cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Religion and the Making of Community in America

URING this year of America's bicentennial, one of my interests has been observing the manner in which American history has been reinterpreted in order to explain the relation of our founding fathers and our historical development to present day events as well as the changes thought to be required in the years ahead. If my impressions are accurate, ethnicity was one of the motifs that received great attention, greater attention than one might have expected and thought that its prominence in American life requires. The origin of this stress on ethnicity is complex and is not to be explained as a response of some Jews and Middle Americans to the attempt of some black Americans to legitimate their culture as a parallel culture rather than an underculture. This explanation, usually advanced by some Jewish and Middle American ethnic apologists, is too self-serving to be accepted without rigorous scrutiny. The overwhelming interest in ethnic politics on the part of the advocates of these views should make one desirous of examining the latent and subconscious factors probably included in its advancement. I do not want to set forth here the case against this explanation, but I do want to indicate that I have found that the facts do not support this reading of events. Ethnicity, or group formation based upon primary ties of race, nationality, culture, or religion, is important today, I would urge, because it is the process by which assimilation has been carried on in America and because one senses now the
Curricular form and the Logic of Technical Control

Because of the current crisis in the accumulation process, within the last few years there have been significant attempts in many industrialized countries to influence the educational process directly in ways that will meet the needs of capital accumulation. However, while such overt attempts at capitalist intrusion into education are important, the logic and ideology of capital have entered into schools in more subtle ways. This article analyzes the ways the commodification process has acted on the form which curricula take in schools, ways which reinforce the system of technical control of the labour process, culture, and the state. It argues that a complex process of deskilling and reskilling exists at the level of day-to-day practice in schools today. This can signify important changes in the school's role as a site of ideological reproduction. Given the contradictory class position of teachers, and given the history of class, gender, and race resistances to the logic of capital, these changes will ha...
Adult age differences in the attentional capacity demands of letter matching.

Abstract The attentional demands of letter matching were assessed using a secondary task technique with three adult subject groups. The mean ages were: Group 1 = 19.9 years, Group 2 = 58.7 years, Group 3 = 68.9 years. The primary task was letter matching on the basis of physical identity (PI) or name identity (NI); the secondary task was speeded response to a tone. Relative to baseline (single-task) tone RTs, subjects at all ages responded more slowly in the dual-task condition to tones on name-match trials than on physical-match trials. Also, the proportional difference in tone RT between baseline and dual-task trials was significantly larger for Group 3 than Group 1, but this analysis did not reveal a larger age difference for NI than PI matching. However, a second analysis revealed that absolute differences in tone RT between baseline and dual-task trials increased with age, and the magnitude of this effect was larger for NI than PI matching. The implications of the findings for theories of age differe...
Collisional and Coulombic Unfolding of Gas‐Phase Proteins: High Correlation to Their Domain Structures in Solution

The three-dimensional structures adopted by proteins are predicated by their many biological functions. Mass spectrometry has played a rapidly expanding role in protein structure discovery, enabling the generation of models for both proteins and their higher-order assemblies. While important coursed-grained insights have been generated, relatively few examples exist where mass spectrometry has been successfully applied to the characterization of protein tertiary structure. Here, we demonstrate that gas-phase unfolding can be used to determine the number of autonomously folded domains within monomeric proteins. Our ion mobility-mass spectrometry data highlight a strong, positive correlation between the number of protein unfolding transitions observed in the gas phase and the number of known domains within a group of sixteen proteins ranging from 8–78 kDa. This correlation and its potential uses for structural biology is discussed.
Light-evoked changes in extracellular calcium concentration in frog retina.

Abstract Light-evoked changes in extracellular Ca2+ concentration were recorded with Ca2+ -selective microelectrodes in the retina of the frog eyecup. A Ca-decrease at light onset and offset was found in the inner plexiform layer, and its properties are consistent with it resulting from Ca2+ influx into activated neuronal terminals. In the subretinal space, a Ca-increase at light onset and a Ca-decrease at offset were observed, and these likely arise directly from photoreceptors. A slower ON Ca-decrease was also seen here. Because it survives pharmacological isolation of the photoreceptors from post-synaptic interactions, but not physical isolation of the retina from the pigment epithelium, this component probably depends on pigment epithelial activity.
Dielectric properties of a binary cryoelectrochemical solvent according to a solvatochromic probe.

The application of a solvatochromic dye to determination of the dielectric properties of organic solvent mixtures is described. The dye 2,6-diphenyl-4-(2,4,6-triphenylpyridino)phenolate (Reichardt's dye) features an intramolecular charge transfer band in its visible spectrum with a large associated change in dipole moment between the ground and excited states. The position of the charge transfer band is sensitive to local dielectric environment and so is an indicator of solvation of the dye. Room-temperature spectra of Reichardt's dye in the cryoelectrochemical solvent system 2:1 (v/v) ethyl chloride/butyronitrile and in the neat components are reported and related to the dielectric properties of the mixture. The effective dielectric properties of the mixture scale with the value of the Pekar factor, 1/eOP − 1/eS, that is predicted from the mole fraction-weighted (or volume fraction-weighted) sum of the dielectric constants for the pure components, suggesting that strongly selective solvation of the dye b...
Bison, a new red-skinned potato variety

Bison, a new red potato, was introduced by North Dakota State University. This new red variety has smooth tuber type and bright red skin color. Bison yields somewhat less than Norland and Red Pontiac but the advantage of Bison over these two varieties is its uniformity and bright red color. Bison is about medium in total solids and makes chips comparable in color to Norchip but lighter in color than Kennebec. Bison is resistant to race 0 of the late blight organismPhytophthora infestans, but susceptible to race 1–4.
Levitation compensation method for dynamic electrostatic comb-drive actuators

An analytical method was developed for maintaining a constant levitation height during dynamic operation of reciprocating comb-drive actuators. The dependence of the translational position and the levitation height on the applied voltage was used to design waveforms that maintain a given translational motion without altering the levitation height. An experimental protocol was established for determining the necessary geometric factors of a particular comb-drive design, which were then used to generate constant-velocity levitation waveforms. The analytical model was tested experimentally by examining the levitation and translation positions of a surface micromachine under both compensated and uncompensated signals. A significant reduction in the range of levitation was obtained over the entire amplitude of the oscillatory motion, while the translational motion remained relatively unchanged. Design and fabrication effects on the compensated levitation height of an oscillating surface micromachine are discussed in the context of analytical and experimental results.
JDL Level 0 and 1 algorithms for processing and fusion of hard sensor data

A current trend in information fusion involves distributed methods of combining both conventional "hard" sensor data and human-based "soft" information in a manner that exploits the most useful and accurate capabilities of each modality. In addition, new and evolving technologies such as Flash LIDAR have greatly enhanced the ability of a single device to rapidly sense attributes of a scene in ways that were not previously possible. At the Pennsylvania State University we are participating in a multi-disciplinary university research initiative (MURI) program funded by the U.S. Army Research Office to investigate issues related to fusing hard and soft data in counterinsurgency (COIN) situations. We are developing level 0 and level 1 methods (using the Joint Directors of Laboratories (JDL) data fusion process model) for fusion of physical ("hard") sensor data. Techniques include methods for data alignment, tracking, recognition, and identification for a sensor suite that includes LIDAR, multi-camera systems, and acoustic sensors. The goal is to develop methods that dovetail on-going research in soft sensor processing. This paper describes various hard sensor processing algorithms and their evolving roles and implementations within a distributed hard and soft information fusion system.
Comparison of FDG-PET, MRI and CT for post radiofrequency ablation evaluation of hepatic tumors.

Purpose Treatment effect of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is traditionally accomplished with MRI and/or CT. The aim of the study was to assess the role of FDG-PET in post RFA hepatic tumor evaluation, in comparison with MRI and CT.
Physiologic Effects of Xenon in Xenon-CT Cerebral Blood Flow Studies on Comatose Patients

Despite more than 30 years of clinical use, questions remain about the safety of xenon gas in Xenon-CT cerebral blood flow (XeCTCBF) studies. In particular, xenon’s effect on brain oxygen (PbtO2) in comatose patients is not well defined. Our objective was to assess the effect of a 4.5-min inhalation of 28 % stable xenon on several physiologic variables, including intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), and PbtO2 in comatose patients (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] ≤ 8). Thirty-seven comatose patients who underwent 73 XeCTCBF studies were identified retrospectively from a prospective observational database. Changes in MAP, HR, SaO2, EtCO2, ICP, CPP, and PbtO2 measured at the start of xenon administration and every minute for 5 min thereafter were assessed. The maximum change in each variable also was determined for each scan to tabulate clinically relevant changes. Statistically, but not clinically significant changes in MAP, HR, and EtCO2 were seen. Xenon had no effect on ICP, and a small, but clinically insignificant decrease in CPP and PbtO2, was observed. There was a varied response to xenon in most measured variables. Clinically significant changes in each were infrequent, and readily reversed with the cessation of the gas. We conclude that xenon does not appear to have a clinically significant effect on ICP, CPP, and PbtO2 and so appears safe to evaluate cerebral blood flow in comatose patients.
Inhibition of Bioprosthetic Heart Valve Calcification with Aminodiphosphonate Covalently Bound to Residual Aldehyde Groups

Calcification is the principal mode of failure of bioprosthetic heart valves (BPHV) fabricated from glutaraldehyde-pretreated porcine aortic valves or bovine pericardium. Covalent binding of aminopropanehydroxy-diphosphonate (APDP) to residual glutaraldehyde in pericardial BPHV tissue was studied as an approach for the inhibition of calcification. BPHV tissue was preincubated in 0.14 M APDP at pH 7.4, 9.0, and 11.0 for various durations (1 hour to 8 days). The need for NaBH4 stabilization of the tissue-bound APDP was also examined in vitro. The bound APDP was determined using 14C-labeled APDP. APDP uptake was dependent on incubation duration and pH. Calcification of APDP-pretreated BPHV was studied using 21-day rat subdermal implants. Calcification inhibition was directly related to the amount of tissue APDP incorporation. Inhibition of calcification to less than 15% of control was achieved with a concentration of bound APDP of greater than or equal to 30 nM/mg dry tissue with more than 1 hour of incubation at pH 11.0 (bound APDP, 33.55 nM/mg; BPHV calcium content = 3.1 +/- 0.9 micrograms/mg). No adverse effects such as rat growth inhibition or disruption of bone architecture were observed after any treatment. Additionally, in vitro, NaBH4 stabilized tissue-bound APDP. In conclusion, APDP covalently bound to residual aldehyde functions markedly inhibited calcification of BPHV tissue. This inhibition was dependent on the amount of APDP incorporated. NaBH4 stabilized APDP-glutaraldehyde covalent bonds.
TRANSIENT HOLE BURNING IN LIQUIDS

Abstract The connections between electronic line broadening processes in solids and liquids have been explored with transient hole burning measurements. Homogeneous and inhomogeneous broadening in solids correspond to phonon-induced and structural components of relaxation in the liquid. These ideas lead to a quantitatively accurate viscoelastic model of electronic state solvation in liquids in which changes in molecular size upon excitation are responsible for the coupling to the surrounding medium. Mode-coupling theory accurately represents the decay shapes and temperature dependence of the structural relaxation.
Triplet Excimer Formation in Platinum-Based Phosphors: A Theoretical Study of the Roles of Pt−Pt Bimetallic Interactions and Interligand π−π Interactions

We have used density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT to investigate the geometric and electronic structure and the optical properties of the phosphorescent platinum compounds: Pt(II) (2-(4′,6′-difluorophenyl)pyridinato-N,C2′)(2,4-pentanedionato-O,O) (FPt1) and Pt(II) (2-(4′,6′-difluorophenyl)pyridinato-N,C2′)(1,3-propanedionato-O,O) (FPt0). We first examined isolated compounds (monomers) and evaluated their photophysical properties at the ground-state and lowest triplet excited-state (T1) geometries; the characteristics of the S0 → T1 transitions are nearly identical in both compounds. Dimers of FPt0 and of FPt1 were then studied in order to shed light, at least qualitatively, on the respective role of Pt−Pt bimetallic interactions and interligand π−π interactions in the formation of excimer structures. While the Pt−Pt interactions are critical for excimer formation, the interligand π−π interactions also play a significant role in determining the optimal excimer geometry and the magnitude o...
Ascorbic Acid in Sweat.

ConclusionsOf the samples of human thermal sweat investigated by us only two showed any ascorbic acid present and in these cases the amounts found could be considered practically negligible. Dehydroascorbic acid determinations indicated the presence of this acid in most samples. The amounts found were not sufficient to suggest the induction of vitamin C deficiency through excessive sweating. The use of rubber bags in the collection of sweat may lead to high titration values and appears responsible for some of the high values for ascorbic acid in sweat that have been reported.
Species variation in serum levels of prostaglandins and their precursor acids.

Levels of prostaglandin (PG) precursor acids, and PGE2, PGF2α and TXB2 in sera of adult animals (5/species) were determined by gas chromatography and radioimmunoassay, respectively. The level of arachidonic acid in horse serum lipids was the lowest (0.61±0.03%), and that in dog serum lipids was the highest (18.1±1.8%). Bovine serum lipids contained considerable amounts of 20∶3ω6 (precursor of monoene PG) and 20∶5ω3 (precursor of triene PG) in addition to arachidonic acid. Thromboxane B2 was not the major species of endoperoxide metabolite synthesized by platelets from arachidonic acid in male ruminants and pig. The concentration of TXB2 in the serum of the lactating cow was more than 50 times greater than that of ovariectomized cows or of bulls. Although TXB2 was the major species of endoperoxide metabolite synthesized by human platelets, its serum concentration was much lower than that of nonruminant animals except the pig. These results showed that there were considerable variations in levels of PG and their precursors among various species of animals. The species variation in PG and TXB2 concentrations was not simply attributed to the differences in platelet concentration blood.
Paleosols and the forest border in Keewatin, N.W.T.

The morphology of paleosols and radiocarbon-dated charcoal from buried surface horizons of soils provide evidence to suggest that between periods of northward forest encroachment tundra climate has dominated areas at least 50 km south of the present forest/tundra border in southwest Keewatin. The present forest/tundra border climate is nearly as severe as any climate that has prevailed in the area since deglaciation.
Alternative polyadenylation of adeno-associated virus type 5 RNA within an internal intron is governed by the distance between the promoter and the intron and is inhibited by U1 small nuclear RNP binding to the intervening donor.

Adeno-associated virus type 5 is unique among adeno-associated virus serotypes in that it uses a polyadenylation site in the center of the genome. The great majority of transcripts generated from the upstream P7 and P19 promoters are polyadenylated at a site in the central intron ((pA)p); however, most of the viral transcripts generated by the proximal P41 promoter are polyadenylated at the distal polyadenylation site at the 3′ end of the genome (pA)d and subsequently spliced. Polyadenylation at (pA)p increases as the distance between the RNA initiation site and the intron and (pA)p site is increased. The steady-state level of RNAs polyadenylated at (pA)p is independent of the promoter used or of the intervening sequence but is dependent upon competition with splicing, inhibition by U1 snRNP binding to the intron donor, and the intrinsic efficiency of the cleavage/polyadenylation reaction. Each of these determinants shows a marked dependence on the distance between the RNA initiation site and the intron and (pA)p. Finally, unlike other reported systems, inhibition of (pA)p by U1 snRNP binding to the intron donor is decreased as the distance between the donor and (pA)p is increased.
Transcription in pronuclei and one- to four-cell embryos drives early development in a nematode.

Summary Background A long-standing view of development is that transcription is silenced in the oocyte until early divisions in the embryo. The point at which major transcription is reactivated varies between organisms, but is usually after the two-cell stage. However, this model may not be universal. Results We used RNA-seq and exploited the protracted development of the parasitic nematode Ascaris suum to provide a comprehensive time course of mRNA expression, degradation, and translation during early development. Surprisingly, we find that ∼4,000 genes are transcribed prior to pronuclear fusion and in the one- to four-cell embryos. Intriguingly, we do not detect maternal contribution of many orthologs of maternal C. elegans mRNAs, but instead find that these are newly transcribed in the A. suum zygote prior to pronuclear fusion. Ribosome profiling demonstrates that, in general, early embryonic mRNAs are not stored for subsequent translation, but are directly translated after their synthesis. The role of maternally contributed and zygotically transcribed genes differs between the nematodes A. suum and C. elegans despite the fact that the two nematodes appear to exhibit highly similar morphological patterns during early development. Conclusions Our study indicates that major transcription can occur immediately after fertilization and prior to pronuclear fusion in metazoa, suggesting that newly transcribed genes appear to drive A. suum early development. Furthermore, the mechanisms used for controlling the timing of the expression of key conserved genes has been altered between the two nematodes, illustrating significant plasticity in the regulatory networks that play important roles in developmental outcomes in nematodes.
Simulation of large scale networks II: modeling and simulation best practices for wireless ad hoc networks

This paper calls attention to important practices in the modeling and the simulation of wireless ad hoc networks. We present three case studies to highlight the importance of following well-established simulation techniques, of carefully describing experimental study scenarios, and, finally, of understanding assumptions sometimes unstated in the framework of a simulator. The first case addresses the initial transient problem inherent to mobility and traffic generation sub-models. We quantitatively demonstrate how these transients can affect the simulation. Our second case illustrates the fact that strong scientific contributions can only be made via simulation studies when the models used are unambiguously specified. The example we use are simulations with and without a model for the ARP protocol. Finally, our third case discusses the importance of understanding the simulation tool and any default values used for model parameters. The example used relates to the use of the limited interference model.
CROSS HOLE ACOUSTIC SURVEYING IN BASALT

The purpose of this technical note is to present preliminary results of a series of cross-hole acoustic measurements performed in a tunnel situated in a basaltic rock mass. The tunnel, at a sub-surface depth of 46 m, was excavated by conventional drill-and-blast techniques. Located well above the water table, the rock mass is characterized as dense basalt with a jointing structure of 0.15-0.36 m thick vertical columns cut by low-angle cross joints. The objectives of the test program were: first, to evaluate in situ dynamic elastic properties, and to assess their spatial variation around the opening; second, to evaluate the extent of blast damage around the opening; and third, to assess the spatial variation of jointing and fracturing around the opening. Analysis of the data included an evaluation of the velocities and frequency spectra of compressional and shear waves transmitted through the rock. The authors found that (1) the acoustic velocity and attenuation data are clearly indicative of an anisotropic, jointed rock mass, with a greater intensity of jointing in the horizontal than the vertical direction. (2) low acoustic velocities are indicative of blast damage, and of zones of intense jointing or fracturing. The same trend is seen also in the values of dynamic elastic modulus. The dynamic Poisson's ratio, however, appears to be relatively insensitive to the degree of jointing or fracturing. (3) preliminary analyses of the frequency data show that the attenuation of elastic waves is also indicative of blast damage and the intensity of jointing and fracturing. Further analyses of the frequency data are clearly required. (TRRL)
Development of a model for the δ-opioid receptor pharmacophore. 4. Residue 3 dehydrophenylalanine analogues of Tyr-c[ D -Cys-Phe- D -Pen]OH (JOM-13) confirm required gauche orientation of aromatic side chain

We have previously proposed a model for the δ-opioid receptor binding conformation of the high affinity tetrapeptide Tyr-c[D-Cys-Phe-D-Pen] OH (JOM-13) based on experimental and theoretical conformational analysis of this peptide and a correlation of conformational preferences of further conformationally restricted analogues of this tetrapeptide with their receptor binding affinities. A key element of this model is the requirement that the Phe3 side chain exist in the x1 = −60° conformation. Conformational calculations on the residue 3 dehydrophenylalanine analogues of JOM-13 suggest that while the dehydro(Z) phenylalanine analogue can be superimposed easily with the proposed binding conformer of JOM-13, the dehydro(E)phenylalanine analogue cannot. These results lead to the prediction that the dehydro(Z)-phenylalanine analogue should display similar δ-receptor binding affinity as JOM-13 while the dehydro(E)phenylalanine analogue is expected to bind less avidly. Synthesis and subsequent opioid receptor binding analysis of the dehydrophenylalanine analogues of JOM-13 confirm these predictions, lending support to the δ-pharmacophore model. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Quantitative ultrasound techniques and improvements to diagnostic ultrasonic imaging

Conventional ultrasound B-mode imaging is mainly qualitative in nature. While conventional imaging techniques, including ultrasound, may be sensitive to the detection of anomalous tissue features, the ability to classify these tissues often lacks specificity. As a result, a large number of biopsies of tissues with suspicious image findings are performed each year with a vast majority of these biopsies resulting in a negative finding. Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) imaging techniques can provide specific numbers related to tissue features that can increase the specificity of image findings leading to improvements in diagnostic ultrasound. QUS imaging techniques can encompass a wide variety of techniques including spectral-based parameterization, elastography, flow estimation and envelope statistics. Furthermore, a goal of QUS imaging techniques is to provide system- and operator-independent parameters related to tissue properties. Different applications of QUS imaging techniques in diagnostic ultrasound will be discussed in this paper. Specifically, spectral-based techniques and envelope statistics at clinical frequencies and at high ultrasonic frequencies (> 15 MHz) will be examined for their abilities to improve diagnostic ultrasound. Spectral-based techniques include the estimation of the backscatter coefficient, estimation of attenuation, and estimation of scatterer properties such as the correlation length associated with an effective scatterer size and the concentration of scatterers. Envelope statistics include the estimation of the number density of scatterers and quantification of coherent to incoherent signals produced from the tissue. Challenges related to the implementation of QUS imaging techniques and recent successes of QUS implementation for medical diagnostics will be discussed. Challenges for clinical application include correctly accounting for attenuation effects and implementation of QUS on clinical devices. Successful applications demonstrating the ability of QUS to improve medical diagnostics will include cancer detection and classification of solid tumors and lymph nodes, detection and quantification of fatty liver disease, and monitoring and assessment of thermal therapy on solid tumors.
Adaptation to high concentrate feeding as related to acidosis and digestive disturbances in dairy heifers.

Abstract When ruminants are changed from a primarily forage diet to one of increasing rates of daily concentrate intake, a point is reached when acute indigestion or off feed occurs. This condition is most dramatic when animals are fed ground wheat and at the time of off feed there is an accumulation of lactic acid in the rumen and a drop in rumen pH. When a concentrate mixture is fed, the change in lactic acid concentration and rumen pH is less marked. However, a daily increment of somewhat less than 7.0g concentrate per unit of metabolic body size, in combination with a feeding frequency of at least two times per day, was necessary to avoid off feed in yearling dairy heifers. An adaptation period of at least three weeks was necessary for heifers used in this study. High rumen acidity does not appear to be the only cause for an animal to go off feed, since buffers administered either by intraruminal infusion or feeding did not prevent off feed. Off feed must be caused by other factors acting separately or in combination with high ruminal acidity.
Age-dependent regulation of mammalian DNA synthesis and cell proliferation In vivo

Abstract That progressive increases in the time required to initiate certain enzyme inductions in rat liver in vivo may be used as a biochemical parameter of ageing was reported previously. The present paper indicates that a second biochemical manifestation of mammalian senescence may be a modification in the regulation of DNA synthesis and cell division in vivo. Administration of isoproterenol to 2-month-old rats initiates a single, tissue-specific burst of DNA synthesis, mitosis and division of certain salivary gland cells. Upon administration of identical body weight dosages of isoproterenol to older rats, it is evident that: 1. the time required to initiate DNA synthesis increases progressively and is directly proportional to the chronological age of rats from 2 to at least 24 months; 2. the delayed onset of DNA synthesis may be accompanied by a decreased magnitude of response; and 3. the ability to stimulate cell division may be abolished. These impairments probably are not attributable to changes in either the transport or pool size of deoxynucleotide precursor or in the immediate binding of isoproterenol. It seems likely, therefore, that age-dependent changes in the metabolism of RNA, protein and/or isoproterenol are responsible.
4-Dimensional topological bordism

Abstract We show that two oriented, topological, closed 4-manifolds M 4 1 , M 4 2 are topologically cobordant iff σ ( M 4 1 ) = σ ( M 4 2 ) and either both of M 4 1 , M 4 2 are stably smoothable or neither of M 4 1 , M 4 2 is stably smoothable.
BROWN ADIPOSE TISSUE THERMOGENESIS CONTRIBUTES TO FENTANYL-EVOKED HYPERTHERMIA

μ-Opioid receptor activation increases body temperature and affects cardiovascular function. In the present study, fentanyl was administered intravenously [100 μg/kg (300 nmol/kg) iv] and intracere...
Perceptions of Patients and Physicians Regarding Phase I Cancer Clinical Trials: Implications for Physician-Patient Communication

Purpose: To describe and compare the perceptions of cancer patients and their physicians regarding phase I clinical trials. Methods: Eligible patients had been offered phase I trial participation and had decided to participate but had not yet begun treatment. Each patient’s physician also served as a study subject. Patients and physicians completed questionnaires with domains including perceptions of potential benefit and harm from treatment (experimental and standard), relative value of quality and length of life, and perceived content of patient-physician consultations. Results: Three hundred twenty-eight patients and 48 physicians completed surveys. Patients had high expectations regarding treatment outcomes (eg, median 60% benefit from experimental therapy), with those choosing to participate in a phase I trial being more optimistic than those declining phase I participation. Patients predicted a higher likelihood of both benefit and adverse reactions from treatment (experimental and standard) than th...
Organic compounds in sludge-amended soils and their potential for uptake by crop plants

Abstract Numerous toxic organic chemicals (TOs), with a wide range of chemical properties, can occur in sewage sludges. The vast majority of sludge-borne TOs occur at low concentrations, and even lower TO concentrations are expected in sludge-amended soils. Further, most TOs are so strongly reactive in the soil-sludge matrix that their bioavailabilities to plants are expected to be low. A host of experimental techniques have been employed to measure TO plant uptake and to relate biovailability to TO chemical and physical properties. The strengths and weaknesses of several experimental approaches are examined, and the resulting data are evaluated. Sound experimental data, especially field data and/or data from studies with endogenously sludge-borne TOs, indicate negligible contamination of crop plants with TOs in sludge-amended soils. Assessing the potential for plant uptake of sludge-borne TOs involves determining: (a) which TOs are most likely present in biosolids and what are their toxicities; (b) what quantities of TOs are likely to be added to the growth media via biosolids application; (c) what effects various dissipation/dispersion reactions have on the potential bioavailability of TOs; and (d) what are the various mechanisms for plant uptake/metabolism of TOs.
Gesture script: recognizing gestures and their structure using rendering scripts and interactively trained parts

Gesture-based interactions have become an essential part of the modern user interface. However, it remains challenging for developers to create gestures for their applications. This paper studies unistroke gestures, an important category of gestures defined by their single-stroke trajectories. We present Gesture Script, a tool for creating unistroke gesture recognizers. Gesture Script enhances example-based learning with interactive declarative guidance through rendering scripts and interactively trained parts. The structural information from the rendering scripts allows Gesture Script to synthesize gesture variations and generate a more accurate recognizer that also automatically extracts gesture attributes needed by applications. The results of our study with developers show that Gesture Script preserves the threshold of familiar example based gesture tools, while raising the ceiling of the recognizers created in such tools.
Effects of Milk Marketing Order Regulation on the Share of Fluid-Grade Milk in the United States

The share of raw milk meeting fluid quality (Grade A) standards in the United States rose steadily through the latter half of the twentieth century, but a shrinking portion of that was used in fluid products. Grade A milk exceeds the quality standards for the manufactured products for which it has been increasingly used. We present an econometric model that exploits regional and temporal variation in policy implementation to identify the effect of marketing orders on the Grade A share of milk. Results support the hypothesis that marketing orders significantly encouraged the growth in the Grade A share of milk. Milk marketing orders are central to dairy market regulation in the United States. Since the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act (AMAA) of 1937 and similar state legislation of the same period, federal and state governments have administered marketing orders that determine minimum prices that processors must pay farmers for fluid-grade milk. These marketing orders have significantly influenced the economic performance of milk markets. In this paper, we show empirically that marketing orders have helped increase the production of fluid-grade milk beyond the demand for fluid milk. Because the industry is large and the policies have important economic consequences, milk marketing orders are among the most studied of all agricultural policies (see, among others, Cox and Chavas 2001; Dobson and Salathe 1979; Ippolito and Masson 1978; Kessell 1967; Sumner and Wolf 1996). This literature has established what have come to be stylized facts of milk marketing orders. Price discrimination by marketing orders raises the relative price of milk used in beverages (fluid milk),
Fischer‐tropsch synthesis in near‐critical n‐hexane: Pressure‐tuning effects

For Fe-catalyzed Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis with near-critical n-hexane (P{sub c} = 29.7 bar; T{sub c} = 233.7 C) as the reaction medium, isothermal pressure tuning from 1.2--2.4 P{sub c} (for n-hexane) at the reaction temperature (240 C) significantly changes syngas conversion and product selectivity. For fixed feed rates of syngas (H{sub 2}/CO = 0.5; 50 std. cm{sup 3}/g catalyst) and n-hexane (1 mL/min), syngas conversion attains a steady state at all pressures, increasing roughly threefold in this pressure range. Effective rate constants, estimated assuming a first-order dependence of syngas conversion on hydrogen, reveal that the catalyst effectiveness increases with pressure implying the alleviation of pore-diffusion limitations. Pore accessibilities increase at higher pressures because the extraction of heavier hydrocarbons from the catalyst pores is enhanced by the liquid-like densities, yet better-than-liquid transport properties, of n-hexane. This explanation is consistent with the single {alpha} (= 0.78) Anderson-Schulz-Flory product distribution, the constant chain termination probability, and the higher primary product (1-olefin) selectivities ({approximately}80%) observed at the higher pressures. Results indicate that the pressure tunability of the density and transport properties of near-critical reaction media offers a powerful tool to optimize catalyst activity and product selectivity during FT reactions on supported catalysts.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH—EPIDEMIOLOGY: Sexual Problems Among a Specific Population of Minority Women Aged 40–80 Years Attending a Primary Care Practice

ABSTRACT Introduction Clinicians are embarrassed about discussing sex with patients and do not know how to ask about sexual problems in a way that will optimize honest and open responses. Learning about inquiry responses and the prevalence of sexual problems among specific groups of women, including minority women, can help identify appropriate inquiry and management pathways. Aim To better understand useful inquiry techniques as well as to describe the prevalence of sexual problems among a specific group of minority women aged 40–80 years. Main Outcome Measures Responses to two styles of sexual problem inquiry, direct vs. ubiquity, were compared among sexually active subjects. Prevalence of sexual problems and interest in discussing problems with personal clinician were determined. Methods Minority women aged 40–80 years receiving care at one of two Family Health Centers in Brooklyn, New York who could speak English met inclusion criteria. A cross‐sectional survey of 212 subjects, the majority being Afro‐Caribbean, identified those who were sexually active and then randomly asked about sexual problems using one of two inquiry types: (i) a direct question, such as “Do you have a problem during sex,” or (ii) a ubiquity‐style question, such as “Many women with diabetes have sexual problems, how about you?” Sexual problems were characterized by recognized phases of female sexual activity. Interest in discussing sexual problems with a personal clinician was determined. Results Of the 212 women surveyed, 108 (50.9%) were sexually active with 37 (34.3%) of these women responding “yes” when asked about sexual problems using one of the two inquiry techniques. Stratified analysis by age group showed significantly higher reporting of sexual problems when a ubiquity‐style inquiry was used among older women aged 61–80 years ( P = 0.028) but not among younger ones. The prevalence of sexual problems was 14.8% reporting pain, 12.0% lack of interest, 9.2% lack of excitation, 5.5% lack of orgasm, and 6.5%“other.” Forty‐three percent of women with problems said they would like to discuss their problem(s) with their clinician. Conclusions In a specific minority group of women aged 40 years and older, especially those over age 60 years, ubiquity‐style inquiries may encourage more open and honest responses about sexual problems. The most common sexual problem among this group of women was pain. There is willingness and even interest in talking with clinicians about sexual issues. Recognition of sexual problem prevalences helps clarify the high number of women who could be potentially helped with current and future pharmacologic and psychosocial treatments. Sadovsky R, Alam W, Enecilla M, Cosiquien R, Tipu O, and Etheridge‐Otey J. Sexual problems among a specific population of minority women aged 40–80 years attending a primary care practice. J Sex Med 2006;3:795–803.
Material Factors That Influence Anisotropic Behavior of Aggregate Bases

The directional dependency of material properties of aggregate systems have been the subject of study over the last 10 years. A procedure was established to determine the level of anisotropy of aggregate systems using simple aggregate properties and anisotropy level as an input to predict performance of aggregate bases. Stress-induced directional dependency of material properties were evaluated on the basis of multiple variable dynamic confining pressure stress path tests for 10 aggregate sources. Various gradations and saturation levels were considered for each aggregate source. Particle geometry was characterized using the Aggregate Imaging System. The cumulative Weibull distribution function was used to describe aggregate size and aggregate geometrical characteristics. The fine portion of the gradation was characterized by the Rigden voids test and methylene blue test to account for fine particle shape properties and the deleterious effect of plastic fines on the volumetric stability of aggregate layer...
Heat-resistant poly(metal phthalocyanine)imide copolymers using benzenetetracarboxylic dianhydride

Novel poly(metal phthalocyanine)imide copolymers of high thermal stability have been synthesized using metal(II) 4,4′,4″,4‴-phthalocyanine tetraamine (metal = copper, cobalt, and nickel); diamines: p-phenylene diamine; 4.4′-methylene dianiline and 9,9-bis(4-aminophenyl)fluorene; and 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic dianhydride. Polymers with medium to high degree of polymerization can be prepared depending upon the metal phthalocyanine concentrations. Effects of temperature, order of addition, solvent type, and metal phthalocyanine concentrations were studied to ascertain the optimum conditions to obtain polymers having good thermal stability with a high degree of polymerization. These polymers had decomposition temperatures greater than 500°C both in air and in nitrogen atmospheres. Their anaerobic char yield at 800°C varied between 65–80%. These new copolymers have promising applications as heat resistant films, fibers, and varnishes.
Modulation Classification in Multipath Environments Using Deterministic Particle Filtering

We address the challenge of modulation classification in an unknown dispersive environment. A bank of deterministic particle filters (DPF) is used to jointly estimate the communication channel and data sequence for each possible modulation scheme, and the best path metrics from each DPF form a feature vector. Maximum likelihood modulation classification is performed and makes use of the statistics of the feature vector under different modulation schemes. Simulation results show that the algorithm can successfully classify the observed modulation schemes with as few as 50 symbol observations, making the algorithm practical under time-varying conditions, as well. Additionally, since the communication channel and the transmitted sequence are estimated in the modulation classification process, the proposed algorithm is a natural choice for joint channel estimation, data detection, and modulation classification.
The Universal Instability of the Separation Boundary Between a Non-Hydrostatically Stressed Elastic Crystal and its Melt

In the absence of surface tension and external force fields, the equilibrium between a hydrostatically stressed crystal and its melt is neutral with respect to the perturbations associated with particle transfer from one region of the boundary into another. However, under the action of arbitrary small nonhydrostatic components of the stress field in the elastic crystal, the neutral equilibrium is transformed to an unstable equilibrium [1]. This instability is very general in nature; for example, for it to be seen the liquid media need only to be able to dissolve the solid phase or in some way to assist the transport of particles along the crystal's surface. In contrast, the surface tension, roughly speaking, stabilizes the shape of the interphase boundary but it cannot suppress the instability generated by the nonhydrostatic components of the stress field in the region of sufficiently long perturbations. Until now the basic instability mechanism discussed here seems to have escaped the attention of theorists. This mechanism allows one to look in a completely new way at a broad range of phenomena. We discuss tentative manifestations and role of this instability in low temperature physics, in materials science, in theory of crystal growth, and, in particular, in theory of epitaxy and of the Stranski-Krastanow pattern of growth of thin crystalline films.
Long-term effect of suboptimal dietary magnesium on magnesium and calcium contents of organs, on cold tolerance and on lifespan, and its pathological consequences in rats.

Sprague-Dawley male rats selected at 5 weeks of age were kept at 28Â° or 6Â° for 69, 240, or 517 days and were fed a semipurified diet containing either a normal (52 mg/100 g) or a suboptimal amount of magnesium (Mg) (10 mg/100 g). Within the first 69 days, typical signs of Mg deficiency were evident in 28Â°and 6Â°acclimated rats fed a sub- optimal level of Mg. These included skin sores in 50% of the rats, a sig nificant reduction in growth, a severe reduction in Mg content of all organs except heart, brown fat, thymus and duodenum, a severe calcification in the kidney, and after severe cold stress (4 hours at â€"20Â°) more calcified necrotic lesions in heart than in controls fed the normal Mg diet. During this time, the rats had apparently become adapted to the low Mg diet for, between 69 and 517 days, skin sores disappeared. There were no further reductions in growth, and Mg content in any of the organs; calcification of the kidney did not increase; and after severe cold stress, there were no differences in the number of heart lesions compared to controls. In spite of this adaptation, however, the homeostatic potential, measured in terms of cold tolerance at â€"20Â°, gradually decreased with the duration of the Mg deficiency. The reduction of Mg content in different tissues was not any greater at 6Â°than at 28Â°,but the consequences were more severe at 6Â°.Calcium content increased in heart, aorta and brown fat; there was more damage to the heart after severe cold stress, and longevity was reduced. Thus, there is a level of Mg deficiency which is characterized by few overt signs of the deficiency, but which over the long-term results in a decline in homeostatic potential. J. Nutr. 107: 1640-1652, 1977.
Does Attack Advertising Demobilize the Electorate

J/47Te address the effects of negative campaign advertising on turnout. Using a unique jfjJ \ experimental design in which advertising tone is manipulated within the identical X V t audiovisual context, we find that exposure to negative advertisements dropped intentions to vote by 5%. We then replicate this result through an aggregate-level analysis of turnout and campaign tone in the 1992 Senate elections. Finally, we show that the demobilizing effects of negative campaigns are accompanied by a weakened sense of political efficacy. Voters who watch negative advertisements become more cynical about the responsiveness of public officials and the electoral process. It is generally taken for granted that political campaigns boost citizens' involvement-their interest in the election, awareness of and information about current issues, and sense that individual opinions matter. Since Lazarsfeld's pioneering work (Berelson, Lazarsfeld, and McPhee 1954; Lazarsfeld, Berelson, and Gaudet 1948), it has been thought that campaign activity in connection with recurring elections enables parties and candidates to mobilize their likely constituents and "recharge" their partisan sentiments. Voter turnout is thus considered to increase directly with "the level of political stimulation to which the electorate is subjected" (Campbell et al. 1966, 42; Patterson and Caldeira 1983). The argument that campaigns are inherently "stimulating" experiences can be questioned on a variety of grounds. American campaigns have changed dra