cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Concepts and measures of the economic value of environmental quality: A review*

In recent years, considerable advances have been made in the theory and measurement of the economic value of environmental quality. Theoretically appropriate measures of the economic value of environmental quality include Hicksian compensating surplus and equivalent surplus. These economic value measures are known as exact welfare measures. Techniques for estimating exact welfare measures include the Marshallian consumer's surplus approximation approach, integrability approach, utility specification approach, experimental market approach, and the policy referendum approach. The first three approaches have been applied using the travel cost method. The experimental market approach and policy referendum approach have been applied using laboratory experiments and field contingent valuation surveys. Value estimates reported in this paper include the economic value of air quality, water quality, and landscape aesthetics. The magnitude of the values reported suggests that environmental quality is of considerable economic value to individuals. Thus, it is important to consider individual economic values when conducting benefit-cost analyses of policies and programs which affect environmental quality. The valuation of environmental quality using exact welfate measure theory and techniques is likely to expand in the future.
Epigenetic changes associated with inflammation in breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy

Inflammation has been associated with fatigue during and after various types of breast cancer treatments. We examined whether prior chemotherapy was associated with DNA methylation patterns that could explain persisting inflammation and/or fatigue in women treated for breast cancer. Prior to breast radiation therapy, DNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 61 Stage 0-IIIA breast cancer patients who had received partial mastectomy with or without chemotherapy. DNA methylation was assessed at >485,000 CpG sites across the genome along with fatigue and plasma inflammatory markers previously associated with fatigue. Compared to non-chemotherapy-treated, women who had received chemotherapy exhibited significantly decreased methylation at eight CpG sites (p < 1.03 × 10−7) including four in exon 11 of transmembrane protein 49 (TMEM49), which demonstrated the largest decreases in methylation. Lower methylation at each identified CpG site was associated with increased plasma soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (sTNFR2) and interleukin (IL)-6 and mediated the relationship between chemotherapy and increases in these inflammatory biomarkers adjusting for multiple clinical and treatment characteristics. sTNFR2, but not CpG methylation status, was correlated with fatigue. Six months after breast radiation therapy, DNA methylation, inflammatory biomarkers and fatigue assessments were repeated in a subset of subjects (N = 39). Reduced methylation in 4 of the 8 identified CpG sites was still observed in chemotherapy versus non-chemotherapy-treated patients, albeit with some decay indicating the dynamic and potentially reversible nature of the changes. Reduced methylation in these 4 CpG sites also continued to correlate with either increased sTNFR2 or IL-6, but not fatigue. In conclusion, prior chemotherapy treatment was associated with decreased methylation of CpG sites in DNA from PBMCs of breast cancer patients, which correlated with increased inflammatory markers prior to and 6 months after radiation therapy. Persisting epigenetic changes secondary to chemotherapy may be one factor that contributes to inflammation and its consequences including cancer-related fatigue in vulnerable breast cancer patients.
Electro-Optical Field Mapping

As a result of the discovery of an unusually large electro-optical effect in certain colloidal solutions of bentonite it has become possible to study and measure inhomogeneous electric fields by an optical method which is analogous to that of photoelasticity. Observations with crossed Polaroids show two orthogonal systems of lines. The isoclinic lines determine the field direction, the isochromatic lines give the field intensity in any point, of a plane field. The method employs a.c. potentials of less than 200 volts.
An on-line correlator for electroencephalography.

Abstract A digital on-line correlator especially designed for EEG applications is described and its modus operandi briefly outlined. It is inexpensive, easy to use and intrinsically reliable.
Ability of Polymerase η and T7 DNA Polymerase to Bypass Bulge Structures

DNA misalignment occurs in homopolymer tracts during replication and can lead to frameshift mutations. Polymerase (pol) recognition of primer-templates containing bulge structures and the transmission of a bulge through a polymerase binding site or replication complex are important components of frameshift mutagenesis. In this report, we describe the interaction of the catalytic core of pol η with primer-templates containing bulge structures by single round primer extension. We found that pol η could stabilize a frayed primer terminus, which enhances its ability to extend primer-templates containing bulges. Based on methylphosphonate-DNA mapping, pol η interacts with the single strand template but not appreciably with the template strand of the DNA stem greater than two nucleotides from the primer terminus. These latter characteristics, combined with the ability to stabilize a frayed primer terminus, may explain why primer-templates containing template bulges are extended so efficiently by pol η. Although pol η could accommodate large bulges and continue synthesis without obstruction, bulge structures in the template, but not in the primer, caused termination of the T7 DNA replication complex. Terminations occurred when the template bulge neared the helix-loop-helix domain of the polymerase thumb. Terminations were not observed, however, when bulge structures approached the site of interaction of the DNA with the extended thumb and thioredoxin. At low temperature, however, terminations did occur at this site.
Habitat use in basking Northern water (Nerodia sipedon) and Eastern garter (Thamnophis sirtalis) snakes in urban New Jersey

The habitat use of basking northern water (Nerodia sipedon) and Eastern garter (Thamnophis sirtalis) snakes was examined along the Raritan Canal, an urbanized area of central New Jersey. There were significant differences between the two species with respect to cloud cover, canopy cover, and the distance to the path and the water, but not with respect to percent of the body exposed to the sun, and percent of the snake that was visible. Water snakes were more likely to bask on bushes, branches and logs than were garter snakes. Garter snakes basked when both the air and water temperature were lower than did water snakes. The lack of basking sites in the water suggests that those along shore are important, including the low hanging branches used by the watersnakes.
Nonlinear Wheelset Forces in Flange Contact—Part 1: Steady State Analysis and Numerical Results

A theoretical model for steady-state wheelset force/displacement relations in tread and flange contact is presented. The analysis includes nonlinear geometric constraints that characterize wheel/rail contact, creep forces in the contact plane due to wheel/rail differential velocities, limits on adhesion at each contact point, and equilibrium conditions applied to the wheelset body forces. Results are summarized as the resultant lateral force and yaw moment acting on the wheelset as functions of lateral position and yaw angle. The results of this analysis are important to the analysis of wheelset response to track inputs, curving performance, and wheelclimb derailment.
Modal Composition of Two Facies of the Carnmenellis Granite

Modal analyses of nine specimens of Ghosh's Type I and six specimens of his Type II Carnmenellis granite indicate that there is no significant difference between the average compositions of these two facies.
The use of "war games" to enhance high-risk clinical decision-making in students and residents.

Abstract Background Initial studies found that residents and students performed poorly in simple clinical scenarios. We hypothesized that repeated simulations in the “war games” format would improve performance. Methods Participants included medical students and residents on the trauma and surgical intensive care unit (SICU) services. Subjects were given a nursing report of an unstable patient and asked to verbalize management of the situation. Responses were transcribed and graded. Results Eighty subjects and 5 experts participated in 227 simulations. Naive medical students, postgraduate year (PGY)-1, and PGY-2+ subjects performed worse than experts ( P Discussion We have designed an educational system that rapidly enhances the cognitive performance of students and residents. This may represent an important tool in assessing and enhancing the competencies of medical trainees in a safe environment.
A paired comparison of two models of experimental retinal ischemia.

Increased intraocular pressure and vascular ligation models are often used in studies of global ocular ischemia. The purpose of this study is to perform a paired comparison of retinal recovery in these paradigms. Our data indicate that ERG b-wave recovery profiles, following identical periods of ischemia, differ significantly between models. We propose that increased intraocular pressure models induce greater retinal injury than vascular ligation models.We suggest that pressure or another aspect of the increased intraocular pressure model induces injury beyond that caused by ischemia alone and caution against direct comparison of results obtained using these two models.
Pilot study on the efficacy of an ondansetron- versus palonosetron-containing antiemetic regimen prior to highly emetogenic chemotherapy

Purpose Nausea and vomiting are among the most feared complications of chemotherapy reported by patients. The objective of this study was to establish the overall complete response (CR; no emesis or use of rescue medication 0–120 h after chemotherapy) with either ondansetron- or palonosetron-containing antiemetic regimens in patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC).
Relation between incremental intrinsic capacitances and transconductances in MOS transistors

The ratio of intrinsic substrate and gate capacitances is related to the ratio of substrate transconductance to gate transconductance for a long-channel MOS transistor in strong inversion. It is shown that under certain assumptions the two ratios are approximately equal.
In vivo Liver Endocytosis Followed by Purification of Liver Cells by Liver Perfusion

The liver is the metabolic center of the mammalian body and serves as a filter for the blood. The basic architecture of the liver is illustrated in figure 1 in which more than 85% of the liver mass is composed of hepatocytes and the remaining 15% of the cellular mass is composed of Kupffer cells (KCs), stellate cells (HSCs), and sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs). SECs form the blood vessel walls within the liver and contain specialized morphology called fenestrae within in the cytoplasm. Fenestration of the cytoplasm is the appearance of holes (˜100 μm) within the cells so that the SECs act as a sieve in which most chylomicrons, chylomicron remnants and macromolecules, but not cells, pass through to the hepatocytes and HSCs 1 (Fig. 1). Due to the lack of a basement membrane, the gap between the SECs and hepatocytes form the Space of Disse. HSCs occupy this space and play a prominent role in regulation and response to injury, storage of retinoic acid and immunoregulation of the liver 2. SECs are among the most endocytically active cells of the body displaying an array of scavenger receptors on their cell surface 3. These include SR-A, Stabilin-1 and Stabilin-2. Generally, small colloidal particles less than 230 nm and macromolecules in buffer phase are taken up by SECs, whereas, large particles and cellular debris is endocytosed (phagocytosed) by KCs 4. Thus, the bulk clearance of extracellular material such as the glycosaminoglycans from blood is largely dependent on the health and endocytic functions of SECs 5,6. For example, an increase in blood hyaluronan levels is indicative of liver disease ranging from mild to more severe forms 7. With the exception of one report 8, there are no immortalized SEC cell lines in existence. Even this immortalized cell line is de-differentiated in that it does not express scavenger receptors that are present on primary SECs (our data, not shown). All cell biological studies must be performed on primary cells obtained freshly from the animal. Unfortunately, SECs dedifferentiate under standard culture conditions and must be used within 1 or 2 days upon isolation from the animal. Differentiation of SECs is marked by the expression of Stabilin-2 or HARE receptor 9 , CD31, and the presence of cytoplasmic fenestration 1. Differentiation of SECs can be extended by the addition of VEGF in culture media or by culturing cells in hepatocyte conditioned medium 10,11. In this report, we will demonstrate the endocytic activity of SECs in the intact organ using radio-labeled heparin for hyaluronan for the SEC-specific Stabilin-2 receptor. We will then purify hepatocytes and SECs from the perfused liver to measure endocytosis.
Benefit Segmentation: A Useful Tool for Financial Investment Services

ABSTRACT The paper reports a useful approach, benefit segmentation, for financial investment services. This approach differs from previous segmentation studies which usually partition financial services customers based on consumer demographics or the characteristics of financial institutions. Using an empirical study as an example, the authors show how a segmentation procedure based on benefits sought can be useful for financial services and other service organizations.
Alcohol Use, Abuse, and Treatment in People of African Descent

The use and abuse of alcohol is prevalent in many nations across the globe, but few studies have examined within-group differences found in people of African descent in the United States, in Africa, and in the Caribbean. A review of current research about alcohol use, abuse, and treatment in people of African descent is presented, including information about risk factors and contributors to alcohol use. Examples of education and prevention interventions are also described. Finally, conclusions based on the review of the research literature as well as recommendations for future research are explained.
Insights into the Conformation of Aminofluorene-Deoxyguanine Adduct in a DNA Polymerase Active Site

The active site conformation of the mutagenic fluoroaminofluorene-deoxyguanine adduct (dG-FAF, N-(2′-deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-7-fluoro-2-aminofluorene) has been investigated in the presence of Klenow fragment of Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I (Kfexo−) and DNA polymerase β (pol β) using 19F NMR, insertion assay, and surface plasmon resonance. In a single nucleotide gap, the dG-FAF adduct adopts both a major-groove- oriented and base-displaced stacked conformation, and this heterogeneity is retained upon binding pol β. The addition of a non-hydrolysable 2′-deoxycytosine-5′-[(α,β)-methyleno]triphosphate (dCMPcPP) nucleotide analog to the binary complex results in an increase of the major groove conformation of the adduct at the expense of the stacked conformation. Similar results were obtained with the addition of an incorrect dAMPcPP analog but with formation of the minor groove binding conformer. In contrast, dG-FAF adduct at the replication fork for the Kfexo− complex adopts a mix of the major and minor groove conformers with minimal effect upon the addition of non-hydrolysable nucleotides. For pol β, the insertion of dCTP was preferred opposite the dG-FAF adduct in a single nucleotide gap assay consistent with 19F NMR data. Surface plasmon resonance binding kinetics revealed that pol β binds tightly with DNA in the presence of correct dCTP, but the adduct weakens binding with no nucleotide specificity. These results provide molecular insights into the DNA binding characteristics of FAF in the active site of DNA polymerases and the role of DNA structure and sequence on its coding potential. Background: DNA lesions in different sequence contexts exhibit alternate conformations. Results: DNA adduct conformation is differentially modulated by DNA structure, DNA polymerase, and the presence of an incoming nucleoside triphosphate. Conclusion: Adduct conformation is influenced by binding of a non-hydrolysable nucleotide to pol β but not Klenow fragment. Significance: Adduct conformation and coding potential is modulated by constraints imposed by the polymerase active site.
An α-disconnected space has no proper monic preimage

Abstract All spaces are compact Hausdorff. α is an uncountable cardinal or the symbol ∞. A continuous map τ:X→Y is called an α-SpFi morphism if τ-1(G) is dense in X whenever G is a dense α-cozero set of Y. We thus have a category α-SpFi (spaces with the α-filter) which, like any category, has its monomorphisms; these need not be one-to-one. For general α, we cannot say what the α-SpFi monics are, but we show, and R.G. Woods showed, that ∞-SpFi monic means range-irreducible. The main theorem here is: X has no proper α-SpFi monic preimage if and only if X is α-disconnected. This generalizes (by putting in α = ∞) the well-known fact: X has no proper irreducible preimage if and only if X is extremally disconnected. If, in our theorem, we restrict to Boolean spaces and apply Stone duality, we have the theorem of R. Lagrange, that in Boolean α-algebras, epimorphisms are surjective. The theory of spaces with filters has a lot of connections with ordered algebra—Boolean algebras of course, but also lattice-ordered groups and frames. This paper is a contribution to the development of this topological theory.
CONTEXT EFFECTS AND REFERENCE STANDARDS WITH MAGNITUDE ESTIMATION AND THE LABELED MAGNITUDE SCALE

Contextual shifts were observed for sweetness of a fruit beverage and for estimated tactile roughness of sandpapers. Midrange stimuli were judged to be less intense in the context of stronger items and more intense in the context of weaker items, a contrast effect. The use of a reference standard decreased the size of the contrast shift for the labeled magnitude scale but not for magnitude estimation.
"Chemo brain"--is cancer survivorship related to later-life cognition? Findings from the health and retirement study.

Objective: Studies have shown a correlation between cancer and cognition referred to as “chemo brain.” This study investigated the relationship between cancer and later-life cognition using nationa...
Procedurally rational experimentation in infinite-horizon games - summary for TARK VIII

Standard notions of equilibrium in infinite-horizon interactions support a course of action by the players' beliefs that a deviation will be "punished". Along the equilibrium path, players optimize with respect to their beliefs and thus never realize these punishments. In the case of infinitely repeated games with complete information, this approach often results in "Folk Theorem". Under the solution concept of Nash Equilibrium (NE), for example, every individually rational payoff profile can be approximated arbitrarily closely by a pure-strategy NE, by properly fixing the punishments that sustain equilibrium behavior.
Signaling the trustworthiness of small online retailers

Abstract One of the major challenges facing all online retailers, especially small online retailers, is how to initiate consumer trust. This study examines the nature of this unique type of consumer trust by proposing the concept of “cue-based trust.” It also examines the signaling role of various cues in building initial trust and the behavioral consequences involved. A 2 5–1 factorial experiment was conducted with sample size of 402 to explore the signaling effects of five cues of interest in this study: seals of approval, return policy, awards from neutral sources, security disclosures, and privacy disclosures. The online study supported the signaling roles of most of these cues. Findings can be summarized as follows: (a) security disclosures and awards from neutral sources were found to enhance cue-based trust which, in turn, positively influenced two behavioral responses—bookmarking intentions and willingness to provide personal information, and (b) seals of approval and privacy disclosures were found to directly encourage consumers’ willingness to provide personal information while awards from neutral sources were found to directly encourage bookmarking intentions. Implications for online retailers and future theoretical studies are discussed.
The role of leadership and management in six southern public health partnerships: a study of member involvement and satisfaction

Research has led to greater understanding of what is needed to create and sustain well-functioning public health partnerships. However, a partnership's ability to foster an environment that encourages broad member involvement in discussions, decision making, and activities has received scant empirical attention. This study examined the relationship between partnership members' perceptions of how well leadership and management facilitated their involvement, and their satisfaction with their role and influence within the partnership. Data came from 60 individuals who participated in two waves of a quantitative process evaluation of six southern interorganizational partnerships, formed as part of a national pilot project to increase cervical and breast cancer screening rates. Results suggested that environments fostering broad partner involvement were associated with measures of member satisfaction, controlling for other partnership characteristics. Findings indicated that facilitation of member involvement deserves increased consideration from researchers and practitioners as an indicator of the quality of partnership functioning.
SOLAR RADIATION ESTIMATION ON BUILDING ROOFS AND WEB-BASED SOLAR CADASTRE

The aim of this study is the estimation of solar irradiance on building roofs in complex Alpine landscapes. Very high resolution geometric models of the building roofs are generated by means of advanced automated image matching methods. Models are combined with raster and vector data sources to estimate the incoming solar radiation hitting the roofs. The methodology takes into account for atmospheric effects, site latitude and elevation, slope and aspect of the terrain as well as the effects of shadows cast by surrounding buildings, chimneys, dormers, vegetation and terrain topography. An open source software solution has been developed and applied to a study area located in a mountainous site and containing some 1250 residential, commercial and industrial buildings. The method has been validated by data collected with a pyranometer and results made available through a prototype WebGIS platform.
Intelligent high-voltage high-power ballast IC

The ballast IC which includes 625 V high-side gate driver, lamp control function, protection circuitry and power MOSFETs for the half-bridge is proposed using a cost-effective 9SIP package. This IC detects output swing of the inverter and automatically controls the switching time to meet ZVS operation. The additional benefit of active ZVS control, the IC can protect the system from an open load or abnormal load conditions. When it drives two 35 W lamps, the efficiency is 89.3% including the power consumption of a PFC circuit.
LARGE CROSS-SECTIONS FOR W+W− AND Z0Z0 PAIRS AND COLOR SEXTET QUARKS

Dynamical electroweak symmetry breaking by a chiral condensate of color sextet quarks is expected to produce large cross-sections for W+W− and Z0Z0 pairs due to direct QCD production. Cross-section estimates based on a combination of chiral and diffractive scaling arguments are shown to be consistent with the candidate events observed at CERN. Other implications of sextet quarks for QCD dynamics and for Grand Unification are also briefly described.
Long term safety of sacral nerve modulation in medicare beneficiaries.

Aims Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is FDA approved as second-line therapy for both urinary and bowel control. However, there is limited evidence regarding long term safety. We determined adverse events associated with SNS among Medicare beneficiaries. Methods We used the 5% national random sample of Medicare claims for 2001–2011 to identify patients. Patients who underwent SNS implantation were identified with Current Procedure Terminology (CPT-4) codes. We determined safety of SNS using analysis of complication occurrences on day of surgery and during 5 years following initial procedure. SAS v9.3 statistical package was used. Results One thousand four hundred seventy-four patients underwent treatment with SNS in the 5% national sample of Medicare patients within the time period. Representative of real-world patients undergoing SNS surgery, comorbidities included hypertension (69.3%), diabetes (29.4%), chronic pulmonary disease (25.5%), hypothyroidism (25.2%), and depression (22.7%). Few complications occurred on day of surgery. At 90 days, 3.2% of patients had bowel complications, 2.0% urological, 9.4% infectious, and 1.5% stroke. Overall, bowel, neurological health event occurrences were consistent with prior year rates, while infectious events decreased. Of 206 patients who were followed for at least 5 years, 17.3% had devices removed and 11.3% replaced, with 26.1% having at least one of those, leaving 73.9% with original devices. Conclusions Urological, infectious, and bowel complication occurrences were low after SNS among Medicare beneficiaries with multiple comorbidities. There were infrequent serious complications like hemorrhage and stroke postoperatively. Although SNS appears safe in this high-risk population, a comprehensive registry will ensure continuous safety. Neurourol. Urodynam. 34:???–???, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The influence of morphological awareness on the literacy development of first-grade children.

Purpose The purpose of this study was twofold. First, we investigated whether first-grade children evidenced morphological awareness and whether they used their knowledge of morphological relations...
Representing control in the presence of first-class continuations

Languages such as Scheme and Smalltalk that provide continuations as first-class data objects present a challenge to efficient implementation. Allocating activation records in a heap has proven unsatisfactory because of increased frame linkage costs, increased garbage collection overhead, and decreased locality of reference. However, simply allocating activation records on a stack and copying them when a continuation is created results in unbounded copying overhead. This paper describes a new approach based on stack allocation that does not require the stack to be copied when a continuation is created and that allows us to place a small upper bound on the amount copied when a continuation is reinstated. This new approach is faster than the naive stack allocation approach, and it does not suffer from the problems associated with unbounded copying. For continuation-intensive programs, our approach is at worst a constant factor slower than the heap allocation approach, and for typical programs, it is significantly faster. An important additional benefit is that recovery from stack overflow is handled gracefully and efficiently.
Preventing the onset of major depressive disorder: A meta-analytic review of psychological interventions

Background Depressive disorders are highly prevalent, have a detrimental impact on the quality of life of patients and their relatives and are associated with increased mortality rates, high levels of service use and substantial economic costs. Current treatments are estimated to only reduce about one-third of the disease burden of depressive disorders. Prevention may be an alternative strategy to further reduce the disease burden of depression. Methods We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials examining the effects of preventive interventions in participants with no diagnosed depression at baseline on the incidence of diagnosed depressive disorders at follow-up. We identified 32 studies that met our inclusion criteria. Results We found that the relative risk of developing a depressive disorder was incidence rate ratio = 0.79 (95% confidence interval: 0.69–0.91), indicating a 21% decrease in incidence in prevention groups in comparison with control groups. Heterogeneity was low (I2 = 24%). The number needed to treat (NNT) to prevent one new case of depressive disorder was 20. Sensitivity analyses revealed no differences between type of prevention (e.g. selective, indicated or universal) nor between type of intervention (e.g. cognitive behavioural therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy or other). However, data on NNT did show differences. Conclusions Prevention of depression seems feasible and may, in addition to treatment, be an effective way to delay or prevent the onset of depressive disorders. Preventing or delaying these disorders may contribute to the further reduction of the disease burden and the economic costs associated with depressive disorders.
Free convection film boiling heat transfer from a rotating surface

A boundary layer model of laminar, subcooled, free convection film boiling from a rotating sphere has been developed. The conservation equations for the vapor and liquid were simplified, transformed into ordinary differential equations using an integral approach, and solved numerically. The theoretical variation of vapor film thickness with heater temperature and the resulting boiling fluxes were investigated. An experimental facility was built for the purpose of verifying the validity of the theoretical model and good agreement was found between the model and the experimental data at low rpm. The instability of the vapor film near the minimum heat flux for a rotating surface flux was also investigated.
Amyloid–β-related angiitis presenting as a uveomeningeal syndrome

A 59-year-old man had a 2-month history of nonfluctuating encephalopathy. He initially presented acutely with fevers, headaches, and word-finding difficulties. The sedimentation rate was elevated with a bland CSF and normal MRI head. Body CT showed diffuse pulmonary interstitial thickening with patchy opacification. Following treatment for pneumonia, there was resolution of fevers. No infectious etiology was identified. Within days of discharge, he developed bilateral uveitis, which was successfully treated with corticosteroid eyedrops and oral acyclovir. One month later, he developed confusion and unsteadiness. Repeat MRI was reportedly normal; body CT showed resolution of lung changes but diffuse lymphadenopathy persisted. A lymph node biopsy, reviewed at our institution, showed nonspecific reactive changes and fibrosis. Due to progressive encephalopathy and worsening headaches 2 months after symptom onset, the patient presented to our institution. On examination, he scored 30/38 on the Kokmen short test of mental status,(1) losing points for attention and immediate and delayed recall. Funduscopy revealed bilateral disc edema. He had mild appendicular ataxia and impaired tandem walk. The remainder of the examination was normal.
Orthotopic urinary diversion in the elderly

Introduction Age is an established risk factor for developing bladder cancer and is associated with increased stage and worse treatment outcomes. Furthermore, elderly patients who require radical cystectomy are more likely to undergo an incontinent urinary diversion compared with younger patients.
River Variability and Complexity

Preface Acknowledgements Part I. Background: 1. Introduction 2. Types of rivers 3. Non-regime channels Part II. Upstream Controls: 4. History 5. Tectonics and relief 6. Lithology 7. Climate: hydrology 8. Humans Part III. Fixed Local Controls: 9. Bedrock: alluvium 10. Tributaries 11. Active tectonics 12. Valley morphology Part IV. Variable Local Controls: 13. Floods 14. Vegetation 15. Accidents Part V. Downstream Controls: 16. Base-level 17. Length Part VI. Rivers and Humans: 18. Applications 19. Some unintended consequences 20. River impact on ancient civilisations: a hypothesis References Index.
Role of soluble epoxide hydrolase phosphatase activity in the metabolism of lysophosphatidic acids.

The EPXH2 gene encodes for the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), which has two distinct enzyme activities: epoxide hydrolase (Cterm-EH) and phosphatase (Nterm-phos). The Cterm-EH is involved in the metabolism of epoxides from arachidonic acid and other unsaturated fatty acids, endogenous chemical mediators that play important roles in blood pressure regulation, cell growth, inflammation and pain. While recent findings suggested complementary biological roles for Nterm-phos, its mode of action is not well understood. Herein, we demonstrate that lysophosphatidic acids are excellent substrates for Nterm-phos. We also showed that sEH phosphatase activity represents a significant (20–60%) part of LPA cellular hydrolysis, especially in the cytosol. This possible role of sEH on LPA hydrolysis could explain some of the biology previously associated with the Nterm-phos. These findings also underline possible cellular mechanisms by which both activities of sEH (EH and phosphatase) may have complementary or opposite roles.
Organizational capabilities in e-commerce: An empirical investigation of e-brokerage service providers

E-commerce not only has tremendous potential for growth but also poses unique challenges for both incumbents and new entrants. By examining drivers of firm performance in e-commerce from a capabilities perspective, the authors conceptualize three firm capabilities that are critical for superior firm performance in e-commerce: information technology capability, strategic flexibility, and trust-building capability. The extent and nature of market orientation is conceptualized as a platform for leveraging e-commerce capabilities. The authors test the effects of e-commerce capabilities on performance (e.g., relative profits, sales, return on investment) using data from 122 e-brokerage service providers. The results indicate that information technology capability and strategic flexibility affect performance given the right market orientation.
Microencapsulated 3-Dimensional Sensor for the Measurement of Oxygen in Single Isolated Pancreatic Islets

Background Oxygen consumption reflects multiple processes in pancreatic islets including mechanisms contributing to insulin secretion, oxidative stress and viability, providing an important readout in studies of islet function, islet viability and drug testing. Due to the scarcity, heterogeneity, and intrinsic kinetic properties of individual islets, it would be of great benefit to detect oxygen consumption by single islets. We present a novel method we have developed to image oxygen in single islets. Methodology/Principal Findings Using a microfluidics system, individual islets and a fluorescent oxygen-sensitive dye were encased within a thin alginate polymer layer. Insulin secretion by the encapsulated islets was normal. Fluorescent signal from the encased dye, detected using a standard inverted fluorescence microscope and digital camera, was stable and proportional to the amount of oxygen in the media. When integrated into a perifusion system, the sensing system detected changes in response to metabolic substrates, mitochondrial poisons, and induced-oscillations. Glucose responses averaged 30.1±7.1% of the response to a metabolic inhibitor (cyanide), increases were observed in all cases (n = 6), and the system was able to resolve changes in oxygen consumption that had a period greater than 0.5 minutes. The sensing system operated similarly from 2–48 hours following encapsulation, and viability and function of the islets were not significantly affected by the encapsulation process. Conclusions/Significance An oxygen-dependent dye situated around and within a pancreatic islet encapsulated by a thin layer of alginate was sensitive to changes in oxygen consumption, and was not harmful to the function or viability of islets over the course of two days. The microcapsule-based sensing method is particularly suited to assessing the effects of compounds (dose responses and time courses) and chronic changes occurring over the course of days. The approach should be applicable to other cell types and dyes sensitive to other biologically important molecules.
Lab Rearing of a Freshwater Polychaete (Manayunkia speciosa, Sabellidae) Host for Salmon Pathogens

Abstract The freshwater polychaete Manayunkia speciosa serves as the obligate intermediate host for the myxosporean parasites Ceratomyxa shasta and Parvicapsula minibicornis, which adversely affect the survival and freshwater production of juvenile salmon in the Klamath River and elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest USA. Scant information on the life history of the polychaete and inability to maintain individuals in culture has hindered development of management strategies to control disease outbreaks in Klamath River salmon. Through trial-and error- manipulations of food and water sources, culture environments and water velocities, we established conditions that allowed us to maintain M. speciosa in culture over a 10-mo period. In lab culture, eggs and young were brooded within the maternal tube for a 6–8 wk period during which 5 developmental stages were distinguished. Peak egg production occurred in late spring-early summer, with each female brooding up to 35 offspring. Juveniles left the maternal tube a...
MESSENGER Heritage: High-temperature Technologies for Inner Solar System Spacecraft

Spacecraft missions to the inner solar system require specialized thermal protection and designs to withstand the intense heat associated with proximity to the Sun. The MESSENGER (MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, Geochemistry, and Ranging) spacecraft, designed, built, and tested by The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, was launched on August 2, 2004, on a mission to orbit the planet Mercury for one year. High-temperature technology and specialized thermal designs were developed for MESSENGER’s telecommunications, power, guidance and control, and thermal control subsystems. MESSENGER milestones in these as areas may be applicable to such future missions as Solar Sentinels, Solar Orbiter, and BepiColombo.
MARINE INTERTIDAL ORGANISMS FOUND IN EXPERIMENTAL CLEARINGS ON SHELTERED SHORES, GULF OF MAINE, USA

Experimental clearings in macroalgal (Ascophyllum nodosum) stands were established in 1996 to determine if mussel beds and macroalgal stands on protected intertidal shores of New England represent alternative community states. Circular clearings 1, 2, 4, and 8 m in diameter were made in Ascophyllum stands at 12 sites on Swan's Island, Maine, USA. Each site also had an uncleared control. The sites are nested within four bays. The purpose of this data set is to provide access to data on densities and percent cover in the 60 experimental plots from 1996 to 2002. Data include densities of mussels (Mytilus edulis and Modiolus modiolus), an herbivorous limpet (Tectura testudinalis), herbivorous snails (Littorina littorea, Littorina obtusata), a predatory snail (Nucella lapillus), a barnacle (Semibalanus balanoides), and fucoid algae (Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus), and percent cover by mussels, barnacles, and fucoids. Published analyses of the data set show that succession depends on clearing size and not on site-specific differences. Ecological Archives E087-047
DIOPHANTINE APPROXIMATION IN IMAGINARY QUADRATIC FIELDS

Let H3 be the upper half-space model of the three-dimensional hyperbolic space. For certain cocompact Fuchsian subgroups Γ of an extended Bianchi group Bd, the extremality of the axis of hyperbolic F ∈ Γ in H3 with respect to Γ implies its extremality with respect to Bd. This reduction is used to obtain sharp lower bounds for the Hurwitz constants and lower bounds for the highest limit points in the Markov spectra of Bd for some d < 1000. In particular, such bounds are found for all non-Euclidean class one imaginary quadratic fields. The Hurwitz constants for the imaginary quadratic fields with discriminants -120 and -132 are given. The second minima are also indicated for these fields.
Diet preference in the House Sparrow Passer domesticus: hooked on millet?

Capsule House Sparrows preferred millet over seeds of prairie forbs and grasses native to the USA. By reducing the abundance and availability of some grains, changing agricultural practices may contribute to the population declines of House Sparrows seen in some parts of their range.
Evaluation of bacterial contamination of dental unit waterlines and use of a newly designed measurement device to assess retraction of a dental chair unit.

Introduction Dental unit waterline (DUWL) output water is delivered through instruments of a dental chair unit (DCU) to irrigate and cool teeth. However, these waterlines can be heavily contaminated with bacteria. Aim The purpose of the present study was to assess retraction and investigate the contamination level and prevalence of bacteria in DUWL output water. Methods Fifty-eight DCUs were randomly selected from 30 hospitals in 10 districts of Tianjin, one of the four special municipalities of China. A unique sampling connector was used in place of the dental handpiece to collect water samples. Evaluation of retraction was accomplished using a retraction measurement device designed in accordance with the International Standard ISO 7494-2:2015(E). Results A total of 263 water samples were collected, and the highest concentration of bacteria [1.8 × 106 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL] was found in the handpiece group. Thirty (51.72%) water samples in the handpiece group and 21 (36.21%) in the air/water syringe groups were cultured, yielding colony counts of > 500 CFU/mL. Potential infectious agents, such as Bacillus cereus, Kocuria kristinae and Pseudomonas fluorescens, were isolated from the water samples. Thirty (51.72%) DCUs failed the retraction evaluation. There was a significant, positive correlation (P < 0.05) between the concentration of bacteria in the water sample and the retracted volume. Conclusion It is of paramount importance to increase compliance with the standards for controlling DUWL contamination. Routine microbial monitoring and evaluation of retraction are necessary to provide high-quality water for use in dental treatment.
The Mommy Trek? Working Womens Choices

A quarter century after Felice Schwartz urged companies to craft policies accommodating parental responsibilities or risk losing talented women, many highly educated women are leaving traditional careers. Is the 21 st century workplace experiencing a Mommy Trek foreshadowed by Schwartzs recommendation for a Mommy Track? What choices are todays working women making? Do things turn out as planned? Will Family Friendly programs keep women from leaving? This paper presents results of a study conducted to explore the Mommy Trek.
Slave resistance and the abolition of the trans-Atlantic slave trade to Brazil in 1850

Debate exists over the reasons for the demise of the trans-Atlantic slave trade to Brazil in 1850. An “Enlightenment School” of historians highlights the political capacity of Brazilian statesmen. Th is perspective discounts slave resistance as infl uencing the decisions of high-ranking ministers in Rio de Janeiro. A “Subaltern School” views slave resistance as a key variable in causing a permanent halt to disembarkations. In the wake of the Revolt of the Males in 1835 in Salvador, Bahia, the largest urban slave revolt in the history of the Americas, numerous observers called for an end to the slave trade. Th ese individuals emphasized that continued importations boded ill for the empire. Th is essay posits that the arrival of thousands of African slaves to Brazil in the 1830s and 1840s caused severe social tensions. Elite and popular insecurity were particularly evident in the cities of Recife, Pernambuco, Salvador, Bahia and Rio de Janeiro. Several events caused a shift in opinion among high-ranking ministers and common folk by the late 1840s. Th e appearance of the British Squadron in Brazilian ports and along the coast heightened resistance among slaves and freedpersons. Slave revolts, slave conspiracies, fear of Muslim religion and distrust of African freedpersons forced representatives to seek a permanent halt to the slave trade.
Near-complete suppression of surface recombination in solar photoelectrolysis by "Co-Pi" catalyst-modified W:BiVO4.

The influence of an earth-abundant water oxidation electrocatalyst (Co-Pi) on solar water oxidation by W:BiVO4 has been studied using photoelectrochemical (PEC) techniques. Modification of W:BiVO4 photoanode surfaces with Co-Pi has yielded a very large (∼440 mV) cathodic shift in the onset potential for sustained PEC water oxidation at pH 8. PEC experiments with H2O2 as a surrogate substrate have revealed that interfacing Co-Pi with these W:BiVO4 photoanodes almost completely eliminates losses due to surface electron–hole recombination. The results obtained for W:BiVO4 are compared with those reported recently for Co-Pi/α-Fe2O3 photoanodes. The low absolute onset potential of ∼310 mV vs RHE achieved with the Co-Pi/W:BiVO4 combination is promising for overall solar water splitting in low-cost tandem PEC cells, and is encouraging for application of this surface modification strategy to other candidate photoanodes.
Your Coronary Calcium Scan Is Positive: Now What?

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scanning by computed tomography is commonly performed as a screening test for coronary artery disease (CAD) risk assessment in clinical practice. For asymptomatic individuals without known CAD who are at intermediate to high risk, CAC scanning is assigned a “may be
The Formative Years, Economic Hardship, and Beliefs about the Government’s Role in Lessening Poverty

Existing research on beliefs about government efforts to lessen poverty is limited in two important ways. First, explanations of beliefs about antipoverty efforts largely focus on current contexts. By emphasizing contemporary contexts, existing research overlooks the potentially profound effect of past experiences. Second, most existing research relies on cross-sectional data, which limits understandings of within person change. In the research presented here, I use both cross-sectional and panel data from the General Social Survey to (1) examine how past experiences shape an individual’s belief about what the government should do about poverty, and (2) examine whether beliefs about the government’s role in helping the poor are sensitive to changes in micro and macroeconomic hardship. Drawing on theories related to the formative years and event-driven changes, I find that experiences during late adolescence, increases in macro-level economic hardship, and increases in individual hardship all influence support for government efforts to lessen poverty; however, current objective and subjective economic position is particularly important. Moreover, I find variation in support across different types of government responses to poverty. In particular, “welfare” is uniquely unpopular, and support for welfare is less responsive to generational experiences or changes in individual-level hardship.
On Nature Reserve Cutting-forbidden-law——A Case Study of the National Nature Reserve of Mount Tianmu

The ban on cutting in natual reserves is significant to protect the biodiversity,but it allows no flexibility so that biodiversity in the natural reserves like Mount Tianmu are being threatened.This paper analyses the actual situation of the forest ecosystem management,proposes suggestions on how to amend the law and the procedure in order to provide fund to support the natural reserves,better local people's life and improve the landscape there.