cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stable carbon isotope record of middle to late Holocene climate changes from land snail shells at Hinds Cave, Texas

Abstract Stable carbon isotope ratios of shell carbonate and shell organic matter from land snails (Rabdotus alternatus) from Hinds Cave, Texas, are used to reconstruct the climate history of the drier western part of the southern Great Plains (present mean annual rainfall of 400 mm) over the last ca. 5000 yr. AMS radiocarbon analyses of four individual shells from each of two strata indicate that there are no problems of reworking or age mixtures within strata. However, burning is evident in many shells. Amino acid composition and racemization were used to identify shells that had been significantly heated and these were rejected for isotopic analysis because of possible alteration of the isotopic signal. Fourteen samples of snails from Hinds Cave, each consisting of 2–6 individual shells from the same provenience, were radiocarbon dated by AMS and analyzed for stable carbon isotopes. In addition, a sample collected alive ca. AD 1890 from a nearby site, was analyzed to represent modern conditions. The shells show no decrease in organic content with age, indicating good preservation of shell organic matter. Both the organic and carbonate isotope values show similar temporal trends. The oldest samples (4100–4600 cal yr BP) are relatively depleted in 13 C . Maximum δ 13 C values are reached at ca. 3500 cal yr BP. Thereafter there is a regular depletion in 13 C , with the recent sample showing the lowest δ 13 C value. The change in the isotopic values over time is quite large (range of 4.5‰ for organic matter) and indicates substantial climatic changes. The variations in isotopic values are interpreted as resulting primarily from changes in moisture conditions, affecting the abundance of drought-adapted CAM (Crassulacean acid metabolism) plant species (enriched in 13 C ). Thus relatively moist mid-Holocene conditions are indicated, with increasingly dry conditions reaching a maximum at ca. 3500 cal yr BP, followed by progressively moister conditions through the late Holocene.
Management of Acne: A Report From a Global Alliance to Improve Outcomes in Acne

INTRODUCTION In the past 25 years, numerous topical and systemic drugs have been developed for the treatment of acne vulgaris. The voluminous amount of clinical trial information has become increasingly difficult for individual physicians to monitor. Clinical trials are a science no different than any other aspect of medicine. There has been improvement in the design and performance of clinical trials in the past several years. Currently, most authoritative opinions fully support the need for studies to be performed under the CONSORT and Cochrane principles. We accept that many studies have not been as rigorously performed in the past as trials done in 2002. But to discard such studies is inappropriate, because they were done well according to the standards of the time. Thus, for the time being, clinical opinion, based in part on formal discussion among expert colleagues with an interest in acne and a logical analysis of the literature, is not unreasonable as the basis for a Consensus Recommendation. Such recommendations highlight the indications for use of medications and the optimal approach to the management of specific clinical problems. Overall, the goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of rational therapy, which can form the basis for more uniform therapeutic strategies throughout the world, enhanced patient compliance, and more effective use of healthcare resources. Several sets of guidelines have been developed for the treatment of acne during the past decade, including a practice guideline for the Oral Treatment of Acne in France (1999), Canadian Acne Treatment Guidelines (1995), German Guidelines for Acne Treatment (2001), Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: Guidelines for Primary Care Physicians (1991), and Guidelines of Care for Acne Vulgaris from the American Academy of Dermatology (1990). However, advances in medicine occur relatively rapidly, and practice guidelines may be out of date shortly after they are issued. Thus, there is a continuing need to update existing recommendations so that recent advances in therapy can be brought to the attention of physicians in a timely manner. In recognition of this need, this supplement to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology has been developed by a panel of physicians and researchers in the field of acne, working together as a Global Alliance to Improve Outcomes in Acne. The mission of this group is to develop consensus recommendations for the treatment of acne, which are evidence-based when possible, and which include input from numerous countries. The members of the group represent a broad list of international dermatologists with a special interest in acne and reflect a wide range of experiences and opinions. The activities of the group have been coordinated by Dimensional Healthcare, Inc, and funded by an educational grant from Galderma. As might be expected, some of the physicians involved in the development of this document have past or current, direct or indirect financial
Case Studies in Job Analysis and Training Evaluation.

Job analysis identifies work behaviors and associated tasks that are required for successful job performance. Job analysis is widely recognised as a starting point in a needs analysis for training and development activities. The content validity justification for basing training on a job analysis can be used for training evaluation. Effective training should only have an impact on job tasks significantly related to successful job performance. This article presents two examples of the use of job analysis for training evaluation: evaluation of an information technology certification and evaluation of training for a professional association of librarians.
The Effect of State Education Finance Reform on Total Local Resources

Abstract Both the federal government and the states use intergovernmental grants to try to change the composition of local spending across different programs, as well as the distribution of resources across localities. Many states are now under court order to use state education grants to reduce local disparities in education spending. While a substantial body of literature suggests that these court orders increase the level and progressivity of state education spending, there is little evidence on their broader effects on the total resources available not just for schools in low-income districts, but for other programs across all localities. We find that states finance the required increase in education spending in part by reducing their aid to localities for other programs, particularly for wealthier areas. Thus, while court-ordered school finance equalizations do increase total state aid to localities for education, they do so at the expense of drawing state intergovernmental aid away from programs like public welfare, health, hospitals, and general services. These findings provide insight into the effectiveness of using earmarked funds to achieve redistribution.
Update on estimation of mutation rates using data from fluctuation experiments.

This note discusses a minor mathematical error and a problematic mathematical assumption in Luria and Delbruck's (1943) classic article on fluctuation analysis. In addition to suggesting remedial measures, the note provides information on the latest development of techniques for estimating mutation rates using data from fluctuation experiments.
A wireless chemical sensor using ferroparticles embedded hydrogel

In this paper, we present a wireless chemical sensor using ferroparticles-embedded hydrogel (ferrogel). Chemically triggered reversible swelling and de-swelling of ferrogel immobilized on top of a planar inductor results in a modulated inductance through two competing mechanisms; ferroparticle density and magnetic field passing through the volume-changing ferrogel. Overall, the effect of the magnetic flux passing through the ferrogel dominates, thus increasing the inductance as the ferrogel swells. The resulting inductance change can be remotely monitored through wireless tracking of the coil self-resonant frequency. A pH sensor based on poly (methacrylic acid-co-acrylamide) hydrogel was fabricated and tested. The test was carried out in a laser machine acrylic chamber with buffers of varying pH values flowing through while monitoring the resonant frequency with a network analyzer. The sensor shows sensitivity of 200 kHz/pH between pH values of 6 to 5 and 105 kHz/pH from 5 to 4 with approximately 30 minutes of response time.
Advances in CTIX Accelerator Study

Several new experiments have been conducted on the UC Davis repetitive-pulsed spheromak-like compact toroid (SCT) accelerator (CTIX). (1) SCT density and kinetic energy density has been increased by gas puffing in the acceleration section. With gas puffing, SCT electrical to kinetic energy conversion efficiency has been increased to >20%. (2) SCT interaction with targets has been recorded with a fast visible imaging system, combined with target-region helium gas puffing for increased brightness. Images of both coherent waves and turbulent flow patterns were observed in the target region after the interaction. (3) A laser deflection density diagnostic has been improved to obtain better reliability and resolution. Operated with high-density gas-puffed SCTs, the second-generation diagnostic has successfully measured axial as well as radial deflection. The measured line averaged densities are in good agreement with a conventional quadrature laser interferometer.
Utility of tumor-avid photosensitizers in developing bifunctional agents for tumor imaging and/or phototherapy

HPPH (a chlorophyll-a analog) was linked with a cyanine dye and the resulting conjugate was found to be an efficient tumor imaging (fluorescence imaging) and photosensitizing agent (PDT). Our preliminary results suggest that tumor-avid porphyrin-based compounds can be used as vehicles for delivering the desired fluorophores to tumor for fluorescence imaging. In an early diagnosis of microscopic lesions in pre-clinical studies (C3H mice implanted with RIF tumors) the HPPH-cyanine dye conjugate showed tumor-imaging capability (λ ex : 780 nm, λ em : 860 nm) at the non- therapeutic doses that are 100 fold lower than those used therapeutically. Compared to the cyanine dye, the corresponding HPPH-conjugate showed enhanced long-term tumor imaging ability.
Theory and computation of periodic solutions of autonomous partial differential equation boundary value problems, with application to the driven cavity problem

In ordinary differential equations, one distinguishes two cases: autonomous and nonautonomous. Roughly speaking, the theory of the latter is built upon the theory of the former. The same distinction should be applied to partial differential equations, where much less is known. Here I will focus on the question of the generation of periodic solutions for autonomous partial differential equation boundary value problems. Specifically, I consider the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations, and the important driven cavity problem. For simplicity, attention is restricted to two bifurcation parameters, the Reynolds number and the Aspect ratio. Only Dirichlet velocity boundary conditions are considered. Both the known theory and known computational results for the driven cavity are surveyed. The importance of computationally adhering to the div u = 0 condition to accurately simulate unsteady flows which will be qualitatively correct for the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations is stressed. The dependence of sustained periodicity upon the existence of highly localized vortex shedding sequences somewhere along the boundary is pointed out. A new analysis of the pressure boundary condition, based upon a general regularity principle, is given. A conjectured Hopf bifurcation criticality curve is explained.
Latency and energy in quality-driven applications for networked wireless devices

As smartphones, tablets, and other portable technologies become increasingly prevalent, scaling computational applications to run on these resource-constrained devices will continue to rise to the forefront of challenges in the wireless networking community. In particular, computing tasks which typically address a trade-off between robustness and efficiency, including emerging methods for intruder detection, cryptography, and context-aware applications, need to balance these two objectives against power to adequately transfer onto small systems with a limited power supply. In this paper, we present a queueing model that explicitly balances the competing objectives of minimizing latency, maximizing output quality, while regulating power consumption. We demonstrate the efficacy of this model against a sensible alternative heuristic, thus providing a general and integrated framework for evaluating the performance of quality-driven applications on resource-constrained devices.
Self-assembly of drug-loaded liposomes on genetically engineered protein nanotubes: a potential anti-cancer drug delivery vector

Cationic liposomes loaded with a model drug (zinc phthalocyanine, ZnPc) for photodynamic cancer therapy can be electrostatically assembled on anionic flagellar protein nanotubes that can be displayed with cancer cell-targeting peptides.
Truck safety factors on urban arterials

Despite the high percentage of large truck trips on Interstate roadways, only 24% of fatal truck crashes occurred on these roadways. About 59% of large truck fatal crashes occurred on undivided highways that do not have controlled access and have signalized intersections. These statistics suggest that truck safety research should not only be aimed at Interstate driving conditions, but should also focus on improving truck safety for secondary roadways. One approach that can be used to better understand factors that impact truck safety on arterial roadways is through the use of accident prediction models. This paper describes the use of Poisson regression and negative binomial accident prediction models for truck accidents on an urban arterial with heavy truck volumes and a large number of signalized intersections. A model combining both signal and roadway segments showed good fit and demonstrates the ability to capture the impacts of both signal and roadway segments in one model.
Content versus self-rating in attitude research☆

Abstract Attitudes can be expressed in a variety of ways, each of which represents a form of human judgment. A distinction is made in the present paper between two modes of attitudinal expression: the content of an attitudinal position and the person's self-rating of the pro-ness or con-ness of his attitudinal position. When made operational, these two facets of attitude require the performance of different scaling tasks termed Tasks A and B, respectively, in the Coombs system. An experiment is reported in which subjects completed a Thurstone scale under one of three attitude perspective conditions. The perspective conditions were induced by the attribution of differing ranges of opinion (attitude content) to a relevant peer group. As pred cted, the manipulation of perspective influenced the subjects' self-atings but not their content scores.
Chemoprevention of prostate cancer: lessons learned.

A challenge to the prevention of prostate cancer is its fundamental basis; a man who is disease-free must take an agent that might have side-effects to reduce his risk of disease. Although the lifetime risk of prostate cancer in the USA is 18% [3], the converse is that the use of preventive agents in the USA is unnecessary in at least 82% of men. With this in mind, before the PCPT it was not certain whether chemoprevention studies could be completed, given that a healthy, asymptomatic population was required to be enrolled. Other challenges include the need for regular dosing, regular follow-up, and even prostate biopsy in some designs. Despite these challenges, three phase III studies and one relatively large phase IIB study were successfully completed, i.e. the PCPT (finasteride) [4], the REDUCE trial (dutasteride) [5], the SELECT trial (selenium, α -tocopherol) [6] and the GTX-006-211 (toremifene) [7].
An integrated interactive environment for knowledge discovery from heterogeneous data resources

Abstract Discovering knowledge such as causal relations among objects in large data collections is very important in many decision-making processes. In this paper, we present our development of an integrated environment acting as a software agent for discovering correlative attributes of data objects from multiple heterogeneous resources. The environment provides necessary supporting tools and processing engines for acquiring, collecting, and extracting relevant information from multiple data resources, and then forming meaningful knowledge patterns. The agent system is featured with an interactive user interface that provides useful communication channels for human supervisors to actively engage in necessary consultation and guidance in the entire knowledge discovery processes. A cross-reference technique is employed for searching and discovering coherent set of correlative patterns from the heterogeneous data resources. A Bayesian network approach is applied as a knowledge representation scheme for recording and manipulating the discovered causal relations. The system employs common data warehousing and OLAP techniques to form integrated data repository and generate database queries over large data collections from various distinct data resources.
A Study of Experimental Techniques for Telephone Interviewing

TELEPHONE surveys are not a new phenomenon, but academic and governmental organizations have only recently made serious investments in the method. As of this writing, for example, the Bureau of the Census has conducted only one study involving "cold" telephone interviews-a random-digit dialing sample of Michigan residents. Reducing the cost of surveys is the primary motivation for developments in telephone interviewing. Many researchers still see the telephone interview as the somewhat disreputable "poor relation" of the personal contact. If it were not for financial exigencies, these people would probably not view the telephone as a preferable (or even a viable) means of collecting survey data. This attitude may be one reason why we know little about what constitutes effective telephone interviewing techniques. The telephone survey has been treated as a necessity, rather than as an
Hypnotic Control of Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage: A Case Report

Abstract The use of hypnosis for control of bleeding during and after surgical procedures is common practice. It has also been a useful tool for control of bleeding in hemophiliac children, especially during dental procedures, and in traffic accidents. This paper presents the successful treatment with hypnosis of a patient with upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding. After treatment, the patient was discharged from the hospital without the need for surgical intervention.
The glacial eastern boundary current along the Atlantic Eurafrican continental margin

Abstract The paleoceanography of the Bay of Biscay and of the northeast Atlantic continental margin has been reconstructed for the last glacial maximum (18,000 years ago); it is compared to the modern interglacial situation. Planktonic foraminiferal assemblages in glacial and modern sediment samples have been used to infer glacial and interglacial water mass distributions and to estimate the winter and summer sea surface temperatures. Eighteen thousand years ago, the temperate surface water masses of the modern Bay of Biscay were replaced by polar water masses (3 to 4°C) during the winter, but temperature to transitional (8 to 10°C) ones invaded the center of the day during the summer. The water masses in the Bay of Biscay and above the Ibero-Moroccan continental margin have been characterized by the steep temperature gradients across the eastern boundary current system. The latter transported surface waters, which were up to 10dgC cooler than the water masses of the central North Atlantic gyre, southwards along the continental edge.
Sodium and T1ρ MRI for molecular and diagnostic imaging of articular cartilage

In this article, both sodium magnetic resonance (MR) and T1ρ relaxation mapping aimed at measuring molecular changes in cartilage for the diagnostic imaging of osteoarthritis are reviewed. First, an introduction to structure of cartilage, its degeneration in osteoarthritis (OA) and an outline of diagnostic imaging methods in quantifying molecular changes and early diagnostic aspects of cartilage degeneration are described. The sodium MRI section begins with a brief overview of the theory of sodium NMR of biological tissues and is followed by a section on multiple quantum filters that can be used to quantify both bi-exponential relaxation and residual quadrupolar interaction. Specifically, (i) the rationale behind the use of sodium MRI in quantifying proteoglycan (PG) changes, (ii) validation studies using biochemical assays, (iii) studies on human OA specimens, (iv) results on animal models and (v) clinical imaging protocols are reviewed. Results demonstrating the feasibility of quantifying PG in OA patients and comparison with that in healthy subjects are also presented. The section concludes with the discussion of advantages and potential issues with sodium MRI and the impact of new technological advancements (e.g. ultra-high field scanners and parallel imaging methods). In the theory section on T1ρ, a brief description of (i) principles of measuring T1ρ relaxation, (ii) pulse sequences for computing T1ρ relaxation maps, (iii) issues regarding radio frequency power deposition, (iv) mechanisms that contribute to T1ρ in biological tissues and (v) effects of exchange and dipolar interaction on T1ρ dispersion are discussed. Correlation of T1ρ relaxation rate with macromolecular content and biomechanical properties in cartilage specimens subjected to trypsin and cytokine-induced glycosaminoglycan depletion and validation against biochemical assay and histopathology are presented. Experimental T1ρ data from osteoarthritic specimens, animal models, healthy human subjects and as well from osteoarthritic patients are provided. The current status of T1ρ relaxation mapping of cartilage and future directions is also discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rosmariquinone interactions in autoxidation and light-sensitized oxidation of stripped soybean oil

Two studies were conducted, using a stripped soybean oil model system, to evaluate the antioxidant interaction(s) between rosmariquinone (RQ) and oil components, including chlorophyll (CHL), β-carotene (CAR), and tocopherol(s) (TOCO), under both autoxidation and light-sensitized oxidation. In autoxidation, CHL alone had no effect on the level of oxidation, whereas CAR alone showed prooxidant (P<0.05) activity. RQ and RQ+CHL or RQ+CAR were significantly (P<0.05) better in controlling autoxidation. RQ appeared to be responsible for the activity in the test combinations. However, among the treatments containing TOCO, RQ, and RQ+TOCO, RQ+TOCO gave a level (P<0.05) of inhibition that indicated a possible synergistic relationship. When tested in a light-sensitized oxidative system, CHL and CAR had no effect on oxidation relative to the control and, again, RQ alone or in combination with CHL or CAR was responsible for the greatest (P<0.05) inhibition of oxidation. RQ+TOCO had better (P<0.05) inhibitory activity than the individual compounds. In the second study, the interaction between RQ and TOCO was studied. TOCO, added at levels found in the nonstripped soybean oil, and RQ, added at two levels (100 and 200 ppm), were tested alone or in combination in both autoxidation and light-sensitized oxidation. In autoxidation, the combination of RQ at 200 ppm and TOCO was synergistic; however, in light-sensitized oxidation, this combination was not synergistic. Monitoring the loss of both RQ and TOCO suggested that during autoxidation RQ acted as a secondary antioxidant relative to TOCO.
Capabilities versus Resources

What is the correct metric of distributive justice? Proponents of the capability approach claim that distributive metrics should be articulated in terms of individuals’ effective abilities to achieve important and worthwhile goals. Defenders of resourcism, by contrast, maintain that metrics should instead focus on the distribution of external resources. This debate is now more than three decades old, and it has produced a vast and still growing literature. The present paper aims to provide a fresh perspective on this protracted debate. It does so by defending capability metrics while also (1) criticizing the two most common arguments used to support them, and (2) sympathetically reconstructing the arguments for resourcism. I ultimately argue that while sweeping defenses of the capability approach do not succeed, capability theorists can indeed vindicate the justice-relevance of certain capabilities while still accommodating what is plausible in resourcism.
Singular behavior of Anderson-localized wave functions for a two-site model

We show analytically that the apparent nonanalyticity discovered recently in the inverse participation ratio (IPR) of the eigenstates in Anderson's model of localization is also present in a simple two-site model, along with a concurrent nonanalyticity in the density of states (DOS) at the same energy. We demonstrate its evolution from two sites to the thermodynamic limit by numerical methods. For the two-site model, nonanalyticity in higher derivatives of the DOS and IPR is also proven to exist for all bounded distributions of disorder.
Qualia and the Senses

In his paper ‘Some Remarks about the Senses’ H.P. Grice argues that our distinction among perceptual modalities requires that the modalities must be characterized in terms of the introspectable character of experience. I first show that Grice's argument provides support for the claim that perceptual experiences have qualia, namely, mental qualitative properties of experience which are what it is like to be conscious of perceived properties such as colour. I then defend intentionalism about experience, which rejects qualia, by showing that we need not appeal to differences in qualia in order to distinguish the senses. Rather I claim that we can appeal to, among other factors, differences in the physical properties of physical objects which experience represents.
Designing green oxidation catalysts for purifying environmental waters.

We describe the synthesis, characterization, aqueous behavior, and catalytic activity of a new generation of Fe-III-TAML (tetraamido macrocycle ligand) activators of peroxides (2), variants of [Fe{ ...
Maximizing the Health of Older Adults

Life expectancy continues to rise in the United States whereby older adults are living to be 80 years old on average (Weiss & Mushinski, 1999). The fastest growing segment of the elder population constitutes individuals 90 years of age and older. Projections show that this group will increase from 1.2 to 9.6 million by 2050 (Weiss & Mushinski, 1999), with a 90-year-old male expected to live an average of 3.85 years while a 90-year-old female will live another 4.67 years (Centers for Disease Control, 2002). The estimates underscore the fact that the majority of these elders will be women (U.S. Congress Senate Special Committee on Aging, 1988). This stunning growth in the number of the oldest old population calls for making independent living a major priority for clinical and public health professionals. But it is difficult to define healthy aging as this is a developmentally occurring phenomenon that occurs at different degrees at different times for each aging adult. Because aging, particularly health decline, frequently happens insidiously, elders on any given day are faced with the idea that their current quality of life may be As Good As it Gets. In the 1997 movie, the obsessive– compulsive writer Melvin Udall (played by Jack Nicholson) asked this rhetorical question when he becomes frustrated with the events of his life. Many older adults may never contemplate their life’s path, instead they allow life to happen and eventually they submit to giving in to a lesser quality of life, that is, their independence. For some reason, many grow older with the idea that the last train stop in life is the nursing home. A paradigm shift needs to occur so that more elders take on life akin to the two older adults in the movie Bucket List, that is, living life to its fullest and independently as possible. Health care providers also need to rethink the aging process; not every elder is doomed to a nursing home in his or her last decade of life. With individuals living longer, the health care system needs to focus on the embodiment of maintaining health and vitality. According to Gawande (2007), the nursing profession needs to rethink this developmental life stage. Greater value should be placed on maximizing independent aging such that elders need not trade their independent living arrangement for an institutional bed that centers on rigidly scheduled routines. Unfortunately, there is very little research in this area and the research that does exist is relegated to safety and attending to chronic illnesses.
Localization and characterization of an essential associative memory trace in the mammalian brain

We argue here that we have succeeded in localizing an essential memory trace for a basic form of associative learning and memory - classical conditioning of discrete responses learned with an aversive stimulus - to the anterior interpositus nucleus of the cerebellum. We first identified the entire essential circuit, using eyelid conditioning as the model system, and used reversible inactivation, during training, of critical structures and activation of pathways to localize definitively the essential memory trace. This discovery and the associated studies have: 1) shown that the essential cerebellar circuit applies equally to all mammals studied, including humans; 2) shown that this cerebellar circuit holds for the learning of any discrete behavioral response elicited by an aversive US, not just eyelid closure; 3) identified the essential circuit and process for reinforcement for this form of learning; 4) shown that this form of learning and its essential cerebellar circuitry is phylogenetically very old; 5) solved the long-standing puzzle of where memory traces are formed in the brain when the CS is electrical stimulation of the cerebral cortex in conditioning; 6) shown that this cerebellar circuitry forms the essential neural substrate for the behavioral phenomenon of "blocking", and hence, 7) provides the first clear neural instantiation of the Rescorla-Wagner learning algorithm; 8) shown that the fundamental neural process underlying this form of learning is a strengthening of preexisting pathways, and 9) shown that the basic mechanism underlying this strengthening is the formation of new excitatory synapses. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI: Brain and Memory.
An additive for increasing the strength and modulus of amine‐cured epoxy resins

The reaction product of 4-hydroxyacetanilide and 1,2-epoxy-3-phenoxypropane, when added at 19 wt% to a conventional epoxy-resin-curing agent mixture, increases the tensile strength of the cured system from 82 MPa to 123 MPa and increases the shear modulus (20°C, 1 Hz) from 970 MPa to 1560 MPa. As well as showing increased strength, the tensile-test specimens also fail in a ductile fashion, i.e., the slope of the stress–strain curve is negative at failure, with appreciable localized deformation occurring during fracture. For notched samples (compact tension specimens), the fracture properties are strongly strain-rate-dependent. At low strain rates the additive-containing sample has a fracture energy (, critical strain energy release rate) about twice that of the additive-free control, but at higher strain rates falls to about 65° of the control value. The critical stress for crack propagation is also strain-rate-dependent and is about 50% higher than the control at low strain rates and about 10% less than the control at higher strain rates. Dynamic mechanical analysis and dielectric loss measurements indicate that the additive causes a decrease in the Tg and a suppression of the β-relaxation. Chemically, the additive accelerates the cure process but does not significantly alter the final extent of reaction of the epoxy resin. After curing, the additive is almost totally extractable by solvent indicating that it is not chemicaly bound to the polymer. These observations are discussed in terms of the concept of antiplasticization.
Childish Nonsense? The Value of Interpretation in Plato's Protagoras

In the Protagoras , Plato presents us with a puzzle about interpretation. Socrates claims to find several familiar Socratic theses about morality in his interpretation of a poem by Simonides, yet, immediately afterwards, he castigates interpretation itself as “childish nonsense.” In this paper, I argue that the puzzle can be resolved if we understand Socrates’s interpretation of Simonides’s poem to be a parody, which articulates implicit criticisms of sophistic interpretation . The parodic criticisms rely on an ideal of interpretation, what I call philosophical interpretation , whereby an interpreter remains indifferent to the authority of the poet, attempts a plausible reconstruction of the poem so that a philosophical view is formulated, and critically assesses this view. However, this ideal of interpretation can only partly escape the explicit criticisms Socrates voices against interpretation, and it thus has only limited value due to a contingent relation to truth.
Robust modulation classification techniques using cumulants and hierarchical neural networks

The problem of automatic modulation classification is to identify the modulation type of a received signal from the signal parameters. Modulation classification has both military and civilian applications and has been the subject of intensive research for more than two decades. In this paper we use a hierarchical neural network in which the first network identifies the modulation class while a second set of networks identify the constellation size (order) of that modulation class. The set of features we use include normalized standard deviations of amplitude, phase and frequency, as well as the fourth and sixth order cumulants of the signal samples. Identifying the constellation size of quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) has been particularly difficult in the past. In this paper we introduce two new approaches for computing the features of a QAM signal. The first uses the concatenated in- phase and quadrature components of the signal to compute the features. The second method maps the in-phase and quadrature components to the first quadrant of the constellation by calculating the absolute value of each separately. The mean of the resulting constellation points is then subtracted before calculating the features. Simulation results are presented for classification of several digital modulation schemes including FSK, PSK, ASK and QAM. Our results show that the proposed method significantly improves the classification error.
The role of awareness in affective information processing: An exploration of the Zajonc hypothesis

The present study explores the role of awareness in the processing of hedonically valent stimuli. We demonstrate that stimulus awareness is not necessary for stimulus valence either to elicit an affective response or to influence a subsequent cognitive decision. The results are interpreted as providing qualified support for Zajonc’s hypothesis regarding the independence of affective and cognitive processing systems. However, we suggest that this simple dichotomy is in need of revision.
Chronic ethanol intake and burn injury : evidence for synergistic alteration in gut and immune integrity

Objective Chronic ethanol (EtOH) intake and injury are both associated with increased susceptibility to infection in the host. This study examined the immune and gastrointestinal alterations induced by chronic EtOH intake and injury, and compared the effects of enteral and intravenous administration
The Cost of Terrorism: The Relationship Between International Terrorism and Democratic Governance

After Al Qaeda's destruction of the World Trade Center on 11 September 2001, many democracies reacted to the event, and to international terrorism in general, by passing laws restricting civil liberties and political rights, raising questions about the balance between security and liberty. Such laws have produced alarms among civil libertarians, worldwide. Are the alarms justified? In this article we analyze the relationship between the yearly number of international terrorist attacks in 24 countries from 1968–2003 and (a) measures of civil liberties and political rights as provided by Freedom House, and (b) levels of democracy as measured in the Polity IV scales. We take the number of international terrorist events, by country, from data provided by the Memorial Institute of the Prevention of Terrorism (MIPT) http://www.tkb.org/Home.jsp. Our analysis indicates that there is, generally, no relationship between the number of international terrorist events and the levels of civil rights, political rights, o...
Glucocorticoids inhibit the apoptotic actions of UV-C but not Fas ligand in hepatoma cells: direct evidence for a critical role of Bcl-xL

Our laboratory has shown that glucocorticoids can inhibit apoptosis in rat hepatoma cells; however, the mechanisms are incompletely understood. To address this issue we sought to determine if glucocorticoid inhibition is effective when death is induced by stimuli that more selectively activate either the intrinsic (UV-C) or extrinsic (FasL) apoptotic pathways. Using flow cytometric analysis, we show that pretreatment of HTC cells with dexamethasone (Dex) inhibits UV-C- but not FasL-induced apoptosis. This inhibition requires Dex pretreatment and can be abrogated by the glucocorticoid antagonist RU486 indicating glucocorticoid receptor-mediated action. Dex increases anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL at both mRNA and protein levels. The Bcl-xL protein level remains elevated even after apoptosis induction with either UV-C or FasL although only UV-C-induced cell death is inhibited. Repression of Bcl-xL protein with siRNA abrogates the anti-apoptotic effect of glucocorticoids. Together these data provide direct evidence that Bcl-xL mediates glucocorticoid inhibition of UV-C induced apoptosis.
Microvesicle Induction of Prostate Specific Gene Expression in Normal Human Bone Marrow Cells

Purpose: Transfer of genetic material from cancer cells to normal cells occurs via microvesicles. Cell specific phenotypes can be induced in normal cells by the transfer of material in microvesicles, leading to genetic changes. We report the identification and expression of prostate specific genes in normal human marrow cells co-cultured with human prostate cancer cells.Materials and Methods: We harvested prostate tissue from 11 patients with prostate cancer. In 4 cases prostate tissue was co-cultured across from human marrow for 2 or 7 days but separated from it by a 0.4 μM polystyrene membrane. In 5 cases conditioned medium from patient cancer tissue was collected and ultracentrifuged, and microvesicles were collected for co-culture (3) and vesicle characterization (3). Explanted human marrow was harvested from cultures and RNA extracted. Real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was done for select prostate specific genes.Results: Marrow exposed to human prostate tumor or isolated micro...
Modification of chronic smoking behavior: A comparison of three approaches

Abstract Three procedures designed to modify smoking behavior were compared ; each being administered in group situations by trained non-professional leaders. One procedure provided information regarding the harmful effects of smoking; a second involved an aversive conditioning experience ; and a third, a means for learning self-control behavior. A non-treated control group was included to assess whether extra-therapeutic variables were operating. All three treatment procedures led to significant reduction in smoking at a one week followup. Despite remission on the part of all treatment groups there was still significant reduction in their smoking behavior after a three month followup. Surprisingly, however, the control group also showed reduction in smoking and was not reliably different from the treatment groups at the three month followup.
Gender differences in the behavioral effects of methamphetamine.

Abstract The effects of methamphetamine were tested in male and female rats on two different behavioral tasks. Following habituation to a locomotor activity chamber, female rats were more sensitive to the locomotor activating effect of i.p. methamphetamine (0.1–3.0 mg/kg) than were male rats. A similar effect has been observed for other psychomotor stimulants, including cocaine and amphetamine. However, males and females did not differ on methamphetamine-induced place preference following eight conditioning trials with a wide range of doses (0.1–5.6 mg/kg). These results suggest that males and females differ in their response to methamphetamine for only some behavioral tasks.
Optimization of Asphalt Pavement Modeling based on the Global-Local 3D FEM Approach

This paper presents the use of three dimensional (3D) finite element modeling (FEM) techniques to determine asphalt pavement response to loading. In mechanistic-empirical pavement design, the properties of materials used in pavement layers must be specified before the pavement response to imposed loads can be determined. A numerical method is used to obtain the relaxation modulus of linear viscoelastic materials, such as asphalt concrete, from the dynamic modulus measured on specimens procured from the field. Linear elastic behavior is assumed for granular materials. In addition, regarding finite element modeling, key factors such as model geometry, material properties, load and boundary conditions, element type, and mesh refinement are discussed in detail. The adopted Global-Local (GL) FEM approach is capable of simulating pavement responses to multiple axle loads with different load configurations, speed, and temperatures.
Effect of chitosan on the intranasal absorption of salmon calcitonin in sheep

The effects of a chitosan-based delivery system on the pharmacokinetics of intranasally administered salmon calcitonin (sCT) were investigated in a sheep model. In particular, the feasibility of producing a formulation with a comparable or improved bioavailability and/or less variability than the currently marketed nasal product (Miacalcin nasal spray, Novartis Pharmaceuticals) was assessed. A comparator (control) formulation comprising sCT solution was also tested. Sheep (n=6) were dosed intranasally according to a randomized crossover design. The intranasal sCT dose was 1100 IU (equivalent to approximately 17 IU kg-1). After completion of the nasal dosing legs, five of the sheep received 300 IU sCT (equivalent to approximately 5 IU kg-1) by subcutaneous injection to estimate relative bioavailability. After intranasal or subcutaneous dosing, serial blood samples were taken and plasma separated by centrifugation before measuring sCT concentrations by ELISA. Pharmacokinetic (non-compartmental) and statistical (analysis of variance or non-parametric alternative) analyses were performed. No systemic or local adverse effects were observed following intranasal or subcutaneous administration of sCT. The mean relative bioavailability of sCT from the chitosan solution was improved twofold compared with Miacalcin nasal spray and threefold compared with sCT control solution. Inter-animal variability in sCT absorption appeared to be lower with use of the chitosan-based solution compared with the control solution or commercial product. Based on the reported sheep data, a chitosan delivery system could offer the potential to significantly improve the intranasal absorption of sCT and reduce the variability in absorption. In the clinical setting, this may allow relatively lower doses of the drug to be given intranasally and/or lead to improvements in the efficacy or quality of intranasal therapy.
Third molars associated with periodontal pathology in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Abstract Purpose Assess the association between visible third molars (VTM) and periodontal pathology in Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). Materials and methods Data were obtained on 5,831 persons aged 18 to 34 from the NHANES III. Relevant to the present study was the presence of VTM and the assessment of periodontal disease in 2 randomly selected (1 maxillary and 1 mandibular) quadrants. Periodontal measures included gingival index, pocket depth, and attachment level on mesiobuccal and buccal sites on up to 7 teeth (excluding third molars) per quadrant. Second molars were compared for periodontal pathology based on the presence or absence of a VTM in the same quadrant. Associations were determined using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Weighted multivariable models were fit using logistic regression, and variances were adjusted to account for the complex sampling design using SUDAAN (Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC). Results A VTM was associated with twice the odds of a probing depth 5+ mm (PD5+) on the adjacent second molar, while controlling for other factors associated with VTM and periodontal disease. Other factors positively associated with PD5+ in the model were age 25 to 34 years, smoking, and African American race. Conclusions The finding of more severe periodontal conditions associated with VTM in these young adults indicates that third molars may have a negative impact on periodontal health. The relationship between third molars and periodontal disease pathogenesis deserves further study using longitudinal data.
On producing negative ion beams of magnesium and calcium in a cesium sputter source

Abstract Moderately intense negative ion beams of magnesium and calcium hybrides have been generated by cesium beam sputtering of metallic cones while being sprayed with ammonia gas. The optimum yields for MgH− and MgH3− were 0.5 and 1.65 μA respectively and for CaH− and CaH3− 0.6 μA in both cases.
Surrealism and schizophrenia: reflections on modernism, regression, and the schizophrenic break

Abstract The essay explores certain anomalous perceptual experiences that are prominent both in schizophreniform psychopathology and in the literature and visual art of the twentieth century. Building upon the close affinities between the phenomena of schizophrenia and certain experiences common in the culture of early modernism, the present essay takes up the esthetic techniques and philosophies of certain later modernists who actively sought to engender such states of mind in themselves—the French Surrealists and the Russian Formalists. Their ideas are used as a source of insight into the psychological structure and existential stance underlying such anomalous experiences, both in modernism and in madness. The standard psychoanalytic view of such experiences, which sees them as manifestations of “regression” to primitive or Dionysian modes of consciousness characterized by self-world fusion, weakening of the ego, and instinctual domination, is criticized. It is argued, in contrast, that the essential characteristics of the schizophreniform experience are disengagement from affect or desire, and exaggeration of a detached and scrutinizing mode of awareness. This suggests the need for a greater appreciation of the Apollonian aspects of madness—those that result not from a weakening or an overwhelming, but from a hypertrophy of conscious awareness.