Cycle Ratio and Flicker Detection

Summary Impaired flicker detection throughout the visual fields of brain-damaged S s has been shown to be due to both specific and non-specific effects. To account for the latter it was hypothesized that neural elements of the damaged CNS have a lengthened refractory period to stimulation. If so, variations in light-to-cycle ratio should lead to maximal differences between brain-damaged and control Ss under high light ratio conditions (less time to recover) and minimal differences under low light ratio conditions (more time to recover). Sixteen brain-damaged and 16 control male adult patients had thresholds measured under five light-to-cycle ratios (.10 to .90) at the central binocular and 30° temporal threshold points. All main effects were significant but there were no significant interactions involving groups. An alternative hypothesis was advanced in which non-specific flicker deficits are ascribed to lowered states of tonic excitation in the injured brain.
Persistent Transgene Expression and Normal Differentiation of Immortalized Human Keratinocytes In Vivo

Cells transduced ex vivo with transgenes encoded on retroviruses have constant and prolonged expression in vitro; however, in vivo expression is quickly lost. Much attention has been directed at methods to circumvent this problem. We have shown that loss of transgene expression does not occur when transduced immortalized 3T3 cells are transplanted to the in vivo setting of athymic mice. Ease of acquisition and potential for clinical application led us to assess the potential of using immortalized human keratinocytes for expression of transgenes in vivo. Human keratinocytes were immortalized with a HPV16-E6/E7 retrovirus, transduced with a lacZ retrovirus, cloned by limiting dilution, seeded onto a physiologic dermal substrate, and transplanted to athymic mice. Six weeks after transplantation, the immortalized transgene expressing keratinocytes had formed an epidermis that was indistinguishable from one formed by nonimmortalized keratinocytes; furthermore, there was no loss of expression of the lacZ gene. These observations show that methods to extend cell survival are an alternative approach to achieving stable and prolonged expression of transgenes in vivo and that HPV16-E6/E7 immortalized keratinocytes generate an epidermis with normal morphology.
Editorial Column---Launching Service Science

[Excerpt] According to Dictionary.com, service is defined as "an act of helpful activity; the supplying of utilities or commodities; the providing of accommodation and activities required by the public; or the supplying of public communication and transportation." Dictionary.com, s.v. "service," http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/service (accessed February 12, 2012). Numerous academic definitions of service can be found in the literature. The consensus is that performing an action that results in a benefit for an entity essentially defines a service, and the value of the service largely depends on what, when, where, and how the process of relevant service activities gets executed.
Against photographic deception 1

The context and caption of a photograph often suggest that the content described is real. When this happens an assertion is made—at least implicitly. Newspapers provide such a context, and viewers naturally understand news photographs assertively. If in such a context, the content described is not real, then the viewer is likely to be deceived. Willful viewer deception is practiced by photographers in a variety of common situations in which it is unjustifiable.
Detection of system changes due to damage using a tuned hyperchaotic probe

This study explores the use of a hyperchaotic signal as an excitation to probe a system for dynamic changes induced by damage events. In chaotic interrogation a deterministic chaotic input (rather than the more commonly employed stochastic white noise input) is applied to the structure and the dynamic response is mined for features derived from its state space reconstruction. The steady-state chaotic excitation is tuned to excite the structure in a way that optimal sensitivity to dimensionality changes in the response may be observed, resulting in damage-sensitive features extracted from the resulting attractors. The enhanced technique proposed in this paper explores a hyperchaotic excitation, which is fundamentally new in its use as an excitation. Hyperchaotic oscillators have at least two Lyapunov exponents, in contrast to simple chaotic oscillators. By using the Kaplan–Yorke conjecture and performing a parametric investigation, the steady-state hyperchaotic excitation is tuned to excite the structure in such a way that the optimal (as will be defined) dimensionality of the steady-state response is achieved. A feature called the 'average local attractor variance ratio' (ALAVR), which is based on attractor geometry, is used to compare the geometry of a baseline attractor to a test attractor. The enhanced technique is applied to analytically and experimentally analyze the response of an eight-degree-of-freedom system to the hyperchaotic excitation for the purpose of damage assessment. A comparison between the results obtained from current hyperchaotic excitation versus a chaotic excitation highlights the higher damage sensitivity in the system response to the hyperchaotic excitation.
A Study of Bisulfate Adsorption on PT(111) Single Crystal Electrodes Using In-situ Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

Abstract Subtractively normalized interfacial Fourier transform spectroscopy (SNIFTIRS) has yielded the first spectroscopic evidence that bisulfate anion adsorption is associated with the anomalous peaks seen in the cyclic voltammetry of Pt(111) in sulfuric acid. The infrared data indicates that the beginning of bisulfate anion adsorption coincides with the onset of the anomalous peak region ( $ +0.15 V vs. SCE in 0.05 M H2SO4. The same IR spectra afford no evidence of sulfate anion adsorption on the Pt(111) single crystal electrode, over the potential range studied (−0.26 to +0.70 V vs. SCE). Over this same potential region the adsorbed bisulfate absorption peak frequency showed a strong potential dependence. This increase in peak frequency with increasingly positive potentials is rationalized using molecular orbital arguments.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse among the Elderly: Is Being Alone the Key?

Despite the rising incidence of drug and alcohol abuse among the elderly, information concerning the social and psychological factors fostering such abuse is scanty and potentially biased toward th...
Music and the origins of language : theories from the French Enlightenment

Acknowledgements Introduction 1. Music and language 2. Origins 3. Music theory and the genealogy of knowledge in Condillac's Essai sur l'origine des connaissances humaines 4. Music and original loss in Rousseau's Essai sur l'origine des langues 5. Sensible sounds: music and theories of the passions Conclusion Biography Index.
Impedance-based power-system analysis using a spreadsheet

A procedure is presented for applying circuit-analysis techniques to perform noniterative power system analysis with a microcomputer spreadsheet. Balanced three-phase conditions are assumed, and an expanded-radial system is employed to show examples of spreadsheet cell allocations and formulae. It is shown that the solution is not as flexible as iterative and load flow programs. However, the spreadsheet approach offers a high degree of convenience as it produces adequate analysis results using software that is readily available for microcomputers. The outcomes of system modifications are observed quickly because the spreadsheet offers recalculation immediately after data entry. >
Absorber Alignment Measurement Tool for Solar Parabolic Trough Collectors

As we pursue efforts to lower the capital and installation costs of parabolic trough solar collectors, it is essential to maintain high optical performance. While there are many optical tools available to measure the reflector slope errors of parabolic trough solar collectors, there are few tools to measure the absorber alignment. A new method is presented here to measure the absorber alignment in two dimensions to within 0.5 cm. The absorber alignment is measured using a digital camera and four photogrammetric targets. Physical contact with the receiver absorber or glass is not necessary. The alignment of the absorber is measured along its full length so that sagging of the absorber can be quantified with this technique. The resulting absorber alignment measurement provides critical information required to accurately determine the intercept factor of a collector.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Massively parallel actuation

The paper examines the design and control opportunities presented by systems with large numbers of small, two-state actuators acting in parallel. An array of two-state actuators, i.e., a bundle of binary actuators, can be regarded as a simplified model of biological muscle. The development of micro-electromechanical systems has shown a great potential for building mechanical elements in a very small scale. However, there are some other issues for integrating a parallel array system that cannot be solved by advances of material research alone. From the mechanical designer's point of view, large numbers of active elements have to be deployed at appropriate locations in the system. For control purposes, if a binary system is intended, the mathematical model can be very different from that of hyper-redundant manipulators. In addition to theoretical development, two experiments, one for investigating static problems and one for investigating dynamic problems, are also described.
Self-protective anti-Gz straining maneuvers (AGSM) physiology

Results on anti-G straining maneuvers (AGSM), which utilize the 3-5 second duration increase in arterial pressure which can be produced by a proportionate increase in airway pressures, are presented. Previous studies have confirmed that the successive Valsalva and positive pressure breathing maneuvers can be performed safely when used simultaneously with a G suit and are as effective and less fatiguing than the M-1, particularly when used with a counter-pressure chest jerkin; this has established these two as the AGSMs of choice for pilot training. It is further noted that, although the M-2 maneuver is very revealing concerning the neurogenic, hemodynamic determinants of Gz tolerances in relaxed healthy humans, it is not practical for tactical, operational use. A safer, effective self-protective strategem, the F-1 maneuver, is recommended for training purposes and operational trails. >