cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improved survival following transarterial radioembolization of infiltrative-appearance hepatocellular carcinoma

Infiltrative-appearance hepatocellular carcinoma presents a challenge to clinicians as diagnostic criteria continue to evolve and evidence-based treatment guidelines have yet to be established. While transarterial radioembolization has shown efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma, many studies exclude infiltrative-appearance HCC in their analysis. The purpose of this study was to describe imaging features of infiltrative-appearance hepatocellular carcinoma and evaluate effects of radioembolization on survival. In a retrospective review, infiltrative HCC patients treated from 2008 to 2017 were identified. Patients were divided into two groups: TARE versus systemic therapy/palliative care. Demographics, dates of diagnosis/expiry, albumin, international normalized ratio (INR), sodium, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), creatinine, Child-Pugh class, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, bilirubin, radiation dose and volume were collected. Patients with bilirubin > 3 were excluded. Mann–Whitney U test and Fisher’s exact test assessed differences between groups. Kaplan–Meier survival and Cox proportional hazard analyses were performed. Fifty-three patients were identified, 15 underwent TARE while 38 served as control. Mean age was 60, 43 patients were male. The mean overall survival was 16.2 months for the TARE group and 5.3 months for the control group (Log-rank p < 0.0001). Cox proportional regression analysis revealed significant associations between survival and albumin (HR 0.210, 0.052–0.839, p = 0.027), Child-Pugh class B (HR 0.196, 0.055–0.696, p = 0.012), sorafenib (HR 0.106, 0.031–0.360, p < 0.001), and number of affected liver lobes (HR 1.864, 1.387–2.506, p < 0.001). Transarterial radioembolization for infiltrative HCC improves life expectancy compared to treatment with comfort measures or systemic therapy.
Understanding the characteristics of US cancer survivors with informal caregivers.

BACKGROUND Although informal caregivers such as family and friends provide people with cancer needed physical care and emotional support, little is known about which individuals have access to such caregivers. The purpose of this article is to provide a nationally representative description of the sociodemographic characteristics of cancer survivors who have or had an informal caregiver in the United States. METHODS Cross-sectional data were taken from the Experiences With Cancer Survivorship Supplement of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey in 2011, 2016, and 2017. People were cancer survivors from diagnosis until the end of life. The study population consisted of adult survivors of cancer other than nonmelanoma skin cancer who were treated for cancer less than 3 years before the survey and were living in the community (n = 720). The main outcome measure was whether or not the cancer survivor reported having an informal caregiver. RESULTS In the United States, 55.2% of cancer survivors reported having an informal caregiver during or after their cancer treatment. The relationship of the caregiver to the survivor varied by sex: males were more likely to have a spouse as their caregiver, and females were more likely to have a child as their caregiver. In multivariate analyses, cancer survivors who were female, were married, were of a race/ethnicity other than White, or were in poor health were more likely to have an informal caregiver. CONCLUSIONS Future research can examine whether those without informal caregivers might need more formal support as they undergo cancer treatment and transition into cancer survivorship.
Renal Revascularization Attenuates Myocardial Mitochondrial Damage and Improves Diastolic Function in Pigs with Metabolic Syndrome and Renovascular Hypertension

Percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA) may improve cardiac function in renovascular hypertension (RVH), but its effect on the biological mechanisms implicated in cardiac damage remains unknown. We hypothesized that restoration of kidney function by PTRA ameliorates myocardial mitochondrial damage and preserves cardiac function in pigs with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and RVH. Pigs were studied after 16 weeks of MetS+RVH, MetS+RVH treated 4 weeks earlier with PTRA, and Lean and MetS Sham controls (n=6 each). Cardiac function was assessed by multi-detector CT, whereas cardiac mitochondrial morphology and function, microvascular remodeling, and injury pathways were assessed ex vivo. PTRA attenuated myocardial mitochondrial damage, improved capillary and microvascular maturity, and ameliorated oxidative stress and fibrosis, in association with attenuation of left ventricular remodeling and diastolic dysfunction. Myocardial mitochondrial damage correlated with myocardial injury and renal dysfunction. Preservation of myocardial mitochondria with PTRA can enhance cardiac recovery, underscoring its therapeutic potential in experimental MetS+RVH.
MetaPose: Fast 3D Pose from Multiple Views without 3D Supervision.

Recently, huge strides were made in monocular and multi-view pose estimation with known camera parameters, whereas pose estimation from multiple cameras with unknown positions and orientations received much less attention. In this paper, we show how to train a neural model that can perform accurate 3D pose and camera estimation, takes into account joint location uncertainty due occlusion from multiple views, and requires only 2D keypoint data for training. Our method outperforms both classical bundle adjustment and weakly-supervised monocular 3D baselines on the well-established Human3.6M dataset, as well as the more challenging in-the-wild Ski-Pose PTZ dataset with moving cameras. We provide an extensive ablation study separating the error due to the camera model, number of cameras, initialization, and image-space joint localization from the additional error introduced by our model.
Tweeting Stigma: An Exploration of Twitter Discourse Regarding Medications Used for Both Opioid Use Disorder and Chronic Pain:

We examined the content of tweets on the social media site Twitter to better understand the contemporary discourse about medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), how this chat contributes to the...
The Argentine Dilemma: “Vulture Funds” and the Risks Posed to Developing Economies

Post-crisis Argentina is a case study of crisis management through debt restructuring. This article examines how Argentina negotiated the external debt in the wake of the sovereign default in December 2001 and now confronts challenges posed by holdout creditors—the so called “vulture funds”. It argues that debt restructuring has put a straitjacket on the national economy, making it virtually impossible for healthy growth short of a break with the international economic order. While Argentina has successfully restructured a $95 billion debt with an unprecedented “hair cut” (around 70% reduction in “net value of debt”), a sustainable growth appears out of reach as long as reliance on the government debt market prevails. In this cycle, the transmission belt of financial crisis to developing countries is characterized by the entry of highly speculative players such as hedge funds, conflicts of interests embedded in “sovereign debt restructuring” (SDR) and vulnerabilities associated with “emerging market debt”.
A Survey of Expert Systems for Equipment Maintenance and Diagnostics

Considerable research is being conducted in the area of expert systems for diagnosis. Early work was concentrated in medical diagnostic systems (Clancey and Shortliffe, {21}). MYCIN (Buchanan and Shortliffe, {15}) appears to represent the first medical diagnostic expert system. Current efforts are expanding to the area of equipment maintenance and diagnostics, with numerous systems having been built during the past several years. We concentrate our effort in this survey on expert systems for diagnosis and refer the reader to (Hayes-Roth, Waterman, and Lenat, {42} Hayes-Roth, {43}), (Waterman, {101}), and (Charniak and McDermott, {19}) for introductions to expert systems. We remark that it is common for diagnostic systems to integrate concepts from artificial intelligence (expert systems), decision theory, and operations research.
Consistency between executable and abstract processes

Process models play an all-important role in the development of cross-organizational business processes. On the one hand, the interaction between the participating companies often is specified globally, for example by means of multiple abstract process models - one for each partner. On the other hand, each partner defines its local process autonomously in terms of an executable process model. The important question is whether such an executable model is consistent to the predefined abstract model. This paper describes an approach to prove this property automatically.
An Eastern View of Apes and Monkeys

Primate Origins of Human Cognition and Behavior . T. Matsuzawa, Ed. Springer, Tokyo, 2001. 599 pp. $129, €119, ¥9,500. ISBN 4-431-70290-3. In a volume that highlights Japanese contributions to primatology, Matsuzawa and his colleagues explore a broad range of topics from the fields of behavioral ecology, psychology, and cognitive science.
Measuring the Impact of Asymmetric Information: An Example from Energy Conservation

Asymmetric information has occupied a central role in theoretical microeconomics for almost two decades, but little has been done to ascertain when it matters in practice. The regulatory problem of promoting energy conservation offers an opportunity to ascertain if asymmetric information mattered and to what extent it altered outcomes. Regulators encouraged utilities to promote conservation, and while the regulators could observe conservation prices, they could not observe utilities' promotional efforts. A theoretical model of the regulatory asymmetric information problem yields propositions about the levels of conservation, prices and utility effort, and simulations with realistic parameters are used to determine asymmetric information's impact on these levels.
Numerical Weather Prediction in Low Latitudes

Based on the results of a number of numerical prediction experiments, the differential heating between land and ocean is an important and critical factor for investigation of phenomenon such as the onset of monsoons over the Indian subcontinent. The pre-onset period during the month of May shows a rather persistent flow field in the monsoon region. At low levels the circulation exhibits anticyclonic excursions over the Arabian Sea, flowing essentially parallel to the west coast of India from the north. Over the Indian subcontinent the major feature is a shallow heat low over northern India. As the heat sources commence a rapid northwestward movement toward the southern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, an interesting configuration of the large-scale divergent circulation occurs. A favorable configuration for a rapid exchange of energy from the divergent to the rotational kinetic energy develops. Strong low level monsoonal circulations evolve, attendant with that the onset of monsoon rains occurs. In order to test this observational sequence, a series of short-range numerical prediction experiments were initiated to define the initial heat sources.
Making waves: The science and politics of ocean protection

The ocean has recently taken a more prominent role on the international policy stage. In June, the United Nations (UN) initiated development of a treaty for conservation of biodiversity on the High Seas. One of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the UN in September focuses on the ocean. In early October, the second Our Ocean Conference (OO-2015) provided a high-profile platform for nations to tout progress or make promises to protect and restore the ocean. We discuss recent progress in creating and enforcing strongly protected areas, and we emphasize the need to accelerate the pace and draw on scientific knowledge.
And Neither Are We Saved: Asian Americans' Elusive Quest for Racial Justice

Derrick Bell, Civil Rights activist, legal scholar, and a founder of critical race theory, dedicated much of his life and scholarship to the pursuit of racial justice. Twenty-six years ago, in his work And We Are Not Saved, he recognized that racial progress has been stalled and racial equality would not be a reality in his lifetime. Bell passed away in October 2011, and we are reminded that there is still much work to do. He presented a conundrum that race scholars have said all there is to say about racial problems in the United States; yet, he encouraged scholars to keep moving the work forward. At the time And We Are Not Saved was written, much of the racial scholarship was centered on the Black–White paradigm. In the 26 years since Bell wrote it, there has been a growth of Asian American research. This essay surveys some critical racial analysis of Asian Americans. There have been major contributions to the literature extending racial scholarship beyond the Black–White paradigm. Additionally, intersectional scholarship extends the discussion into other systems of oppression, highlighting how racism can be veiled in different systems. Critical race scholarship is imperative to keep Bell's dream of racial equality alive.
Diffusion flames in condensed-phase energetic materials: Application to Titanium–Boron combustion

Abstract The characteristics of a steady diffusion flame that arises at the interfaces of two condensed phase reactant streams that form an opposed counterflow are discussed. We assume that the flow is due to deformation from compaction or local heating and thermal expansion processes in the microscale environment of composite energetic materials. As a representative example of high temperature combustion of metal/intermetallic reactants, the overall reaction of titanium and boron to create titanium diboride products is considered under near isobaric conditions. The multi-component diffusion description uses a generalized Fick formulation with coefficients related to the binary diffusivities defined in the Maxwell–Stefan relations. A fairly simple depletion form with Arrhenius temperature dependent coefficients is used to describe the reaction rate. Several types of analyses are carried out at increasing levels of complexities: an asymptotic analysis valid in the limit of low strain rates (high residence time in the reaction zone), a constant mixture density assumption that simplifies the flow description, diffusion models with equal and unequal molecular weights for the various species, and a full numerical study for finite rate chemistry, composition-dependent density and strain rates extending from low to moderate values. All are found to agree remarkably well in describing the flame structure, the flame temperature and the degree of incomplete combustion. Of particular importance is the determination of a critical strain rate beyond which steady burning may no longer be observed. The analysis has a general character and can be applied to other condensed phase energetic material systems, where reaction and diffusion occur in the presence of flow and material deformation.
Isolation of photosynthetically active protoplasts and chloroplasts from Arabidopsis thaliana

Abstract Conditions have been established for the isolation and assay of photosynthetically active chloroplasts and protoplasts from the crucifer Arabidopsis thaliana . The inclusion of 10 mM EGTA or EDTA in the isolation medium is absolutely required for the recovery of active chloroplasts. The average rate of CO 2 -dependent O 2 evolution by washed chloroplasts was 97 μmol O 2 /mg chl/h. This greatly exceeds the rate of net CO 2 fixation by intact plants under standard atmospheric conditions. Dark storage of Arabidopsis chloroplasts in the presence of free Mg 2+ enhances the stability of photosynthetic capacity. This may distinguish Arabidopsis chloroplasts from those of other species where exposure to free Mg 2+ inhibited subsequent CO 2− dependent O 2 evolution.
The monoclonal antibody to cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4, ipilimumab, in the treatment of melanoma

Background Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) is an inhibitory regulator of the T-cell immune response against tumor cells. Ipilimumab is a monoclonal antibody directed against CTLA-4.
Experiences and thoughts about life cycle assessment in the automotive industry in Japan

Experiences with-Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in the Japanese Automotive Industry and the author’s thoughts on how to apply LCA for automobiles are described. In this paper, LCA applications are categorized into three types: The idea of the above mentioned categorization and distinctions of LCA applications may also be useful for assembly-based industries other than the automotive industry.
Comparative Methods: Going beyond Incorporating International Research Methods with Traditional Methods

Although comparative methods have a long history and there have been prior calls to action and attempts to integrate what are often identified as international research methods into the standard me...
Electromyographic biofeedback and relaxation instructions in the treatment of muscle contraction headaches

To assess the comparative effectiveness of relaxation instructions and frontalis electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback in the treatment of muscle-contraction (tension) headaches, 21 volunteers were assigned to either a relaxation training group, a biofeedback group or a no-treatment control group. Each group met for six 1/2-hr sessions. The EMG biofeedback and the relaxation instructions resulted in significant decreases in reported headache activity. Both procedures were significantly more effective than the control procedure, but did not differ significantly from each other in effectiveness. The effectiveness of the two experimental procedures was maintained at follow-up. Frontalis EMG levels were higher during sessions in which a headache was reported than in sessions when no headache was reported. The importance of individual differences is emphasized.
Coordination of ciliary movement. I. Methods of study and the relation of ciliary coordination to ciliary inhibition

A simply constructed apparatus, which includes a cinema camera, is described for the recording of ciliary movements. From data for Modiolus demissus obtained by this method, it is concluded that the coordinating impulse is a propagated impulse which regulates the temporal and spatial relationships of ciliary contractility, that this impulse has to a certain degree a determinant effect upon ciliary inhibitory influences so that the area rendered inactive is a multiple of the ciliary wave length, that the coordinating impulse is transmissible through cells bearing quiescent cilia, and that it may act as a stimulus of sufficient strength actually to cause quiescent cilia to become active.
The Impact of Personality Disorders on Alcohol‐Use Outcomes in a Pharmacotherapy Trial for Alcohol Dependence and Comorbid Axis I Disorders

Although antisocial and borderline personality disorders frequently co-occur with alcohol dependence and other Axis I disorders, their effect on alcohol use outcomes in context of pharmacotherapy remains unclear. Patients with Major Axis I disorders, including alcohol dependence, and diagnosis of antisocial (ASPD) or borderline personality disorder (BPD) were enrolled in a 12-week medication trial for treatment of their alcohol dependence. Everyone was randomized to one of four cells: naltrexone alone, placebo alone, open label disulfiram and naltrexone, or open label disulfiram and placebo. Outcome measures included scales for alcohol use and craving. Data were analyzed comparing patients with ASPD vs. those without, and patients with BPD vs. those without. Diagnosis of personality disorder did not adversely affect alcohol outcomes, and patients with ASPD or BPD did not have a poorer response to medication than patients without diagnosis of ASPD or BPD. The findings suggest that naltrexone and disulfiram can be safely and effectively used with patients who have comorbid diagnoses of Axis I and Axis II disorders.
The triangle inequalities and lower semi-continuity of surface energy of partitions

We prove that the triangle inequalities in general are not equivalent to lower semi-continuity of surface energy. In 1990, Ambrosio and Braides proved that the two conditions are equivalent when the number of regions, s , is three. They gave an example in the plane showing that the triangle inequalities do not imply lower semi-continuity when s ≥ 6. The cases when s = 4 and s = 5 have remained open. In this paper, we resolve these open questions and show that, in ℝ m , the triangle inequalities are sufficient for lower semi-continuity if and only if s = 3.
Morphology and properties of melt-spun polycarbonate fibers containing single- and multi-wall carbon nanotubes

Polycarbonate fibers based single wall and multi-wall nanotubes (SWNT and MWNT) were prepared by first dispersing the nanotubes via solvent blending and/or melt extrusion followed by melt spinning the composites to facilitate nanotube alignment along the fiber axis. Morphological studies involving polarized Raman spectroscopy and wide angle X-ray scattering using a synchrotron radiation source show that reasonable levels of nanotube alignment are achievable. Detailed transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations on the polymer-extracted composite fibers reveal that MWNT more readily disperse within the PC matrix and have higher aspect ratios than do SWNT; extraction of the polymer from the composite prior to TEM imaging helps overcome the common issue of poor atomic contrast between the CNT and the organic matrix. Stress-strain analysis on the composites fibers show that MWNT, in general, provide greater stiffness and strength than those based on SWNT. Despite significant reinforcement of the polycarbonate, the level of reinforcement is far below what could be achieved if the nanotubes were completely dispersed and aligned along the fiber axis as predicted by composite theory.
Anti-inflammatory effects of HO-1 activity in vascular endothelial cells, commentary on “Carbon monoxide donors or heme oxygenase (HO-1) overexpression blocks interleukin-18-mediated NF-κB–PTEN-dependent human cardiac endothelial cell death”

In this issue of Free Radical Biology & Medicine, Zabalgoitia et al. show that IL-18-dependent cell death of human microvascular endothelial cells (EC) is due to activation of p38alpha and NF-kappaB and suppression of p38beta activity. Most interestingly, IL-18 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) activities appear to oppose each other in these cells. IL-18 suppresses HO-1, an effect that is mediated by instability of the HO-1 mRNA. Though the contribution of HO-1 metabolites remains somewhat a mystery, treatment with carbon monoxide releasing molecules (CORMs) also induces these same effects, implicating carbon monoxide (CO) as a major player. HO-1 and CO act to suppress IL-18-mediated activation of p38alpha and to restore p38beta activity, which is suppressed by IL-18. Furthermore, HO-1 and CO suppress NF-kappaB activation by IL-18. This suppression of NF-kappaB reduces levels of PTEN which relieves IL-18-mediated suppression of Akt activity. Thus, HO-1 and CO oppose multiple proinflammatory and pro-cell death effects of IL-18 in human microvascular endothelial cells. The results of this study imply that induction of HO-1 or application of CORMs should be protective to the microvascular endothelium. Clinical trials to test the effects of CORMs in pulmonary inflammation are ongoing. The study by Zabalgoitia et al. provides mechanistic information pertaining to the homeostatic balance of IL-18 and HO-1 activities and may be useful for designing new clinical studies and for interpretation of data from ongoing studies.
The melting of defect polymer crystals

Abstract Melting of imperfect crystals is treated, using the methods of irreversible thermodynamics. A reproducible limiting heating path of zero entropy production from the metastable solid to the supercooled molten state is described. Experimental evidence shows that this ‘equilibrium’ heating path can often be approximated by heating fast enough so that reorganization and recrystallization in the crystalline aggregates are minimized, but not so fast that superheating is experienced. Expressions for the melting of perfect homopolymer lamellae, defect copolymer lamellae, and for the experimental maximum melting point of copolymers are discussed. For polyethylene a self-consistent set of data based on melting experiments carried out under zero entropy production heating is given. By this method the equilibrium maximum melting point for polyethylene homopolymer is found to be 142°C, while the surface free energy of a (001)-surface of polymer lamellae is about 75 erg/cm2.
Collapsing of thermally induced steps on the Pb(111) surface.

Using high-resolution low-energy electron diffraction techniques we have observed an increase in step density near 550 K in a stepped Pb(111) surface. At room temperature the Pb(111) surface contained steps with an average terrace width of 63 A\r{}. At 580 K, after the surface reached its maximum roughness, the steps suddenly collapsed and the surface appeared to be extremely flat. A possible explanation of the observed phenomenon is the occurrence of a surface melting phase transition which is induced by the thermally excited high density of steps.
Maternal History of Victimization and Adolescent Behaviors: Protective Function of Relationship Quality among At-Risk Mother-Adolescent Dyads

This study examined the protective function of mother-adolescent relationship quality in mediating the association between maternal history of violent victimization and adolescent behavior problems. Participants included a subsample of 191 mother-adolescent dyads from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN) who were at highest risk of child maltreatment. Results revealed that 78.5 % of the mothers reported a history of victimization, which was significantly associated with maternal mental health issues and both adolescent internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Bootstrapping analyses revealed that mother-adolescent relationship quality significantly mediated the relationship between maternal history of victimization and adolescent behaviors.
Characterization and intermolecular interactions of hydroxypropyl guar solutions.

Aqueous solutions of guar galactomannan and hydroxypropyl guars (HPG) with different molar substitution (MS) levels were studied using dilute solution viscometry and gel permeation chromatography. When guar is modified to HPG, the added hydroxypropyl groups sterically block the hydrogen bonding sites on the guar backbone and reduce the hydrogen bonding attractions between guar molecules. The effects of molar substitution on the intermolecular interactions are inferred from measurements of the Huggins coefficients, which measure intermolecular interactions in dilute solution, and molecular volumes, which reflect intrachain associations. The behavior can be divided into three regimes: (1) at low MS levels (0 ∼1.0), the temperature dependence of inter- and intramolecular hydrophobic interacti...
Air ionization in the hypersonic laminar wake of sharp cones

Abstract : A simplified analysis is proposed for determining peak ionization in the hypersonic laminar wake of slender cones, and the results are compared with more exact theories. Scaling laws for the effect of body size, shape and altitude on laminar wake electron production are given. Comparisons with boundary layer electron production rates are made for the case where peak wake and boundary layer enthalpies are equal and binary scaling is found to hold in the laminar wake. (Author)
EFFECTS OF SOME DRUGS ON THE γ-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID TRANSAMINASE AND THE SUCCINIC SEMIALDEHYDE DEHYDROGENASE OF RAT BRAIN

The distribution of γ-aminobutyric-α-ketoglutaric acid transaminase and DPN-linked succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase in 7 areas of rat brain was determined. Both enzyme activities vary with the age of the animal. The activity of both enzymes in the different brain areas roughly parallels the concentration.Estimations of enzyme activity in various parts of the brain taken from animals pretreated with either pentobarbital, diphenylhydantoin or trimethadione show a depression of activity of both enzymes the extent of which vary in different parts. The drugs in concentrations which are present in the brain when added to the enzymes in vitro do not inhibit them.
Memories of menarche: Age, preparation, and prior knowledge as determinants of initial menstrual experience

The relationships between age at menarche, preparation for menarche, and initial experience of menarche, were assessed in a retrospective questionnaire administered to 97 college-aged women. The more knowledgeable a girl was prior to menarche, the more adequate she perceived her preparation for menarche to have been; and the older she was at the time of menarche, the more likely she was to report a positive initial experience. These data support clinical anecdotes describing initial responses to menarche, and provide information about the factors which can moderate the extent to which menarche is experienced as a traumatic and disruptive event.
Liver transplantation effects on plasma lipids.

IN order to achieve long-term success of the hepatic homograft, satisfactory metabolic function of that organ in the host is essential. Since the liver is directly and/or indirectly involved in the synthesis and metabolism of the lipid fractions, it is important to know the effect of transplantation on the host's ‘lipid profile’.
Composite and non-composite behaviors of foam-insulated concrete sandwich panels

Abstract The structural behaviors of foam-insulated concrete sandwich panels subjected to uniform pressure have been evaluated. This study showed that the interface conditions such as composite and non-composite had a significant effect on the response of foam-insulated concrete sandwich panels, indicating that the simulated shear tie resistance should indeed be incorporated in numerical analyses. Finite element models were developed to simulate the detailed shear resistance of connectors and the nonlinear behaviors of concrete, foam and rebar components. The models were then validated using data from static tests performed at the University of Missouri. The modeling approach used here was compatible with the American Concrete Institute (ACI) Code and existing design practices. The results of this study will therefore provide improved methodology for the analysis and design of foam-insulated sandwich panels under both static and blast loadings.
Novel mutations affecting leaf stearate content and plant size in Arabidopsis

The fab2-1 mutant of Arabidopsis is an extreme dwarf as a direct result of an increase in the levels of stearate (18 : 0) in membrane lipids. We isolated a series of lines in which second-site suppressor mutations partly alleviate the dwarf phenotype. In all four of the suppressor lines examined, restoration of more normal morphology is accompanied by decreases in leaf 18 : 0 content. Three of the isolated suppressors suppress the high stearate phenotype in both leaves and seeds. The effects of one of the suppressors, TW2-1, is limited to the leaves. A second allele at the fab2 locus, fab2-2, was also identified and plants homozygous for this allele where intermediate in both plant size and 18 : 0 content between wild-type Arabidopsis and fab2-1 mutants. The alleles at fab2 and the suppressor mutations provided a total of nine genotypes which were analyzed to demonstrate a clear-cut relationship between leaf 18 : 0 content (0.7–19.6% of total leaf fatty acids) and reductions in plant size (24–4 mm). These results illustrate the utility of suppressor analysis for addressing problems in biochemistry and plant biology. They also indicate that the genetic control of plant lipid composition is more complex than previously appreciated.
A good servant but a tyrannous master: Gorse in New Zealand

Abstract The hedge plant gorse was introduced to New Zealand as a living fence and became a prominent feature of the landscape, particularly on the Canterbury Plains. Escaping from cultivation, gorse commenced its second life in New Zealand, that of a noxious weed troublesome to pastoral agriculture. In the twentieth century it came to be regarded as an invasive, exotic species that threatened indigenous plants and landscapes. Throughout its history in New Zealand, gorse, a highly significant element in the New Zealand environment, has been the object of ambivalent attitudes—a challenge to simplified conceptions of “native,” “exotic,” and “nature.”
Pediatric Emergency Medicine Education in Emergency Medicine Training Programs

. Background: The educational goal of emergency medicine (EM) programs has been to prepare its graduates to provide care for a diverse range of patients and presentations, including pediatric patients. Objective: To evaluate the methods used to teach pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) to EM residents. Methods: A written questionnaire was distributed to 118 EM programs. Demographic data were requested concerning the type of residency program, number of residents, required pediatric rotations, elective pediatric rotations, type of hospital and settings in which pediatric patients are seen, and procedures performed. Information was also requested on the educational methods used, proctoring EM received, and any formal curriculum used. Results: Ninety-four percent (111/118) of the programs responded, with 80% of surveys completed by the residency director. Proctoring was primarily performed by PEM attendings and general EM attendings. Formal means of PEM education most often included the EM core curriculum (94%), journal club (95%), EM grand rounds (94%), and EM morbidity and mortality (M&M) conference (91%). Rotations and electives most often included the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and the emergency department (ED) (general and pediatric). Conclusions: Emergency medicine residents are exposed to PEM primarily by rotating through a general ED, the PED, and the PICU, being proctored by PEM and EM attendings and attending EM lectures and EM M&M conferences. Areas that may merit further attention for pediatric emergency training include experience in areas of neonatal resuscitation, pediatric M&M, and specific pediatric electives. This survey highlights the need to describe current educational strategies as a first step to assess perceived effectiveness.
On Nonparametric Variance Estimation for Second-Order Statistics of Inhomogeneous Spatial Point Processes With a Known Parametric Intensity Form.

We introduce new variance estimation procedures for second-order statistics that are computed from a single realization of intensity reweighted stationary spatial point processes. The statistics are defined either on a subset B of the observation window or on the whole window. For the former, we use subblocks that have the same size and shape as B as “replicates” of B in order to estimate the target variance. For the latter, we develop a subsampling estimator for a key component in the target variance and estimate its other components by method-of-moment methods. Under some suitable conditions, we prove that the proposed variance estimators are consistent for the target variances in both cases. Simulations and an application to a real data example are used to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed methods. This article has supplementary material online.
Diagnosed Eating Disorders in the U.S. Military: A Nine Year Review∗

The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of three types of eating disorders (ED); anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN) and eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS), diagnosed in the U.S. Military. Diagnosed cases of ED were obtained from the Defense Medical Epidemiology Database for all Service Members (SM) from 1998-2006. The percentage per year of SM with an ED diagnosis was .30%. Eating disorders were diagnosed significantly more in 2006 (.41%) compared to 1998 (.23%) (p < .001). Females were diagnosed significantly more than males (p < .001). The majority of AN cases (66%) were in the Marines. This is the first known study to investigate the incidence of ED in SM using medical record data. Service Members diagnosed with ED have increased. Females, specifically White females, have higher incidence of ED. The reported incidence of diagnosed ED in SM was lower compared to previous research.
Characterization of liquid and gaseous products from the KENTORT II integrated retort/gasifier: 2. Comparison of gasification and combustion modes of operation

Abstract The utilization of solids-solids heat transfer in the pyrolysis stage of the KENTORT II fluid bed mini-plant has been shown to induce measurable oil losses relative to gas-solids heat transfer. Previous work indicated that aromatic hydrocarbons are more rapidly eliminated relative to aliphatic components when gasified shale particles are utilized to provide heat to the pyrolyser during combined pyrolysis/gasifier operation. More recent work from integrated pyrolysis/gasifier/combustor operation suggests that cracking of aliphatic hydrocarbons is enhanced when gasifier/combusted particles are recycled to the retort relative to that observed for the recycle of gasified-only particles. Thus, the mechanism of oil loss appears to differ slightly for these two modes of operation.
Substoichiometric inhibition of Aβ1-40 aggregation by a tandem Aβ40-1-Gly8-1-40 peptide

Abeta peptides aggregate to form insoluble and neurotoxic fibrils associated with Alzheimer's disease. Inhibition of the aggregation has been the subject of numerous studies. Here we describe a novel, substoichiometric inhibitor of Abeta(1-40) fibrillization as a tandem dimeric construct consisting of Abeta(40-1) (reverse sequence) linked to Abeta(1-40) via an eight residue glycine linker. At molar ratios of the tandem peptide to Abeta(1-40) of 1:10 to 1:25 inhibition of fibrillization, as measured by ThioflavinT, was observed. We postulate that the tandem construct binds to a fibrillar intermediate but the reverse sequence delays or prevents further monomer association.
Nearest Neighbor Classification Rule for Mixtures of Discrete and Continuous Random Variables

In this paper very simple nonparametric classification rule for mixtures of discrete and continuous random variables is described. It is based on the method of nearest neighbor proposed by Cover and Hart (1967). The bounds on the limit of the nearest neighbor rule risks are given. Both lower and upper bound depend on the Bayes risk and the loss function. Finally the method is compared with other existing methods on some practical data set.
Making critiquing practical: incremental development of educational critiquing systems

Expert critiquing systems in education can support teachers in providing high quality individualized feedback to students. These systems, however, require significant development effort before they can be put into use. In this paper, we describe an incremental approach that facilitates the development of educational critiquing systems by integrating manual critiquing with critique authoring. As a result of the integration, the development of critiquing systems becomes an evolutionary process. We describe a system that we built, the Java Critiquer, as an exemplar of our model. Results from real-life usage of the system suggest benefits for supporting teachers in critiquing student code.
Firing the genie: Two-phase short-blocklength convolutional coding with feedback

In an effort to account for the latency cost of error detection at short blocklengths, we simulate a two-phase feedback-based incremental redundancy scheme. This scheme consists of communication and confirmation phases, as used in the error exponent literature, and allows messages to be decoded with high reliability. Simulation results of tail-biting convolutional codes on the AWGN channel are shown, which demonstrate that the two-phase scheme can deliver throughput surpassing the random coding lower bound on variable-length feedback (VLF) code achievability. A comparison with simulation of CRC-based error detection is also presented.
High temperature diffusion of hafnium in tungsten and a tungsten-hafnium carbide alloy

Refractory metals and ceramics are used extensively in energy systems due to their high temperature properties. This is particularly important in direct conversion systems where thermal to electric conversion efficiency is a direct function of temperature. Tungsten, which has the highest melting temperature among elemental metals, does not possess sufficient creep resistance at temperature above 1,600 K. Different dispersion strengthened tungsten alloys have been developed to extend the usefulness of tungsten to higher temperatures. One of these alloys, tungsten with 0.4 mole percent of finely dispersed HfC particles (W-HfC), has the optimum properties for high temperature applications. Hafnium carbide is used as the strengthening agent due to its high chemical stability and its compatibility with tungsten. The presence of HfC particles retards the rate of grain growth as well as restricting dislocation motion. Both of which are beneficial for creep resistance. The long term behavior of this alloy depends largely on the evolution of its microstructure which is governed by the diffusion of its constituents. Data on the diffusion of carbon in tungsten and tungsten self-diffusion are available, but no direct measurements have been made on the diffusion of hafnium in tungsten. The only diffusion data available are estimated frommore » a coarsening study and these data are highly unreliable. In this study, the diffusion behavior of hafnium in pure tungsten and in a W-HfC alloy was directly measured by means of Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS). The selection of the W-HfC alloy is due to its importance in high temperature engineering applications, and its higher recrystallization temperature. The presence of HfC particles in tungsten restricts grain growth resulting in better high temperature creep resistance. The higher recrystallization temperature allows measurements to be made over a wider range of temperatures at a relatively constant grain size.« less
Synaptotagmin C2B domain regulates Ca2+-triggered fusion in vitro: critical residues revealed by scanning alanine mutagenesis.

Synaptotagmin (syt) 1 is localized to synaptic vesicles, binds Ca2+, and regulates neuronal exocytosis. Syt 1 harbors two Ca2+-binding motifs referred to as C2A and C2B. In this study we examine the function of the isolated C2 domains of Syt 1 using a reconstituted, SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment receptor)-mediated, fusion assay. We report that inclusion of phosphatidylethanolamine into reconstituted SNARE vesicles enabled isolated C2B, but not C2A, to regulate Ca2+-triggered fusion. The isolated C2B domain had a 6-fold lower EC for Ca2+ 50-activated fusion than the intact cytosolic domain of Syt 1 (C2AB). Phosphatidylethanolamine increased both the rate and efficiency of C2AB- and C2B-regulated fusion without affecting their abilities to bind membrane-embedded syntaxin-SNAP-25 (t-SNARE) complexes. At equimolar concentrations, the isolated C2A domain was an effective inhibitor of C2B-, but not C2AB-regulated fusion; hence, C2A has markedly different effects in the fusion assay depending on whether it is tethered to C2B. Finally, scanning alanine mutagenesis of C2AB revealed four distinct groups of mutations within the C2B domain that play roles in the regulation of SNARE-mediated fusion. Surprisingly, substitution of Arg-398 with alanine, which lies on the opposite end of C2B from the Ca2+/membrane-binding loops, decreases C2AB t-SNARE binding and Ca2+-triggered fusion in vitro without affecting Ca2+-triggered interactions with phosphatidylserine or vesicle aggregation. In addition, some mutations uncouple the clamping and stimulatory functions of syt 1, suggesting that these two activities are mediated by distinct structural determinants in C2B.
How Might We Strengthen Evaluation Capacity to Manage Evaluation Contracts

Abstract The laudatory goal of evaluation capacity building is quite timely, given the spotlight on the potential use of program evaluation in the current environment which emphasizes performance reporting and evidence-based policy. A question that quickly comes to mind is: Where do you start? A seemingly reasonable starting point is to assess organizational culture and ways of working to tailor a strategy for building both evaluation capacity and a sustainable appreciation of evaluation practice among line managers. The nature and need for evaluation capacity across federal agencies vary greatly, and should be appropriate for the specific missions and activities of each agency. A large proportion of the program evaluations undertaken in many federal agencies are actually performed by contractors. This paper describes the initial scoping and scouting efforts that took place at HHS and AID to inform agency staff trying to forge an agency-wide strategy for strengthening capacity to oversee contract evaluations. The efforts were undertaken to assess organizational culture and “ways of working” to inform efforts to bolster capacity to oversee evaluation contracts. The nature of the efforts undertaken within HHS and AID are first described. Four lessons learned are then offered to inform others who are initiating efforts to strengthen capacity to oversee evaluation contracts in public agencies.
Analytical solution for capacitance calculation of a curved patch capacitor that conforms to the curvature of a homogeneous cylindrical dielectric rod

This Letter presents an analytical expression for the capacitance of a curved patch capacitor whose electrodes conform to the curvature of a long, homogeneous, cylindrical dielectric rod. The capacitor is composed of two infinitely long curved electrodes, symmetrically placed about a diameter of the cylinder cross-section. The resulting capacitance per unit length depends on both the dielectric properties of the material under test and the capacitor configuration. A practical capacitance measurement is also presented, with appropriately guarded finite electrodes. Very good agreement between measured and theoretically predicted capacitances were observed, to within 2.4 percent. The analytical result presented in this Letter can be applied for extremely rapid evaluation of rod permittivity from measured capacitance.
Fluctuations near superconducting phase transitions

The effects of thermodynamic fluctuations near superconducting phase transitions are reviewed. Above Tc, fluctuations towards the superconducting state lead to the appearance of excess conductivity, diamagnetism, specific heat, and tunnelling currents. Below Tc, fluctuations towards the normal state lead to the appearance of resistance in thin wires and the breakdown of fluxoid quantization in small rings. These effects are generally small, but they can be measured experimentally, particularly in superconducting samples of reduced dimensionality (on the scale of the Ginzburg-Landau coherence length) such as thin films, whisker crystals, and powders. These phenomena are explained using Ginzburg-Landau theory (the salient features of which are developed concurrently), and the current status of theoretical and experimental studies of these effects is surveyed.
The impact of a natural drawdown on the growth of four emergent species in a prairie glacial marsh

Abstract Changes in total, vegetative and flowering shoot densities, weights, heights and standing crops of four emergent species before, during, and after a drought indicate that the growth of three of these species ( Typha glauca Godr., Scirpus fluviatilis (Torr.) Gray and Sparganium eurycarpum Engelm.) was adversely affected by the drought. The drought, however, temporarily reversed the decline in vigor, which had started before the drought, in the fourth species, Scirpus validus Vahl, and enabled this species to persist for two more years in the marsh. The data suggest that periodic drawdowns enable several emergent species to coexist in a community because of their diverse responses to disturbance.