cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of crumb rubber on viscosity of rubberized asphalt binders containing wax additives

Abstract Viscous properties of rubberized asphalt binders containing wax additive were evaluated through the rotational viscometer at 135 °C and 120 °C. Rubberized binders were produced with three percentages (10%, 15%, and 20% by the weight of binder), and then mixed with two commercial wax additives. Three different periods of 30, 120, and 240 min were applied to the rotational viscosity test to evaluate the viscous properties depending on testing time. The viscosity changes by different time periods were drawn in time versus viscosity curve. From the results, it is concluded that (1) the addition of crumb rubber significantly increases the binder viscosity, (2) the wax additives are effective to reduce the binder viscosities at both testing temperatures, (3) all the viscosity values of rubberized binders are observed to increase after certain time, regardless of the addition of wax additives, (4) the higher the rubber contents, the steeper the viscosity change over time, and (5) the rubberized mixes with wax additive are expected to have a better haul management, based on the less viscosity increase over time.
The Husbandry of the Wild

Like winds and sunsets, wild things were taken for granted until progress began to do away with them. Now we face the question whether a still higher "standard of living" is worth its cost in things natural, wild, and free. For us of the minority, the opportunity to see geese is more important than television, and the chance to find a pasque-flower is a right as inalienable as free speech. These wild things, I admit, had little human value until mechan ization assured us of a good breakfast, and until science disclosed the drama of where they came from and how they live. The whole con flict boils down to a question of degree. We of the minority see a law of diminishing returns in progress; our opponents do not.
A Parameter Estimation Procedure for a Partially Observed Replacement Problem

We present, for a partially observed Markovian replacement problem, a recursive parameter estimation algorithm that can take into account an arbitrary (random) number of observations made in each regenerative cycle. The algorithm updates the parameter estimate only after replacement times. Convergence with probability one (w.p.1) is established by using the `ordinary differential equation' (ODE) method. Rates of convergence and asymptotic relative efficiencies are considered by means of a diffusion approximation procedure.
Cascade correlation: derivation of a more numerically stable update rule

Discusses the weight update rule in the cascade correlation neural net learning algorithm. The weight update rule implements gradient descent optimization of the correlation between a new hidden unit's output and the previous network's error. The author presents a derivation of the gradient of the correlation function and shows that his resulting weight update rule results in slightly faster training. The author also shows that the new rule is mathematically equivalent to the one presented in the original cascade correlation paper and discusses numerical issues underlying the difference in performance. Since a derivation of the cascade correlation weight update rule was not published, this paper should be useful to those who wish to understand the rule.
Specialization and integration of brain responses to object recognition and location detection

Visual information is processed in the brain primarily through two distinct pathways, the dorsal and the ventral visual streams. The present functional magnetic resonance imaging study investigated the specialization and integration of dorsal and ventral streams using tasks of object recognition and location detection. The study included 22 healthy adult volunteers who viewed stimuli consisting of grayscale photographs of common household objects presented in blocked design. Participants were asked to either recognize an object or to locate its position. While the location detection task elicited greater activation in the dorsal visual stream, recognizing objects showed greater activation in the middle occipital gyri, left inferior temporal gyrus, and in the left inferior frontal gyrus. The integration between dorsal and ventral brain areas was stronger during location detection than during object recognition. In addition, a principal components analysis found preliminary evidence for a group of regions, such as frontal and parietal cortex, working together in this task. Overall, the results of this study indicate the existence of specialized modules for object recognition and location detection, and possible interactions between areas beyond the visual cortex that may play a role in such tasks.
Physics of the Space Environment: Airglow and Aurora

Humanity has always been fascinated by atmospheric sources of light. The first records of auroras date back thousands of years to biblical, Greek, and Chinese documents. The name aurora borealis (latin for northern dawn) was coined by the French mathematician and astronomer, P. Gassendi, who described a spectacular event observed in southern France on September 12, 1621. Airglow was discovered in 1901 by Newcomb who explained it as light from stars too faint to be seen individually. It was not before the 1930s that scientists realized that the source of the faint “light of the night sky” must be zodiacal light and atmospheric luminescence. Figure 9.1 shows a photograph of a spectacular aurora. Both aurora and airglow are caused by excitation of atmospheric species followed by subsequent radiation of photons. They are, however, quite different in terms of excitation mechanisms, temporal and spatial characteristics, intensity, and dominant emissions. Airglow is the amorphous, faint optical radiation continuously emitted in wavelengths from the far UV to near infrared (but excluding thermal emissions in the long wavelength infrared). The Earth's airglow mainly originates from discrete atomic and molecular transitions (an exception is a weak continuum in the green). Airglow is mainly caused by three fundamental processes: direct scattering of sunlight, emissions associated with ionization and recombination, and radiation associated with neutral photochemistry.
Conception and implementation of digital government projects: the role of knowledge transfer

This paper examines digital government projects at the group level. I argue that knowledge transfer plays a crucial role in the conception and implementation of digital government projects. Empirical data from four case studies in the US and Switzerland give insights into the structure, interaction patterns, content, and process of knowledge sharing in the projects.
The role of anthocyanins for photosynthesis of Alaskan arctic evergreens during snowmelt.

Abstract The period during spring Snowmelt represents a challenging time for arctic tundra evergreens. As a result of relatively clear skies and increasing solar zeniths, radiation loads can be high, even under snow cover, while air and soil temperatures may be very low. Anthocyanin pigmentation is a prominent feature of most tundra evergreens during the spring melt. We suggest that these anthocyanins protect plants from photodamage at this critical period. The patterns of anthocyanin production and occurrence in tundra evergreen plants are compatible with light screening by these pigments. Anthocyanins are located in the outer palisade cells, consistent with protection of the photosynthetic tissues from radiation. Anthocyanin concentrations increase while plants remain under snow cover and attain their maximum shortly after Snowmelt in the spring, when radiation levels are highest but temperatures remain low. Photosynthetic activity is present under the snow in tundra evergreen plants, and is similar in pattern to anthocyanin concentrations, increases as depth of snow cover declines. Anthocyanin content declines once temperatures increase during the growing season, but increase again with the occurrence of fall frost at the end of the growing season. Variation in anthocynanin pigmentation is related to plant microsite (exposure to light) and leaf cohort; leaves with high nitrogen (exposed or young leaves) have higher anthocyanin concentrations. We believe this light screening strategy is an important aspect of the acquisition of carbon reserves for many tundra evergreen plants during the short growing season.
Interplay effect of angular dependence and calibration field size of MapCHECK 2 on RapidArc quality assurance

The purpose of this study is to investigate an effect of angular dependence and calibration field size of MapCHECK 2 on RapidArc QA for 6, 8, 10, and 15 MV. The angular dependence was investigated by comparing MapCHECK 2 measurements in MapPHAN-MC2 to the corresponding Eclipse calculations every 10° using 10× 10 cm2 and 3 × 3 cm2 fields. Fourteen patients were selected to make RapidArc plans using the four energies, and verification plans were delivered to two phantom setups: MapCHECK 2/MapPHAN phantom (MapPHAN QA) and MapCHECK 2 on an isocentric mounting fixture (IMF QA). Migration of MapCHECK 2 on IMF was simulated by splitting arcs every 10° and displacing an isocenter of each partial arc in the Eclipse system (IMFACTUAL QA). To investigate the effect of calibration field size, MapCHECK 2 was calibrated by two field sizes (10 × 10 cm2 and 3 × 3 cm2) and applied to all QA measurements. The γ test was implemented using criteria of 1%/1 mm, 2%/2 mm, and 3%/3 mm. A mean dose of all compared points for each plan was compared with respect to a mean effective field size of the RapidArc plan. The angular dependence was considerably high at gantry angles of 90° ± 10° and 270° ± 10° (for 10 × 10/3 × 3 cm2 at 90°, 30.6% ± 6.6%/33.4%± 5.8% (6 MV), 17.3% ± 5.3%/15.0% ± 6.8% (8 MV), 8.9%± 2.9%/7.8% ± 3.2% (10 MV), and 2.2% ± 2.3%/-1.3% ± 2.6% (15 MV)). For 6 MV, the angular dependence significantly deteriorated the γ passing rate for plans of large field size in MapPHAN QA ( 95%). The different calibration field sizes did not make any significant dose difference for both MapPHAN QA and IMFACTUAL QA. For 8, 10, and 15 MV, the angular dependence does not make any clinically meaningful impact on MapPHAN QA. Both MapPHAN QA and IMFACTUAL QA presented clinically acceptable γ passing rates using 3%/3 mm. MapPHAN QA showed better passing rates than IMFACTUAL QA for the tighter criteria. The 10 × 10 cm2 calibration showed better agreement for plans of small effective field size (< 5 × 5 cm2) in MapPHAN QA. There was no statistical difference between IMF QA and IMFACTUAL QA. In conclusion, MapPHAN QA is not recommended for plans of large field size, especially for 6 MV, and MapCHECK2 should be calibrated using a field size similar to a mean effective field size of a RapidArc plan for better agreement for IMF QA.
Industrial robotic game playing: an AI course

A unique approach to teaching a general purpose Artificial Intelligence (AI) course is presented in this paper. The course provides an active learning environment which strengthens traditional AI concepts through a semester long industrial robotic game playing project. It requires an industrial robotics laboratory that includes robotic arms which are available for students to use. Several foundational topics related to AI are implemented by the students on an actual robotic arm, including basic robotic coordinate systems and transformations, game playing algorithms, image segmentation, and feed forward neural networks.
RNA-Guided Genome Editing in Plants Using a CRISPR–Cas System

Precise and straightforward methods to edit the plant genome are much needed for functional genomics and crop improvement. Recently, RNA-guided genome editing using bacterial Type II cluster regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated nuclease (Cas) is emerging as an efficient tool for genome editing in microbial and animal systems. Here, we report the genome editing and targeted gene mutation in plants via the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Three guide RNAs (gRNAs) with a 20-22-nt seed region were designed to pair with distinct rice genomic sites which are followed by the protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM). The engineered gRNAs were shown to direct the Cas9 nuclease for precise cleavage at the desired sites and introduce mutation (insertion or deletion) by error-prone non-homologous end joining DNA repairing. By analyzing the RNA-guided genome-editing events, the mutation efficiency at these target sites was estimated to be 3-8%. In addition, the off-target effect of an engineered gRNA-Cas9 was found on an imperfectly paired genomic site, but it had lower genome-editing efficiency than the perfectly matched site. Further analysis suggests that mismatch position between gRNA seed and target DNA is an important determinant of the gRNA-Cas9 targeting specificity, and specific gRNAs could be designed to target more than 90% of rice genes. Our results demonstrate that the CRISPR-Cas system can be exploited as a powerful tool for gene targeting and precise genome editing in plants.
Distribution of Clinical Mastitis Among Quarters of the Bovine Udder

Clinical mastitis episodes occurring from 1962 through 1991 in the Louisiana State University Dairy Research Herd were studied to determine the distribution of clinical mastitis among quarters of the udder. Data were detailed records of all mastitis episodes that occurred during 1630 Holstein lactations. Incidence of episodes, categorized according to which quarters within a cow were clinical for a given case, were compared with mathematical expectations based upon the assumption that quarters were independent. Results indicated that quarters within a cow were more alike with respect to clinical mastitis than would be expected if quarters were independent. More episodes occurred in which either no quarters or all four quarters were clinical. Deviation of observed frequencies from expectation could have resulted from generalized cow differences, such as cow milk yield, immune competency, mammary type characteristics, and general health. Front quarters had less clinical mastitis than rear quarters when all episodes were considered. No difference was observed in incidence between front and rear quarters when only first episodes in first lactations were considered. No difference was observed between incidence in left and right quarters. Diagonal pairs occurred less often than expected and at about half the frequency of other pairs. Dependence between quarters should be taken into consideration when experiments are designed and analyzed.
EMP simulators and public safety: an analysis

Effects produced by electromagnetic fields from exoatmospheric nuclear detonations, known as electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) and devices, which simulate these EMPs are analyzed for their potential danger to human beings in contact with large energy collectors. Comparison is made with ANSI guidelines established for radio-frequency electromagnetic fields.
OO design in compiling an OO language

Object-oriented languages have been moving into the mainstream of the undergraduate curriculum at an accelerating rate. We have developed a one semester compilers course centered on object-oriented languages. In this paper we discuss some of the major topic changes and technical changes dictated by the shift to object orientation. In particular, we show how to apply object-oriented design and the Visitor design pattern to the problem of implementing a multipass compiler for an object-oriented language.
NMDA-receptors 1 and 2A/B coassembly increased in human epileptic focal cortical dysplasia.

Summary: Purpose: This study was designed to quantify the relation between expressions of NMDA receptor (NMDAR) subunits (1 and 2A/B) and the epileptogenicity in human focal cortical dysplasia. Methods: Immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation were used to quantify these receptor subunits in tissue resected from EEG-verified epileptic and distal nonepileptic frontal cortical areas in each of three patients as determined by chronic subdural electrode recordings. In each patient, adjacent sections were immunostained to verify that the numbers of dysplastic neurons were greater in epileptic than in nonepileptic cortex. Results: In all patients, NMDAR2A/B expressions and their coassemblies with NMDAR1 were increased in epileptic dysplastic cortex compared with the relatively normal appearing nonepileptic cortex. For all three patients, there were no significant differences in NMDAR1 protein expressions between the two EEG groups. Conclusions: These results suggest that increased NMDAR1-NMDAR2A/B coassembly contributes to hyperexcitability in dysplastic cortical neurons and focal seizure onsets.
Texture in evaporated Ag thin films and its evolution during encapsulation process

Abstract The texture components of Ag films in evaporated Ag/Ti bilayers have been quantitatively characterized by X-ray pole figure analysis. The effect of an encapsulation process at elevated temperatures on the texture evolution has been explored as well. Both 〈111〉 and 〈511〉 fiber texture components were observed in the Ag films. The maximum 〈111〉 intensity is along the fiber axis that is parallel to the film normal and the maximum 〈511〉 intensity deviates slightly from the fiber axis by 1–2°. The latter component is attributed to the twinning of 〈111〉 oriented grains. The volume fraction and maximum intensity of the 〈111〉 texture are further enhanced by the encapsulation process as opposed to the reduced volume fractions of 〈511〉 and randomly oriented grains. Compared to the Al and Cu films processed under comparable conditions, the Ag films possess a stronger 〈111〉 texture intensity, a sharper distribution of 〈111〉 texture about the fiber axis, and a lower volume fraction of randomly oriented grains. Therefore, an improved electromigration resistance is expected in Ag films. Low resistivity values (1.7–2.2 μΩ cm) were obtained in the encapsulated Ag films as well as the as-deposited Ag films.
Resilience criteria and factors associated with resilience in sexually abused girls

Alternative measures of resilience and correlates of resilience were examined in a sample of 43 sexually abused girls who were assessed using a self-administered interview at the time of intake for psychotherapy. Results indicated relatively high levels of disagreement as to which girls were resilient using maintenance of social competence and absence of clinical levels of symptomatology as alternative criteria. Most girls that had maintained age-normative levels of social competence were, nonetheless, manifesting clinically significant levels of symptoms. A warm and supportive relationship with a nonoffending parent was a strong correlate of resilience, regardless of which criteria was used. Lower levels of abuse related stress, fewer negative cognitive appraisals of the abusive relationship, and less reliance on aggressive coping behaviors were also significant predictors of resilience based on the absence of clinical levels of symptomatology. However, parental support and level of abuse stress were the only two variables to enter a logistic regression model predicting resilience. The research and clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Algorithms for Maximizing Printhead Utility Using Histogram Equalization

This paper presents algorithms for extending the life of thermal array printheads. A major cause of thermal element fatigue is the uneven use of the print elements, which is due to the uneven dot distribution requirements in printing alphanumerics. To obtain a nearly uniform dot utilization an optimum algorithm for shifting the printed text was developed on a page basis. To this end, first, means were developed to determine the dot distribution of a given font set, second, the effect of printshifting by a few dot rows on the overall distribution was studied and third, algorithms were developed that lead to optimum printshifting. Finally, it is shown that with simple shifting strategies, the printhead life can be extended by about 105% at a negligible software cost.
Photoperiodic response in the soft tick, Ornithodoros turicata.

The effects of photoperiod on the feeding, development and quiescent behavior of the burrow-dwelling soft tick, Ornithodoros turicata (Duges) were investigated. Ticks were assigned randomly to either continuous darkness (DD), a short-day photoperiod (L:D 10:14), a long-day photoperiod (L:D 14:10) or constant light (LL). Ticks reared under constant light succumbed to much higher mortality than those reared under the other conditions. However, photoperiod did not induce quiescent behavior in O. turicata; the ticks were active and fed regularly throughout the study. Also, ticks reared in continuous darkness developed more slowly than those reared under short-day or long-day conditions. In contrast, pre-oviposition period was significantly longer for ticks reared in long-day conditions. Egg-hatch success was significantly higher for ticks reared in continuous darkness than for those reared under the photoperiods. The stage-specific effects of photoperiod on O. turicata are adaptive; these ticks very likely utilize photoperiod information to predict seasonal conditions.
Effect of testosterone on muscle protein synthesis in myotonic dystrophy

Muscle wasting in myotonic dystrophy may result from decreased muscle anabolic processes rather than from increased catabolism. Male patients with myotonic dystrophy often have low levels of circulating androgens, and androgen administration has been shown to increase their muscle mass. We have studied the effect of testosterone enanthate administration (3 mg/kg weekly for 3 months) on muscle and whole body protein synthesis in 6 male patients with myotonic dystrophy. Muscle protein synthesis was estimated from the rate of isotope incorporation into muscle protein obtained by quadriceps muscle biopsy during a primed continuous infusion of L-[1-13C]leucine. Testosterone administration resulted in a significant increase in muscle protein synthesis in all patients. Whole body protein synthesis did not increase, indicating that protein synthesis in other tissues may have declined. Muscle ribonucleic acid content rose significantly in response to testosterone administration, suggesting that testosterone initiated its effect by hormone receptor interaction with muscle nuclei.
Service Learning: Community Engagement and Partnership for Integrating Teaching, Research, and Service

I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve. CM Albert Schweitzer Although at ...
The social-contract model of professionalism: baby or bath water?

(2004). The Social-Contract Model of Professionalism: Baby or Bath Water? The American Journal of Bioethics: Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 33-36.
On the distinction between mass-change shift and second-order Doppler shift in the Mössbauer effect

Abstract Pound and Rebka and Josephson independently suggested mechanisms for second-order shifts in the Mossbauer effect. The difference between the two mechanisms is discussed and corrected formulas are derived.
Geometric Reasoning for Assembly Planning of Large Systems

Assembly planning is an important task for manufacturing industrial products. The ability to automate and optimize the process is crucial as it can improve the production time, cost and efficiency. In general, the planning procedure involves two main reasoning stages, one is based on geometric reasoning and the other is based on AI tree-search. In this article, a novel approach to automate the geometric reasoning stage for large assembly systems is proposed. This technique provides a fast and accurate measure of capturing feasible spatial interactions and relationships between elements of a CAD assembly with no manual interventions. These results are then used by a suite of AI planning tools to generate optimal assembly sequences. The algorithm has been tested on a variety of examples resembling real products and results show the efficiency and effectiveness of the algorithm.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Preliminary Observation: Oral Zinc Sulfate Replacement is Effective in Treating Muscle Cramps in Cirrhotic Patients

Background: While not life threatening, muscle cramps severely affect the quality of life of patients with cirrhosis.Aim: To determine whether oral zinc sulfate therapy decreases the frequency and ...
Representation of cloned genomic sequences in two sequencing vectors: correlation of DNA sequence and subclone distribution

Representation of subcloned Caenorhabditis elegans and human DNA sequences in both M13 and pUC sequencing vectors was determined in the context of large scale genomic sequencing. In many cases, regions of subclone under-representation correlated with the occurrence of repeat sequences, and in some cases the under-representation was orientation specific. Factors which affected subclone representation included the nature and complexity of the repeat sequence, as well as the length of the repeat region. In some but not all cases, notable differences between the M13 and pUC subclone distributions existed. However, in all regions lacking one type of subclone (either M13 or pUC), an alternate subclone was identified in at least one orientation. This suggests that complementary use of M13 and pUC subclones would provide the most comprehensive subclone coverage of a given genomic sequence.
Assessment of non-occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons through personal air sampling and urinary biomonitoring

Non-occupational inhalation and ingestion exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been studied in 8 non-smoking volunteers through personal air sampling and urinary biomonitoring. The study period was divided into 4 segments (2 days/segment), including weekdays with regular commute and weekends with limited traffic related exposures; each segment had a high or low PAH diet. Personal air samples were collected continuously from the subjects while at home, at work, and while commuting to and from work. All urine excretions were collected as individual samples during the study. In personal air samples, 28 PAHs were measured, and in urine samples 9 mono-hydroxylated metabolites (OH-PAHs) from 4 parent PAHs (naphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene and pyrene) were measured. Naphthalene was found at higher concentrations in air samples collected at the subjects' residences, whereas PAHs with four or more aromatic rings were found at higher levels in samples taken while commuting. Urinary OH-PAH biomarker levels increased following reported high inhalation and/or dietary exposure. On days with a low PAH diet, the total amount of inhaled naphthalene during each 24-hour period was well correlated with the amount of excreted naphthols, as was, to a lesser extent, fluorene with its urinary metabolites. During days with a high dietary intake, only naphthalene was significantly correlated with its excreted metabolite. These findings suggest that this group of non-occupational subjects were exposed to naphthalene primarily through indoor air inhalation, and exposed to other PAHs such as pyrene mainly through ingestion.
Do bone marrow micrometastases correlate with sentinel lymph node metastases in breast cancer patients

Background Sentinel lymph node biopsies (SLNB) are used to detect axillary metastases as an important prognostic indicator for breast cancer patients. Bone marrow micrometastases (BMM) have also been shown to predict prognosis. This study examines whether SLNB and BMM are associated. Study design A retrospective analysis was performed on 124 stages I to III breast cancer patients treated with mastectomy or lumpectomy, SLNB, and bone marrow aspiration between 1997 and 2003. SLNB were examined for the presence of metastases by hematoxylin and eosin (HE 95% CI=−0.03, 0.32). Conclusions There was poor agreement between axillary metastases and micrometastases detected in the bone marrow. This study suggests that BMM and axillary metastases are not concordant findings in most patients.
Reactive and proliferative changes of splenic reticulum cells of rats investigated with special staining methods and immunohistochemistry

In the rat spleen, reactive and proliferative changes of the reticulum cells are rare events and seem to occur almost exclusively in the red pulp. The normal structure of the splenic reticulum cell and fiber lattice and examples of spontaneous and induced pathological alterations were investigated by immunohistochemistry (smooth muscle-actin, vimentin, S100 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen) and special stains for extracellular fibers (silver impregnation, azan). In response to congestion, systemic tumor growth or treatment with a hematotoxic compound, the scaffold cells increased either their contractile properties or their production of extracellular fibers. Primary focal hyperplasias of stromal cells which had developed without obvious cause were characterized by vanishing of sinuses, increased fiber content, increased expression of sm-actin or foci of lipomatosis. The borders of focal hyperplasias were indistinct and they did not infiltrate the white pulp compartments. Neoplasms of the stromal reticulum cells resembled soft tissue tumors in other organs. Specific tumor entities as described in other species have so far not been observed in the rat.
Thyroxine (T4) immunoassay using a filter paper blood samples for screening of neonates for hypothyroidism.

Thyroxine (T 4 ) Immunoassay Using Filter Paper Blood Samples for Screening of Neonates for Hypothyroidism
Semiclassical Expanding Discrete Space-Times

Given the close ties between general relativity and geometry one might reasonably expect that quantum effects associated with gravitation might also be tied to the geometry of space-time, namely, to some sort of discreteness in space-time itself. In particular we suppose space-time to consist of a discrete lattice of points rather than the usual continuum. Since astronomical evidence seems to suggest that the universe is expanding, we also demand that the lattice is expanding. Some of the implications of such a model are that the proton should presently be stable, and the universe should be closed although the mechanism for closure is quantum mechanical.
Failure to comply with NCCN guidelines for the management of pancreatic cancer compromises outcomes

Introduction There are little data available regarding compliance with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines. We investigated variation in the management of pancreatic cancer (PC) among large hospitals in California, USA, specifically to evaluate whether compliance with NCCN guidelines correlates with patient outcomes.
ON THE AUTOMATIC SOLUTION OF NONLINEAR FINITE ELEMENT EQUATIONS

static analysis is presented. The procedure is designed to calculate the pre- and post-buckling/collapse response of general structures. Also, eigensolutions for calculating the linearized buckling response are discussed. The algorithms have been implemented and various experiences with the techniques are given.
Property and liability stockholder yields and accounting profits

Abstract The market rate of return and related risk of a group of 23 property-liability insurers are explored. The focus is on the return earned by the stockholders of these firms. Previous studies have only examined the accounting rate of return. This study compares the accounting rate of returns to stockholder yields. Several factors that effect the return earned by shareholders are reviewed. The average return on the property-liability stocks studies was 4.0 percentage points greater than the accounting rate of return (0.14 vs 0.10). This evidence suggests that studies based only on accounting rates of return under-estimate returns earned by property-liability shareholders. On a risk-return basis property-liability profits were found not to be significantly different from the general stock market. However, several individual firms had superior stockholder yields. The beta for the group of firms was 1.09.
Baseline heartbeat perception accuracy and short-term outcome of brief cognitive-behaviour therapy for panic disorder with agoraphobia.

Background Increased heartbeat perception accuracy (HBP-accuracy) may contribute to the pathogenesis of Panic Disorder (PD) without or with Agoraphobia (PDA). Extant research suggests that HBP-accuracy is a rather stable individual characteristic, moreover predictive of worse long-term outcome in PD/PDA patients. However, it remains still unexplored whether HBP-accuracy adversely affects patients' short-term outcome after structured cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for PD/PDA. Aim To explore the potential association between HBP-accuracy and the short-term outcome of a structured brief-CBT for the acute treatment of PDA. Method We assessed baseline HBP-accuracy using the "mental tracking" paradigm in 25 consecutive medication-free, CBT-naive PDA patients. Patients then underwent a structured, protocol-based, 8-session CBT by the same therapist. Outcome measures included the number of panic attacks during the past week, the Agoraphobic Cognitions Questionnaire (ACQ), and the Mobility Inventory-Alone subscale (MI-alone). Results No association emerged between baseline HBP-accuracy and posttreatment changes concerning number of panic attacks. Moreover, higher baseline HBP-accuracy was associated with significantly larger reductions in the scores of the ACQ and the MI-alone scales. Conclusion Our results suggest that in PDA patients undergoing structured brief-CBT for the acute treatment of their symptoms, higher baseline HBP-accuracy is not associated with worse short-term outcome concerning panic attacks. Furthermore, higher baseline HBP-accuracy may be associated with enhanced therapeutic gains in agoraphobic cognitions and behaviours.
Regeneration and growth of pioneer and shade-tolerant rain forest trees in Tonga

Abstract Size distributions were analysed for 25 tree species (4331 individuals) from among those recorded in 64 plots in the Vava'u island group, Kingdom of Tonga, in 1995. These species were assigned to four groups representing their regeneration patterns (association with either gaps or low light microsites as seedlings and/or as larger trees). The distribution of tree diameters was calculated from early‐ (n = 28) and late‐successional (n = 36) plots to determine where the species were regenerating. Six years later 1110 of these trees were remeasured. Average net growth increment was used as an estimate of growth rate, and maximum growth increment as potential growth rate, for each species. Most shade‐tolerant, late successional species had low growth rates and a lognormal size distribution in late‐successional plots, as expected. One species in this group, however, had the highest estimated average growth rate in the study. The second group of species, found in shade as seedlings but abundant as small...
Phenalenyl-based neutral radical molecular conductors: substituent effects on solid-state structures and properties.

We report the preparation, crystallization, and solid-state characterization of cycloheptyl and cyclooctyl-substituted spirobiphenalenyl radicals and the corresponding σ-dimer of the cyclooctyl derivative. The crystal structure shows that the cycloheptyl radical (9) is monomeric in the solid state, with the molecules packed in an unusual one-dimensional (1-D) fashion that we refer to as a π-chain structure, whereas the cyclooctyl variant exists both as π-dimer 10 and σ-dimer 10d. The neutral radical 9 shows the temperature-independent Pauli paramagnetism characteristic of a metal with a magnetic susceptibility, χp ≈ 4.5 × 10-4 emu/mol and is assigned a resonating valence bond (RVB) ground state. We highlight the relationship between the magnetic properties of the Heisenberg antiferromagnet and the RVB ground state in 1-D and further elucidate the electronic structure of this new class of compounds. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show that 10 is a diamagnetic π-dimer, whereas 10d is a diamagnetic σ-d...
SOCIAL SUPPORT AND COPING STYLE DIFFERENCES IN SUBJECTS HIGH AND LOW IN INTERPERSONAL TRUST

Subjects high in trust have been shown to cope more effectively with stress than subjects low in trust. To provide possible explanations of the process by which trust moderates the effects of stress, subjects high and low in trust were compared on a number of variables of social support and coping behavior. Although both groups were similar in the number of supportive transactions experienced in the last month, subjects high in trust viewed both friends and family as more supportive and engaged in more social support-seeking and less dysfunctional coping behavior than subjects low in trust. Apparently, an inability to benefit from and effectively utilize social support combined with a dysfunctional coping style make subjects low in trust more vulnerable to stressful negative life events than subjects high in trust.
Mineral resource assessments for the continental shelf of Georgia as a part of the Continental Margins Studies Program: Seismic interpretation of the phosphatic Miocene-age Hawthorne Group

Abstract Phosphate-bearing strata have long been recognized in the shallow continental shelf of the Southeastern Atlantic, including off the coast of Georgia. Prior to the Continental Margins Studies Program, these strata were poorly defined, both geographically and stratigraphically. The strata of interest are believed to be a part of the Miocene Hawthorne Group, which serves as the confining unit for the Floridan Aquifer System. This aquifer system is the major source of fresh water for coastal Georgia, South Carolina and Florida. In the event that economic phosphate deposits are found to occur, it will be imperative to define the relationship of these phosphate deposits to the aquifer. The Middle Miocene strata can easily be distinguished in seismic profiles. Characteristic continuous, strongly banded, parallel reflectors can be traced throughout the study area. The general trend of the Middle Miocene strata is a southward thickening and increasing depth. The Tybee Phosphorite Member is approximately 10 m thick in Chatham County, Georgia. Lack of lithologic information precludes a delineation of its extent and thickness seaward, but evidence does support its presence on the inner shelf.
Phosphorous-containing polymers for regenerative medicine

Disease and injury have resulted in a large, unmet need for functional tissue replacements. Polymeric scaffolds can be used to deliver cells and bioactive signals to address this need for regenerating damaged tissue. Phosphorous-containing polymers have been implemented to improve and accelerate the formation of native tissue both by mimicking the native role of phosphorous groups in the body and by attachment of other bioactive molecules. This manuscript reviews the synthesis, properties, and performance of phosphorous-containing polymers that can be useful in regenerative medicine applications.
Provider Communication and Patient Understanding of Life-Limiting Illness and Their Relationship to Patient Communication of Treatment Preferences

Medical decision making in the context of serious illness ideally involves a patient who understands his or her condition and prognosis and can effectively formulate and communicate his or her care preferences. To understand the relationships among these care processes, we analyzed baseline interview data from veterans enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of a palliative care intervention. Participants were 400 inpatient veterans admitted with a physician-estimated risk of one-year mortality more than 25%; 260 (65%) had cancer as the primary diagnosis. Patients who believed that they had a life-limiting illness (89% of sample) reported that their provider had communicated this to them more frequently than those who did not share that belief (78% vs. 22%, P<0.001). Over half (53%) of the participants reported discussing their care preferences with their providers and 66% reported such discussions with their family; 35% had a living will. In multivariate analysis, greater functional impairment was associated with patients having discussed their care preferences with providers (P<0.05), whereas patient understanding of prognosis (P<0.05), better quality of life (P<0.01), and not being African American (P<0.05) were associated with patients having discussed their care preferences with family; higher education (P<0.001), and not being African American (P<0.01) were associated with having a living will. Patients with poor understanding of prognosis are less likely to discuss care preferences with family members, suggesting the importance of provider communication with patients regarding prognosis. Because functional decline may prompt physicians to discuss prognosis with patients, patients with relatively preserved function may particularly need such communication.
Cardiac V1 And V3 Myosins Differ in Their Hydrolytic and Mechanical Activities In Vitro

The two mammalian cardiac myosin heavy chain isoforms, alpha and beta, have 93% amino acid homology, but hearts expressing these myosins exhibit marked differences in their mechanical activities. To further understand the function of these cardiac myosins as molecular motors, we compared the ability of these myosins to hydrolyze ATP and to both translocate actin filaments and generate force in an in vitro motility assay. V1 myosin has twice the actin-activated ATPase activity and three times the actin filament sliding velocity when compared with V3 myosin. In contrast, the force-generating ability of these myosins is quite different when the total force produced by a small population of myosin molecules (> 50) is examined. V1 myosin produces only one half the average cross-bridge force of V3 myosin. With discrete areas of primary structural heterogeneity known to exist between alpha and beta heavy chains, the differences we report in the hydrolytic and mechanical activities of the motors are explored in the context of potential structural and kinetic differences between the V1 and V3 myosins.
Septal myectomy after previous septal artery ablation in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVES To review our institution's experience with patients who failed to benefit from septal artery ablation, which necessitated subsequent septal myectomy, and to examine reasons for ablation failure and outcome of myectomy after ablation. PATIENTS AND METHODS Of 550 patients who underwent septal myectomy at Mayo Clinic Rochester between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2006, 16 (3%) had had a total of 22 previous septal artery ablations. This subset of 16 patients was analyzed and compared with a reference group of 120 patients whose septal artery ablations were performed at our institution during this period. Angiograms obtained during septal ablation were available for 13 (81%) of 16 patients in this series and were reviewed by 2 interventional cardiologists (R.A.N. and S.R.O.). These cardiologists also reviewed preoperative and postoperative echocardiography data, hospital course, and follow-up data to compile a list of characteristics that could have contributed to failed ablation. RESULTS The median age of the patients at operation was 65 years (interquartile range [IQR], 52-72 years), and interval between ablation and myectomy was 409 days (IQR, 162-568 days). Angiograms revealed 2 failed procedures secondary to technical error. One patient had a relatively large first septal perforator with a large resting gradient. In 10 patients no septal perforators supplying the proximal septum were identified. Postoperatively, mitral regurgitation decreased from 3.00 to 1.00 ( P P P =.04), were more likely to have preoperative permanent pace-makers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators ( P =.05), were more likely to require postoperative pacemaker placement ( P P CONCLUSION Septal myectomy performed after failed ablation improves gradient and provides excellent relief of symptoms but is associated with a higher incidence of morbidity and mortality.
‘Creating My Own Cultural and Spiritual Bubble’: Case of Cultural Consumption by Spiritual Seeker Anime Fans

The distinctive quality of Japanese animation (anime) in its descriptions of religious and spiritual realms – integrating symbols, themes, doctrines, and mythologies from various religious traditions – is a cultural manifestation of the Japanese integrative spirituality. This article demonstrates how important the religious aspect of anime is in explaining why some younger generations in the USA, who are characterized as spiritual seekers, become a loyal fan of the cultural artifacts. Anime seems to provide them with a cultural resource out of which they create their own cultural and spiritual practice, which is, they claim, not provided by the US mainstream popular culture. This article argues that since the religious aspect of anime is one of the most distinctive qualities in distinguishing itself from US pop culture, it would contribute to the more generally accepted ‘cultural difference’ account in explaining the cross-cultural popularity of anime.
Caveolin-1 suppresses Human Immunodeficiency virus-1 replication by inhibiting acetylation of NF-κB

Caveolin-1 is an integral membrane protein primarily responsible for the formation of membrane structures known as caveolae. Caveolae are specialized lipid rafts involved in protein trafficking, cholesterol homeostasis, and a number of signaling functions. It has been demonstrated that caveolin-1 suppresses HIV-1 protein expression. We found that co-transfecting cells with HIV-1 and caveolin-1 constructs, results in a marked decrease in the level of HIV-1 transcription relative to cells transfected with HIV-1 DNA alone. Correspondingly, reduction of endogenous caveolin-1 expression by siRNA-mediated silencing resulted in an enhancement of HIV-1 replication. Further, we observed a loss of caveolin-mediated suppression of HIV-1 transcription in promoter studies with reporters containing mutations in the NF-κB binding site. Our analysis of the posttranslational modification status of the p65 subunit of NF-κB demonstrates hypoacetylation of p65 in the presence of caveolin-1. Since hypoacetylated p65 has been shown to inhibit transcription, we conclude that caveolin-1 inhibits HIV-1 transcription through a NF-κB-dependent mechanism.
Experimental widths of K and L x-ray lines

Most probable values of K and L x-ray line width have been determined by constructing least-squares computer fits to the available experimental points plotted against atomic number. The numerical values of line width, thus obtained, for the K x-ray and the L x-ray lines are presented in the table. The experimental points, the least-squares smooth curves, and the results of the most recent theoretical predictions are presented in graphical form.
Potential low frequency ground vibration (<6.3 Hz) impacts from underground LRT operations

Abstract Vibration sensitive research activities at the laboratories of the University of Washington (UW) Physics and Astronomy Building (PAB) were a critical issue for the design of the Sound Transit Link Light Rail LRT system in Seattle, Washington. A study was conducted to measure and predict low frequency ground vibration generated by the LRT operations. The University's concern was an on-going research experiment in gravity, which had sensitivity to vibration below 6.3 Hz. The experiment was located on an independent concrete slab in an area cut-out from the building foundation with no connection to the building structure. Another concern was the planned future construction of a Life Sciences Center with vibration sensitive test equipment. This paper presents the results of a study to estimate the ground displacement at these buildings using empirical measured data of a similar deep tunnel transit system and finite difference modelling analysis.