cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does a preoperative medically supervised weight loss program improve bariatric surgery outcomes? A pilot randomized study

Many insurance payors mandate that bariatric surgery candidates undergo a medically supervised weight management (MSWM) program as a prerequisite for surgery. However, there is little evidence to support this requirement. We evaluated in a randomized controlled trial the hypothesis that participation in a MSWM program does not predict outcomes after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in a publicly insured population. This pilot randomized trial was conducted in a large academic urban public hospital. Patients who met NIH consensus criteria for bariatric surgery and whose insurance did not require a mandatory 6-month MSWM program were randomized to a MSWM program with monthly visits over 6 months (individual or group) or usual care for 6 months and then followed for bariatric surgery outcomes postoperatively. Demographics, weight, and patient behavior scores, including patient adherence, eating behavior, patient activation, and physical activity, were collected at baseline and at 6 months (immediately preoperatively and postoperatively). A total of 55 patients were enrolled in the study with complete follow-up on 23 patients. Participants randomized to a MSWM program attended an average of 2 sessions preoperatively. The majority of participants were female and non-Caucasian, mean age was 46 years, average income was less than $20,000/year, and most had Medicaid as their primary insurer, consistent with the demographics of the hospital’s bariatric surgery program. Data analysis included both intention-to-treat and completers’ analyses. No significant differences in weight loss and most patient behaviors were found between the two groups postoperatively, suggesting that participation in a MSWM program did not improve weight loss outcomes for LAGB. Participation in a MSWM program did appear to have a positive effect on physical activity postoperatively. MSWM does not appear to confer additional benefit as compared to the standard preoperative bariatric surgery protocol in terms of weight loss and most behavioral outcomes after LAGB in our patient population.
Silicone/amine resin hybrid materials as abrasion resistant coatings

Hydroxyl organofunctional silicone solutions were prepared by acid-catalyzed hydrolysis and condensation of tetraalkoxysilanes, alkoxysilane modified organic compounds, and hydroxyl functional trialkoxysilanes or epoxy functional silanes. These silicone solutions were mixed with methoxylated urea formaldehyde and methoxylated melamine formaldehyde to form silicone/amine resin hybrids and applied on bisphenol A polycarbonate substrates as coatings. After thermal curing at 100−125 °C for 2−3 h, several optically transparent hard coatings with excellent abrasion resistance were obtained.
Some properties of allophycocyanin from a thermophilic blue-green alga

Abstract Allophycocyanin was purified from the extremely thermophilic blue-green alga Synechococcus lividus . It was shown to be more stable to thermal or urea denaturation than allophycocyanin from a mesophilic organisms. Its amino acid composition and spectroscopic response to pH were investigated. An analysis was made of the relatively low fluorescence polarization of allophycocyanin compared to that of a comparable sized aggregate of the biliprotein, C-phycocyanin. A rather speculative conclusion was reached that suggests that the lower polarization of allophycocyanin may be caused by orientations or positioning of the chromophores that are more favorable for intra-protein energy transfer.
Positive and Negative Potential Responses associated with Vertebrate Photoreceptor Cells

IN a previous paper it was shown, by means of an electrophoretic staining technique, that negative d.c. potentials, similar to the S potentials of fish retinae, can be recorded from, the inner segments of photoreceptor cells during retinal illumination1. These responses were referred to as photoreceptor potentials. The present communication describes positive potential responses which appear to be associated with the negative d.c. potentials and which may also represent the activity of photoreceptor cells. The experimental animal used in these investigations was the common mud puppy, Necturus maculosus. The recording micro-electrodes were usually filled with 3 M potassium chloride, although a few contained a saturated aqueous solution of trypan blue which could be electrophoretically deposited in the impaled structure after recording its light-elicited response. In these experiments the eye remained in its orbit while the micro-electrode was introduced into the retina from the vitreous by means of a mechanical micromanipulator. More complete details of the experimental procedure are given elsewhere1.
Least-Squares Estimation with Unknown Excitations for Damage Identification of Structures

System identification and damage detection for structural health monitoring of civil infrastructures have received considerable attention recently. Time domain analysis methodologies based on measured vibration data, such as the least-squares estimation and the extended Kalman filter, have been studied and shown to be useful. The traditional least-squares estimation method requires that all the external excitation data (input data) be available, which may not be the case for many structures. In this paper, a recursive least-squares estimation with unknown inputs (RLSE-UI) approach is proposed to identify the structural parameters, such as the stiffness, damping, and other nonlinear parameters, as well as the unmeasured excitations. Analytical recursive solutions for the proposed RLSE-UI are derived and presented. This analytical recursive solution for RLSE-UI is not available in the previous literature. An adaptive tracking technique recently developed is also implemented in the proposed approach to track the variations of structural parameters due to damages. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed approach is capable of identifying the structural parameters, their variations due to damages, and unknown excitations.
Cancer Treatment Involving Oncolytic Viruses

Abstract Viruses capable of inducing lysis of malignant cells through their replication process are known as “oncolytic” viruses. Clinical trials in oncology have been performed with oncolytic viruses for nearly fifty years. Both systemic and intratumoral routes of administration have been explored. Toxicity has generally been limited to injection site pain, transient fever, and tumor necrosis. Responses with early crude materials were usually short in duration; however, recent trials with gene-attenuated viruses suggest a more prolonged duration of responses.
Property taxation, congestion, and local public goods

Abstract The residential property tax has been viewed as a congestion fee, even if it distorts housing decisions. This paper shows that the rule for a competitive jurisdiction's optimal public good supply may be written in a form in which no such role appears. Congestion costs enter the cost side of this rule in the same way that they enter when only a land tax is available. The new rule is reconciled with an alternative rule in the literature, which contains no congestion costs.
Human alpha-fetoprotein in the epidermal cells of Bowen's disease.

Human alpha-fetoprotein (HAFP) was demonstrated in clusters of atypical cells of an extensive Bowen's disease involving the pubic area. Frozen sections were studied by indirect immunofluorescence using monospecific rabbit anti-HAFP antiserum or purified rabbit anti-HAFP antibody followed by staining with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled goat anti-rabbit γ-globulin and by a direct technique using FITC-labeled rabbit anti-HAFP Fab2 fragments. Sections of fetal liver served as positive controls and sections of adult human skin and liver were used as negative controls. Preabsorption of the anti-HAFP antibodies with purified HAFP blocked the fluorescence. This finding adds Bowen's disease to the list of premalignant disorders which possess HAFP as an oncofetal marker of their malignant potential. HAFP might possibly enhance malignant behavior through interference with cellular immunosurveillance mechanisms.
Hybrid structural/acoustic control of a subscale payload fairing

During launch, spacecraft experience severe acoustic and vibration loads. Acoustic loads are primarily transmitted through the shroud or payload fairing of the launch vehicle. In recent years, there has been a trend towards using lighter weight and extremely stiff structures such as sandwich construction and grid-stiffened composites in the manufacturing of payload fairings. While substantial weight savings can be achieved using these materials, the problem of acoustic transmission is exacerbated. For this reason, the Air Force Research Laboratory has been actively engaged in vibroacoustic research aimed at reducing the acoustic and vibration levels seen by payloads during launch. This paper presents experimental results for the simultaneous structural and acoustic cavity mode control of a sub-scale composite isogrid payload fairing structure. In this experiment, actuation is performed through the use of both an internal speaker as well as piezoceramic strain actuators located on the outer skin of the composite structure. Sensing is accomplished using a microphone as well as a piezoelectric strain sensor. The control approach presented in this paper is a decentralized frequency domain approach which makes use of a series of independent control loops. One loop uses the microphone and speaker, while additional loops use the piezoelectric sensors and actuators. The control algorithm consists of independent second-order Positive Position Feedback (PPF) controllers tuned to reduce the magnitude of each cavity mode. A PPF filter in conjunction with an extremely sharp bandpass filter is used on the structural mode of limit spillover. This approach leads to a substantial reduction in the acoustic transmission in the range of 0 - 800 Hz. Transmission coincident with the primary cavity modes of the system are reduced in magnitude by 26 and 9 dB respectively while the structural model that is responsible for the majority of transmission is reduced by approximately 7 dB.
Long-term oral phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor therapy alleviates recurrent priapism

Abstract Objectives Recurrent ischemic priapism describes a disorder of repeated episodes of prolonged penile erection that frequently leads to devastating complications of erectile tissue damage and erectile dysfunction. A mechanistic role for dysregulated phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) in the deranged smooth muscle response of the corpus cavernosum of the penis offers new understanding about the pathogenesis of the disorder and suggests that PDE5 may serve as a molecular target for its treatment and prevention. We explored the use of PDE5 inhibitors to treat recurrent priapism, based on the hypothesis that the erection regulatory function of PDE5 would be regularized by this treatment and protect against further episodes. Methods We administered PDE5 inhibitors using a long-term therapeutic regimen to 3 men with sickle cell disease-associated priapism recurrences and 1 man with idiopathic priapism recurrences. Results Long-term PDE5 inhibitor treatment alleviated priapism recurrences. Conclusions These observations support the hypothesis that PDE5 dysregulation exerts a pathogenic role for priapism associated with hematologic dyscrasias, as well as idiopathic priapism. Although these preliminary findings suggest that continuous, long-term PDE5 inhibitor therapy may be useful as a preventative strategy for priapism, additional evaluation in the form of a controlled clinical trial is needed.
Ectopic Expression of reg Protein: A Marker of Colorectal Mucosa at Risk for Neoplasia

Pancreatic regenerating gene (reg I) messenger RNA is overexpressed within the pancreas following injury and resection. Its level of expression corresponds to the level of cellular dedifferentiation. Human reg I has been localized to chromosome 2p12, and ectopic expression of its mRNA has been found within colorectal tumors. We postulated that colorectal production of reg I might either be a marker for the presence of cancer or define mucosa at risk for development of neoplasia. Using a monoclonal antibody to reg I, regenerating gene protein was histochemically mapped in 56 cases of documented colorectal adenocarcinoma. In sections of colon from normal control subjects no reg I protein was noted, whereas 58.9% of the specimens from cancer patients stained positive for reg I. Although a correlation was noted between reg I staining and Dukes' stage, there was no correlation with histologic grade or 5-year patient survival. In 39 of 55 cancer specimens the transition zone (interface) between the neoplasm and normal mucosa was visualized; 100% of the transition zones contained cells that stained strongly positive for reg I. We conclude that reg I protein is ectopically expressed in colorectal mucosa at the transition zone of colorectal cancer, and occasionally within the tumor itself. Although ectopic reg I expression in colorectal epithelia is not a marker for the presence of carcinoma, it may be a sensitive marker for mucosa at risk for development of neoplasia.
A Combined Static/Dynamic Technique for Damage Detection of Laminated Composite Plates

There is a growing demand to develop viable techniques for effective damage detection of composite structures, and the dynamics-based approach has been broadly used in structural health monitoring. A new combined static/dynamic technique for improved damage detection of laminated composite plates is presented. The promise of the technique is that under the sustaining static load, the abnormality of dynamic response due to damage may become more pronounced and easy to be detected. The experimental program consists of testing an E-glass/epoxy composite plate with an embedded delamination under a pre-set static compressive force, and the dynamic response of laminated composite plates is measured using two different actuator–sensor systems: (1) PZT (lead–zirconate–titanate) actuators and scanning laser vibrometer (SLV) sensing system (PZT–SLV), and (2) PZT actuators and Polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF) sensors (PZT–PVDF). The influence of sustaining static forces to dynamic response of delaminated composite plates is evaluated. The numerical finite element (FE) analysis is also conducted to verify the effectiveness of this technique. The experimental and numerical mode shapes are used to detect the presence, location, and size of the delamination and to study the effect of static load on dynamic response. Two relatively new damage detection algorithms (i.e., Simplified Gapped Smoothing Method (GSM) and Generalized Fractal Dimension (GFD)) are employed to analyze the Uniform Load Surface (ULS) calculated from the experimental and numerical data. From the dynamic response and analysis results using the damage detection algorithms, it is observed that as the sustaining static load increases, the delamination is much easier to be identified through the enlarged damage parameters. The present combined static/dynamic technique is capable of magnifying the effect of damage, thus improving the effectiveness of damage detection.
Robust adaptive control of bilinear plants

A robust model reference adaptive control scheme for bilinear plants with bounded disturbances is developed. Global stability of the closed-loop adaptive system is guaranteed by using a switching-σ modified adaptive law. In the absence of disturbances, the tracking error is shown to go to zero asymptotically with time.
The intermediate cisterna of the sarcoplasmic reticulum of skeletal muscle.

The intermediate cisterna is a portion of junctional SR. Its anatomical delineation depends on the geometry of the free SR, which itself may vary between a cisternal and the conventional tubular form. The characteristic narrowness of the intermediate cisterna may reflect a functional state in which the cisternal envelope collapses. Tubular SR resists such a collapse because it is near the minimum radius of curvature of its membranes. Total collapse, induced by cations, occurs only in cisternal SR. Freeze-fracture showed identical collapse in quick-frozen muscle fibers not exposed to fixation or cryoprotectants. Total collapse of the SR envelope was also observed in isolated SR vesicles, provided their diameters had previously been considerably enlarged by fusion of several vesicles. The SR may oscillate between different geometries in vivo , perhaps as a result of cation fluctuations during the contraction—relaxation cycle.
Oak overstory/reproduction relations in two xeric ecosystems in Michigan

Abstract Average reproduction density of oaks in the northern pin oak-black oak/Deschampsia (PBD) ecosystem was approximately half that of the slightly less xeric black oak-white oak/Vaccinium (BWV) ecosystem. However, when variation in total overstory basal area and the basal area of large oaks (i.e. white oaks, of 30 cm diameter at breast height (dbh) or more and black oaks of 36 cm dbh or more) was accounted for, reproduction density of white oak and the black oak species-group (black, northern red, and northern pin oaks) did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) between ecosystems. High white oak reproduction density was associated with low stand basal area and high basal area of white oaks of 30 cm dbh or more. In contrast, high black oak reproduction density was associated with high overstory basal area and high basal area of black oaks of 36 cm dbh or more. In both ecosystems, the height of the tallest stem of oak reproduction per 5.5 m2 plot increased with decreasing overstory density for both white oak and black oaks. For a given overstory density, the frequency of occurrence of all size classes of oak reproduction was greater in the black oak-white oak/Vaccinium ecosystem than in the pin oak-black oak/Deschampsia ecosystem.
Magnetic pinning in superconductor-ferromagnet multilayers

We argue that superconductor/ferromagnet multilayers of nanoscale period should exhibit strong pinning of vortices by the magnetic domain structure in magnetic fields below the coercive field when ferromagnetic layers exhibit strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. The estimated maximum magnetic pinning energy for single vortex in such a system is about 100 times larger than the pinning energy by columnar defects. This pinning energy may provide critical currents as high as 106−107 A/cm2 at high temperatures (but not very close to Tc) at least in magnetic fields below 0.1 T.
Span and rate of apprehension in children and adults.

Abstract Children and adults quantified random patterns of dots, under unlimited exposure duration. For adults and children two distinct processes appear to operate. For adults the quantification of collections of from one to three dots is essentially errorless, and proceeds at the rate of 46 msec per item, while the quantification rate for from 4 to 10 dots is 307 msec per dot. For children the same operating ranges appear to hold, however children are much slower. The lower slope is 195 msec per dot, while the upper is 1049. Although the results for adults and children are similar except for the overall rates, the nature of the isomorphism between children and adults is unclear.
Conjugate Three-Dimensional Natural Convection Heat Transfer from a Horizontal Cylinder with Long Transverse Plate Fins

Steady three-dimensional conjugate natural convection heat transfer from a horizontal isothermal cylinder with infinitely large transverse nonisothermal fins is studied numerically. The complete Navier-Stokes equations are solved using a vorticity-vector potential approach. Results are obtained for a Rayleigh number of 103 and a Prandtl number of 5. Effects of the variation of fin spacing and fin conduction are studied. Two limits of this problem at a large fin spacing are an infinitely long isothermal free cylinder and an infinitely large vertical conducting plate fin with a circular isothermal heat source. Results are compared against both limits and the latter limit is used to develop a correlation for the local heat transfer from the fin. It is found that heat is transferred from the fluid to the fin in a sector adjacent to the plume above the heated cylinder. With alt other conditions held fixed, there exists an optimum fin spacing at which the total heat transfer per unit length of cylinder is a max...
Analyzing public procurement practices: a case study (Columbia)

Expenditures on public procurement the purchases of goods, services, and public works by governments and public utilities, typically constitute between ten and twenty percent of a country's gross domestic product. Therefore, it is critical to ensure that the best practices are being implemented by government agencies. This paper is comprised of two parts. In the first part we present the results of a characterization of litigation associated with procurement contracts disputes involving the Colombian government. This characterization, obtained using a logistic regression, enables us to provide recommendations on the appropriate contract structure to decrease the likelihood of litigation. In the second half of this project, data envelopment analysis (DEA) is used to assess the efficiency of the public school system under a concession organization (i.e. operated by private parties). The analysis sheds light on the effectiveness of the concession scheme as an alternative to publicly managed and operated schools.
Diagnostic requirements for the superrotation on Venus

The eddy source pattern required to maintain zonally averaged circulation in the solar heating and zonal wind profiles of the Venus atmosphere below 80 km has been calculated. The calculated residual meridional circulation in the cloud top region corresponds to multiple direct and indirect cells in the vertical, whose depths are controlled by the scales of solar heating and eddy sources. In the presence of mean meridional transports, the observed zonal superrotation can be supported by alternating layers of eddy sources and sinks, which may be due to thermal tides.
Effects of free magnesium and alkali ions on the conformation and glucose-binding strength of yeast hexokinse isozymes

Titrations of the tryptophan fluorescence of yeast hexokinase (ATP:D-hexose 6-phosphortransferase, EC 2.7.1.1.) isozymes P-I (A) and P-II (B) were performed with Mg2+, Li+, Na+ and K+ as titrant in absence and in presence of glucose, and vice versa, at pH 8.3 and 5.5 at 20 degrees C. Mg2+ quenches the fluorescence of surface tryptophan primarily and does so by producing a conformational change which alters the microenvironment of the tryptophan. For both isozymes Mg2+ exerts a specific ion effect, i.e. significantly larger than the ionic strength (I) effect, which enhances the glucose quenching by causing a conformation change which increases the glucose-binding constant. For the P-I isozyme glucose binding exhibits positive cooperativity at both pH 8.3 and 5.5 when the ionic strength (I) is low, i.e. significantly larger than the ionic strength (I) effect, which enhances the glucose quenching by causing a conformation change which increases the glucose-binding constant. For the P-I isozyme glucose binding exhibits positive sooperativity at both pH 8.3 and 5.5 when the ionic strength (I) is low, i.e. 0.04 or less, regardless of which of the above four cations is present. For P-II, however, glucose binding is non-cooperative at pH 8.3 regardless of I or the cation species and at pH 5.5 and low I with K+ or Mg2+ as the predominant cation present, but there is apparent negative cooperativity at pH 5.5 and low I when Na+ or Li+ predominates. These results are discussed in terms of known structural characteristics of the isozymes.
Person-Centered Planning in Two Culturally Distinct Communities Responding to Divergent Needs and Preferences

Person-centered planning (PCP) is a recommended practice in developing and implementing individualized futures plans of and by youth and adults with disabilities. Yet, little is known about the cultural responsiveness of PCP, a salient issue because values and beliefs about transition differ across and within groups. Community connectors, facilitators of futures planning in two culturally distinct areas (a Spanish-speaking, socioeconomically depressed urban area and a suburb of English-speaking people from middle- and uppersocioeconomic backgrounds), were interviewed regarding their implementation of Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope and their responses to the preferences, strengths, and needs of families. Person-centered planning was effective in addressing transition-related concerns and obstacles to collaboration identified by community connectors, who adapted this model to address perceived community needs.
Sensitivity of the Human Comfort Equation and of Free Convection in a Vertical Enclosure as Examples of the Use of Global Sensitivity to Evaluate Parameter Interactions

Many models of engineering and scientific systems involve interactions between and among the parameters, stimuli, and physical properties. The determination of the adequacy of models for predictions and for designing experiments generally involves sensitivity studies. Good designs mandate that the experiments be sensitive to the parameters sought with little interaction between them because such interaction generally confuses the estimation and reduces the precision of the estimates. For design purposes, analysts frequently want to evaluate the sensitivities of the predicted responses to specific variables, but if the variables interact it is often difficult to separate the effects. Global sensitivity is a technique by which one can evaluate the magnitude of the interactions between multiple variables. In this paper, the global sensitivity approach is applied to the human comfort equation and to free convection in a rectangular enclosure. It is found that when occupants are uncomfortable, there is little interaction and that one can predict the effects of changing several environmental conditions at once by adding the separate effects. But when occupants are comfortable, there is a large interaction and the effects cannot be treated separately. Free convective heat transfer in an enclosure is a function of the Rayleigh number Ra and the aspect ratio H/W, and the flow field changes from unicellular to multicellular as Ra increases. There is a strong interaction for H/W≤ 2 but little for H/W≥2.
Track effects in the radiolysis of aromatic liquids

The chemical effects induced by the track structure of heavy ions have been exploited to show that H-2 production in the radiolysis of simple aromatic liquids (benzene, pyridine, toluene and aniline) is primarily due to second order processes. Similar dependences of H-2 yields on the linear energy transfer, LET, for each of these compounds suggest a common mechanism for H-2 formation. Furthermore, the yields of H-2 are significant at very high LET and they approach that found with aliphatic compounds. Yields of "dimers" (biphenyl, bibenzyl, dipyridyl, and diphenylamine for benzene, toluene, pyridine, and aniline, respectively) have different dependences on LET reflecting the variety of pathways leading to their production. Bibenzyl formation in toluene exhibits a complex dependence on LET suggesting several competing pathways for its production whereas biphenyl formation in benzene is nearly independent of LET suggesting a unimolecular process. Dipyridyl, and diphenylamine yields in pyridine and aniline, respectively, decrease with increasing LET, which indicates that their precursor is being depleted. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Modeling Studies of the Dynamic Control of Hepatic Glucose Balance

The survival of mammals is dependent upon a relatively constant, adequate supply of glucose to the central nervous system, despite large fluctuations in the amount of food available. When food is abundant, the liver stores ingested carbohydrate as glycogen, and during fasts, the stored glycogen is released at a precisely regulated rate to maintain the blood glucose level. The rates of storage and release of carbohydrate by the liver are determined by the plasma concentrations of several bloodborne signals; most important are the concentrations of glucose, and the hormones insulin and glucagon. To understand the complex control relationships of these three signals as they affect the liver, their individual dynamic influences have been determined experimentally, and they have been integrated by means of a computer simulation of the pathways of hepatic glycogen metabolism. The simulation studies have led to specific hypotheses about the biochemical effects of glucose and insulin on the liver. The simulation studies have also led to the conclusion that glucose exerts a rapid moment-to-moment influence of glucose on the rate of uptake of glucose by the liver. Insulin, however, by exerting a slower influence on the sensitivity of the liver to glucose, is very effective in “optimizing” the amount of glycogen which the liver stores food during food intake. Thus, integrated experimental and simulation studies can lead to a view of a physiological regulating system which does not emerge from either approach used alone.
Foliar damage to ornamental trees sprinkler-irrigated with reuse water

The extent of foliar damage to ornamental trees irrigated with treated sewage effluent (reuse water) may be a significant factor dictating the extent of reuse water implementation on golf courses, schools and parks in the arid southwestern United States. An experiment was conducted on 20 tree species to determine the extent of foliar damage when sprinkler-irrigated with reuse water, municipal water or a synthesized saline water. Irrigations (168) were applied over a 16-month period via 183-cm raised sprinkler heads, to plots that contained the trees in a dual-pot system. Plant water status, growth, tissue ion concentrations and an index of visual damage (IVD) were assessed at different times throughout the experiment. A higher IVD (greater foliar damage) was reported for most species when sprinkler-irrigated with either reuse or synthesized saline water. However, six species showed significant foliar damage even when irrigated with municipal water. The accumulation of Cl in the tissue was shown to be a species-dependent response, with tissue Cl concentrations varying by as much as a factor of 5. When a backward stepwise multiple regression analysis was conducted on the normalized (reuse-municipal) IVD and tissue ion concentrations, all ions except Na were eliminated from the correlation (Index (reuse – municipal)=0.79+0.62Na (reuse – municipal), r=0.72***, n=20). Wax content on the leaves in the reuse (0.310 mg cm–2) and saline treatments (0.546 mg cm–2) and the increase in wax content with time (young leaves/May vs mature leaves/July) suggested a possible stress response. Based on the results of this experiment, we believe the number of woody ornamental trees that can tolerate spray irrigation of reuse water in the hot dry environment of southern Nevada to be limited.
Different rays of sunlight: Understanding information disclosure and carbon transparency

Abstract This study assesses the effectiveness of two types information disclosure programs – state-based mandatory carbon reporting programs and the voluntary Carbon Disclosure Project, which uses investor pressure to push firms to disclose carbon emissions and carbon management strategies. I match firms in each program to control groups of firms that have not participated in each program. Using panel data methods and a difference in differences specification, I measure the impact of each program on plant-level carbon emissions, plant-level carbon intensity, and plant level output. I find that neither program has generated an impact on plant-level carbon emissions, emissions intensity, or output. Placing this study in contrast with others that demonstrate improvements from mandatory information disclosure, these results suggest that how information is reported to stakeholders has important implications for program effectiveness.
Strategies in antihypertensive therapy: Implications of the kidney☆

Abstract Because we so rarely know the cause of hypertension, antihypertensive therapy remains empiric. However, certain principles of treatment are emerging; one of these concerns the critical role of the kidney in antihypertensive therapy. Whether or not the kidney is primarily responsible for hypertension in a patient, it is the patient's renal response to treatment that determines, to a major degree, an agent's efficacy. Vasodilators have been a conceptually attractive approach to the treatment of high blood pressure, because they decrease total peripheral resistance, which is considered to be the mechanism responsible for this condition in most patients. Nonspecific vasodilators exert a series of actions on the kidney—including profound sodium retention and reactive renin release—that limits therapeutic response. For reasons that are not yet clear, but are apparently related to specific action on calcium entry into vascular smooth muscle, endocrine function, and renal hemodynamics, calcium channel blocking agents, such as nifedipine, have an advantage in the treatment of hypertension. They cause little or no sodium retention; thus, the addition of a diuretic agent is not required. In fact, there is evidence that sodium loading in certain patients may potentiate the antihypertensive efficacy of these drugs. The reninangiotensin system seems to be activated to a somewhat lesser degree by calcium channel blocking agents than it is by nonspecific vasodilators; in addition, these agents interfere with the actions of angiotensin on aldosterone release. Moreover, their dilator action on the renal blood supply favors sodium excretion. Nifedipine either has no effect on the renal blood supply or induces an increase in renal blood flow and maintains glomerular filtration rate, both of which combine to support the ensuing natriuresis.
Synthesis, and study of magnetic properties, of Bi1−xCdxFeO3

Ceramic Bi1−xCdxFeO3 (x = 0.0, 0.05, and 0.1) samples were prepared by a citrate-gel method. The as-prepared compounds were calcined at 600 °C for 3 h to obtain nearly single-phase materials. The crystal structure, examined by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld analysis, confirmed that the samples crystallize in a rhombohedral (space group, R-3c no. 161) structure. Magnetic measurements were carried out on the resultant powders from 300 to ~2.5 K. Magnetic hysteresis loops showed a significant increase in magnetization as a result of Cd doping in BiFeO3.
Castañeda's intentions: A critical study of Castañeda's Thinking and Doing

In Thinking and Doing (D. Reidel, 1975) (cited in the text as T&D, followed by page references) Hector-Neri Casta?eda presents a sys tematic account of practical thinking and action. In what follows I focus, narrowly, on some of his claims about the nature of intentions and intendings. I do not pretend to have done justice to his rich theory. But parts of it are worth careful attention as a preliminary to its full evaluation. In particular, I wish to examine Casta?eda's account of intentions (practical noemata, "What one thinks when one intends to do something" [T&D, p. 7]) and his account of intending (the psychological "acts or attitudes or operations of intending" [T&D, p. 41]).
Physical Activity during Pregnancy: Impact of Applying Different Physical Activity Guidelines

Multiple guidelines and definitions of physical activity (PA) have been used to study the benefits of activity during pregnancy. The different guidelines lead to a wide range of prevalence estimates and this has led to conflicting reports about activity patterns during pregnancy. A longitudinal study was conducted to assess PA using a pattern-recognition monitor for a 7-day period at week 18 (n = 55) and week 35 (n = 66) of pregnancy. The amount of activity performed and the number of women meeting six different PA guidelines were evaluated. Adherence to PA guidelines ranged from 5 to 100% and 9 to 100% at weeks 18 and 35, respectively. All women achieved the 500 MET-minute guideline and nearly all women accumulated ≥150 minutes of weekly moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) at both time points. Only 22% and 26% participated in ≥3 sessions of MVPA lasting ≥30 minutes at both time points and this further declined to 5% and 9% when the guideline was increased to ≥5 sessions of 30 minutes. The amount of PA during pregnancy varied drastically depending on which guideline was used. Further research is warranted to clearly identify the patterns of activity that are associated with healthy pregnancy outcomes.
On the Determination of General Scientific Models With Application to Asset Pricing

We consider a consumption-based asset pricing model that uses habit persistence to overcome the known statistical inadequacies of the classical consumption-based asset pricing model. We find that the habit model fits reasonably well and agrees with results reported in the literature if conditional heteroskedasticity is suppressed but that it does not fit nor do results agree if conditional heteroskedasticity, well known to be present in financial market data, is allowed to manifest itself. We also find that it is the preference parameters of the model that are most affected by the presence or absence of conditional heteroskedasticity, especially the risk aversion parameter. The habit model exhibits four characteristics that are often present in models developed from scientific considerations: (1) a likelihood is not available; (2) prior information is available; (3) a portion of the prior information is expressed in terms of functionals of the model that cannot be converted into an analytic prior on model...
Organization of self-knowledge: Implications for recovery from sad mood.

In compartmentalized self-organization, positive and negative self-beliefs are separated into distinct categories (i.e., self-aspects), so that each self-aspect contains primarily positive or primarily negative beliefs. In evaluatively integrative organization, self-aspect categories contain a mixture of positive and negative beliefs. Positive-compartmentalized individuals recovered easily from a sad mood when they could reflect on personally important, pure positive self-aspects. When situational factors maintained the activation of pure negative self-aspects, compartmentalization seemed to perpetuate the negative mood. These studies suggest that people with a positive-compartmentalized self (who usually report high self-esteem and positive mood) have a hidden vulnerability to intense negative states. The advantages of an evaluatively integrated self may require having the opportunity to reflect on (and integrate) positive and negative beliefs about the self.
Further biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in Canadian Cretaceous amber

A collection of 55 Canadian amber Ceratopogonidae is described, including two new species, Protoculicoides ciliatus Borkent and Stilobezzia pikei Borkent. The male of Protoculicoides depressus Boesel is newly described and the two males previously identified as members of this species are designated holotype and paratype of P. ciliatus. A new key to the species of Protoculicoides Boesel is provided. A male genitalia of Peronehelea chrimikalydia Borkent is additionally described and a specimen that is possibly a gynandromorph, a female with an associated male genitalia or a new species of Peronehelea Borkent is described.
Aleatory and epistemic uncertainty in probability elicitation with an example from hazardous waste management

The quantification of a risk assessment model often requires the elicitation of expert judgments about quantities that cannot be precisely measured. The aims of the model being quantified provide important guidance as to the types of questions that should be asked of the experts. The uncertainties underlying a quantity may be classified as aleatory or epistemic according to the goals of the risk process. This paper discusses the nature of such a classification and how it affects the probability elicitation process and implementation of the resulting judgments. Examples from various areas of risk assessment are used to show the practical implications of how uncertainties are treated. An extended example from hazardous waste disposal is given.
Competition and collusion in a government procurement auction market

This paper tests the structure performance hypothesis by examining a highway construction industry in Florida. In the first-price sealed bid auction literature, there is little evidence on how many bidders are required for these markets to be competitive. Two different indicators are used to capture the transition from collusion to competition—a discontinuous effect of the number of bidders on winning bid price, and an associative effect of repeat bidding of a contractor with the same set of firms. The results suggest that winning bids decrease as the number of bidders rises until there are about six to eight firms. Since subsequent entry has no effect on the winning bid price, it is concluded that the highway construction market becomes competitive with about eight bidders.
Interpretation of dynamic scattering experiments on ternary polymer mixtures

Abstract The dynamics of a ternary polymer mixture consisting of either homopolymers A and B, or diblock copolymers A–B, in a matrix of homopolymers C, is studied using the random phase approximation and assuming incompressibility. The relaxation frequencies and the amplitudes of the modes in dynamic scattering on such a mixture have been calculated as a function of the wave number q . In addition, the first cumulant of the dynamic scattering function of a labelled component is obtained in all q regions including the high q region where the segmental diffusion dominates the relaxation of the scattering function. The particular mixture consisting of A–B diblock copolymers in a matrix of homopolymers A, studied recently by Stuhn and Rennie, is analysed in detail, by calculating the first cumulant in the entire q region.
Biomechanics of locked plates and screws.

Objective:To review the biomechanical principles that guide fracture fixation with plates and screws; specifically to compare and contrast the function and roles of conventional unlocked plates to locked plates in fracture fixation. We review basic plate and screw function, discuss the design ration
Laser processing for high‐efficiency Si solar cells

Junction formation by ion implantation and pulsed laser annealing provides a unique method to study the influence of emitter dopant concentrations on open circuit voltage (VOc). In this paper, we show that Voc as well as the fill factor (FF), can be improved by increasing the emitter dopant concentrations. It is also shown that substrate heating during pulsed laser annealing can significantly improve the performance of laser-processed solar cells. By using laser annealing to remove ion-implanted damage for junction formation, laser damage gettering to enhance the minority carrier diffusion length, and laser-induced diffusion for creating back surface fields, Si solar cells with efficiencies of nearly 17% AMl have been obtained.
PROTEOMIC AND UTR ANALYSES OF A RAPIDLY EVOLVING HYPERVARIABLE FAMILY OF VERTEBRATE PHEROMONES

During the annual mating season, the mental gland of male plethodontid salamanders diverts its protein synthesizing capacity to the production of courtship pheromones that increase female receptivity. Plethodontid modulating factor (PMF), a highly disulfide-bonded 7-kDa pheromone, shows unusual hypervariability with each male expressing >30 isoforms. Twenty-eight PMFs were purified and matched by proteomic analyses to cDNA sequences. In contrast to coding sequence hypervariability, the untranslated regions (UTRs) show extraordinary conservation, no predicted microRNA binding sites, and an overlapping triplet polyadenylation signal. Full-length cDNA sequencing revealed three PMF gene classes containing subclasses of clustered sequences that support ≥ 13 PMF gene duplications. The unusual phenomena of hypervariable coding regions embedded within extremely conserved UTRs is proposed to occur by a disjunctive evolutionary process. During the short courtship season, the UTRs are hypothesized to subsume and coordinate the transcriptional and translational regulatory mechanisms of the mental gland. PMF, as a secreted protein with limited metabolic feedback in the male, is under minimal mutational restraint and thus has experienced highly accelerated rates of evolution. Consequently, plethodontid salamanders may provide a unique model for furthering our understanding of the selective forces that determine differential rates of gene duplication and evolution in protein families.
Reframing Poetry: The Romantic Essay and the Prospects of Verse

What happens to poetry when it is reframed within a work of prose? This paper analyzes William Hazlitt's prose style, with particular attention to moments in which he reframes poetry by extracting it from the patterns of rhyme and meter and placing it within the rhythms of his essays. In doing so, Hazlitt stylistically challenged the boundaries of genre; simultaneously, the content of his essays defined prose as a hybrid form, built through a process of mining other texts for quotations. This paper also makes an argument for the crucial role material culture played in Hazlitt's writing style. It demonstrates how Hazlitt's participation in friendship albums and commonplace books informed what he called a “familiar style” of writing. Ultimately, this paper sheds light on understudied manuscripts and analyzes their role in shaping the Romantic-essay form.
Bilability is defined when one electron is used to switch between concerted and stepwise pathways in Cu(I)-based bistable [2/3]pseudorotaxanes.

Supramolecular switches operate as simple machines by using a stimulus to turn stations off and on, generating thermodynamic differences that define bistability and enable motion. What has not been previously investigated, yet is required to gain further control over molecular movements for complex operations, is an understanding of how the same stimulus can also switch pathways off and on, thus, defining the kinetic property of bilability. To address this challenge, the mechanisms of the forward and return reactions of redox-switchable Cu(I)-based [2/3]pseudorotaxanes have been quantitatively characterized utilizing mechanistic cyclic voltammetry and employing a series of isosteric bis-bidentate ligands. First, the bistability of the switch is retained across the series of ligands: Reduction of the ligand drives the reaction forward where a [2]pseudorotaxane switches into a reduced [3]pseudorotaxane and reoxidation drives the switching cycle back to the beginning. Second, the switch is bilabile with the ...
Precipitation of Ventricular Fibrillation by Intravenous Diltiazem and Metoprolol in a Young Patient with Occult Wolff‐Parkinson‐White Syndrome

We report the case of a young man who presented with a rapid, narrow-complex atrial fibrillation. A few hours after being administered intravenous metoprolol and diltiazem for rate control, he developed intermittent ventricular preexcitation on the electrocardiogram (ECG) and experienced ventricular fibrillation, from which he was successfully defibrillated. A subsequent electrocardiogram in sinus rhythm demonstrated previously unknown Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern. A left lateral accessory pathway was successfully ablated. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome should be included in the differential diagnosis when a young patient presents with atrial fibrillation, even if the ventricular complexes on the ECG are not preexcited.