cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Which Devil in Development? A Randomized Study of Citizen Actions Supporting Foreign Aid in Uganda

Debate over the effectiveness of foreign aid has raged on despite a paucity of information about recipients’ actual views of development assistance, especially as citizens compare aid to domestic government programs. We argue that citizens may see foreign aid as an escape from clientelism because aid is less politicized than government programs, citizens trust donors more, and they support aid conditionality. They may also favor multilateral donors over bilateral donors for similar reasons. We test the argument with a randomized experiment on a subject pool of roughly 3,600 Ugandan citizens – to our knowledge the first nationally representative, large-n study of aid recipients. We randomly assigned the project funders – multilateral banks, bilateral donors, and a control implying the domestic government – for actual co-financed “pipeline” projects and invited citizens to sign a petition and send a text message in support. We find that citizens are significantly more willing to sign a petition or send a text message in favor of foreign aid projects compared to government programs. A companion survey to the experiment reveals evidence that citizens perceive aid as less prone to politicization. Some evidence suggests that Ugandans also see multilateral donors as superior to bilaterals. The findings suggest that recipients view foreign aid as relatively effective compared to domestic government programs.
Markets, property rights, and the economics of joint ventures in socialist countries☆

Abstract This paper develops formal models of joint ventures between Western firms and enterprises in three socialist countries, Hungary, Rumania, and Yugoslavia. In each case, the optimal resource allocations from the point of view of each partner are derived. In all cases, we find that the desired resource allocations are suboptimal and are strongly influenced by the structure of property rights in the socialist economy and the extent to which that economy makes use of markets to determine prices.
Context moderates the effects of an expressive writing intervention: A randomized two-study replication and extension.

Contextual factors may influence the efficacy and outcomes of psychological interventions. Two studies experimentally examined the effects of context on an expressive writing intervention by manipulating both the investigator's legitimate authority and the location of writing. Students (Study 1; n = 76) and community volunteers (Study 2; n = 63) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 experimental groups (high or low authority crossed with laboratory or home writing location) or to a control condition. Experimental groups wrote about stressful experiences and the control group wrote about time management, for 20 minutes on 3 consecutive days. These studies produced divergent, but complementary, results. Study 1 demonstrated a strong effect of writing location but no clear effects of legitimate authority. In contrast, Study 2 found no statistically reliable effects for location but demonstrated effects for legitimate authority and an interaction between location and authority manipulations for depressive symptoms...
Coincidence Electron Scattering (e,e′f) and Multipole Strength Functions inU238

We report $^{238}\mathrm{U}(e,{e}^{\ensuremath{'}}f)$ spectra from fission threshold to 23-MeV excitation energy for three values of momentum tranfer ($q=0.26, 0.40, \mathrm{and} 0.55$ ${\mathrm{fm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$). The extracted strength functions for $E1$ and $\frac{E2}{E0}$ agree well with those recently calculated with the quasiparticle random-phase approximation, except that some $E2$ strength is apparently missing. $E3$ and/or higher multipoles clearly contribute a significant amount of cross section throughout the excitation region.
Global optimization of mixed-integer quadratically-constrained quadratic programs (MIQCQP) through piecewise-linear and edge-concave relaxations

We propose a deterministic global optimization approach, whose novel contributions are rooted in the edge-concave and piecewise-linear underestimators, to address nonconvex mixed-integer quadratically-constrained quadratic programs (MIQCQP) to \({\epsilon}\) -global optimality. The facets of low-dimensional (n ≤ 3) edge-concave aggregations dominating the termwise relaxation of MIQCQP are introduced at every node of a branch-and-bound tree. Concave multivariable terms and sparsely distributed bilinear terms that do not participate in connected edge-concave aggregations are addressed through piecewise-linear relaxations. Extensive computational studies are presented for point packing problems, standard and generalized pooling problems, and examples from GLOBALLib (Meeraus, Globallib. http://www.gamsworld.org/global/globallib.htm).
Induction of metallothionein in chick embryos as a mechanism of tolerance to platinum group metal exposure.

Recent data show that platinum group metals (PGMs), primarily platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd) and rhodium (Rd), from automobile catalytic converters are being deposited in the environment. We investigated the PGM neurotoxicity and tolerance mechanism by induction of metallothionein (MT) in developing chick embryos. Chick embryos were injected on the 7th and 14th days of incubation with different concentrations of Pt and mixture of Pt, Pd and Rh (PGM mix) solutions. It is documented that induction of MT by zinc (Zn+2) protects against metal and non-metal hepatotoxicity. In this study the MT induction was examined through pretreatment of the two highest Pt(IV) exposure levels with exogenous Zn2+ on the 4th and 11th days of incubation. SDS-PAGE assay and digital image system were used to identify and quantify MT in homogenized brain and liver tissues. Quantitative analysis revealed an increase of MT in the 5 ppm Pt exposure as compared to controls. The 10 ppm Pt treatment was a lethal dose for exposed embryos....
Effect of a phosphonic acid analog of choline phosphate on phospholipid metabolism in Tetrahymena

Abstract When Tetrahymena thermophila is grown on a medium containing increasing concentrations of N,N,N-trimethyl-2-aminoethylphosphonate (TMAEP), up to 60% of the choline phosphate in phosphatidylcholine is replaced by the phosphonic acid. There is an increase in the relative amount of quaternary ammonium-containing lipid (phosphatidylcholine plus TMAEP-lipid) at the expense of phosphatidylethanolamine. There is no effect of the TMAEP on either 2-aminoethylphosphonolipid levels or on de novo 2-aminoethylphosphonate synthesis. Higher levels of TMAEP in the medium (25 and 50 m m ) lead to decreased growth of Tetrahymena and to an abnormal cell morphology.
Aluminum and Alzheimer's disease: An evolving understanding

Abstract Aluminum has been demonstrated to accumulate in the grey matter in diseases associated with Alzheimer's neurofibrillary degeneration. Since the structures that contain aluminum are metabolically inert (neurofibrillary tangles, nuclear heterochromatin, amyloid core of neuritic plaques), the presence of aluminum in these structures may simply reflect a final repository of aluminum due to the availability of phosphate groups which can strongly complex aluminum. It would be of considerable interest if aluminum were demonstrated to be elevated and/or abnormally chemically bonded in morphologically normal cells in association with metabolically active structures such as the cell membrane or transcriptionally active euchromatin. Alterations in the function of these two structures could explain much of the biological alterations attributed to aluminum.
In-the-spectacle-lens telescopic device.

Spectacle-mounted telescopic systems are prescribed for in- dividuals with visual impairments. Bioptic telescopes are typically mounted toward the top of the spectacle lens or above the frame with the telescope eyepiece positioned above the wearer's pupil. This allows the wearer to use up and down head tilt movements to quickly alternate between the unmagnified wide view through the carrier lens and the magnified narrow field of view available through the eyepiece. Rejection of this visual aid has been attributed mainly to its appearance and to the limited field of view through the smaller Gal- ilean designs. We designed a wide-field Keplerian telescope that is built completely within the spectacle lens. The design uses embedded mirrors inside the carrier lens for optical pathway folding, and con- ventional lenses or curved mirrors for magnification power. The short height of the ocular, its position, and a small tilt of the ocular mirror enable the wearer to simultaneously view the magnified field above the unmagnified view of the uninterrupted horizontal field. These fea- tures improve the cosmetics and utility of the device. The in-the-lens design allows the telescope to be mass produced as a commodity ophthalmic lens blank that can be surfaced to include the wearer's spectacle prescription. © 2008 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.
Optical probe attenuation in CS2 induced by a ruby laser

Abstract Attenuation of a tunable probe beam is observed in CS 2 in the presence of the intense radiation from a ruby laser. The dependence on probe beam wavelength and laser intensity is measured.
Reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy during atomic layer deposition of HfO2 films from tetrakis(ethylmethylamido)hafnium and water

Abstract Tetrakis(ethylmethylamido)hafnium and water are commonly used precursors for atomic layer deposition of HfO 2 . Using reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy with a buried-metal-layer substrate, we probe surface species present during typical deposition conditions. We observe evidence for thermal decomposition of alkylamido ligands at 320 °C. Additionally, we find that complete saturation of the SiO 2 substrate occurs in the first cycle at ≈100 °C whereas incomplete coverage is apparent even after many cycles at higher temperatures. The use of this technique as an in situ diagnostic useful for process optimization is demonstrated.
Subnational Politics in Spain: New Avenues for Feminist Policymaking and Activism

In this article, I evaluate how subnational governments pursue feminist policy outputs. To do so, I examine equality policies in the Spanish regions of Andalusia and Galicia during the 1980s and 1990s. Whereas the national Women's Institute in Spain was the driving force behind equality policies during the 1980s, regional administrations gained autonomy in the early 1980s and developed their own equality policies during the 1990s and 2000s. I ask 1) whether leftist political allies are key to feminist policy outputs, 2) whether regional feminist policy outputs increase over time as subnational institutions develop, and 3) whether feminists in society are able to impact such policies. I conclude that subnational administrations do not always advance feminist policy outputs nor do they work cooperatively with all feminist organizations. Whereas the leftist regional administration of Andalusia has been a leader in feminist policymaking, the conservative Galician administration developed equality policies more slowly, and these policies were controversial among feminists and leftist politicians. I explain how regional women's policy agencies led by the Left and Right have nevertheless promoted women's civil society and policies that respond to women's local identities.
Rules of thumb in macroeconomic equilibrium A quantitative analysis

Abstract We investigate the robustness of the general equilibrium stochastic growth model to the introduction of small costs of behavioral sophistication. Consumers choose amongst savings rules which vary in sophistication and effort cost. In our model, a given consumer's gain from using a sophisticated rule is higher when other consumers use simple rules. Thus, decentralization makes it harder for simple rules to survive than in similar decision-theoretic models. Nevertheless, we find: 1. (i) that sophisticated behavior, which we model as fully unrestricted, occurs in equilibrium only if its relative effort cost is extremely low; and 2. (ii) that rule-of-thumb economies can generate aggregate time series that differ substantially from those of the standard model.
Functional Connectivity of Human Chewing An fcMRI Study

Mastication is one of the most important orofacial functions. The neurobiological mechanisms of masticatory control have been investigated in animal models, but less so in humans. This project used functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging (fcMRI) to assess the positive temporal correlations among activated brain areas during a gum-chewing task. Twenty-nine healthy young-adults underwent an fcMRI scanning protocol while they chewed gum. Seed-based fcMRI analyses were performed with the motor cortex and cerebellum as regions of interest. Both left and right motor cortices were reciprocally functionally connected and functionally connected with the post-central gyrus, cerebellum, cingulate cortex, and precuneus. The cerebellar seeds showed functional connections with the contralateral cerebellar hemispheres, bilateral sensorimotor cortices, left superior temporal gyrus, and left cingulate cortex. These results are the first to identify functional central networks engaged during mastication.
Effect of soil Cd addition on germination of native plant species

Soil Cd addition was found to adversely affect germination ofAndropogon scoparius, Monarda fistulosa, andRudbeckia hirta. Rudbeckia germination was found to be most sensitive to soil Cd addition andAndropogon germination most tolerant (b=−.0001). Soil cadmium concentrations sufficient to reduce germination by 25% were calculated to be 30 and 46 μg Cd/g soil forRudbeckia andAndropogon respectively.
Impression cytology in the diagnosis of acanthamoeba keratitis with surface involvement

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the use of impression cytology in the diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis with surface involvement. Design Observational case series. Methods Three patients with culture-proven superficial Acanthamoeba keratitis were studied. Patients' medical records were reviewed for clinical information, treatment procedures and disease course. Impression cytology specimens taken from the cornea of those patients were processed and observed by bright field microscopy. The main outcome measure was the cytopathological examination and identification of amoebic organisms. Results In each of these three patients, impression cytology specimens revealed the amoeba cysts. Some specimens also showed pleomorphic trophozoites with typical amoeba nuclei. Conclusion Corneal impression cytology successfully detected the cysts and trophozoites of Acanthamoeba from patients with superficial amoeba keratitis. This indicates that impression cytology can be a useful technique to facilitate early diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis with surface involvement.
Circular dichroism of 5α-deuteriocholesta-1,3-diene

Abstract Replacement of the 5α-hydrogen by deuterium in 5α-cholesta-1,3-diene decreased the Δ at 262 nm (in hexane) from −2.37 ± 0.06 to −2.18 ± 0.04.
A branch-and-bound algorithm for permutation flow shops with sequence-dependent setup times

This paper presents a branch-and-bound enumeration scheme for the makespan minimization of the permutation flow shop scheduling problem with sequence-dependent setup times. The algorithm includes the implementation of both lower and upper bounding procedures, a dominance elimination criterion, and special features such as a partial enumeration strategy. A computational evaluation of the overall scheme demonstrates the effectiveness of each component. Test results are provided for a wide range of problem instances.
Using the Core Concepts Framework to Understand Three Generations of Inclusive Practices

Abstract This article analyzes the relationship between the core concepts of disability policy and the three generations of inclusive practices. Specifically, we review the three generations of inc...
Direct growth of amorphous silica nanowires by solid state transformation of SiO2 films

Amorphous silica nanowires (a-SiONWs) were produced by direct solid state transformation from silica films. The silica nanowires grow on TiN/Ni/SiO2/Si substrates during the annealing in H2 or a H2:CH4 mixture at 1050 C. Titanium nitride (TiN) films were used to induce a solid state reaction with silica (SiO2) films on silicon wafers to provide silicon atoms into growing nanowires. The TiN layers induce the diffusion of silicon and oxygen to the surface by a stress gradient built inside the films. The nickel diffuses to the surface during the TiN deposition and acts as a nucleation site for the a-SiONWs. 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Gene therapy targeting the Tie2 function ameliorates collagen-induced arthritis and protects against bone destruction.

Objective In a previous study, we demonstrated that Tie2 regulates angiogenesis in arthritis. The current study was performed to determine whether systemic delivery of a soluble Tie2 receptor (ExTek) using an adenoviral vector (AdExTek) as a Tie2 inhibitor affects arthritis development and progression in an animal model. Methods We used a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model to study the outcome of treatment with either AdExTek or a control vector. The onset, incidence, and severity of arthritis were quantified. Immunohistologic analysis of endothelium obtained from the paws was performed. Bone destruction in paws was analyzed using phase-contrast radiography. Results The data showed that systemic delivery of ExTek before disease development significantly inhibited the onset, incidence, and severity of arthritis. When AdExTek was given after disease onset, the severity of disease in mice treated with AdExTek was significantly lower than that in the control group at 35 days postimmunization, which correlated with significantly diminished angiogenesis in mouse paws. Strikingly, AdExTek treatment protected bone from erosion in the CIA model and reduced levels of RANKL. No differences in collagen-specific antibodies were detected between these 2 groups. Conclusion We demonstrated that blocking Tie2 receptor activation inhibits angiogenesis and arthritis development and protects against bone destruction in a CIA mouse model. These findings identify Tie2 as a therapeutic target for arthritis treatment and imply that interventions designed to target the Tie2 pathway could be clinically beneficial.
Naming ability across the adult life span

Abstract Longitudinal performance on the Boston Naming Test (BNT) was evaluated in 53 normal subjects aged 30 to 79 who were each tested three times over a 7-year span. Naming performance showed a significant decline over time that was greatest for the oldest subjects. These results confirm that decline in naming is a real phenomenon in normal aging that cannot be attributable primarily to cohort effects. We conclude that the changes in naming ability across the life span reflect more than simply a breakdown in lexical retrieval and that perceptual and semantic processing may be implicated.
Enhancing Individual and Organizational Learning: A Sociological Model

Learning at all levels is essential for organizational survival. Drawing on the literature in adult and organizational learning, this article proposes a sociological model of organizational learning based on Parsons’ general theory of action. The model defines individuals and organizations as learning systems, and uses diagnostic questions related to adaptation, goal attainment, integration, and pattern maintenance to identify individual and organizational learning needs. The article applies the model to a strategic planning scenario, showing how managers may be able to use the model as a guide to address the learning needs of individuals and organizations.
Competing constraints on the variable placement of direct object clitics in Mexico City Spanish

We utilize variationist methodology to explore the conventionalization and pragmatics of 3rd person direct object clitic placement in Spanish periphrastic constructions. Analysis of 652 tokens extracted from three Mexico City speech corpora indicates that while proclitic position is the majority variant, the rate of enclitic position depends on particular [finite + non-finite verb] constructions, distinguished by frequency measures and more grammaticalized meanings. At the same time, enclisis is favored by propositional or non-referential direct objects and by direct objects of low topic persistence, measured by subsequent mentions. In contrast, proclitic position is favored more by inanimate than human referents, especially those that show topic persistence and whose previous mention was in the syntactic role of direct object in the same or preceding clause. These quantitative patterns suggest that proclisis indicates prototypical DOs in non-prototypical use, i.e. topical inanimates. Thus, despite conventionalization of the general proclitic schema, particular constructions and semantic-pragmatic considerations are operative factors in the variation.
Mineral analysis of ten types of commercially available tea

Many herbal infusions (teas) are being studied for their impact on health, yet little research has examined their mineral content. The purpose of this study was to determine the mineral content of 10 commercially available dry teas and the infusions produced from them. Herbal infusions studied included commercial blends of peppermint, Echinacea, red clover, Siberian ginseng, dandelion, red raspberry leaf, blueberry leaf and green tea. None of the infusions was a good source of Ca, Mg, P, K, Na, Cu, Fe, Mn, or Zn in a single serving. Extraction rates (excluding Siberian ginseng) were for K (71%), P (43%), Mg (38%), Na (34%), Ca (18%), Cu (33%), Fe (6%), Mn (24%) and Zn (35%). K levels were high enough that 3.5 cups of dandelion infusion and 4.5 cups of Echinacea infusion provide a good source (10% Daily Value). By comparison, standard reference levels for both brewed black tea and coffee indicate these beverages contain several times as much K as dandelion and Echinacea infusions. These data suggest that these infusions will not interfere with low Na diets.
Transmission of cabbage mosaic virus by green peach aphids—Stylet transmission studies☆

An analysis was made of the experimental procedures that have been used to determine the function of the tips of the stylets in the transmission of nonpersistent plant viruses. The virus used was cabbage mosaic, and the vector was the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer). To prepare the stylets for treatment, the aphids were first anesthetized with CO2 and then the labium was manipulated to expose the stylet tips. After the stylets had been exposed, both ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and immersion of the stylets in 0.25% formalin were used to reduce or eliminate inoculativity. Anesthetized aphids tended to probe longer than did unanesthetized ones, and since a time limit was set for the duration of any single probe, more anesthetized aphids had their probes artificially terminated than did the unanesthetized controls. When this factor was accounted for (by using the data from aphids that naturally terminated their acquisition probes), none of the following preacquisition treatments reduced the probability of acquisition and transmission of virus: anesthetization, anesthetization and manipulation, irradiation of the stylet tips with UV, or treatment of the stylet tips with 0.25% formalin. These same treatments were used after acquisition, and each reduced the probability of transmission. The effect on transmission was as follows: no treatment < anesthetization < manipulation < stylet irradiation < stylet treatment with 0.25% formalin. Some, but not all, of the reduction in transmission due to the treatments, especially in connection with UV irradiation, could be attributed to treatment-induced changes in feeding behavior. The evidence from the various experiments and from serial transmission trials was consistent with the hypothesis that transmissible virus was being carried in a small piece of saliva at the tip of the stylets.
Amplitude Modulation and Symmetry Breaking Bifurcation in Micro Devices

Designs of many micro devices take advantage of the symmetry for better performance, immunity to noise, and for simpler analysis. When a symmetric structure is subjected to symmetric forcing, the symmetric response can become unstable leading to asymmetric responses. The occurrence of symmetry breaking bifurcation leads to complicated dynamic responses which often result in less desirable performances. In this paper, we obtain analytical criteria for the onset of symmetry breaking bifurcations. We also conduct numerical simulations to demonstrate different types of asymmetric dynamic responses resulting from the symmetry breaking bifurcation. In particular, we show the occurrence of amplitude modulated motions in such systems.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Recharge and discharge of the ground‐water reservoirs on the High Plains in Texas

The High Plains in Texas occupy an area of about 35,000 square miles extending from the northern boundary of the Panhandle southward about 300 miles, and from the New Mexico line eastward an average distance of about 120 miles to a boundary which in most places is sharply defined by a bold escarpment several hundred feet in height. The region is noted for its abundant supply of ground-water, most of which is found in the Ogallala formation, a sandy deposit lying at or near the surface throughout most of the region, and reaching a depth of between 200 and 300 feet. The Ogallala formerly extended over a much greater area, but it has been removed by erosion from much of the territory it once occupied. The areas in which it remains are the High Plains, which are bounded by prominent escarpments both on the east and on the west, and are traversed in Texas by the Canadian River, which is deeply entrenched in the older rocks. The water-bearing sands of the Ogallala in both segments are cut off in all directions from any underground connection, except through the underlying older rocks which contain highly mineralized water unlike the fresh water in the Ogallala. The source of the fresh water, therefore, is within the High Plains themselves, and is from the rain and snow that falls on the surface of the Plains.
The Febrile Infant: What's New?

Fever in young infants often accompanies bacterial disease. Approximately 10% of febrile infants younger than 2 months will have associated bacteriuria, bacteremia, or other bacterial disease. In spite of assertions to the contrary, “well” physical appearance does not reliably rule out the presence of bacterial disease in this population. Accordingly, the presence of fever in infants younger than 2 months demands immediate and comprehensive management. The manuscript reviews current management controversies in the evaluation and management of febrile young infants. We describe the use and applicability of various clinical predictor sets for determining which infants are at low risk for serious bacterial illness and, in particular, whether a minimum workup is required, and if so, what constitutes those necessary laboratory tests. We also discuss whether the management should vary by the age of the infant (younger than 1 month vs 1-2 months old), the practice setting (office vs the emergency department), and the presence of concurrent viral infections.
Literally a ‘mammoth task’: The conservation, preparation and curation of the West Runton Mammoth skeleton

Abstract The skeleton of the West Runton Mammoth is one of only a very few Mammuthus trogontherii skeletons known globally. It is the most complete skeleton of this species known, was excavated in primary context, is well preserved and represents an important stage in mammoth evolution. Therefore this skeleton and the associated specimens from the 1995 excavation at West Runton required relevant levels of conservation, preparation and curation appropriate to material of this importance. As the material is sub-fossil in nature (i.e. not mineralised), biomolecule retrieval techniques may be used on the specimens in the future, and therefore it was necessary to preserve the biochemical and geochemical integrity of the material and invasive conservation procedures such as consolidation were therefore kept to a minimum. However, due to weathering and trampling at the time of burial and subsequent compaction of the sediment the bones were mechanically weak, fragile and vulnerable once excavated. Given the huge size and substantial weight of the larger bones, innovative storage solutions had to be devised to create appropriate permanent supportive storage media. Whilst considering suitable conservation strategies, investigations into certain materials lead to experimentation with techniques. This project demonstrates the importance of having a well-funded post-excavation conservation programme employing a preparator–conservator not only to appropriately stabilise and conserve the physical material for detailed study but also to conserve information that might otherwise be lost e.g. orientation of bones when found, or the preservation of sedimentary structures. In addition, familiarity with the material resulting from several years of preparing the bones under a microscope has revealed important aspects of the material– relating often to taphonomy and pathology – that might otherwise have been missed.
Worst-case optimization of relay position in cooperative broadcast wireless networks

In this paper, we consider the use of cooperative communications for broadcast wireless networks where the signal transmitted from a source node is relayed by a relay to the destination users, which are distributed within a circular area. The objective of this paper is, given the available resources, to properly determine the position of the relay so that the worst-case outage probability performance within the service area is minimized. The problem is solved through the use of semidefinite relaxation.
Botulinum toxin for the treatment of gastroparesis: a preliminary report

Gastroparesis is a disorder of gastric motility that results in delayed gastric emptying. Common symptoms include early satiety, postprandial fullness, epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. The underlying etiologies of gastroparesis are many and include diabetes, prior gastric surgery, collagen vascular disorders, and a previous viral illness. Up to one third of cases are classified as idiopathic. Treatment typically consists of a change in diet to small volume, frequent meals and the use of the prokinetic agents metoclopramide, cisapride, erythromycin, or domperidone. Botulinum toxin has recently been shown to be effective in treating disorders of smooth muscle hypertonicity in the GI tract. This case report describes three patients with severe gastroparesis whose symptoms persisted despite dietary changes and the use of high dose prokinetic agents. All three were treated with intrasphincteric injection of the pylorus with botulinum toxin and all had significant symptomatic improvement afterwards. Possible mechanisms of action of botulinum toxin on the pylorus and its effects in patients with gastroparesis are discussed.
Assembly and Dynamics of Nucleic Acid - Protein Complexes at the Single-Molecule Level

Single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy is emerging as a powerful tool for detailed biophysical analyses of nucleic acid - protein interactions, because of the ability to resolve different binding modes and to provide kinetic information on protein conformational changes during assembly or biological function. To illustrate these capabilities, I will describe two systems currently under study in my laboratory. (1) The HIV-1 protein Rev mediates the nuclear export of unspliced and partially spliced mRNAs encoding viral structural proteins. Rev interacts with a highly conserved element within the viral pre-mRNA known as the Rev response element (RRE). Multiple Rev monomers must assemble on the RRE, mediated by a combination of RNA-protein and protein-protein interactions. Multi-color single-molecule TIRF microscopy is used to monitor hundreds of individual Rev-RRE assembly reactions in parallel, revealing the mechanism of oligomeric assembly and the influence of cellular cofactors on the assembly pathway. (2) DNA polymerases replicate DNA substrates with extraordinarily high fidelity because of their ability to discriminate between cognate and non-cognate nucleotide substrates during each cycle of nucleotide incorporation and to remove misincorporated bases using a separate proofreading activity. Single-molecule FRET methods are used to observe conformational changes of the fingers subdomain of a model DNA polymerase during the process of selection of incoming nucleotide substrates, revealing a novel “ajar” conformation that acts as a fidelity checkpoint before the fingers enclose the nascent base pair. These methods are also used to monitor the movement of the nascent DNA strand during proofreading, revealing that the DNA can switch between the spatially separated polymerase and exonuclease sites while remaining bound to the enzyme. These observations provide new insights into the important role of enzyme conformational dynamics during the processes of nucleotide substrate selection and proofreading.
Fund-raising success and a solicitor's beauty capital: Do blondes raise more funds?

Abstract This study uses a door-to-door fund-raising field experiment to explore the returns to physical appearance on fund-raising success. Interestingly, blonde females earn more on average than brunette counterparts. However, the returns to physical appearance depend critically on the race of a potential donor.
Computer‐Assisted Molecular Modeling: Indispensable Tools for Molecular Pharmacology

Ball-and-stick mechanical models, typically associated with chemists, have been helpful in understanding structural problems and the relationship between structure and biologic activity. With progress in computer speed, graphics performance, and software innovation, molecules of biological interest can be subjected to rigorous calculations. Computational chemistry and biology are rooted in the belief that theoretical physics can be used to calculate accurate molecular structures. Although in its infancy, computer-assisted molecular modeling is gaining attention and acceptability as an increasing number of researchers turn their attention toward rational molecular design. The trend to use theoretical methods can be traced to the greater availability of computer graphics work-stations, decreasing computer costs, faster central processing units, more robust algorithms, and "user-friendly" software codes. Every major pharmaceutical company has invested in these resources to reduce the time it takes to design and develop pharmaceutical agents. Because of the vast financial and manpower investments needed to introduce a single drug, medicinal chemists and pharmacologists are interested in understanding and predicting drug action at the molecular level. Although drug action is still poorly understood, molecular modeling should reduce some of the labor in the development of pharmaceutical agents.
Primary Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease remains the major cause of death and morbidity in developed countries. As a consequence, its prevention constitutes a significant public health challenge. In recent times, our understanding of this disease process has expanded and many of the factors that influence its expression have been elucidated. In addition, a number of trials of diet and lipid-lowering drugs have been performed in an effort to tackle this problem. These studies demonstrate that when lipid levels are favourably altered, cardiovascular events are reduced without adverse effect. The rate at which event outcomes diverge between treated and untreated patients depends on the degree of atherosclerosis manifestation prior to treatment and the aggressiveness of the lipid altering strategy. Nonetheless, to date, the residual risk of cardiovascular events is still unacceptably high despite even the most potent lipid-lowering treatments used in these trials. In order to minimise the risk of future events, earlier intervention and a greater change in LDL and HDL cholesterol levels are needed in conjunction with other risk factor modifications.
Colloquium : Ettore Majorana and the birth of autoionization

In some of the first applications of modern quantum mechanics to the spectroscopy of many-electron atoms, Ettore Majorana in 1931 solved several outstanding problems by developing the theory of autoionization. Later literature makes only sporadic references to this accomplishment. After reviewing his work in its contemporary context, we describe subsequent developments in understanding the spectra treated by Majorana and extensions of his theory to other areas of physics. Several puzzles are found concerning the treatment of Majorana's work in the subsequent literature and the way in which the modern theory of autoionization was developed.
Image reconstruction from minimum helical cone-beam projections

We proposed a new reconstruction algorithm for image reconstruction from helical cone-beam data only within the Tam-Danielsson window, thus allowing the potential reduction of radiation dose to patients. The new algorithm can be expressed as two terms. The first term dominates the contribution to the reconstructed image, and the second term provides only a small correction. In fact, such a correction is generally negligible as compared to that from the first term and introduces a detectable DC-type shift to the reconstructed images only in the situations where the ratio between the size of field of view and the helical radius approaches to 0.625, which is the limit to the validity of the first term. Based on the Grangeat formula, we have developed an algorithm to calculate the correction (i.e., the second) term from the data within the window.
Age Differences in Choice Deferrals as Functions of Interattribute Conflict and Decision Domain

The primary purpose of the present study was to examine age differences in choice deferral when young and older adults make high vs. low conflict decisions in two domains (i.e., health and commodity). Sixty young and 60 older adults were presented with four different decision scenarios in which they could either choose an option or use choice deferral (i.e., not choose any of the options for the time being). The high conflict decisions had negative interattribute correlations, while the low conflict decisions had positive interattribute correlations. Older adults were more likely than young adults to choose the deferral option across domains. Participants were more likely to choose the deferral option when making high conflict decisions than when making low conflict decisions. For older adults, an increase in postdecision positive affect was greater for those who deferred choice than for those who did not defer choice in the commodity domain. Implications were discussed in terms of real-life decision maki...
A Parallel Resampling Algorithm for Particle Filtering on Shared-Memory Architectures

Many real-world applications such as positioning, navigation, and target tracking for autonomous vehicles require the estimation of some time-varying states based on noisy measurements made on the system. Particle filters can be used when the system model and the measurement model are not Gaussian or linear. However, the computational complexity of particle filters prevents them from being widely adopted. Parallel implementation will make particle filters more feasible for real-time applications. Effective resampling algorithms like the systematic resampling algorithm are serial. In this paper, we propose the shared-memory systematic resampling (SMSR) algorithm that is easily parallelizable on existing architectures. We verify the performance of SMSR on graphics processing units. Experimental results show that the proposed SMSR algorithm can achieve a significant speedup over the serial particle filter.
Theory for an electrostatic imaging mechanism allowing atomic resolution of ionic crystals by atomic force microscopy.

An electrostatic imaging mechanism is presented which allows atomic resolution of the surface of ionic crystals by atomic force microscopy (AFM). In the x-y plane the electrostatic field due to the ion charges reflects the periodicity of the surface lattice. If the tip of the AFM stylus is polarizable, an attractive force between tip and sample will exist and allow imaging of the surface in a noncontact mode. It is shown that the decay length of the electrostatic interaction in the z direction is sufficiently short for atomic resolution to be achieved not only with a hypothetical tip consisting of only one atom but also by a more realistic tip of parabolic shape with a radius of 30 nm. The theory is applied to the (001) surface of KBr.
Sexuality and heart disease: implications for nursing.

Abstract In the United States, people aged 65 and older are at particular risk for heart disease and stroke. Obesity and diabetes are also significant health problems for older adults. In this fast-growing segment of the population, this potential range of health problems can affect many aspects of life—one of those is sexuality. Nurses must acknowledge the sexuality of older persons and the potential effect that heart disease can have on this multifaceted aspect of their lives.
Management of the complications of mandibular fracture treatment

Complications of mandibular fracture treatment are readily apparent, measurable, and less forgiving. They prolong treatment and compromise results. The treatment of these complications with particular emphasis on current strategies in the evaluation and management of failing and failed rigid fixation will be described and analyzed.
Antenatal magnesium treatment and neonatal illness severity as measured by the Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology (SNAP).

Objective. To determine if antepartum administration of magnesium sulfate affects the Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology (SNAP).Methods. We reviewed a database of consecutive preterm admissions to our neonatal intensive care unit over a 12-month period. Information on delivery indication, magnesium sulfate use, betamethasone administration, neonatal SNAP scores, neonatal serum magnesium levels, and other data was collected. Data was analyzed by Chi-square, Student t-test, and multiple linear regression with P<0.05 considered significant.Results. During the study period, 221 cases fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria. Multiple regression revealed a significant association between antepartum magnesium use and improved SNAP scores after controlling for gestational age, glucocorticoid use, chorioamnionitis, and birthweight (SNAP score reduction=-2.25±0.78, P=0.005).Conclusions. Antepartum administration of magnesium sulfate results in a significant improvement in the neonatal SNAP score. These results ...
Intramitochondrial binding of ruthenium red in degenerating chondroblasts

Comparative studies on ruthenium red (RR) localization were performed on the embryonic vertebral cartilage of 12-day normal embryos and on homozygous crooked neck dwarf mutant chick embryos known to express cartilaginous abnormalities during development. Mutant embryos possessed cervical vertebrae with a normal chondroblast population interspersed by focally degenerating chondroblasts. As expected, RR reacted only with cartilaginous extracellular matrix globules and glycocalyces of normal chondroblasts in control and mutant tissues. Intracellular organelles of intact chondroblasts were virtually devoid of stain. Dense RR-positive intramitochondrial (IM) granules were observed discriminately only in degenerating chondroblasts in tissue from mutant embryos. Deposition sites of RR had characteristics similar to Ca affinity sites, reservoirs of mitochondrial Ca. Mechanisms are suggested to explain the intramitochondrial staining. The potential usefulness of RR as an intracellular indicator of physiological states of degenerating or aging cells is proposed.
Discriminant Validity of NEO-PIR Facet Scales

Two analyses were conducted to examine the discriminant validity of 30 facet scales from the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PIR). To examine cross-observer validity of specific variance in the facet scales, partial correlations between self-reports and peer (N = 250) and spouse (N = 68) ratings on the facets were calculated, controlling for the five common factors. All 60 convergent partial correlations were positive, and 48 (80%) were significant. In the second analysis, Adjective Check List (Gough and Heilbrun, 1983) correlates of the facet scales were identified in a sample of 305 adults. Judges correctly matched scales to correlates in most cases, providing additional evidence for discriminant validity.
The effect of RuO 2 /Pt hybrid bottom electrode structure on the leakage and fatigue properties of chemical solution derived Pb(Zr x Ti 1− x )O 3 thin films

We have investigated the effect of RuO2 (10, 30, 50 nm)/Pt layered hybrid bottom electrode structure and film composition on the leakage and fatigue properties of chemical solution derived Pb(ZrxTi1−x)O3 (PZT) thin films. It was observed that the use of high Ti content (Zr: Ti = 30: 70) films with control of excess PbO at the thin RuO2 (10 nm)/Pt bottom electrode surface reduced leakage current and showed good fatigue properties with high remanent polarization compared to the use of high Zr films (Zr: Ti = 50: 50) or thicker RuO2 (30, 50 nm)/Pt bottom electrodes. Typical P-E hysteresis behavior of PZT films was observed even at an applied voltage of 3 V, demonstrating greatly improved remanence and coercivity. Fatigue and breakdown characteristics of these modified PZT thin films (Zr: Ti = 30: 70) on RuO2 (10 nm)/Pt, measured at 5 V, showed stable behavior, and less than 15% fatigue degradation was observed up to 1010 cycles.
The Malleability of Automatic Stereotypes and Prejudice

The present article reviews evidence for the malleability of automatic stereotypes and prejudice. In contrast to assumptions that such responses are fixed and inescapable, it is shown that automatic stereotypes and prejudice are influenced by, (a) self- and social motives, (b) specific strategies, (c) the perceiver's focus of attention, and (d) the configuration of stimulus cues. In addition, group members' individual characteristics are shown to influence the extent to which (global) stereotypes and prejudice are automatically activated. This evidence has significant implications for conceptions of automaticity, models of stereotyping and prejudice, and attitude representation. The review concludes with the description of an initial model of early social information processing.
Genetic analysis of dauer formation in Caenorhabditis briggsae.

Molecular changes that underlie evolutionary changes in behavior and physiology are not well understood. Dauer formation in Caenorhabditis elegans is a temperature-sensitive process controlled through a network of signaling pathways associated with sensory neurons and is potentially an excellent system in which to investigate molecular changes in neuronal function during evolution. To begin to investigate the evolution of dauer formation in the genus Caenorhabditis at the molecular level, we isolated dauer-formation mutations in C. briggsae, a species closely related to the model organism C. elegans. We identified mutations in orthologs of C. elegans genes daf-2 (insulin receptor), daf-3 (Smad), and daf-4 (TGF-β type 2 receptor), as well as genes required for formation of sensory cilia. Phenotypic analyses revealed that functions of these genes are conserved between C. elegans and C. briggsae. Analysis of C. briggsae mutations also revealed a significant difference between the two species in their responses to high temperatures (>26°). C. elegans is strongly induced to form dauers at temperatures above 26°, near the upper limit for growth of C. elegans. In contrast, C. briggsae, which is capable of growth at higher temperatures than C. elegans, lacks this response.