cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Non-Fermi liquid behavior in Ni–Pd

Abstract Ni–Pd is investigated at the borderline from strongly enhanced paramagnetism to itinerant ferromagnetism. At approximately 2.6 at.% nickel a ferromagnetic quantum-critical point exists and the temperature dependence of the resistivity follows Δ ρ ∝ T 5/3 . In this paper we focus on the magnetic field dependence of the electrical resistivity close to this zero-temperature phase transition. The electrical resistivity reveals a transition from a non-Fermi liquid regime to a Landau Fermi-liquid, characterized by ρ = ρ 0 + AT 2 in a magnetic field of 2 T. At higher temperature long-range ferromagnetic order is induced.
Structure and growth of strained Cu films on Ru(0001)

Abstract We present X-ray scattering studies of the structure and growth of the heteroepitaxial interface Cu–Ru(0001) between 300 and 870 K. For Cu depositions of between one and two monolayers (ML), a bilayer stripe-phase coexists with domains pseudomorphic to the Ru substrate. At the completion of 2 ML, the stripe-phase wavevector abruptly locks to that of the substrate with a commensurability δ=1/16 or 1/18, depending on the temperature. Above 2 ML, a cooperative growth process leads to three-phase coexistence, including the bilayer stripe-phase and rotated and unrotated bulk-like Cu islands.
On Computational Humor

Humor is everywhere, as long as you are willing to see it, both accidental and intentional. Computers have evolved from simple calculating machines to playing chess, controlling air and space flights, and talking to humans. They are increasingly used to informally gather information from humans using human language. The paper mentions that will a computer ever understand humor as well as we do? Some people believe that humor is artificial intelligence-complete. In other words, humor is one of the most difficult problems in AI.
Selecting an artificial neural network for efficient modeling and accurate simulation of the milling process

In this paper, two supervised neural networks are used to estimate the forces developed during milling. These two Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) are compared based on a cost function that relates the size of the training data to the accuracy of the model. Training experiments are screened based on design of experiments. Verification experiments are conducted to evaluate these two models. It is shown that the Radial Basis Network model is superior in this particular case. Orthogonal design and specifically equally spaced dimensioning showed to be a good way to select the training experiments.
Multiple Objective Optimization Problems in Statistics

Many statistical problems can be viewed as optimization problems. A careful and detailed analysis of these procedures reveals that many of these problems are essentially multiple objective optimization problems. Furthermore, most of the standard statistical procedures aim at finding an efficient (non-dominated) solution. Our objective in this paper is to introduce some of the single sample statistical problems that can be formulated and solved as multiple objective optimization problems.
Molecular dynamics simulation of cellobiose in water

The conformational behavior of cellobiose was studied by molecular dynamics simulation in a periodic box of waters. Several different initial conformations were used and the results compared with equivalent vacuum simulations. The average positions and rms fluctuations within single torsional conformations of cellobiose were affected only slightly by the solvent. However, water damped local torsional librations and transitions. The conformational energies of the solute and their fluctuations were also sensitive to the presence of solvent. Intramolecular hydrogen bonding was weakened relative to that observed in vacuo due to competition with solvating waters. All cellobiose hydroxyl groups participated in intermolecular hydrogen bonds with water, with approximately eight hydrogen bonds formed per glucose ring. The hydrogen bonding was predominantly between water hydrogens and solute hydroxyl oxygens. Intermolecular hydrogen bonding to ring and bridge oxygens was seldom present. The diffusion coefficients of both water and solute agree closely with experimental values. Water interchanged rapidly between the solvating first shell and the bulk on the picosecond time scale. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Continuous monitoring systems in long island sound: Description and evaluation

During the past year an instrumentation array consisting of a savonius rotor current meter, water temperature and salinity sensor and a specially designed transmissometer has been in operation on a converted NOMAD buoy deployed in eastern Long Island Sound. This array in combination with meteorological sensors including wind speed and direction, air temperature and barometric pressure is designed to detail aperiodic storm events and to provide quantitative assessments of their effect on suspended material concentrations and mass transport. The systems characteristics and performance during its first year on station is discussed. Reliability and data accuracy is shown to be primarily limited by intense biological fouling during the summer months and mechanical fatigue produced by persistent aperiodic shock loading. To reduce fouling intensity a system using TBTO impregnated leather collars has been developed. Transmissometer window clarity can be maintained for thirty days. Current meter and conductivity probe reliability remain limited to approximately 14 days during periods of maximum fouling. The occurrence of mechanical fatigue has been reduced by redesign and in some cases replacement of the original sensor units. The overall system performance is evaluated with the results being used to establish design criteria for future coastal buoy systems.
Mathematical and computer modelling reports: Modeling and forecasting energy markets with the intermediate future forecasting system

This paper describes the Intermediate Future Forecasting System (IFFS), which is the model used to forecast integrated energy markets by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The model contains representations of supply and demand for all of the major fuels consumed in the United States, and is a partial equilibrium model containing a large number of equations and inequalities. We discuss methods for solving the models, as well as the convergence properties of the solution procedure. We also present issues associated with managing large models.
Male × female interaction for a pre-copulatory trait, but not a post-copulatory trait, among cosmopolitan populations of Drosophila melanogaster.

Sexual coevolution occurs when changes in the phenotype of one sex select for changes in the other sex. We can identify the “footprint” of this coevolution by mating males and females from different populations and testing for a male-female genotype interaction for a trait associated with male (or female) performance. Here we mated male Drosophila melanogaster from five different continents with females from their own and different continents to test for a male-female interaction for mating speed, a pre-copulatory trait, and female reproductive investment, a post-copulatory trait. We found a strong male-female interaction for mating speed, consistent with previous studies using different populations, suggesting that the potential for sexual coevolution for this trait is present in this species. In contrast, we did not detect a male-female interaction for female reproductive investment. Although a male-female interaction for mating speed is compatible with the hypothesis of ongoing sexual coevolution, the nature of our experimental design is unable to exclude alternate explanations. Thus, the evolutionary mechanisms promoting male-female genotype interactions for pre-copulatory mating traits in D. melanogaster warrant further investigation.
In situ10Be-26Al exposure ages at Meteor Crater, Arizona

A new method of dating the surface exposure of rocks from in situ production of 10Be and 26Al has been applied to determine the age of Meteor Crater, Arizona. A lower bound on the crater age of 49,200 ± 1,700 years has been obtained by this method.
EEG and anticonvulsant effects of dipropylacetic acid and dipropylacetamide in the Baboon Papio papio

Abstract The ability of dipropylacetic acid (DPA) and dipropylacetamide (DPM) to modify EEG and seizure activity was assessed in 4 female and 3 male Papio papio . Doses of 30–60 mg/kg of DPA given at intervals over an 8 h period produced blood levels of 19–44 μ/ml which were not protective against intermittent light stimulation (ILS). Administration of 150–200 mg/kg doses at intervals over a 36 h period produced blood levels greater than 150 μg/ml and were highly protective against ILS. Similar results were obtained following administration of DPM; however, DPM appeared to offer greater protection against ILS. A moderate amount of seizure control was obtained at blood levels of 60–91 μg/ml (DPA) and complete blockade occurred at levels greater than 100 μg/ml DPA. Background EEG changes were similar following either DPA or DPM and consisted of a striking increase in total spectral power with relative power changes in 10–20 c/sec range, the magnitude of which was related to blood levels of DPA. Both agents produced a quieting effect on behavior without severe depression.
Behavioral treatment of schizophrenic delusions: A single-case experimental analysis *

A 22-year-old white male who met the criteria for schizophrenia, paranoid, chronic (DSM-III 295.32) was treated via a social reinforcement-assisted cognitive intervention. Treatment sessions were designed to directly modify “strength of belief” in the validity of specific delusional ideas utilizing a collaborative style along with active avoidance of confrontation. An ABAB experimental design was used to allow assessment of changes in strength of belief as a function of presence or absence of the treatment intervention. During treatment phases, therapy sessions along with completion of a “self-therapy” log focused on repeated evaluation and interpretation of delusional beliefs. Social reinforcement was used to enhance compliance. Baseline phases included placebo control sessions. Dependent measures which showed improvement during treatment phases of the experiment were self-reports of (1) frequency and of (2) strength of belief in the validity of schizophrenic delusions, and (3) frequency of need for administration of p.r.n. medication (thorazine 100 mg) given by nursing staff blind to the experimental conditions. A three-month follow-up showed partial persistence of therapeutic gains, including apparent maintenance of acquired “metacognitive skills.” Replication studies incorporating specific treatment components are suggested.
Acute and chronic effects of the pesticide amitraz on α2-adrenoceptors in the mouse brain

There is increasing evidence to suggest that several effects of the formamidine pesticide amitraz (AMZ) in mammals are mediated by its interaction with alpha 2-adrenoceptors. AMZ has been shown to inhibit the binding of [3H]clonidine, a specific ligand for alpha 2-adrenoceptors to mouse brain in vitro and after administration in vivo. In the present study we have further investigated and characterized the effects of acute and chronic administration of AMZ on brain alpha 2-adrenoceptors in mice. AMZ caused a dose-dependent inhibition of [3H]clonidine binding. This inhibition was long-lasting (more than 48 h) following a relatively high dose of AMZ (75 mg/kg), while it was of short duration (2 h) following low doses (7.5 and 12.5 mg/kg). The time course of inhibition of [3H]clonidine binding was correlated with the plasma levels of AMZ and/or its active metabolites, measured with a novel radioreceptor binding technique. The alteration of [3H]clonidine binding was due to a decrease in alpha 2-adrenoceptor affinity, with no change in the density of binding sites, and was reversible in vitro upon repeated washing of the membrane preparation. Repeated administration of 7.5 mg/kg or 12.5 mg/kg AMZ, to yield a total dose of 75 mg/kg, showed no evidence of a cumulative effect on brain alpha 2-adrenoceptors.
Prosopography of the book and the politics of legal language in late medieval England

This article explores the intersection of book history and prosopography. It uses several case studies of copies of the medieval parliamentary statutes translated into English, together with later copies of English statutes translated into French, to argue for both thick prosopographical study of individual volumes and large, statistically based studies of books drawn from the largest possible data sets. Together, these methods amount to a new “prosopograhy of the book.” The case studies analyzed here reveal a complicated politicized relationship not only between script and print but also between French and English in the early Tudor era.
Evaluation of moisture and low-temperature cracking susceptibility of warm-mixture asphalt

This paper describes the results of a laboratory study conducted to evaluate the influence of Aspha-min® and Sasobit® additives on the behaviour of warm asphalt mixtures. Specimens were compacted at two temperatures, 100 and 145°C, and were subjected to two different testing procedures. The one-third model mobile traffic simulator and the thermal stress restrained specimen test were chosen to assess the susceptibility to moisture and thermal cracking. Results showed that warm asphalt mixtures prepared with Sasobit may be more susceptible to moisture damage, and both additives may negatively impact the low-temperature cracking performance compared with the control mixture.
Measures of functional status in community-dwelling elders.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate two performance-based measures of functional status and assess their correlation with self-report measures. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Of the 363 community-dwelling elders enrolled in a trial of comprehensive geriatric assessment who participated, all had at least one of four target conditions (urinary incontinence, depression, impaired functional status, or history of falling). MEASUREMENTS: Two performance-based measures, National Institute on Aging (NIA) Battery, and Physical Performance Test (PPT), and three self-report functional status measures, basic and intermediate activities of daily living and the Short-Form-36 (SF-36) physical functioning subscale, were used. Measures of restricted activity days, patient satisfaction and perceived efficacy were also used. MAIN RESULTS: All measures were internally consistent. There was a high correlation between the NIA and PPT (κ=0.71), while correlations between the performance-based and self-report measures ranged from 0.37 to 0.50. When patients with values above the median on the two performance-based measures were compared with those below, there were significant differences (p ≤ .0001) for age, number of medications, and the physical function, pain, general health, and physical role function SF-36 subscales. CONCLUSIONS: Performance-based measures correlated highly with each other and moderately with questionnaire-based measures. Performance-based measures also had construct validity and did not suffer from floor or ceiling effects.
Estimating equilibrated Kt/V from an intradialytic sample: Effects of access and cardiopulmonary recirculations

The Smye method has been proposed to estimate the equilibrated post-dialysis BUN based on an additional intradialytic sample obtained approximately one hour into dialysis. However, the effects of access recirculation (AR) and cardiopulmonary recirculation (CPR) on the Smye computation and the corresponding details of how blood is sampled have not been studied. We examined the accuracy of two variations of the Smye technique. In one method, the intradialytic and postdialysis blood samples were obtained at full blood flow. In the other, the samples were obtained after two minutes of slow flow, to obviate the effects of both AR and CPR. Seventeen patients undergoing high efficiency dialysis and three- to four-hour treatment times were studied, in whom substantial AR was excluded based on two-minute slow flow urea rebound measurements during and just after dialysis. In this group equilibrated Kt/V (eKt/V) values computed using the Smye-derived equilibrated postBUN estimates (full flow samples, 1.22 +/- 0.058 SEM, slow flow samples, 1.23 +/- 0.064) were similar to eKt/V calculated from the 30-minute postdialysis BUN specimen (1.23 +/- 0.049, P = NS). In eight other patients with severe AR (mean 35% +/- 4.5), the accuracy of the full flow Smye estimates was poor when the degree of AR was not constant throughout the dialysis session. Accuracy of the slow flow Smye estimates of eKt/V was unaffected by the presence of severe AR. One advantage of using the full flow Smye method, however, was that a large delta Kt/V value ( < -0.40) was highly suggestive of severe AR.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Microbial mutualism in leaching of Cu−Ni sulfide concentrate

Abstract With tightening legislations on air pollution and decreasing grades of Cu and Ni ores, the mineral processing industry will have to find an alternative to smelting. One such hydrometallurgical alternative is bacterial leaching; it utilizes the action of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans on sulfide minerals converting them to metal sulfates which can be leached by acid produced by the bacteria. The metal is recovered by cementation, solvent extraction or electrowinning. In the present paper, the authors report their test work with a Cu-Ni sulfide concentrate and show that the mutualistic association of T. ferrooxidans with nitrogen-fixing bacteria Beijerinckia lacticogenes helps leach more metal faster in a leaching medium devoid of any added carbon or nitrogen source. Use of intentionally mixed bacterial culture in ore leaching has not been previously reported.
Effects of Sorbinil, Dietary myo-Inositol Supplementation, and Insulin on Resolution of Neuroaxonal Dystrophy in Mesenteric Nerves of Streptozocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Previous studies indicate that experimental diabetic autonomic neuropathy can be largely prevented by initiating therapy at the onset of diabetes. More clinically relevant, however, is the ability of therapy to reverse established neuropathy produced by long-standing diabetes. We have examined the effect of selected therapies on established neuroaxonal dystrophy (NAD) in ileal mesenteric nerves, a rat model of diabetic autonomic neuropathy. Groups of 3-mo-old rats were made diabetic with streptozocin (STZ-D) and allowed to survive untreated for 5 mo, at which time they were begun on sorbinil, dietary myo -inositol, and daily insulin therapies or left untreated for an additional 2 or 4 mo. Ultrastructural evidence of NAD was demonstrated in ileal mesenteric nerves of rats with untreated 5-mo STZ-D and increased with the duration of diabetes. No lesions were demonstrated in control rats of any age. myo -inositol or sorbinil administration failed to alter the severity of diabetes as measured by its metabolic indices. Institution of sorbinil or insulin treatment at 5 mo of diabetes prevented the increase in, but did not normalize, NAD at 7 or 9 mo. Dietary myo -inositol failed to significantly reverse established NAD or prevent its initial development. Morphometric examination of ileal mesenteric nerves demonstrated a decrease in the number of axons comprising each diabetic Schwann cell unit, suggestive of chronic cycles of axonal degeneration and regeneration. This parameter, clearly abnormal by 5 mo of diabetes, was not normalized by 2 or 4 mo of insulin, sorbinil, or myo -inositol treatment. These observations indicate that treatment with insulin or an aldose reductase inhibitor, but not myo-inositol, initiated after the development of structural axonopathy significantly inhibited progression of NAD for the duration of treatment. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Ruthenium red and caffeine affect the Ca2+-ATPase of the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Effects of ruthenium red and caffeine (a Ca2+ release blocker and an inducer, respectively) on Ca2+ uptake by sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) vesicles and formation of the phosphorylated intermediate (EP) of the Ca2+-ATPase were studied using fast-kinetic techniques. Ruthenium red increased the rate and the maximum level of EP formation, while caffeine decreased both. Similarly, ruthenium red accelerated rapid Ca2+ uptake, while caffeine inhibited it. These drugs affected EP formation also with detergent solubilized Ca2+-ATPase. The concentrations required for half maximal effects on these functions (0.2 μM ruthenium red, 1.0 mM caffeine) are about the same as those for altering Ca2+ release. These results indicate that these reagents affect both the Ca2+-pump as well as the Ca2+ release mechanism, suggesting that the Ca2+-pump and Ca release have some mechanisms in common.
A treatment planning study comparing HDR and AGIMRT for cervical cancer.

The customization of brachytherapydose distributions for gynecologic malignancies is limited by the spatial positioning of the applicators. We tested the hypothesis that applicator-guided intensity modulated radiation therapy (AGIMRT) has the potential to deliver highly conformal dose distributions to cervical tumors, representing improvement over distributions obtained with intracavitary brachytherapy. A commercial three-dimensional (3-D) treatment planning system was used to create plans for ten cervical cancer patients treated at our institution. Dose distributions of conventionally designed high dose rate (HDR) plans were compared against those of AGIMRT. Tumor delineation was based on a previously published binary threshold technique, using image intensity on positron emission tomography(PET) scans. AGIMRT treatment schedules were designed using two fraction sizes: 6.5 Gy, to directly reproduce the HDR fractionation, and 1.8 Gy, to simulate traditional external beam fractionation. The average minimum tumordose was significantly greater for the AGIMRT dose distributions than for the HDR distributions (64.2 Gy vs 33.6 Gy; p=0.005). The mean percent tumor volume at the prescription dose was higher for the AGIMRT plans (90.0% vs 58.2%; p=0.005). Using AGIMRT, the mean percent volume at the tolerance limit was decreased for the bladder (6.1% vs 16.6%; p=0.047) but increased for the rectum (4.1% vs 2.2%; p=0.646). Our study suggests that there may be conceptual and dosimetric advantages to replacing HDR with AGIMRT for patients with large-volume cervical tumors. This investigation is being expanded using sequential PETimages to model tumor regression and compare brachytherapy and AGIMRT throughout the course of therapy.
Monolithically integrated K/Ka array-based direction finding subsystem

A wideband K through Ka-band, surface micromachined, monolithically integrated direction finding (DF) front-end is demonstrated and used to determine the angle of arrival of an incoming plane wave utilizing phase/amplitude comparison. The designed subsystem employs a two-element Vivaldi antenna array directly connected with a micro-coaxial 180° hybrid to produce the desired beams. Measurements confirm that the developed front-end operate from 18 to 40 GHz.
A parameter study of Type II supernova light curves using 6 M He cores

Results of numerical calculations of Type II supernova light curves are presented. The model progenitor stars have 6 M☉ cores and various envelopes, originating from a numerically evolved 20 M☉ star. Five parameters that affect the light curves are examined: the ejected mass, the progenitor radius, the explosion energy, the 56Ni mass, and the extent of 56Ni mixing. The following effects have been found: (1) the larger the progenitor radius, the brighter the early-time light curve, with little effect on the late-time light curve; (2) the larger the envelope mass, the fainter the early light curve and the flatter the slope of the late light curve; (3) the larger the explosion energy, the brighter the early light curve and the steeper the slope of the late light curve; (4) the larger the 56Ni mass, the brighter the overall light curve after 20-50 days, with no effect on the early light curve; and (5) the more extensive the 56Ni mixing, the brighter the early light curve and the steeper the late light curve. The primary parameters affecting the light-curve shape are the progenitor radius and the ejected mass. The secondary parameters are the explosion energy, 56Ni mass, and 56Ni mixing. I find that while in principle the general shape and absolute magnitude of a light curve indicate a unique set of parameters, in practice it is difficult to avoid some ambiguity in the parameters. I find that the nickel-powered diffusion wave and the recombination of helium produce a prominent secondary peak in all our calculations. The feature is less prominent when compositional mixing, both 56Ni mixing and mixing between the hydrogen and helium layers, occurs. The model photospheric temperatures and velocities are presented, for comparison to observation.
Protein Kinase a Phosphorylation of Cardiac Troponin I Prevents Cardiac Hypertrophy in Mice

R21C is the only FHC-associated mutation located in the N-terminal domain of cardiac TnI (cTnI) and is within the consensus sequence for PKA phosphorylation (RR21RSS). We have developed an R21C cTnI knock-in (KI) mouse model and have evaluated the mouse hearts for biochemical, biophysical, structural and functional changes. Our results show that the R21C KI mice (heterozygous;R21C+/- and homozygous;R21C+/+) developed the FHC phenotype as evidenced by the presence of hypertrophy and fibrosis. Some hypertrophic markers such as, ANP, BNP and β-MHC were found elevated at a late age (18 months). The R21C+/- and R21C+/+ mice had decreased phosphorylation at Ser23/24 (∼18% and 90%, respectively) compared to WT mice. Top down mass spectrometry of cTnI from the R21C+/- mice demonstrated a molar ratio of 1:4 R21C:WT in the hearts. Using three different methods to sacrifice the WT and mutant mice, we did not find any significant decrease in the Ca2+ sensitivity of force upon PKA treatment. Western blot analysis of these mice showed that the endogenous cTnI in the WT and R21C+/- mice is completely phosphorylated at Ser23/24. However, when mice were treated with propanolol (β-adrenergic receptor antagonist) before sacrifice, the Ca2+ sensitivity was decreased after PKA treatment of the WT (0.25 pCa) and R21C+/- mice (0.14 pCa). In contrast the R21C+/+ mice did not show a significant decrease in Ca2+ sensitivity after PKA treatment. No significant changes were found in the maximal force in all three mice, before and after PKA treatment. Our results suggest that the primary mechanism for producing hypertrophy in the R21C mice results from the impaired ability of the myofilament to respond to the desensitizing effects of PKA phosphorylation. Supported by NIH grant HL042325
Antiproton-Nucleon Annihilation Process. II

We have continued work on antiproton interactions in photographic emulsions. Most of the data come from an exposure at the Bevatron to an enriched antiproton beam of 700 Mev/c momentum. In this paper we present the analysis of 221 antiproton stars, 95 of which occurred in flight. We find an average antiproton cross section of $(1.9\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2){\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{0}$, where ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{0}=\ensuremath{\pi}{(1.2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}{A}^{\frac{1}{3}})}^{2}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$, for all the elements in emulsion, excluding hydrogen. The primary antiproton annihilation gives rise to 5.36\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3 pions on the average. In annihilations at rest, 1.3 of the pions formed interact with the parent nucleus; in reactions in flight, 1.9 of the pions. For stars at rest the energy available in the annihilation in complex nuclei is divided up among the products as follows: charged pions, 48\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}6%, neutral particles (other than neutrons and ${K}^{0}$ mesons) 28\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}7%; $K$ mesons 3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.5%; and cascade nucleons and nuclear excitation 21\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2%. For the stars in flight the corresponding percentages are: 45\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}7%, 22\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}7%, 3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.5%, and 30\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2%. To fit the average pion multiplicity, the interaction radius of the Fermi statistical model must be taken as $\frac{2.5\ensuremath{\hbar}}{{m}_{\ensuremath{\pi}}c}$. Other proposals to explain the large multiplicity are discussed. We deduce from the fraction of pions interacting in the same nucleus that the annihilation takes place at the outer fringes of the nucleus.
Potential Spillover Educational Effects of Cancer-Related Direct-to-Consumer Advertising on Cancer Patients’ Increased Information Seeking Behaviors: Results from a Cohort Study

Spillover effects of exposure to direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) of cancer treatments on patients’ general inquiry about their treatments and managing their illness are not well understood. This study examines the effects of cancer patients’ exposure to cancer-related DTCA on subsequent health information seeking behaviors from clinician and non-clinician sources (lay media and interpersonal contacts). Using a longitudinal survey design over 3 years, data was collected from cancer survivors diagnosed with colorectal, breast, or prostate cancer who were randomly sampled from the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry. Study outcome measures include patients’ information engagement with their clinicians and information seeking from non-medical sources about cancer treatment and quality of life issues, measured in the second survey. The predictor variable is the frequency of exposure to cancer-related DTCA since diagnosis, measured at the round 1 survey. The analyses utilized lagged-weighted multivariate regressions and adjusted for round 1 levels of patient–clinician engagement, information seeking from nonmedical sources, and confounders. Exposure to cancer-related DTCA is associated with increased levels of subsequent patient–clinician information engagement (B = .023, 95 % CI = .005–.040, p = .012), controlling for confounders. In comparison, exposure to DTCA is marginally significant in predicting health information seeking from non-clinician sources (B = .009, 95 % CI = −.001–.018, p = .067). Cancer-related DTCA has potentially beneficial spillover effects on health information seeking behaviors among cancer patients. Exposure to DTCA predicts (a little) more patient engagement with their physicians.
Localization Lengths of Electronic States in One-Dimensional Disordered Potential Chains

We present a simple approach to the calculation of localization lengths of electronic states in a one-dimensional tight-binding model with nearest-neighbor interactions only. Monte Carlo calculations for a binary alloy with diagonal randomness only show longer-ranged states at energies which are allowed for both constituents and shorter-ranged states in the tails. The length of the longest-ranged states decreases continuously with increasing randomness, without any sharp transition. These results are compared with transmission calculations, and a simple physical interpretation is obtained thereby.
Phase evolution and annealing effects on the electrical properties of Pb(Zr0.53Ti0.47)O3 thin films with RuO2 electrodes

Abstract The electrical properties and crystallization of Pb(Zr 0.53 Ti 0.47 )O 3 (PZT) thin films grown on RuO 2 electrodes by the sol-gel process have been studied. It was found that the amorphous as-deposited thin film first transforms to a pyrochlore phase at 500 °C. On further annealing, perovskite PZT begins to crystallize at about 600 °C. TEM anlysis reveals that a pyrochlore-type second phase still exists in the films even after annealing to temperatures of 750 °C for 10 min. These PZT films are fatigue-free, but they show large property variation and high leakage currents ( J = 10 −3 Acm −2 at 1 V). An 800 °C annealing treatment, for 10 min in air of the RuO 2 bottom electrode prior to film deposition enhanced perovskite PZT nucleation, thereby eliminating the pyrochlore-type second phase. In addition, the leakage currents of PZT films grown on annealed RuO 2 electrodes are about two orders of magnitude lower than those of PZT films grown on unannealed RuO 2 . It is also observed that annealing the entire capacitor stack after the top electrode deposition improved capacitor properties.
A Note on the Weighted Least Squares Analysis of the Ries-Smith Contingency Table Data

The technique of general weighted least squares is shown to be a useful tool in the formulation and evaluation of certain models appropriate to data in the form of multidimensional contingency tables. This is demonstrated for the Ries-Smith [1963] data by fitting a series of linear regression models which are directed at determining that model which explains almost all of the statistically significant variation among the cell frequencies in terms of a minimum number of parameters. The spirit of this approach is analogous to that used in stepwise regression for continuous data. The test criteria are Wald statistics or minimum-Neyman-chi-square as described by Bhapkar and Koch [1968].
Gracilis transposition in complicated perianal fistula and unhealed perineal wounds in Crohn's disease.

Objective: To assess the efficacy of transposition of gracilis muscle in the treatment of chronic recurrent fistulas and unhealed perineal wounds after proctectomy in patients with Crohn's disease.Design: Retrospective study.Setting: Academic clinic, United States.Subjects: 7 patients with Crohn's disease: 3 had unhealed perineal wounds and persistent sinuses; 2 had had several attempts to repair rectovaginal fistulas; 1 had a rectourethral fistula; and 1 a pouch vaginal fistula.Intervention: Transposition of the gracilis muscle.Main outcome measure: Healing.Results: Mean follow up was 18 months (range 3-30). All patients operated on for unhealed perineal wounds had healed completely within 3-6 months. The patients with a rectovaginal fistula and a rectourethral fistula had both healed by 1 month postoperatively. Two fistulas recurred, and the small pouch-vaginal fistula remained but was asymptomatic.Conclusions: Transposition of the gracilis is a viable option for the treatment of persistent sinus and un...
Association of p27Kipl Levels With Recurrence and Survival in Patients With Stage C Prostate Carcinoma

Background: There are few biologic determinants that are prognostic for patients with localized prostate cancer. We examined whether cellular levels of the cyclin-kinase inhibitor p27 Kip 1 (also known as p27) in prostate tumors could be used to predict progression of this disease. Methods: Levels of p27 in tumor cell nuclei were assessed by immunohistochemical analysis of tissue sections from the primary tumors of 96 patients with stage C prostate carcinoma who had been treated by radical prostatectomy. Tumors were classified into one of the following three groups on the basis of the percentage of tumor cells showing nuclear p27 reactivity: low (0%-10%), moderate (11%-50%), and high (>50%). The Mantel-Haenszel test, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and the logrank test were used to calculate the probability that nuclear p27 levels were associated with tumor grade and substage, with a serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) recurrence (defined as the finding of a detectable level [0.4 ng/ mL or greater] of serum PSA following radical prostatectomy), with the recurrence of clinically evident disease, and with survival. All reported P values are two-sided. Results: Luminal cells and basal cells of normal prostate glands showed high levels of nuclear p27 immunoreactivity in all tissue sections examined. Fifty-three tumors showed high p27 reactivity, 31 showed moderate reactivity, and 12 showed low or no detectable reactivity. Decreased levels of p27 were associated with tumor grade (P =.004). Tumor levels of p27 were not associated with preoperative prostate-specific antigen levels (P = .360) or with tumor substage (P =.320). However, decreased p27 reactivity was significantly associated with an increased probability of recurrence (P = .004) and decreased survival (P =.010). The median recurrence-free interval for patients with tumors showing high, moderate, or low p27 reactivity was 13.7 years, 8.4 years, and 4.7 years, respectively. Median survival times were more than 14 years, more than 13.5 years, and 8.1 years for patients in the high, moderate, and low p27 reactivity groups, respectively. Conclusion: Levels of nuclear p27 immunoreactivity in the primary tumor can be used to predict recurrence and survival among patients with localized prostate cancer.
Mechanical Characterization and Computer Simulation of Crosslinked Nanostructured Silica Aerogels

Crosslinked silica aerogel (x-aerogel) is low density nanostructured porous material with good mechanical properties. The mechanical characterization tests of x-aerogel were performed to establish the feasibility of using this material in different engineering applications as a multi-functional material. Mechanical response of x-aerogel was studied under compression, three-point bending, tension and DMA (dynamic mechanical analysis) tests. A primary glass transition temperature of 130 °C was identified for xaerogel material through DMA. Under uniaxial compression, x-aerogel was found linearly elastic under small strains (<4%), then exhibited yield behavior (until 40% strain), followed by densification and inelastic hardening. At room temperature, the compressive Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio were determined to be 129±8 MPa and 0.18, respectively, while the average specific compressive strength was 3.89×10 5 Nm/kg, which is higher than other conventional materials. Flexural response of x-aerogel material was also studied at room and cryogenic temperature. The specific flexural strength at room temperature was found to be 2.16×10 4 Nm/kg. The average CTE of x-aerogel was found to be 4.8×10 -5 /˚C. Numerical simulations were performed to develop a better understanding of structure-property response of highly porous x-aerogel material. The numerical models have attempted to incorporate micro-scale effects, such as particle stiffness, bond strength, particles frictional coefficient, and initial cluster porosity, into macro-scale structure-property relationship for the prediction of Young’s modulus and strength. Compression, tension and bending simulations were performed, and compared with corresponding experiments. Further, ballistic experiments were performed on x-aerogel panels to determine its energy absorption capacity. The average ballistic limit of x-aerogel was determined to be 45.33 m/s with a peak value of 80 m/s. Modeling methodology will provide insights for both stiffening and strengthening mechanisms and how these mechanisms can be optimized with minimum weight penalty. Therefore, it is envisioned that numerical modeling will greatly reduce the number of “trial-and-error” experiments necessary to further enhance the properties of this novel material.
The theory of internal waves

The theory of motion of a horizontally stratified fluid under gravity is extended to include three linear gradients from the surface to the bottom. Tho resulting equation is then simplified to give tho special cases In which first the upper layer and then tho upper and lower layers aro of constant density. The latter case is then shown by further simplification to load to Stokes's theory of two layers of constant density separated by a sharp discontinuity. The wave lengths, as calculated by Stokes's theory and its extension to linear gradients, agree with previously measured values as well as is to be expected.
Carbon Monoxide: Vascular Therapeutic for the Future

In the past decade, carbon monoxide has lost its reputation as a toxic gas and has gained a following of scientists who now appreciate its potential therapeutic utility as an anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective agent. Its vasoprotective properties have also gained a tremendous amount of attention, especially its ability to inhibit intimal hyperplasia. This review will provide a historical perspective of carbon monoxide biology and summarize its function in disease modulation with a special focus on its potential role as a vascular therapeutic.
Analysis of Antarctic Iceberg and Sea Ice Melting Patterns using QuikSCAT

QuikSCAT tracking of Antarctic icebergs is discussed, and iceberg movement trends are illustrated. Iceberg melting factors are explored and a backscatter time-series is presented. Interactions between ice-berg and sea ice are examined using QuikSCAT data. To improve QuikSCAT sea ice mapping capability, a threshold algorithm to detect polynyas is developed. The 2006-2007 Antarctic ablation season is analyzed and correlations between polynya formation and sea ice melting are explored. General sea ice melting patterns are discussed, and statistics are derived from QuikSCAT's life mission and compared with SSM/I measurements. This study finds that while average Antarctic sea ice coverage is increasing, minimum sea ice extent is decreasing.
Interdigital Capacitors and Their Application to Lumped-Element Microwave Integrated Circuits

An analysis of the frequency response of interdigital capacitors, which leads to an optimal design, is given along with an expression for their static gap capacitance. The capacitor Q is given in terms of its geometry which consists of a planar interdigital thin-filrn conductor deposited on the surface of a relatively high dielectric constant substrate. Capacitance values ranging from 0.1 to 10 pF at L band with measured Q's in excess of 400 are realizable using 2-mil line and space widths on a 99.5-percent alumina substrate with a dielectric constant of 10.3. Experimental results obtained with a lumped-constant nine-section S-band Chebyscheff low-pass filter realized using spiral inductors and optimal designed interdigital capacitors are shown to be in excellent agreement with theory. The filter had less than 0.8-dB insertion loss and greater than 25dB return loss in the passband. The filter occupies an area 6.50 by 200 roils on a 24-mil-thick substrate.
A Note on the Multivariate General Linear Test

Abstract The general linear test approach for testing hypotheses concerning parameters of a full-rank multivariate regression model is often not sufficiently discussed in applied multivariate analysis textbooks. This note makes mention of this approach and suggests that major emphasis of this topic in an applied multivariate analysis course provides students with a unifying structure for the analysis of statistical models.
Laboratory Infrared Spectra of Polycyclic Aromatic Nitrogen Heterocycles: Quinoline and Phenanthridine in Solid Argon and H2O

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are common throughout the universe. Their detection and identification are based on telescopic infrared (IR) spectra compared with laboratory data. Polycyclic Aromatic Nitrogen Heterocycles (PANHs) are heterocyclic aromatics i.e., PAHs with carbon atoms replaced by a nitrogen atom. These molecules should be present in the interstellar medium, but have received relatively little attention. We present mid-IR spectra of two PANHs, quinoline (C9H7N), and phenanthridine (C13H9N) isolated in solid argon and frozen in solid H2O at 12 K, conditions yielding data directly comparable to astronomical observations. In contrast to simple PAHs, that do not interact strongly with solid H2O, the nitrogen atoms in PANHs are potentially capable of hydrogen bonding with H2O. Whereas the IR spectrum of phenanthridine in H2O is similar to that of the same compound isolated in an argon matrix, quinoline absorptions shift up to 16 cm(sup -1) (0.072 mm) between argon and H2O. Thus, astronomers will not always be able to rely on IR band positions of matrix isolated PANHs to correctly interpret the absorptions of PANHs frozen in H2O ice grains. Furthermore, our data suggest that relative band areas also vary, so determining column densities to better than a factor of 3 will require knowledge of the matrix in which the PANH is embedded and laboratory studies of relevant samples.
A unified spatio-temporal articulated model for tracking

Tracking articulated objects in image sequences remains a challenging problem, particularly in terms of the ability to localize the individual parts of an object given self-occlusions and changes in viewpoint. In this paper we propose a two-dimensional spatio-temporal modeling approach that handles both self-occlusions and changes in viewpoint. We use a Bayesian framework to combine pictorial structure spatial models with hidden Markov temporal models. Inference for these combined models can be performed using dynamic programming and sampling methods. We demonstrate the approach for the problem of tracking a walking person, using silhouette data taken from a single camera viewpoint. Walking provides both strong spatial (kinematic) and temporal (dynamic) constraints, enabling the method to track limb positions in spite of simultaneous self-occlusion and viewpoint change.
Multiple kernel learning for emotion recognition in the wild

We propose a method to automatically detect emotions in unconstrained settings as part of the 2013 Emotion Recognition in the Wild Challenge [16], organized in conjunction with the ACM International Conference on Multimodal Interaction (ICMI 2013). Our method combines multiple visual descriptors with paralinguistic audio features for multimodal classification of video clips. Extracted features are combined using Multiple Kernel Learning and the clips are classified using an SVM into one of the seven emotion categories: Anger, Disgust, Fear, Happiness, Neutral, Sadness and Surprise. The proposed method achieves competitive results, with an accuracy gain of approximately 10% above the challenge baseline.
Imperfect Information, Screening, and the Costs of Informal Lending: A Study of a Rural Credit Market in Pakistan

Many governments have perceived the rural moneylender as usurious. This article takes a first step toward directly testing the validity of this view. In a study of services, costs, and charges of fourteen informal market moneylenders and their clients in Chambar, Pakistan, the article examines whether the high implicit interest rates charged reflect the actual costs of operating in that market. Estimates of the resource costs incurred by informal lenders for screening, pursuing delinquent loans, overhead, and cost of capital (including unrecoverable loans) suggest that lenders' charges are equal to their average cost of lending but exceed their marginal cost. This finding is consistent with the view that the informal credit market is characterized by excess capacity and monopolistic competition in the presence of imperfect information.
Of Hawks, Doves, and Owls: Michael Howard and Strategic Policy:

Michael Howard, Regius professor of modem history at Oxford University, has become an outspoken commentator on contemporary strategic policy. An analysis of his writings reveals he advocates a strategic approach to international relations that-emphasizes the complexities facing nation-states which endeavor to maintain stability while guarding their value systems; adopts a historical approach to the causes of war that stresses the importance of "bellicism" as a causal factor; examines the dimensions of strategy that deplore the neglect of social factors; and seeks to avoid conflict through reliance on both the nuclear and conventional aspects of deterrence. His trenchant criticisms have brought the wrath of modern hawks and doves, while he has sought an "owl" position between the two camps.
Effects of macronutrient intake on fuel utilization: potential sex differences

Background Evidence suggests that women oxidize more fat for fuel at rest than males. Potential sex differences in fuel utilization during exercise remain unclear. Alterations in diet may influence substrate utilization by altering substrate availability and metabolic enzyme activity. Reduced carbohydrate (CHO) intake has been shown to lower respiratory exchange ratio (RER) over time, which may improve aerobic endurance. The purpose of this study was to explore potential sex differences in the relationship between habitual macronutrient distribution and substrate utilization during exercise.