cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The transformation of international law between the World Wars

At 11am GMT on 11 November 2018, the world celebrated the one-hundredth anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War I. This seemingly placed the various centennials associated with the Great ...
Initial findings in traumatic peripheral nerve injury and repair with diffusion tensor imaging

Objective Management of peripheral nerve injuries requires physicians to rely on qualitative measures from patient history, electromyography, and physical exam. Determining a successful nerve repair can take months to years for proximal injuries, and the resulting delays in clinical decision-making can lead to a negative impact on patient outcomes. Early identification of a failed nerve repair could prevent permanent muscle atrophy and loss of function. This study aims to test the feasibility of performing diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to evaluate injury and recovery following repair of wrist trauma. We hypothesize that DTI provides a noninvasive and reliable assessment of regeneration, which may improve clinical decision-making and alter the clinical course of surgical interventions. Methods Clinical and MRI measurements from subjects with traumatic peripheral nerve injury, carpal tunnel syndrome, and healthy control subjects were compared to evaluate the relationship between DTI metrics and injury severity. Results Fractional anisotropy from DTI was sensitive to differences between damaged and healthy nerves, damaged and compressed nerves, and injured and healthy contralateral nerves. Longitudinal measurements in two injury subjects also related to clinical outcomes. Implications of other diffusion measures are also discussed. Interpretation DTI is a sensitive tool for wrist nerve injuries and can be utilized for monitoring nerve recovery. Across three subjects with nerve injuries, this study has shown how DTI can detect abnormalities between injured and healthy nerves, measure recovery, and determine if re-operation was successful. Additional comparisons to carpal tunnel syndrome and healthy nerves show that DTI is sensitive to the degree of impairment.
Clinicopathologic and Transcriptomic Analysis of Radiation-Induced Lung Injury in Nonhuman Primates

Purpose Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is a progressive condition with an early phase (radiation pneumonitis) and a late phase (lung fibrosis). RILI may occur after partial-body ionizing radiation exposures or internal radioisotope exposure, with wide individual variability in timing and extent of lung injury. This study aimed to provide new insights into the pathogenesis and progression of RILI in the nonhuman primate (NHP) rhesus macaque model. Methods and Materials We used an integrative approach to understand RILI and its evolution at clinical and molecular levels in 17 NHPs exposed to 10 Gy of whole-thorax irradiation in comparison with 3 sham-irradiated control NHPs. Clinically, we monitored respiratory rates, computed tomography (CT) scans, plasma cytokine levels, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) over 8 months and lung samples collected at necropsy for molecular and histopathologic analyses using RNA sequencing and immunohistochemistry. Results Elevated respiratory rates, greater CT density, and more severe pneumonitis with increased macrophage content were associated with early mortality. Radiation-induced lung fibrosis included polarization of macrophages toward the M2-like phenotype, TGF-β signaling, expression of CDKN1A/p21 in epithelial cells, and expression of α-SMA in lung stroma. RNA sequencing analysis of lung tissue revealed SERPINA3, ATP12A, GJB2, CLDN10, TOX3, and LPA as top dysregulated transcripts in irradiated animals. In addition to transcriptomic data, we observed increased protein expression of SERPINA3, TGF-β1, CCL2, and CCL11 in BAL and plasma samples. Conclusions Our combined clinical, imaging, histologic, and transcriptomic analysis provides new insights into the early and late phases of RILI and highlights possible biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets of RILI. Activation of TGF-β and macrophage polarization appear to be key mechanisms involved in RILI.
The Tree of Social Cognition: Hierarchically Organized Capacities of Mentalizing

Humans have a large number of capacities that allow them to make sense of other agents’ minds. I discuss these mentalizing capacities under the broader label social cognition and propose that social cognition is hierarchically organized, ranging from lower-order capacities (e.g., detecting agents and their goals) to higher-order capacities (e.g., self-awareness and mental state ascriptions). Capacities at the lower order develop earlier in life, evolved earlier in human history, and are processed faster. I introduce more than a dozen social-cognitive capacities, present evidence for their developmental, evolutionary, and processing order, and discuss several hierarchical relations among them. Moreover, I explore the hypothesis that full-blown mental state ascriptions (near the top of the developmental and evolutionary order) have likely seen an increase in use and significance after humans settled down about 12,000 years ago. I close with a few of the many questions left to be answered about human social cognition.
Count And Separate: Incorporating Speaker Counting For Continuous Speaker Separation

This study leverages frame-wise speaker counting to switch between speech enhancement and speaker separation for continuous speaker separation. The proposed approach counts the number of speakers at each frame. If there is no speaker overlap, a speech enhancement model is used to suppress noise and reverberation. Otherwise, a speaker separation model based on permutation invariant training is utilized to separate multiple speakers in noisy-reverberant conditions. We stitch the results from the enhancement and separation models based on their predictions in a small augmented window of frames surrounding an overlapped segment. Assuming a fixed array geometry between training and testing, we use multi-microphone complex spectral mapping for enhancement and separation, where deep neural networks are trained to predict the real and imaginary (RI) components of direct sound from stacked reverberant-noisy RI components of multiple microphones. Experimental results on the LibriCSS dataset demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.
The Gaussian Broadcast Channels with a Hard Deadline and a Global Reliability Constraint

Recent push for low-latency and high-reliability systems requires derivation of fundamental trade-offs between reliability and rates in multi-user systems with hard deadlines and reliability constraints. Towards this goal, this paper provides a second-order analysis of superposition coding and other orthogonal access schemes for the two-user static Gaussian broadcast channel. Numerical evaluations show that, since reliability and rates are intertwined when a hard-deadline is imposed, the scheduling of resources among users, including the level of reliability for each user, must be done jointly at the physical layer in order to optimize the overall system performance.
Higher-k Zirconium Doped Hafnium Oxide (HZO) Trigate Transistors with Higher DC and RF Performance and Improved Reliability

Equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) of gate stack has not scaled over past several technology nodes. For 3nm and beyond logic nodes it is imperative to resume EOT scaling to meet the high performance, low-gate leakage (I Gate ) and improved reliability requirements of advanced CMOS. In this work, we demonstrate a novel strategy to reduce the EOT of high-K HfO 2 gate-stacks, by enhancing the dielectric constant (κ) through optimum Zirconium (Zr) doping Hf: Zr ratio of 3:7. Through comprehensive theoretical modeling and experimental characterization, we show: 1) Higher-κ response in scaled Zr-doped (70%) HfO 2 (HZO) gate-stack, due to strong inter-domain electrostatic interactions; 2) a 22% EOT reduction in HZO FET over control HfO 2 without any mobility degradation, resulting in 20% and 18% boost in drive-current (ID,SAT) and transconductance (g m ) respectively; 3) improved device reliability such as positive bias temperature instability (PBTI) resulting in ~60mV higher V MAX gain and 4) consistent enhancement in g m arising from thinner EOT that persists in the gigahertz frequency domain.
Radiographic evaluation of osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum: A systematic review

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate radiographic-based classification systems for osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum and determine their agreement with intraoperative findings. Methods Using PRISMA guidelines, we analyzed 44 studies utilizing a total of 19 classification systems. Results Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based systems showed better predictive value of intraoperative staging, and the Itsubo and Kohyama classifications showed best predictive value for lesion stability. Conclusions No classification system effectively correlated with intraoperative findings. A combination of radiograph, MRI, and computed tomography will most accurately determine OCD lesion stability. Level of evidence IV, Systematic Review.
Deep-Cleansing: Deep-Learning Based Electronic Cleansing in Dual-Energy CT Colonography

Electronic cleansing (EC) is an image-processing technique for subtraction of tagged fecal regions in the colon for visualization of the entire colonic surface in CT colonography (CTC). This paper introduced a deep-learning based EC method in dual-energy CTC (DE-CTC), named “Deep-Cleansing”. First, we calculated the “effective” atomic number (EAN) by fractions of atomic mass number using the low- and high-energy images in DE-CT. Second, multiple types of combinations of input channels (images), and multiple backbone networks were investigated in U-Net architecture for the optimal performance of EC. Finally, we trained and evaluated our Deep-Cleansing by a total of 139 DE-CTC cases (approximately 80K DE-CTC images), which were randomly divided into training, validation and testing set at an approximate ratio of 55%:20%:25%. Our Deep-Cleansing method achieved DICE coefficients of 0.953 in validation and 0.956 in testing datasets, respectively. Overall, the average cleansing ratio was 96.14%, and the soft-tissue preservation ratio was 97.74%, both were significantly higher than EC without EAN maps. Our results indicated that the use of Deep-Cleansing substantially improved the accuracy of EC in the subtraction of tagged fecal regions in CTC.
Living Proof: Autobiographical Political Argument in We are the 99 Percent and We are the 53 Percent

People often cite life experiences as evidence in political arguments, though personal experience is far from generalizable. How do these arguments work? In this paper, I consider the rhetorical dynamics of “autobiographical political argument” by examining We are the 99 Percent and We are the 53 Percent , two blogs that use autobiographical stories to make discursive points. I argue that these autobiographical appeals efficiently use all three of Aristotle’s persuasive “proofs”—logos (logic), ethos (credibility), and pathos (emotion). Then I show that many of the blogs’ stories focus on “redemption,” a theme personality psychologists have found emphasized in the narrative identities, or “stories of self,” of Americans. I argue that autobiographical political arguments draw on the cultural and psychological power of life stories. These findings are evidence of how “narrative rationality” enables public engagement.
Online Automation & Control: An Experiment in Distance Engineering Education

Online distance education is the latest trend in the education industry. Even though most of the courses offered today are non-technical, there is a large market for online technical education leading to graduate and undergraduate accredited degrees. This paper studies the current state of the online education industry and proposes ways and means for providing comprehensive laboratory based technical degrees through online distance education. The paper also presents innovative approaches and coursework developed at the University of Bridgeport, to provide laboratory-based accredited programs.
The Role of Expertise and Expressiveness in Decision-Making Groups

The contributions of the most expert and the most communicative members of decision-making groups were examined to determine their relative influence on group decision-making. Utilizing the desert survival task, 255 participants arrived at group decisions in 57 groups employing a note passing technique. Overall, the contributions of the most communicative member significantly influenced group scores while the contributions of the most expert member did not. Evidence emerges indicating that amount of contribution by the most communicative group member is influenced by the initial closeness of that member to the average pre-discussion position of the group. The results are examined in relation to the linear discrepancy model and the babble effect.
Inhibition of Escherichia coli Mg2+ ATPase: Synergism between a fire ant, Solenopsis richteri (Forel) abdomen factor and a photoreduction product of Mirex

Abstract Fire ant, Solenopsis richteri (Forel), abdomen was found to contain a water-soluble and heat-stable inhibitor of the ATPase activity in an E- Escherichia coli membrane preparation. A photoreduction product of Mirex was also inhibitory toward Escherichia coli Mg2+ ATPase, but was less effective in total enzyme activity inhibition that the fire ant inhibitor. However, the two compounds were found to be strongly synergistic in their inhibitory action. Surprisingly, Mirex had little or no effect on the bacterial membrane enzyme activity.
Entering Eastern European markets: Lessons from Kmart

Abstract Kmart completed its purchase of 13 stores in the Czech Republic and Slovakia in May/June 1992. Using interviews conducted in June 1993 with directors of Kmart-Czech Republic and Slovakia and a vice director of its major Prague competitor, Kotva, this paper analyzes the strategies Kmart is using to position itself in Eastern Europe for both retail sales and product acquisition and distribution. Four lessons to be learned from Kmart were identified: (1) internationalize what you do well; (2) know your customers by listening to them and adapting to their needs; (3) be flexible and change if a strategy does not work; and (4) balance short-and long-term gains.
Patient Factors Do Not Predict Thrombolysis in Stroke Mimics (P6.031)

OBJECTIVE: We investigated clinical factors associated with thrombolytic administration among stroke mimics who otherwise do not have a contraindication to receiving treatment. We hypothesize that older age, increased stroke severity, and higher number of cardiovascular comorbidities will be associated with increased likelihood of thrombolysis. BACKGROUND: Retrospective studies have demonstrated that thrombolysis is safe in patients ultimately diagnosed with a stroke mimic (eg complicated migraine, seizure, conversion disorder). Most common reason for exclusion of thrombolytic therapy in this patient population is being beyond the therapeutic time window; however, in the absence of documented contraindication, factors associated with physician decision to administer thrombolysis have not been elucidated. DESIGN/METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients presenting to our hospital within 3.5 hours of symptom onset with suspected stroke, and were ultimately diagnosed with a stroke mimic; we excluded patients with a clearly documented exclusion for thrombolysis (ie active systemic bleeding, elevated INR). Patient demographic and clinical data were collected, and comparisons were performed between patients who received thrombolysis and those who did not to identify characteristics that were associated with thrombolysis. A t-test was performed for continuous data, and chi-square test was performed for nominal data. RESULTS: A total of 42 patients met inclusion criteria for our study, with more than 80[percnt] receiving thrombolysis. There was no association between thrombolysis and demographic variables such as age, gender, or race. Among clinical variables, neither stroke severity (as measured by NIHSS), presence of cardiovascular risk factors, nor substance abuse were associated with thrombolysis. CONCLUSIONS: Physician decision to administer thrombolysis in stroke mimic patients without clear contraindication is not associated with patient demographic or clinical factors. Our study is limited by its retrospective nature and small sample size, however continued data collection is in process. Disclosure: Dr. Gildersleeve has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pandurengan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gonzales has nothing to disclose.
Mid-term voltage stability study using the quasisteady state analysis method

The quasisteady-state (QSS) method essentially approximates the mid-term and long-term dynamic simulations by assuming that the short-term dynamics are infinitely fast leading to computation of a sequence of equilibrium points. The advantage is that the method is fast while the accuracy is acceptable. Modeling issues relative to mid-term voltage stability assessment in the time domain are explained. Appropriate models of the synchronous generator, the armature current limiter and the under load tap changer are provided. The QSS method can be further extended to include a singular value analysis. The resulting singular vector provides insight into voltage collapse prevention strategies. Test results are shown on WSCC reduced system.
Contrast enhanced CT attenuation correlates with the GAG content of bovine meniscus.

We determined whether contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) attenuation obtained using a µCT scanner correlated with the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content and distribution in ex vivo bovine menisci. Bovine samples were immersed in different concentrations of the contrast agents CA4+ and Ioxaglate, and the µCT images were compared to Safranin-O staining. CA4+ and Ioxaglate diffusion-in kinetics and the correlation between their CECT attenuations and GAG content were investigated. CA4+ and Ioxaglate both reached steady state in the meniscal regions within 95 h, with tau values of 20.6 ± 3.98 and 25.9 ± 3.71 h (mean ± SD), respectively. Both agents diffused preferentially through the proximal and secondarily through the distal surface. The CA4+ CECT attenuation was strongly and positively correlated with the GAG content of the meniscus regions (R2 = 0.89, p < 0.001) at low concentrations (12 mgI/ml), while the Ioxaglate CECT attenuation was moderately and negatively correlated with the GAG content (R2 = 0.51, p = 0.03) at 60 mgI/ml. CECT can image ex vivo menisci, and the CA4+, compared to Ioxaglate, enhanced attenuation strongly correlates with the GAG content and distribution in bovine meniscus. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1765–1771, 2013
Spurious ringing in pulse NMR

Abstract The theory of electromagnetic generation of ultrasonic standing waves in metals is reviewed and applied to the problem of spurious ringing detected in pulse NMR. The theory predicts that the spurious signal is proportional to the transmitter pulse amplitude and the square of the static field intensity. It also depends on some material properties and geometrical factors. A table of pertinent properties for various metals is presented showing that aluminum is one of the worst materials. Experiments confirm that replacement of aluminum with other metals in the probe attenuates the spurious signal and that the ringing of the coil is attenuated by a judicious choice of wire size.
Segmental dynamics of polyurea: Effect of stoichiometry

We study the effect of variations in the soft/hard segment ratio, achieved through stoichiometry changes, in elastomeric polyurea. These variations have a marked effect on the mechanical properties; however, the materials exhibit very similar glass transitions and local segmental relaxation dynamics. The latter differ only at elevated pressure, an increase in hard segment content associated with greater sensitivity to pressure and volume changes. In this respect the polyurea mimics the behavior found recently for an elastomer reinforced with hard filler particles. The resistance to ballistic penetration of the polyurea was unaffected by the stoichiometry variations, consistent with the idea that the impact performance of elastomers is governed by the segmental dynamics rather than properties measured in conventional mechanical tests.
Extracellular calcium sensing by glial cells: low extracellular calcium induces intracellular calcium release and intercellular signaling.

Glial cells in primary mixed cultures or purified astrocyte cultures from mouse cortex respond to reduced extracellular calcium concentration ([Ca 2+ ] e ) with increases in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i ) that include single-cell Ca 2+ oscillations and propagated intercellular Ca 2+ waves. The rate and pattern of propagation of low [Ca 2+ ] e -induced intercellular Ca 2+ waves are altered by rapid perfusion of the extracellular medium, suggesting the involvement of an extracellular messenger in Ca 2+ wave propagation. The low [Ca 2+ ] e -induced Ca 2+ response is abolished by thapsigargin and by the phospholipase antagonist U73122. The low [Ca 2+ ] e -induced response is also blocked by replacement of extracellular Ca 2+ with Ba 2+ , Zn 2+ , or Ni 2+ , and by 100 μM La 3+ . Glial cells in lowered [Ca 2+ ] e (0.1-0.5 mM) show an increased [Ca 2+ ] i response to bath application of ATP, whereas glial cells in increased [Ca 2+ ] e (10-15 mM) show a decreased [Ca 2+ ] i response to ATP. These results show that glial cells possess a mechanism for coupling between [Ca 2+ ] e and the release of Ca 2+ from intracellular stores. This mechanism may be involved in glial responses to the extracellular environment and may be important in pathological conditions associated with low extracellular Ca 2+ such as seizures or ischemia.
The Wisconsin School Music Association and Its Contests: The Early Years.

Many factors contributed to the dramatic nationwide increase in instrumental music instruction in American public schools from approximately 1915 to 1935, a period commonly referred to as the school band movement era. Band contests, the instrument manufacturing industry, and a trend toward broadening school curricula all contributed to this development This study traces the history of the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) from its early days in 1920 through the height of school music contest activity in the early 1930s and up to the outbreak of World War II. In addition to being the first known association of and for school bands in this country, the WSMA sponsored for many years the largest school band tournaments in the United States. The WSMA also seems to have contributed a portion of its constitution to that of the National School Band Association and spearheaded the move from competitive ranking of bands to festival ratings—developments that have remained with the field to this day.
The acute and chronic effects of G-lasing on femoral vein grafts in dogs.

Each year, 5 % of all coronary artery bypass operations are repeat procedures, and 15 % -30 % of coronary artery vein grafts occlude within the first eighteen months postoperatively. To evaluate the macroscopic and histologic effects of G-lasing on vein grafts and their patency, femoral veins were used to bypass bilaterally induced stenoses of femoral arteries in 10 dogs. The left vein grafts were G-lased with a 1.5 mm, hot-tipped argon laser at 5 watts for ninety seconds, while the right grafts were used as the controls.Acutely, each vein graft demonstrated no evidence of charring or perforation. The percentage of endothelium present in the G-lased vein grafts was consistently less than 5 %, whereas the control vein grafts had an average of 70%. After ten weeks, the animals were sacrificed, and the vein grafts were evaluated for histologic changes and patency. There were no significant microscopic differences between the G-lased and control vein grafts. A statistically significant difference in graft pat...
On Numerical Classification of Solution Adsorption Isotherms

To numerically classify solution adsorption isotherms, a difference or deviation measure, DS(mc) (the relative difference between two sums of the adsorption maximum's characteristics of selectivity isotherms x 100), is derived. The measure is applicable to completely miscible binary solutions on solids. This quantity evaluates the difference between an adsorption system and the ideal adsorption system (ideal adsorbed and bulk phases, homogeneous surface, and equal molar area solution components) at the point of maximum adsorption. For model systems, DS(mc)s are calculated at several levels of surface heterogeneity (Gaussian distribution of surface energy) and for different signs of phase nonideality (regular solution phases) on a homogeneous surface and on a simple two-site-type heterogeneous surface. All heterogeneous surfaces have negative DS(mc) values, but nonideal phases have DS(mc)s with signs opposite to the sign of deviation from Raoult's law. DS(mc)s from both U- and S-shape isotherms are reported for 16 experimental systems consisting of hydrocarbon mixtures and both alcohol + hydrocarbon and alcohol + water solutions or acetone + carbon tetrachloride on several silica gels and a variety of carbons.
Alcoholics Anonymous and Church Involvement as Predictors of Sobriety Among Three Ethnic Treatment Populations

Abstract This study examines the impact of spirituality and religiousness, and involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) on sobriety among three ethnic groups, African Americans, Caucasians, and Hispanics. Participants (African Americans: n = 253; Hispanics: n = 60, and Caucasians: n = 538) completed survey questionnaires upon entry into public, private, and health maintenance treatment programs. Results indicated that among the three groups, African Americans, who described themselves as more religious, were less likely to substitute church attendance for participation in Alcoholics Anonymous. African Americans reporting high AA attendance at the end of one year, in addition to church attendance, were more likely to report sobriety over the past 30 days than were those African Americans reporting only high church attendance. Among Caucasians and Hispanics, participants reporting primarily high AA attendance were more likely to report past 30 day sobriety.
Fabrication of Arrays of Microlenses with Controlled Profiles Using Gray-Scale Microlens Projection Photolithography

This paper demonstrates the use of microlens projection lithography using gray-scale masks to fabricate arrays of microstructures in photoresist. In microlens projection lithography, an array of microlenses (diameter d = 1−1000 μm) reduces a common, centimeter-scale pattern in an illuminated mask to a corresponding pattern of micrometer-scale images in its image plane. The pattern of intensity projected by the array of microlenses depends on the shape and gray-level distribution of the pattern on the illuminated mask and on the shape and pattern of the lenses. The distribution of intensity in the microimages could be adjusted using gray-scale masks. After the recording of this intensity distribution in layers of photoresist and developing, the developed resist showed arrays of 3D microstructures over areas larger than 10 cm2. We used these arrays of 3D microstructures as masters and cast transparent elastomer onto them to generate complementary replicas. For a specific microlens array and a fixed light so...
Simulation of slow wave mode propagation using the finite element method

A finite element simulation has been implemented to evaluate the slow wave mode propagation characteristics in metal-insulator-semiconductor waveguiding structures. Particular emphasis has been placed on coplanar waveguides compatible with silicon integrated circuit, with an objective of evaluating the effect of inhomogeneous doping on propagation characteristics. The simulator has been benchmarked successfully against a number of cases presented in the literature (usually within five to ten %), including MIS coplanar waveguides. The effect of inhomogeneos doping and finite metallization in maintaining a large slowing factor while reducing the attenuation constant and increasing transmission line Q is presented, and constraints on slow wave mode passive components are discussed.
Sulfhydryl Groups and the Monodeiodination of Thyroxine to Triiodothyronine

Sulfhydryl reagents exert a profound influence on the monodeiodination of thyroxine to triiodothyronine by rat and sheep tissues in vitro. A marked dithiothreitol-induced increase in the monodeiodination by fetal sheep liver homogenates suggests that the characteristically low conversion in fetal tissues is related more to the status of sulfhydryl groups than to a deficiency of the monodeiodinating enzyme.
Using the Folstein Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) to explore methodological issues in cognitive aging research

Cognitive scales are used frequently in geriatric research and practice. These instruments are constructed with underlying assumptions that are a part of their validation process. A common measurement scale used in older adults is the Folstein Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE). The MMSE was designed to screen for cognitive impairment and is used often in geriatric research. This paper has three aims. Aim one was to explore four potential threats to validity in the use of the MMSE: (1) administering the exam without meeting the underlying assumptions, (2) not reporting that the underlying assumptions were assessed prior to test administration, (3) use of variable and inconsistent cut-off scores for the determination of presence of cognitive impairment, and (4) failure to adjust the scores based on the demographic characteristics of the tested subject. Aim two was to conduct a literature search to determine if the assumptions of (1) education level assessment, (2) sensory assessment, and (3) language fluency were being met and clearly reported in published research using the MMSE. Aim three was to provide recommendations to minimalize threats to validity in research studies that use cognitive scales, such as the MMSE. We found inconsistencies in published work in reporting whether or not subjects meet the assumptions that underlie a reliable and valid MMSE score. These inconsistencies can pose threats to the reliability of exam results. Fourteen of the 50 studies reviewed reported inclusion of all three of these assumptions. Inconsistencies in reporting the inclusion of the underlying assumptions for a reliable score could mean that subjects were not appropriate to be tested by use of the MMSE or that an appropriate test administration of the MMSE was not clearly reported. Thus, the research literature could have threats to both validity and reliability based on misuse of or improper reported use of the MMSE. Six recommendations are provided to minimalize these threats in future research.
Development of a static-water ecoassay with microcosm tanks for postlarval Penaeus vannamei

Abstract A static-water ecoassay was developed to quantify the chemical impact of unassimilated nutrients and metabolic wastes on water quality in aquaculture. Using shrimp as the test animal, increased stocking densities and feeding rates increased nutrient loading in the water column. A stocking density and feeding rate that resulted in high weight gain (28%/day) and survival (89%) of Penaeus vannamei postlarvae (PL) were selected as appropriate for evaluating feed formulations. At the end of the 21-day growth trial, mass-balance analysis accounted, on average, for 90% of the phosphorus and 85% of the nitrogen that had entered the culture system. Assimilation of phosphorus and nitrogen into shrimp biomass averaged 25% for phosphorus and 63% for nitrogen. This static-water ecoassay has good potential for laboratory evaluation of nutrient dynamics in shrimp culture using 5- to 10-day-old PL at a stocking density of 1.5 PL/l (444 PL/m 2 ) and a high variable feeding rate.
Life-cycle reliability-based maintenance cost optimization of deteriorating structures with emphasis on bridges

The assessment of the current state and the prediction of the future condition of deteriorating structures are crucial processes in the management of civil infrastructure systems. Not only time-varying loads and resistances but also a series of maintenance interventions that are applied to keep structural systems safe and serviceable make the prediction process very difficult. In order to perform a realistic life-cycle analysis of deteriorating structures under different maintenance scenarios the uncertainties involved in this process have to be considered. This paper considers these uncertainties by providing a reliability-based framework and shows that the identification of the optimum maintenance scenario is a straightforward process. This is achieved by using a computer program for Life-Cycle Analysis of Deteriorating Structures (LCADS). This program can consider the effects of various types of actions on the reliability index profile of a group of deteriorating structures. Only the effect of maintena...
Fluctuations in plasma levodopa and motor responses with liquid and tablet levodopa/carbidopa

To evaluate the ability of orally administered liquid levodopa/carbidopa (LD/CD) to stabilize plasma levodopa levels and reduce motor response fluctuations in Parkinson's disease, five patients received LD/CD hourly, as standard tablets or as an aqueous solution on two separate days in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over design. Except for a slightly earlier peak plasma levodopa level, no significant advantage of the liquid formulation over tablet therapy was found. However, liquid LD/CD could be helpful in quickly resolving "off" states and by facilitating small dose adjustments that are not possible with tablets.
Microtubule rearrangements accompanying dedifferentiation in mesophyll cultures ofZinnia elegans L.

To determine the orientation of cortical microtubule arrays in mesophyll cells ofZinnia, a new technique designed to increase the rate of fixation of excised leaf tissue and subsequent permeabilization of mesophyll cell walls was developed. This procedure resulted in immunolabeling of high percentages of mesophyll cells, making it possible to quantify cells with different types of cortical microtubule arrays. When developing palisade mesophyll cells were fixed in situ, most of the cells had cortical microtubules organized in parallel arrays oriented transverse to the long axis. Delay in the transfer of leaf tissue to fixative resulted in increased numbers of cells with random cortical microtubule orientations, indicating that arrays may become reoriented rapidly during leaf excision and cell isolation procedures. The role of wound-induced microtubule reorientation in mesophyll dedifferentiation and tracheary element development is discussed.
Defect-controlled carrier transport in amorphous SiO2

Abstract The defect-controlled transport properties of the photogenerated electrons in amorphous SiO2, the low-temperature mobility of approximately 40 cm2 V−1 s−1 and the lifetime of approximately l.4 × 10−8 s, are shown to be determined by interaction with neutral intimate-valence-alternation pairs, defects consisting of charged, and over- and under-coordinated oxygen atoms, C3 + and C1 − respectively. The holes move by small-polaron hopping, and a dispersive character in their transport may be associated with trapping at the same defects.
The Relevance of T-Type Calcium Antagonists: A Profile of Mibefradil

L- and T-type voltage-dependent transmembrane calcium channels are important for normal functioning of the cardiovascular system. T-type channels are a heterogeneous group, and have physiologic and pathophysiologic relevance in a number of organ systems, including the heart and central nervous system. They appear to be involved in the control of blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension and in protection from ischemic damage. Alterations of both L- and T-type calcium channels are involved in the development of hypertension. Pharmacologic modulation of T-type calcium channels appears to reduce membrane calcium flux and ameliorate hypertension. During early ischemic damage, T-type calcium channels appear to remain functional whereas L-type channels are already inactivated. T-type calcium channels also appear to be involved in the development of supraventricular arrhythmias, some forms of arrhythmias in cardiomyopathy, and cardiac hypertrophy. The heterogeneity of T-type calcium channels should make it possible to target drugs to specific subgroups of T-type calcium channels. A new class of calcium antagonist, the benzimidazolyl-substituted tetraline derivatives, has been shown to block both L- and T-type calcium channels. The first member of this class approved for clinical use is mibefradil. Clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of mibefradil in lowering blood pressure and as an antianginal and antiischemic agent. At clinically recommended doses, mibefradil has a heart rate lowering effect without a negative inotropic effect, and a favorable side effect profile. Because it is metabolized by the cytochrome P450 pathway, it should be used cautiously with other agents similarly metabolized.
Revealing the degradation intermediates and pathways of visible light-induced NF-TiO2 photocatalysis of microcystin-LR

Abstract The effect of using only visible light to induce nitrogen- and fluorine-doped titanium dioxide (NF-TiO 2 ) photocatalysis of degradation products of microcystin-LR (MC-LR), the most common problematic cyanotoxin, was explored by looking at the intermediate degradation products. Although the degradation mechanisms and products of conventional UV-based TiO 2 photocatalysis of MC-LR have been well elucidated, the same is not true for visible light-based TiO 2 photocatalysis. The results of LC/MS 2 (and in one case LC/MS 3 ) indicated that the intermediates are not drastically altered in comparison to traditional TiO 2 photocatalysis using UV light. The data hint that the degradation is driven by hydroxyl radicals, as is UV-based TiO 2 photocatalysis, although the mechanism for producing hydroxyl radicals is unclear since studies indicate drastically slower kinetics for visible light-based photocatalysis of MC-LR. Notably, the data indicate that visible light-induced NF-TiO 2 photocatalysis degraded the portion of MC-LR that is responsible for biological toxicity. As a result of this, it was concluded that doping TiO 2 with nitrogen and fluorine is an effective method for increasing utilization of visible light while degrading MC-LR in water, although it should still be noted that degradation kinetics are still slower than UV-based TiO 2 photocatalysis.
Sensor planning: perception of intelligent nodes and network-centric warfare

The sensory planning in terms of deployment, asset allocation and sensory interpretation remains a difficult set of problems. The critical areas, where sensors serve as replacement for human observers, require continuous coverage. Their placement, management, and information processing requires careful planning. The need for effective intelligent systems to addressing these problems is apparent. Such systems require Multi-Resolutional Decision Making to be effective. This paper will discuss the technology that brings pragmatic solutions under an umbrella of Intelligent Nodes concept.
α-Amenable hypergroups

Let K denote a locally compact commutative hypergroup, L1(K) the hypergroup algebra, and α a real-valued hermitian character of K. We show that K is α-amenable if and only if L1(K) is α-left amenable. We also consider the α-amenability of hypergroup joins and polynomial hypergroups in several variables as well as a single variable.
Epitheliomesenchymal interaction in pancreatic morphogenesis

Abstract The intact 11-day dorsal pancreatic rudiment, cultured in vitro , develops to a stage of differentiation roughly corresponding to the pancreas of an embryo of 15 days. Epithelium cultured alone does not develop. Epithelium recombined with pancreatic mesenchyme, or with a number of heterogenous mesenchymes, undergoes morphogenesis resembling that of the intact rudiment. Though the detailed pattern of lobulation varies for each mesenchyme used, differentiation at cell and tissue levels was never anything other than pancreatic in type. In transfilter experiments epithelial growth and aberrant morphogenesis were promoted strongly by salivary mesenchyme, to somewhat lesser degree by pancreatic mesenchyme, and little or not at all by metanephrogenic mesenchyme.
A Method of Counting Viable Bacteria in Milk by Means of the Microscope

Summary A direct microscopic method for distinguishing dead from viable bacterial cells in milk is reported. The method is based on the principles of vital staining. One cc. of the milk to be examined is mixed with 0.5 cc. of a dye mixture containing 0.1 per cent methylene blue and 0.1 per cent Nile blue sulfate, and with 0.5 cc. of a gelatin-agar mixture containing 8 per cent gelatin and 2 per cent agar. 0.01 cc. of this mixture is placed on a clean glass slide and covered with a small cover glass (1.28×1.28cm.). The stained cells are then counted and they represent the dead cells already present in the milk. To a similar mixture one drop of 0.7 to 0.8 normal NaOH is added. This causes staining of all the cells present in the milk. The difference between the two counts represents the number of viable cells present. The object of the agar-gelatin mixture is to solidify the preparation, keeping the bacteria in position. The factor is calculated from a knowledge of the amount of milk present in the preparation and the area of the cover glass. When desirable, fat can be removed by shaking the milk with heptane followed by moderate centrifuging. A number of tables are included showing the results obtained when the method is applied to pure cultures and to pasteurized milk. The counts obtained are also compared to petri plate counts made on the same material. The effect of pasteurization on the stainability of bacteria in milk is studied and briefly discussed.
A plasma membrane P-type H(+)-ATPase regulates intracellular pH in Leishmania mexicana amazonensis

A recent report (Mukherjee et al., J. Biol. Chem. 276 (2001) 5563) has proposed that the plasma membrane Mg(+)-ATPase of promastigotes of Leishmania donovani, that is involved in its intracellular pH regulation, is an electroneutral H(+)/K(+) antiporter rather than an electrogenic H(+) pump. Since this proposition has important implications for the use of the pump as a target for chemotherapy, we investigated its nature in the mammalian stage (amastigote) of L. mexicana amazonensis and compared it with that present in promastigotes. Intracellular pH and H(+) efflux were measured using the acetotoxymethyl ester and the free form of 2',7'-bis-(carboxyethyl)-5(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein, respectively. Intracellular pH in amastigotes (at an external pH of 5.5) and promastigotes (at an external pH of 7.4) was 6.36+/-0.02 and 6.83+/-0.07, respectively. Differences in the mechanisms for regulation of intracellular pH were noted between amastigote and promastigote forms. Amastigotes maintained their intracellular pH neutral over a wide range of external pHs in the absence of K(+) or Na(+). The H(+)-ATPase inhibitors N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodi-imide, diethylstilbestrol and N-ethylmaleimide, substantially decreased their steady-state intracellular pH, inhibited proton efflux, and their recovery from acidification. The data support the presence of an H(+)-ATPase as the major regulator of intracellular pH in amastigotes. In contrast, promastigotes were unable to maintain a neutral pH under acidic conditions and although their steady-state intracellular pH and recovery from acidification were affected by H(+)-ATPase inhibitors, bicarbonate was able to overcome intracellular acidification. Bicarbonate was also able to raise the steady-state intracellular pH from 6.80+/-0.03 to 7.25+/-0.09 and induce membrane hyperpolarization. No evidence was found of the possible involvement of a K(+)/H(+)-ATPase in intracellular pH regulation in both developmental stages of L. m. amazonensis.
Invasion genetics of Microstegium vimineum (Poaceae) within the James River Basin of Virginia, USA

Patterns of spatial genetic structure produced following the expansion of an invasive species into novel habitats reflect demographic processes that have shaped the genetic structure we see today. We examined 359 individuals from 23 populations over 370 km within the James River Basin of Virginia, USA as well as four populations outside of the basin. Population diversity levels and genetic structure was quantified using several analyses. Within the James River Basin there was evidence for three separate introductions and a zone of secondary contact between two distinct lineages suggesting a relatively recent expansion within the basin. Microstegium vimineum possesses a mixed-mating system advantageous to invasion and populations with low diversity were found suggesting a recent founder event and self-fertilization. However, surprisingly high levels of diversity were found in some populations suggesting that out-crossing does occur. Understanding how invasive species spread and the genetic consequences following expansion may provide insights into the cause of invasiveness and can ultimately lead to better management strategies for control and eradication.
Eucharist: metaphysical miracle or institutional fact?

Presence as ordinarily understood requires spatio-temporal proximity. If however Christ’s presence in the Eucharist is understood in this way it would take a miracle to secure multiple location and an additional miracle to cover it up so that the presence of Christ where the Eucharist was celebrated made no empirical difference. And, while multiple location is logically possible, such metaphysical miracles—miracles of distinction without difference, which have no empirical import—are problematic. I propose an account of Eucharist according to which Christ is indeed really and objectively present in the religiously required sense, without benefit of metaphysical miracles. According to the proposed account, which draws upon Searle’s discussion of “social ontology” in The Construction of Social Reality and The Making of the Social World, the presence of Christ in the Eucharist is an institutional fact. I argue that such an account satisfies the requirements for a real presence doctrine.