cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Removing Diaphragms from Steel Girder Bridge

Many multigirder steel bridges built before the 1980s are experiencing distortion-induced fatigue cracking at diaphragm-girder connections. A means of eliminating the cyclic stresses that cause those fatigue problems is to remove the interior diaphragms (diaphragms not at the girder supports). The effects of removing all interior channel diaphragms from an existing simple-span bridge with rolled-steel girders were evaluated based on field measurements of girder stresses and deflections made before and after the diaphragms were taken out. Results from tests with trucks of known weight indicate that removing the diaphragms resulted in increases between 6 and 15 percent in the maximum bottom flange stresses experienced by the most heavily loaded girder. Results for loading by trucks of unknown weight in normal traffic indicate that the most heavily loaded girder may carry up to 17 percent more load as a result of removing the diaphragms.
Investigations of the deposition of lead-bearing aerosols on the surfaces of vegetation

Abstract SEM and X-ray microprobe analysis were combined with clean lab technology atomic absorption spectroscopy to observe the deposition of aerosols on undisturbed pine needle surfaces, to obtain physical and chemical information from the observed particles and to chemically remove these particles for analysis. Comparisons were made among sites with traffic densities of 100, 1000, 10000 cars per day. Correlations were made with periods of heavy rainfall. The results show that the particle size distribution, shape and surface chemistry are possibly characteristic of automotive exhausts, that both the chemical washing procedure and rainfall efficiently remove most particles from the surface, including those bearing lead, and that the rate of deposition is constant between rainfalls and partly a function of traffic density. Deposition rates of 0.3 ng Pb cm −2 day −1 were observed at 100 cars per day, 2–3 ng Pb cm −2 day −1 for 1000 and 10000 cars per day.
Phase transition temperature reduction and glass formation in dehydroprotected lyophilized liposomes

Abstract Two prevailing theories for dry membrane preservation are the water replacement hypothesis and glass formation. A manifestation of the water replacement hypothesis is the ability of sugars to depress dry membrane main phase transition temperatures ( T m ). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was employed to test the effects of sugars (trehalose, α-lactose, maltose and glucose) on the T m s of slowly frozen, lyophilized liposomes prepared from hydrogenated egg phosphatidycholine [HEPC], dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine [DPPC] and palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylcholine [POPC]. For each lyophilized phospholipid membrane, the disaccharides caused significant T m reduction to at least 14°C below the hydrated membrane T m s . The T m - reduction was achieved by heating the lyophilized product: an annealing process that included a membrane phase transition and a disaccharide glass transition. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed residual water loss (3–6%) during annealing and FTIR spectra suggested an annealing-induced disaccharide/phospholipid-carbonyl interaction. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed an amorphous appearance of the lyophilized trehalose/HEPC matrix, which was confirmed by DSC to be glassy, and which remained intact after annealing. Also observed with SEM were membrane infolding, fusion of unprotected liposomes, and matrix porosity. Discussed are the potential implications of annealing, dry membrane T m - reduction and glass formation for liposome dehydroprotection.
Current status of irradiated heat-shrinkable tubing in Japan

Abstract Radiation process is now expanding area in the field of electronics wires, foamed polyethylene and heat-shrinkable tubings. In this paper, a summary of current status on irradiated, heat-shrinkable tubings in Japan was introduced.
EUS-guided paracentesis for the diagnosis of malignant ascites.

Background EUS and EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) have well-defined roles in the diagnosis and staging of GI and pancreaticobiliary malignancy. Malignant ascites usually represents peritoneal carcinomatosis, increases disease stage, and portends a poor prognosis. There are limited data regarding the yield of EUS-guided paracentesis (EUS-P) for the diagnosis of malignant ascites. Objective To determine the usefulness of EUS-P for the diagnosis of malignant ascites. Design Prospective case series. Setting Tertiary referral academic center. Patients Those presenting for EUS examination for suspected or proven malignancy over a 16-month period were evaluated prospectively for the presence of ascites. Interventions EUS-P was performed via a transgastric or transduodenal approach if ascites was detected. Main Outcome Measurements Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of EUS-P for diagnosing malignant ascites. Results Six hundred twenty-nine patients were studied. Twenty-five patients with ascites who met inclusion criteria comprised the study cohort. The mean volume of ascites aspirated was 6.8 mL (range, 1-20 mL). Sixty-four percent (16 of 25) of EUS-P samples revealed malignant cytology. Of the group with negative ascitic cytology, 67% (6 of 9) had a proven malignancy. There was one false-negative cytology result. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of EUS-P for diagnosing malignant ascites was 94%, 100%, 100%, and 89%, respectively. The complication rate was 4%; 1 patient developed bacterial peritonitis after EUS-P. Limitations The study did not address cost savings in patient care based on the diagnosis of malignant ascites. Conclusions EUS-P is highly sensitive and specific for diagnosing malignant ascites. The finding of malignant ascites significantly alters patient management, so an active search for ascites and use of EUS-P should be incorporated into the diagnosis and staging of upper GI and pancreaticobiliary malignancy.
Parental care and mating system of the prairie vole, Microtus ochrogaster

1. The mating system of prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) was investigated by experimentally manipulating the sexual composition of vole societies, thereby providing each vole with a variety of mating choices. 2. In male-female pairs, both parents appeared to contribute equally to the care of young, with the exception of lactation. Paternal activities included nest and runway construction, food caching, and grooming, retrieving, and brooding the young. 3. Voles in 26 of 27 societies mated monogamously; those in the other group mated polygynously. 4. Nonreproductive voles in the experimental societies generally lived in communal groups. Communal groups are known to occur in field populations of prairie voles, but it is not known if they exist during periods of reproductive activity. 5. We address the questions of the adaptive significance of voles living communally and we consider the relationship between communal voles and dispersing voles in nature. The results of this study were interpreted relative to four mating systems that may be associated with paternal care in mammals. We conclude that M. ochrogaster is basically monogamous; a verbal model is presented for the evolution of monogamy in this species.
A Study of Selected Opinion Measurement Techniques

This study compares seven marketing research methods for selecting a brand name. All methods indicate an adequate, high test-retest reliability. Inter-method correlations indicate that six of the s...
Association of the p56lck protein tyrosine kinase with the FCγRIIIA/CD16 complex in human natural killer cells

The multimeric Fc gamma RIIIA (CD16) complex is expressed on the surface of natural killer (NK) cells and is composed of a 50-70-kDa transmembrane glycoprotein Fc gamma receptor (CD16), the T cell receptor (TCR)-zeta chain, and the Fc epsilon RI gamma chain. Cross-linking Fc gamma RIIIA initiates the rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of multiple substrates including the zeta subunit and causes subsequent cell activation and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). The subunits of the Fc gamma RIIIA complex lack intrinsic protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) activity, suggesting that receptor-induced tyrosine phosphorylation events are mediated by a nonreceptor PTK. We report here that the human Fc gamma RIIIA is complexed with p56lck, a src-family PTK previously found associated with the CD4 and CD8 receptors on T cells. Upon engagement of the CD16 receptor, p56lck is rapidly (within 30 s) and transiently phosphorylated on tyrosine residues. Several Fc gamma RIIIA-associated proteins are identified in immune complex kinase assays including the TCR-zeta subunit, a p70-90 zeta-associated protein (ZAP), p50a (acidic) and p50b (basic), and p56lck. We demonstrate that the src-family protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor, herbimycin A, blocks increased intracellular calcium levels and ADCC caused by CD16 cross-linking on NK3.3 cells. Likewise cross-linking CD16 with the protein tyrosine phosphatase CD45, abrogates CD16-induced calcium mobilization. These data suggest that p56lck is physically associated with Fc gamma RIIIA (CD16) and functions to mediate signaling events related to the control of NK cellular cytotoxicity.
Performance of Rubberized Asphalt Mixes in Alaska

A study was conducted to compare the fatigue, thermal cracking, and permanent deformation resistance of several Alaskan crumb rubber-modified (CRM) asphalt mixtures with that of conventional mixes. Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities-designated sites in Fairbanks and Anchorage were sampled to conduct flexural beam fatigue tests, thermal stress restrained specimen tests (TSRSTs) and Georgia loaded wheel tests (GLWTs) on both rubberized and conventional mixes. Condition surveys were also conducted at the sampled sites to assess the field performance of these mixes in terms of fatigue, rutting, and low-temperature cracking. Fatigue testing results combined with multilayer elastic analyses for typical Alaskan conditions indicated an enhanced fatigue resistance for the CRM mixes when compared with conventional mixes. However, field performance observations at both conventional and CRM sections indicated no signs of fatigue distress, suggesting similar field performance for both types of mixes. TSRST results indicated an improved thermal cracking resistance for the CRM mixes, especially when the wet process was used. These results were consistent with observed field thermal cracking performance. At a given site, the section with the largest transverse crack spacing had the mix with the coldest TSRST fracture temperature. Conventional mixes outperformed CRM mixes in resisting permanent deformation, in both the lab and the field. GLWT results indicated that CRM mixes deform more and at a faster rate than conventional mixes. This may be due to the dense-graded aggregate used in some of the highly modified CRM mixes, where aggregate-to-aggregate contact and interlock were absent.
Inverse localization length for the one-dimensional Anderson model for small disorder

A transfer operator method is used to calculate the inverse localization length, $\ensuremath{\alpha}$, of the one-dimensional Anderson model as a function of disorder, $\ensuremath{\sigma}$. For small disorder $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ vanishes as $\ensuremath{\alpha}=A{\ensuremath{\sigma}}^{2}+O({\ensuremath{\sigma}}^{4})$, with $A=0.2088$.
Functorial Duality for Ortholattices and De Morgan Lattices

Relational semantics for nonclassical logics lead straightforwardly to topological representation theorems of their algebras. Ortholattices and De Morgan lattices are reducts of the algebras of various nonclassical logics. We define three new classes of topological spaces so that the lattice categories and the corresponding categories of topological spaces turn out to be dually isomorphic. A key feature of all these topological spaces is that they are ordered relational or ordered product topologies.
Unions, PAC contributions, and the NAFTA vote

Political action committees (PACs), especially those controlled by organized labor and business, have been shown to affect Congressional voting. We explore how PACs influenced the House of Representatives’ vote on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The NAFTA vote is analyzed because organized labor strongly opposed the treaty while business generally supported it and because of the straight-forward voting generated by its fast-track status. Probit analysis of a unique, unpublished data set containing information about PAC and non-PAC contributions to the 1992 House election campaigns demonstrates that Representatives who depended largely on labor PACs tended to oppose NAFTA, while Representatives who derived a large proportion of their campaign contributions from business PACs tended to favor its passage.
SU‐FF‐J‐12: HU and Dosimetric Comparison of Six Cone‐Beam CT Acquisition Techniques for Radiation Therapy Planning

Purpose: It has been shown that cone‐beam computed tomography(CBCT) can be used in dose calculation for treatment planning. This study investigates the HU and dosimetric properties of six CBCT techniques in comparison with conventional CT to determine which techniques are proper for planning. Method and Materials: HU of material disks in Catphan and HU profiles for homogeneous and inhomogeneous phantoms for six different CBCT techniques (Low‐Dose Head, Standard‐Dose Head, High Quality Head, Pelvis Spotlight, Pelvis, and Low‐Dose Thorax) were compared to CTimages. Plans with a single photon beam based on CBCT techniques and conventional CT of phantoms were compared using dose values at the isocenter, isodose distributions, and dose volume histograms. Results: HU values of all the CBCT techniques are very close to those of CT in Catphan and in homogeneous phantoms except for Low‐Dose Thorax (LDTH) technique, which overestimates HU by 85. However, the LDTH CBCT showed the HU profile in the lung area matched well with the CT compared to the other five techniques. The dose distribution based on all CBCT techniques in the homogeneous phantoms matched well with the CT except for LDTH, which underestimated the dose. For the lung area, the LDTH dose distribution matched well with CT and the other CBCT techniques did not. For the spine area, the dose distribution of the Pelvis technique matched best with CT, but the other techniques matched relatively well with CT too except for LDTH. Conclusion: This study illustrates HU values and dose calculation based on six different CBCT techniques compared to conventional CT for the purpose of radiation therapytreatment planning. The dose calculation accuracy depends on combination of CBCT acquisition technique and treatment site. A CBCT technique should be properly selected for a treatment site if CBCT‐based dose calculation is to be performed.
Triple Close Approaches in the Problem of Three Bodies

The gravitational problem of three bodies is treated in the case when the masses of the participating bodies are of the same order of magnitude and their distances are arbitrary. Estimates for the minimum perimeter of the triangle formed by the bodies and for the rate of the expansion of the system are obtained from Sundman's modified general inequality when the total energy of the system is negative. These estimates are used to propose and to describe an escape mechanism based on genuine three-body dynamics and to offer a method to control the accuracy of numerical integrations of the problem of three bodies. The requirements for these two applications are contradictory since an escape is the consequence of a close triple approach which phenomenon is detrimental to the accuracy of the computations. Consequently, the numerical study of escape from a triple system must treat triple close approaches with high reliability.
Human radiation dosimetry of 6-[18F]FDG predicted from preclinical studies.

Purpose: The authors are developing 6-[18F]fluoro-6-deoxy-D-glucose (6-[18F]FDG) as an in vivo tracer of glucose transport. While 6-[18F]FDG has the same radionuclide half-life as 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-[18F]FDG) which is ubiquitously used for PET imaging, 6-[18F]FDG has special biologic properties and different biodistributions that make it preferable to 2-[18F]FDG for assessing glucose transport. In preparation for 6-[18F]FDG use in human PET scanning, the authors would like to determine the amount of 6-[18F]FDG to inject while maintaining radiation doses in a safe range. Methods: Rats were injected with 6-[18F]FDG, euthanized at specified times, and tissues were collected and assayed for activity content. For each tissue sample, the percent of injected dose per gram was calculated and extrapolated to that for humans in order to construct predicted time-courses. Residence times were calculated as areas under the curves and were used as inputs to OLINDA/EXM in order to calculate the radiation doses. Results: Unlike with 2-[18F]FDG for which the urinary bladder wall receives the highest absorbed dose due to urinary excretion, with 6-[18F]FDG there is little urinary excretion and osteogenic cells and the liver are predicted to receive the highest absorbed doses: 0.027 mGy/MBq (0.100 rad/mCi) and 0.018 mGy/MBq (0.066 rad/mCi), respectively. Also, the effective dose from 6-[18F]FDG, i.e., 0.013 mSv/MBq (0.046 rem/mCi), is predicted to be approximately 30% lower than that from 2-[18F]FDG. Conclusions: 6-[18F]FDG will be safe for use in the PET scanning of humans.
Identification of a Histidine Residue Essential for Enzymatic Activity of Group B Streptococcal Hyaluronate Lyase

Hyaluronate lyase produced by group B streptococci (GBS) degrades hyaluronan completely to unsaturated disaccharide units and also cleaves unsulfated regions of chondroitin sulfate. The enzyme is rapidly inactivated by diethyl pyrocarbonate and enzymatic activity is restored by treatment with hydroxylamine, suggesting that a histidine residue is present in the active site. Amino acid sequence comparisons of GBS hyaluronate lyase and four other related enzymes revealed that one of the 16 histidine residues of the enzyme (His-479) is present in a highly conserved region. Conversion of His-479 to a glycine by site-directed mutagenesis resulted in a complete loss of enzymatic activity of the modified protein. We propose that His-479 is in the active site of GBS hyaluronate lyase and participates in the initial abstraction of hydrogen ions from the glucuronic acid residues of hyaluronan.
Use of genetically altered animal models in understanding the role of metallothionein in cadmium toxicity

Acute Cd exposure produces liver injury, whereas chronic Cd exposure damages the kidney but not the liver. Previous experiments suggest that the low-molecular-weight, metal-binding protein metallothionein (MT) in liver protects against liver injury, but is responsible for the kidney injury observed after chronic Cd exposure. Thus, prior to the development of MT-transgenic and MT-knockout mice models, MT's role was always assumed to be a toxicological paradox, hepatoprotection but nephrotoxicity. The development of MT- transgenic and MT-knockout mice models has reconfirmed MT's protective role against Cd- induced hepatotoxicity, but it has challenged MT's suggested role in Cd-induced nephrotoxicity. In this communication, recent data using these genetically altered mice models indicate that MT protects against not only the Cd-induced hepatotoxicity, but also nephrotoxicity, hematotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and bone damage.
Globally supersymmetric Green's functions in quantum gauge supersymmetry

Abstract The tensor and Faddeev-Popov ghost Green's functions of gauge supersymmetry are examined when the spontaneous breaking preserves global supersymmetry. The conditions imposed by global supersymmetry are obtained and integrated. The asymptotic behavior of the unperturbed Green's functions in the background field g(0)AB ≡ 〈0|gAB|0〉 are obtained. The proof of this behavior is required in establishing the complete ultraviolet finiteness of gauge supersymmetry.
Strategic Hospitality: Foreign Dignitaries at the Court of Milan, 1466–1476

One of renaissance Italy's claims to historical significance is the part it played in the development of modern diplomacy. The duchy of Milan, one of the five major powers of fifteenth-century Italy, was a pioneer in this field, especially under the Sforza dukes between 1450 and 1500.1 In recent decades, scholars from several countries have shown interest in the diplomatic history of Sforza Milan; they have found the duchy's archives valuable not only for information on Milan itself, but also for material regarding the other great powers of Italy and Europe.2 Most studies to date have focused on Milan's own corps of envoys to other states; here we shall concern ourselves with the foreign dignitaries at the court of Milan. Because they were always persons of consequence, their presence necessarily had political, social, even economic ramifications. Any state's treatment of foreign representatives reflects its own sense of security and the value it places on foreign relations. Sforza Milan provides a particularly interesting case for study because of its central role in diplomatic manoeuvring both within Italy and beyond the Alps, its pre-
Training set optimization methods for a probabilistic neural network

Abstract In a real-time probabilistic neural network (PNN), both speed and accuracy are important for classification. In this work, three methods for reducing the size of a training set are compared: learning vector quantization (LVQ), reciprocal neighbors (RN) and a general grouping method (GGM). Each method produced multiple reductions that were tested to see the effects on the speed and accuracy of the PNN. The reductions showed little effect on the classification, 85–90% correct, or time for detection of flaming fires but increased the time for detection of smoldering fires. The general grouping method worked best, reducing the training set by 50% with an average of less than 4-s delay. The LVQ method reduced the training set by 75% but with a delay of 30–45 s. The RN method was able to reduce the training set with a larger range, from 35% to 75%, but gave results with an average delay of 40–50 s.
Has awareness of the alcohol warning label reached its upper limit

Has awareness of the alcoholic beverage warning label reached its maximum? This study tracks changes in the level of awareness among a sample of 7334 inner-city African-American gravidas seeking prenatal care between May 1989 and June 1993. Previously, we found that a significant increase in awareness of the warning label occurred in March 1990. In the current analysis over a 50-month period, the level of awareness continued to increase through December 1992 and then leveled off, suggesting a negatively accelerated growth function. The logistic function fitted to the awareness curve predicts that the upper limit of awareness in this population has been reached (the predicted upper limit being 81.5%). In addition a logit regression analysis showed that women who did not know about the warning label were more likely to be over 29 years of age. Heavier drinkers were 1.25 times more likely to be aware of the label. Among those drinkers who were not aware of the label, 30% drank at both conception and antenally, thus putting their fetus at high risk for alcohol-related birth defects.
Microbiology and antibiotic management of orbital cellulitis.

Objectives Orbital infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus may be increasing. Because Staphylococcus aureus infections have important treatment implications, our objective was to review the microbiology and antibiotic management of children hospitalized with orbital cellulitis and abscesses. Patients and methods This study was a retrospective chart review of all patients admitted to a tertiary care children's hospital between 2004 and 2009 with orbital infections confirmed by a computed tomography scan. Patients with preceding surgery or trauma, anatomic eye abnormalities, malignancy, immunodeficiency, or preseptal infections were excluded. Results There were 94 children with orbital infections. A true pathogen was recovered in 31% of patients. The most commonly identified bacteria was the Streptococcus anginosus group (14 of 94 patients [15%]). Staphylococcus aureus (1 patient with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) was identified in 9% of patients. Combination antimicrobial agents were frequently used (62%), and vancomycin use increased from 14% to 57% during the study period. Patients treated with a single antibiotic during hospitalization (n = 32), in contrast to combination therapy (n = 58), were more likely to be discharged on a single antibiotic (P Conclusions The Streptococcus anginosus group is an emerging pathogen in pediatric orbital infections. Although methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was uncommon, patients frequently received vancomycin and combination antibiotics. A simplified antibiotic regimen may help limit the development of resistant organisms and facilitate transition to an oral agent.
Groups with two Sylow numbers are solvable

In this note we show that a finite group with only two Sylow numbers (in the sense of [1]) is solvable.
Medication Adherence: Tailoring the Analysis to the Data

The purpose of this paper is to explore more comprehensive methods to analyze antiretroviral non-adherence data. Using illustrative data and simulations, we investigated the value of using binary logistic regression (LR; dichotomized at 0% non-adherence) versus a hurdle model (combination of LR plus generalized linear model for >0% non-adherence) versus a zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) model (simultaneously modeling 0% non-adherence and >0% non-adherence). In simulation studies, the hurdle and ZINB models had similar power but both had higher power in comparison to LR alone. The hurdle model had higher power than ZINB in settings where covariate effects were restricted to one or the other part of the model (0% non-adherence or degree of non-adherence). Use of the hurdle and ZINB models are powerful and valuable approaches in analyzing adherence data which yield a more complete picture than LR alone. We recommend adoption of this methodology for future antiretroviral adherence research.
A randomized controlled trial of fluoxetine in the treatment of cocaine dependence among methadone-maintained patients

Abstract Background Cocaine abuse and dependence continue to be widespread. Currently, there are no pharmacotherapies shown to be effective in the treatment of cocaine dependence. Methods A 33-week outpatient clinical trial of fluoxetine (60 mg/day, po) for cocaine dependence that incorporated abstinence-contingent voucher incentives was conducted. Participants ( N = 145) were both cocaine and opioid dependent and treated with methadone. A stratified randomization procedure assigned subjects to one of four conditions: fluoxetine plus voucher incentives (FV), placebo plus voucher incentives (PV), fluoxetine without vouchers (F), and placebo without vouchers (P). Dosing of fluoxetine/placebo was double blind. Primary outcomes were treatment retention and cocaine use based on thrice-weekly urine testing. Results The PV group had the longest treatment retention ( M = 165 days) and lowest probability of cocaine use. The adjusted predicted probabilities of cocaine use were 65% in the P group, 60% in the F group, 56% in the FV group, and 31% in the PV group. Conclusions Fluoxetine was not efficacious in reducing cocaine use in patients dually dependent on cocaine and opioids.
The distal ulnar tunnel.

The distal ulnar tunnel was described by anatomist and urological surgeon Felix Guyon in 1861 based on his anatomical dissections investigating the unique and small protrusion of fatty tissue into the distal forearm noted when pressure was applied to the hypothenar eminence (“Ollier phenomenon”).1 The triangular-shaped “loge” contained the ulnar nerve and artery with accompanying veins; Guyon postulated that this space may be a potential site of compression for the ulnar nerve, although this concept was presented more formally by others such as Hunt (1908),2 Grantham (1966),3 and, subsequently, by McFarlane et al through their considerations of the pisohamate tunnel.4 The distal ulnar tunnel, or the Guyon canal, is ∼4–4.5 cm in length and begins at the proximal edge of the volar carpal ligament in the volar-ulnar forearm and ends at the fibrous arch of the hypothenar muscles. The distal ulnar tunnel is defined by the flexor carpi ulnaris, the pisiform, and the abductor digiti minimi as its medial wall and by the transverse carpal ligament and the hamate as its lateral margin. The floor of the tunnel consists of the flexor digitorum profundus tendons in the distal forearm, the transverse carpal ligament, the pisohamate and pisotriquetral ligaments, and the opponens digiti minimi. The roof of the tunnel includes the volar carpal ligament, palmaris brevis muscle, and hypothenar fat (Figure 1).5 Figure 1 Close-up, distal view of the distal ulnar artery and ulnar nerve to demonstrate the relationship of the distal ulnar tunnel and the carpal tunnel. The ulnar nerve (un) is dorsal and ulnar to the ulnar artery (ua); both structures course volar to the ... Clinically, the distal ulnar tunnel has been divided into three zones.5 Zone 1 begins at the proximal aspect of the volar carpal ligament, ∼2 cm proximal to the pisiform, and ends at the bifurcation of the ulnar nerve, ∼1 cm distal to the pisiform. Nerve pathology typically involves combined motor and sensory deficit. Zone 2 follows the deep motor branch to the fibrous arch of the hypothenar intrinsic muscles, and Zone 3 involves the sensory branch of the ulnar nerve, which provides sensation to the small finger and (typically) to the ulnar aspect of the ring finger as well as providing motor innervation to the palmaris brevis muscle. Compressive nerve pathologies in Zone 2 and Zone 3 involve motor and sensory deficits, respectively.
Beam combination of multiple vertical external cavity surface emitting lasers via volume Bragg gratings

We present an experimental study on beam combining techniques with multiple vertical external cavity surface emitting lasers (VECSELs) using volume Bragg gratings (VBGs). The specially designed holographic gratings introduce frequency specific feedback for the near infrared wavelength VECSELs to achieve both spectral linewidth narrowing and beam combination effects. For coherent addition, we obtained >3W output power with 8% slope efficiency in a coherent power scaling cavity scheme. In the multiplexed VBGs (MVBGs) wavelength beam combining compound cavity scheme, we measured >6W combined output with nearly 100% combining efficiency. Both beam combining/power scaling schemes produced spectrally narrowed and near diffraction limited outputs.
THE POLITICS OF RESEARCH: THE USE, ABUSE, AND MISUSE OF SOCIAL SCIENCE DATA—THE CASES OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE

This article examines the issue of how research is utilized, abused, and misused in policy and practice in the area of intimate partner violence (IPV). The article reviews and critically analyzes facts set forth for the purpose of claiming that IPV is a significant social problem and finds that many of these facts lack empirical support. The lack of evidence that supports theoretical explanations for IPV and recommended interventions hinders the ability to adequately respond to the problem of IPV. In the 1970s movie, Bang the Drum Slowly , two of the main characters—a star pitcher and a team coach—engage in a small-scale swindle in the lobbies of the hotels the baseball team stays in during road trips. The pitcher and coach sit in a conspicuous spot in the lobby and begin a heated card game. Pretty soon a few observers gather to watch the game. Even- tually, a curious observer, thoroughly confused by watching a game that he has never seen played before, asks the pitcher and coach what they are playing. "TEGWAR," they respond. After a few more minutes, the onlooker asks if he can play and is invited to sit in. The new- comer wins a few hands, but still has no clue what he is doing. The hands get faster and faster, the cards fly, and eventually the newcomer gets on a losing streak—still completely befuddled by the game and what exactly is happening. When another teammate asks about the game and asks what TEGWAR stands for, he is told it means, "That Exciting Game Without Any Rules." As intimate partner violence (IPV) evolved from a private matter hidden behind closed doors into a significant policy, practice, and research issue, I came to understand that policy and practice seemed to be more influenced by ideologies and political values than actual research and evidence. National legislation, state legislation, and government and founda- tion funding flew as fast as the cards in a game of TEGWAR. While it took years to get Congress to enact the Violence Against Women Act (1994), once the ice was broken amendments and revision of laws were easier to accomplish. The new federal law also guided state and local practice and established funding streams for programs for victims, but rarely for offenders. This article, which somewhat whimsically applies the TEGWAR metaphor, examines the rather serious issue of how research is utilized, abused, and misused in policy and practice in the area of IPV.
Resonance ionization detection limits for hazardous emissions

Continuous emission monitoring of the stack gases of municipal and hazardous waste incinerators requires on-line instrumentation capable of the selective detection of a wide variety of toxic emissions at part-per-billion concentrations. The capabilities of a molecular beam/resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization/time-of-flight (MB/REMPI/TOFMS) apparatus proposed for such measurements are demonstrated. Detection limit and selectivity measurements are presented for the resonance ionization detection of thirteen hazardous species, commonly present in incinerator stack gas emissions. The species selected for study may serve as useful surrogates for monitoring wide classes of chlorinated aromatic and olefinic hydrocarbons. In particular, benzene, toluene, chlorobenzene, and tetrachloroethylene are found to be detectable in sub-ppb concentrations with virtually no interference from a wide variety of chemically similar compounds. The unique attributes of the MB/REMPI/TOFMS method for rapid, ultrasensitive, and selective detection of toxic organics make it a promising new tool for quantitative evaluation of incinerator performance.
Novel sorbents for removal of gadolinium-based contrast agents in sorbent dialysis and hemoperfusion: preventive approaches to nephrogenic systemic fibrosis

Many forms of organocomplexed gadolinium (Gd) contrast agents have recently been linked to a debilitating and a potentially fatal skin disease called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in patients with renal failure. Free Gd released from these complexes via transmetallation is believed to be the most important trigger for NSF. In this work, nanostructure silica materials that have been functionalized with 1-hydroxy-2-pyridinone (1,2-HOPO-SAMMS) have been evaluated for selective and effective removal of both free and chelated Gd (gadopentetate dimeglumine and gadodiamide) from dialysate and blood. 1,2-HOPO SAMMS has high affinity, rapid removal rate, and large sorption capacity for both free and chelated Gd, properties that are far superior to those of activated carbon and zirconium phosphate currently used in the state-of-the-art sorbent dialysis and hemoperfusion systems. The SAMMS-based sorbent dialysis and hemoperfusion will potentially provide an effective and predicable strategy for removing the Gd from patients with impaired renal function after Gd exposure, thus allowing for the continued use of Gd-based contrast magnetic resonance imaging while removing the risk of NSF.
Controlling urban stormwater pollution by constructed wetlands: a Canadian perspective

During the past 20 years, Constructed Stormwater Wetlands (CSWWs) have attained broad acceptance in Canada as effective measures for stormwater management. CSWWs are used mainly for improving stormwater quality by providing sufficient treatment volumes in shallow permanent pools. This leads to high requirements for land, which is one of the constraints on CSWWs use. Even though CSWWs perform less effectively in cold weather, through proper design they can be kept operational through the winter months. CSWWs attract wildlife, but do not provide high quality habitat. Consequently, CSWWs and their effects on wildlife need to be monitored and ecotoxicological risks controlled.
Observations of ion and sodium layer coupled processes during AIDA

Abstract Extended measurements of the neutral sodium layer using lidar and of the lower ionosphere using Incoherent Scatter Radar were conducted at Arecibo during the spring 1989 AIDA campaign. We present results from four nights of these rather extensive, almost common volume, simultaneous observations of the 80–110 km altitude region. Although in each set of results there are unique features that appear to be associated with the diverse dynamics of the atmosphere, the general nocturnal motion of both the sodium and ion layers is controlled by the tidal wind. Additionally, there is often a very strong correlation between the presence of narrow ionization and narrow sodium layers below 100 km altitude. These sporadic E and sporadic sodium layers usually occur at the same heights and with a sometimes striking correspondence in the details of vertical and temporal structure. These details are seen most clearly in a series of time-height plots of sodium concentration over which are overlaid the corresponding time-height trajectories of the ionization layers. Included in this series of plots are the two most spectacular of the layering events observed during AIDA. The most intense of the events occurred on the night of 30–31 March and was characterized by ion and sodium layers, with about 6 km vertical extent, that formed near 95 km altitude. During this event the sodium column content was observed to increase by a factor of about 10, from 1.5–2.0 × 109 to 20 × 10 9 cm 2 , in 90 min. The second of the major events occurred on the night of 5–6 April and was characterized by a strong vertical oscillation of the sodium layer with a peak-to-peak amplitude of 2–3 km and a period of 10.4 min. For contrast with the two major events and because of the completeness of the data sets, results from the nights of 4–5 April and 7–8 April are also given.
An Extension of the Thallium II Spectrum

The spectrum of thallium from the hollow cathode discharge in He has been photographed in the region from 9250A to 600A. The classification of the first spark spectrum has been approximately doubled by the assignment of 160 new lines, which locate 35 new levels. These include members up to $n=11 \mathrm{and} 12$ of the $s$, $p$, and $d$ series (which establish the ionization potential as 164,765\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$), the first two members of the $g$ series, and six levels of the $5{d}^{9}6{s}^{2}6p$ configuration. Perturbations are present in many of the series, due to their interaction with the $6{p}^{2}$ and $5{d}^{9}6{s}^{2}6p$ configurations. The $6s6g$ term appears to have hyperfine structure larger than its multiplet structure. Practically all of the hollow cathode lines of thallium in the entire spectrum have now been classified.
Green tea polyphenol EGCG suppresses cigarette smoke condensate-induced NF-κB activation in normal human bronchial epithelial cells

Cigarette smoke is a powerful inducer of inflammatory responses resulting in disruption of major cellular pathways with transcriptional and genomic alterations driving the cells towards carcinogenesis. Cell culture and animal model studies indicate that (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the major polyphenol present in green tea, possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activity capable of selectively inhibiting cell growth and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells without adversely affecting normal cells. Here, we demonstrate that EGCG pretreatment (20-80 microM) of normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE) resulted in significant inhibition of cigarette smoke condensate (CSC)-induced cell proliferation. Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) controls the transcription of genes involved in immune and inflammatory responses. In most cells, NF-kappaB prevents apoptosis by mediating cell survival signals. Pretreatment of NHBE cells with EGCG suppressed CSC-induced phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha, and activation and nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB/p65. NHBE cells transfected with a luciferase reporter plasmid containing an NF-kappaB-inducible promoter sequence showed an increased reporter activity after CSC exposure that was specifically inhibited by EGCG pretreatment. Immunoblot analysis showed that pretreatment of NHBE cells with EGCG resulted in a significant downregulation of NF-kappaB-regulated proteins cyclin D1, MMP-9, IL-8 and iNOS. EGCG pretreatment further inhibited CSC-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK and p38 MAPKs and resulted in a decreased expression of PI3K, AKT and mTOR signaling molecules. Taken together, our data indicate that EGCG can suppress NF-kappaB activation as well as other pro-survival pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPKs in NHBE cells, which may contribute to its ability to suppress inflammation, proliferation and angiogenesis induced by cigarette smoke.
The level of effort required for behaviour as a moderator of the attitude–behaviour relation

It was hypothesized that the manner in which attitudes influence behaviour is moderated by the level of effort required toperform a behaviour. The effort needed was manipulated in afield experiment by varying the di@culty of getting access to the attitude object. When the behaviour required substantial effort, the mediating role of intentions was strong, and attitudes had only indirect effects on behaviour, consistent with the theory of reasoned action. When the behaviour required little effort, however, attitudes had a signijicant direct effect on behaviour, and the mediating role of intentions was reduced. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
The course of dysphoric affective and cognitive states in borderline personality disorder: a 10-year follow-up study

The current study aimed to assess dysphoric states among 290 patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and 72 non-borderline axis II comparison subjects other personality disorders, (OPD) over a 10-year course of prospective follow-up. Additionally, we assessed the severity of these states among borderline patients who had and had not recovered both symptomatically and psychosocially. The Dysphoric Affect Scale (DAS) - a 50-item self-report measure of affective and cognitive states thought to be common among borderline patients and specific to the disorder - was administered at five waves of prospective follow-up. Affective and cognitive DAS items were separately analyzed, yielding respective subscores. Borderline patients reported more severe dysphoric states compared to OPD subjects at baseline. However, the severity of affective and cognitive states declined significantly for both groups taken together over 10 years of follow-up. Within the BPD group, recovered subjects reported less severe dysphoric states compared to non-recovered subjects at baseline. Results also showed a significant decline in DAS scores over time, but at a greater rate for recovered subjects. In sum, while the severity of dysphoric states declines significantly over time, inner distress remains an area of vulnerability for borderline subjects. Additionally, the severity and pervasiveness of these states may affect recovery over time.
Sibling imitation and contrast effects.

A general linear model is developed to account for the effects of direct phenotypic imitation and contrast of sibs on one another. Specific predictions from an imitation/contrast model depend upon three assumptions. They are (1) the type of process (imitation or contrast); (2) the stage of the process at the time phenotypes are measured; and (3) sibling constellation variables such as the number, sex composition, and age distribution of a sibling pedigree. For some models, phenotypic variance becomes a polynomial function of the imitation/contrast parameters and the covariances between the genotypes and the environments of sibling pairs. Consequently, phenotypic variances of different types of siblings [e.g., monozygotic (MZ) twins versus dizygotic (DZ) twins versus foster sibs] provide information about imitation or contrast. Thus, standardization of measures prior to analysis may unwittingly hide the statistical information that could detect these effects. The types of data needed to analyze imitation and contrast effects and the potential power of resolving these components of variation are discussed.
Metastable microstructure in dynamically consolidated γ titanium aluminide

L'etude experimentale de la consolidation dynamique d'une poudre solidifiee rapidement d'alliage Ti-48 Al a permis de montrer que la structure metastable α 2 peut etre conservee au cours du traitement. Celui-ci peut donc etre serieusement considere comme un procede fiable pour la consolidation des aluminures de titane preservant leurs proprietes hors equilibre
Nonlinear Dynamics of the Lithosphere and Earthquake Prediction

The study of earthquakes is one of the most interesting and challenging problems in modern geophysics. Understanding dynamics, mechanical properties, chemistry, and other aspects of earthquake phenomena is crucial for both the scientific community and society at large. As a consequence, the development of different prediction techniques is of tremendous significance for many aspects of our life. Nonlinear Dynamics of the Lithosphere and Earthquake Prediction is a review of methods and techniques developed by the group of V.I. Keilis-Borok concerning intermediate-term predictions based on premonitory seismicity patterns. The book is well organized, clearly written, and can be used as a reference for many concepts and ideas in the field of mathematical prediction of catastrophic events. It can also serve as a “cookbook” for applying several prediction algorithms developed by the authors.
Design and synthesis of a 1,5-diazabicyclo[6,3,0] dodecane amino acid derivative as a novel dipeptide reverse-turn mimetic

N-Boc-1,5-diazabicyclo[6,3,0] dodecane amino acid tert-butyl ester (3), designed as a novel dipeptide reverse-turn mimetic, was synthesized in a concise method from the known compound 4 in an overall yield of 47%.
Input-Output Relationships of Cows Fed Two Types of Roughage and Two Levels of Concentrate During Complete Lactations

Abstract Total feed input, milk output, and body weight changes were determined on 24 cows fed either alfalfa hay or high-moisture grass silage plus hay in conjunction with concentrates at two levels during full lactation studies. Input-output data were summarized for a prepartum period, ten 28-day and one 25-day lactation periods, and a postpartum period. Although mean forage dry matter intake of hay-fed cows exceeded that of cows fed silage plus hay, cows fed the mixed forage maintained milk production equal to those fed hay and maintained slightly higher body weights during lactation. Although mean fat-corrected milk production was slightly higher by cows fed concentrate at the challenge level than those fed at the ratio of one to four, differences in milk production for levels of concentrate were not significant (P = >0.10). Milk fat tests were significantly higher (P = The estimated mean total digestive nutrient consumptions on all rations were in close agreement with those requirements prescribed by the National Research Council when requirements were adjusted for body weight changes.