cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Temperature and moisture effects on selected properties of wood fiber-cement composites

The effects of moisture cycling on the dimensional stability and temperature cycling on the compressive strength of treated wood fiber-cement composites were investigated. The Kraft softwood fibers and the hardwood fibers were treated with an aqueous acrylic emulsion or alkylalkoxysilane prior to manufacturing into wood fiber-cement composites. Moisture cycling results indicated that the treated fiber-cement composites were more resistant to deterioration than the neat cement specimens. The alkylalkoxysilane-treated fiber-cement composites resisted deterioration more than the acrylic emulsion-treated fiber-cement composites. Treated hardwood fiber-cement composites were more resistant than the treated Kraft fiber-cement composites. The effects of temperature cycling on the compressive strength values produced similar results. The treated fibers were more resistant to deterioration than the neat cement. The alkylalkoxysilane-treated Kraft and hardwood fiber-cement composites had higher average compressive strength values than the acrylic emulsion-treated wood fiber-cement composites.
Barriers to Near-Optimal Equilibria

This paper explains when and how communication and computational lower bounds for algorithms for an optimization problem translate to lower bounds on the worst-case quality of equilibria in games derived from the problem. We give three families of lower bounds on the quality of equilibria, each motivated by a different set of problems: congestion, scheduling, and distributed welfare games, welfare-maximization in combinatorial auctions with "black-box" bidder valuations, and welfare-maximization in combinatorial auctions with succinctly described valuations. The most straightforward use of our lower bound framework is to harness an existing computational or communication lower bound to derive a lower bound on the worst-case price of anarchy (POA) in a class of games. This is a new approach to POA lower bounds, which relies on reductions in lieu of explicit constructions. More generally, the POA lower bounds implied by our framework apply to all classes of games that share the same underlying optimization problem, independent of the details of players' utility functions. For this reason, our lower bounds are particularly significant for problems of game design--ranging from the design of simple combinatorial auctions to the computation of tolls for routing networks--where the goal is to design a game that has only near-optimal equilibria. For example, our results imply that the simultaneous first-price auction format is optimal among all "simple combinatorial auctions" in several settings.
Career Barriers: How People Experience, Overcome, and Avoid Failure

The article reviews the book “Career Barriers: How People Experience, Overcome and Avoid Failure,” by Manuel London.
Risk assessment and research: an essential link

Regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, use health risk assessment information in developing pollution control regulations and for setting regulatory and research priorities. The risk assessment process, however, is hampered by limitations in test methods, in models for exposure and dose-response, and by chemical-specific data gaps. The research/risk assessment/risk management framework provides opportunities for targeting and coordinating research to address these limitations. Enhanced communication among researchers, risk assessors and risk managers to foster better development and use of scientific information in decision making, and incentives for interdisciplinary research efforts, are needed.
Sequences surrounding the Src-homology 3 domain of phospholipase Cgamma-1 increase the domain's association with Cbl.

SH3 domains are protein modules that interact with proline-rich polypeptide fragments. Cbl is an adapter-like protein known to interact with several SH3 domains, including the PLCgamma1 SH3 domain and the Grb2 amino terminal SH3 domain. Here we explore whether sequences surrounding the PLCgamma1 SH3 domain core sequence (aa.796-851) can affect the binding to Cbl, a target used as a prototypical ligand. Consistent with previous reports, our results demonstrated a weak binding of Cbl to GST fusion proteins that strictly encompass the structural core of the PLCgamma1 SH3 domain but a high-avidity binding to the Grb2 amino-terminal SH3 domain. Inclusion of amino acids immediately flanking the PLCgamma1 SH3 core domain, however, substantially increased binding of Cbl to a level comparable to that of the Grb2 amino-terminal SH3 domain. The interaction of this extended PLCgamma1 SH3 domain fusion protein with Cbl was shown to depend entirely upon the interaction of the domain with a proline-rich motif in Cbl, ruling out the possibility that amino acids adjacent to the core SH3 domain of PLCgamma1 provide independent Cbl binding. These data suggest that sequences surrounding the SH3 domain of PLCgamma1 may contribute to or stabilize the association of the domain with the target protein, thus increasing its binding efficiency.
Long radiology workdays reduce detection and accommodation accuracy.

Purpose The aim of this study was to measure the diagnostic accuracy of fracture detection, visual accommodation, reading time, and subjective ratings of fatigue and visual strain before and after a day of clinical reading. Methods Forty attending radiologists and radiology residents viewed 60 deidentified, HIPAA-compliant bone examinations, half with fractures, once before any clinical reading (early) and once after a day of clinical reading (late). Reading time was recorded. Visual accommodation (the ability to maintain focus) was measured before and after each reading session. Subjective ratings of symptoms of fatigue and oculomotor strain were collected. The study was approved by local institutional review boards. Results Diagnostic accuracy was reduced significantly after a day of clinical reading, with average areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.885 for early reading and 0.852 for late reading ( P P Conclusions After a day of clinical reading, radiologists have reduced ability to focus, increased symptoms of fatigue and oculomotor strain, and reduced ability to detect fractures. Radiologists need to be aware of the effects of fatigue on diagnostic accuracy and take steps to mitigate these effects.
On comparing PRA results with operating experience

Abstract A procedure is presented for quantifying the consistency between probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) results and corresponding plant-specific operating data not considered in the PRA. The method, which is easily implemented in practice, is based on the use of Bayes p -values for the predictive probability that the observed data would have been produced from the PRA results in conjunction with an assumed binomial or Poisson sampling distribution. Uncertainties in both the PRA results and the operating data are considered. The method is used to quantify the consistency between PRA results and operating data for high-pressure coolant injection system unreliabilities at 11 US commercial boiling water reactors.
PATHWAYS, PATHWAY TUBES, PATHWAY DOCKING, AND PROPAGATORS IN ELECTRON TRANSFER PROTEINS

The simplest views of long-range electron transfer utilize flat one-dimensional barrier tunneling models, neglecting structural details of the protein medium. The pathway model of protein electron transfer reintroduces structure by distinguishing between covalent bonds, hydrogen bonds, and van der Waals contacts. These three kinds of interactions in a tunneling pathway each have distinctive decay factors associated with them. The distribution and arrangement of these bonded and nonbonded contacts in a folded protein varies tremendously between structures, adding a richness to the tunneling problem that is absent in simpler views. We review the pathway model and the predictions that it makes for protein electron transfer rates in small proteins, docked proteins, and the photosynthetic reactions center. We also review the formulation of the protein electron transfer problem as an effective two-level system. New multi-pathway approaches and improved electronic Hamiltonians are described briefly as well.
Profiling exporting and nonexporting service firms: Critical differences to decision‐makers

The internationalization of services has become a critical element in the global marketplace. While the internationalization of services has increased in importance, the lack of empirically based research has been a shortcoming. This article empirically examines key characteristics (i.e., total sales, number of employees, age of firm, management's desire to export, perceived profit potential from internationalization, top management's foreign language skills, and international work experience) separating exporting from nonexporting domestic-based service firms. It provides a profile for the exporting service firm that is distinctly different than that of the nonexporting service provider. These differences suggest important policy considerations for federal and state export promotion agencies and strategy considerations for service firm owners and management. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Speech-Language Assessment of English Language Learning Students: A Non-Standardized Approach

English language learning (ELL) children suspected of having specific-language impairment (SLI) should be assessed using the same methods as monolingual English-speaking children born and raised in...
Tongues, tentacles and trunks: the biomechanics of movement in muscular‐hydrostats

Muscular-hydrostats, muscular organs which lack typical systems of skeletal support, include the tongues of mammals and lizards, the arms and tentacles of cephalopod molluscs and the trunks of elephants. In this paper the means by which such organs produce elongation, shortening, bending and torsion are discussed. The most important biomechanical feature of muscular-hydrostats is that their volume is constant, so that any decrease in one dimension will cause a compensatory increase in at least one other dimension. Elongation of a muscular-hydrostat is produced by contraction of transverse, circular or radial muscles which decrease the cross-section. Shortening is produced by contraction of longitudinal muscles. The relation between length and width of a constant volume structure allows amplification of muscle force or displacement in muscular-hydrostats and other hydrostatic systems. Bending requires simultaneous contraction of longitudinal and antagonistic circular, transverse or radial muscles. In bending, one muscle mass acts as an effector of movement while the alternate muscle mass provides support for that movement. Torsion is produced by contraction of muscles which wrap the muscular-hydrostat in a helical fashion.
Intracellular pathways of insulin-mediated glucose uptake before and after puberty in conscious rats.

Intracellular Pathways of Insulin-Mediated Glucose Uptake before and after Puberty in Conscious Rats 1
An in vitro evaluation of the effect of laser irradiation on the thrombogenicity of thrombus

Abstract The effect of laser irradiation on the thrombogenicity of thrombus was evaluated by treating thrombi, formed in-vitro from canine blood, with two different doses of cw Nd:YAG laser energy at 1064 nm. The thrombi were then incubated with whole blood, and the plasma levels of fibrinogen and thrombin-antithrombin III-complexes were measured. A statistically significant decrease (p
The Ulmaceae , one family or two? Evidence from chloroplast DNA restriction site mapping

The Ulmaceae is usually split into two subgroups, referred to as either tribes or more commonly subfamilies (Ulmoideae andCeltidoideae). The two groups are separated, with some exceptions, on the basis of leaf venation, fruit type, seed morphology, wood anatomy, palynology, chemistry, and chromosome number. Propositions to separate the two groups as distinct families have never gained general acceptance. Recent morphological and anatomical data have suggested, however, that not only is family status warranted but thatCeltidaceae are more closely related toMoraceae and otherUrticales than toUlmaceae. In order to test these alternative sets of relationships, restriction site mapping of the entire cpDNA was done with nine rare cutting enzymes using 11 genera ofUlmaceae s. l., three other families of theUrticales, and an outgroup family from theHamamelidae. Cladistic analysis of the data indicates thatUlmaceae s. l. is not monophyletic and that distinct families (Ulmaceae andCeltidaceae) are warranted; thatUlmaceae is the sister group toCeltidaceae plus all other families in the order; and thatCannabaceae might be nested withinCeltidaceae. Familial placements of various problematic genera (e.g.Ampelocera, Aphananthe) are resolved and character evolution of key morphological, anatomical, chemical, and chromosomal features are discussed.
Evolution is intelligent design.

David Sloan Wilson and E.O. Wilson [1] have argued persuasively that natural selection is multilevel and can work on whole groups of organisms or even ‘systems.’ Even most multicellular ‘organisms’ are, in fact, collections of organisms in a coordinated system. For example, it has been estimated that as much as 90% of the cells in the human body are genetically ‘non-human’ (mostly bacteria*). Evolution is not just random mutations, it is both the generation of alternatives and natural selection to select the best-suited (i.e.
Gamma radiation effects on polyimide-passivated n+p diodes

Abstract Polyimide-passivated n + p silicon diodes were exposed to several levels of cobalt-60 radiation. Forward and reverse current-voltage characteristics were recorded both before and from 26 to 500 h after the gamma irradiation. Conduction in the forward direction decreased and the diode quality factor improved following irradiation and measurement at 48 h. An increase in reverse leakage current was observed at 26 h. At 48 h, the leakage current dropped below the pre-rad value. Measurements made at times in excess of 48 h fluctuated slightly with time after irradiation, but these fluctuations disappeared after 144 h. Junction breakdown voltage was unaffected by radiation. The effects of radiation on device characteristics are attributed to charge creation and trapping in the polyimide layer followed by charge relaxation with time after removal of the radiation source.
The Role of Precision for Iterative Refinement

Programmers often use excessive precision in scientific computation causing substantial waste of performance. Computational precision has great influence on performance, but there has been a dearth of research that explores performance as a function of precision. In this paper, we describe the performance gain as a function of precision with a scientific computing application, mixed precision iterative refinement. Utilizing computational precision in mixed precision iterative refinement can achieve significant performance gain without losing accuracy on accelerators such as GPUs and FPGAs.
Relativistic Pseudopotential Method

A relativistic pseudopotential is defined for the Dirac Hamiltonian with the use of relativistic orthogonalized plane waves. In the standard representation, the leading new terms in the Dirac pseudo-Hamiltonian are a mass-change term, a change in the timelike component of the vector potential, and spatial components of bivector and pseudovector contributions. The former two give rise to the "repulsive" part of the pseudopotential in the nonrelativistic limit. The latter are "rotational" energy contributions due to core overlap which give rise to the spinorbit corrections of the more usual treatments. The nature of the spin-orbit interaction is discussed in some detail.
Costochondral Grafting in Condylar Replacement and Mandibular Reconstruction

Thirty costochondral grafts in 22 patients were retrospectively studied with a mean follow-up of five (range, 2 to 11) years. The functional results, esthetics, and incidence of complications in these patients were determined. A discussion of these findings as well as the surgical technique is included. The results confirm previous studies and indicate that free costochondral grafting is a successful and physiologically sound method for reconstruction of portions of the mandible and its temporal articulation.
Vitamin D and Innate Immunity

This chapter will examine the role of vitamin D in the innate immune system as a mediator of human host defense mechanisms microbial disease, focusing on tuberculosis. The first section will examine tuberculosis and the innate immune response to the intracellular pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tuberculosis), the causative agent of tuberculosis. This is followed by a discussion of the known associations, genetic and mechanistic, between the vitamin D pathway and tuberculosis susceptibility. Finally, the chapter will conclude with a discussion on the potential for adjuvant treatment of tuberculosis with vitamin D.
Statistical tools for simulation design and analysis I: finding important independent variables through screening designs: a comparison of methods

Once a simulation model is developed, designed experiments may be employed to efficiently optimize the system. Designed experiments are used on "real" production systems as well. The first step is to screen for important independent variables. Several screening methods are compared and contrasted in terms of efficiency, effectiveness, and robustness. These screening methods range from the classical factorial designs and two-stage group screening to new, more novel designs including sequential bifurcation (SB) and iterated fractional factorial designs (IFFD). Conditions for the use of the methods are provided along with references on how to use them.
S2 → S0 fluorescence in trans-azobenzene

Abstract Picosecond excitation of the 28 250 cm −1 overtone band in the 1 (π,π * ) manifold of trans-azobenzene yields an emission spectrum with a prominent S 2 → S 0 fluorescence band in addition to an S 1 → S 0 component from the 1 (n, π * ) manifold. The S 2 → S 0 fluorescence decay time at 420 nm is ⪷ 5 ps.
The Carolina HPV immunization attitudes and beliefs scale (CHIAS): scale development and associations with intentions to vaccinate.

Background: No standardized instruments, to our knowledge, exist to assess attitudes and beliefs about human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. Methods: We developed the Carolina HPV Immunization Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (CHIAS), using data collected on 783 parents who had not yet vaccinated their daughters against HPV. We conducted a principal components analysis of 16 HPV vaccine attitude and belief items, assessed the scale's psychometric properties, and used linear regression to examine the relationship of CHIAS factors and parents' vaccination intentions. Results: Analyses identified 4 CHIAS factors, all of which had acceptable scale alphas and 1-year test-retest reliability. In multivariate models, higher vaccination intentions were associated with: believing HPV vaccine is effective (β = 0.06) or has less harmful effects (β = -0.47), perceiving more barriers to access (β = 0.18), and having less uncertainty about the vaccine (β = -0.23) (all P < 0.05). Conclusions: Findings suggest that parent attitudes about HPV vaccine are important to their intentions to vaccinate their adolescent daughters against HPV. The CHIAS offers researchers a compact, standardized measure of important HPV vaccine attitudes and beliefs.
Synthesis, Structure–Activity Relationships, and in Vivo Efficacy of the Novel Potent and Selective Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) Inhibitor 5-Chloro-N2-(2-isopropoxy-5-methyl-4-(piperidin-4-yl)phenyl)-N4-(2-(isopropylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyrimidine-2,4-diamine (LDK378) Currently in Phase 1 and Phase 2 Clinical Trials

The synthesis, preclinical profile, and in vivo efficacy in rat xenograft models of the novel and selective anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitor 15b (LDK378) are described. In this initial report, preliminary structure–activity relationships (SARs) are described as well as the rational design strategy employed to overcome the development deficiencies of the first generation ALK inhibitor 4 (TAE684). Compound 15b is currently in phase 1 and phase 2 clinical trials with substantial antitumor activity being observed in ALK-positive cancer patients.
MBM12: A Younger Version of the TW Hydrae Association?

We present optical and infrared photometry of stars near the MBM 12 dark cloud. The optical data indicate that there are about 40 candidate pre-main sequence stars in the same area currently occupied by eight bona-fide PMS stars. Analysis of 2MASS data suggests that 60% of PMS candidates have been detected. Some of these show evidence of optically thick disks. Our study of the 2MASS data also reveals a large enhancement of sources within the MBM 12 cloud, indicating that it is still actively forming stars.
GIBBTEQ: A MINTEQA2 Thermodynamic Data Error Detection Program

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency geochemical computer code MINTEQA2 contains over 1, 500 aqueous species entries with stoichiometric, thermodynamic, and gram formula weight data. GIBBTEQ is a LOTUS 123 program that scans MINTEQA2 data base entries and directly identifies errors in stoichiometry, species charge, and formula weight. GIBBTEQ indirectly facilitates identification of errors of equilibrium and enthalpy data in MINTEQA2 data base entries by printing those entries in readable format. Anomalies of equilibrium constant, standard free energy and enthalpy of mineral species, and redox potential (for electron-containing reactions) are amenable to user detection in the program output. MINTEQA2 errors of various types are quantified from GIBBTEQ results. Program availability inquiries can be sent via e-mail to gibbteq@mines.utah.edu.
Pregnant Discourse: “Having It All” While Domestic and Potentially Disabled

The debate over whether women can or cannot “have it all” played out in two prime-time television dramas, Bones and In Plain Sight, when their stars became pregnant and their pregnancies were incorporated into story arcs. By analyzing these doubled performances of pregnancy and their extratextual echoes in entertainment news, I argue that pregnancy discourse functions as a crucible for gender norms. My analysis illustrates how public discourse constructs pregnancy in ways predicated on gender norms that situate women as domestic and potentially disabled, activating patriarchal and ableist logics while silencing the lived experiences of single mothers.
La liturgie, Le Roman de Renart , et le problème du blasphème dans la vie littéraire au Moyen Age, ou Les bêtes peuvent-elles blasphémer?

ResumeCet article analyse les traitements comiques - parodiques, satiriques, etc.- de la liturgie dans Le Roman de Renart. On pose la question: est-ce que certaines branches sont "blasphematoires"? OUI, car on peut trouver dans le Renart un denigrement radical de Dieu et de la foi chretienne. NON, parce que la critique et la raillerie anti-religieuses, telles qu'on les trouve dans le Renart n'ont pas ete jugees comme blasphematoires au Moyen Age. En fait, aucune oeuvre "litteraire" n'etait taxee de blaspheme; cela tient aux definitions medievales de ce peche.
Perceptual Responses While Wearing an American Football Uniform in the Heat

Abstract Context: The protective equipment worn during American football has been shown to increase thermal strain; however, the perception of this increased heat has not been examined. Objective: To evaluate perceptual responses of American football players while wearing different uniforms during exercise in the heat and to evaluate how these responses may be used to monitor athlete safety. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Human Performance Laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Ten men with more than 3 years of competitive experience as football linemen (age = 23.8 ± 1.3 years, height = 183.9 ± 1.8 cm, mass = 117.4 ± 3.5 kg, body fat = 30.1% ± 1.7%) participated. Intervention(s): On 3 occasions in hot, humid (33°C, 48%–49% relative humidity) environmental conditions, participants completed 10 minutes of strenuous repetitive box lifting (RBL), 10 minutes of seated rest, and up to 60 minutes of treadmill walking. At each trial, they wore a different uniform condition: control (CO...
Computer simulations of low-energy neon-ion scattering from nickel crystals

Abstract The model of successive single binary elastic collisions used by a computer code called ARGUS is sufficiently accurate to reproduce the salient features of energy spectra that result from ion-surface scattering for the neon on nickel system down to incidence energies of 600 eV. Agreement with experimental measurements is at least as good as that obtained by more detailed calculations, which include the interactions of many particles. Many features of the backscattered energy spectra can be associated with a single, or at most a few, specific collision sequences. ARGUS selects sampling areas that are orthogonal to the incident beam direction rather than parallel to the surface. These sampling areas are constructed from polygons formed by the intersection of the Wigner-Scitz cell of an atom with a plane perpendicular to the ion beam direction and passing through the center of the atom. These polygons of surface atoms form an overlapping mosaic. The irreducible portion of this mosaic (a type of primitive cell) that is visible along the ion beam direction is the required sampling area. This approach provides the most economical sampling of the surface.
Decriminalization of suicide in seven nations and suicide rates.

In a study of seven nations, suicide rates were higher in the years after decriminalization of suicide than before.
A Patient Case: Intravenous Azithromycin-Induced Hepatotoxicity

Objective: To report a case of probable hepatotoxicity associated with intravenous (IV) azithromycin.Case Summary: A 61-year-old white male was admitted to the hospital with shortness of breath and a subsequent diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia. The patient’s aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were within normal limits. The patient was started on piperacillin/tazobactam 2.25 mg IV every 8 hours and ceftriaxone 1 g IV daily. On day 2 of hospitalization, azithromycin 500 mg IV once daily was initiated. On day 4, the patient’s AST increased to 1,594 international units/liter (IU/L) and ALT to 650 IU/L. The ALT/AST peaked on day 6 of hospitalization. The patient’s AST and ALT trended downward after discontinuation of the azithromycin.Discussion: The Naranjo probability scale rated the patient’s hepatotoxicity as a probable adverse reaction related to azithromycin toxicity. Two case reports have documented an association with oral azithromycin and hepatotoxicity.Conclus...
DSCS III Receive Multiple Beam Antenna performance improvement

In an effort to cope with the increasing demand of services on the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) and more stringent ECCM (electronic counter-countermeasures) requirements, the performance limitations on the DSCS III Receive Multiple Beam Antenna (RMBA) imposed by random and systematic perturbations have been addressed. The concept of VPSFT (variable phase shifter fine tuning) closed-loop control has been investigated thoroughly, first by simulation and then by antenna-range tests and on-orbit measurement. As a result, its feasibility and utility have been firmly established. The VPSFT closed-loop scheme represents a technical breakthrough for extending the RMBA performance beyond its original design. >
Improvements in the tropospheric refraction correction for range measurement

The retardation of a satellite’s radio signal by the Earth’s troposphere and stratosphere is significant even when no bending of the signal path occurs, as in the zenith direction. The resulting error in range or Doppler data is generally estimated by assuming rectilinear propagation through a model atmosphere based on conditions at the tracking station. The two-quartic model of atmospheric refractivity that is used here (‘dry’ and ‘wet’ components) was derived earlier by the author from studies of meteorological balloon data, with parameters chosen to yield the right mean range correction at the zenith. Errors develop at very low elevation angles, partly because ( a ) the precise shape of the refractivity profile, involving temperature and water vapour irregularities, becomes important, and ( b ) signal path bending effects become significant. Corrections for the path curvature effect are presented, and possible ways of improving the profile model are discussed.
Risk factors for development of heterotopic ossification of the elbow after fracture fixation.

Background Postoperative heterotopic ossification (HO) about the elbow may occur after surgical fixation of fractures and can contribute to dysfunction. Factors associated with HO formation after surgical fixation of elbow trauma are not well understood. Methods All patients who underwent surgery for elbow trauma at our institution from October 2001 through August 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with prior injury or deformity to the involved elbow were excluded. Demographic data; fracture type; surgical treatment; and presence, location, and size of HO were recorded. The Fisher exact test, χ2 test, and multivariate logistic regression were used with an α value of .05 used for significance. Results A total of 159 patients were identified, with 89 (37 men and 52 women) meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean age was 54.4 years (range, 18-90 years), and the mean follow-up time was 180 days. Age, male gender, lateral collateral ligament repair, and dual-incision approach were not associated with increased ectopic bone formation. Distal humeral fractures were a significant predictor of heterotopic bone. In patients in whom HO ultimately developed, it was visible on radiographs obtained 2 weeks postoperatively in 86% of cases. Conclusion This investigation found predictors for the development of HO after surgical fixation of intra-articular elbow fractures. Furthermore, HO went on to develop at the time of final follow-up in only 14% of patients without HO on radiographs obtained 2 weeks postoperatively. This may suggest that absence of HO on radiographs obtained 2 weeks postoperatively may predict a more favorable outcome.
Hepatitis B Antibody in Conventional γ-Globulin

Recent lots of conventional gamma-globulin prepared from the plasma of outdated blood collected from voluntary donors in Massachusetts contain substantially more antibody (anti-HBs) to the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs Ag) than do lots manufactured from plasma collected before 1970. Variations in titer of anti-HBs may have been related in part to local variations in the incidence of hepatitis B. However, data available since 1949 suggest that one must consider whether antibody excess (anti-HBs) or antigen excess (HBs Ag) prevailed among individuals contributing to the plasma pools. The titers of anti-HBs have continued to rise since 1971, when screening of blood donors for HBs Ag became mandatory, a step which presumably resulted in the removal of much of the HBs Ag that would otherwise adsorb anti-HBs. The anti-HBs titer in gamma-globulin routinely produced in Massachusetts now equals or exceeds the titer in other lots of gamma-globulin found to be effective in recent studies of preexposure prophylaxis of hepatitis B.
Synthetic analogs for evaluating the influence of N-H...S hydrogen bonds on the formation of thioester in acetyl coenzyme A synthase.

A series of square planar methylnickel(II) complexes, (dppe)Ni(Me)(SAr) (dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane); 2. Ar = phenyl; 3. Ar = pentafluorophenyl; 4. Ar = o-pivaloylaminophenyl; 5. Ar = p-pivaloylaminophenyl; (depe)Ni(Me)(SAr), (depe = 1,2-bis(diethylphosphino)ethane); 7. Ar = phenyl; 8. Ar = pentafluorophenyl; 9. Ar = o-pivaloylaminophenyl; 10. Ar = p-pivaloylaminophenyl), were synthesized via the reaction of (dppe)NiMe2 (1) and (depe)NiMe2 (6) with either the corresponding thiol or disulfide. These complexes were characterized by various spectroscopic methods including 31P NMR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and infrared spectroscopies and in most cases by X-ray diffraction analyses. Solid state and solution measurements establish that 4 and 9 contain intramolecular N–H⋯S bonds. Carbonylation of the complexes 2–4, 7–10 leads to (dRpe)Ni(CO)2 and MeC(O)SArvia the intermediacy of the acylnickel adducts, (dRpe)Ni(C(O)Me)(SAr), detected at low temperature by 31P NMR spectroscopy. Consistent with experimental observations, density functional theory results reveal that the intramolecular hydrogen bond in 9 stabilizes the acylnickel adduct compared with its non-hydrogen-bonded adduct, 10. Oxidative addition of MeC(O)SC6F5 to (dRpe)Ni(COD) followed by spontaneous decarbonylation proceeds in variable yields generating 3 and 8.
The Cash Holdings Hypothesis of Dividend Policy: Evidence from Dividend Initiations

Grossman and Hart (1980), Easterbrook (1984), and Jensen (1986) argue that dividends may help reduce the agency problem by reducing the amount of cash executives have at their disposal. In this paper, I use the stock price reaction to dividend initiations to test this "cash holdings" hypothesis. I find that the stock price reaction is indeed positively related to cash holdings, information uncertainty, and entrenchment. Furthermore, I find that the stock price reaction is not significantly different from zero for firms with low cash holdings and for firms with low information uncertainty. However, I do not find evidence that the stock price reaction to initiations is even more positive for firms with high cash holdings and low growth opportunities. I conclude that the cash holdings hypothesis does a fair job in explaining the positive stock price reaction to dividend initiations.
Using the RE-AIM framework to evaluate a physical activity intervention in churches.

Eighty percent of the churches that had a health director trained during the first year of the intervention and 52% of churches that had a health director trained during the second year adopted at least one component of the intervention. Lack of motivation or commitment from the congregation was the most common barrier to adoption. Intervention activities reached middle-aged women mainly. The intervention was moderately well implemented, and adherence to its principles was adequate. Maintenance analyses showed that individual participants in the intervention’s physical activity components continued their participation as long as the church offered them, but churches had difficulties continuing to offer physical activity sessions. The effectiveness analysis showed that the intervention produced promising, but not significant, trends in levels of physical activity. Conclusion Our use of the RE-AIM framework to evaluate this intervention serves as a model for a comprehensive evaluation of the health effects of community programs to promote health.
Antibacterial Activity of Selected Beta-Lactam and Aminoglycoside Antibiotics Against Cephalothin-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae

The in vitro antibacterial activity of four beta-lactam antibiotics (cefatrizine [BL-S640], cefamandole, cefoxitin, and carbenicillin) and three aminoglycosides (amikacin, gentamicin, and tobramycin) was determined against 197 strains of cephalothin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. Eighty strains were found to be gentamicin-sensitive, and 117 were found to be gentamicin-resistant. Carbenicillin was the most active beta-lactam antibiotic against gentamicin-sensitive Serratia marcescens and Enterobacter spp. Cefoxitin was the most active beta-lactam antibiotic against the remaining gentamicin-sensitive and -resistant Enterobacteriaceae, including Providencia stuartii and indole-positive Proteus spp. Cefatrizine exhibited little activity against the organisms studied. Cefamandole was less active than cefoxitin and carbenicillin. Amikacin was the most effective agent in vitro. With the exception of S. marcescens, cefoxitin appeared to be the next most promising agent in vitro against gentamicin- and cephalothin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae.
Neuromuscular disease in respiratory and critical care medicine.

Neuromuscular diseases that affect the respiratory system are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in both acute and long-term settings. This conference examined the pathophysiology and management of neuromuscular diseases in both settings. Presentations by experts representing respiratory, physiologic, pediatric, neurologic, and intensive-care disciplines covered a broad range of topics. This summary of the conference briefly describes the main points of each presentation and highlights areas that need addressing in the future. Major topics covered include the basic respiratory pathophysiology of neuromuscular disease; respiratory complications and management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; techniques of noninvasive ventilation and secretion removal; and evaluation and management of neuromuscular-induced respiratory failure in the acute-care setting, including Guillain-Barre syndrome, myasthenic crisis, and critical-illness myoneuropathy.
Expanding Learning Opportunities Through On-Line Technology:

Opportunities to include electronic collaboration tools such as e-mail, web documents, and discussion forums within traditional classroom instruction are expanding. These electronic collaboration tools are out comes of the networking technologies that have arisen during the 1990s. They serve both as alternatives to personal interactions of teachers and students and as an extension of traditional classroom instruction.
Comparison of echocardiographic single-plane versus biplane method in the assessment of left atrial volume and validation by real time three-dimensional echocardiography.

Background The American Society of Echocardiography recommends calculating left atrial (LA) biplane volume because of its greater accuracy and prognostic value over LA diameter. However, biplane methods are not always feasible. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between the echocardiographic LA biplane and single-plane volumes and their agreement in the classification of LA size when American Society of Echocardiography cutoffs are applied. Methods Two-dimensional echocardiography was performed on the participants of the population-based Cardiovascular Abnormalities and Brain Lesions study. LA volume was calculated by the biplane area-length and single-plane modified Simpson's methods and validated against three-dimensional echocardiography. Results The study sample consisted of 527 participants (mean age 69.6 ± 9.7 years; 61.9% women). Both single-plane and biplane LA volumes correlated well with three-dimensional echocardiography ( r = 0.93, P r = 0.95, P Conclusions Single-plane and biplane LA volume measurements have strong correlations, but their agreement for categorical classification is suboptimal. Specific cutoff points should be developed for the single-plane method.
On the dynamics of crystals with molecular impurity centers. I. Compatibility conditions

The use of symmetry properties results in a great saving of time and effort in the theoretical study of molecules and crystals and frequently the application of group theory leads to valuable qualitative conclusions. A group theoretical method to obtain the appropriate eigenvectors is presented in detail and compatibility conditions for the eigenvectors of the subgroups are derived in a number of important cases. As an example of the practical value of symmetry arguments it is demonstrated that a study of the dependence of the infrared absorption on polarization relative to the crystallographic axes already leads to specific information on the orientation of a polyatomic molecule imbedded in a cubic crystal.
Comparative effectiveness of intravenous and inhaled magnesium in acute asthma.

Evaluation of: Goodacre S, Cohen J, Bradburn M et al. Intravenous or nebulised magnesium sulphate versus standard therapy for severe acute asthma (3Mg trial): a double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Lancet Respir. Med. 1, 293–300 (2013). Acute exacerbations of asthma are common. The current recommended treatment approach to managing an acute asthma exacerbation is to administer a short-acting inhaled β2-agonist (SABA). SABAs are rapidly effective but may not provide the bronchodilation needed to restore adequate lung function. Consequently, in severe acute asthma exacerbations, despite a standard approach to treatment including SABAs, hospitalization is common. Magnesium is a bronchodilator that may provide additional benefit to SABAs in managing acute asthma exacerbations. In this article, the comparative effectiveness of inhaled and intravenous magnesium in addition to standard therapy is evaluated in the management of severe acute asthma exacerbations. Although neither inhaled nor intravenous magn...
Wildfire alters oak growth, foliar chemistry, and herbivory

Fire is a major disturbance factor influencing the formation and maintenance of oak (Quercus)-dominated forests of eastern North America. Fire suppression practices have resulted in declining oak dominance, and caused the loss of oak seedlings due to poor light regimes and vegetative competition. Both wildfires and prescribed fires can alter forest stand composition and influence succession. Fire can also cause physiological changes in plants, potentially influencing growth, competition, and susceptibility to herbivory. Fire may impact herbivore populations directly by altering habitat and abundance, or indirectly through alterations in food supply. The objective of my study was to assess the effects of a naturally occurring wildfire on chestnut oak (Q. prinus L.) seedling growth, foliar chemistry, and suitability to a generalist herbivore, the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.). I sampled chestnut oak seedlings four times for phytochemical analysis throughout the post-fire growing season, and sampled once to assess suitability for caterpillar performance and to measure seedling growth. Chestnut oak seedlings sampled from burned sites had significantly higher foliar nitrogen and water content than seedlings sampled from non-burned sites. Seedlings from burned sites had transient declines in foliar carbohydrate concentrations, and also had higher initial tannin levels. Although seedlings from burned sites were smaller with respect to stem diameter and height, they grew more with respect to absolute growth rate, leaf area, and biomass, than their non-burned counterparts. In spite of the differences in leaf chemistry, there were no significant differences in the growth or development of gypsy moth caterpillars fed foliage from burned versus non-burned seedlings.
Osteoclast biology: lessons from mammalian mutations

Major contributions to and confirmations of osteoclast biology have been made by experimental investigations of the osteopetrotic mutations in mammals. Congenital osteopetrosis is a bone disease characterized by a generalized increase in skeletal mass due to decreased osteoclast function. Abnormalities of skeletal growth and the failures of marrow cavity development and tooth eruption are secondary to reduced bone resorption of heterogeneous cause. Elucidation of pathogenetic pathways and unraveling of the cell biology of the osteoclast have proceeded hand-in-hand. This is illustrated by the variable differentiation and activation of osteoclasts among mutations and by demonstrations that the disease in certain animals and children can be cured by providing competent stem cells for osteoclasts via bone marrow transplantation. Congenital absence of carbonic anhydrase II (CA II) in children results in a syndrome that included osteopetrosis because osteoclasts are unable to function in the absence of CA II. The resistance of all mutations to the hypercalcemic effects of parathyroid hormone and recent reports of elevated blood levels of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D have broadened the scope of pathogenetic possibilities for osteopetrosis and regulatory possibilities for osteoclasts. Immunological effects including reductions in natural killer cell activity, superoxide and interleukin-2 production make osteopetrotic mutants potential models for studying the role of the immune system in osteoclast biology. Furthermore, coexistence of osteopetrosis with rickets and osteoblast abnormalities and the failure of cell transplants to cure the disease in some mutations illustrate the utility of the osteopetroses for exploring the role of matrix as mentor in osteoclast biology. Thus, understanding congenital osteopetrosis and osteoclast biology are likely to continue together.
Experimental evaluation of an interactive information processing aid for an emergency poison center

In the recent literature, many studies have addressed the evaluation of the user interface in interactive systems. However, there are few theoretically based methodologies for this purpose. This study is an attempt to develop a methodology for examining the complex division of information processing labor between user and computer. A special concern was the computer-naive user searching for information using a self-teaching system. Our test bed was an emergency poison information center whose functioning depended on fast, accurate processing of patient and antidote data by a nurse. We augmented the nurses' traditional information support--a manual card file and reference books--with an interactive software system which summarized and suggested inferences from data on past successful treatment of patients. Analysis of recordings of user comments and user-system interactions showed that: (1) the support system should be more robust and have more "reasoning" power; and (2) the users' expressed information needs changed after the new support was introduced. From the results, we abstracted elements of an effective naive user-support system division of labor: (1) the support system should "actively" help the user's error recovery; (2) the system should have a sufficient knowledge base to allow "intelligent" conversation about the problem domain; and (3) the support system should allow the user to reconceptualize his information problem as his environment changes. Our method of recording user-system interactions and verbal protocols was time consuming, but did yield significant insight into the user-system division of labor. Also, considering the poison center as a living system, analysis of processing by the nurse and the traditional, the new, or an envisioned information support system showed that a highly dispersed associator and effective internal transducer promoted the functioning of the entire group. Language: en
Analysis of spectra in reverse overwrite

The write-ability is one of critical issues for achieving ultra-high recording areal density in magnetic disc storage technology. Usually an excellent overwrite (OVW) performance has to be guaranteed for two cases, namely, the case where a low linear density background pattern is overwritten by a high linear density data pattern, and the reverse case. In this work, a generalized analysis is given for describing the spectra of the readback signals in reverse overwrite process, where a high linear density background pattern is overwritten by a low linear density data pattern. It was found that our quantitative analysis was indeed consistent with experimental results.