bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectrum of Operative Treatments and Clinical Outcomes for Atraumatic Osteoarthritis of the Tarsometatarsal Joints
Authors: Jung Hong Geun , Myerson Mark S. , Schon Lew C.
Published: May 2007

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify subtypes of atraumatic osteoarthritis of the tarsometatarsal joints based on accompanying foot deformities and to determine whether concurrent procedures done for each subtype were effective. Methods: The study included 59 patients (67 feet) with atraumatic tarsometatarsal joint osteoarthritis treated with tarsometatarsal fusion. The average patient age was 60.2 years with 40.6 months followup. Patients were evaluated with radiographs, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Midfoot Scale, the Foot Function Index, and the Short Form-36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). Results: Four main subtypes were identified based on associated foot deformities: pes planovalgus (27), hallux valgus (11), in-situ without deformities (eight), and rockerbottom (five). Plantar-medial closing-wedge resection was used to correct rockerbottom deformity. For pes planovalgus deformity, a medial sliding calcaneal osteotomy was done. Lateral column lengthening with medial sliding calcaneal osteotomy was done for tarsometatarsal osteoarthritis with severe pes planovalgus, and triple arthrodesis was done for rigid pes planovalgus. Tarsometatarsal osteoarthritis with hallux valgus deformity was corrected with the Lapidus procedure. There were 29 complications, most commonly sesamoid pain. The pes planovalgus group showed significant radiographic improvements in four of five parameters measured. AOFAS scores improved from retrospectively assigned preoperative 34.1 points to postoperative 83.9 points. The Foot Function Index showed a high satisfaction rate (86.6%). SF-36 scores averaged 50.6 postoperatively. Conclusions: When feet with atraumatic tarsometatarsal osteoarthritis are classified into four main categories based on associated deformities, appropriate concurrent procedures can be done with high satisfaction and improved function scores. Pes planovalgus feet, in particular, may benefit from concurrent procedures with improved radiographic measures.
Biomechanical Evaluation of Two Clinical Tests for Plantar Heel Pain: The Dorsiflexion-Eversion Test for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome and the Windlass Test for Plantar Fasciitis
Authors: Alshami Ali M. , Babri Awais S. , Souvlis Tina , Coppieters Michel W.
Published: May 2007

Background: Plantar heel pain may result from several conditions such as tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) and plantar fasciitis. The dorsiflexion-eversion test is used to diagnose TTS, whereas the windlass test is used for plantar fasciitis. Given the similarity between both tests, the purpose of this study was to evaluate whether these tests are able to selectively load the structures which they aim to examine. Methods: Both tests were evaluated in six cadavers by measuring strain in the plantar fascia, tibial nerve, lateral plantar nerve (LPN), and medial plantar nerve (MPN) using miniature displacement transducers. Longitudinal excursion of the nerves was measured with a digital caliper. Results: With the dorsiflexion-eversion test, dorsiflexion and eversion of the ankle in combination with extension of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints significantly increased strain in the tibial nerve (+1.1%), LPN (+2.2%), and MPN (+3.3%) but also in the plantar fascia (+1.2%) (all: p = 0.016). Both components (dorsiflexion-eversion and MTP extension) resulted in significant increases. With the windlass test, extension of all MTP joints significantly increased strain in the plantar fascia (+0.4%, p = 0.016), but also in the tibial nerve (+0.4%, p = 0.016), LPN (+0.8%, p = 0.032) and MPN (+2.0%, p = 0.016). Excursion of the nerves was always in the distal direction but only reached significance for the tibial nerve (6.9 mm, p = 0.016) and LPN (2.2 mm, p = 0.032) during the dorsiflexion-eversion test. Conclusions: Both tests mechanically challenge various structures that have been associated with plantar heel pain. This questions the usefulness of the tests in the differential diagnosis of plantar heel pain.
A Health Profile of Community-Living Nonagenarians in Canada
Authors: Wister Andrew V. , Wanless Deanna
Published: May 2007

Due to increasing life expectancy over time, persons who live into their nineties, known as nonagenarians, are an important and growing segment of the Canadian population. In 2001, there were 130,325 nonagenarians (compared to 3,795 centenarians), and it is estimated that they will top 400,000 by 2026. This paper provides a health profile and an exploratory analysis of selected social determinants of health for community-living nonagenarians, using the 2001 Canadian Community Health Survey (Statistics Canada, 2003). Perceived health, a selection of prevalent chronic illnesses, and several health behaviours are examined. One dominant pattern is the tendency for male nonagenarians to be in better health than their female counterparts. This finding is consistent with research on centenarians and is discussed in terms of a mortality selection effect. Other key findings include the strength of sense of belonging, income, and physical activity as potential social determinants of health, connected to particular dimensions of health status.
Ecological Analysis of Crime Rates and Police Discretion with Young Persons: A Replication
Authors: Schulenberg Jennifer L. , Jacob Joanna C. , Carrington Peter J.
Published: May 2007

This research note replicates previous research published in the Journal ( Schulenberg 2003 ) using data from 374 municipal jurisdictions in 2001 to analyse the relationship between municipal crime rates and the police use of charging apprehended youth as an indicator of formal social control. This analysis also extends the earlier research by including additional indicators of social disorganization and of criminal opportunity. The results are largely consistent with those of the earlier research: support only for social disorganization theory as an explanation of municipal crime rates; support for urbanization and social disorganization theories as explanations of the police use of formal social control with youth; and no support for criminal opportunity theory as an explanation of either phenomenon. The only substantial difference with the results of Schulenberg (2003) is the support found by the present research for the overload hypothesis as an explanation of the police use of formal social control with youth.
The Sentencing of Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Youth: Understanding Local Variation
Authors: Doob Anthony N , Sprott Jane B
Published: May 2007

In a recent article in this journal, Latimer and Foss (2005) suggest that Aboriginal youth in five Canadian cities who were sentenced to custody under the Young Offenders Act received longer sentences than did non-Aboriginal youth. This finding is shown to be an artefact of jurisdictional variation. When the cities are looked at individually, or when cities are controlled for in other ways, the effect disappears. This might be seen as an illustration of “Simpson's Paradox,” whereby an association between two variables can be in one direction when pooled across two or more sub-populations but, when looked at individually (within each sub-population), is non-existent or points in the opposite direction.
Will Electronic Commerce Help to Reduce Traffic in Agglomeration Areas?
Authors: Lenz Barbara
Published: May 2007

Assumptions that have been made about the impact of electronic shopping, like teleshopping and electronic commerce (e-commerce), on physical transportation have largely forecast considerable substitution effects. However, empirical evidence has been missing. To fill this gap, research was carried out in the Stuttgart region in southwest Germany to assess potential traffic substitution on the regional level in a midterm perspective of 10 years. The assessment is based on a model that deduces the traffic substitution potential from the behavior of the consumer who chooses alternatively physical or virtual shopping places depending on the commodity he or she needs or wants. The commodity not only is crucial for the choice of the shopping place and the frequency of purchases, but it is also important for the choice of the means of transportation or alternative shopping via Internet. The model that underlies this research comprises four steps. First, surveys are compiled on shopping behavior and transportation behavior for shopping purposes. The second step provides the deduction of groups with similar behavior regarding travel, affinity for e-commerce, and shopping. This leads to hypotheses about e-commerce potential within the research area and allows the assessment of substitution effects by comparing the status quo with the scenario constructed by the empirical data. Regarding the impact of e-commerce on transportation, the results promise only slight reductions of clearly less than 10% of total shopping transportation caused by consumers.
Public Involvement in Japanese Transportation Decision Making
Authors: Schwartz Marcy , Yajima Hiromitsu , Bartsch Jonathan , Brittingham Jean
Published: May 2007

The context for public involvement in Japan has undergone a major change in the last 10 years. Legislative mandates, actions by various public interest groups, initiatives by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MLIT) and a research group, and research by news organizations and academic institutions have begun to erode the longstanding reluctance of government agencies to seek public engagement in the development of major infrastructure projects. The factors driving these changes are explored, the recent development and delivery of a public involvement training course for MLIT staff in Japan by a team of Japanese and American consultants are described, observations and lessons learned by the trainers and the course participants concerning differences in conducting public involvement in the United States and Japan are discussed, and suggestions are made for steps for implementing public involvement as a routine part of infrastructure development in Japan.
Mainstreaming Pricing Alternatives in the Project Development Process
Authors: De Corla-Souza Patrick , Skaer Fred
Published: May 2007

Pricing can be incorporated into alternatives being considered during the National Environmental Policy Act process for major highway improvements in metropolitan areas, and the transportation performance and other impacts of pricing can be evaluated and compared with more traditional alternatives. A case study demonstrated that relatively simple analytical procedures may be used to estimate the impacts of pricing alternatives and generate information for use by local decision makers. It also demonstrated that pricing alternatives can accomplish the purpose and need of a major highway project in a way that effectively competes with conventional alternatives that exclude pricing while generating net revenue surpluses to make the funding of transportation improvements financially feasible.
Absorptive Sound Barriers: Effects of Three Potential Changes to Current Design Standards of Virginia Department of Transportation
Authors: Anderson Grant S. , Ross Jason C. , Menge Christopher W. , Arnold Lloyd B.
Published: May 2007

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) currently designs absorptive sound barriers with their entire face absorptive [noise reduction coefficient (NRC) of 0.8 or greater]. Using the FHWA Traffic Noise Model, the sound level increases caused by three modifications to current VDOT practice were investigated: a more reflective barrier surface (NRC = 0.7), a 6-in. (15-cm) reflective cap, and a 2-ft (61-cm) reflective base. These increases were computed for receivers up to 40 ft (12.2 m) above the ground and 1,000 ft (305 m) behind the barrier. The computations included three barrier locations—barrier opposite receivers, barrier same side as receivers, and barriers on both sides—at several barrier heights and distances from the roadway. They also included two roadway widths and two traffic conditions, to span the extreme ranges of these variables. Results indicate that for a barrier opposite the receivers, the more reflective surface caused a maximum increase of 1.3 dB, the 2-ft (61-cm) reflective base caused a maximum increase of 1.7 dB, and all three modifications combined inflated this increase to 2.7 dB. For a barrier on the same side of the roadway as the receivers, no situations caused increases greater than 1 dB. Finally, for barriers on both sides of the roadway, the more reflective surface caused a maximum increase of 1.1 dB, and all three modifications combined inflated this increase to 1.5 dB. A table of resulting sound level increases for the full field of computed receivers—for the worst-case situations encountered in the computations—is included.
Performance of Noise Barriers with Absorptive Edge Treatments
Authors: Suh Sanghoon , Badagnani Vincent J. , Mongeau Luc , Bolton J. Stuart
Published: May 2007

The installation of sound-absorptive materials near the edge of a noise barrier is known to increase its insertion loss. First, scale-model experiments were performed to compare the performance of barriers that have absorptive edge linings with that of linearly extended, rigid uniform barriers and T-shaped barriers. The issue of effective positioning of the sound-absorptive material was also addressed. It was found that in terms of material use, an absorptive treatment was the most effective treatment for reducing the sound level in the shadow zone for a given barrier height. It was concluded that absorptive edge treatments may offer the opportunity to design effective treatments that could be retrofitted to existing barrier installations to improve their effectiveness. Preliminary field measurements were performed near South Bend, Indiana. The performance of an existing barrier was evaluated. Predictions of its performance made using the FHWA Traffic Noise Model were verified. An acoustical treatment was added to one vertical edge of the highway noise barrier. The results for the performance of the acoustical treatment measured in the field confirmed the trends of the scale-model laboratory measurements.
Job Access and Reverse Commuting Initiatives in California: Review and Assessment
Authors: Cervero Robert , Tsai Yu-Hsin
Published: May 2007

A wide array of initiatives supporting job access and reverse commuting has been introduced in California over the past 5 years. Experiences were reviewed in five areas: schedule extensions, new fixed bus routes, shuttle services, user-side assistance, and automobile loan programs. Schedule extensions have provided much-valued mobility for the poor, but at high costs. New bus routes have been most productive when operating over long distances and delivering inner-city patrons to concentrated job hubs. Door-to-door shuttle services have mainly supplemented fixed bus routes and in some instances have been used to train former welfare recipients how to drive. Santa Cruz County has been a leader in crafting client-based programs that provide a menu of mobility options from which unique programs are custom designed to meet the job access needs of individuals. Automobile loan initiatives have been controversial; statistical evidence from San Bernardino County and case experiences from San Mateo County indicate that automobiles have aided Welfare-to-Work transitions.
Monitoring Results of an Instrumented, Mechanically Stabilized Earth Wall: Comparison with Current Practice
Authors: Liang Robert Y. , Almoh Izzaldin M.
Published: May 2007

A field instrumentation and monitoring study on a 52-ft (15.8-m) high mechanically stabilized earth wall was undertaken. The field monitoring program was carried out on different sections along the wall, representing three different wall heights and two geometries. Monitoring results pertaining to reinforcement working forces, earth pressures at the base of the reinforced soils, and wall deformations are presented. The magnitudes and locations of maximum axial forces measured in the reinforcement are discussed and compared with the predictions by the method adopted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the load and resistance factor design (LRFD) method. Comparisons between the field measurements and the design methods for the tallest section with straight backfill (simple geometry) indicated that the LRFD method predicted the reinforcement forces more closely than the FHWA-adopted method. However, both methods failed to predict the locations and magnitudes of the maximum axial forces that developed in the reinforcement at the wing-wall section (sections with three-dimensional sloping backfill). The geometry of the wall and backfill, the type of wall-facing panels, and the interpanel connections appear to influence the deformation and settlement response of the reinforced earth wall. From the measured reinforcement wall connection forces, it was determined that the connection forces depended on the depth of embedment and the shape of the line of limiting equilibrium. The vertical pressure measurements deviated from those predictions by the three methods: Meyerhof, trapezoidal, and uniform distribution. These discrepancies are attributed to the lack of knowledge of the influences of the wall-facing element and the frictional stresses that may have developed along the interface between the retained soil and the reinforced soil
Mechanically Stabilized Earth Reinforcement Tensile Strength from Tests of Geotextile-Reinforced Soil
Authors: Elton David J. , Patawaran Maria Aries B.
Published: May 2007

Bridge abutments made of geotextile-reinforced soil have been shown to support the bridge load without the use of piles. However, current design procedures are considered to be conservative. To determine the strength, and to understand better the behavior of reinforced soil, large unconfined cylindrical soil samples reinforced with geosynthetics were axisymmetrically loaded. Samples were 2.5 ft (0.76 m) in diameter and 5 ft (1.52 m) in height. Peak strengths of 4.8 kips/ft2 (230 kPa) to 9.6 kips/ft2 (460 kPa) at 3% to 8.5% vertical strain were obtained from cylinders reinforced with geotextiles at 6-in. (152-mm) vertical spacing. A strength reduction occurred after the peak strength, but most of the loads were sustained up to at least 10% strain before yielding. Tension in the reinforcement appears to be mobilized first in the middle layers, as determined from the location of tears in the geotextile. An equation to calculate the tensile force in the reinforcement, Tmax, in a reinforced bridge abutment is proposed. The normalized strains led to the development of the strain distribution factor incorporated in the proposed equation. The proposed equation is slightly more conservative or almost equal, depending on the type of facing, when compared with the Ko-stiffness method, but gives values approximately one-half of those obtained using the National Concrete Masonry Association and FHWA Demonstration Project 82 methods.
Intelligent Compaction with Vibratory Rollers: Feedback Control Systems in Automatic Compaction and Compaction Control
Authors: Anderegg Roland , Kaufmann Kuno
Published: May 2007

Dynamic compactors with parameters that adjust automatically to the condition of the subgrade form the basis for intelligent compaction. Dynamic soil compactors create nonlinear vibrations, and the typical characteristics of these vibrations are taken as the basis for the feedback control system for intelligent compaction. With the model of the machine and the soil as the starting point, the periodic loss of contact between the drum and the subgrade is postulated to be the main nonlinear effect. This nonlinearity leads to near periodic and subharmonic vibration phenomena, and it can bring about unstable drum dynamics. The machine behavior can be investigated with the help of the chaos theory. Feedback control systems for rollers are based on the results from the theory of nonlinear oscillations, and they allow optimal compaction performance thanks to continuous adjustment to the compaction status. Starting with large amplitudes and low frequencies, the automatic control system ensures a good depth effect. As the compaction increases, the frequencies rise and the amplitudes are automatically reduced; those actions lead to optimal surface layer compaction at the end of the process. The soil stiffness measurement, which is performed in parallel with the automatic control, is directly correlated with the plate-bearing test to enable continuous compaction control. In conjunction with a documentation system, intelligent compaction makes it possible to prove the homogeneity and the achieved compaction degree. In the field, intelligent compaction ensures that compaction jobs are completed in a minimum number of passes and allows monitoring of results as work progresses. In addition to optimal compaction with no risk of overcompaction, laboratory costs are reduced and process reliability is maximized.
Drainage Considerations for Porous Asphalt Surface Course Design
Authors: Tan S. A. , Fwa T. F. , Chai K. C.
Published: May 2007

The drainage performance of a porous asphalt surface course depends on the drainage properties of the asphalt mixture as well as the geometric design of the individual road sections. Hence, the minimum thickness requirement may vary from one section to another in a single road project because of changes in road geometric design, even though the same asphalt mixture is used for the surface course. However, the influence of road geometric properties and the effects of longitudinal gradient and cross slope on the thickness design of the surface course have not received the deserved attention. No readily available design tools allow highway engineers to effectively perform design checks on thickness requirements. Convenient plots were developed to meet this need. A three-dimensional finite element program was used to study the effects of cross and longitudinal slopes on the drainage performance of the porous asphalt surface course. Both the longitudinal gradient and the cross slope of a road section significantly affect the drainage capacity of the porous surface course. A family of thickness-requirement graphs was prepared for easy application. These graphs were plotted as functions of design rainfall, thickness of surface course layer, width of pavement, and longitudinal and cross slopes.
Speeding Up Commuter Rail Service; Comparative Actual Performance of Train and Station Platform Designs
Authors: Morlok Edward K. , Nitzberg Bradley F.
Published: May 2007

Speeding up commuter rail service can be achieved by various design changes in trains or stations or both. An analysis was conducted of the effect of a car design intended to achieve low station dwell times, which are termed short dwell time entranceways (SDE). Actual timetable data from commuter rail systems of different design to estimate the time saving from using SDEs compared with traditional end vestibule entranceways (EVE) were used. A new procedure was developed to characterize speed (or run time) performance of trains that accounts for differences among run characteristics (e.g., station spacing, speed limits). The validity of the procedure is assessed, and its usefulness as a complement to train performance simulators is discussed. The lines analyzed had speed limits averaging 60 mph (96.6 km/h) and average station stop spacings of 1.25 mi (2.01 km) to 5.0 mi (8.04 km). The time saving resulting from SDEs versus EVEs at low-level platforms is slightly more than 5% at the shortest station spacing, about 2% at the longest. These gains approximate those from electrification retaining the EVE car design. Thus, car design to achieve low dwell time is a very important option. Because EVE car designs are most prevalent on lines with a mixture of high- and lowlevel platforms, the implications for such lines, including Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility considerations, are discussed.
Automated People Mover on a University Campus: Mobility Impact Analysis
Authors: Young Stanley Ernest , Miller Richard W. , Landman E. Dean
Published: May 2007

A system to transport people into and about closely spaced activity centers continues to be an unmet need in the U.S. transportation infrastructure. New automated people movers, particularly personal rapid transit (PRT) concepts, hold tremendous potential to solve many of the mobility issues surrounding activity centers. Even as these concepts move steadily toward initial deployment, analysis tools and methodologies are lacking to compare existing mobility practice objectively with predicted practice with one of these new systems in place. Existing simulation tools are primarily limited to a single mode of transportation. Traditional ridership forecasting is mainly based on socioeconomic factors so that captive ridership can be estimated. A methodology for comparing the before-and-after effects of a proposed new transit system is introduced. The network model is multimodal and incorporates vehicle, pedestrian, and transit network and their interonnections (e.g., parking lots). Mode choice is determined simply from minimum travel time. The modeling concepts are described and applied to a midwestern university campus to evaluate the potential impact of a PRT system. Measures of system effectiveness are extracted from the model results, not just simple statistics of ridership for a particular mode of transport.
Virtual Simulation of Statewide Intermodal Freight Traffic
Authors: Tan Aaron , Bowden Royce , Zhang Yunglong
Published: May 2007

While freight transportation needs are growing, there is a concern that planning tools available today will be insufficient to provide a systemwide view that is needed to examine all modes of transportation, including intermodal. Many existing tools are either mode oriented or too microscopic in scope. No comprehensive tool considers the level of performance of the total system—an important consideration because of the many interdependencies between resources. In some cases, optimizing just a particular component of the transportation network could result in suboptimization of the entire transportation system. A prototype Virtual Intermodal Transportation System (VITS) is presented; it simulates the movement of freight via all modes on a statewide level. Detailed submodels can be designed to enable planners to analyze the overall impact of decisions made on critical transportation resources such as ports and their connectors. The general processes of building the VITS prototype, the results from a hypothetical case study, and potential improvements to the methodology are also discussed.
Current Challenges for Intermodal Freight Transport and Logistics in Europe and the United States
Authors: Zografos Konstantinos G. , Regan Amelia C.
Published: May 2007

The current issues and challenges related to the large-scale implementation of intermodal freight transportation systems in the United States and Europe are addressed, and open research issues and challenges are identified. As congestion and environmental impacts continue to worsen, intermodal transportation will continue to increase in importance. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a research agenda for an in-depth study of intermodal freight and logistics issues in the European Union and the United States.
Novel Approach for Characterization of Unbound Materials
Authors: Khogali Walaa E. I. , Mohamed El-Hussein H.
Published: May 2007

The current inclination toward establishing a mechanistic pavement analysis scheme to support rehabilitation design will require adopting mechanical materials properties. Mechanistic properties are needed for establishing the material-mechanics link, which represents the most effective approach for accurately predicting the response of road structures and their performance. Physical characteristics served early design practices with a common understanding among users that a more robust approach is needed to address rehabilitation design requirements effectively. Current attempts to improve material characterization based on the outcome of mechanical tests focusing on unbound materials are discussed. It is concluded that simplifying assumptions built in the proposed testing schemes and the manner in which these properties are determined overlooked other critical behavior indicators. Results of field and laboratory investigations highlight the need for capturing permanent deformation, and a more effective characterization technique for unbound material is described. Following this new approach, conventional resilient modulus and permanent deformation determinations were examined for a variety of native soils and processed material (crushed stones). Implementation of the new characterization technique in analytical models is also discussed.
Geotechnical Properties of Stabilized Dredged Material from New York-New Jersey Harbor
Authors: Maher A. , Bennert T. , Jafari F. , Douglas W. S. , Gucunski N.
Published: May 2007

As a result of the ban on the disposal of contaminated dredged sediments in the New York Bight, the states of New York and New Jersey have embarked on a rigorous program of seeking environmentally friendly solutions to handling dredged material, including beneficial use of stabilized dredged material (SDM) in roadway applications. A pilot study was initiated in 1998 to construct two embankments on a site in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where SDM was successfully used as a cover for more than 100 acres of commercial development area. The pilot study included a laboratory phase for geotechnical evaluation of SDM and a field phase for monitoring and evaluating the construction process as well as the performance of the fills after construction. The results of the laboratory phase indicate that SDM satisfies most geotechnical criteria for fill construction—except those for durability—requiring proper coverage and protection similar to those provided for fills constructed on cohesive soils.
Soil Moisture Deficit Analysis
Authors: Nevels James B.
Published: May 2007

In the explanation of shrinkage phenomena in soils, use of the soil moisture deficit concept has proved to be a valuable method. The ratio between soil moisture deficit and vertical shrinkage is known as the water shrinkage factor. If both of these values are known for a soil, the associated shrinkage can be determined. Data from a recent case history were used in a parametric evaluation of the soil moisture deficit calculation. Moisture content profiles and their relationship to the moisture deficit were examined. This study includes a brief review of the field capacity concept from the soil science discipline and how it relates to soil moisture deficit and shows instead the relationship between the ending equilibrium moisture content normally used in unsaturated soil mechanics and the soil moisture deficit. The equilibrium moisture content is related to low matric suctions. Because of the occurrence of persistent soil moisture deficits, it is difficult to arrive at seasonal changes in moisture content profile on the wet side. This study predicted the moisture content profiles equivalent to the ending equilibrium moisture content and concludes by presenting an example of the calculations of the cumulative soil moisture deficit and cumulative soil shrinkage. A comparison of cumulative soil moisture deficit and shrinkage between two control profiles in the example ranged from 63.0 to 83.5 mm and from 16.1 to 21 mm, respectively.
Essential and Plastic Works of Ductile Fracture in Asphalt Binders
Authors: Andriescu Adrian , Hesp Simon A. M. , Youtcheff John S.
Published: May 2007

Currently, no satisfactory asphalt binder test method exists that can relate properties measured in the laboratory to fatigue performance in service. The loss modulus of the binder, G*sinδ, as proposed by the Strategic Highway Research Program, is a rheological parameter that measures the energy dissipated within the homogeneous binder at low strains under dynamic conditions. A number of publications have reported that this binder parameter provides little correlation with the susceptibility of the asphalt concrete to fracture at high strains in the nonlinear regime under simulated in-service conditions. The essential work of the fracture method, an energy-based testing approach used for the fracture characterization of ductile materials, was explored. Given that asphalt is a ductile material at ambient temperatures, it is only reasonable to assume that the essential work of fracture method yields valuable information with likely use in fatigue performance ranking. The binders investigated showed a wide range of essential and plastic works of fracture at ambient temperature and a single rate of loading. Although only six binders were evaluated, their works of fracture were contrasted with other properties.
Role of Bending Beam Rheometer Parameters in Thermal Stress Calculations
Authors: Marasteanu Mihai O.
Published: May 2007

The development of the Strategic Highway Research Program lowtemperature binder specifications was based on the observation that asphalt mixture creep stiffness at 2 h correlated well with instances of transverse cracking. With the correlation extended to asphalt binder stiffness and with time-temperature superposition, a maximum stiffness value was imposed on the binders, and a limiting temperature at which the stiffness at 60 s reached the limiting value was selected as a specification criterion. In addition, the slope at 60 s of the stiffness-versus-time curve on a double logarithmic scale, the so-called m-value, was introduced as an additional criterion. The role played by the stiffness and the m-value in the development of thermal stresses in asphalt pavements was investigated. The analysis showed that thermal stress magnitude was strongly related to the stiffness magnitude. At similar stiffness levels, higher m-values resulted in the faster development of thermal stresses.
Performance of Modified Asphalt Binders with Identical High-Temperature Performance Grades but Varied Polymer Chemistries
Authors: Stuart Kevin D. , Mogawer Walaa S. , Youtcheff Jack S.
Published: May 2007

The rutting resistances of mixtures that contain polymer-modified asphalt binders with identical performance grades but varied polymer chemistries were evaluated. Eleven asphalt binders were obtained for this study: two unmodified asphalt binders, an air-blown asphalt binder, and eight polymer-modified asphalt binders. Five binders used in a prior study also were included. Asphalt binder properties were measured with a dynamic shear rheometer. Mixture rutting resistance was measured by ( a) the shear modulus, G*, and the Superpave® binder rutting factor, G*/sinδ; ( b) cumulative permanent shear strain (CPSS); ( c) the rut depths from the French pavement rutting tester (French PRT); and ( d) the creep slopes from the Hamburg wheel-tracking device. CPSS and rut depths from the French PRT were the primary mixture tests because they were specifically developed to measure rutting resistance under dry conditions. The high-temperature properties of the 11 asphalt binders had a high correlation to mixture rutting resistance as measured by the CPSSs. A weak correlation was found using the French PRT. Both correlations were high when the data from all 16 asphalt binders and mixtures were analyzed. The number of discrepancies between the high-temperature properties of the asphalt binders and mixture rutting resistance was low. A change in high-temperature performance grade from 70 to 76 significantly increased rutting resistance based on both mixture tests.
Effect of compatibilizer on micromehanical deformations and morphology of dispersion in PP/PDMS blend
Authors: Prakashan K. , Gupta A. K. , Maiti S. N.
Published: May 2007

Role of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP‐g‐MAH) in interface modification in polypropylene (PP)/poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) elastomer blend has been investigated in this article through its effects on morphology of dispersion, micromechanical deformations such as voiding, crazing, shear yielding, fibrillation, and tensile behavior. During tensile deformation, PP/PDMS blend without the compatibilizer showed debonding at the elastomer‐matrix interface and it induced shear yielding and subsequently fibrillation in the matrix. The compatibilizer improved the interfacial adhesion between the PDMS domains and PP matrix, which prevented the debonding at elastomer‐matrix interface and the resulting shear yielding, and fibrillation was absent and rather caused extensive crazing in the matrix. Addition of PP‐g‐MAH reduced the size of dispersed PDMS domains, and narrowed the domain size distribution, which is attributed as an effect of interfacial adhesion produced by PP‐g‐MAH. Stress–strain curve and fibrillation also show similar effect of the interfacial adhesion caused by the compatibilizer. All these observations consistently lead to conclude that PP‐g‐MAH acts as a good compatibilizer for PP/PDMS blend. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
The straight‐chain segment length distribution in xerogels of UHMWPE, which provide high drawability of gel‐derived fibers
Authors: Pakhomov P. , Galitsyn V. , Khizhnyak Svetlana , Tshmel A.
Published: May 2007

A series of ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight reactor powders with different technological prehistory were utilized for obtaining fibers through the gel technology. The fibers prepared from some powders exhibited high draw ratios and good mechanical properties (Young's modulus and tensile stress) but other powders yielded fibers of very low drawability. The low‐frequency Raman study revealed that the straight‐chain‐segment (SCS) length distributions in dried gels prepared from powders of “drawable” group are bimodal, while the gels issued from powders unsuitable for fiber drawing have unimodal length distributions of SCS. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
The diverse functions of Krüppel‐like factors 4 and 5 in epithelial biology and pathobiology
Authors: McConnell Beth B. , Ghaleb Amr M. , Nandan Mandayam O. , Yang Vincent W.
Published: May 2007

The Krüppel‐like factors (KLFs) comprise a family of evolutionarily conserved zinc finger transcription factors that regulate numerous biological processes including proliferation, differentiation, development and apoptosis. KLF4 and KLF5 are two closely related members of this family and are both highly expressed in epithelial tissues. In the intestinal epithelium, KLF4 is expressed in terminally differentiated epithelial cells at the villus borders of the mucosa and inhibits cell growth, while KLF5 is expressed in proliferating epithelial cells at the base of the intestinal crypts and promotes cell growth. KLF4 and KLF5 respond to a myriad of external stress stimuli and are likely involved in restoring cellular homeostasis following exposure to stressors. Confirming their importance in maintaining tissue integrity, KLF4 and KLF5 are both dysregulated in various types of cancer. Here we review the recent advances in defining the physiological and pathobiological roles of KLF4 and KLF5, focusing on their functions in the intestinal epithelium. BioEssays 29:549–557, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the Electronic States of S4+ and S4‐ Isomers.
Authors: Sormova Hanka , Linguerri Roberto , Rosmus Pavel , Fabian Juergen , Komiha Najia
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Synthesis of a Family of Solids Through the Building‐Block Approach: A Case Study with Ag+ Substitution in the Ternary Na—Ge—Se System.
Authors: Choudhury Amitava , Strobel Sabine , Martin Benjamin R. , Karst Angela L. , Dorhout Peter K.
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Strecker Reactions of Chiral N‐Acylhydrazones.
Authors: Ding Hui , Friestad Gregory K.
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Pd/P(t‐Bu)3: A Mild Catalyst for Selective Reduction of Alkenes under Transfer‐Hydrogenation Conditions.
Authors: Brunel Jean Michel
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Diastereomeric Fluoroolefins as Peptide Bond Mimics Prepared by Asymmetric Reductive Amination of α‐Fluoroenones.
Authors: Dutheuil Guillaume , Couve‐Bonnaire Samuel , Pannecoucke Xavier
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Novel Boronic Acid Mannich Reactions of α,α‐Dichloro‐ and α,α,ω‐Trichloroaldehydes with Arylboronic Acids.
Authors: Stas Sara , Tehrani Kourosch Abbaspour
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Naturally Occurring α‐Amino Acid Catalyzed Coupling of Carbon Dioxide with Epoxides to Afford Cyclic Carbonates.
Authors: Qi Chaorong , Jiang Huanfeng , Wang Zhaoyang , Zou Bo , Yang Shaorong
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Synthesis of Novel 3,5,7‐Triaryl‐5,6‐dihydro‐4H‐1,2,5‐triazepines.
Authors: Ravindran Gurusamy , Muthusubramanian Shanmugam , Selvaraj Sanguvan , Perumal Subbu
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
The Oxorhenium(VII)‐Catalyzed Direct Condensation of Phosphoric Acid with an Alcohol.
Authors: Sakakura Akira , Katsukawa Mikimoto , Ishihara Kazuaki
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Lewis Acid Catalyzed Ring‐Opening Reactions of Methylenecyclopropanes with Diphenylphosphine Oxide in the Presence of Sulfur or Selenium.
Authors: Shi Min , Jiang Min , Liu Le‐Ping
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Synthesis of Fluorinated Glutamic Acid Derivatives via Vinylalumination.
Authors: Ramachandran P. Veeraraghavan , Madhi Sateesh , O'Donnell Martin J.
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Synthesis of Some Glycosylated Derivatives of 2‐Deoxy‐2‐fluoro‐β‐laminaribiosyl Fluoride: Another Success for Glycosynthases.
Authors: Scaffidi Adrian , Stick Robert V. , Stubbs Keith A.
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Novel Synthesis of Carbamate‐Linked Oligosaccharides by a Modified Curtius Rearrangement.
Authors: Sawada Daisuke , Sasayama Shinya , Takahashi Hideyo , Ikegami Shiro
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Total Synthesis of (‐)‐Pramanicin.
Authors: Aoki Shin‐ya , Tsukude Taro , Miyazaki Yukari , Takao Ken‐ichi , Tadano Kin‐ichi
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Synthesis of 3d Metallic Single‐Molecule Magnets
Authors: Aromi Guillem , Brechin Euan K.
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
The Combined Use of Microwaves and Ultrasound: Improved Tools in Process Chemistry and Organic Synthesis
Authors: Cravotto Giancarlo , Cintas Pedro
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Pathophysiological Actions of Protease‐Activated Receptors (PARs)
Authors: Pandya N. M. , Jain S. M. , Santani D. D.
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Immunoglobulins: Basic Considerations
Authors: Mix Eilhard , Goertsches Robert , Zettl Uwe K.
Published: May 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
The influence of an audience upon the reactions to filmed violence
Authors: Leyens Jacques‐Philippe , Herman Ginette , Dunand Muriel
Published: May 2007

In order to examine audience effects when viewing firmed violence, 5 to 6 year old pre‐school boys who had been rated as submissive by their teachers watched an aggressive or a neutral movie either alone, accompanied by another submissive classmate, or a dominant one. Subsequent aggression against a frustrating, unknown and unseen boy was delivered via a modified Buss machine, especially adapted for children. Subjects accompanied by a dominant peer were more aggressive than the others but did not react differentially to the movies. Subjects tested alone were more aggressive after the violent film than after the neutral one and the opposite pattern occurred for the boys accompanied by a submissive classmate. These findings stress the importance of the social context when viewing filmed violence. It is suggested that the quality of the audience can have different directional (e.g. fear and aggression) as well as energizing properties. Links with the literature on social facilitation and audience effects are underlined.
Forum and focus: A personal view of European Social Psychology
Authors: Jaspars Jos
Published: May 2007

The article presents a personal history of European social psychology as advanced by the European Association of Experimental Social Psychology during the last twenty years. It is argued that this association did indeed create a new forum for European social psychologists through organizing summerschools, general meetings, workshops, east—west conferences and through the foundation of a scientific journal and a series of monographs. The Association may also have promoted a different perspective in social psychological research by emphasizing more the collective nature of social behaviour rather than interpersonal processes and by favouring substance over method.