bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaired Inflammatory Pain and Thermal Hyperalgesia in Mice Expressing Neuron-Specific Dominant Negative Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase Kinase (MEK)
Authors: Karim Farzana , Hu Hui-Juan , Adwanikar Hita , Kaplan David , Robert W Gereau
Published: January 2006

Background

Numerous studies have implicated spinal extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) as mediators of nociceptive plasticity. These studies have utilized pharmacological inhibition of MEK to demonstrate a role for ERK signaling in pain, but this approach cannot distinguish between effects of ERK in neuronal and non-neuronal cells. The present studies were undertaken to test the specific role of neuronal ERK in formalin-induced inflammatory pain. Dominant negative MEK (DN MEK) mutant mice in which MEK function is suppressed exclusively in neurons were tested in the formalin model of inflammatory pain.

Results

Formalin-induced second phase spontaneous pain behaviors as well as thermal hyperalgesia measured 1 − 3 hours post-formalin were significantly reduced in the DN MEK mice when compared to their wild type littermate controls. In addition, spinal ERK phosphorylation following formalin injection was significantly reduced in the DN MEK mice. This was not due to a reduction of the number of unmyelinated fibers in the periphery, since these were almost double the number observed in wild type controls. Further examination of the effects of suppression of MEK function on a downstream target of ERK phosphorylation, the A-type potassium channel, showed that the ERK-dependent modulation of the A-type currents is significantly reduced in neurons from DN MEK mice compared to littermate wild type controls.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that the neuronal MEK-ERK pathway is indeed an important intracellular cascade that is associated with formalin-induced inflammatory pain and thermal hyperalgesia.
Flaws in design, analysis and interpretation of Pfizer's antifungal trials of voriconazole and uncritical subsequent quotations
Authors: Jørgensen Karsten J , Johansen Helle Krogh , Gøtzsche Peter C
Published: January 2006

We have previously described how a series of trials sponsored by Pfizer of its antifungal drug, fluconazole, in cancer patients with neutropenia handicapped the control drug, amphotericin B, by flaws in design and analysis. We describe similar problems in two pivotal trials of Pfizer's new antifungal agent, voriconazole, published in a prestigious journal. In a non-inferiority trial, voriconazole was significantly inferior to liposomal amphothericin B, but the authors concluded that voriconazole was a suitable alternative. The second trial used amphothericin B deoxycholate as comparator, but handicapped the drug by not requiring pre-medication to reduce infusion-related toxicity or substitution with electrolytes and fluid to reduce nephrotoxicity, although the planned duration of treatment was 84 days. Voriconazole was given for 77 days on average, but the comparator for only 10 days, which precludes a meaningful comparison.

In a random sample of 50 references to these trials, we found that the unwarranted conclusions were mostly uncritically propagated. It was particularly surprising that relevant criticism raised by the FDA related to the first trial was only quoted once, and that none of the articles noted the obvious flaws in the design of the second trial.

We suggest that editors ensure that the abstract reflects fairly on the remainder of the paper, and that journals do not impose any time limit for accepting letters that point out serious weaknesses in a study that have not been noted before.
Scoliosis treatment using spinal manipulation and the Pettibon Weighting System™: a summary of 3 atypical presentations
Authors: Morningstar Mark W , Joy Timothy
Published: January 2006

Background

Given the relative lack of treatment options for mild to moderate scoliosis, when the Cobb angle measurements fall below the 25–30° range, conservative manual therapies for scoliosis treatment have been increasingly investigated in recent years. In this case series, we present 3 specific cases of scoliosis.

Case presentation

Patient presentation, examination, intervention and outcomes are detailed for each case. The types of scoliosis presented here are left thoracic, idiopathic scoliosis after Harrington rod instrumentation, and a left thoracic scoliosis secondary to Scheuermann's Kyphosis.

Each case carries its own clinical significance, in relation to clinical presentation. The first patient presented for chiropractic treatment with a 35° thoracic dextroscoliosis 18 years following Harrington Rod instrumentation and fusion. The second patient presented with a 22° thoracic levoscoliosis and concomitant Scheuermann's Disease. Finally, the third case summarizes the treatment of a patient with a primary 37° idiopathic thoracic levoscoliosis. Each patient was treated with a novel active rehabilitation program for varying lengths of time, including spinal manipulation and a patented external head and body weighting system. Following a course of treatment, consisting of clinic and home care treatments, post-treatment radiographs and examinations were conducted. Improvement in symptoms and daily function was obtained in all 3 cases. Concerning Cobb angle measurements, there was an apparent reduction in Cobb angle of 13°, 8°, and 16° over a maximum of 12 weeks of treatment.

Conclusion

Although mild to moderate reductions in Cobb angle measurements were achieved in these cases, these improvements may not be related to the symptomatic and functional improvements. The lack of a control also includes the possibility of a placebo effect. However, this study adds to the growing body of literature investigating methods by which mild to moderate cases of scoliosis can be treated conservatively. Further investigation is necessary to determine whether curve reduction and/or manipulation and/or placebo was responsible for the symptomatic and functional improvements noted in these cases.
Orthodontic treatment needs in the western region of Saudi Arabia: a research report
Authors: Hassan Ali H
Published: January 2006

Background

Evaluation of self perceived and actual need for orthodontic treatment helps in planning orthodontic services and estimating the required resources and man power. In the present study, the perceptive need as evaluated by patients and the actual need to orthodontic treatment, as assessed by orthodontists, were evaluated at two types of dental practices in the city of Jeddah using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN).

Methods

A consecutive sample of 743 adults seeking orthodontic treatment at two different types of dental practices in Jeddah; King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Dentistry (KAAU) (Free treatment) and two private dental polyclinics (PDP) (Paid treatment), was examined for orthodontic treatment need using the dental health component (DHC) of the IOTN. The self-perceived need for orthodontic treatment was also determined using the aesthetic component (AC) of the IOTN. The IOTN score and the incidence of each variable were calculated statistically. AC and DHC categories were compared using the Chi-Square and a correlation between them was assessed using Spearman's correlation test. AC and DHC were also compared between the two types of dental practices using the Chi-Square.

Results

The results revealed that among the 743 patients studied, 60.6% expressed no or slight need for treatment, 23.3% expressed moderate to borderline need and only16.1% thought they needed orthodontic treatment. Comparing these estimates to professional judgments, only 15.2% conformed to little or no need for treatment, 13.2% were assessed as in borderline need and 71.6% were assessed as in need for treatment (p < 0.001). Spearman's correlation test proved no correlation (r = -.045) between the two components. Comparing the AC and the DHC between the KAAU group and PDP group showed significant differences between the two groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Patient's perception to orthodontic treatment does not always correlate with professional assessment. The IOTN is a valid screening tool that should be used in orthodontic clinics for better services especially, in health centers that provide free treatment.
Are therapeutic communities therapeutic for women?
Authors: Eliason Michele J
Published: January 2006

This paper addresses the growing phenomena of therapeutic community (TC) treatment approaches for women in correctional settings. Although rapidly increasing in number across the country, there is very little empirical research to support the effectiveness of TC treatment for women. Therefore, the literature on the efficacy and effectiveness of TC treatment for women is reviewed in relation to the literature on women's treatment issues. The literature review highlights the gaps where TC treatment ignores or exacerbates issues that are common to addicted women, or uses methods that may be contradictory to women's recovery.
Detailed analysis of the variability of peptidylarginine deiminase type 4 in German patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a case–control study
Authors: Hoppe Berthold , Häupl Thomas , Gruber Rudolf , Kiesewetter Holger , Burmester Gerd R , Salama Abdulgabar , Dörner Thomas
Published: January 2006

Peptidylarginine deiminase type 4 (PADI4) genotypes were shown to influence susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the Japanese population. Such an association could not previously be confirmed in different European populations. In the present study, we analysed exons 2–4 of PADI4 in 102 German RA patients and 102 healthy individuals to study the influence of PADI4 variability on RA susceptibility by means of haplotype-specific DNA sequencing. Analyses of the influence of PADI4 and HLA-DRB1 genotypes on disease activity and on levels of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies were performed.

Comparing the frequencies of PADI4 haplotype 4 (padi4_89*G, padi4_90*T, padi4_92*G, padi4_94*T, padi4_104*C, padi4_95*G, padi4_96*T) (patients, 14.7%; controls, 7.8%; odds ratio = 2.0, 95% confidence interval = 1.1–3.8) and carriers of this haplotype (patients, 27.5%; controls, 13.7%; odds ratio = 2.4, 95% confidence interval = 1.2–4.8), a significant positive association of PADI4 haplotype 4 with RA could be demonstrated. Other PADI4 haplotypes did not differ significantly between patients and controls. Regarding the individual PADI4 variants, padi4_89 (A→G), padi4_90 (C→T), and padi4_94 (C→T) were significantly associated with RA (patients, 49.5%; controls, 38.7%; odds ratio = 1.6, 95% confidence interval = 1.1–2.3). Considering novel PADI4 variants located in or near to exons 2, 3, and 4, no quantitative or qualitative differences between RA patients (8.8%) and healthy controls (10.8%) could be demonstrated. While the PADI4 genotype did not influence disease activity and the anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody level, the presence of the HLA-DRB1 shared epitope was significantly associated with higher anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody levels (P = 0.033).

The results of this small case–control study support the hypothesis that variability of the PADI4 gene may influence susceptibility to RA in the German population. Quantitative or qualitative differences in previously undefined PADI4 variants between patients and controls could not be demonstrated.
Vasopressin improves outcome in out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation of ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia: a observational cohort study
Authors: Grmec Stefek , Mally Stefan
Published: January 2006

Introduction

An increasing body of evidence from laboratory and clinical studies suggests that vasopressin may represent a promising alternative vasopressor for use during cardiac arrest and resuscitation. Current guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation recommend the use of adrenaline (epinephrine), with vasopressin considered only as a secondary option because of limited clinical data.

Method

The present study was conducted in a prehospital setting and included patients with ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia undergoing one of three treatments: group I patients received only adrenaline 1 mg every 3 minutes; group II patients received one intravenous dose of arginine vasopressine (40 IU) after three doses of 1 mg epinephrine; and patients in group III received vasopressin 40 IU as first-line therapy. The cause of cardiac arrest (myocardial infarction or other cause) was established for each patient in hospital.

Results

A total of 109 patients who suffered nontraumatic cardiac arrest were included in the study. The rates of restoration of spontaneous circulation and subsequent hospital admission were higher in vasopressin-treated groups (23/53 [45%] in group I, 19/31 [61%] in group II and 17/27 [63%] in group III). There were also higher 24-hour survival rates among vasopressin-treated patients (P < 0.05), and more vasopressin-treated patients were discharged from hospital (10/51 [20%] in group I, 8/31 [26%] in group II and 7/27 [26%] group III; P = 0.21). Especially in the subgroup of patients with myocardial infarction as the underlying cause of cardiac arrest, the hospital discharge rate was significantly higher in vasopressin-treated patients (P < 0.05). Among patients who were discharged from hospital, we found no significant differences in neurological status between groups.

Conclusion

The greater 24-hour survival rate in vasopressin-treated patients suggests that consideration of combined vasopressin and adrenaline is warranted for the treatment of refractory ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. This is especially the case for those patients with myocardial infarction, for whom vasopressin treatment is also associated with a higher hospital discharge rate.
A class of human exons with predicted distant branch points revealed by analysis of AG dinucleotide exclusion zones
Authors: Gooding Clare , Clark Francis , Wollerton Matthew C , Grellscheid Sushma-Nagaraja , Groom Harriet , Smith Christopher WJ
Published: January 2006

Background

The three consensus elements at the 3' end of human introns - the branch point sequence, the polypyrimidine tract, and the 3' splice site AG dinucleotide - are usually closely spaced within the final 40 nucleotides of the intron. However, the branch point sequence and polypyrimidine tract of a few known alternatively spliced exons lie up to 400 nucleotides upstream of the 3' splice site. The extended regions between the distant branch points (dBPs) and their 3' splice site are marked by the absence of other AG dinucleotides. In many cases alternative splicing regulatory elements are located within this region.

Results

We have applied a simple algorithm, based on AG dinucleotide exclusion zones (AGEZ), to a large data set of verified human exons. We found a substantial number of exons with large AGEZs, which represent candidate dBP exons. We verified the importance of the predicted dBPs for splicing of some of these exons. This group of exons exhibits a higher than average prevalence of observed alternative splicing, and many of the exons are in genes with some human disease association.

Conclusion

The group of identified probable dBP exons are interesting first because they are likely to be alternatively spliced. Second, they are expected to be vulnerable to mutations within the entire extended AGEZ. Disruption of splicing of such exons, for example by mutations that lead to insertion of a new AG dinucleotide between the dBP and 3' splice site, could be readily understood even though the causative mutation might be remote from the conventional locations of splice site sequences.
Variable window binding for mutually exclusive alternative splicing
Authors: Anastassiou Dimitris , Liu Hairuo , Varadan Vinay
Published: January 2006

Background

Genes of advanced organisms undergo alternative splicing, which can be mutually exclusive, in the sense that only one exon is included in the mature mRNA out of a cluster of alternative choices, often arranged in a tandem array. In many cases, however, the details of the underlying biologic mechanisms are unknown.

Results

We describe 'variable window binding' - a mechanism used for mutually exclusive alternative splicing by which a segment ('window') of a conserved nucleotide 'anchor' sequence upstream of the exon 6 cluster in the pre-mRNA of the fruitfly Dscam gene binds to one of the introns, thereby activating selection of the exon directly downstream from the binding site. This mechanism is supported by the fact that the anchor sequence can be inferred solely from a comparison of the intron sequences using a genetic algorithm. Because the window location varies for each exon choice, regulation can be achieved by obstructing part of that sequence. We also describe a related mechanism based on competing pre-mRNA stem-loop structures that could explain the mutually exclusive choice of exon 17 of the Dscam gene.

Conclusion

On the basis of comparative sequence analysis, we propose efficient biologic mechanisms of alternative splicing of the Drosophila Dscam gene that rely on the inherent structure of the pre-mRNA. Related mechanisms employing 'locus control regions' could be involved on other occasions of mutually exclusive choices of exons or genes.
The Paranoid Optimist: An Integrative Evolutionary Model of Cognitive Biases
Authors: Haselton Martie G. , Nettle Daniel
Published: January 2006

Human cognition is often biased, from judgments of the time of impact of approaching objects all the way through to estimations of social outcomes in the future. We propose these effects and a host of others may all be understood from an evolutionary psychological perspective. In this article, we elaborate error management theory (EMT; Haselton & Buss, 2000). EMT predicts that if judgments are made under uncertainty, and the costs of false positive and false negative errors have been asymmetric over evolutionary history, selection should have favored a bias toward making the least costly error. This perspective integrates a diverse array of effects under a single explanatory umbrella, and it yields new content-specific predictions.
Protic, Imidazolium Ionic Liquids as Media for (Z)- to (E)-Alkene Isomerization
Authors: Janus Ewa , Lozynski Marek , Pernak Juliusz
Published: January 2006

The quantitative isomerization of (Z)- to (E)-alkene in protic, imidazolium ionic liquids is demonstrated. The isomerization parameters were determined. The mechanism on the addition of the protic imidazolium species to carbon–carbon double bond is presented.
Production of COx-free Hydrogen by Alkali Enhanced Hydrothermal Catalytic Reforming of Biomass-derived Alcohols
Authors: Xu Yunpeng , Tian Zhijian , Wen Guodong , Xu Zhusheng , Qu Wei , Lin Liwu
Published: January 2006

COx-free hydrogen could be produced by hydrothermal catalytic reforming process when Ca(OH)2 was added into the reaction, and biomass-derived alcohols were used as the reactants.
Fabrication of a Novel Microfluidic Device Incorporating 2-D Array of Microbeads
Authors: Gumpenberger Thomas , Sato Tadatake , Kurosaki Ryozo , Narazaki Aiko , Kawaguchi Yoshizo , Niino Hiroyuki
Published: January 2006

A novel microfluidic device incorporating a two-dimensional array of microbeads with 10 μm diameter was fabricated. Surface-modified microbeads to be used as detectors were arranged into microstructures prepared at the surface of a silica glass plate by laser-micromachining and sealed with a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) plate to form microchannels. The capturing reaction of surface amino groups with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) supplied via microchannels was examined.
Amorphous Carbon-promoted Low-temperature Crystallization of Silica
Authors: Okabe Akihiro , Niki Makiko , Fukushima Takanori , Aida Takuzo
Published: January 2006

Heating of mesoporous silica hybridized with self-assembled disc-like molecules such as hexabenzocoronene and triphenylene derivatives at ≥900 °C under N2 resulted in low-temperature crystallization of its amorphous silicate framework into cristobalite, a form of crystalline silica that appears in a much higher temperature range in the phase diagram.
Momentum Transfer Effects in the Transport of Adsorbate at a Nano-Patterned Surface
Authors: Nicholson David , Bhatia Suresh K.
Published: January 2006

Adsorbate molecules scattered in the repulsive field of a surface feature in the form of a semi-cylindrical stripe may be considered as a simple model for a nano-patterned surface. The extent of scattering was conveniently expressed as the tangential momentum accommodation coefficient. An analytical result was obtained using a simple local specular reflection hypothesis in contrast to the more complicated situation of an array of atoms discussed elsewhere, in which screening and secondary reflection may occur (Nicholson and Bhatia 2005). It was also demonstrated that a simple 2D representation leads to the same result for the tangential momentum accommodation coefficient.
Influence of Temperature and Purity of Polyacrylic Acid on its Adsorption and Surface Structures at the ZrO2/Polymer Solution Interface
Authors: Wiśniewska M. , Chibowski S.
Published: January 2006

The influence of temperature and the effect of the purity of polyacrylic acid (PAA) on its conformation on the zirconium oxide surface were studied. Spectrophotometric measurements, potentiometric titrations, electro-kinetic and viscosity measurements allowed the determination of the amounts of polymer adsorbed, the surface charge and the zeta potential of solid particles in the absence and presence of the polymer together with the thickness of the polymer adsorption layers. All measurements were carried out over the temperature range 15—40°C.

The occurrence of a minimum in the adsorption of PAA between 25–30°C was caused by conformational changes of the polymer macromolecules. For non-filtered PAA, a decrease in polymer adsorption and an increase in the thickness of the adsorbed polymer layers were observed. These result from changes in the polydispersity index of filtered PAA and the blocking of some active sites on the oxide surface by inorganic contamination present in the non-filtered PAA samples.

The free energy of PAA adsorption was calculated from the zeta potential data. Some parameters characterizing the conformation of PAA chains in the bulk liquid phase and on the ZrO2 surface were determined.
Variational Stability and Marginal Functions via Generalized Differentiation
Authors: Mordukhovich Boris S. , Nam Nguyen Mau
Published: January 2006

Robust Lipschitzian properties of set-valued mappings and marginal functions play a crucial role in many aspects of variational analysis and its applications, especially for issues related to variational stability and optimization. We develop an approach to variational stability based on generalized differentiation. The principal achievements of this paper include new results on coderivative calculus for set-valued mappings and singular subdifferentials of marginal functions in infinite dimensions with their extended applications to Lipschitzian stability. In this way we derive efficient conditions ensuring the preservation of Lipschitzian and related properties for set-valued mappings under various operations, with the exact bound/modulus estimates, as well as new sufficient conditions for the Lipschitz continuity of marginal functions.
Expected Residual Minimization Method for Stochastic Linear Complementarity Problems
Authors: Chen Xiaojun , Fukushima Masao
Published: January 2006

This paper presents a new formulation for the stochastic linear complementarity problem (SLCP), which aims at minimizing an expected residual defined by an NCP function. We generate observations by the quasi-Monte Carlo methods and prove that every accumulation point of minimizers of discrete approximation problems is a minimum expected residual solution of the SLCP. We show that a sufficient condition for the existence of a solution to the expected residual minimization (ERM) problem and its discrete approximations is that there is an observation ωi such that the coefficient matrix M(ωi) is an R0 matrix. Furthermore, we show that, for a class of problems with fixed coefficient matrices, the ERM problem becomes continuously differentiable and can be solved without using discrete approximation. Preliminary numerical results on a refinery production problem indicate that a solution of the new formulation is desirable.
The Number of Solutions Sufficient for Solving a Family of Problems
Authors: Einstein Ori , Hassin Refael
Published: January 2006

This paper deals with families of optimization problems defined over a common set of potential solutions. We consider several problems-solutions systems, and for each one, prove the existence of a small set of solutions that contains an optimal solution to every problem. These proofs are mostly algebraic in nature. The families of problems covered here mostly include separation problems, problems on graphs and hypergraphs, and SAT problems.
Boundedness Theorems for the Relaxation Method
Authors: Amaldi Edoardo , Hauser Raphael
Published: January 2006

A classical theorem by Block and Levin (Block, H. D., S. A. Levin. 1970. On the boundedness of an iterative procedure for solving a system of linear inequalities. Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 26 229–235) states that certain variants of the relaxation method for solving systems of linear inequalities generate bounded sequences of intermediate solutions, even when applied to infeasible systems. Using a new approach, we prove a more general version of this result and answer an old open problem of quantifying the bound as a function of the input data.
Efficient Algorithms for Separated Continuous Linear Programs: The Multicommodity Flow Problem with Holding Costs and Extensions
Authors: Fleischer Lisa , Sethuraman Jay
Published: January 2006

We give an approximation scheme for separated continuous linear programming problems. Such problems arise as fluid relaxations of multiclass queueing networks and are used to find approximate solutions to complex job shop scheduling problems. In a network with linear flow costs and linear, per-unit-time holding costs, our algorithm finds a drainage of the network that, for given constants ε > 0 and δ > 0, has total cost (1 + ε)OPT + δ, where OPT is the cost of the minimum cost drainage. The complexity of our algorithm is polynomial in the size of the input network, 1/ε, and log(1/δ). The fluid relaxation is a continuous problem. While the problem is known to have a piecewise constant solution, it is not known to have a polynomially sized solution. We introduce a natural discretization of polynomial size and prove that this discretization produces a solution with low cost. This is the first polynomial time algorithm with a provable approximation guarantee for fluid relaxations.
Frequency Domain Analysis for Fluorescence Recovery after Photobleaching
Authors: Wirth Mary J.
Published: January 2006

Fourier transformation is evaluated as a means of improving precision in the analysis of fluorescence-recovery-after-photobleaching (FRAP) data. Simulations of FRAP data of 2 m points, where m is an integer, are Fourier transformed to obtain the frequency domain data. Analogous to frequency domain techniques in nanosecond spectroscopy, frequency domain analysis of FRAP data is shown to provide more precise results. For a single exponential decay acquired over a time window of five decay constants, frequency domain analysis increases the precision by six fold without requiring that any more data be acquired. For a double exponential decay with decay constants that differ by a factor of two and noise of 5% relative standard deviation, time domain analysis is unable to distinguish this from a single exponential decay (χ2 = 1.1), whereas frequency domain analysis reveals that it does not fit to a single exponential decay (χ2 = 2.5). For a double exponential decay with five-fold differing decay constants, improved precision is obtained in the frequency domain for both of the decay constants, as well as the fractional amount of each. In contrast to nanosecond spectroscopy, the FRAP analysis described here combines the higher precision of the frequency domain with the direct observation in the time domain to facilitate the assessment of artifacts.
Evaluation of Pretreatment Strategies for Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Calibration Development of Unground and Ground Compound Feedingstuffs
Authors: Fernández-Cabanás V. M. , Garrido-Varo A. , Pérez-Marín D. , Dardenne P.
Published: January 2006

Chemometric procedures are usually applied to near-infrared (NIR) spectra in order to obtain prediction models. These procedures include the application of different combinations of spectral mathematical pretreatments for the improvement of calibrations and the selection of the best model on the basis of validation results. In this work, we used an automatic routine to obtain calibrations for unground and ground compound feedingstuffs ( N = 354 samples), including 49 combinations of pretreatments (first and second derivatives, an auto scaling procedure, detrending and two versions of multiplicative scatter correction). Calibrations for crude fiber and crude protein were developed without elimination of outliers and with 2 or 9 maximum passes of elimination of outliers. Validation statistics were highly influenced by the pretreatments used, as a combined result of their ability to improve the detection of outliers and the model adjustment. The standard error of prediction (SEP) values ranged from 0.61 to 1.27 for crude protein (CP) and from 0.74 to 1.33 for crude fiber (CF). In spite of the fact that validation statistics did not show a clear distribution pattern, some combinations of pretreatments provided consistently better results.
An evaluation of different kinetic models for determining the kinetic coefficients in sugar cane straw–clay ash/lime system
Authors: Villar-Cociña E. , Frías M. , Valencia-Morales E. , Sánchez de Rojas M. I.
Published: January 2006

The paper presents a comparative study in which different kinetic models were applied to describe the reaction kinetics of a mixture of sugar cane straw with 20 and 30% of clay, burned at 800 and 1000°C (SCSCA), and hydrated lime [calcium hydroxide (CH)]. Classical models, such as the Jander, Jander Modified and Zuravlev models were applied. These models were compared with a kinetic-diffusive model previously published by some of the present authors. The models were fitted to the experimental data by computerised methods, which allowed the computation of the kinetic parameters that rigorously characterise the pozzolanic activity of the materials. The results showed that Jander, Jander Modified and Zuravlev models did not describe the pozzolanic reaction kinetics in this system correctly, whereas the model proposed by the authors gave the best results with respect to fitting to the experimental data. This demonstrated that the model proposed by the authors was the most adequate for describing the reaction kinetics in the SCSCA system.
29Si MAS-NMR study of hydrated cement paste and mortar with varying content of fly ash
Authors: Al-Zahrani M. M. , Al-Tayyib A.-H. J. , Al-Dulaijan S. U. , Osei-Twum E.
Published: January 2006

This study presents 29Si magic-angle-spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS-NMR) measurements that trace the cement hydration process in both cement paste as well as mortar specimens made from Type I ordinary Portland cement, when the cement content was replaced by 0, 20, 40, 55 and 70% by weight of high lime fly ash. The specimens were cured by continuous immersion in potable water for 3, 7, 14, 28, 90 and 180 days at a laboratory temperature of 21°C (69·8°F). The results show that values of the degree of hydration (%) and the compressive strength generally decreased with increasing content of high lime fly ash. Beyond 28 days of curing time, a progressive increase in the degree of hydration (%), that was comparable with that of the control specimens occurred in the cement paste specimens containing 20, 40, and 55% high lime fly ash. This indicates delayed pozzolanic reactivity of the high lime fly ash that started after 28 days of curing time and reached optimal value at 90 days of curing time. Moreover, throughout the curing ages of this study, the cement paste as well as the mortar specimens containing 20 % high lime fly ash indicated values of degree of hydration (%) and compressive strength that were close and comparable with those of the control specimens without high lime fly ash.
Effect of sulphate contamination on chloride-binding capacity of plain and blended cements
Authors: Dehwah H. A. F.
Published: January 2006

This paper presents the results of a study conducted to assess the effect of sulphate contamination on the chloride-binding capacity of plain and blended cements. Cement paste specimens admixed with a fixed quantity of sodium chloride and varying dosages of sodium sulphate or magnesium sulphate were prepared. The pore solution was extracted from these specimens and analysed to determine OH−and Cl−concentrations. The chloride concentration increased with increasing quantity of sodium sulphate contamination. In the specimens admixed with magnesium sulphate, a marginal increase in the Cl−concentration was noted up to 1% SO42−. The increase in the Cl−concentration in the specimens admixed with more than 1% SO42− was minimal. In plain cements the chloride binding was influenced by the C3A content of cement. The Cl−/OH−values in plain cements admixed with sodium chloride and sodium sulphate increased marginally with increasing sodium sulphate concentration. However, the Cl−/OH−ratio in plain and blended cements admixed with sodium chloride and magnesium sulphate increased with increasing quantity of magnesium sulphate up to 1% SO42−. For SO42− concentrations of more than 1%, a decrease in the Cl−/OH−was noted.
Using waste to reduce slope erosion on road embankments
Authors: de Oña J. , Osorio F.
Published: January 2006

Urban waste may be used to reduce slope erosion of highway embankments. Whereas different kinds of compost have been tested in the USA for highway revegetation, sewage sludge has been used only for agricultural purposes. This paper presents the results of research carried out in order to study the viability of the application of sewage sludge compared with compost. Test areas measuring 4 m × 5 m were constructed on a new highway embankment with 2:1 and 3:2 side slopes in the south of Spain. Crop cover and erosion were evaluated for plots with application of three dosages of compost and three dosages of sludge. Also, the costs of the proposed application are analysed. This treatment costs, on average, 0·24% of the budget for new roads infrastructure, and reduces soil loss by up to 30% on average. Based on these results, compost and sludge can be successfully used to reduce slope erosion on highway embankments. However, standards and specifications are required for their routine application.
Using Choice Experiments to Value Non-Market Goods and Services: Evidence from Field Experiments
Authors: List John A. , Sinha Paramita , Taylor Michael H.
Published: January 2006

Critics of stated preference methods argue that hypothetical bias precludes survey techniques from providing reliable economic values for non-market goods and services, rendering estimation of the total economic benefits of public programs fruitless. This paper explores a relatively new methodology to obtain the total value of non-market goods and serviceschoice experimentswhich conveniently provide information on the purchase decision as well as the characteristic value vector. The empirical work revolves around examining behavior in two very different field settings. In the first field study, we explore hypothetical bias in the purchase decision by eliciting contributions for a threshold public good in an actual capital campaign. To extend the analysis a level deeper, in a second field experiment we examine both the purchase decision and the marginal value vector via inspection of consumption decisions in an actual marketplace. In support of the new valuation design, both field experiments provide some evidence that hypothetical choice experiments combined with cheap talk can yield credible estimates of the purchase decision. Furthermore, we find no evidence of hypothetical bias when estimating marginal attribute values. Yet, we do find that the cheap talk component might induce internal inconsistency of subjects preferences in the choice experiment.
The First-Year Foreign Policy of Bush the Younger
Authors: Betts Richard K.
Published: January 2006

The author assesses President Bushs foreign policy, suggesting that there are surprisingly few differences beneath the surface between the policies of the current administration and the Clinton presidency. He gives high marks to the Bush administration for its conduct of the war in Afghanistan, but cites several ambiguous, and hence more difficult, obstacles that confront the Bush foreign policy team. In particular, he warns that the United States appears to be losing the crucial battle for public opinion among Muslims worldwide. He also remarks on the poor job, thus far, by the president to revamp the American military to face the challenges of the new century.
Weighing Bush's Foreign Policy
Authors: Binns Jack R.
Published: January 2006

Jack R. Binns, retired United States Ambassador, evaluates Bushs foreign policy across the major regions, citing critical missteps in each case with the important exception of building ties with Russia. He also contrasts the Bush II presidency with that of Bush I, noting significant differences. The events of September 11 have made foreign policy decisions more complicated, but the president appears to have aggravated problems by continued emphasis on unilateralism, inconsistent policies and rhetorical excess that stirs anti-American sentiment in hot spots around the globe. Binns recommends a more disciplined approach, one that relies less on asserting U.S. military power and more on a strategic vision with clear priorities and attentive multilateral efforts to resolve regional problems.
American Presidential Elections: The Last One and the Next One
Authors: Polsby Nelson W.
Published: January 2006

The following remarks about the presidential election in 2000 are from a lecture delivered by Professor Polsby at the Ecole Normale Superiere in Cachan, France. Polsby explains to his French audience the unusual circumstances of the recent election, noting how the dispute in Florida resulted, in part, from the device of the Electoral College and the decentralized character of electoral administration in the United States. He emphasizes that the legitimacy of the Bush presidency is not in question, even with the confusion over counting the ballots in Florida, and even though the Supreme Court appeared to overstep its role by intervening before constitutional mechanisms for electing the president were fully implemented. The Bush victory, however, has set the stage for intense mobilization efforts by interest groups in the upcoming Congressional elections in 2002 to decide which party controls the U.S. Senate.
The Changing Leadership of George W. Bush: A Pre- and Post-9/11 Comparison
Authors: Greenstein Fred I.
Published: January 2006

Presidential scholar, Fred I. Greenstein, presents a comparison of the pre- and post-9/11 political leadership style of George W. Bush, bringing up to date an assessment of Bushs strengths and weaknesses from his book, The Presidential Difference: Leadership Style from FDR to Clinton. After reviewing Bushs background, political emergence, and pre-presidential political performance, Greenstein portrays a president who appears to have emerged as a more effective leader after 9/11, particularly in his grasp of policy and ability to communicate with the public. His remarks fall under the six headings he employs in The Presidential Difference to identify presidential leadership qualities: emotional intelligence, cognitive style, political skill, policy vision, organizational capacity, and effectiveness as a public communicator.
Money and Politics: The Long View
Authors: Keller Morton
Published: January 2006

Professor Keller puts the recent federal campaign finance reforms into historical perspective, referring to efforts by Congress to regulate money in politics for more than a century. While the United States has assembled an impressive regulatory system over the years, he wonders whether Congress has gone too far with McCain- Feingold. His chief concerns are that the new law fails to identify adequately the problems it intends to solve, and will weaken an already shaky party system. He also wonders whether it is realistic or wise to regulate activities that touch so closely on 1st Amendment rights.
Handicapping the 2004 Nomination Race: An Early Fall Prospectus
Authors: Mayer William G.
Published: January 2006

While acknowledging that the Democratic nomination race remains wide open, Professor Mayer gives an informed preview of likely outcomes in the contest of 2004. Drawing on past models and various studies of the nomination process, Mayer handicaps the field before the delegate selection process begins.
California Recall Voting: Nuggets of California Gold for Voting Behavior
Authors: McDonald Michael P.
Published: January 2006

Professor McDonald analyzes voter participation in the 2003 California recall election. He places participation in the election into context, and finds it was not as high as predicted. He further finds intriguing evidence that punch card balloting leads to higher error rates, and that touch screen voting may reduce the degree of abstention for lower ballot position contests.
Ninth Circuit Erred in Allowing Recall Election with Punch Card Votes
Authors: Hasen Richard L.
Published: January 2006

Among the many lawsuits filed during the unprecedented California gubernatorial recall election, the one that garnered the most attention was the case challenging the use of punch card voting in six California counties. In that suit, plaintiffs argued that the election should be delayed because the allegedly higher error rates of punch card voting compared to other systems in California denied those voters in punch card counties their equal protection rights under the California constitution and also violated the Voting Rights Act. Professor Hasen argues that the original Ninth Circuit decision delaying the election until punch card voting could be eliminated was correct, and the later en banc decision allowing the election to go forward with the selective use of punch cards was unfortunate, though understandable given the closeness of the recall election. Hasen argues that under the Supreme Court's decision in Bush v. Gore, the selective use of punch card voting constitutes an equal protection violation. The en banc court did not reach the issue. Hasen concludes that the en banc decision does not preclude other plaintiffs from bringing similar challenges in the future, and that the window remains open for voting reform lawsuits until the Supreme Court interprets Bush v. Gore otherwise.
Balancing Security and Privacy in the Information and Terrorism Age: Distinguishing Behavior from Identity Institutionally and Technologically
Authors: Demchak Chris C. , Fenstermacher Kurt D.
Published: January 2006

National security policies adopted after 9/11 have generated an intense and polarized national debate on privacy versus security. Privacy advocates fight to reveal nothing about individuals while security advocates would have authorities know everything. There is, however a middle ground if one decomposes privacy into a basic set of two elements.
The Ninth Amendment and the Negative Pregnant
Authors: Adkison Danny M
Published: January 2006

This article explains why the Framers (the authors of the U.S. Constitution of 1787) did not include a Bill of Rights. It challenges the conventional understanding that portrays the Framers as insensitive to individual rights, and argues that the historical record clearly shows that it was out of a concern for the legal concept known as negative pregnant that explains their actions. It also challenges the conservative interpretation of the Ninth Amendment given by Robert Bork. The Ninth Amendment was designed by Madison as a solution to the negative pregnant, but has been mostly ignored by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Judicial Confessions: John F. Kerry, Catholics, and the Supreme Court
Authors: McMahon Kevin J.
Published: January 2006

In 1960, approximately 80 percent of Catholic voters supported John F. Kennedys successful bid for the White House. But beginning in the 1968 presidential election, the Catholic vote shifted. Since 1972, it has consistently been a near mirror image of the popular vote. This shift was partially inspired by a series of Supreme Court decisions that disappointed traditional Catholic Democrats who in turn found Republican presidential candidates stressing the social issue more appealing. However, despite making eleven of the last thirteen appointments, Republican presidents have failed to construct a thoroughly conservative Supreme Court on social and cultural matters. In this essay, I consider how this failure will affect the candidacy of President George W. Bush and explore whether it will offer John F. Kerrythe first Catholic presidential nominee of a major party since John Kennedyan opportunity to increase the Democratic Partys share of the Catholic vote.
Florida: Too Close to Call, Again?!
Authors: MacManus Susan
Published: January 2006

Florida is once again a key battleground state, with nearly 850,000 more voters and two more Electoral College votes than in 2000but no more chads since punch card ballots have been outlawed. There are ten givens about the sunshine state, such as the key role that independents will play, a higher younger voter turnout rate, more citizens voting absentee or early, intense GOTV efforts by both parties, an intensely competitive U.S. Senate race, a series of constitutional amendments intended to draw out infrequent voters, and lawsuits before and after the election. The biggest uncertains are: what will be the most important vote-decision issue(s); turnout rates and candidate preferences among African Americans, Hispanics, social conservatives, and women; and whether there will be a terrorist attack before Election Day.
Bush Cabinet Nominations: How Will They Fare in the Senate?
Authors: Wegner Leof Allison
Published: January 2006

Shortly after the election, President George W. Bush initiated a major restructuring of his cabinet. The post-election weeks have been filled with the drama of the selection process: who was in, who was out, whom would the President choose to fill the empty slots? Come January, the drama will move to Capitol Hill, for the hearings, floor speeches and votes that make up the Senate confirmation process. A Senate tradition of deferring to Presidents on their selections  particularly for Cabinet appointments  has lost strength, and instead has been replaced by a practice of opposition party Senators using nominations to attack the President and his party and hone their opposition party message for mass consumption. This paper looks at President Bushs new Cabinet appointments in light of these developments in the confirmation process, and offers some predictions for what will happen in January.