cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
6996 Measuring sustained responses to treatment provided in patients suspected of sphincter of oddi dysfunction (sod): a qa:qi project.

Intro: The published response to diagnosis and endoscopic therapy (Dx&ERx) in SOD varies greatly. We measured patients (PTs) reported improvement as a QA:QI project. Hypothesis: A Care Provider,A or B (CPA or CPB) could obtain at least a 60% improvement in the frequency and severity of the presenting symptom, ie pain, in patients that completed the SOD evaluation. Successful outcome was defined as a 60% decrease in pain. Design: Over 18 mo., 81 PTs with presumed SOD were seen. The index CPA or CPB directed all subsequent Dx&ERx. PTs were called after >5mo. post Dx&ERx by a study RN. Predetermined questions were used. CPA also included persistent nausea associated with abnormal serum liver/pancreas tests as an SOD criteria. CPB only used recurrent pain. Responses to Dx&ERx were based on the intent to treat only. CPA used general anesthesia or midazolam+meperidine(1mg/kg bw) for the sedation. CPB used only midazolam & diazepam. Provocative testing during the SO manometry(SOM) included CCK and amyl nitrite(AN). Patients with AN SO relaxation (2/39)were rx'd with arginine or nitrites and not sphincterotomy (ERS) by CPB. CPA used ERS only. A visual analogue pain scale (0- 10) was used. The #pills/mo. was the other indicator of pain severity. The RN could not interview 13 PTs. Outcome: The CPs felt more PTs were improved than the study data suggests, clinic notes suggesting that for CPA 9/19(47%) and for CPB 19/25(76%) improved. Based on the study design the percent improved is less than predicted. Three PTs died during this period: 1 procedure related, 1 malignancy and 1 progressive liver failure. PTs with prior reported ERS or with both panc+biliary SOD(not isolated biliary SOD) were included here. This may have affected the results. ALL sources for pain were addressed in this protocol as SOD evaluations are not a sole end point for upper abdominal pain events. Summary: 1) PTs evaluated for SOD can be an inhomogenous population. 2) Complete pain relief does occur, but the % improved can vary greatly. 3) Each provider must monitor their own responses to offer informed consent.
Experimental obesity syndromes in rats: Influence of diet palatability on maintenance body weights

Abstract Female rats with ventromedial hypothalamic (VMH) lesions, parasagittal hypothalamic knife cuts (KC), or dorsolateral tegmental (DLT) lesions were maintained successively on 0.2 and 0.4% quinine chow, plain chow, pellets, wet mash, and high fat diets (15–45 days each). Only VMH rats overate the 0.2% quinine diet and only KC rats underate the 0.4% quinine diet. Although DLT rats did not overeat the unadulterated chow and pellet diets, as did VMH and KC rats, all three surgical groups attained roughly comparable elevated body weight means after access to the wet mash and high fat diets. Thus, dietary manipulations clearly induce differential patterns of feeding behavior in these three obesity syndromes.
On-line averaging of potentials antecedent to voluntary behavior.

PP-T0007-0-ABCE-ST A computational procedure is presented which permits the measurement and averaging of physiological activity time-locked to a preceding voluntary event (e.g., the subject's operant behavior). The method allows the assessment of activity antecedent to any event on-line, i.e., during the course of an experiment; it may be used with any small general-purpose laboratory computer. Applications to electroencephalographic and electromyographic data are described.
Probabilistic analysis for wave‐induced submarine landslides

Abstract When waves propagate over the ocean floor, they induce a change of hydrodynamic pressure, positive under the crest and negative under the trough. These pressure changes may cause shear failure in soft sediments and lead to submarine landslides. This paper presents a general analytical procedure for evaluating the probability of wave‐induced failure in offshore clay sediments. Both the wave and the un‐drained shear strength of clay sediments are considered random. Numerical results of some analyses are also presented.
Accurate and Accessible Motion-Capture Glove Calibration for Sign Language Data Collection

Motion-capture recordings of sign language are used in research on automatic recognition of sign language or generation of sign language animations, which have accessibility applications for deaf users with low levels of written-language literacy. Motion-capture gloves are used to record the wearer’s handshape. Unfortunately, they require a time-consuming and inexact calibration process each time they are worn. This article describes the design and evaluation of a new calibration protocol for motion-capture gloves, which is designed to make the process more efficient and to be accessible for participants who are deaf and use American Sign Language (ASL). The protocol was evaluated experimentally; deaf ASL signers wore the gloves, were calibrated (using the new protocol and using a calibration routine provided by the glove manufacturer), and were asked to perform sequences of ASL handshapes. Five native ASL signers rated the correctness and understandability of the collected handshape data. In an additional evaluation, ASL signers were asked to perform ASL stories while wearing the gloves and a motion-capture bodysuit (in some cases our new calibration protocol was used, in other cases, the standard protocol). Later, twelve native ASL signers watched animations produced from this motion-capture data and answered comprehension questions about the stories. In both evaluation studies, the new protocol received significantly higher scores than the standard calibration. The protocol has been made freely available online, and it includes directions for the researcher, images and videos of how participants move their hands during the process, and directions for participants (as ASL videos and English text).
Studies on the heat-precipitated phosphoenzyme complex of eel electric organ (Na + K).ATPase.

Abstract When the hydrolytic reaction between eel electric organ (Na + K) · ATPase and [γ- 32 P]ATP is terminated at neutral pH by heat precipitation, a phosphoenzyme complex is formed which reaches maximal levels in the simultaneous presence of Mg, Na, and K. After formation of a steady-state level of phosphoenzyme in the presence of Mg and Na, a pulse of K increases the level of the heat-precipitated phosphoenzyme (while decreasing the level of the acid-precipitated phosphoenzyme). The formation of the heat-precipitated phosphoenzyme is clearly inhibited by ouabain only when the phosphoenzyme is formed in the presence of Mg, Na, and K. Inorganic phosphate decreases the level of the heat-precipitated phosphoenzyme, but not that of the acid-precipitated phosphoenzyme (in the presence of Mg and Na or in the presence of Mg, Na, and K). Moreover, a heat-precipitated, ouabain-sensitive phosphoenzyme forms in the reaction between the eel (Na + K) · ATPase and 32 P i with or without ATP. The pH stability of the heat-precipitated phosphoenzyme complex is maximal at pH 6 to 8, and this complex shows little or no reactivity with neutral hydroxylamine, suggesting that the phosphate is not bound to an acyl residue of the protein. These experiments indicate that both heat-resistant and acid-resistant phosphoenzymes are formed during the (Na + K) · ATPase reaction at pH 7.4.
EVALUATION OF BITTERNESS OF CAFFEINE IN HOT CHOCOLATE DRINK BY CATEGORY, GRAPHIC, AND RATIO SCALING

. Perceived intensity of bitterness of caffeine (0.5 - 1.6 g/100 mL) and of quinine HCI (0.5 - 1.6 g/L) added to hot cocoa gave similar response distributions with concentration by category scales (CS) and magnitude estimation (ME). Using caffeine additives, CS and graphic analogue scales (GS) gave similar bitterness response functions. Parabolic functions provided the best fit between concentration and ratings for CS, GS and ME. The data demonstrated no difference for ME of bitterness intensity between free or fixed moduli. Hedonic responses also were not modified by whether the modulus was free or fixed, however, greater ME values were ascribed to lower concentrations in the series when the reference was 4 g/L than when it was 2 g/L caffeine. CS intensity response distributions were similar between a series with a larger number of low levels versus a series with a larger number of high levels across the same concentration range. The results indicate that ME may be inappropriate for scaling of degree of liking, independent of type of modulus.
Volume regulation of human peripheral blood lymphocytes and stimulated proliferation of volume-adapted cells.

Human peripheral blood lymphocytes exposed to hypotonic media (Ca/Mg-free, room temp.) first swell and then shrink. This shrinking response is characterized by a simple exponential with a half-time of 1.44±0.60 min (n=11) and its extent but not the half-time for a given hypotonicity is influenced by [K+]0. Using K-selective electrodes, we observe a change in [K+]0 when cells are diluted into hypotonic media. A half-time of 1.55±0.06 min (n=4) was obtained. A similar half-time was obtained by assay of total cell K using atomic absorption spectroscopy. At all osmolarities [K+]i was decreased from control values and was constant as [K+]0 was increased. Short-term incubation with ouabain (10−4 M) had no effect. Decreasing osmolarities progressively inhibited phytohemagglutinin-stimulated DNA synthesis, yet cell number and viability remained unaltered. Our evidence indicates that the volume response is mediated by a change in the passive permeability of the plasma membrane to K and/or to the accompanying anions, and that the consequently volume-adapted cells are growth-inhibited.
Coordinating Research, Extension, and Outreach in Agricultural Economics

tension in our profession is characterized by changing financial constraints, increasing diversity of subject matter, and more pressing, issuedriven demands by the users of our products and services. Under these complex conditions, the organization and coordination of research and extension take on greater importance. The goal is a responsive system that can adapt in a timely, effective fashion to new social and economic problems. However, this Land Grant/USDA partnership traditionally called research and extension, but actually including all service and outreach activities, has some major gaps, inefficiencies, and misalignments, the effects of which are magnified by financial constraints and downsizing. Improved mechanisms are needed to generate different incentives and motivations for scientists and educators, enhance information flows, achieve more effective control and monitoring, and increase the prospects for overall goal attainment. Most departments, agencies, and organizations in our profession are attempting to adjust to the current environment in various ways and to varying degrees. My objective is to view the situation through a different lens, utilizing the new "economics of organizations" along with agency relationships, in order to evaluate "vertical coordination" of the research and extension
Thermal expansion and magnetostriction in Pr(n+2)(n+1)Nin(n-1)+2Sin(n+ 1) compounds

Thermal expansion and magnetostriction of members of a homologous series of compounds based on the alloy series Pr(n+2)(n+1)Nin(n?1)+2Sin(n+1) have been measured. The crystal structures of these compounds are closely interrelated because they form trigonal prismatic columns in which the number of trigonal prisms that form the base of the trigonal columns is determined by the value of n in the chemical formula. Two compositions were investigated, Pr5Ni2Si3 and Pr15Ni7Si10, corresponding to n=3 and n=4, respectively. The results were analyzed and used to determine the location of magnetic phase transitions by calculating the magnetic contribution to thermal expansion using the Gruneisen–Debye theory. This allowed more precise determination of the magnetic transition temperatures than could be achieved using the total thermal expansion. The results show two phase transitions in each material, one corresponding to the Curie temperature and the other at a lower temperature exhibiting characteristics of a spin reorientation transition.
Regional Stratigraphy and Petroleum Potential of Gulf Coast Lower Cretaceous: ABSTRACT

Lower Cretaceous sediments were deposited throughout the Gulf Coast during the Neocomian, Aptian, Albian, and early Cenomanian Epochs. Basal sandstones extend across the entire region, onlapping Upper Jurassic terrigenous strata. Following the initial stage of detrital rock deposition, a shallow epicontinental sea covered the western coastal plain and regions on the south and west. In this area, and also in the seaward parts of the eastern coastal plain, shallow-shelf carbonates were deposited contemporaneously with subsidence. In East Texas and adjacent areas, periods of peneplanation of the bordering land and deposition of carbonates alternated with regressive periods when the hinterland was uplifted and deposition of the land-derived material exceeded subsidence. The s uthern Appalachians rose at irregular rates throughout Early Cretaceous time, and furnished sediments (sand and clay) to the Mississippi embayment and the eastern Gulf Coast. Lower Cretaceous rocks are the most widespread and have the greatest volume of any major Gulf Coast stratigraphic division. They are believed to underlie an area of about 340,000 sq mi and have a volume of more than 200,000 cu mi. The area presently productive of oil and gas, extending from Mexico to southwestern Alabama, has an area of 83,000 sq mi, and a volume of 60,000 cu mi. In this proved belt, 1½ billion bbl of oil and 10½ Tcf of gas have been produced from Lower Cretaceous sandstone and carbonate rock. Landward from the productive belt in Texas and Arkansas is a narrow belt that is considered to be nonprospective. This belt widens eastward across central Mississippi, southern Alabama, Georgia, and northern Florida, where continental "redbeds" with thicknesses to 4,00 ft are present. A prospective belt and a speculative belt are gulfward from the proved area. Depositional conditions of the extensive and thick Lower Cretaceous sediments were favorable for the development and preservation of vast amounts of hydrocarbon source materials and for the formation of many reservoir rocks and stratigraphic-structural traps. An environmental analysis of each stratigraphic unit indicates a very large petroleum potential for this group of rocks. Many hydrocarbon accumulations will be found in the prospective belt, on land as well as under the continental shelf of Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. The undiscovered accumulations are in deltaic sandstone, carbonate reefs, and shell mounds. In the speculative belt of coastal and offshore Louisiana and Texas, the objectives are limestone reefs which developed on the landward side of positive blocks. Many n w fields will be found in the productive belt, and there will be lateral and deeper extensions of producing fields. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1790------------
Discoveries of Hydrogen Sulfide as a Novel Cardiovascular Therapeutic

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenously produced gaseous signaling molecule that elicits a number of cytoprotective effects in mammalian species. H2S was originally considered toxic at elevated levels, but 15 years ago the labile molecule was discovered in mammalian tissue and termed a gasotransmitter, thus opening the door for research aimed towards understanding its physiologic nature. Since then, novel findings have depicted the beneficial aspects of H2S therapy, such as vasodilation, antioxidant upregulation, inflammation inhibition, and activation of anti-apoptotic pathways. These cytoprotective alterations effectively treat multiple forms of cardiac injury at the preclinical level of research. The field has progressed towards instituting novel H2S donors that prove more effective at activating the subsequent cardioprotective enhancements over longer time periods. As more findings explore the efficacy of H2S, research focused on detection of sulfhydrated targets is on the rise. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that stem from H2S treatment may lead the field towards powerful therapeutics in the clinical setting. This review will discuss the cytoprotective and cardioprotective effects of H2S therapy, provide analysis on the molecular alterations that lead to these enhancements, and explore recently developed therapeutics that may bring this gasotransmitter into the clinic in the near future.
Fast Wide-field Photothermal Optical Lock-in Imaging of Gold Nanospheres to Provide Molecular Contrast in Quantitative Phase Imaging

We present a fast wide-field holography system for detecting the photothermally excited gold nanospheres in a QPI scheme. An interferometric optical lock-in approach was shown to improve SNR for detecting nanoparticles on multiple substrates.
Parametrization of mammography normalized average glandular dose tables.

Data from existing tables of normalized glandular doses in mammography were parametrized to determine analytical expressions that match tabulated results within known uncertainties. The parametrization was performed for three different target/filter combinations (molybdenum target–molybdenum filter, molybdenum target–rhodium filter, and rhodium target–rhodium filter) and three different breast compositions (100% adipose, 50% adipose–50% glandular, and 100% glandular). The analytical expressions provide the normalized glandular dose for any breast composition within stated ranges of tabulated input parameters (kVp, half-value layer, and breast thickness). The maximum difference between tabulated and parametrized data is 1.29%, which is smaller than the stated 2% uncertainty in tabulated dose data due to uncertainties in the x-ray spectra models used to generate the tables. Analytical expressions are easily coded to create custom functions that return the normalized glandular dose for the set of input parameters. Examples of implementation are presented in Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications™ (VBA).
Evolving system‐fields, versus context‐free, futures perspectives: Some thoughts on controllability

Context-free, mechanistic forecasting is reviewed and some examples of deficiencies in this approach noted. Reasons for and benefits and dangers of using forecasts are dicussed. The evolution of the world system-field of forces is dicussed in considerable detail. Predictability and acceptability of scientific theory are summarized. A heuristic forecast is made of politicomilitary, social, economic, and ecological changes, within the context of evolving fields of forces, over the epoch 1990–2025. Human nature may not be sufficiently resilient to cope with the challenges and opportunities associated with imminent reconfigurational change.
“Vulgar Strangers in the Home”: Charlotte Perkins Gilman and Modern Servitude

The labor which the wife performs in the household is given as part of her functional duty, not as employment. The wife of the poor man, who works hard in a small house, doing all the work for the ...
The New World Order: A Deconstruction of the Nation-State and a Disaggregation of the “Mixed Political Economy”

The structure of the New World Order and its corresponding functions are becoming apparent. First, there will be a deconstruction of the nation-state. It will be bisected as power shifts to higher “macro-regional” levels on the one hand and lower “micro-regional” levels on the other. Second, there will be a disaggregation of the mixed political economy. It will be bifurcated as socialism is used at upper levels of human aggregation to alleviate pollution and as capitalism is used at lower levels to alleviate poverty.
Enhancing motivation with the “virtual” supervisory role: a randomized trial

We aimed to explore the influence of a motivationally-enhanced instructional design on motivation to learn and knowledge, hypothesizing that outcomes would be higher for the enhanced instructional format. Medicine residents completed four online learning modules on primary care topics. Using a crossover design, learners were randomized to receive two standard and two motivationally-enhanced learning modules. Both formats had self-assessment questions, but the enhanced format questions were framed to place learners in a supervisory/teaching role. Learners received a baseline motivation questionnaire, a short motivation survey before and after each module, and a knowledge posttest. One hundred twenty seven residents were randomized. 123 residents (97%) completed at least one knowledge posttest and 119 (94%) completed all four posttests. Across all modules, a one-point increase in the pretest short motivation survey was associated with a 2.1-point increase in posttest knowledge. The change in motivation was significantly higher for the motivationally enhanced format (standard mean change −0.01, enhanced mean change +0.09, difference = 0.10, CI 0.001 to 0.19; p = 0.048). Mean posttest knowledge score was similar (standard mean 72.8, enhanced mean 73.0, difference = 0.2, CI −1.9 to 2.1; p = 0.90). The motivationally enhanced instructional format improved motivation more than the standard format, but impact on knowledge scores was small and not statistically significant. Learners with higher pre-intervention motivation scored better on post-intervention knowledge tests, suggesting that motivation may prove a viable target for future instructional enhancements.
Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment With Adult Alcohol and Illicit Drug Users: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective: This meta-analysis examined 53 controlled trials of cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) for adults diagnosed with alcohol- or illicit-drug-use disorders. The aims were to provide an overall picture of CBT treatment efficacy and to identify client or treatment factors predictive of CBT effect magnitude. Method: The inverse variance weighted effect size (Hedges' g) was calculated for each study and pooled using fixed and random effects methods. Potential study-level moderators were assessed in subgroup analyses by primary drug, type of CBT, and type of comparison condition. In addition, seven client and treatment variables were examined in meta-regression analyses. Results: Across studies, CBT produced a small but statistically significant treatment effect (g = 0.154, p < .005). The pooled effect was somewhat lower at 6-9 months (g = 0.1 15, p < .005) and continued to diminish at 12-month follow-up (g = 0.096, p < .05). The effect of CBT was largest in marijuana studies (g = 0.513, p < .005) and...
Declines in stimulated striatal dopamine release over the first 32 h following microdialysis probe insertion: generalization across releasing mechanisms.

In a recent paper [R.R. Holson, J.F. Bowyer, P. Clausing, B. Gough, Methamphetamine-stimulated striatal dopamine release declines rapidly over time following microdialysis probe insertion, Brain Res. 739 (1996) 301-307] we reported that methamphetamine-stimulated striatal dopamine release declined rapidly over the first eight hours following microdialysis probe insertion. This decline was strictly a function of time post-probe implantation, and not due to tolerance or desensitization. To further examine this phenomenon, we subjected rats to three brief pulses of several DA-releasing compounds at 2, 4 and 6 h post-probe insertion, and compared these results to those caused by a single pulse 6 h post-insertion, or in some cases to pulses given more than 24 h post-insertion. We found that when buproprion, a dopamine reuptake blocker, was infused briefly into the striatum via the microdialysis probe, there was a pronounced drop in the amount of dopamine released at 6 h vs. 2 h post-insertion; this drop was not due to repeated exposure, since dopamine release at 6 h post-insertion was the same for a single pulse, or when preceded by two earlier pulses. Twenty-four hours later, buproprion-stimulated dopamine release was still lower, but did not appear to drop further thereafter. Potassium-stimulated dopamine release, on the other hand, dropped rapidly over the first 8 h post-insertion, and this decline continued throughout the 24-32 h interval post-insertion. Similarly, a single i.p. injection of 0.5 mg/kg haloperidol released three times as much dopamine when given two compared to six hours post-implantation. Both bupropion- and potassium-stimulated dopamine release were accompanied by declines in extracellular DOPAC concentrations, and these declines were the same 2 or 26 h post-insertion. In contrast, haloperidol exposure increased extracellular DOPAC, and this haloperidol-stimulated DOPAC increase was also greatly attenuated at 6 compared to 2 h post-insertion. We conclude that there is a general decline over time post-probe implantation in the ability of the striatal dopamine system to release dopamine, and perhaps to increase dopamine synthesis, in response to pharmacological challenges.
Transaction Cost Estimation and International Regimes: Of Crystal Balls and Sheriff's Posses

In the aftermath of the 2003 war in Iraq, there is growing concern over the durability of international institutions and their capacity to withstand international change. Transaction costs are a central factor in theoretical explanations of the conditions under which international institutions will persist or be replaced. Rational institutionalists expect regimes to persist after conditions underlying their creation have changed because of the transaction costs of negotiating a replacement regime. Andrew Moravcsik has recently challenged this view, arguing that such costs are generally low and, in any case, arise from domestic and transnational sources rather than interstate bargaining. Others have argued that transaction costs shape the structure of security institutions. All these approaches assume that states can accurately forecast the transaction costs of maintaining or replacing an international regime. However, as an examination of the replacement of the Coordinating Committee on Multilateral Export Controls (CoCom) by the Wassenaar Arrangement demonstrates, this assumption is not necessarily warranted. This essay reviews transaction-cost-based theories of international cooperation and proposes that incorporation of a variable concerned with states' capacity to estimate transaction costs would improve our theoretical understanding of institutional persistence and change. Moreover, it considers problems of defining and measuring transaction costs, assesses factors limiting states' accurate estimation of transaction costs, and presents some propositions regarding transaction cost estimation and regime persistence. The essay also examines the implications of inaccurate transaction cost estimation for recent US foreign policy and international order.
Plexin B1 is repressed by oncogenic B-Raf signaling and functions as a tumor suppressor in melanoma cells

Human melanomas show oncogenic B-Raf mutations, which activate the B-Raf/MKK/ERK cascade. We screened microarrays to identify cellular targets of this pathway, and found that genes upregulated by B-Raf/MKK/ERK showed highest association with cell-cycle regulators, whereas genes downregulated were most highly associated with axon guidance genes, including plexin–semaphorin family members. Plexin B1 was strongly inhibited by mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling in melanoma cells and melanocytes. In primary melanoma cells, plexin B1 blocked tumorigenesis as measured by growth of colonies in soft agar, spheroids in extracellular matrix and xenograft tumors. Tumor suppression depended on residues in the C-terminal domain of plexin B1, which mediate receptor GTPase activating protein activity, and also correlated with AKT inhibition. Interestingly, the inhibitory response to plexin B1 was reduced or absent in cells from a matched metastatic tumor, suggesting that changes occur in metastatic cells which bypass the tumor-suppressor mechanisms. Plexin B1 also inhibited cell migration, but this was seen in metastatic cells and not in matched primary cells. Thus, plexin B1 has tumor-suppressor function in early-stage cells, although suppressing migration in late-stage cells. Our findings suggest that B-Raf/MKK/ERK provides a permissive environment for melanoma genesis by modulating plexin B1.
Atomic-level studies of the depletion in reactive sites during clay mineral dissolution

Abstract Clay mineral dissolution rates can continuously decrease over time as reactive sites located on edges are preferentially depleted under certain pH conditions. Changes in reactive surface area and the difficulties in quantifying this elusive variable have been cited as one key reason for the complexity in developing accurate rate equations for the dissolution of clay minerals. Recently, a solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) method has been proposed for counting the number of reactive surface sites on a defined quantity of a clay mineral. Using this solid-state NMR proxy, changes in reactive surface area were monitored for a series of batch dissolution experiments of low-defect kaolinite KGa-1b and Ca-rich bentonite STx-1b, a montmorillonite-rich clay containing an opal-CT impurity, at 21 °C and initial pH 3. Kaolinite specific surface area as determined from BET gas isotherm data did not change within error during 80 days of dissolution whereas bentonite specific surface area decreased rapidly to about 50% of the original value as interlayer cation concentrations changed. The solid-state NMR proxy revealed decreases in the number of reactive surface sites per gram of kaolinite and bentonite as a function of dissolution time, presumed to be from the preferential dissolution of reactive sites on edges at initial pH 3. This depletion of reactive edge sites can be tied to a concomitant decrease in the rates of release of Si and Al into solution. The quantity of reactive sites can be used to estimate the dissolution rates of kaolinite and bentonite as well as estimate trends in dissolution rates of other clay minerals. These results further highlight the need to quantify the number of reactive sites present on a per gram basis as well as characterize their depletion with time to develop and use dissolution rate models for clay minerals and other heterogeneous materials in the environment.
Sorting out centrality: An analysis of the performance of four centrality models in real and simulated networks

Abstract Although the concept of centrality has been well developed in the social networks literature, its empirical development has lagged somewhat. This paper moves a step in that direction by assessing the performance of four centrality models under a variety of known and controlled situations. It begins by examining the assumptions underlying each model, as well as its behavior in a community influence network. It then assesses the robustness and sensitivity of each model under conditions of random and systematic variation introduced into this network.
Economic Development and African Americans in the Mississippi Delta

This paper presents the results of an exploratory study of African Americans and underdevelopment in the Mississippi Delta. The primary focus is on race-specific factors and their associations with social and economic development in the Delta. Data were obtained from The Southern Growth Policy's Southern County-Level Data Files (U.S. Department of Agriculture 1985) and a content analysis of racial conflicts in Mississippi beginning with the 1950s through the 1980s. The results of the analysis show that racial conflicts and a high concentration of poor African Americans are associated with the lack of new technology industries in Mississippi's core Delta counties.
The Effects of Black Identity on Candidate Evaluations: An Exploratory Study

Although Barack Obama’s entrance into the 2008 presidential campaign has been warmly received by Whites, Blacks have been somewhat ambivalent. Some even have claimed that Obama is not “Black.” The case of Barack Obama brings to the forefront the prospect of intragroup identity differences that exist among Blacks and the potential importance of a candidate’s racial background in elections. Consequently, the authors ask the following questions: (a) Does the racial background of a political candidate affect Black voters’ support and evaluation of a candidate’s personal attributes (i.e., trust, concern, strength, and qualification)? and (b) Focusing purely on the treatment groups separately (White, biracial, and Black candidates), does Black identity affect Blacks’ support and evaluation of a candidate’s personal attributes? The experimental results of this exploratory study find race does make a difference on candidate support, and Black identity influences the way in which Black respondents perceive White, ...
Aspartame and aspartame derivatives effect human thrombin catalytic activity.

Abstract The study of small Asp-Phe analogs was undertaken since this dipeptide sequence is critical in fibrinogen recognition and catalysis. The inhibition of clotting activity by Asp-Phe-methyl ester (aspartame), formyl-Asp-Phe-methyl ester and acetyl-Asp-Phe was biphasic in all cases, indicating the presence of at least two binding sites. The N-terminally blocked derivatives are stronger inhibitors than aspartame. In contrast, tosyl-Gly-Pro-Arg-p′-nitroanilide hydrolysis was inhibited minimally by Asp-Phe-methyl, ester [Ki(app)=98 mM]. Acetyl-Asp-Phe inhibition of thrombin amidase activity was biphasic, tenfold stronger and appeared to be strongly cooperative. These results are discussed with respect to the inhibition of α-thrombin by ATP.
Real-Time Assessment of Mental Workload Using Psychophysiological Measures and Artificial Neural Networks

The functional state of the human operator is critical to optimal system performance. Degraded states of operator functioning can lead to errors and overall suboptimal system performance. Accurate assessment of operator functional state is crucial to the successful implementation of an adaptive aiding system. One method of determining operators' functional state is by monitoring their physiology. In the present study, artificial neural networks using physiological signals were used to continuously monitor, in real time, the functional state of 7 participants while they performed the Multi-Attribute Task Battery with two levels of task difficulty. Six channels of brain electrical activity and eye, heart and respiration measures were evaluated on line. The accuracy of the classifier was determined to test its utility as an on-line measure of operator state. The mean classification accuracies were 85%, 82%, and 86% for the baseline, low task difficulty, and high task difficulty conditions, respectively. The high levels of accuracy suggest that these procedures can be used to provide accurate estimates of operator functional state that can be used to provide adaptive aiding. The relative contribution of each of the 43 psychophysiological features was also determined. Actual or potential applications of this research include test and evaluation and adaptive aiding implementation.
Color M-mode echocardiography is more reproducible than conventional M-mode echocardiography for septal-to-posterior wall motion delay measurements.

Objective: To compare the reproducibility of conventional gray-scale M-mode to color Doppler M-mode assessment of the septal-to-posterior wall motion delay (SPWMD) which is used as a markerof left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony. Methods: Forty-two SPWMD datasets were interpretedby two experienced cardiologists and the inter- and intraobserver correlation coefﬁcients were deter-mined. Subgroup analysis was performed on patients with severe septal wall motion abnormalities.Results: The correlation coefﬁcients were signiﬁcantly higher in color Doppler M-mode versus tradi-tional M-mode in all subgroups analyzed. Conclusions: Our ﬁndings indicate that the color Dopplertechnique is more reproducible than conventional gray-scale M-mode technique to assess SPWMD.These ﬁndings suggest that the color Doppler M-mode may be a superior marker of the SPWMD mea-surement and predictor of left ventricular (LV) remodeling after cardiac resynchronization therapy.(ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 25, September 2008)echocardiography
Experimental evidence for surface freezing in supercooled n-alkane nanodroplets

Intermediate chain length (16 ≤ i ≤ 50) n-alkanes are known to surface freeze at temperatures that are up to three degrees higher than the equilibrium melting point [B. M. Ocko et al., Phys. Rev. E, 1997, 55, 3164–3182]. Our recent experimental results suggest that highly supercooled nanodroplets of n-octane and n-nonane also surface freeze, and subsequently bulk crystallization occurs. The data yield surface and bulk nucleation rates on the order of ∼1015 cm−2 s−1 and ∼1022 cm−3 s−1, respectively, at temperatures between 180 K and 200 K. Molecular dynamics simulations at the united atom level were used to follow the freezing of a supercooled n-octane drop and show that an ordered monolayer develops on the surface of the droplet almost immediately, and the rest of the droplet then freezes in a layer-by-layer manner.
Driving forces on expanding strips with general transformation strain

Abstract For an expanding strip inclusion with general transformation strain, or eigenstrain, starting from rest, the radiated fields are obtained on the basis of the dynamic Green’s function in an expression for expanding inclusions. They are unique, they satisfy the Hadamard jump conditions, and they provide the time-dependent traction needed to be applied at infinity for the problem to be a well-defined elastodynamic problem with initial and (time-dependent) boundary conditions. The “driving forces” on each boundary are obtained accounting for the interaction from the other boundary. In the kinetic relation, the externally applied stress field contributes a Peach–Koehler type term associated with the eigenstrain, but not the boundary velocity.
Investigation of a scatterer coupled to an aperture in a conducting screen

The paper presents an investigation of the general problem of determining the current induced on a scatterer located on one side of an aperture-perforated conducting screen caused by specified impressed sources. Coupled integrodifferential equations are derived in the paper for a general conducting scatterer and an aperture of arbitrary shape, under the usual assumption that quantities of interest vary harmonically with time and with full account taken of the coupling between the aperture and the scatterer. An alternative formulation of the above-mentioned equations is presented from a point of view which enables one to readily derive equations appropriate for the class of problems under consideration here by simple modifications of the usual aperture-in-a-screen (no scatterer) and scatterer-above-a-screen (no aperture present) equations. It is shown how, taking advantage of the known polarisabilities available in the literature for apertures of numerous shapes, one can greatly simplify the aperture/screen-scatterer equations. The general equations are particularised to aperture shapes and scatterers of interest, and these special-case equations are solved numerically. Data are presented for selected cases.
An innovative approach to nuclear reactor design certification

Presentation de l'appendice 10CFR50 «Certification et conceptions standards des centrales nucleaires avancees sur la base de performances demontrees» propose par General Electric a la commission NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission) aux Etats-Unis. Cet appendice a ete mis au point pour permettre la certification de la conception des reacteurs avances, premiers de leur genre, et a necessite le developpement d'un module d'essai
On the form of plants and animals

The expression for the form of organisms in terms of their biological functions, outlined in a previous paper, is carried out somewhat more in detail. Making definite assumptions about functions left arbitrary in the previous paper, expressions for different shapes of plants are derived. In continuation of the previous paper, the relation between the amount of nervous tissue and the form of an animal is discussed in more detail.
Exploring causal effects of neighborhood type on walking behavior using stratification on the propensity score

The causality issue has become one of the key questions in the debate over the relationship between the built environment and travel behavior. To ascertain whether changes to the built environment are a cost-effective way to change travel behavior, it is necessary to determine the magnitude of the effect. Further, it is important to understand whether the observed influence of the built environment on travel behavior diminishes substantially once we control for self-selection. Using 1553 residents living in four traditional and four suburban neighborhoods in Northern California, this study explores the causal effect of neighborhood type on walking behavior and the relationship between this effect and the observed influence of neighborhood type on walking behavior. Specifically, propensity score stratification, which has been widely used to reduce selection bias, was applied. The results showed that, on average, the causal influences of neighborhood type are likely to be overstated by 64% for utilitarian w...
Prospective study (Manda study 1) on the clinical effects of pioglitazone in relation to gender differences in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes

Aims We investigated the mechanism underlying body weight (BW) gain after pioglitazone administration in type 2 diabetes in relation to gender differences in abdominal fat distribution and congestive factors.
The Littlest Cardiologist

To the Editor.— A 20-year-old gravida 1, para 0 woman in her sixth month of an uncomplicated pregnancy presented to the emergency department 1 hour after being awakened by rapid, regular palpitations. There were no associated symptoms. Approximately 1 year previously, she had experienced a similar episode, which terminated spontaneously after 2 minutes and did not compel her to seek medical attention. Further investigation of medical history and review of systems revealed no predisposition to tachyarrhythmia other than her taking oral theophylline and inhaled metaproterenol for asthma. Initial vital signs were as follows: blood pressure, 104/80 mm Hg; pulse rate, 178 beats per minute; respirations, 22/min; and temperature, 37.1°C. With the exception of mild apprehension and a rapid, regular heartbeat and pulse, the results of the physical examination were those of a normal pregnant woman. An intravenous line was started. Cardiac monitoring and an electrocardiogram revealed supraventricular tachycardia at a
Segmental renal dysplasia associated with ectopic ureteroceles in childhood

Abstract Ten patients with ectopic ureteroceles associated with segmental renal dysplasia are presented. The clinical, pathologic, and radiologic features are summarized. All patients have done well following either total or heminephrectomy.
Identities of Competitive States in U.S. Presidential Elections: Electoral College Bias or Candidate-Centered Politics?

When discussing the biases of the U.S. Electoral College, researchers conclude that competitive states seem to occur randomly without any explanation. This study examines the consistency with which the same states have been competitive in presidential elections from 1824 to 2000. It also identifies “spectator” states. Spectator states are those that have not been competitive for ten presidential elections in a row. A statistical analysis illustrates that the identities of competitive states have become more unpredictable. In addition, few states have been spectators for long periods. In terms of representation, the facts that competitive states are not consistent and that there are few spectators mean different states are in the presidential spotlight at different times. As opposed to any biases associated with the Electoral College, the changes in consistency coincide with the rise of candidate-centered politics and decreasing voter loyalty to parties. The highly changeable nature of competitive states strengthens the federalism argument for continuation of the Electoral College. Copyright 2005, Oxford University Press.
Productivity and Persistence of Rhizoma Peanut Pastures under Different Grazing Managements

Florigraze' rhizoma peanut (Arachis glabrata Benth.) is a perennial legume of high forage quality adapted to warm climates, but there has been no comprehensive evaluation of its responses to grazing management. In 1988 and 1989, the effects of grazing frequency and intensity on Florigraze persistence and herbage accumulation (HA) were evaluated on a loamy, siliceous, hyperthermic Grossarenic Paleudults soil. All 12 combinations of three levels of residual dry matter alter grazing (RDM; 500, 1500, and 2500 kg ha #751 ) and four grazing cycle lengths (GC; 7, 21, 42, and 63 d between grazings, including a 0.5- to 2-d grazing period) were replicated twice (...)
Histogenesis of the so-called secondary enamel cuticle and dental cuticle

Abstract A “secondary enamel cuticle” was observed on the enamel of an embedded tooth and also on an enamel pearl in the bifurcation of an upper molar. These “secondary enamel cuticles” continued into horny hyaline-like bodies within densely proliferated epithelial strands which were a product of chronic inflammation. In the first case they extended from the embedded third molar to the decayed roots of the second molar, and in the second case they covered the enamel pearl in the bifurcation of an upper molar. The so-called “secondary enamel cuticle” and “dental cuticle” are not a secretion product of epithelial cells but a horny epithelial hyaline-like membrane. The formation of this horny epithelial-hyaline-like membrane seems to be in a causal relation to chronic inflammation which would satisfactorily explain the occasional occurrence of the membrane. The suggestion is made to discard the terms “secondary enamel cuticle” and “dental cuticle” and to reserve the name “horny epithelial hyaline-like membrane” for both these structures. This term is compatible with the histologic and morphologic appearance of this membrane and clearly points out the fundamental difference existing between this membrane and the primary enamel cuticle.
Guest Editorial Metal Optical

Although all the early telescope mirrors were made of speculum metal, once the chemical process for metallizing a glass surface became known in about 1850, glass replaced metal as the most common substrate material. However, there are now new applications, such as in the high energy laser field, where the high damage threshold and potential lower fabrication costs make the use of metal mirror substrates appealing. These new applications, coupled with recently developed diamond-turning fabrication techniques, have, during the past five years, made the field of metal optics extremely interesting, and the potential developments for the next five or ten years are even more exciting. The purpose of this special issue on "Metal Optics" is to summarize the reasons for the revival of the use of metal substrates. The issue describes the basic properties of metal mirrors and the most modern fabrication and testing techniques, as well as some of the applications.
An extended Kronecker product of matrices

Abstract Let A = (A 1 ¦ A 2 ¦ ··· ¦ A r ) and B = (B 1 ¦ B 2 ¦ ··· ¦ B r ) be column-wise partitioned matrices over complex numbers. Then an extended Kronecker product is A ⊙ B = (A 1 ⊗ B 1 ¦ ··· ¦ A r ⊗ B r ) , where A i ⊗ B i is the Kronecker product of A i and B i . Some properties of an extended Kronecker product of matrices are investigated. The properties of the solutions of the systems of linear equations whose coefficient matrices are extended Kronecker products of matrices are studied.
Modeling multibody systems with uncertainties. Part II: Numerical applications

This study applies generalized polynomial chaos theory to model complex nonlinear multibody dynamic systems operating in the presence of parametric and external uncertainty. Theoretical and computational aspects of this methodology are discussed in the companion paper “Modeling Multibody Dynamic Systems With Uncertainties. Part I: Theoretical and Computational Aspects”.