cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Effects of Engineered Crumb Rubber (ECR) on Asphalt Mixture Characteristics

This study examined the effects of modification of dense-grade asphalt mixtures with chemically engineered crumb rubber (ECR) via the dry process. The ECR mixtures were compared to unmodified and polymer-modified mixtures in various criteria. The study mainly had three objectives: (1) comparison of mixture performance, (2) investigation of warm mix equivalence, i.e., to determine if the chemical coating on the ECR resulted in benefits similar to warm mix additives, and (3) to determine the effects of ECR on mixture draindown. For the first objective, the disk-shaped compact tension test was conducted to determine resistance to thermal cracking, and the Hamburg wheel tracking test was performed to determine resistance to permanent deformation (rutting) and moisture damage. To fulfill the second objective, the mixtures were prepared with warm mix asphalt (WMA) additives wherever necessary, and for the third objective, a stone mastic asphalt (SMA) was employed instead of the dense-grade mixture that was used for the rest of the study. Findings showed that modification with ECR greatly improved resistance to rutting and cracking, indicating that ECR pavements will exhibit longer service life. In terms of warm mix equivalence, a comparison of volumetrics data showed that ECR without WMA additive compacted in a similar manner as a polymer (PG 76-22) mixture containing WMA additive. Additional mix cost savings may be realized with ECR modification because of the ability to avoid the cost of WMA additive for the goal of achieving mix workability and compaction at lower temperatures. Finally, an ECR-SMA mix was used for draindown assessment and was found to pass the draindown test without the need for fibers, nearly matching the draindown resistance of the polymer-WMA mix containing cellulose fibers, thereby presenting another cost-saving avenue for contractors. The study also includes details of three field projects that used ECR and reported excellent field performance.
Comparing Patient-Reported Outcomes Measure Information System Depression Scale with Legacy Depression Measures in a Community Sample of Older Adults with Varying Levels of Cognitive Functioning

Objective This study evaluated the utility of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measure Information System Depression Scale (PROMIS-8a) compared with selected "Legacy" depression scales, including the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and GDS-Short Form (GDS-SF). Additionally, the measures' properties were assessed across levels of cognitive functioning. Methods This cross-sectional analysis was extracted from a prospective cohort study. PROMIS-8a and Legacy depression measures were administered to individuals aged at least 70 years grouped by cognitive status based on the Saint Louis University Mental Status Examination. McNemar tests were run to determine if measures categorized the absence or presence of depression differently and item analysis evaluated classification discrepancies. Results Sample mean age was 78, and most participants were women (71%), white (79%), with at least a high school education (89%). The percentage of individuals with at least mild depression was similar across measures (20.7% PROMIS-8a, 19.0% MADRS, 17.9% GDS, 13.9% GDS-SF). PROMIS-8a total score correlated moderately with MADRS (r = 0.56, df = 295, p Conclusion Although all measures identified a similar percent of depressed individuals, the classification differed by measure. Item analysis showed that PROMIS-8a was more likely to identify feelings of dysphoria while the MADRS and GDS were more likely to identify physiologic aspects of depression. Given the brevity and ease of administration of the PROMIS-8a, it appears to be a useful depression screen for community-dwelling older adults.
The use of serum creatine phosphokinase in genetic counseling for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. I. Analysis of results from 29 studies.

Abstract Several studies reported by various investigators using diverse methods of assay have been carried out to compare the serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activity in normal females and carriers of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), in an attempt to differentiate them biochemically. Results from different centers, even those using the same method of assay at the same temperature, are so divergent as to make simple pooling pointless, and collectively do not provide a satisfactory baseline for use by other clinics in genetic counseling. Examination of the method of moments estimates of the parameters suggests that the logarithm of the serum CPK activity in controls may be distributed normally and with stable variance. The degree of dispersion of CPK values, in controls, about the geometrical mean for each center has been estimated. The distribution in carriers is not so clear and no such maneuver seems appropriate.
Language acquisition and the form of the grammar

Language Acquisition and the Form of the Grammar attempts to re-think the ideal organization of the grammar, given its need to be learned. The book proposes a fundamental connection between the form of the adult grammar and the sequence of grammars which the child adopts in first language acquisition. Challenging the conventional division between language acquisition and syntax, this influential work constructs a new understanding of phrase structure, bringing syntactic data to bear on phrase structure composition. Two new phrase structure composition operations are proposed, Adjoin-α, which adjoins adjuncts into the structure, and Project-α, which fuses open class and closed class structures. The author also introduces the novel concept of subgrammars, successively larger grammars that take the child from the initial state to the adult grammar. This work will be of interest to those in the areas of syntax, language acquisition, learnability, and cognitive science in general.
A Principled Approach to the Quest for Racial Diversity on the Judiciary

As has been the case with respect to many political and social institutions in American society, diversity has been demanded, and at times pursued, in the nomination and appointment of state and federal judges. Nonetheless, commentators have long lamented the lack of diversity among judges in the United States. U.S. Supreme Court appointments epitomize the glaring lack of diversity on the federal judiciary. Not until 1967 did President Lyndon Baines Johnson appoint the first African American Justice, Thurgood Marshall, to the Court. Since then, a more diverse group of judges has served on the state and federal courts than throughout much of U.S. history. Work remains to be done, however. No Latina/os, Asian Americans, or Native American have ever served on the U.S. Supreme Court. Relatively few African Americans, Latina/os, and Asian Americans, and no Native Americans serve on the federal bench today. Scholars rarely analyze what concrete impact diversifying the judiciary may have on the operation of the courts, including judicial decision-making and the public's perception of the justice system. Even if advocating greater diversity among judges, few observers have been particularly clear about the concrete benefits to be gained by appointing and nominating a more diverse cadre of judges. This article, which is part of a symposium on judicial selection, explores the substantive impacts that increased racial diversity of judges might have on the decision-making process as well as in how the general public views the courts, as fair and impartial tribunals or not. This article brings to bear fundamental tenets of Critical Race Theory - specifically, the concept of a "voice of color" - on the analysis of the possible impacts of greater racial diversity on the courts. It further analogizes the judges to juries and contends that, as diversity among juries does, pulling a group of judges from a cross section of the community may both benefit the decision-making process and improve public perceptions of the impartiality of judicial decision-making. Importantly, a more diverse judiciary is more likely to be an independent judiciary. To the extent that judges are racial minorities, they can be expected to be more independent than other judges.
A Scalable Paradigm for Effectively-Dense Matrix Formulated Applications

There is a class of problems in computational science and engineering which require formulation in full matrix form and which are generally solved as dense matrices either because they are dense or because the sparsity can not be easily exploited. Problems such as those posed by computational electromagnetics, computational chemistry and some quantum physics applications frequently fall into this class. It is not sufficient just to solve the matrix problem for these applications as other components of the calculation are usually of equal computational load on current computer systems, and these components are consequently of equal importance to the end user of the application. We describe a general method for programming such applications using a combination of distributed computing systems and of more powerful back-end compute resources to schedule the components of such applications. We show how this not only improves computational performance but by making more memory available, allows hitherto impracticably large problems to be run. We illustrate this problem paradigm and our method of solution with problems in electromagnetics, chemistry and physics, and give a detailed performance analysis of a typical electromagnetics application. We discuss a method for scheduling the computational components using the Application Visualisation System (AVS).
Escherichia coli mutT mutator effect during in vitro DNA synthesis. Enhanced A.G replicational errors.

Abstract The mechanism of the Escherichia coli mutT mutator effect was investigated using single-stranded phage as a mutational target. In vivo experiments showed that two M13mp2 lacZ alpha nonsense mutants reverted at a higher rate on a mutT1 host than on the wild-type host. The specificity of this mutator effect was identical to that observed for E. coli genes: A.T----C.G transversions. The mutT effect was subsequently demonstrated in vitro during DNA replication of M13mp2 DNA in cell-free extracts of E. coli. Replication (the single-stranded----replicative form conversion) in mutT1 extracts proceeded with a higher error rate than in wild-type extracts, and DNA sequence analysis of the in vitro revertants revealed the specific induction of A.T----C.G transversions. On the basis of the template specificity of the mutT effect in vitro, we conclude that the mutT effect involves the aberrant processing of A.G rather than T.C mispairs.
The challenge of solvent substitution in coatings

A brief outline of the role of solvents in surface coatings is given, to provide the background to the problems encountered in solvent substitution. The direct substitution of one solvent by another is relatively straightforward. Computer programs greatly simplify the process. However, the real challenge lies with the reduction in solvent use, through the development of low solvent coatings. While this is a process that has been going on for many years, there is no doubt that recent regulatory pressures regarding both occupational health and environmental standards have made it the single most important challenge for the industry. Examples are discussed of the development of high solids, low solvent industrial coatings as well as water borne industrial coatings. Although there has been rapid progress in recent years, there is no prospect in sight for the complete elimination of solvents. Good workplace hygiene must therefore remain a key element in the safe use of coatings.
Stochastic Optimal Control Formulations of Decision Problems

In this article, we give a brief overview of different stochastic optimal control problems that arise in decision problems. An informal derivation of the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation, which characterizes the optimal policy, is derived for the case of full state infinite horizon optimal control problem. We then discuss the optimal control problem where the horizon is governed by a random stopping time. An example illustrating the application of the theory to a portfolio selection problem is provided. After a brief discussion on ergodic and risk sensitive control formulations, we move to the case when the state is partially observed. We then state the key separation result in this case and provide some intuitive explanation. Keywords: stochastic optimal control formulation; HJB equation; stationary Markov control; separation principle; ergodic control
Modeling Fragmentation and Spallation of Oxide Reactor Fuel During Transient Heating Including the Effects of Burnup and Fission Product Distribution

Characteristics of solid fuel fragmentation and energetic spallation during hypothetical accident transients are calculated. Fission gas, having migrated to the grain boundaries as intergranular bu...
Estimating the benefits and costs for the revised particulate matter and ozone standards in the United States

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the benefits and costs for the revised particulate matter (PM) and ozone standards in the United States. It provides an overview of some of the issues, procedures, and decisions associated with preparing a national benefit–cost analysis for revised air quality standards for particulate matter and ozone in the United States. The chapter also presents the results of the analyses in terms of potential monetized benefits and costs estimated for the revised standards in the year 2010. The current PM standard specifies the indicator for PM as PM10. The chapter focuses on some of the methodological issues and decisions associated with attempting to conduct a national benefit–cost analysis for ubiquitous pollutants that are formed from a variety of anthropogenic and natural activities. Two immediate decisions affecting the direction of the benefit–cost analysis are the temporal and geographical scope of the analysis. To establish the baseline projection, the analysis use current conditions and then attempt to account for factors such as population growth, economic growth, and additional levels of pollution control mandated by the Clean Air Act during the intervening years. These projections establish an emissions inventory, air quality, and population baseline for the analysis year.
Numerical simulation of porosity and permeability evolution of Mount Simon sandstone under geological carbon sequestration conditions

Abstract A numerical model was developed with the use of reactive transport code CrunchFlow to estimate porosity, permeability and mineral composition changes of Mount Simon sandstone under typical geological carbon sequestration conditions (P = 23.8 MPa and T = 85 °C). The model predicted a permeability decrease from 1.60 mD to 1.02 mD for the Mount Simon sandstone sample in a static batch reactor after 180 days of exposure to CO2-saturated brine, which is consistent with measured permeability results. Model-predicted solution chemistry results were also consistent with laboratory-measured solution chemistry data. SiO2 (am) was the primary mineral that causes permeability decrease, followed by kaolinite. Both SiO2 (am) formation and kaolinite formation were attributed to the dissolution of quartz and feldspar. This study shows that the formation of SiO2 (am) and kaolinite in the pore space of host rock is possible under typical CO2 sequestration conditions. SiO2 (am) and kaolinite precipitation at the CO2 plume extent could reduce the permeability of host rock and improve lateral containment of free-phase CO2, contributing to overall security of CO2 storage.
Clinical and financial outcomes due to methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus surgical site infection: a multi-center matched outcomes study.

Background The clinical and financial outcomes of SSIs directly attributable to MRSA and methicillin-resistance are largely uncharacterized. Previously published data have provided conflicting conclusions. Methodology We conducted a multi-center matched outcomes study of 659 surgical patients. Patients with SSI due to MRSA were compared with two groups: matched uninfected control patients and patients with SSI due to MSSA. Four outcomes were analyzed for the 90-day period following diagnosis of the SSI: mortality, readmission, duration of hospitalization, and hospital charges. Attributable outcomes were determined by logistic and linear regression. Principal Findings In total, 150 patients with SSI due to MRSA were compared to 231 uninfected controls and 128 patients with SSI due to MSSA. SSI due to MRSA was independently predictive of readmission within 90 days (OR = 35.0, 95% CI 17.3–70.7), death within 90 days (OR = 7.27, 95% CI 2.83–18.7), and led to 23 days (95% CI 19.7–26.3) of additional hospitalization and $61,681 (95% 23,352–100,011) of additional charges compared with uninfected controls. Methicillin-resistance was not independently associated with increased mortality (OR = 1.72, 95% CI 0.70–4.20) nor likelihood of readmission (OR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.21–0.89) but was associated with 5.5 days (95% CI 1.97–9.11) of additional hospitalization and $24,113 (95% 4,521–43,704) of additional charges. Conclusions/Significance The attributable impact of S. aureus and methicillin-resistance on outcomes of surgical patients is substantial. Preventing a single case of SSI due to MRSA can save hospitals as much as $60,000.
Observability of atomic stabilization in an intense short pulse of radiation.

We present results of a numerical integration of the time-dependent Schroedinger equation for hydrogen irradiated by a linearly polarized high-frequency Gaussian pulse, with the atom initially in a state with principal quantum number equal to 3, 4, or 5. We show that stabilization against ionization commences when the ponderomotive and photon energies are roughly equal, and we give a simple explanation of this effect based on momentum-energy considerations. The effect should be observable if the atom is initially in a state with high magnetic quantum number {ital m}, and if the energy bandwidth of the pulse is smaller than the binding energy of the atom.
Parental influences on 7-9 year olds' physical activity: a conceptual model.

Objective Models characterizing parental influence on child and adolescent physical activity (PA) over time are limited. Preschool and Adolescent Models (PM and AM) of PA are available leaving the need to focus on elementary-aged children. We tested current models (PM and AM) with a sample of 7–9 year-olds, and then developed a model appropriate to this specific target population.
Against Generic “Behavior”

An argument is presented against the generic use of the term “behavior” in characterizing the entire range of human activity. Historical variations in the use of “behavior” are mentioned, and a terminology is suggested based on part-whole rather than class-inclusion relations and incorporating distinctions based on function and intention. Support for an emergence-holist approach to distinct levels of observed human activity is drawn from the literature on event perception and on the perceptual segmentation of behavior. Finally, an emergent-unit vocabulary is put forth to distinguish between action, behavior, and movement. Further extensions are suggested with an aim toward bridging the person-behavior gap.
The Chrysippus intuition and contextual theories of truth

Contextual theories of truth are motivated primarily by the resolution they provide to paradoxical reasoning about truth. The principal argument for contextual theories of truth relies on a key intuition about the truth value of the proposition expressed by a particular utterance made during paradoxical reasoning, which Anil Gupta calls “the Chrysippus intuition.” In this paper, I argue that the principal argument for contextual theories of truth is circular, and that the Chrysippus intuition is false. I conclude that the philosophical motivation for contextual theories of truth fails.
Generation of reactive metabolites of N-hydroxy-phenacetin by glucuronidation and sulfation

Abstract Several xenobiotics exert their toxic effects in mammals through the formation of reactive metabolites that combine with cellular macromolecules. Thus, N -hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene becomes covalently bound to various cellular macromolecules after sulfation of the N -hydroxy group. A method is presented for the indirect measurement of the rate of formation of the N , O -sulfate conjugate of this compound, which is too unstable to be measured directly. In this assay 3′, 5′-adenosine diphosphate and p -nitrophenylsulfate were used as a 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate-generating system (PAPS-GS); the release of p -nitrophenol (which was measured spectrophotometrically) was used to estimate the sulfation rate of N -hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene. The PAPS-GS was also used in studying the role of N - O -sulfate conjugates as intermediates in the formation of reactive metabolites that become covalently bound. Using this method we found that N -hydroxy-phenacetin became rapidly covalently bound after sulfation of the N -hydroxy group. N -hydroxy-2-acetylaminonaphthalene also became covalently bound after sulfation, but the N - O -sulfate derivatives of N -hydroxy- p -chloroacetanilide and N -hydroxy-acetanilide did not bind covalently, although their rates of sulfation were similar to that of N -hydroxy-phenacetin. Glucuronidation of the N -hydroxy group of N -hydroxy-phenacetin resulted in a glucuronide conjugate that was bound covalently to protein at pH 7.4, but at a slower rate than the N - O -sulfate conjugate. The N - O -glucuronides of the other N -hydroxy- N -arylacetamides investigated did not become covalently bound to protein at pH 7.4. Characteristics of the conjugation of N -hydroxy-phenacetin, and of the covalent binding of its conjugates, were determined.
Hydrodynamics of fluidization: Fast-bubble simulation in a two-dimensional fluidized bed

Abstract The hydrodynamics of a ‘fast bubble’ in a two-dimensional rectangular fluidized bed is studied numerically. The fast bubble (which moves faster than the fluidizing velocity) is produced by injecting gas through a jet for a short time into a bed at minimum fluidization. The numerical computations are in good agreement with the classical theories of Davidson, Jackson, and Murray and with experimental data, thus enhancing confidence in the computer modeling of the hydrodynamics of fluidization.
Differences in biochemical properties and in biological function between human SP-A1 and SP-A2 variants, and the impact of ozone-induced oxidation.

The human surfactant protein A (SP-A) locus consists of two functional genes, SP-A1 and SP-A2, with several alleles characterized for each gene. Functional variations between SP-A1 and SP-A2 variants either before or after ozone exposure have been observed. To understand the basis of these differences, we studied SP-A1 and SP-A2 variants by comparing coding sequences, oligomerization patterns under various conditions, composition of oligomers with regard to amino terminal sequence isoforms, biological activity (regulation of phosphatidylcholine (PC) secretion by alveolar type II cells), and the impact of ozone-induced oxidation. We found that (i) the SP-A1 (6A4) allele is the most divergent from all SP-A2 alleles, particularly from the SP-A2 (1A1). (ii) Differences exist in oligomerization among SP-A1, SP-A2, and coexpressed SP-A1/SP-A2, with higher order multimers (i.e., consisting of more subunits) observed for SP-A1 than for SP-A2 variants. Differences among SP-A1 or SP-A2 gene products are minimal. (i...
Decay of the virtual dipole moment during polarity transitions and geomagnetic excursions

We have analyzed paleointensity data from five polarity transitions and geomagnetic excursions recorded by lava flows. We find a significant correlation between the logarithm of the virtual dipole moment and the angle between the virtual geomagnetic pole and the Earth's rotation axis. This correlation implies that any physical model for geomagnetic field behavior during transitions and excursions must address the question of how changes in direction are linked to changes in intensity. In addition, large changes in paleointensity may occur even when the virtual geomagnetic pole is still at high latitude so the concept of transitional direction must be redefined.
Ion Transport in the Polymer Electrolytes Formed Between Poly(ethylene succinate) and Lithium Tetrafluoroborate

Solid electrolyte complexes of poly(ethylene succinate), PESc, and LiBF/sub 4/ were prepared by heating the salt with the molten polymer. The complexes were completely amorphous over the concentration range 1:1 to 3:1 polymer repeat units:metal cation. At salt concentrations above the 1:1 composition, a salt phase was present, an at salt concentrations less than 3:1, free crystalline polymer was observed. Within the 1:1 to 3:1 concentration range, increasing salt concentration was accompanied by decreasing conductivity, and increasing glass transition temperatures. This behavio is discussed in terms of free-volume theory, with dynamical corrections.
How deep does a remote sensor sense? Expression of chlorophyll content in a maize canopy

Abstract Remote sensing offers a unique perspective of plant vigor based on reflectance of the crops' canopy. The goal of this study was to determine how deep into the maize canopy red-edge chlorophyll index, CI red edge , was affected by foliar chlorophyll (Chl) content and leaf area. Reflectance in the range 400 to 900 nm was measured at both the leaf and canopy levels and was used to determine foliar Chl and total canopy Chl content using CI red edge . Statistical techniques, a hierarchical regression and three Aikaike Information Criteria, were used to determine how many leaf layers are sensed by the CI red edge . All statistical techniques showed that the CI red edge senses the chlorophyll content of the upper 7 to 9 leaf layers in a maize canopy and that remote sensing technique is able to accurately estimate maize canopy Chl content.
The effect of niobia on the methanation activity of a Pt foil

Recent work examining the interaction between titania and transition metals has indicated that a partially reduced titania overlayer can form on the surface of a titania-supported catalyst. In addition, the authors have shown that a Pt foil with a titania overlayer exhibits the same methanation rates as are reported for actual titania-supported Pt catalysts, even though complete suppression of CO and H/sub 2/ adsorption is observed. Unusual support effects are observed for metals on niobia as well. As with titania-supported catalysts, catalysts supported on niobia can exhibit suppressed adsorption of CO and H/sub 2/ while maintaining a high methanation activity. To determine whether an overlayer of niobia was responsible for the properties observed with niobia-supported catalysts, the authors have examined the methanation activity for a Pt foil with a niobia overlayer. The experimental apparatus consists of a sample attached to a magnetically manipulated, linear-motion feedthrough which can be isolated from an ultrahigh vacuum system. This system allows them to measure reaction rates at atmospheric pressures on a sample which can be characterized by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) both before and after reaction. This system is described in more detail elsewhere. 22 references.
The Affinity of the Cardiac Na+-Ca2+ Exchanger to Regulatory Ca2+ is Decreased by Cytoplasmic Mg2+

The Na+-Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) is present in many tissues but is particularly abundant in the heart where it controls contractility. NCX exchanges three Na+ for one Ca2+ and regulates intracellular Ca2+. In addition to being transported, cytoplasmic Ca2+ activates NCX by binding to two Ca2+ domains, CBD1 and CBD2. Previously, we characterized the Ca2+-dependent structural rearrangements of the isolated Ca2+-binding domains and the full-length exchanger using Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET). FRET changes of NCX occurred with Kd's of activation in the low nM range (Ca2+ concentrations of 20-40 nM). This suggests that at diastolic Ca2+ levels (∼100 nM) NCX may be already fully activated. We examined the effect of Mg2+ on NCX Ca2+ regulation to determine if Mg2+ shifts the Ca activation levels towards more physiological concentrations. Monitoring FRET in real time of both the individual and conjoined CBD's and the full length NCX allowed us to determine Ca2+ affinities in the presence or absence of 1 mM Mg. The full-length exchanger, CBD1, and the conjunct CBD1-CBD2 (CBD12) exhibited a decrease in the apparent affinity for cytoplasmic Ca2+ in the presence of Mg2+. In contrast, the sensitivity of CBD2 to cytoplasmic Ca2+ increased in the presence of Mg2+. The results are consistent with in vivo data as expression of a plasma membrane targeted CBD12 in neonatal cardiac myocytes shows changes in FRET during spontaneous contractions. Our results indicate that the exchanger can indeed sense changes in subsarcolemmal Ca2+ in the physiological range (100-200 nM). Moreover, since the concentration of cytoplasmic Mg2+ is altered during heart failure, these results suggest that NCX may be differentially modulated in pathological and physiological conditions.
A projected stochastic approximation algorithm

It is noted that classical stochastic approximation algorithms often diverge because of boundedness problems. The standard approach to preventing this is to project the sequence generated by the algorithm onto a predetermined compact set K. However, in the typical application, the approximate location of the solution is not known. To minimize the probability that the solution lies outside the set K, it is therefore necessary to let K be large. This can seriously curtail the efficiency of the algorithm. The author proposes a stochastic approximation algorithm which bounds the sequence of estimates of the solution to an increasing sequence of sets. This eliminates the possibility of bounding the algorithm to a set which does not contain the solution. Furthermore, it is possible to let the initial set be small, which can result in improved empirical performance. >
Tankyrase-targeted therapeutics: expanding opportunities in the PARP family

The poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) protein superfamily has wide-ranging roles in cellular processes such as DNA repair and WNT signalling. Efforts to pharmacologically target PARP enzymes have largely focused on PARP1 and the closely related PARP2, but recent work highlighting the role of another family member, tankyrase 1 (TANK1; also known as PARP5A and ARTD5), in the control of WNT signalling has fuelled interest in the development of additional inhibitors to target this enzyme class. Tankyrase function is also implicated in other processes such as the regulation of telomere length, lung fibrogenesis and myelination, suggesting that tankyrase inhibitors could have broad clinical utility. Here, we discuss the biology of tankyrases and the discovery of tankyrase-specific inhibitors. We also consider the challenges that lie ahead for the clinical development of PARP family inhibitors in general.
Genetic Heterogeneity of Collagens

The term collagen has recently been expanded to include at least 7 genetically distinct structural elements of mammalian connective tissues. It is assumed that differences in the primary structure specify the interactions of these different collagens with one another and with noncollagen connective tissue elements. The specific biomechanical properties of individual connective tissues result from the relative content of the different collagen types. Four major classes of collagens can be defined on the basis of compositional and structural characteristics. The first class includes collagens Type I, II, and III which form classically described compact banded film structures resulting from crosslink stabilized side-by-side interactions of the triple helical structural domains. Type IV, or basement membrane collagen, comprises the second class. These molecules form open fiber structures by disulfide stabilized end-to-end interactions of the nonhelical amino and carboxyterminal structural domains. The third class of collagens contains the Type V collagens and the molecules containing the E and F chains found in cartilage. These molecules may interact by a combination of side-by-side and end-to-end aggregation. Still a fourth class is suggested by recent descriptions of several collagens which appear to contain extensive regions of unstable triple helix within the triple helical structural domain. It has been suggested that these collagens may serve as links between collagen and noncollagen structural elements. These concepts suggest that the specificity of interactions directed by the different collagen types result from (1) the extent of removal of the nonhelical collagen domains and (2) the integrity of the triple helical structure within the triple helical domain. These 2 properties of the different collagens are directly specified by genetically determined amino acid sequence differences.
Singular Elliptic and Parabolic Problems and a Class of Free Boundary Problems

In this short contribution we report on some recently made progress in the analytical treatment of a class of Free Boundary Problems (FBPs) characterized by the initial onset of a phase. The analysis is motivated by a model problem arising in the description of case II diffusion in polymers. The main local well-posedness and regularity theorem is obtained by means of fundamental results concerning the underlying singular elliptic and parabolic boundary value problems. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Windows-Based Guided Data Capture Software for Mass-Scale Thermophysical and Thermochemical Property Data Collection†

Guided data capture software (GDC) is described for mass-scale abstraction from the literature of experimental thermophysical and thermochemical property data for organic chemical systems involving one, two, and three components, chemical reactions, and chemical equilibria. Property values are captured with a strictly hierarchical system based upon rigorous application of the thermodynamic constraints of the Gibbs phase rule with full traceability to source documents. Key features of the program and its adherence to scientific principles are described with particular emphasis on data-quality issues, both in terms of data accuracy and database integrity.
Matrix formulation of the transition from a statistical coil to an intramolecular antiparallel beta sheet

A tractible matrix formulation is developed for the formation of intramolecular antiparallel β sheets in a homopolymer chain molecule. The formulation is applicable to chains with a finite degree of polymerization. It can readily be extended to treat specific-sequence heteropolymers. Individual sheets may contain any number of strands, the number of residues per strand can range upward from two, and there is no artificial constraint linking the numbers of residues in adjacent strands. The weighting scheme utilizes two end-effect parameters, denoted by τ and δ. The first parameter is associated with each residue that does not have a partner in a proceding strand, and the latter is associated with each β bend. A third parameter, t, is associated with every residue in the sheet. Conditions are described which lead to the formation of different types of sheets: (1) “sheets” comprised of isolated extended strands; (2) cross-β fibers in which a sheet contains a large number of very short strands; (3) fibers in which a few very long strands run parallel to the fiber axis; (4) sheets comprised of several strands in which the average strand contains five residues. The fourth type of sheet resembles those found in globular proteins. It is formed when τ and δ are both small, with the ratio, τ/δ, being slightly less than one.
On the application of characteristic modes for the design of chipless RFID tags

In chipless RFID tags, the structure functions both as a scatterer and an encoder in response to the incident wave. The embedded resonances on the tag incorporate the ID of the tag and its RCS determine the read-range of the tag. In this paper, the theory of characteristic modes is employed to study the resonant and radiation modes of chipless RFID tags. By studying the effects of various parameters on the characteristic modes, some hints are proposed to improve the characteristics of chipless RFID tags for high density applications.
Digital architecture for background calibration of pipeline ADCs

Continuous digital calibration technique suitable for implementation in a fully monolithic pipeline analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is presented here. The technique utilizes the existing digital calibration algorithm and extends it to work in real-time. This is accomplished by introducing two additional stages at the end of the pipeline which allow for a conversation cycle to be freed for calibration purposes. Two additional pipeline stages are active only during calibration process. Digital architecture discussed here is transparent to the overall system and is demonstrated using a 14-bit ADC, with 1-bit per stage topology and 18 identical stages (including two additional calibration stages). Proposed scheme successfully correct the dominant static errors present in a pipeline. Simulation results show more than 2-bits improvement in the number of effective bits and more than 20 dB improvement in the dynamic range of the converter.
Pinning in proton-irradiated and annealed YBa2Cu3O7-x single crystals.

Pinning in flux-grown ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$ single crystals is characterized with superconducting-quantum-interference-device magnetometry at 10 and 77 K. A wide variety of magnetic hysteresis behaviors are observed in crystals with different growth and oxygen annealing treatments, indicative of variable native pinning populations. These will be discussed in terms of the pinning forces (${\mathit{F}}_{\mathit{p}}$) for the native pins. Irradiation at a dose of ${10}^{16}$/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ with 3.4-MeV protons was used to increase the population of pinning defects. Changes in the flux-pinning parameters after postirradiation thermal anneals are used to determine the thermal stability of the defects responsible for the enhanced pinning. Isochronal anneals, t=10 min, were able to achieve total recovery to the preirradiated state by 600 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. This annealing experiment revealed two stages of recovery for the enhanced pinning at 100 and 470 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, respectively. By calculating theoretical Frenkel pair recovery curves, we found that oxygen point defects recombine between 100 and 200 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, copper between 450 and 600 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, and barium between 800 and 900 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. The slowly diffusing yttrium was not considered. Since the annealing range of point defects is coincident with the experimental results, we conclude that oxygen and copper point defects are responsible for the excess pinning. Isothermal anneals, T=450 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, verified that two species enhance the pinning properties which correlated to the O and Cu point defect model.
Suppression of deep brain stimulation artifacts from the electroencephalogram by frequency-domain Hampel filtering

Objective Currently, electroencephalography (EEG) cannot be used to record cortical activity during clinically effective DBS due to the presence of large stimulation artifact with components that overlap the useful spectrum of the EEG. A filtering method is presented that removes these artifacts whilst preserving the spectral and temporal fidelity of the underlying EEG.
HIV Infection among People Who Inject Drugs: The Challenge of Racial/Ethnic Disparities.

Racial/ethnic disparities in HIV infection, with minority groups typically having higher rates of infection, are a formidable public health challenge. In the United States, among both men and women who inject drugs, HIV infection rates are elevated among Hispanics and non-Hispanic Blacks. A meta-analysis of international research concluded that among persons who inject drugs, racial and ethnic minorities were twice as likely to acquire an HIV infection, though there was great variation across the individual studies. To examine strategies to reduce racial/ethnic disparities among persons who inject drugs, we reviewed studies on injection drug use and its role in HIV transmission. We identified four sets of evidence-based interventions that may reduce racial/ethnic disparities among persons who inject drugs: HIV counseling and testing, risk reduction services, access to antiretroviral therapy, and drug abuse treatment. Implementation of these services, however, is insufficient in many countries, including the United States. Persons who inject drugs appear to be changing drug use norms and rituals to reduce their risks. The challenges are to (a) develop a validated model of how racial/ethnic disparities in HIV infection arise, persist, and are reduced or eliminated over time and (b) implement evidence-based services on a sufficient scale to eliminate HIV transmission among all persons who inject drugs.
Susan L. Einbinder. Beautiful Death: Jewish Poetry and Martyrdom in Medieval France. Princeton and Oxford: Princeton University Press, 2002. x, 219 pp.

Can medieval Jewish poetry teach us history? Asked differently, can scholars draw on medieval poetry ( piyyutim ) to reconstruct historical events? In Beautiful Death , Einbinder narrows down this matter to the case of Ashkenazic martyrological poetry. To answer this question, Einbinder has analyzed over seventy Hebrew poems from northern France, England, and Germany; they span the period following the First Crusade (1096), ending with the Rindfleisch massacres of 1298 in Germany and King Philip IV's expulsion of the French Jews in 1306.
Relationships between the mechanomyographic amplitude patterns of response and concentric isokinetic fatiguing tasks of the leg extensors

The purpose of the present study was to examine possible correlations between the b terms (slopes) form the log-transformed mechanomyographic amplitude (MMGRMS)–force relationships and the fatigue index calculated from 50 maximal concentric contractions. Forty healthy subjects (age = 21 ± 2y r) performed isometric ramp contractions from 5% to 85% of their maximal voluntary contraction followed by a 50-repetition concentric fatigue protocol of the leg extensors, fatigue index (%) was calculated from the 50-repetitions. MMG was recorded during the ramp contractions from the vastus lateralis (VL) and rectus femoris (RF). The b terms (slopes) were calculated from the log-transformed MMGRMS–force relationships. Correlations were performed comparing the b terms from the MMGRMS–force relationships for the VL and RF with the fatigue index. Significant positive correlations were found among the b terms from the MMGRMS–force relationships for the VL (p = 0.007, r = 0.417) and RF (p = 0.014, r = 0.386) with the fatigue index. The b terms from the log-transformed MMGRMS–force relationships for the VL and RF may have reflected muscle fiber type composition and, thus, correlated with the fatigue index. This adds further support that the MMGRMS–force relationships may reflect muscle fiber type composition.
SU-FF-T-327: Effect of Rectal Balloon Filling Content On Rectal Wall Dose Distribution in Prostate Radiotherapy

Purpose: To estimate the dose difference at the level of the rectal wall for air‐ and water‐filled rectal balloons for conformal and IMRT prostate treatment plans. Method and Materials: A Radiadyne rectal balloon was filled with 100 cc of either air or water and placed in water equivalent phantom. CT simulations of the phantom were performed with air and water‐filled balloons. Eight marked points along the circumference of the balloon were identified. Treatment fields for both conformal and IMRT prostate plans were copied and calculated on both phantom image sets using the Varian Eclipse TPS v8.1 (AAA). Thermoluminescent detectors(TLDs) were then positioned at each of the 8 marked positions. A treatment fraction was delivered to the phantom using a Varian 2300 IX, 15MV photon beam. The dose measured at corresponding positions was then compared between water vs. air and against the Eclipse calculated dose.Results: The measurements confirm a difference in dose deposited along the rectal wall for air‐ and water‐filled rectal balloons. Points along the anterior rectal wall saw an increase in dose for water‐filling relative to air‐filling, while points along the posterior rectal wall exhibited a reduction in dose for water‐filling relative to air. The average dose increase along the anterior wall for IMRT and conformal plans was 12% (range 10–15%; IMRT) and 7% (range 3–13%; conformal) respectively, while the average dose decrease along the posterior wall was 7% (range 3–11%; IMRT) and 11% (range 0–18%) respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the need for careful consideration when implementing rectal balloons clinically, as a dose increase of 12% could result along the anterior rectum for water‐filling vs. air‐filling.
A Connection between the Logit Model, Normal Discriminant Analysis, and Multivariate Normal Mixtures

Abstract A relationship between the logit model, normal discriminant analysis, and mixtures of multivariate normal distributions is discussed. It is shown that the likelihood equations for multivariate normal mixtures can be obtained from the likelihood equations for the normal discriminant analysis model by simply replacing the index variables with weights that are logistic probabilities, and that all three models use the same linear discriminant function to classify observations into different populations. Some implications of these relationships for data analysis are also discussed.
A ‘Woollgari-Zone Mosasaur’ (Squamata; Mosasauridae) from the Carlile Shale (Lower Middle Turonian) of Central Kansas and the Stratigraphic Overlap of Early Mosasaurs and Pliosaurid Plesiosaurs

Anew specimen of russellosaurine mosasaur (FHSM VP-17564) from the middle Fairport Chalk Member (Collignoniceras woollgari zone, early Middle Turonian), Carlile Shale of central Kansas is among the earliest records of a derived mosasaur known from the North American Western Interior Seaway. Unequivocally the oldest recorded occurrence of a russellosaurine mosasaur from Kansas, and one of only four Kansas occurrences consisting of more than a single element, the specimen includes seven successive proximal caudal vertebrae bearing articulating hemal facets. No demonstrable characters ally the specimen to a more refined taxonomic subgroup, although the relative dimensions of the vertebral centra are significantly longer than equivalent caudal series in Platecarpus and Tylosaurus. This suggests that the tails of early russellosaurines were composed of a lesser number of longer caudal vertebrae than their successors, with less hydrodynamic adaptation from the terrestrial condition. Size of the vertebrae in rel...
Coulomb-excitation Mössbauer effect in the 21.6 keV state of 151Eu

Abstract The Mossbauer effect in the 21.6 keV state of 151 Eu has been observed following Coulomb excitation with 3.3 MeV alpha particles at 85°K and at room temperature. At 85°K line broadening and an isomer shift were found in an oxide target.