cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of Digestive Inflammatory Environment and Genipin Crosslinking on Immunomodulatory Capacity of Injectable Musculoskeletal Tissue Scaffold.

The paracrine and autocrine processes of the host response play an integral role in the success of scaffold-based tissue regeneration. Recently, the immunomodulatory scaffolds have received huge attention for modulating inflammation around the host tissue through releasing anti-inflammatory cytokine. However, controlling the inflammation and providing a sustained release of anti-inflammatory cytokine from the scaffold in the digestive inflammatory environment are predicated upon a comprehensive understanding of three fundamental questions. (1) How does the release rate of cytokine from the scaffold change in the digestive inflammatory environment? (2) Can we prevent the premature scaffold degradation and burst release of the loaded cytokine in the digestive inflammatory environment? (3) How does the scaffold degradation prevention technique affect the immunomodulatory capacity of the scaffold? This study investigated the impacts of the digestive inflammatory environment on scaffold degradation and how pre-mature degradation can be prevented using genipin crosslinking and how genipin crosslinking affects the interleukin-4 (IL-4) release from the scaffold and differentiation of naive macrophages (M0). Our results demonstrated that the digestive inflammatory environment (DIE) attenuates protein retention within the scaffold. Over 14 days, the encapsulated protein released 46% more in DIE than in phosphate buffer saline (PBS), which was improved through genipin crosslinking. We have identified the 0.5 (w/v) genipin concentration as an optimal concentration for improved IL-4 released from the scaffold, cell viability, mechanical strength, and scaffold porosity, and immunomodulation studies. The IL-4 released from the injectable scaffold could differentiate naive macrophages to an anti-inflammatory (M2) lineage; however, upon genipin crosslinking, the immunomodulatory capacity of the scaffold diminished significantly, and pro-inflammatory markers were expressed dominantly.
A large‐scale survey of pairwise epistasis reveals a mechanism for evolutionary expansion and specialization of PDZ domains

Deep mutational scanning (DMS) facilitates data-driven models of protein structure and function. Here, we adapted Saturated Programmable Insertion Engineering (SPINE) as a programmable DMS technique. We validate SPINE with a reference single mutant dataset in the PSD95 PDZ3 domain and then characterize most pairwise double mutants to study epistasis. We observe wide-spread proximal negative epistasis, which we attribute to mutations affecting thermodynamic stability, and strong long-range positive epistasis, which is enriched in an evolutionarily conserved and function-defining network of "sector" and clade-specifying residues. Conditional neutrality of mutations in clade-specifying residues compensates for deleterious mutations in sector positions. This suggests that epistatic interactions between these position pairs facilitated the evolutionary expansion and specialization of PDZ domains. We propose that SPINE provides easy experimental access to reveal epistasis signatures in proteins that will improve our understanding of the structural basis for protein function and adaptation.
Attention to Inattention: Evidence from Private Acquisitions

When a new blockholder (NewB) is expected to form in private firm acquisitions paid with stock, investors react strongly to the perceived certification and monitoring effects. The salience of a NewB, however, induces investor inattention to other information, opening doors for managerial opportunism. Financially weak acquirers pay attention to inattention and sneak in speculative deals. Our findings support these hypotheses. First, acquirers’ announcement-period abnormal returns are significantly associated with the presence of a NewB, but not with acquirers’ financial health that indicates managerial opportunism. Second, the NewB acquirers are financially weak. Finally, they underperform in the long run.
Incremental effect of complications on mortality and hospital costs in adult ECMO patients

Introduction:Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a resource-intense modality whose usage is expanding rapidly. It is a costly endeavor and best conducted in a multidisciplinary setting. T...
Mirabegron improves erectile function in men with overactive bladder and erectile dysfunction: a 12-week pilot study.

Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) is the only approved oral treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) in the US, and alternative management remains necessary when this treatment fails or is contraindicated. Targeting other pathways than the NO-cGMP pathway and/or combining this approach with PDE5i may introduce new treatments for men who are unresponsive to PDE5i. This study aims to evaluate whether Mirabegron improves erectile function in men with concurrent overactive bladder and mild to moderate ED. Twenty subjects, 40–70 years old, registering International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score 11–25 and International Prostate Symptom Score 8–20, were treated with Mirabegron therapy for 12 weeks. Study participants were re-administered IIEF and OAB-q questionnaires on weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12 and assessed for adverse events. The primary and secondary endpoints were an increase in the IIEF-5 score of 4 units and a decrease in the Overactive Bladder questionnaire (OAB-q) symptom severity score of 10 units between study time points. Thirteen men completed the 12-week study. Mirabegron treatment improved the IIEF-5 scores in five patients (38.4%) by 4 points or more, whereas IIEF-5 scores were not affected by Mirabegron treatment in eight patients (61.5%). There were no clinically relevant decreases in the IIEF-5 score. Significant improvements were observed in intercourse satisfaction at week eight compared to baseline (p = 0.01). Orgasmic function and sexual desire were not affected by Mirabegron treatment. As expected, Mirabegron treatment reduced OAB symptoms based on OAB-q short form (p = 0.006) and OAB-q total health-related quality of life (HRQL) scores compared to baseline (p = 0.03). Residual bladder volumes were not affected by treatment. No serious side effects were reported during the study period. This study suggests that Mirabegron may improve both EF and OAB-related symptoms in some individuals without causing serious adverse events.
Additively Manufactured Mobile Device Lens Case for 5G Antenna Gain

This paper presents the design of a 3-D printed integrated lens antenna for 5G wireless communications in the 28GHz frequency band. 5G promises higher data rates and low latency communication. However, increased path loss at millimeter-wave frequencies relative to 4G-LTE frequency bands motivates highly directional antennas to mitigate the loss in transmission. In order to meet this challenge, this paper presents a low-cost, small-profile 3-D printed lens integrated into a phone case to improve the performance of millimeter-wave antennas for future mobile device applications. Currently, most proposed lenses for millimeter-wave applications have been for base station type antennas and are not compatible in size and form with a mobile device's structure. This lens presents a solution for compact, multi-functional electronic antenna packaging for mobile devices. The fabrication steps for realizing a planar gradient index lens and its integration with a millimeter-wave patch antenna array are detailed. The fabricated antenna and lens are characterized in an anechoic chamber, and the results are compared to corresponding finite element model simulations.
Sharks, Lies, and Videotape: A content analysis of 32 years of Shark Week documentaries

Despite evidence of their importance to marine ecosystems, at least 25% of all chondrichthyan species are estimated or assessed as threatened with extinction. In addition to the logistical difficulties of effectively conserving wide-ranging marine species, shark conservation is believed to have been hindered in the past by public perceptions of sharks as dangerous to humans. Shark Week is a high-profile, international programming event that has potentially enormous influence on public perceptions of sharks, shark research, shark researchers, and shark conservation. However, Shark Week has received regular criticism for poor factual accuracy, fearmongering, bias, and inaccurate representations of science and scientists. This research analyzes the content and titles of Shark Week episodes across its entire 32 years of programming to determine if there are trends in species covered, research techniques featured, expert identity, conservation messaging, type of programming, and portrayal of sharks. We analyzed titles from 272 episodes (100%) of Shark Week programming and the content of all available (201; 73.9%) episodes. Our data demonstrate that the majority of episodes are not focused on shark bites, although such shows are common and many Shark Week programs frame sharks around fear, risk, and adrenaline. While anecdotal descriptions of disproportionate attention to particular charismatic species (e.g. great whites, bull sharks, and tiger sharks) are accurate and supported by data, 79 shark species have been featured briefly at least once. Shark Week’s depictions of research and of scientists are biased towards a small set of (typically visual and expensive) research methodologies and (mostly white, mostly male) scientists, including presentation of many white male non-scientists as experts. While sharks are more often portrayed negatively than positively, limited conservation messaging does appear in 53% of episodes analyzed. Results suggest that as a whole, while Shark Week is likely contributing to the collective perception of sharks as monsters, even relatively small alterations to programming decisions could substantially improve the presentation of sharks and shark science and conservation issues.
Can interactive apps promote parent-child conversations?

Abstract Smartphones are found to be a distraction, interfering with parent-child interaction. Our goal was to develop interactive apps for smartphones that would encourage rich conversations between parents and young children. We provided 76 mid- to lower-income families in the Northeastern US with three apps that we developed in collaboration with FableVision Studios and recorded the parent-child dyads interacting with the apps for five-minutes each when they first received them, and again three weeks later, keeping track of app use in-between. Half of the families received the apps-only (N = 38) and the other half received the apps+info in the form of short videos about ways to promote their children's language development (N = 38). Results of this within-subjects study suggest the apps elicited rich conversations between parents and their 3–4-year-olds. Most of the parent and child language measures increased over time reflecting more sophisticated conversations on our follow-up visit than our initial visit. The significant positive increase from the first visit to the latter visit in children's language complexity (p
Scoliosis surgery in social media: a natural language processing approach to analyzing the online patient perspective.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to analyze posts shared on Instagram, Twitter, and Reddit referencing scoliosis surgery to evaluate content, tone, and perspective. METHODS Public posts from Instagram, Twitter, and Reddit were parsed in 2020-2021 and selected based on inclusion of the words 'scoliosis surgery' or '#scoliosissurgery. 100 Reddit posts, 5022 Instagram posts, and 1414 tweets were included in analysis. The Natural Language Toolkit (NLTK) python library was utilized to perform computational text analysis to determine content and sentiment analysis to estimate the tone of posts across each platform. RESULTS 46.4% of Tweets were positive in tone, 39.4% were negative, and 13.8% were neutral. Positive content focused on patients, friends, or hospitals sharing good outcomes after a patient's surgery. Negative content focused on long wait times to receive scoliosis surgery. 64.7% of Instagram posts were positive in tone, 16.3% were negative, and 19.0% were neutral. Positive content centered around post-operative progress reports and educational resources, while negative content focused on long-term back pain. 37% of Reddit posts were positive in tone, 38% were negative, and 25% were neutral. Positive posts were about personal post-operative progress reports, while negative posts were about fears prior to scoliosis surgery and questions about risks of the procedure. CONCLUSION This study highlights scoliosis surgery content in social media formats and stratifies how this content is portrayed based on the platform it is on. Surgeons can use this knowledge to better educate and connect with their own patients, thus harnessing the power and reach of social media. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV.
Surgical excision of intraoral hemangioma in Sturge-Weber syndrome

Abstract A typical case of Sturge-Weber syndrome has been presented. This case involved a large intraoral hemangioma and a large proliferating tumorous mass overlying the hemangioma which was surgically excised. Preoperative preparation of acrylic splints and a careful technique to accomplish hemostasis were employed. Surgical excision of the hemangioma was accomplished with minimal blood loss. No recurrence of the mass was evident at the time of a 5 year postoperative examination.
Designing and Implementing Performance Technology for Teachers

This paper synthesizes research findings from a performance analysis of teacher tasks and the implementation of performance technology. These findings are aligned with design and implementation theories to provide understanding of the complex factors and events that occur during the implementation process. The article describes the necessary elements and conditions for designing and implementing performance tools in school environments that will encourage usage, efficient performance, and positive attitudes. Two models provide a visual representation of causal relationships between the implementation factors and the technology user. Although the implementation process can become complex because of the simultaneous events and phases, it can be properly managed through good communication and strategic involvement of teachers during the design and development process. The models may be able to assist technology designers and advocates with presenting innovations to teachers who are frequently asked to try technical solutions for performance support or improvement.
Determining the Optimal Dynamic Rebalancing Frequency for Delta-Neutral Hedges in LIFFE Short-Term Interest-Rate Markets

Evidence provided by market practitioners suggests that use of so-called "delta-neutral" hedging strategies is a common and effective approach. Delta-neutral (DN) strategies are derived from the well-known option pricing model of Black and Scholes (1973) or specifically here, the Black (1976) model for valuing interest-rate options on futures contracts. The general goal of a DN hedging approach is to make a combined option/futures portfolio immune to changes in the underlying asset (UA). The principal objective of this research is to examine DN hedging effectiveness using differing portfolio rebalancing frequencies where the market-place considerations of both transaction costs (TCs) and returns/costs of margin requirements (MRs) are accounted for explicitly in the portfolio return calculations. In this context, the formulas developed for return calculations specifically incorporate the accounting recommendations suggested jointly in a publication by the London International Financial Futures and Options Exchange (LIFFE) and Price Waterhouse (1995). This analysis considers hedging effectiveness (HE) along three dimensions, namely 1) traditional risk-minimization; 2) portfolio return maximization; and 3) the optimal risk-return tradeoff using the HBS measure developed and refined by Howard and D'Antonio (1987). Results are largely consistent across the Short Sterling, Euromark and Euroswiss markets and provide insight into the best hedging approach over the period analyzed in order to accomplish a specific objective. Firstly a comparison of returns inclusive of TCs/MRs to those where they are excluded evidences statistically significant differences using parametric tests. The implication is that analysis where these "market imperfections" are ignored may yield misleading results. The second and third major findings suggest, not surprisingly, that hedged portfolio returns (variances) are significantly higher (lower) when portfolio rebalancing occurs less (more) frequently. The final result is that when the Howard/D'Antonio HBS risk-return measure is used to assess the optimal hedging rebalancing strategy in the presence of TCs/MRs, the uniform conclusion is that a passive hedging approach yields the best risk-return tradeoff.
Growing up faster? Post-divorce catalysts in the mother-adolescent relationship

Abstract Adding to the literature on post-divorce parent-adolescent relationships and applying the symbolic interactionist notion of reflective appraisal, we hypothesized that being called on by one's mother for emotional assistance and being exposed to maternal concerns/worries (sensitive maternal disclosures) would be related to adolescents' feeling older than their same-aged peers (high subjective age) and engaging in greater socializing/dating. We also examined whether those associations would be moderated by age. Questionnaire data were collected from 81 adolescents whose parents were divorced. Findings offer some support for our hypothesis. Mother-to-adolescent disclosures about financial and job concerns were associated with adolescents' high subjective age; and disclosure regarding personal concerns (e.g., things that make the mother sad) was associated with adolescents' greater social involvement/dating. For younger adolescents, maternal negative disclosure about the ex-husband was associated wit...
Are gamma-ray burst outflows neutron-rich?

Rapidly‐accreting black holes and young, rapidly‐rotating magnetars (“proto‐magnetars”) are two possible central engines for gamma‐ray bursts (GRBs). The midplane of neutrino‐cooled accretion disks and the surface of proto‐magnetars are both neutron‐rich, with a neutron‐to‐proton ratio n|p≫1. If a large neutron fraction is preserved to large radii in relativistic, GRB‐producing outflows, several observable consequences may result, including changes to the prompt and afterglow emission from the standard fireball model. We describe the results of detailed magnetohydrodynamic calculations of outflows from both proto‐magnetars and hyper‐accreting disks which predict the nucleonic content of the material at large radii. We summarize the prospects for neutron‐rich GRB outflows from individual central engines, emphasizing a fundamental difference between neutino‐heated mass‐loading in proto‐magnetar and accretion disk winds.
Theory of wakefield and J × B drift effects of a relativistic electron beam propagating in a plasma

A theoretical description of the wakefield effects is presented for a relativistic electron beam propagating through a tenuous background plasma. A particle simulation study of the wakefield effects is also carried out by two-dimensional particle-in-cell codes and the simulation results are compared with the theoretical predictions. The simulation data agree remarkably well with the theoretical values. J × B drift motion of a relativistic electron beam propagating through an ion channel is also investigated. Due to finite beam size and due to the accelerator and beam head location, location of the maximum deflection point propagates from the accelerator nozzle to the beam head. At the maximum deflection point, the perpendicular velocity of the electron beam segment does not match to the drifting velocity of the ion channel, causing a disruption of the beam propagation through the ion channel.
From Storytelling to Written Text: The Loss of Early Christian Women's Voices:

Scholars today generally agree that women were more prominent in early Christianity than the evidence of the Second Testament suggests. In this article I argue that a major reason for the loss of early Christian women's voices was the shift from an oral to a manuscript medium. The few men who were literate tended to minimize and trivialize the stories about women in composing the written manuscripts. First I retell an ancient story, then briefly describe literacy and orality in antiquity. Then I discuss the question of oral vs. written media and access to authority. Next, I describe what happened to women's folk tales as they were transformed into the print medium by men. Finally, I describe the traces of similar minimalizing and distortion of stories about women to be found in the Gospels.
The Cosmological Mosaic in Mérida, Spain: Preserving Pagan Roman Tradition through Art

The Cosmological Mosaic, a Roman imperial period mosaic found in Merida in western Spain, has been the subject of inquiry for numerous archaeologists and art historians since its excavation in the 1960s. Though a large portion is no longer extant, there is much to be gleaned about this mosaic through the stylistic, scientific, historical, political, and religious contexts in which it finds itself. The visual resemblance to other mosaics in the Middle East and North Africa show that this work was invested with connections and interests spanning across the large empire. This view is supported by the elements of astronomy found in the work and how they relate to the possibility of an abundantly prosperous society. With this, one may deduce what exactly would have occupied the missing portion of the mosaic. The time period in which the mosaic was likely constructed provides insight into the political climate of the era, which then reveals the possibility of religious motivation for installing the mosaic in its space. Here, I intertwine all of these factors to speculate on the significance of the Cosmological Mosaic, not only in terms of broader history of art, but for the motivations of its ancient Roman owner as well.
Culturally Responsive Classrooms for Culturally Diverse Students with and at Risk for Disabilities

Culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students with and at risk for disabilities evidence the greatest need for quality instructional programs of all students in our schools because of disproportionate academic underachievement, special education referrals, and disciplinary actions. Authorities on culturally responsive instruction consistently point to the cultural dissonance between the home and school as a contributor to poor educational outcomes. Other researchers argue that these students are least likely to be taught with the most effective evidence-based instruction. This article discusses culturally responsive classrooms for CLD students with and at risk for disabilities within the context of culturally competent teachers, culturally effective instructional principles, and culturally appropriate behavior development. It discusses implications for educators and suggestions for a future agenda.
Answers to the quiz

### Answers to questions from the quiz on page 184 1. Answers A, C, D and E are all true. Klinefelter typically results in tall stature 2. Answers A and B are true. The other conditions may result in short stature, …
Play-language relationships in young children with developmental delays: implications for assessment.

The purpose of this longitudinal study was to determine whether the reported parallels between symbolic play and normal language development were evidenced in 6 children with developmental delays o...
Unexpected late radiation neurotoxicity following bevacizumab use: a case series.

The purpose of this case series is to report the unexpected occurrence of four cases of late radiation-induced neurotoxicity with bevacizumab use following radiotherapy to the CNS. We retrospectively reviewed the case records of four patients, three with glioblastoma and one with bone metastases secondary to metastatic breast cancer, who were treated with radiotherapy and developed late radiation-induced neurotoxicity following bevacizumab use. Three cases of optic neuropathy in glioblastoma patients and a single case of Brown-Sequard syndrome in the thoracic spine of a patient with metastatic breast cancer are reported. We hypothesize that bevacizumab use following radiotherapy to the CNS may inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor-dependent repair of normal neural tissue, and thus may increase the risk of late radiation neurotoxicity. Phase III data on the safety and efficacy of bevacizumab use with radiation in the setting of glioblastoma is awaited.
Rapid cytometric antibiotic susceptibility testing utilizing adaptive multidimensional statistical metrics.

Flow cytometry holds promise to accelerate antibiotic susceptibility determinations; however, without robust multidimensional statistical analysis, general discrimination criteria have remained elusive. In this study, a new statistical method, probability binning signature quadratic form (PB-sQF), was developed and applied to analyze flow cytometric data of bacterial responses to antibiotic exposure. Both sensitive lab strains (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and a multidrug resistant, clinically isolated strain (E. coli) were incubated with the bacteria-targeted dye, maltohexaose-conjugated IR786, and each of many bactericidal or bacteriostatic antibiotics to identify changes induced around corresponding minimum inhibition concentrations (MIC). The antibiotic-induced damages were monitored by flow cytometry after 1-h incubation through forward scatter, side scatter, and fluorescence channels. The 3-dimensional differences between the flow cytometric data of the no-antibiotic treated bacteria...
A Review of Arts and Aging Research: Revealing an Elusive but Promising Direction for the Era of the Third Age

This article examines arts and aging research over a 40-year period in four highly visible gerontology journals. We examine the content, amount, and distribution of research between 1970 and 2009, identifying dominant themes and research paradigms. Results reveal six themes, with the vast majority of arts research occurring between the late 1980s and early 1990s. Using a critical gerontology lens, we identify and explore the implications of two dominant, often conflicting paradigms that have shaped trends in arts research over the last 40 years. We conclude with recommendations for future arts research for the era of the third age.
Research and emerging trends in social computing

Summary form only given. Social computing has emerged as a broad area of research in HCI and CSCW, encompassing systems that gather, store, process, re-present, and disseminate social information that is distributed across social collectivities such as teams, communities, organizations, cohorts, populations, and markets. Social computing systems are likely to contain components that support and make visible social features such as identity, reputation, trust, accountability, presence, social roles, expertise, knowledge, and ownership. We see social computing transforming the net by creating a pervasive technical infrastructure that includes people, organizations, and their activities as fundamental system components, and enabling identity, behavior, social relationships, and experience to be used as resources for activity. In this article the author selectively review emerging applications and trends in social computing, and discuss current research in our group and beyond that is driving and is driven by the emerging vision of social computing
TAXONOMIC NOTES ON MEXICAN RUELLIA (ACANTHACEAE)

The new nameRuellia comonduensis is provided for the species previously known asR. cordata Brandegee.Ruellia chilpancingana, a new species known only from Guerrero in southwestern Mexico, is described and compared to morphologically similar species. It is unique among Mexican species ofRuellia based on the following combination of characters: caducous bracteoles and secondary bracteoles, multiflowered dichasia from leaf axils, yellowish and cylindric-funnelform corollas, exserted stamens, and few (four or fewer) seeds per capsule. Macromorphological features and pollen ofR. chilpancingana are illustrated.
On the incidence of antibodies to the Rh antigens G, rhi(Ce), C, and CG in sera containing anti-CD or anti-C

In tests on 50 single-donor sera containing anti-CD or anti-CDE, it was found that 37 of them reacted with rG red Mood cells. However, adsorption-elution experiments showed that only 15 of the sera contained anti-G. Those sera that reacted with rG red blood cells d but which lacked anti-G, apparently contained anti-C that accounted for their reactions with the C-,D-,G+,CG+, rG red blood cells used. In all, only 30 per cent of the singledonor anti-CD and anti-CDE antibodies contained anti-G. In muked contrast, a11 of 11 commercially prepared anti-CD and anti-CDE typing reagents contained potent anti-G. In tests on 46 anti-CD and 9 anti-C sera, it was found that most of them contained anti-rhi (anti-Ce) component. However, only 2 of the 55 sera (1 anti-CD and 1 anti-C, both single-donor sera) failed to react with ry red blood cells, showing that 53 of the anti-C antibodies would detect C in the absence of rhi. These findings are discussed in terms of some statements that exist in the literature about anti-G, and in term of the relative immunogenicity of D, C, G, CG and rhi.
Protagonist, Theme, and Goal Object: Effects of Surface Features on Analogical Transfer.

Abstract This study examined the effects of the similarity of protagonist, thematic context, and goal object on choice of solution principles in analogical transfer. Kindergartners and second-graders listened to five stories before solving a problem. In the experimental condition, four stories included workable solution principles, and one of each of these included the same protagonist, the same goal object, and the same thematic context as the target problem. Children in the experimental condition at both ages produced more solutions than children in a control group. Kindergartners, but not second-graders, were particularly likely to transfer a solution associated with the same goal object, and to a lesser extent, same protagonist and story theme, compared to a solution in a source story sharing no surface feature with the target problem. The results indicate that younger children are more likely to rely on salient surface features whereas older children flexibly map underlying structure independently of these features.
Characterization of Splitting: Behavior of Bamboo Culms

Bamboo is viewed as a sustainable and highly renewable material that may be grown in any temperate climate zone. Interest in the engineering properties of bamboo and the use of bamboo in engineered construction is growing. Although often having superior mechanical properties than readily available sawn timber, bamboo, being largely an unidirectional fibrous material, is very susceptible to longitudinal splitting. Despite being the dominant limit state in many applications, very little previous work has addressed the characterization of bamboo splitting failure. The present research focuses on the development of a split pin test method for characterizing the splitting strength of bamboo culms. The proposed split pin test uses a full culm section test, thereby eliminating some of the complexities of partial culm tests. Results of a pilot study of the split pin test having similar specimens with different split pin diameters yielded consistent results and variations less than that of the previously standardi...
Investigation of the Torsion Rotation Energy Levels of the CH3 Asymmetric Stretches in Methanol

Abstract The CH 3 asymmetric stretching region of methanol vapor has been investigated between 2900 and 3200 cm −1 with a 1.25-m maximum path difference Fourier transform spectrometer. Thirteen P branches and eleven R branches were assigned (13 series representing six excited states belonging to the ν 2 fundamental and 11 series representing five excited states belonging to the ν 9 fundamental). A nonlinear least-squares analysis of the Q -branch origins for three parameters (the bandcenter, the hindering potential barrier height, and the moment of inertia of the methyl group about the symmetry axis) of the molecule was done. This yielded a bandcenter of 2999.44 cm −1 , a barrier height of 405.62 cm −1 , and a moment of inertia of 5.29 cm −1 for the ν 2 fundamental. The corresponding values for the ν 9 fundamental are 2970.18, 529.7 1, and 5.34 cm −1 , respectively. The ambiguity of these parameters owing to the relatively small number of identified torsional levels is discussed.
Structure of the U-band in neutron irradiated MOVPE grown N-GaAs epilayers

DLTS measurements of neutron irradiated MOVPE-GaAs as a function of applied field and various neutron fluences have revealed considerable structure to the previously observed broad U-band. Curve fitting procedures have been used to separate the U-band into four distinct trapping levels with characteristics consistent with those of point defects.
Myopia in infants treated for retinopathy of prematurity: the first year of life

Premature birth is associated with an increase in incidence of refractive errors. Cryotherapy for threshold retinopathy of prematurity further increases risk of developing high myopia. It was our clinical impression that a change in treatment to laser resulted in less severe myopia. We undertook a longitudinal study to determine the refractive outcome of each therapy. A total of 19 patients undergoing cryotherapy and 14 patients undergoing laser treatment, had cycloplegic refractions at corrected ages of three months and one year. At 3 months the median spherical equivalent refractive error in the right eye was −3.25 dioptres after cryotherapy and +0.25 dioptres after laser therapy. At twelve months it was −5.25 dioptres following cryotherapy and −0.50 dioptres after laser. The results for the left eye were comparable. The difference between the median spherical refractive error for the two treatment groups were significant at three months and twelve months (p > 0.05 Wilcoxon rank sum). Laser therapy is associated with lower degrees of myopia during the first year of life.
The Effect of Punishment on Firm Compliance with Hazardous Waste Regulations

Abstract This paper examines the effect of EPA's dramatic 1991 increase in the penalties associated with violations of hazardous waste regulations on firm compliance. Although data from EPA's RCRA Information System show an increase in detected violations after the penalty change, once inspection levels are incorporated into the analysis through a censored bivariate probit model I find that violations have decreased since the penalty change. However, the decrease in violations appears small relative to the increase in recommended penalty levels. I also find evidence that the likelihoods of inspection and compliance vary significantly across regions.
Aluminum oxynitride coatings for oxidation resistance of epoxy films

Abstract Aluminum nitride (AlN) and aluminum oxynitride (AlNO) films were sputter deposited onto epoxy coated silicon substrates. The films were characterized by: electron microscopy; atomic force microscopy; θ-2θ X-ray diffractometry; and profilometry. The surface morphology of the films was a function of the feed gas oxygen content. Amorphous aluminum oxynitride films formed with oxygen flows of more than 0.5 sccm yielded smooth, continuous coatings over the epoxy. The oxynitride/epoxy/silicon structure was exposed in an electron cyclotron resonance low Earth orbit simulator, and showed 2–3 nm roughening up to the maximum fluence of 2.4×1022 atoms/cm2. This is equivalent to 94–940 days in low Earth orbit, depending on orbit height.
Structural phase stability in third-period simple metals

Extensive phase-stability calculations for the fcc, hcp, and bcc structures of Na, Mg, Al, and Si are reported both near 1 atm and under high pressure, where Si becomes a natural member of this set of third-period simple metals. Calculations for each element have been carried out by two entirely different first-principles techniques: the generalized pseudopotential theory (GPT) and the linear-muffin-tin orbitals (LMTO) method. The two techniques give results in good qualitative agreement for Mg, Al, and Si, and predict sequences of high-pressure structural phase transitions for these elements which arise from the lowering and partial filling of the initially empty 3d band under compression. Detailed analysis shows that major trends in the phase stability of the third-period metals are correlated with specific features both in the LMTO one-electron densities of states and in the GPT interatomic pair potentials. Quantitative comparisons between the two theoretical techniques, as well as with available experimental data and other recent calculations, are further used to assess the accuracy of the approximations employed by these methods in calculating structural energy differences.
Dynamically optimizing the administration of vaccines from multi-dose vials

Many vaccines are manufactured in large, multi-dose vials that once opened, must be used within a matter of hours. As a result, clinicians (especially those in remote locations) face difficult tradeoffs between opening a vial to satisfy a potentially small immediate demand versus retaining the vial to satisfy a potentially large future demand. This article formulates a Markov decision process model that determines when to conserve vials as a function of time of day, the current vial inventory, and the remaining clinic-days until the next replenishment. The objective is to minimize open-vial waste while administering as many vaccinations as possible. It is analytically established that the optimal policy is of a threshold type. Furthermore, an extensive sensitivity analysis is conducted that speaks to the benefits of consolidating demand, investing in buffer stock, and adopting different vial sizes. Lastly, a practical heuristic is evaluated and shown to perform competitively with the optimal policy.
Skull reconstruction with bone dust

Summary A new one-stage procedure for the reconstruction of the skull has been described, utilising the autogenous bone dust produced while making holes in the skull with a burr. This bone dust is spread over the dura at the site of the defect and both are covered by a healthy scalp. The results in 12 dogs and 3 patients are reported. Complete bony cover was obtained in each patient and in most of the dogs.
Development and Characteristics of the Euglena C‐Type Cytochromes*

SYNOPSIS. Two spectrally different cytochromes, referred to as cytochrome-552 and -556 were isolated from Euglena gracilis (Z) grown under different environmental conditions. Their presence or absence was followed during the dark light adaptation, and their concentrations calculated from spectral data. These studies indicate that cytochrome-552 is directly dependent on chlorophyll and photosynthesis, whereas cytochrome-556 is found in all euglenas in a constant amount, and is not dependent on photosynthesis. These cytochromes were further purified to determine differences if any in their physical-chemical properties. The apparent molecular weight calculated from the sedimentation constants is of the order of 11,000 for cytochrome-552, and of the order of 13,000 for cytochrome-556. The electrophoretic mobility shows that cytochrome-552 migrates towards the anode with a mobility depending on pH from 2.5–7.9 cm2/volt/sec. The oxidation-reduction potential for cytochrome-552 is of the order of +0.38 volts, and for cytochrome-556 is of the order of +0.32 volts. These and the other data are compared to similar cytochromes that have been isolated from bacteria, algae, higher plants, and animal cells.
Peptide-specific antibodies employed in determining the interspecies immunological cross-reactivity of haemopexin

1. Antibodies were raised in rabbits against nine peptides analogous to sequences of the human serum beta-glycoprotein haemopexin, and seven peptides were very antigenic. 2. One of these affinity-purified peptide-specific antibodies interacted with a highly conserved sequence of the haemopexin of five of the seven species tested. 3. Another antibody bound pig haemopexin even better than human haemopexin. 4. The overall, arbitrarily assessed, immunological cross-reactivity between the haemopexin of human and other species follows the order: rabbit greater than mouse greater than chicken greater than pig greater than rat greater than cow.
Optimal proton trapping strategy for a neutron lifetime experiment

Abstract In a neutron lifetime experiment conducted at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, protons produced by neutron decay events are confined in a proton trap. In each run of the experiment, there is a trapping stage of duration τ . After the trapping stage, protons are purged from the trap. A proton detector provides incomplete information because it goes dead after detecting the first of any purged protons. Further, there is a dead time δ between the end of the trapping stage in one run and the beginning of the next trapping stage in the next run. Based on the fraction of runs where a proton is detected, I estimate the trapping rate λ by the method of maximum likelihood. I show that the expected value of the maximum likelihood estimate is infinite. To obtain a maximum likelihood estimate with a finite expected value and a well-defined and finite variance, I restrict attention to a subsample of all realizations of the data. This subsample excludes an exceedingly rare realization that yields an infinite-valued estimate of λ . I present asymptotically valid formulas for the bias, root-mean-square prediction error, and standard deviation of the maximum likelihood estimate of λ for this subsample. Based on nominal values of λ and the dead time δ , I determine the optimal duration of the trapping stage τ by minimizing the root-mean-square prediction error of the estimate.
A Dynamic Game of a Transboundary Pollutant with Asymmetric Players

Abstract Modeling transboundary pollutants in a dynamic game framework provides a foundation for analyzing the impact of various policy options. The focus of this analysis is on the results of a tax/subsidy scheme used to address the transboundary problem of global climate change. A nonzero-sum dynamic game with asymmetric players is used to evaluate the policy impact of the tax/subsidy scheme on the respective player′s value functions and strategies as determined by a Nash equilibrium feedback solution. The asymmetry of the players is reflected in their respective attitudes toward global climate change with one player benefiting from the change and the other losing.
Structure of the monophosphoryl lipid A moiety obtained from the lipopolysaccharide of Chlamydia trachomatis

Monophosphoryl lipid A was prepared from the lipopolysaccharide of Chlamydia trachomatis, converted to the methyl ester, and fractionated by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The peak fractions were collected and analyzed by mass spectrometry. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization and liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry of the first of two major high-performance liquid chromatographic fractions showed multiple quasi-molecular ions of MNa+ at m/z 1780, 1794, 1808, 1822, and 1836. The positive-ion liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry spectrum also showed a minor series of peaks at m/z 1916, 1930, 1944, 1958, and 1971, consistent with the formation of matrix adducts with 3-nitrobenzyl alcohol. Oxonium ions representing the distal subunit were observed at m/z 1057, 1071, 1085, 1099, and 1113. The second fraction was similarly analyzed and found to contain structural homologs of the first fraction. Based on this study, the major lipid A component of chlamydial lipopolysaccharide is a glucosamine disaccharide that contains five fatty acids and a phosphate in the distal segment. Three fatty acyl groups are in the distal segment, and two are in the reducing end segment. The acyloxyacyl group is located in the distal segment in amide linkage. Two structural series, differing by 14 atomic mass units in the reducing subunit, were observed. Chlamydial lipid A is complex and consists of at least 20 homologous structural components. The relatively low potency of Chlamydia trachomatis lipopolysaccharide in activating lipopolysaccharide-responsive cells might be related to the unusual fatty acid composition of the lipid A moiety.
Separation of close-boiling hydrocarbon mixtures by MFI and FAU membranes made by secondary growth

Abstract We summarize and discuss recent results on the separation of close-boiling hydrocarbon mixtures by means of zeolite membranes. We focus on the separation of xylene isomers using silicalite (MFI) membranes, as well as several other hydrocarbon mixtures using faujasite membranes. In the case of the silicalite membranes, the selectivity is found to depend on the membrane microstructure. Permeation of xylene isomers through the silicalite membranes occurs through both zeolitic and non-zeolitic (intercrystalline) nanopores. This hypothesis is supported by vapor-phase permeation results on silicalite membranes synthesized with different microstructures, and by confocal microscopy experiments. In addition, a simple method for repairing calcination-induced membrane defects is presented, and its application is found to be essential in obtaining high (20–300) p -xylene/ o -xylene separation factors. The faujasite membranes are found to have high selectivities (40–150) in the separation of binary mixtures containing one aromatic component, and modest selectivities (4–9) for the separation of unsaturated from saturated low-molecular-weight hydrocarbons.
Control-variate models of common random numbers for multiple comparisons with the best

Using common random numbers CRN in simulation experiment design is known to reduce the variance of estimators of differences in system performance. However, when more than two systems are compared, exact simultaneous statistical inference in conjunction with CRN is typically impossible. We introduce control-variate models of CRN that permit exact statistical inference, specifically multiple comparisons with the best. These models explain the effect of CRN via a linear regression of the simulation output on "control variates" that are functions of the simulation inputs. We establish theoretically, and illustrate empirically, that the control-variate models lead to sharper statistical inference in the sense that the probability of detecting differences in systems' performance is increased.
The combined impact of donor age and acute rejection on long-term cadaver renal allograft survival.

Background: Acute rejection (AR) is an important risk factor for long-term renal graft loss. Furthermore, donor age is also associated with graft outcome. We analyzed the combined effects of cadaver donor age and AR on long-term graft survival. Methods: A retrospective review was made of 112 cadaver renal transplants at a single center. Only grafts functioning at least 3 months were included in this analysis. Results: The 3-year survival of AR-free grafts was superior to that of grafts with AR (98% vs 67%, P 50 years (P < .05) had an additional negative impact on graft survival. The 3-year survival of an older donor graft with AR was 33% versus 82% for a younger donor graft with AR. Conclusions: AR was a significant predictor of long-term graft loss. Older donor kidneys with AR had poorer graft survival than did younger donor kidneys with AR. (Surgery 1999;125:318-24.)
Intrapericardial Teratoma in Infancy

Intrapericardial teratoma in the newborn is a rare potentially fatal neoplasm. Pre-operative diagnosis depends upon recognition of specific radiographic and echocardiographic findings in a newborn with a large cardiothymic image and pericardial effusion. Surgical intervention is usually curative whereas undiagnosed intrapericardial teratoma is often fatal.