cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Pricing of Initial Public Offerings: Tests of Adverse-Selection and Signaling Theories

We test the empirical implications of several models of IPO underpricng. Consistent with the winner’s-curse hypothesis, we show that in markets where investors know a priori that they do not have to compete with informed investors, IPOs are not underpriced. We also show that IPOs underwritten by reputable investment banks experience significantly less underpricing and perform significantly better in the long run. We do not find empirical support for the signaling models that try to explain why firms underprice. In fact, we find that (1) firms that underprice more return to the reissue market less frequently, and for lesser amounts, than firms that underprice less, and (2) firms that underprice less experience higher earnings and pay higher dividends, contrary to the models’ predictions.
IS INDUCTION RESPONSE NEGATIVELY CORRELATED WITH CONSTITUTIVE RESISTANCE IN BLACK MUSTARD

Black mustard, Brassica nigra, is highly variable in both constitutive resistance and induction response following damage by herbivores. A focal population from Ithaca, New York, was used to test the following two predictions of optimal defense theory: (1) that allocation to resistance will reduce plant performance in the absence of herbivores; and (2) that induction response will be negatively correlated with constitutive resistance. The experiment consisted of a half-sib mating design with 47 paternal families and four dams per sire, fully crossed with a damage treatment consisting of 25% leaf removal by the cabbage white butterfly, Pieris rapae, when plants had four leaves. Leaf trichome density, sinigrin concentration, and glucobrassicin concentration were 38%, 19%, and 16% higher, respectively, for the seventh leaf of damaged plants. Paternal families did not vary significantly in their induction response. Narrow-sense heritabilities were h(S)(2) = 0.51, 0.76, and 0.50 for constitutive leaf trichome density, sinigrin concentration, and glucobrassicin concentration, respectively. Positive genetic correlations were found between glucobrassicin concentration and days to first flower, suggesting a genetic cost of resistance. Induction responses were negatively correlated with constitutive allocation for leaf trichome density and sinigrin concentration. The results were therefore consistent with optimal defense theory, offering modest evidence for both predictions.
THE POLITICS OF CONGESTION MITIGATION

Most research on congestion overlooks the political context of traffic congestion and congestion mitigation policies. While failed congestion policies around the globe are products of misguided premises and flawed analyses, they are also the products of political processes that emphasize highly visible congestion relief projects and programs over actually relieving congestion. Accordingly, this paper makes and defends four propositions. First, that public officials tend to exaggerate the consequences of (widely unpopular) metropolitan traffic congestion for political gain. Second, that (widely popular) public transit investments are unlikely to meaningfully reduce congestion. Third, that public officials can cynically use congestion as a rationale for funding for high-profile, politically-popular transportation (and, increasingly, public transit) projects. And fourth, that the experience to date suggests that various forms of transport and parking pricing offer the best hope for meaningfully reducing congestion in the coming years.
Computational Prediction of Aerodynamic Forces for a Simplified Integrated Tractor-Trailer Geometry

th scale simplified tractor/trailer geometry for validating the drag prediction capabilities of selected RANS turbulence models. The drag coefficients, as well as the surface pressures and flow structures, are compared to experimental data obtained from the NASA Ames 7'×10' wind tunnel at 0° and 10° yaw. Among the turbulence models, the two-equation models reasonably predict the drag coefficient. While both the one- and two-equation models reproduce the overall experimental flow features, they do not properly depict the correct details of the separated flows.
Corneal asphericity and apical curvature in children: a cross-sectional and longitudinal evaluation.

PURPOSE: The contour of the human cornea is closely modeled by a conic section, which is fully described by asphericity (Q) and apical radius of curvature (r(o)). The relationship between corneal shape and other ocular dimensions in children, including anterior and vitreous chamber depths, axial length, and spherical equivalent refractive error, was investigated. METHODS: Corneal asphericity and r(o) were calculated by using corneal topography data on 643 children (72 myopes, 370 emmetropes, and 201 hyperopes), ages 6 to 15 years, who participated in the Orinda Longitudinal Study of Myopia (OLSM) during 1991. Measurements from a younger subset of these children, including 8 myopes, 92 emmetropes, and 75 hyperopes, ages 6 to 9 years in 1991, were compared to 1996 data for longitudinal analysis. RESULTS: Mean +/- SD Q of the 1991 study sample was -0.346 +/- 0.101, representing a prolate corneal shape. Almost all (99.7%) of the corneas examined were prolate. Corneal asphericity was less prolate among myopes than in emmetropes and hyperopes (P = 0.010). Less prolate corneas were related to deeper anterior chamber depths among emmetropes (r = 0.324, P < 0.0001) and hyperopes (r = 0.275, P < 0.0001), but not among myopes (r = 0.230, P = 0.0515). Flatter values of r(o) were related to longer vitreous chamber depth (r = 0.607, P < 0.0001) and axial length (r = 0.606, P < 0.0001) in all refractive error groups. Initial corneal shape was unrelated to change in refractive error over a 5-year period. CONCLUSIONS: Most corneas examined in this study were prolate in contour. Deeper anterior chamber depths were related to less prolate corneas among emmetropes and hyperopes, which is probably the result of mechanical influences on the peripheral cornea as the anterior chamber elongates during ocular growth. Longitudinal results suggest initial corneal shape is of little or no value in predicting refractive error progression.
The fine structure of cellular layers and connective tissue space at spinal nerve root attachments in the rat.

Tissue containing the attachment of nerve roots to the spinal cord was dissected from seven rats perfused with buffered aldehydes. Both dorsal and ventral roots were obtained from all cord levels. All tissues were prepared routinely for electron microscopy. The outer layers of the root sheath are homologous with the outer layers of the pia mater and are essentially continuous with it. The inner layers of the root sheath, which are a structurally modified and centrally directed continuation of the perineurium across the subarachnoid space, terminate as an open-ended tube near the junction of the peripheral and central nervous systems. Here there is direct continuity between the endoneurial connective tissue space and the pial connective tissue space. The latter, in turn, communicates directly with the subarachnoid space through fenestrations between pial cells. The relationship of this to certain clinical manifestations is briefly discussed.
The effects of tai chi on measures of stress and coping style

Background The biological response (heart-rate variability; HRV) to an acute psychological stressor, as well as cognitive changes in anxiety and coping style following tai chi (TC) in healthy male college students, has not been investigated in the literature. Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of TC on: (1) HRV biomarkers of acute psychological stress, (2) state anxiety, and (3) coping style in healthy male college students. Methods The study was an RCT, in which the experimental group (n=9) received TC (twice a week for 8 weeks) and the control (C) group (n=11) did not receive treatment. Reactions to an acute psychological stressor were measured by the HRV's standard deviation of normal to normal intervals (SDNN), and Spielberger's State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Four ‘trials’ (baseline; stressor; recovery 1 and recovery 2) were conducted, with pre-tests/post-tests performed for both study groups. The Problem-Focused Styles of Coping (PFSOC) questionnaire was used to examine coping styles pre-test/post-test for both groups. Results Significant differences were found: (1) for group, test, and trial, the interaction of trial by group, and the interaction of test by trial for SDNN, P<0.05; (2) for test, trial, and the interaction of test by group for STAI (P<0.05); and (3) for the interaction of group and test for the suppressive coping style (P<0.05). Conclusions Tai chi affects biological reactions to an acute psychological stressor, perceptions of anxiety to an acute stressor and coping styles in healthy male college students.
High dosage steroid therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus.

The amount of corticosteroid required for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus varies with the severity of the illness. Four cases of lupus crisis are presented demonstrating the probable life-saving effectiveness of massive dosages in three of them. One required 2300 mg. daily of cortisone for five days and another 2100 mg. daily for fifteen days to control exacerbations associated with central nervous system involvement. Following such treatment remissions as long as eight years occurred.
AN EFFICIENT METHOD FOR CALCULATING R.M.S. VON MISES STRESS IN A RANDOM VIBRATION ENVIRONMENT

A rigorous and efficient method is presented for calculation of root-mean-square (r.m.s.) von Mises stresses for linear structures excited by stationary random loads. The r.m.s. value is expressed in terms of the zero time-lag covariance matrix of the loads, which in most applications of structural analysis will be calculated from frequency-domain, stress-component transfer functions and the cross-spectral density matrix of the applied loads. The key relation presented is one suggested in past literature, but that does not appear to have been exploited previously in this manner. The exact determination of r.m.s. von Mises stress is used to demonstrate that the Miles relation, commonly used in design, can be conservative or non-conservative. Finally, because of the efficiency with which the exact r.m.s. von Mises stress can be calculated, the analyst can now perform surveys on von Mises stresses routinely, allowing a thorough investigation into the reliability of an engineering design.
A method for incorporating Gauss' lasw into electromagnetic pic codes

Abstract An algorithm is presented which solves a modified set of Maxwell's equations, none of them elliptic, in an electromagnetic PIC type code. The algorithm prevents large violations of Gauss' law by diffusing away numerical errors arising from the particle-to-grid apportionment method. There are no restrictions on the manner in which charge and current densities are determined from the particle distribution. In particular, point particles and simple linear interpolation are used.
Immunology and the Lynch Syndrome

Colorectal cancer in Lynch syndrome differs from its sporadic counterpart by virtue of certain clinical-pathology features, namely its poor differentiation with mucoid features and signet cell excess, peritumoral lymphocytic infiltration, Crohn’s-like reaction, and an excess of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (1–4). At the molecular level, most Lynch syndrome-associated CRCs are microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H). A central question regarding colorectal cancer patients with Lynch Syndrome that puzzles both clinicians and basic scientists is why these patients do relatively well compared with individuals with sporadic cases of colorectal cancer (CRC), a fact empirically observed prior to the identification of mismatch repair genes in 1993 (5; 6). Anecdotally, patients belonging to Lynch syndrome families were known to have survived two, three, four, or even seven or eight cancers (7). The identification of germline mutations in the mismatch repair genes as being characteristic of Lynch syndrome permitted further refinement in identifying these patients and multiple studies have demonstrated a better prognosis in the Lynch syndrome patients compared to the age- and stage-matched “sporadic” colon cancer patients (8–13). Watson et al. (11) compared Lynch syndrome cases by stage and survival in a retrospective cohort of family members who developed CRC with the same factors in an unselected hospital series of patients with sporadic CRC. Therein, Lynch syndrome cases had lower stage disease (p < 0.001) and fewer distant metastases at diagnosis (p < 0.001 in an analysis stratified by T classification). Importantly, “…In stage-stratified survival analysis, the HNPCC cases had a significant overall survival advantage regardless of adjustment for their younger age. A conservative estimate of the hazard ratio (of HNPCC cases to the unselected series) was 0.67 (P < 0.0012).”(11) It was concluded that the Lynch syndrome patients showed lower stage at diagnosis when compared to the unselected CRC cases, which was mainly attributable to rarer distant metastases at diagnosis. Furthermore, Lynch syndrome patients survived longer in cases with tumors of the same stage. Finally, the estimated death rate for the Lynch syndrome cases, when adjusted for stage and age differences, was at most only two-thirds of the rate for the hospital series. The improved prognosis observed in Lynch syndrome patients was also observed in patients with the subtype of sporadic colorectal cancer characterized by hypermethylation of the MLH1 promoter and associated with microsatellite instability (14–17).
The Influence of Temperature on Scope for Activity in Cutthroat Trout, Salmo clarki

Abstract One hundred eleven active and 71 standard metabolic rate estimates were made on 90-g cutthroat trout Salmo clarki at five temperatures. Active metabolism was lowest at 5 C (363 mg O2kg-h) and highest at 15 C (597 mg O2kg-h). At 20 C and 24 C it was 559 and 491 mg/kg-h, respectively. Scope for activity ranged from a low of 316 mg O2kg-h at 5 C to a high of 486 mg O2kg-h at 15 C then down to 374 mg O2kg-h at 24 C. Standard metabolisms at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 24 C were 47, 73, 111, 129, and 117 mg O2kg-h respectively.
Involvement of superoxide in the paraquat-induced enhancement of lung collagen synthesis in organ culture.

Abstract Exposure to paraquat in vivo results in increased synthesis and deposition of collagen. We examined collagen synthesis in organ cultures of neo-natal rat lungs in the presence of paraquat. Paraquat markedly increased the synthesis and accumulation of collagen in these cultures. This effect was abolished by superoxide dismutase. Our studies suggest that the mechanism of paraquat mediated increase in collagen synthesis may involve superoxide.
Predation, habitat complexity, and distribution of the crayfish Procambarus alleni within a wetland habitat mosaic

The crayfishProcambarus alleni is abundant in densely vegetated habitats within the freshwater wetland mosaics of central and southern Florida. We performed laboratory experiments to determine whether habitat preference and/or predation could account for habitat use by this species. First, groups of crayfish were placed into tanks divided evenly into vegetated and non-vegetated sides, and habitat use was measured during the day and night. Crayfish preferred vegetated habitats during both the day and night, although use of non-vegetated habitats increased significantly at night. Next, different size classes of crayfish were exposed to predatory largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) in experimental tanks of varying habitat complexity (i.e., plant biomass). Bass reduced survival of small-sized crayfish but had no effect on larger crayfish. Larger crayfish also seemed to prey upon smaller crayfish. Susceptibility of crayfish to predation decreased with increasing habitat complexity. Experimental results are consistent with field observations and indicate that predators and habitat complexity play important roles in determining the distribution and daily activity ofP. alleni within wetland habitat mosaics.
Mindfulness meditation as an intervention for binge eating, emotional eating, and weight loss: A systematic review

Mindfulness-based approaches are growing in popularity as interventions for disordered eating and weight loss. Initial research suggests that mindfulness meditation may be an effective intervention for binge eating; however, no systematic review has examined interventions where mindfulness meditation was the primary intervention and no review has examined its effect on subclinical disordered eating or weight. Using the PRISMA method for systematic reviews, we reviewed 14 studies that investigated mindfulness meditation as the primary intervention and assessed binge eating, emotional eating, and/or weight change. Results suggest that mindfulness meditation effectively decreases binge eating and emotional eating in populations engaging in this behavior; evidence for its effect on weight is mixed. Additional research is warranted to determine comparative effectiveness and long-term effects of mindfulness training.
Photoacoustic determination of the band gaps of Ca2MnO4 and Ca3Mn2O7

Abstract Black powders of the magnetically layered semiconductors Ca2MnO4 and Ca3Mn2O7 prepared by a carbonate-precursor technique have been investigated by photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) over the energy range 1.25–4 eV. The band-gap energies of these two compounds have been evaluated to be 1.6 and 1.4 (± 0.1) eV, respectively. It is concluded that PAS is a most useful method for determining the variation of the band gap with composition in large band-gap polycrystalline semiconductors.
Optimum waveforms for differential ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS)

Differential mobility spectrometry or field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) is a new tool for separation and identification of gas-phase ions, particularly in conjunction with mass spectrometry. In FAIMS, ions are filtered by the difference between mobilities in gases (K) at high and low electric field intensity (E) using asymmetric waveforms. An infinite number of possible waveform profiles make maximizing the performance within engineering constraints a major issue for FAIMS technology refinement. Earlier optimizations assumed the non-constant component of mobility to scale as E2, producing the same result for all ions. Here we show that the optimum profiles are defined by the full series expansion of K(E) that includes terms beyond the first that is proportional to E2. For many ion/gas pairs, the first two terms have different signs, and the optimum profiles at sufficiently high E in FAIMS may differ substantially from those previously reported, improving the resolving power by up to 2.2 times. This situation arises for some ions in all FAIMS systems, but becomes more common in recent miniaturized devices that employ higher E. With realistic K(E) dependences, the maximum waveform amplitude is not necessarily optimum, and reducing it by up to ∼20% to 30% is beneficial in some cases. The present findings are particularly relevant to targeted analyses where separation depends on the difference between K(E) functions for specific ions.
Mid-level Managers, Organizational Context, and (Un)ethical Encounters

This article details day-to-day ethics issues facing MBAs who occupy entry-level and mid-level management positions and offers defined examples of the stressors these managers face. The study includes lower-level managers, essentially excluded from extant literature, and focuses on workplace behaviors both undertaken and observed. Results indicate that pressures from internal organization sources, and ambiguity in letter versus spirit of rules, account for over a third of the most frequent unethical situations encountered, and that most managers did not expect to face those issues. Various contextual factors accounted for 32% of the organizational factors that affected decisions. We discuss implications for the workplace, especially the unique ethics challenges for newer managers.
Starling's Law at Small Scale: Surprising Sub-Cellular Adaptation of Cargo Transport to Opposition to Motion

Most sub-cellular cargos are transported along microtubules by a combination of kinesin and dynein, and how this transport is regulated is not well understood. A key open question is whether--and how, if so--the system deals with impediments to motion, to avoid or minimize potential traffic jams. Because more motors can exert a larger force, and drive the cargo further, one might use more motors on average to address challenges to motion, but this solution comes at the cost of increased average energy consumption. Instead, we discover a cargo-level adaptation: when challenged with opposition to motion, cargos dynamically increase their sustained force production capability to ‘power through’ the obstacle. This adaptation improves minus-end force production, and improves ability to overcome obstacles between three and four-fold.
Wind Variability in BZ Camelopardalis

Sequences of spectra of the nova-like cataclysmic variable (CV) BZ Cam were acquired on nine nights in 2005-2006 in order to study the time development of episodes of wind activity known to occur frequently in this star. We confirm the results of Ringwald & Naylor that the P-Cygni absorption components of the lines mostly evolve from higher expansion velocity to lower velocity as an episode progresses. We also commonly find blueshifted emission components in the H? line profile, whose velocities and durations strongly suggest that they are also due to the wind. Curiously, Ringwald & Naylor reported common occurrences of redshifted H? emission components in their BZ Cam spectra. We have attributed these emission components in H? to occasions when gas concentrations in the bipolar wind (both front side and back side) become manifested as emission lines as they move beyond the disk's outer edge. We also suggest, based on changes in the P-Cygni profiles during an episode, that the progression from larger to smaller expansion velocities is due to the higher velocity portions of a wind concentration moving beyond the edge of the continuum light of the disk first, leaving a net redward shift of the remaining absorption profile. We derive a new orbital ephemeris for BZ Cam, using the radial velocity of the core of the He I ?5876 line, finding P = 0.15353(4). Using this period, the wind episodes in BZ Cam are found to be concentrated near the inferior conjunction of the emission line source. This result helps confirm that the winds in nova-like CVs are often phase dependent, in spite of the puzzling implication that such winds lack axisymmetry. We argue that the radiation-driven wind in BZ Cam receives an initial boost by acting on gas that has been lifted above the disk by the interaction of the accretion stream with the disk, thereby imposing flickering timescales onto the wind events, as well as leading to an orbital modulation of the wind due to the non-axisymmetric nature of the stream/disk interaction. Simultaneous photometry and spectroscopy were acquired on three nights in order to test the possible connection between flickering continuum light and the strength of the front-side wind. We found strong agreement on one night, some agreement on another, and no agreement on the third. We suggest that some flickering events lead to only back-side winds which will not have associated P-Cygni profiles.
Women in Recovery: Predictors of Internal and External Work Locus of Control

Work locus of control (WLC) is an established construct that has predicted employment attainment, satisfaction, and outcomes. Studies of WLC in general populations have found internal locus to be positively associated with favorable work outcomes, while external locus of control is associated with high turnover. However, few studies have focused on WLC with either women or at-risk populations. The current study used a hierarchical multiple regression with demographics, self-esteem, and perceptions of barriers to employment to predict WLC in a nationwide sample of 151 women in recovery from substance abuse. Age and self-esteem were significant predictors of scores on WLC. The implications of these findings suggest that higher self-esteem predicts internal locus of control, and that there may be age-specific differences in WLC for women in recovery. Future research should be conducted to explore women, WLC, and age-specific correlates in order inform policies to help women in recovery obtain and retain employment.
Distal Pancreatectomy: A Single Institution's Experience in Open, Laparoscopic, and Robotic Approaches

Background The indications for minimally invasive (MIS) pancreatectomy have slowly increased as experience, techniques, and technology have improved and evolved to manage malignant lesions in selected patients without compromising safety and oncologic principles. There are sparse data comparing laparoscopic, robotic, and open distal pancreatectomy (DP). Study Design All patients undergoing DP at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center between 2000 and 2013 were analyzed from a prospective database. Clinicopathologic and survival data were analyzed to compare perioperative and oncologic outcomes in patients who underwent DP via open, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches. Results Eight hundred five DP were performed during the study period, comprising 37 robotic distal pancreatectomies (RDP), 131 laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies (LDP), and 637 open distal pancreatectomies (ODP). The 3 groups were similar with respect to American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, sex ratio, body mass index, pancreatic fistula rate, and 90-day morbidity and mortality. Patients in the ODP group were generally older (p = 0.001), had significantly higher intraoperative blood loss (p Conclusions The RDP and LDP were comparable with respect to most perioperative outcomes, with no clear advantage of one approach over the other. Both of these MIS techniques may have advantages over ODP in well-selected patients. All approaches achieved a similarly high rate of R0 resection for patients with adenocarcinoma.
Reflections on 40 Years of Research

The focus of my research was snake venom research and application of Raman spectroscopy for the biological compounds. In snake venom research, the emphasis was on hemorrhagic toxins, myonecrotic toxins from rattlesnake venoms, and postsynaptic neurotoxins from sea snake venoms. Structure–function relationship of these toxins was pursued using different methods such as biochemical, immunological, electronmicroscopy, biophysical, physiological, and pathological techniques. Many pure components were isolated and their amino acid sequences and biochemical properties were studied. Since a Raman spectrometer was purchased in 1976, it was possible to examine many biological compounds by Raman spectroscopy. Peptide backbone conformation and some side chain microenvironment of many proteins, kidney stones, and gallstones, etc. were examined by Raman scattering method. Raman spectroscopy can identify many biological compounds directly by focusing laser light without using wet chemical analysis. I was extremely fort...
String pattern-matching in Prolog

Abstract A pattern-matching feature for the Prolog language is described. Through the use of patterns, introduced as Prolog predicates, the feature favors the specification of string handling algorithms in a declarative style. A number of convenient pre-defined patterns, adapted from SNOBOL 4, are included. The use of two-level grammars as a paradigm for developing Prolog programs incorporating the pattern-matching feature is also discussed.
Becoming a Computational Scientist

Each computational scientist has a unique path that led him or her to this dynamic field. Here, Steven Gottlieb weaves his own tale, encouraging others to share their stories of how they became computational scientists, to create awareness and encourage others to join the field.
TYPE I AND TYPE II MECHANISMS IN THE PHOTOSENSITIZED LYSIS OF PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE LIPOSOMES BY HEMATOPORPHYRIN

The lysis of phosphatidylcholine (PC) liposomes was sensitized to visible light (>500nm) by hematoporphyrin (HP) incorporated in the liposomes (0.09-1.5%, wt/wt) or in the external buffer (1-15 μM). The lytic mechanism changed from the Type II pathway mediated by singlet oxygen (1O2) at low HP concentrations to the anoxic, Type I pathway at high HP concentrations. Spectral measurements of HP in aqueous and organic solvents indicate that the HP was not aggregated (monomers and/or dimers) for Type II sensitization and aggregated for Type I conditions. High concentrations of azide (>0.1 M) or DABCO (>0.5 M) were protective with high HP concentration under oxic and anoxic conditions, which cannot involve the scavenging of 1O2. Feasible protective mechanisms are quenching of the HP triplet state by high azide and repair of the damaged membrane by DABCO via an electron transfer process. There was significant protection against lysis under Type I conditions by low concentrations of ferricyanide (>1 mM), indicative of an electron transfer mechanism. The incorporation of 22 mol % cholesterol in PC liposomes with 1% HP had no effect on the lytic efficiency for oxic and anoxic conditions. Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine liposomes incorporating 1% HP showed negligible photosensitized lysis at 50°C compared with PC liposomes with 1% HP at 25°C. The promotion of photosensitized lysis by hydrodynamic agitation observed in prior work with methylene blue (Grossweiner and Grossweiner, 1982) was significant with HP sensitization for both Type I and Type II conditions. Actinometry with PC liposomes incorporating 1% HP indicated that photosensitized lysis was very inefficient, requiring many absorbed quanta per lysed liposome. Preliminary experiments with crude hematoporphyrin derivative (Hpd) showed similar concentration effects on lytic efficiency, where PC liposomes incorporating 0.1% (wt/wt) Hpd were strongly sensitized by oxygen, whereas sensitization by oxygen was insignificant with 3.1% Hpd. The results with HP and crude Hpd indicate that lytic damage in a biomembrane does not necessarily require oxygenation.
Comprehensive review of procedures for total colonic aganglionosis

Purpose: A variety of procedures have been described for the treatment of total colonic aganglionosis (TCA); however, there is no consensus as to a superior operative method. The objective of this review is to evaluate the operative methods used to treat TCA and their effectiveness with respect to morbidity, mortality, rates of enterocolitis, and functional outcomes. Methods: We searched Medline (1950-2007) and the Cochrane Library for studies reporting the operative treatment of TCA. Search terms used were “aganglionosis, ”“ Hirschsprung's disease, ”“ total colonic,” and “long-segment.” Studies evaluated were limited to those that solely discussed the operative outcomes for the treatment of TCA. A meta-analysis was then performed for morbidity outcomes in those studies describing a single operative procedure. Results: The search yielded 271 articles related to TCA. One hundred twenty-two articles discussed operative treatment of Hirschsprung's disease, and only 26 of these articles discussed operative management of TCA. Nineteen articles were isolated for statistical analysis on the basis of results for perioperative outcomes for a single procedure. These procedures included Martin (4), colonic patch modifications (4), Duhamel (2), endorectal pull-through (1), Kimura (2), Boley (2), Rehbein (2), Soave (1), and J-pouch ileoanal anastomosis (1). Overall mortality was 1.9%. Meta-analysis revealed morbidity rates ranging from 10% to 64% depending on procedure category without significant outliers. Higher morbidity rates were found for the Martin-type procedure using the descending colon but with noted higher within-group variance due to small sample sizes. Enterocolitis was noted in 7 studies with a mean of 22%. Conclusions: There is no superior operative method for the treatment of TCA with respect to perioperative morbidity, mortality, enterocolitis, and functional outcomes. The operative technique performed should be selected on center and surgeon familiarity and expertise.
Coal-gas cleanup facility

The operation of a Process Development Unit-Scale Integrated Coal-Gasification Combined Cycle experimental facility is presented. The Benfield system is shown to adequately scrub sulfur compounds over a wide range of gas compositions and operation conditions. The particulate and alkali levels in the product gas are well within the acceptable range for existing gas-turbine fuel specifications. (JMT)
The Juror, The Citizen, and The Human Being: The Presumptions of Innocence and the Burden of Judgment

In this essay, I suggest that the criminal trial is not only about the guilt or innocence of the defendant, but also about the character and growth of the jurors and the communities they represent. In earlier work, I have considered the potential impact of law and politics on the character of citizens, and thus on the capacity of citizens to thrive – to live full and rich human lives. Regarding the jury, I have argued that aspects of criminal trial procedure work to fix in jurors a sense of agency in and responsibility for verdicts of conviction. Here, I draw on those ideas with respect to the presumption of innocence. I suggest that the presumption of innocence works not primarily as legal rule, but rather as a moral framing device – a sort of moral discomfort device – encouraging jurors to feel and bear the weight of what they do. I offer an account of character development in which virtues are conceived of not merely as modes of conduct developed through habituation and practice, but also as capacities and ways of being developed in part through understanding and experience. The criminal trial, framed by the presumption of innocence, can be an experience through which jurors and their communities, by learning what it means and feels like to carry a certain sort of moral weight, may engender a certain set of moral strengths – strengths valuable to them not just as jurors, but also as citizens, and as human beings.
The interplay of phase inversion, polymer membrane formation, and drug release in a membrane-based delivery system

The interplay between the dynamics of phase inversion, membrane formation, and drug release kinetics has been studied for solvent-cast films of a poly(n-butyl cyanoacrylate) (PBCA)–naproxen system. Films cast from solutions containing various amounts of polymer, solvent (acetone) and non-solvent (water) were analyzed via electron microscopy to determine optimal compositions and casting conditions leading to the formation of desired porous morphologies. In the presence of drug, the formation and locking-in of porous morphologies are found to be controlled by the interplay between the plasticizing effects of the drug and its crystallization kinetics during the phase inversion. Drug release rates from dried films exhibit a non-monotonic pattern with drug loading (DL), depending on whether a collapsed, dense structure or a porous structure forms. The role of glass transition and crystallization for both as-cast and remelted films is separately analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The discussion includes an analysis of the effect of DL on the quaternary (polymer–solvent–non-solvent–drug) phase diagram, indicating the role of glass composition curves on the locking-in process.
Is a point mutation in the mitochondrial ND2 gene associated with alzheimer's disease?

A specific mitochondrial DNA mutation at position 5460 in the ND2 gene of the human mitochondrial genome was recently reported to exist in 10 of 19 patients with Alzheimer's disease, implying an association between this mtDNA mutation and the occurrence of the disease. We have analyzed tissues from 15 patients with Alzheimer's disease for the presence of the ND2 mutation, and have not been able to confirm these findings. We believe that this mutation is not specifically associated with Alzheimer's disease, but rather, is a neutral polymorphism present in the population.
AN ADVOCACY COALITION FRAMEWORK OF POLICY CHANGE AND THE ROLE OF POLICY-ORIENTED LEARNING THEREIN

There has been a great deal of research in recent years concerning the use of substantive policy analysis in public policy-making. This paper seeks to integrate those findings - e.g., the ‘enlightenment function’ of policy research - into a more general model of policy-making over periods of a decade or more. The conceptual framework focuses on the belief systems of advocacy coalitions within policy subsystems as the critical vehicle for understanding the role of policy analysis in policy-oriented learning and the effect, in turn, of such learning on changes in governmental programs.
Comparative foraging strategies of sheep and goats in a T-maze apparatus

Abstract The foraging behavior of eight sheep and 11 goats was studied using a T-maze. In the first experiment, animals were given two free choices in the maze. In each case, the selection of either arm would result in their obtaining high quality food—a situation classified as a ‘win’. Animals of both species tended to return to the originally chosen arm on the second choice, an apparent win-stay strategy. This expression of a win-stay strategy could be attributed to the fact that the animals simply showed a strong lateral preference (handedness). A losing possibility was added in Experiment 2 by introducing low quality food into one arm of the maze. Goats responded by increasing the frequency of shifting on the second free choice, particularly when the first choice was a losing one. Sheep did not respond to this possibility with a measurable change in behavior. Results suggest that foraging behavior may be more strongly influenced by negative or losing experiences than by winning ones, and that effects of losing need to be better incorporated into foraging theory.
Successful percutaneous transcatheter aortic valve replacement in multi-organ failure due to aortic bioprosthesis regurgitation in a patient with continuous-flow LVAD.

may also be beneficial in correcting misimpressions. It is important to present objective, statistical information in keeping with the patient’s clinical profile, although the power of such information to counter bias introduced by patient-to-patient encounters remains uncertain. A postsurgery ‘‘buddy system’’ between candidates and narrators is relatively free of bias concerns because the treatment decision was made previously and may facilitate postsurgery coping and adjustment. Our case and available evidence highlight the benefits and potential hazards of patient-to-patient encounters, hence our call for reflective, consistent practices.
First-order melting transition of the hard-disk system.

We present a very strong evidence for a first-order melting transition in the hard-disk system by exploiting the finite-size scaling of the bulk free-energy barrier. We use isobaric Monte Carlo simulations to allow fluctuations in the volume of the system, which lead, in the presence of a first-order transition, to a double-peaked structure in the volume distribution. We also find that the system melts directly from a two-dimensional solid with long-range orientational order to an isotropic liquid with no intervening hexatic phase.
Expression of MMP2, MMP9 and MMP3 in Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis in a Rat Model

In order to study the expression of MMP2, MMP3 and MMP9 in breast cancer brain metastasis, we used a syngeneic rat model of distant metastasis of ENU1564, a carcinogen-induced mammary adenocarcinoma cell line. At six weeks post inoculation we observed development of micro-metastasis in the brain. Immunohistochemistry and Western Blotting analyses showed that MMP-2, -3 and -9 proteins expressions are consistently significantly higher in neoplastic brain tissue compared to normal brain tissue. These results were confirmed by RT-PCR. In situ zymography revealed gelatinase activity within the brain metastasis. Gel zymography showed increase in MMP2 and MMP3 activity in brain metastasis. Furthermore, we were able to significantly decrease the development of breast cancer brain metastasis in animals by treatment with PD 166793, a selective synthetic MMP inhibitor. In addition, PD 166793 decreased the in vitro invasive cell behavior of ENU1546. Together our results suggest that MMP-2, -3 and -9 may be involved in the process of metastasis of breast cancer to the brain.
Low-temperature (4–77°K) spectroscopy of chlorella; temperature dependence of energy transfer efficiency

From the absorption spectra and the excitation spectra of chlorophyll a fluorescence measured (4–77°K) at different wavelengths (685–760 nm) and their comparison with the emission spectra published elsewhere23, we confirm that both the Pigment Systems (I and II) contain chlorophyll b, chlorophyll a 670 and chlorophyll a 678. But System II is relatively enriched in chlorophyll b and System I in chlorophyll a 685–715. Moreover, our data suggest the following correspondence between absorption and fluorescence bands: chlorophyll a 678 is responsible for F687, “Trap II” for F698 and chlorophyll a 685–715 for F725. The efficiencies of energy transfer from chlorophyll b to chlorophyll a and from chlorophyll a 670 to chlorophyll a 678 that approach 100 % even at 4°K were found to be independent of temperature (4–295°K). However, transfer efficiencies from chlorophyll a to the suggested trap of System II may be temperature dependent.
Towards a new strategy for the ERA: Some lessons from the american woman suffrage movement

This article compares the 1970s ERA movement with the American woman suffrage movement in order to identify a potentially more succesful strategy for a future movement. The similarities and differences in the nature of the opposition, the issues articulated, and the alliances formed by both movements are examined. It is argued that the leaders of a future ERA movement must celebrate women's differences, challenge more effectively the notion that women need men's protection, select issues that concern most women, and form firmer alliances.
Mortality, fertility, and saving in a Malthusian economy

Abstract We develop a model of fertility choice by utility maximizing households, based on an explicit notion of intergenerational external effects. In contrast to previous economic literature, we assume that the external effects run from children to parents. This gives rise to a fundamentally different reason for bearing of children, as parents expect to be cared for, at least partially, by their children in their old age. We take the behavior of infant mortality since 1541 as the key exogenous variable and endogeneize the size of the transfer from children to parents by linking it to the endogenous savings and fertility choice of the parents. This generates a dynamic model of a Malthusian society that performs substantially better, qualitatively and quantitatively, than previous economic models of endogenous fertility.
AREA SAMPLING FOR TERRAIN ANALYSIS

Area sampling is most useful in reducing the time and effort required for studies of large areas. It permits the formulation of rapid approximations and, because time is saved, it enables more detailed observations to be made and a greater number of variables to be considered.
Generalized gradients and paths of descent

There have been several algorithms in the literature that use Clabke's generalized gradients to find descent directions for minimizing Lipschitz functions, The result used to find these directions states that if zero is not a generalized gradient to a Lipschitz function f at xthen there is an y that is a direction of descent for f at all points in a neighborhood of x. In this paper it is shown that, even though there may not be descent directions, there are paths of descent if f is lower semicontinuous. This is done using a characterization of Clabke'S tangent cone in terms of Lipschitz paths.
Establishment of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) pastures on organic dairy farms in the Mountain West USA

Birdsfoot trefoil (BFT, Lotus corniculatus L.) is a nonbloating perennial forage legume well suited to ruminant production on pastures. It is persistent under irrigation in cool, dry western US climates, and has been found to increase meat and milk production compared with other forages. The establishment of BFT pastures was evaluated on five commercial organic dairy farms in southern Idaho and northern Utah. Participating producers broadcast seeded 4-ha BFT pastures between 26 July and 8 September 2011 at a rate of 25 kg pure live seed ha−1. Birdsfoot trefoil and weed densities were systematically sampled 17 to 23 days after first BFT emergence in autumn 2011 and again in spring 2012. On all farms, BFT seedling density was high, averaging 690 plants m−2 in the autumn after planting and 340 plants m−2 the following spring. However, weed density varied between 130 and 750 plants m−2 in the autumn of 2011 and 240 and 410 plants m−2 in the spring of 2012. On the three farms where weed density was equal to or greater than BFT density in the spring of 2012, spring BFT cover averaged less than 10 %. On the two farms where spring weed density was less than BFT density, spring BFT cover was 48 and 66 %. These two pastures produced 6000 to 7600 kg of dry matter ha−1 by 20 June 2012 and were well enough established to support grazing for the remainder of the summer. Birdsfoot trefoil establishment was enhanced under sprinkler compared with flood irrigation.
Individualized instruction in computer science

The concept of individualized instruction centered around a rather extensive research project has been present in education for centuries. As recently as fifty years ago many colleges and universities required some form of thesis for bachelors and masters degrees, as well as for the doctorate. However, with the pressure of increasing numbers of students the emphasis on individual study has abated to such an extent that in many schools only the PhD students have a real opportunity to engage in extensive individual work.Over the past two years we have been attempting a small reversal in this trend. During this period we have supervised nearly two dozen projects done by individual students or small student groups at both the undergraduate and the graduate level. After the first semester of this effort we established a set of guidelines which we have been following in subsequent project work. Our present guidelines form the Appendix to this paper.
Early experience and visual cliff behavior in the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus): II

Exposure of male and female gerbils to “flat” and “cliff” living environments from 30 to 51 days of age modifies subsequent visual cliff behavior. Prior experience with a cliff decreases latency to respond. This is especially apparent if the early environment has a pattern similar to the visual cliff on which the test is made. Descent from a deep cliff is more apt to occur in animals with previous cliff experience with a minimum of visual depth cues.