cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gender, Romance Novels and Plastic Sexuality in the United States: A Focus on Female College Students

This analysis gauges gender difference in time spent reading romance novels and sexuality. Respondents were 770 white American college students, including 436 females and 334 males, age 17–49. Males are viewed as a reference group. Drawing upon the “plastic sexuality” thesis and feminist theory, this study hypothesizes that female readers of romance novels have higher levels of interest in sexuality (at least in the attitudes) than male readers, and non-readers but such a sexual interest is not necessarily converted into a more active sexual behavior. Most romance novels promote deeply constraining patriarchal values, reading romance novels plays a role in shaping the meaning of the self, sexual identity and attitudes and behavior relative to this patriarchy. The results indicate that due to a higher degree of plastic sexuality, female readers of romance novels self-reported greater sex drive, and greater number or orgasms required for sexual satisfaction than male readers and female non-readers. However, female readers had fewer sex partners, and were older when they first thought about sex and had their first sexual intercourse. This pattern fits the Harlequin romance characterization: female readers nourish a fulfilling sex life in the context of idealistic monogamous faithfulness, while at the same time vividly satisfying desires and sexual fantasy through fabricated characters.
Pedagogy, Power, and the Education of Citizens

This paper addresses the concept that our pedagogical approach can reinforce or undermine the content that we teach. Focusing on creating an engaged citizenry through a pedagogy centered on student participation and a content that emphasizes the idea that democracy is an unfinished and ongoing project, allows students to experience the power, possibilities, and contradictions inherent in a democratic system. This approach requires risk from the professor and deliberateness both in the development of pedagogy and the structuring of content. Towards this end, the paper examines the ways in which we teach the African-American freedom struggle and more particularly the civil rights movement. However, the arguments and lessons are applicable anytime we teach the difficult literature of social movements within a democracy. Three primary issues are included in this discussion:1) pedagogy of the Civil Rights Movement; 2) pursuing real diversity in the classroom; and, 3) teaching the concepts of power and violence. All of this material is discussed within the context of the civil engagement literature.
Effects of Chronic Ethanol Consumption on the Metabolism and Carcinogenicity of N'-Nitrosonornicotine in F344 Rats

Abstract The effects of chronic ethanol consumption on the carcinogenicity and metabolism of N′ -nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in male F344 rats have been investigated. Groups of 26 to 30 rats were maintained on either a control liquid diet (Groups 1, 3, and 5) or an ethanol-containing liquid diet (Groups 2, 4, and 6) for 4 weeks prior to and during treatment with NNN. The carcinogen was injected s.c. (10 mg/kg, Groups 3 and 4) three times weekly or added to the liquid diet (17.5 mg/liter, Groups 5 and 6). The total dose was 1 mmol of NNN per rat. Control rats (Groups 1 and 2) received s.c. injections of 0.9% NaCl solution. The nasal mucosa was the main target tissue of NNN in Groups 3 and 4, but both the nasal mucosa and esophagus were major target tissues in Groups 5 and 6. In rats treated s.c. with NNN (Groups 3 and 4), ethanol consumption had no effect on the distribution and incidence of nasal cavity tumors. In rats treated with NNN added to the control liquid diet or to the ethanol-containing liquid diet, the number of tumors of the nasal cavity was 18 in Group 5 and 26 in Group 6 ( p p in vitro with NNN. Nasal mucosae of ethanol-consuming rats had a 1.5-fold higher ( p
Reliability Optimization (Multistate and Multiobjective)

Reliability optimization involves the simultaneous evaluation and selection of components and a system-level design configuration that collectively meets all design constraints, and at the same time, optimizes some objective function, often system reliability or availability. Often these problems are very constrained because of physical or budgetary limitations. There are several variations of reliability optimization and there have been many attempts to determine optimal design configurations for different problem formulations. Applicable optimization methods include dynamic programming, integer programming, mixed integer and nonlinear programming, and metaheuristics, e.g., genetic algorithms (GA). Notable extensions to this problem include multistate reliability optimization and multiple-objective system reliability optimization. Keywords: system reliability; optimization; redundancy allocation; mathematical programming
Genome-Wide Analysis of Molecular Changes in IL-12-Induced Control of Mammary Carcinoma via IFN-γ-Independent Mechanisms

IL-12 is a major activator of tumor-killing NK cells and CTL. IFN-γ mediates most of the well-known immunological activities of IL-12. In this study, we report IFN-γ-independent activities induced by therapeutic application of rIL-12 in restricting tumor growth and metastasis in the 4T1 murine mammary carcinoma model. IFN-γ-deficient mice carrying 4T1 tumor exhibit no gross defect in the number of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes but have exaggerated angiogenesis in the tumor. Administration of IL-12 is able to constrict blood vessels in the tumor in the absence of IFN-γ, and retains certain therapeutic efficacy even when applied late during tumor progression. IL-12 exposure in vivo does not irreversibly alter the immunogenicity of the tumor. Finally, global gene expression analysis of primary tumors reveals IL-12-induced molecular patterns and changes, implicating a number of novel genes potentially important for IFN-γ-independent immune responses against the tumor, for IL-12-mediated antiproliferation, antimetastasis, and antiangiogenesis activities.
Preparation of vinylglycines by thermolysis of homocysteine sulfoxides

The synthesis and efficacy of preparing Cbz-VG-OMe (1) by thermolysis of alkyl and aryl homocysteine sulfoxides were surveyed. This investigation determined that aryl sulfoxide analogs were more effective for the reaction and that the 2-nitrophenyl analog 10f possessed a unique ability to syn eliminate at temperatures as low as 100 °C. The thermolysis of sulfoxide 10f was additionally discovered to occur under toluene reflux and when sodium acetate was added, Cbz-VG-OMe (1) could be obtained in high purity by simple filtration of the precipitated sulfenic acid byproduct 12. This mild protocol which was also applied in the synthesis of VG dipeptide 13 would have utility in the general synthesis of olefins and alkenes from 2-nitrophenylsulfoxides.
Industrial Hemp: China's Experience and Global Implications

This article examines major factors of China's hemp production and export and derives implications for the global market and the ongoing debate in the United States. Although China's declining hemp production is mainly due to the low relative purchase price, its lack of response to changes in the world market is a result of the extremely low price transmission elasticity from world price to domestic price. One major implication is that China's ongoing market reform is likely to have a positive impact on its hemp production and export and a negative impact on the world price and the projected profit for U.S. farmers. Industrial hemp as a potential but controversial crop has been the focus of a great deal of attention and speculation in the United States and several other countries such as Canada (Marcus, Vantreese 1998). The fundamental debate in the United States is whether the government should change the law that prohibits marijuana and hemp production to allow farmers to grow industrial hemp as an alternative crop. Advocates of industrial hemp have gone so far as to claim that hemp can save the environment and many small farmers, whereas the opponents have inevitably pointed to this crop's biological connection with marijuana and have argued that legalizing industrial hemp may lead to the legalization of marijuana. Although the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has held firmly that industrial hemp and marijuana are indistinguishable and therefore should be controlled by the same law, eleven states have debated legislation bills calling for legalization of industrial hemp or investigation into the potentials and implications of hemp production. Although industrial hemp bills in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Oregon, and Virginia all failed, hemp acts were passed in Ver
Evidence for groundwater and surface marine water contamination by waste disposal wells in the Florida keys

Abstract One of the methods for domestic wastewater disposal in the Florida Keys is injection of partially treated wastewater into the highly porous limestone bedrock using waste disposal or injection wells. In an effort to understand the transport and fate of wastewater, we utilized bacteriophages as tracers in a 12.2-m deep, simulated injection well in Key Largo and an active (27.4 m deep) class V disposal well in the Middle Keys. The latter is the currently permitted type of injection well used for multi-unit domestic waste disposal in the Keys. Surface waters and groundwater at several sites were monitored for 5 days after seeding of the injection wells. In both environments, viral tracers appeared after short periods of time in groundwater (8 h after injection) and surface marine waters (10 h and 53 h for Key Largo and the Middle Keys, respectively). Estimated rates of tracer movement were greatest in Key Largo (2.5–35 m/h), where tidal pumping was implicated in tracer movement. In the Middle Keys, the pattern of movement showed little evidence of tidal pumping, and migration rates were slower (0.12–2 m/h). Collectively these results indicate that wastewater injected into the subsurface can make its way rapidly to surface marine waters, where it may contribute to water quality deterioration.
Variations on an Expectancy-Value Model of Motivation in Science.

Relationships among motivational variables from goal theory and expectancy-value theory were investigated in this correlational study of high school students. Self-report surveys of motivation in science were collected during biology classes from 69 males and 80 females. Outcome measures were effort, persistence, and achievement. Gender differences were noted in the pattern of zero-order correlations. Internal motivation variables were related to achievement in males but not females. Regression analyses indicated that the motivation variables explained large proportions of variance in the outcomes. However, the contribution of individual variables differed by gender. Most notable was perceived ability, which contributed significantly to predicting outcome measures for females but not males. Findings suggest that interventions may need to focus on different motivational aspects depending on gender.
KINETICS AND MECHANISM OF THE CHROMIUM(II)-CATALYZED SUBSTITUTION OF BROMIDE ION IN THE BROMOPENTAAQUOCHROMIUM(III) ION BY CHLORIDE AND FLUORIDE IONS

Abstract The substitution of bromide ion in the bromopentaaquochromium(III) ion by chloride and fluoride ions is catalyzed by chromium(III). The rate law for the chloride ion substitution is -d(In[CrBr2+])/dt=kCl[Cr2+] [Cl−] whereas that for fluoride ion substitution is of the form -d(In[CrBr2+])/dt=(r[HF]/[H+]) [Cr2+]/(1 + s[HF]/[H+]). At 25°C and Σ[Anions]=1.00 M the values for kCl=16.1 ± 0.7 M−2s−1 (δH#=10.8 ± 0.9 Kcal/mol; δS#=-17 ± 3 cal/deg mol), r=3.06 ± 0.18 M−1s−1 and s=2.3 ± 0.5. The results are interpreted on the basis of a mechanism which features the formation of reactive intermediates of the type CrXBr+ (X=Cl, F), but differing in the extent to which they are formed. Indirect evidence for the mechanism is adduced by the isolation of CrClBr+ and CrFBr+ from independent reactions.
A Comparative Assessment of the Cognitive Functioning of Adults with Childhood Histories of Learning Disability and Adults with Noncognitive Disorders

Demographic, cognitive, and academic achievement data were collected from 591 adults evaluated as part of an outpatient Vocational Rehabilitation service. The specific aims of the research were to systematically compare adults with a childhood history of LD (putative LD) to groups of adults with principally physical or psychiatric disorders and assess the extent to which the LD group continued to meet diagnostic criteria and may differ from the other groups. Most adults with putative LD performed lowest of the three groups and were found to have low average achievement test scores and reduced general cognitive test performance. Frequency of adults with a past history of LD that met current criteria was surprisingly low, with less than ¼ of the sample having intelligence-achievement discrepancies of a magnitude to meet DSM-IV criteria for adult LD. Issues with regard to the continuity of LD behaviors into adulthood, adherence to diagnostic criteria, problems associated with the application of the LD label to individuals with borderline intellectual functioning, as well as the strengths and limitations of the study were discussed. A suggested agenda for adult LD research was also proffered with a particular focus on implications for practicing professionals working in clinical environments where adults with putative LD are often encountered.
Development and validation of a low-literacy opioid contract.

Abstract Opioid contracts (OPCs) are often used to outline the criteria and circumstances for which opioid medications are prescribed. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an English-language, low-literacy OPC. Specifically, the low-literacy OPC was designed to outline proper administration of prescribed medication(s) as well as highlight patient responsibilities and expectations. A 4-step process was used to develop and validate the low-literacy OPC, including: (1) content identification; (2) attention to low-literacy guidelines; (3) evaluation based on Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) criteria; and (4) pilot testing with patients (n = 18) to assess comprehension. Final OPC content, presented largely in bulleted format, was based on current literature and consensus of the first 3 authors. The 4-part OPC was formatted on 8½ × 11 inch paper using 16- to 24-point size Arial-style font. The 6-page OPC, written at the 7 th reading grade level, included 12 recognizable clipart-type illustrations to supplement written text. Two reviewers scored the OPC in the superior range based on total SAM percentage scores. Nineteen (n = 19) of the 26 statements were comprehended by all patients completing the pilot testing. Overall, the low-literacy OPC is comprehensive, valid, readable, and formatted according to established low-literacy guidelines. Perspective This study describes the development and validation of a low-literacy, English-language OPC. The OPC was formatted using low-literacy guidelines and validated with a sample of patients to confirm understanding of content. Accordingly, the low-literacy OPC is suitable for use in routine clinical practice.
Expression of human mid-sized neurofilament subunit in transgenic mice.

Abstract We have created transgenic mice which carry and express the gene encoding the human NF(M) subunit. RNAase protection assays reveal that the transgene is abundantly expressed in CNS and PNS but also, at very low levels in some non-neural tissues as well. Although the neurospecificity of transgene transcription was absolute, we are able to detect the protein only in neurons with immunocytochemical techniques. Glial and endothelial cells do not contain immunoreactive materials. Interesting subtle differences in the relative level of the human transgene encoded and endogeneous murine encoded NF(M) proteins were noted in different regions of the brain. Similar differences were found in the level sof transgene and endogenous gene mRNA suggesting that these differences may be traceable to differences in RNA transcription or stability. Our data demonstrate, within the sensitivity of the immunocytochemical techniques we used, that the human NF(M) protein is present only in the neurons of the transgenic mice and that it is present in the same neurons as the endogenous NF(M). Furthermore, immunoelectronmicroscopic examination of isolated neurofilaments shows that the human NF(M) coassembles with the endogenous NF(M) during filament formation. Thus, although the human NF(M) possesses a much larger multiphosphorylation site in its carboxy terminus, it seems to be the functionally equivalent to the mouse protein, even in the murine neuron.
An approach to investigating the emotional determinants of consumption durations: Why do people consume what they consume for as long as they consume it?

Previous work in consumer research has left questions concerning the duration of consumption largely unexplored and, in particular, has neglected the possible role of emotions in determining the length of time that consumers devote to consumption experiences. This study proposes an approach to investigating these questions and illustrates its application to the context of examining the connection between emotional responses and listening receptivity to music. Specifically, Russell, Weiss, and Mendelsohn's (1989) Affect Grid was used to select a set of musical stimuli judged as varying widely in pleasure and arousal. In an individually administered listening task, 58 subjects listened to these musical selections in different random orders for as long as they wanted before rating their feelings on the Affect Grid. Listening time was measured unobtrusively when rewinding the tapes between sessions with subjects. As hypothesized, the results show that log (tempo) strongly affects arousal, that listening time follows a nonmonotonic relation which peaks at intermediate levels of arousal, and that these peaks shift from left to right as pleasure increases.
Association of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 levels with coronary artery disease risk factors, angiographic coronary artery disease, and major adverse events at follow-up

Aims We aimed to evaluate the association of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) with coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors, with the severity of angiographic CAD, and with the incidence of major adverse events. Methods and results We measured Lp-PLA2 levels in 504 consecutive patients undergoing clinically indicated coronary angiography. Mean age was 60±11 years and 38% were women. The mean (±SD) Lp-PLA2 level (ng/mL) was 245±91. Lp-PLA2 levels correlated with male gender, LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol, fibrinogen, and creatinine. Lp-PLA2 levels correlated with the extent of angiographic CAD on univariate but not on multivariable analysis. During a median follow-up of 4.0 years, 72 major adverse events occurred in 61 of 466 (13%) contacted patients (20 deaths, 14 myocardial infarctions, 28 coronary revascularizations, and 10 strokes). Higher Lp-PLA2 levels were associated with a greater risk of events: the hazard ratio per SD was 1.28 (95% CI 1.06–1.54, P =0.009), and remained significant after adjusting for clinical and lipid variables and C-reactive protein. Conclusion Higher Lp-PLA2 levels were associated with a higher incidence of major adverse events at follow-up, independently of traditional CAD risk factors and C-reactive protein.
Anomalous pressure dependence of the superconducting transition temperature of (ET)4Hg2.89Br8

Abstract Pressure studies of the superconducting transition temperature, T c establish the occurence of bulk superconductivity in (ET) 7 Hg 2.89 Br 8 and reveal: i) a large positive pressure derivative of more than 1 K/kbar resulting in a value of 6.7 K for T c near 3.5 kbar and ii) a change in slope of T c vs. pressure near 4 kbar indicating a pressure induced phase transformation.
Cross-sectional association between abnormal returns and firm specific variables

Abstract Abnormal returns (market model prediction errors) are the subject of many event studies in accounting and finance literature. Conditional on the event of interest, researchers have recently used cross-sectional regressions to examine relations between abnormal returns and firm specific variables. This paper demostrates that non-constant variences and covariances in market model residuals across firms introduced bias in the estimated slope coefficients of the independent variables, i.e., the expected signs of the estimated slope coefficients can be predicted a priori. A method is develope to removed the bias in the estimated slope coefficiets and is found to be effective. This method explicitly takes the dependence among abnormal returns across firms into account. Methods that assume abnormal returns across firms to be independent do not control for such bias.
Successful oesophageal pH monitoring with a catheter-free system.

Summary Background : Traditional catheter-based oesophageal pH testing is limited by patient discomfort and the tendency for patients to alter their diet and activities during the study. A catheter-free pH monitoring system (Bravo) designed to avoid these problems has recently become available, but the advantages and limitations of this device have not been fully explored. Aim : To report our initial experience with this new technology. Methods : The records of consecutive patients undergoing Bravo pH monitoring were reviewed. The squamo-columnar junction was localized endoscopically and the pH capsule was placed 6 cm above this junction. All patients were re-endoscoped immediately following placement to document mucosal attachment. Patients were monitored for 24–48 h and then returned the radiotelemetry recording device. Data were subsequently downloaded to a personal computer. Results : Sixty studies were performed over an 11-month period. In seven of the 60 (12%), the probe did not attach properly, but in six of these a replacement probe was prepared and deployed without difficulty. In one case, the probe could not be attached after two attempts and the procedure was abandoned. During one procedure, the probe was attached to the mucosa at a point 9 cm from the squamo-columnar junction, but a positive test result was obtained. In two cases, the data were not initially retrievable from the recorder, but in one case the manufacturer was able to retrieve the data overnight. Finally, two patients were away from the data recorder for extended periods, resulting in a loss of data, in two cases, but there was sufficient information for interpretation in both studies. Therefore, adequate diagnostic data were obtained in 58 of the 60 (97%) studies. Conclusions : Catheter-free pH testing is a major advance in patient convenience and comfort. The technical difficulties associated with this new technology are minimal and appear to be no more frequent than those seen with catheter-based systems.
Deliberate Self-Harm and State Dissociation: An Experimental Investigation

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to test the relation between deliberate self-harm (DSH) and state dissociation. Participants (N = 85) were randomly assigned to self-administer either a very mild electric shock below their pain threshold (a no-self-harm control condition) or an electric shock they were told could “cause minor tissue damage that would heal quickly,” but which was in fact equal to a predetermined pain threshold (a DSH condition). After task completion, 42 participants rated the extent of their dissociation before the shock and 43 rated the extent of their dissociation after the shock. Results indicated that women in the DSH group experienced more dissociation compared to men, but only after the shock. Potential reasons for this gender effect are discussed.
Nonvenomous Animal-Related Fatalities in the United States Workplace, 1992-1994

ABSTRACT Each year animal-related injuries cause occupational deaths in the United States, especially among farmers. Reports of fatalities caused by nonvenomous live animals were obtained from the U.S. Census for Fatal Occupational Injuries for 1992-1994. A total of 144 animal-related fatalities were reported; of those, 22 (15%) were transportation-related. Of the 122 nontransportation-related fatalities, most occurred in farm workers and were associated with cattle (68 fatalities), horses (41 fatalities) and other animals (13 fatalities). Almost 11% of fatalities caused by cattle resulted from gorings. Although bulls comprise only 2% of the cattle population they were associated with > 50% of cattle-related fatalities. Measures that might prevent such fatalities include dehorning cattle and using extreme caution when working with bulls.
The Role of Electrostatic Interactions in the Regulation of the Membrane Association of G Protein βγ Heterodimers

In this paper we report calculations of electrostatic interactions between the transducin (Gt) βγ heterodimer (Gtβγ) and phospholipid membranes. Although membrane association of Gtβγ is due primarily to the hydrophobic penetration into the membrane interior of a farnesyl chain attached to the γ subunit, structural studies have revealed that there is a prominent patch of basic residues on the surface of the β subunit surrounding the site of farnesylation that is exposed upon dissociation from the Gtα subunit. Moreover, phosducin, which produces dissociation of Gtβγ from membranes, interacts directly with Gtβγ and introduces a cluster of acidic residues into this region. The calculations, which are based on the finite difference Poisson-Boltzmann method, account for a number of experimental observations and suggest that charged residues play a role in mediating protein-membrane interactions. Specifically, the calculations predict the following. 1) Favorable electrostatic interactions enhance the membrane partitioning due to the farnesyl group by an order of magnitude although Gtβγ has a large net negative charge (−12). 2) This electrostatic attraction positions Gtβγ so that residues implicated in mediating the interaction of Gtβγ with its membrane-bound effectors are close to the membrane surface. 3) The binding of phosducin to Gtβγ diminishes the membrane partitioning of Gtβγ by an order of magnitude. 4) Lowering the ionic strength of the solution converts the electrostatic attraction into a repulsion. Sequence analysis and homology model building suggest that our conclusions may be generalized to other Gβγ and phosducin isoforms as well.
Correlation functions of the chiral Potts chain from conformal field theory and finite-size corrections

We study the incommensurate phase of the N = 3 superintegrable chiral Potts chain by computing the leading finite-size corrections to the low-lying energy levels. These results are used to study the asymptotic behavior of the correlation functions. In particular we analyze the difference between the regions above and below the self-dual point.
Explaining Life Chances in China's Economic Transformation: A Life Course Approach

In this study, we develop a life course argument to link institutional change and individuals’ life chances. We argue that timing (in terms of a particular cohort’s stage in the life course) plays a critical role in moderating potential impacts of large-scale social changes on individual life chances because (1) life stage induces distinctive cohort responses to opportunities and risks in socioeconomic transformations, and (2) life stage (and, hence, cohort) is also closely correlated with one’s position in the existing social structure. We situate our study in the context of the recent socioeconomic changes in the People’s Republic of China, 1980 ‐1994. We test our theoretical arguments and hypotheses in an empirical study of career pathways, using a national sample of urban workers drawn from 20 Chinese cities. Our findings show distinctive cohort variations in (1) patterns of job shifts, indicating cohort-based responses to opportunities and risks, and (2) the determinants of economic resources (personal income), reflecting variations in allocative mechanisms in shaping career pathways across cohorts. © 2001 Academic Press
The microelectronic structure of platinum particles investigated by NMR

The properties of195Pt nuclear magnetic resonance of small particles have been studied over a range of particle sizes from 33 to 200 A using pulsed NMR techniques. This work was initiated to study size-dependent phenomena and to elucidate their physical origin. An anomalous linewidth, more than an order of magnitude larger than that of bulk platinum for the smallest size sample, was discovered. This was found to be inhomogeneous broadening and to have a size dependence (d)−1, whered is the mean particle diameter of the sample. Within the temperature range of 1.7–77 K, no temperature dependence was observed. As a consequence, the broadening was attributed to an intraparticle Knight shift distribution resulting from electron spin density oscillations associated with the metal surface. Spin-echo envelopes from the small platinum particles were found to decay nonexponentially, indicating the presence of a nuclear spin diffusion process in the magnetic field gradients associated with the Knight shift distribution. The diffusion process was measured by the Hahn (90°–180°) pulse technique and the Carr-Purcell-Meibocm-Gill techniques and analyzed using a spin diffusion constant of platinum computed with the moment method of Redfield and Yu. The computed spin diffusion constant wasD z=4×10−12 cm2/sec and from this an rms magnetic field gradient was determined. Upon analyzing the size-dependent spin-echo results, the field gradient was found to be characteristic of a surface region of thickness 1.5 ± 0.5 lattice constants independent of the size of the particles. In contrast to these anomalous properties of small platinum particles, the peak position of the resonance lines and the spin-spin and spin-lattice relaxation times were found to be identical to the values for bulk material. A simple model ascribing free electron behavior tos conduction electrons was applied to study quantitatively the effects of electron spin density oscillation on NMR properties. Applying an infinite-barrier boundary condition to the electrons, we computed numerically the electron charge and spin density distributions for platinum particles of diameter up to 300 A. The computations revealed Friedel oscillations of these densities near the particle surface. From the computed electron spin density of thes electrons, the spatial distribution of the contact Knight shift was obtained, which could account for all the observed NMR properties of small platinum particles—the resonance position, line shape, linewidth, relaxation times, rms field gradient, and the thickness of the surface region.
Geochemical criteria for thermal alteration of bone

Abstract In bones not influenced by other diagenetic effects, heating events can be reflected in changes in the relative concentrations of constituent amino acids that alter the collagen-like pattern in bone to a non-collagen-like pattern with an increase in the relative NH, levels. The ratio of glycine (Gly) to glutamic acid (Glu) can be used as an index of a collagen-like or non-collagen-like pattern. For a group of eight bone samples from a southwestern United States Pueblo II period Anasazi site dated to about ad 1100, amino acid composition, as characterized by Gly/Glu values, along with NH 3 data, clearly indicated which bone fragments had been subjected to one or more heating events. The use of Gly/Glu and NH, values for the purpose of inferring heating events may not be accurate for bones which have experienced other significant diagenetic effects not related to heating.
Presence of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) in the adventitial sympathetic nerves that innervate small arteries: morphologic evidence for a neural fibrinolysis

Abstract Objective : Previous functional studies have indicated that: (i) sympathetic neurons synthesize, store and release tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA); (ii) small, densely innervated arteries release more t-PA than large sparsely innervated ones; and (iii) sympathectomy greatly reduces arterial t-PA release. This study was done to provide morphologic evidence of the existence of a non-endothelial fibrinolytic system within the adventitial nerve plexus of small arteries and arterioles. Methods : t-PA and neuropeptide Y (NPY) localizations in the adventitial nerve fibers of small and large arteries were examined. Whole mount preparations were used to emphasize immunostaining of the adventitial plexus and the iris. Using confocal and electron microscopy, t-PA was also immunolocalized in isolated sympathetic neurons and the axons of small arteries. The previous comparative t-PA release from cultured small and large artery explants was re-examined. Results : Small arteries – surface views of the mesenteric adventitia showed confinement of t-PA to a dense plexus of NPY-positive sympathetic nerve fibers. Cryosections confirmed the presence within a multilayered plexus at the smooth muscle interface, and in the endothelial monolayer. Comparatively, sections of arterioles showed a heavier layer of NPY- and t-PA-positive material that occupied most of the wall thickness. Electron microscopic views confirmed the discrete confinement of non-endothelial t-PA within the mesenteric artery adventitial plexus. In control plexus immunostainings of the iris, t-PA was largely confined to the densely innervated dilator muscle. Large arteries – surface views of the carotid and aortic adventitia showed a sparse presence of thin NPY and t-PA positive lines that followed the contours of vasa vasora walls, within which endothelial and nerve fiber t-PA could not be separately identified. Cryosections of the carotid and aorta adventitia also showed a sparse NPY and t-PA staining limited to isolated arterioles and axons. Endothelial t-PA immunostaining in carotid and aorta whole mount sections was scant. Neurons – t-PA immunostaining of most sympathetic ganglion neurons was positive. Confocal images of isolated sympathetic neurons revealed the storage of immunoreactive t-PA in closely packed secretory granules within the cell body and axons. Conclusions : • The adventitial sympathetic nerve plexus contains the major portion of the immunoreactive t-PA that is stored in small artery walls. • Like norepinephrine t-PA is transported and stored in secretory granules within the sympathetic axons that preferentially innervate small arteries. • The content and release of t-PA from artery walls appears inversely proportional to vessel diameter, and directly proportional to innervation density. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that t-PA is supplied to resistance arteries and arterioles by the sympathetic nervous system.
Cash-back rewards versus equity-based electronic loyalty programs in e-commerce

Loyalty is a crucial part of today’s business because retaining a customer is generally less expensive than attracting a new one. This relationship also holds true in e-commerce. Most of the e-loyalty programs available on the Internet utilize cash-back rewards. A new type of e-loyalty program in which customers are offered a fraction of merchant firm’s equity is emerging recently. The profitability of this approach versus cash-back reward programs is still an open question. In this paper, we first survey current e-loyalty programs, and then develop a two-period duopoly model in which one of the firms gives customers a small fraction of its equity and the other offers cash-back reward for a purchase. We derive analytical conditions to compare the total profits generated through each loyalty program. In particular, we find that equity-based e-loyalty programs provide higher total profits than those of cash-back programs in markets where it is difficult for customers to switch between firms.
Mixed-Use Development Trip Generation Model

The mixed-use development (MXD) trip generation model provides a mechanism for estimating vehicle, walking, and transit trips for an MXD. The model applies trip modifications to standard single-use trip generation estimates developed by ITE. MXDs with diverse internal activities have been shown to capture internal trips at a rate higher than conventional suburban developments; therefore, the MXD trip generation model accounts for the internal capture of MXD sites by reducing the external trips produced and estimating the number of walking and transit trips that would typically be conducted by automobile. In addition, MXDs in central areas have been shown to generate shorter vehicle trips, and this factor has been taken into account in the model, as internal and external vehicle miles traveled (VMT) are estimated on the basis of published travel characteristics of MXDs. The MXD trip generation model provides a straightforward method of testing transportation-related metrics of MXDs. The model uses ratios f...
Anisotropic growth in the olivine-spinel transformation of Mg2GeO4 under nonhydrostatic stress

Abstract The olivine-spinel phase transformation in Mg 2 GeO 4 does not occur by a martensitic mechanism. The evidence, from samples transformed in a Griggs-type solid medium deformation apparatus, are: 1. (1) lack of microstructural features in the olivine phase which can be specifically associated with a martensitic mechanism 2. (2) the orientation relationship between the two phases that is predicted by the martensitic mechanism does not occur nor is there any apparent consistency of relative orientations 3. (3) application of a differential stress to the transforming sample resulted in an anisotropic growth rate for the spinel phase indicating that growth was externally controlled rather than crystallographically controlled. Anisotropic growth of the spinel phase results in elongation of the residual olivine phase grains in the plane normal to the direction of maximum principal compressive stress. A velocity ratio of 1.7 −0.7 +5.4 has been determined for the growth rate of the spinel from measurements on residual olivine grains. The interphase grain boundary in samples transformed under stress has cusp-shaped fingers of spinel with a blunt end separated by thin spikes of olivine. Samples transformed isostatically do not exhibit this feature providing further confirmation of anisotropic growth of the spinel. The preferred growth of the spinel is consistent with a theory of phase transformation under nonhydrostatic stress. The predicted spinel finger shape based on this theory is generally consistent with observed shapes except for the blunt end. The discrepancy may be due to surface energy which has not been considered here, or to local deviations of the applied macroscopic stress.
Reaction of AdoMet with ThiC generates a backbone free radical

ThiC is an [4Fe-4S] cluster protein that catalyzes the formation of 4-amino-5-hydroxymethyl-2-methylpyrimidine. EPR spectroscopic studies demonstrate that, upon interaction with AdoMet, active ThiC from Salmonella enterica generates a persistent free radical on the α-carbon of an amino acid residue. The EPR properties of the radical are consistent with any residue other than a Gly or Ala. Exposure to oxygen was accompanied by a fission of the radical-carrying polypeptide chain between the Gly436 and His437 residues in ThiC. Regardless of whether the backbone radical is part of the catalytic machinery, its presence provides evidence that ThiC employs free radical chemistry as expected for radical SAM enzymes.
Comparison of Baseline Predictors of Prognosis in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Patients Surviving ≤2 Years and Those Surviving ≥5 Years After Baseline Right-Sided Cardiac Catheterization

Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is usually associated with a poor outcome but the prognosis with other forms of PAH is not well-described. Advances in therapy have furthered clouded the disease course. We sought to determine the baseline indicators of prognosis in patients with PAH. We reviewed the records of patients with PAH followed up at our institution to identify those who died within 2 years (reduced survival group; n = 21) and those who survived >5 years (long survival group; n = 60). The groups were compared for prognostic significance of the baseline clinical parameters. The reduced survival group were older (p = 0.001) and more likely to have scleroderma-associated PAH (p = 0.01), have pericardial effusion (p = 0.01), have a shorter 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance (p = 0.001), to require oxygen during 6MWT (p = 0.02), have a worse World Health Organization functional class (p <0.001), and have greater serum brain natriuretic peptide levels (p = 0.01). Regression analysis showed age, World Health Organization functional class, 6MWT distance, the need for oxygen during the 6MWT, and renal disease to be independently associated with a poor prognosis. In conclusion, age, PAH etiology, World Health Organization functional class, pericardial effusion, 6MWT distance, the need for oxygen during the 6MWT, and brain natriuretic peptide are predictors of prognosis in patients PAH receiving specific therapy and might help identify a group that could benefit from aggressive upfront therapy.
A string matching approach for visual retrieval and classification

We present an approach to measuring similarities between visual data based on approximate string matching. In this approach, an image is represented by an ordered list of feature descriptors. We show the extraction of local features sequences from two types of 2-D signals - scene and shape images. The similarity of these two images is then measured by 1) solving a correspondence problem between two ordered sets of features and 2) calculating similarities between matched features and dissimilarities between unmatched features. Our experimental study shows that such a globally ordered and locally unordered representation is more discriminative than a bag-of-features representation and the similarity measure based on string matching is effective. We illustrate the application of the proposed approach to scene classification and shape retrieval, and demonstrate superior performance to existing solutions.
Generalized two-potential formalism for multichannel systems.

In the original two-potential formalism the potential was split into two parts which were treated at different dynamical levels. In the present Letter a multichannel generalization of the method is proposed that also allows various groups of channels to be treated differently. The new formalism is used to devise a dynamically consistent way of treating breakup processes in the framework of coupled-channel calculations.
Blood flow and oxygen consumption in steroid-treated dental pulps.

Abstract This study examined pulpal blood flow and oxygen consumption by the dental pulps of dogs. Blood flow was measured by the radioactive microsphere method and oxygen uptake was determined by the indirect Warburg approach. These variables were assessed 2 days after the canine teeth had been exposed and treated with either a cotton pellet impregnated with 1 per cent prednisolone or normal saline. The analysis indicated that the pulpal blood flow as well as the oxygen consumption did not differ between the steroid-treated tooth and the corresponding saline-treated tooth in the same jaw.
Magnetic nanoparticle probes

Magnetic nanoparticle probes are emerging as a class of novel contrast and tracking agents for medical imaging. When used as a contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles allow researchers and clinicians to enhance the tissue contrast of an area of interest by increasing the relaxation rate of water. With variations in the size, coating thickness, surface chemistry, and targeting ligands, these nanoparticle probes can be tailored to target specific organs, cells, or even molecular markers of different diseases in vivo. Here, we review the various methods for synthesis and functionalization of these nanoparticle probes, and offer examples of their potential clinical usage as well as new design approaches, aiming to stimulate a broader interest in the development and medical application of magnetic nanoparticles.
Saddam Hussein, Islam, and Just War Theory: The Case for a Pre-emptive Strike

America and its allies face a world that has become more and more dangerous with its weapons of mass destruction and a shadowy world of terrorists more than willing to use them. The wisdom of the past does not have the prescience or universal insight to deal with this new threat. America and its allies must change direction if they wish to respond to the challenge in an effective manner, even if it means employing policies that seemed dubious in the past. The state is called to protect its citizens in a Machiavellian world, filled with depravity and compromise. The church is called to submit to the superior wisdom of those who have the special intelligence, experience and expertise to handle the current crisis.
Higher fluoride intakes in early childhood may increase the risk of milder forms of dental fluorosis.

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Associations between fluorosis of permanent incisors and fluoride intake from infant formula, other dietary sources and dentifrice during early childhood. Levy SM, Broffitt B, Marshall TA, Eichenberger-Gilmore JM, Warren JJ. J Am Dent Assoc 2010;141(10):1190-1201. Reviewer Jayanth Kumar, DDS, MPH Purpose/Question To describe associations between dental fluorosis and fluoride intakes, with an emphasis on intake from fluoride in infant formula Source of Funding National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research grants RO1-DE09551 and RO1-DE12101 and National Center for Research Resources grant M01-RR00059 Type of Study/Design Cohort study Level of Evidence Level 2: Limited-quality, patient-oriented evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade Not applicable
Monte Carlo studies of response of a liquid argon calorimeter with lead absorber

Abstract Using the EGS4 Monte Carlo simulation program, we have examined the properties of a liquid argon sampling calorimeter that uses lead as main absorber. Response to electrons and to minimum-ionizing particles (muons) has been investigated as a function of energy cutoffs, and thickness of cladding-material applied to absorber plates.
Mindfulness as an Intervention for Improving Academic Success among Students with Executive Functioning Disorders

Abstract College attendance has increasingly become a seemingly mandatory next step following high school: employment, promotion, and career-related skills frequently demand post-secondary training. As the college attendance rate has increased, the rate of college attendees with diagnosed learning disabilities or learning challenges has followed suit ( Connor, 2012 ). Time management, including the abilities to focus attention and reach incremental goals, are critical to college success (Al-Harthy, Qaboos, & Was, 2013). This paper attempts to analyze the role of mindfulness and self-awareness in relation to the etiology of executive functioning disorders. Recent literature supports the use of mindfulness and meta-cognitive awareness as tools to help students with executive functioning deficits succeed in high-stress academic environments.
Childbirth and mental disorders

This review approaches the topic of childbirth and mental illness using a model of perinatal health which takes into consideration the multiple determinants of health, approached from a lifespan perspective. The paper seeks to answer four broad questions using this model and available literature: (1) What is the relationship between childbirth and mental disorders? (2) How common are mental disorders during childbearing, and what is the perinatal course of illness? (3) What are the effects of mental illness during childbearing on foetal and infant developmental outcomes? (4) How do you approach the detection and treatment of mental disorders during the perinatal period?