cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonmedically indicated induction of labor: are the benefits worth the costs?

ast year I wrote that “all obstetric clinicians know that induced on the same day as those going into spontaneous 1 L induction of labor causes more cesarean deliveries. If you spend time on the labor floor, you can see that women who are induced end up with more cesareans than those who experience spontaneous labor. However, we have been confused and wrong regarding this issue for decades. This is because at any gestational age, the options for a clinician and patient are not induction of labor vs spontaneous labor but induction of labor vs expectant management. Expectant management encompasses having the patient progress into the future where a wide variety of things could occur.” In studies that are designed to compare induction of labor with expectant management, many of them find either no difference in the risk of cesarean delivery or a decreased risk of cesarean delivery and improvement in other perinatal outcomes. This issue of expectant management is methodologically tricky. With expectant management of pregnancy, women may go into spontaneous labor, but they may also develop a complication of pregnancy such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, or oligohydramnios. Furthermore, they may progress to late term (41 weeks) or postterm (42 weeks) gestations at which time most clinicians will induce, regardless of antenatal testing. These various outcomes can be easily studied in a prospective, randomized, controlled trial that compares women induced at a particular gestational age with those expectantly managed. However, in retrospective cohort studies, the comparisons must be made carefully. Whereas identifying women with induction of labor is generally not that challenging, clearly identifying those without a medical indication can be more methodologically challenging. The comparison group of expectant management can also be challenging and several controversies have arisen in the literature. First, when comparing a 38 week induction of labor, does the expectant management group include women who experienced spontaneous labor at 38 weeks’ gestation? In the initial study using this methodology, spontaneous labor at 38 weeks was not included because there would be women
Fluctuations from the hydrodynamical limit for the symmetric simple exclusion in Zd

Abstract We show that the fluctuation field of the simple exclusion process on Z d converges to a mean zero generalized Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process.
Monocarboxylic and dicarboxylic acids from Pseudotsuga menziesii bark

Abstract The benzene-soluble, n-hexane-insoluble extract from the bark of Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco was found to contain a number of n-fatty acids and α,ω-dicarboxylic acids ranging in chain length from 16 to 28 and 16 to 24 carbons, respectively.
Prenatal detection and molecular characterization of a de novo duplication of the distal long arm of chromosome 19

A tandem duplication of the distal long arm of chromosome 19 was identified in a 10 week fetus by analysis of chorionic villi. The fetal karyotype from two primary cultures was 46,XY,dir dup(19)(q13.2q13.4). The origin of the extra material was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization using a chromosome 19 whole chromosome probe. Parental chromosomes were normal, indicating a de novo origin of the extra chromosome material. This is the first case of dup(19q) detected by prenatal diagnosis. Molecular studies demonstrated that the duplication involved a maternal chromosome 19.
A convenient assay method for disulfide interchange and other thiol transfer reactions

Abstract A convenient method is presented for quantitating disulfide interchange reactions based on the use of a commercially available organomercurial resin. Isotopically labeled thiol is incubated with a disulfide and the reaction is terminated by charging the incubation mixture onto the resin. The thiol is bound as the mercaptide allowing labeled interchange products, as well as the unlabeled interchanges substrate, to be eluted for quantitation. In principle the method is applicable to all monothiol and disulfide pairs and may be more generally applied to other thiol-transfer reactions that result in conjugation of the thiol. Examples of the use of the technique for glutathione transferase-catalyzed reactions are presented.
Performance and distress indicators of new public companies

This study investigates after-market returns and incidence of bankruptcies and distress relative to performance and distress indicators for new public companies. The study includes firms that had an initial public offering (IPO) during the period 1995–2002. Performance measurements include after-market returns, number of bankruptcies, and number of ‘distressed’ firms. I identify firms as being ‘distressed’ if the firm's stock price loses 95 per cent of its market value within two years from the first month-end price after going public. I further investigate the significance of ‘ex ante’ (pre-event) financial distress indicators present at the time companies go public and other indicators to predict after-market performance of IPO firms. I use the O-ratio, a measure of bankruptcy risk, from Ohlson's (1980) model and investigate its ability to predict bankruptcy and stock performance for these new companies. The study also examines the impact of market-to-book ratio and underwriter quality on after-market performance of IPOs. The findings of this study may be useful to those who hold new public companies in their asset portfolios. The study might be particularly interesting to institutional investors, venture capitalists, and individual investors who regularly follow the performance of new IPOs. The results of the study indicate that using Ohlson's (1980) O-ratio, the market-to-book ratio, and underwriter quality as selection criteria may result in a portfolio of IPOs which performs above average.
Estimation of canopy parameters for inhomogeneous vegetation canopies from reflectance data. II. Estimation of leaf area index and percentage of ground cover for row canopies

The canopy reflectance (CR) model for row-planted vegetation proposed earlier has been tested for soybean canopies in three different stages of growth and for corn canopies at early and full growth stages. The model fits the field-measured bidirectional CR data quite well. It is shown that, by inverting this model, one could estimate the leaf area index as well as the percentage of ground cover quite accurately from measured canopy reflectances.
Small Deletion and Insertion Mutations Induced by the Topoisomerase II Inhibitor Teniposide in CHO Cells and Comparison with Sites of Drug-stimulated DNA Cleavage in Vitro

Abstract Sixty-five teniposide-induced mutations at the hemizygous aprt locus of CHO D422 cells were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing. Most (63%) of the mutations were deletions, duplications and insertions of various sizes, with the majority being less than 20 base-pairs. The remaining mutations were base substitutions, the majority of which were transversions. A significant correspondence was found between the teniposide-induced small deletion/duplication mutations and sites of teniposide-stimulated DNA strand cleavage by topoisomerase II in vitro. In particular, sequences which were deleted in one or more of the mutants showed a much higher incidence of strong cleavage sites than sequences not involved in deletions. However, the exact positioning of the cleavage sites with respect to the deletion termini was variable. The data did not suggest any unified model to account for all the mutations, but most of the deletions and duplications could be accounted for by one of three mechanisms: (1) double-strand break repair nonhomologous end-joining; (2) replication slippage/misalignment; and (3) addition or deletion of a few nucleotides at free 3′ ends left by topoisomerase II, as previously suggested for similar mutations in phage T4. There was no evidence that topoisomerase II subunit exchange was a significant mechanism of mutagenesis in this system.
Same events, two stories: Comparing the photographic coverage of the 2008 anti-China/Olympics demonstrations in Chinese and US newspapers

A content analysis of photos from four major US newspapers and four major Chinese newspapers depicting the 2008 anti-China/Olympics protests revealed significantly different denoted themes. On one ...
Detection of intraarticular abnormalities in osteoarthritis of the knee. A pilot study comparing needle arthroscopy with standard arthroscopy.

Objective. To determine whether intraarticular abnormalities in osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee can be detected as well by needle arthroscopy as by standard arthroscopy. Methods. Needle arthroscopy followed by standard arthroscopy was performed on 10 patients with knee OA (diagnosed according to American College of Rheumatology criteria) whose symptoms were not entirely attributable to the OA and were therefore an indication for further evaluation. Each knee was assessed for abnormalities of the menisci, articular cartilage (6 sites), and synovium (6 sites). Results. Evaluation of the 18 menisci visualized with both techniques yielded the same results: 6 abnormal and 12 normal. Among the 54 articular cartilage sites evaluable with both procedures, 16 were judged normal by both needle arthroscopy and standard arthroscopy. Of the 38 cartilage sites judged abnormal by standard arthroscopy, 34 (89%) were abnormal by needle arthroscopy. Both techniques indicated cartilage changes were the same at 42 (78%) of the 54 sites; changes at the other 12 sites were 1 grade higher by standard arthroscopy than by needle arthroscopy. Both needle arthroscopy and standard arthroscopy revealed 51 evaluable sites in the synovium. Of 34 areas judged abnormal by standard arthroscopy, 24 (71%) were also judged abnormal by needle arthroscopy; 17 areas were judged normal by both techniques. The 2 techniques assigned the same macroscopic score in 27 (53%) of 51 areas of the synovium, with a higher grade by standard arthroscopy in all but 1 of the other 16 areas. Conclusion. These pilot data suggest that in knee OA, needle arthroscopy can 1) accurately detect meniscal abnormalities, 2) detect cartilage abnormalities, but may underestimate the severity, and 3) detect most synovial abnormalities, but often underestimates the severity. Needle arthroscopy is a potentially valuable rheumatologic tool for the assessment of OA of the knee.
Effects of Gaseous Hydrochloric Acid on Source Particulate Characterization

Abstract Particulate characterization filters acquired at a Portland Cement Plant were analyzed by x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. A wide variation in the Cl− levels on the various types of filter media suggested the collection of gaseous HCl by some media. The results from a subsequent laboratory study of the reaction of gaseous HCl with the various filter media indicated a significant reaction between HCl and some of the media. Thus, particulate Cl− measurements must be interpreted with caution.
The Yale Global Tic Severity Scale: Initial Testing of a Clinician-Rated Scale of Tic Severity

Despite the overt nature of most motor and phonic tic phenomena, the development of valid and reliable scales to rate tic severity has been an elusive goal. The Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) is a new clinical rating instrument that was designed for use in studies of Tourette's syndrome and other tic disorders. The YGTSS provides an evaluation of the number, frequency, intensity, complexity, and interference of motor and phonic symptoms. Data from 105 subjects, aged 5 to 51 years, support the construct, convergent, and discriminant validity of the instrument. These results indicate that the YGTSS is a promising instrument for the assessment of tic severity in children, adolescents and adults.
Cost structure of the thrift industry: Effects of acquisition and deregulation☆

Abstract This study examines the effects of size and product mix on the cost structure of a national sample of acquiring and nonacquiring thrifts in 1978 and 1988. The results indicate significant differences in cost structure between acquirers and nonacquirers. There was some evidence that size yielded increased economies of scale, especially in 1988. However, increased size via acquisition yielded diseconomies of scale for all but the smallest acquirers. Thus, acquisition activity did not result in a cost advantage. In addition, it appeared that deregulation and increased competition permitted all but the smallest thrifts to realize economies of scope.
Data science, predictive analytics, and big data in supply chain management: Current state and future potential

While data science, predictive analytics, and big data have been frequently used buzzwords, rigorous academic investigations into these areas are just emerging. In this forward thinking article, we discuss the results of a recent large-scale survey on these topics among supply chain management (SCM) professionals, complemented with our experiences in developing, implementing, and administering one of the first master's degree programs in predictive analytics. As such, we effectively provide an assessment of the current state of the field via a large-scale survey, and offer insight into its future potential via the discussion of how a research university is training next-generation data scientists. Specifically, we report on the current use of predictive analytics in SCM and the underlying motivations, as well as perceived benefits and barriers. In addition, we highlight skills desired for successful data scientists, and provide illustrations of how predictive analytics can be implemented in the curriculum. Relying on one of the largest data sets of predictive analytics users in SCM collected to date and our experiences with one of the first master's degree programs in predictive analytics, it is our intent to provide a timely assessment of the field, illustrate its future potential, and motivate additional research and pedagogical advancements in this domain.
Contamination inspection of embedded phase-shift masks

Driven by Moore's Law, the quest to double the number of transistors on a given chip every 18-24 months, the density and complexity of patterns on photomasks has increased steadily and significantly. To maintain the fidelity of shrinking features, reticle enhancement techniques such as OPC (Optical Proximity Correction) and Phase Shift Masks are now widely used in optical lithography to extend the lifetime of the existing technology. These techniques (or advanced reticles) provide the desired improvements in spatial resolution, but also complicate the task of reticle defect inspection. In this paper, we present results from ongoing contamination inspections of Embedded (Attenuated) Phase Shift Masks (EPSMs) for 248nm and 193nm lithography. A variety of 248nm masks have been successfully inspected on the KLA-Tencor STARlightTM SL3UV and SL3 tools at Intel Mask Operations (IMO) in Santa Clara, CA. Lessons learned from inspection of 248nm masks are being applied towards inspection of 193nm masks. A representative sample of inspection parameters such as algorithm options, and corresponding inspection results (defect types, capture rates etc.) are presented and discussed in the paper.
Chemical relaxation of allosteric models

Abstract Two models for allosteric behavior are considered and compared with each other: the model of two allosteric forms according to Monod, Wyman and Changeux; and the polymerizing model containing monomer and highest polymer only. Saturation functions YF are derived and discussed. General expressions for the relaxation times of buth models are derived and their dependence upon individual parameters is discussed. The postulate of exclusive presence of monomer and highest polymer implies structural requirements. These requirements arc reduced to angular characteristics of the ‘planes’ of polymerizing sites on monomers.
Absolute line intensity measurements in the ν2 bands of HDO and D2O using a tunable diode laser spectrometer

Abstract Absolute line intensities for several individual vibration-rotation transitions in the ν 2 bands of HDO and D 2 O have been determined at room temperature from laboratory spectra recorded with a tunable diode laser spectrometer. Two tunable semiconductor diode lasers operating in the 1250- to 1350- and 1060- to 1140-cm −1 spectral regions have been used in the recording of the data. Comparisons are made with previously published results where appropriate.
Low and intermediate temperature oxidation of ethanol and ethanol–PRF blends: An experimental and modeling study

In this brief communication, we present new experimental species profile measurements for the low and intermediate temperature oxidation of ethanol under knock-prone conditions. These experiments show that ethanol exhibits no global low temperature reactivity at these conditions, although we note the heterogeneous decomposition of ethanol to ethylene and water. Similar behavior is reported for an E85 blend in n-heptane. Kinetic modeling results are presented to complement these experiments and elucidate the interaction of ethanol and primary reference fuels undergoing cooxidation.
OCT corneal elastography by pressure-induced optical feature flow

The viscoelastic properties of the cornea are important determinants of the corneal response to surgery and disease. The purpose of this work is to develop an OCT-based technique for non-contact, high-resolution pan-corneal strain mapping using clinically-achievable pressure changes as a stressor. Porcine corneas were excised and mounted on an artificial anterior chamber that facilitated maintenance of a simulated intraocular pressure (IOP). Pressure was controlled and monitored continuously by saline infusion with an in-line transducer and digital monitor. Mounted specimens were positioned under a laboratory-based high-speed OCT system and imaged in three dimensions at various IOP levels. Matlab and C++ routines were written to perform 2-D bitmap cross-correlation analyses on corresponding images at different pressure levels. Resulting correlations produced a likelihood estimate of the 2-D vector displacement of corneal optical features. Strain maps from cross-correlation analyses revealed local areas of highly consistent displacements interspersed with inter-regional variability. Displacements occurred predominantly along axial vectors. Our analysis produces results consistent with expected and observed displacement of the cornea with varying IOP. Cross-correlation analysis of optical feature flow in the corneal stroma can provide high-resolution strain maps capable of distinguishing spatial heterogeneity in the corneal response to pressure change. A non-destructive, non-contact technique for corneal strain mapping offers numerous potential advantages over tensile testing of excised tissue strips for inferring viscoelastic behavior, and the membrane inflation model employed here could potentially be extended to clinical biomechanical characterizations.
Advances in antimonide-based Type-II superlattices for infrared detection and imaging at center for quantum devices

Type-II InAs/GaSb superlattices (T2SLs), a system of multi-interacting quantum wells, was introduced by Nobel Laureate L. Esaki in the 1970s. Since then, this material system has drawn a lot of attention especially for infrared detection. In recent years, T2SL material system has experienced incredible improvements in material quality, device structure designs and device fabrication process which elevated the performances of T2SL-based photo-detectors to a comparable level to the state-of-the-art material systems for infrared detection such as Mercury Cadmium Telluride (MCT). In this paper, we will present the current status of T2SL-based photo-detectors and focal plane arrays for imaging in different infrared regions, from SWIR to VLWIR, and the future outlook of this material system.
Study of electrochemical reactions using nanospray desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

The combination of electrochemistry (EC) and mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical tool for studying mechanisms of redox reactions, identification of products and intermediates, and online derivatization/recognition of analytes. This work reports a new coupling interface for EC/MS by employing nanospray desorption electrospray ionization, a recently developed ambient ionization method. We demonstrate online coupling of nanospray desorption electrospray ionization MS with a traditional electrochemical flow cell, in which the electrolyzed solution emanating from the cell is ionized by nanospray desorption electrospray ionization for MS analysis. Furthermore, we show first coupling of nanospray desorption electrospray ionization MS with an interdigitated array (IDA) electrode enabling chemical analysis of electrolyzed samples directly from electrode surfaces. Because of its inherent sensitivity, nanospray desorption electrospray ionization enables chemical analysis of small volumes and concentratio...
Fair Play, Political Obligation, and Punishment

This paper attempts to establish that, and explain why, the practice of punishing offenders is in principle morally permissible. My account is a nonstandard version of the fair play view, according to which punishment’s permissibility derives from reciprocal obligations shared by members of a political community, understood as a mutually beneficial, cooperative venture. Most fair play views portray punishment as an appropriate means of removing the unfair advantage an offender gains relative to law-abiding members of the community. Such views struggle, however, to provide a plausible account of this unfairly gained benefit. By contrast, on my account punishment’s permissibility follows more straightforwardly from the fair play view of political obligation: specifically, the rule instituting punishment is itself among those rules with which members of the political community are obliged to comply. For criminal offenders, compliance requires submitting to the prospect of punishment.
Subunit Stoichiometry of Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channels and Effects of Subunit Order on Channel Function

Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) ion channels are multimeric structures containing at least two subunits. However, the total number of subunits per functional channel is unknown. To determine the subunit stoichiometry of CNG ion channels, we have coexpressed the 30 pS conductance bovine retinal channel (RET) with an 85 pS conductance chimeric retinal channel containing the catfish olfactory channel P region (RO133). When RO133 and RET monomers are coexpressed, channels with four distinct intermediate conductances are observed. Dimer constructs reveal that two of these conductance levels arise from channels with the same subunit composition (2 RO133:2 RET) but distinct subunit order (like subunits adjacent to each other versus like subunits across from each other). Thus, the data demonstrate that cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channels are tetrameric like the related voltage-gated potassium ion channels; the order of subunits affects the conductance of the channel; and the channel has 4-fold symmetry in which four asymmetric subunits assemble head to tail around a central axis.
Circadian blood pressure variation versus renal function

Abstract Several published reports describe an abnormal circadian blood pressure profile in chronic renal failure subjects. Factors other than renal failure, including age, diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, autonomic dysfunction, and race, also may affect circadian blood pressure profiles. To further elucidate the relationship between renal function and circadian blood pressure variation, we compared day/night circadian blood pressure changes in three groups of male veteran hypertensive patients: group A, creatinine clearance (CC) > 80 mL/min, n=20; group B, CC 20 to 80 mL/min, n=19; and group C, CC P P = 0.01); smaller day/night heart rate changes ( P = 0.03); significantly higher diastolic blood pressure ( P = 0.01); and a trend toward smaller day/night change in diastolic blood pressure ( P = 0.06). In conclusion, renal function level does not influence day/night blood pressure changes. The blunting or reversal of the normal circadian blood pressure pattern seen in some chronic renal failure hypertensive subjects may be attributable to the association between chronic renal failure and cofactors associated with abnormal circadian blood pressure, including black race and possibly severity of atherosclerosis.
Inhibition of platelet aggregation by native and desialised alpha-1 acid glycoprotein

The alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (orosomucoid; AAG) is a normal constituent of human plasma (650±215 µg ml−1) which increases in concentration as much as fivefold in association with acute inflammation and cancer, and thus is recognised as an acute phase protein1,2. AAG consists of a single polypeptide chain, has a molecular weight of 44,100, and contains ∼45% carbohydrate including 12% sialic acid; it is the most negatively charged of the plasma proteins3. Certain of the biological properties of AAG are related to its sialic acid content1,3; thus, clearance and immunogenicity of AAG are markedly increased on desialisation4,5. The biological functions of AAG are largely unknown. AAG has the ability to inhibit certain lymphocyte reactivities including blastogenesis in response to concanavalin A, phytohaemagglutinin and allogeneic cells6, and these inhibitory effects are enhanced in association with desialisation7. In view of these observations, a report that unphysiologically large (5–15 mg ml−1) amounts of AAG inhibit the platelet aggregation induced by ADP and adrenaline8, and evidence that a sialic acid-deficient species of AAG appears elevated in several chronic disease states9,10, we compared the effects of AAG and its desialised counterpart (AAG-D) on platelet aggregation. We report that desialisation of AAG is associated with increased expression of activity inhibitory to the platelet aggregation otherwise observed on stimulation with ADP, collagen or thrombin.
HIV Disease in the Psychology Curriculum

In this article, I provide ideas for relating HIV topics to psychology content. Instructors can integrate HIV into the psychology curriculum in 3 related ways: (a) by using research findings as examples for course content already being covered, (b) by exploring diversity issues raised by HIV's presence in the world, and (c) by exercising students' critical thinking skills; for example, by asking them to apply HIV prevention research to their lives. Research reviewed in this article updates instructors with relevant information for curricular infusion.
Apéry numbers, Jacobi sums, and special values of generalizedp-adic hypergeometric functions

Abstract We present some summation formulae for some special values of ratios of generalized p -adic hypergeometric functions in terms of the p -adic gamma function. By well-known methods such formulae yield expressions for roots of congruence zeta-functions in terms of Jacobi sums in the nonsingular case. We also express various formal-group congruences, including those involving Apery numbers, in terms of p -adic hypergeometric functions at singular and nonsingular points of the associated differential equation. These congruences yield p -adic analytic formulae for unit roots of certain Hecke polynomials.
Raman spectra of the rare earth trimetaphosphates

Raman spectra of anhydrous crystalline powders of all the lanthanide trimetaphosphates (with the exception of Pm(PO3)3) and of yttrium trimetaphosphate have been obtained. These data have been interpreted in a systematic manner based on the known structures of these compounds. Variations of the vibrational band frequencies with atomic number are much less than with the orthophosphates.
Mimicking biological design and computing principles in artificial olfaction.

Biology has inspired solutions to many engineering problems, including those encountered in chemical sensing. Modern approaches to chemical sensing have been based on the biological principle of combining cross-selective chemical sensors with a pattern recognition engine to identify odors. Here, we review some recent advances made in mimicking biological design and computing principles to develop an electronic nose. The resulting technology will have important applications in fundamental biological research, as well as in industrial, security, and medical domains.
The relative coke-inducing tendencies of pyrolysed, gasified and combusted Devonian oil shales☆

Abstract A dual fluidized-bed reactor system was used to examine the isothermal kinetics of carbon deposition when nascent shale oil vapours were passed through beds of pyrolysed, gasified and combusted Devonian shale. Naturally occurring samples of the principal silicate minerals found in Devonian shale (kaolinite, illite and quartz) were also tested. The rate of carbon uptake declined with increasing carbon deposition on the solids. The coke-inducing activities of the processed shales were ranked as: combusted shale gasified shale pyrolysed shale. The effect of coking temperature on carbon deposition was relatively small, which has important implications for solids-recycle oil shale retorts.
Excited State Dynamics and Heterogeneity of Folded and Unfolded States of Cytochrome c

Cytochrome c is an electron transfer protein whose redox and folding properties have received a great deal of attention. In this study, transient absorption, transient grating, and three pulse photon echo peak shift (3PEPS) measurements have been used to characterize the photophysics of the heme chromophore in the folded protein and in two different unfolded proteins. The data are interpreted in terms of a reactive three level system. A Soret excited state lifetime of 40 to 50 fs is observed, which is not sensitive to the folded state of cytochrome c. An intermediate time scale of 200 to 400 fs is also observed, which may be associated with the Q state lifetime. The longest time scale, assigned to ground state recovery, is approximately 2 to 4 ps. The dynamics are discussed in terms of the folded and redox states of the protein. The 3PEPS data show that the folded protein has little structural heterogeneity; however, the unfolded proteins show a larger degree of structural heterogeneity, the extent of whi...
The influence of aggregated and dispersed textures on the elastic properties of discontinuous-fiber composites

Abstract The elastic properties of short-fiber composites which exhibit fiber orientation distributions, are usually computed through an orientation averaging procedure conducted on the elastic properties of an equivalently loaded aligned-fiber composite. This type of ‘aggregate’ averaging scheme may be appropriate for materials of the sheet molding compound (SMC) type that exhibit the domain microstructure of an aggregate. However, this averaging scheme may not be applicable for ‘dispersed’ microstructures such as those observed in short-fiber injection-molded systems. This work presents a micromechanical model based on the concept of equivalent energy, which is capable of providing both approximate upper and lower bounds on the elastic properties of ‘aggregated’ and ‘dispersed’ systems of ellipsoidal inclusions.
Preventable adverse drug events in hospitalized patients: a comparative study of intensive care and general care units.

Objectives To compare the frequency and preventability of adverse drug events and potential adverse drug events in intensive care units (ICUs) and non-ICUs. To evaluate systems factors involving the individual caregivers, care unit teams, and patients involved in each adverse drug event by comparing
Electronic Response of Assemblies of Designer Atoms: The Metal−Insulator Transition and the Role of Disorder

Quantum dots present the chemist with the opportunity to synthesize atomic-like building blocks with made-to-measure electronic properties. For the theorists this allows a study of the same Hamiltonian for a range of parameters. Here we consider a lattice of quantum dots, where the dots can be prepared with a narrow distribution of properties but are never quite identical. This is unlike an ordered lattice of atoms or molecules. We report computations of the frequency-dependent dielectric response of a two-dimensional array of quantum dots, as a function of the distance between the dots. When the dots are not closely packed, the response is dominated by the Coulomb repulsion of electrons (of opposite spin) on a given dot. This gives rise to an insulator−metal transition as the expanded array is compressed. The interplay between the three effects, the “disorder” due to the size, shape, and environmental fluctuations of the dots, the coupling of adjacent dots, and the Coulomb repulsion are studied as functi...
Improvement of Interfacial Adhesion between UHMWPE Fiber and Epoxy Matrix Using Functionalized Graphitic Nanofibers

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber has advanced mechanical properties and excellent physical properties that include high effectiveness for cosmic radiation shielding, which is valuable for outer space missions. Unfortunately, poor interface in UHMWPE fiber—polymer composites hinders the structural integrity and safety, and restricts its effectiveness for the radiation shielding. In this study, we focus on the improvement of the adhesion property between the UHMWPE fiber and resin matrix by developing a nano-epoxy matrix through making a modification on the matrix with reactive graphitic nanofibers (r-GNFs). The interfacial adhesion between UHMWPE fiber and the nano-epoxy matrix with low concentrations of r-GNFs (0.15, 0.30, and 0.50 wt% ) is characterized by analyzing load—displacement curves from microbond tests. Study results show that crack initiation force, debonding force, debonding energy, and friction energy from the microbond tests increase considerably, due to the effective ...
Minimum spanning trees and random resistor networks in d dimensions.

We consider minimum-cost spanning trees, both in lattice and Euclidean models, in $d$ dimensions. For the cost of the optimum tree in a box of size $L$, we show that there is a correction of order ${L}^{\ensuremath{\theta}}$, where $\ensuremath{\theta}\ensuremath{\leqslant}0$ is a universal $d$-dependent exponent. There is a similar form for the change in optimum cost under a change in boundary condition. At nonzero temperature $T$, there is a crossover length $\ensuremath{\xi}\ensuremath{\sim}{T}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\nu}}$, such that on length scales larger than $\ensuremath{\xi}$, the behavior becomes that of uniform spanning trees. There is a scaling relation $\ensuremath{\theta}=\ensuremath{-}1∕\ensuremath{\nu}$, and we provide several arguments that show that $\ensuremath{\nu}$ and $\ensuremath{-}1∕\ensuremath{\theta}$ both equal ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathrm{perc}}$, the correlation length exponent for ordinary percolation in the same dimension $d$, in all dimensions $d\ensuremath{\geqslant}1$. The arguments all rely on the close relation of Kruskal's greedy algorithm for the minimum spanning tree, percolation, and (for some arguments) random resistor networks. The scaling of the entropy and free energy at small nonzero $T$, and hence of the number of near-optimal solutions, is also discussed. We suggest that the Steiner tree problem is in the same universality class as the minimum spanning tree in all dimensions, as is the traveling salesman problem in two dimensions. Hence all will have the same value of $\ensuremath{\theta}=\ensuremath{-}3∕4$ in two dimensions.
Optical studies of excess carrier recombination in a-Si: H: evidence for dispersive diffusion

Relaxation of photoinduced optical absorption following pulsed laser excitation was measured between 0.5 \ensuremath{\mu}s and 10 ms in doped and undoped $a$-Si: H as a function of temperature. The recombination was found to be bimolecular diffusion limited. The diffusion coefficient of the excess carriers is time dependent ($\ensuremath{\sim}{t}^{\ensuremath{-}0.3}$) in agreement with the drift mobility of photocarriers and the predictions of the continuous-time random-walk theory of dispersive transport in disordered materials.
Line absorption coefficient profiles for velocity-dependent broadening

Abstract Hjerting or Voigt-profile functions, used to describe the frequency variation of spectral line absorption coefficients, result from the assumption that dispersion-type line-broadening mechanisms producing the functions are independent of the velocity of the particle undergoing absorption. Modified Hjerting functions, in which such velocity dependence for quadratic Stark and Van der Waals broadening is included, are calculated for low-density, high-temperature plasmas such as exist in stellar atmospheres. Differences between the modified Hjerting and Hjerting functions should not exceed one or two per cent in stellar atmospheres, except possibly for the relatively dense atmospheres for red dwarf stars, where the larger deviations found by Mizushima (2) for pressure broadening might pertain.
Effect of 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 and ionized Ca2+ on 45Ca uptake by primary cultures of aortic myocytes of spontaneously hypertensive and Wistar Kyoto normotensive rats

Abstract The effect of several regulators of whole animal Ca2+ homeostasis on 45Ca uptake by primary cultures of aortic myocytes isolated from spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats was examined. Exposure of confluent cells to 1.0, 1.25 or 1.50 mM ionized Ca2+ in serum-free medium for seven days resulted in increased 45Ca uptake at the higher concentrations of Ca2+ in cells of the SHR but not the WKY. 1,25 (OH)2 vitamin D3 (1 ng/ml) for 7 days caused enhanced influx in cells from both the SHR and WKY while parathyroid hormone (1–34) (1 ng/ml) was without effect. The data indicate that humoral factors that serve to regulate whole animal Ca2+ homeostasis may also play a role in the regulation of Ca2+ metabolism of the vascular smooth muscle cell.
Pricing on the Fish Market—Does Size Matter?

ABSTRACT The importance of fish size for price per kilo is studied using an inverse demand approach. Price per kilo in different size categories of the same species differs significantly. This means that the average price for a species may change due to e.g., high grading or a changing climate, which both have the potential to change the size composition of the catch. Estimates show that quantity flexibilities differ substantially across size and species, while scale flexibilities, in general, are close to homothetic. Holding total catch constant, an approximate 1% decrease in the largest size category and a corresponding increase in the smallest size category is estimated to reduce the value of an average week's catch by roughly 0.1–0.4%. The results imply that the effect of size on price is an important consideration when formulating regulations or policies to curb, for example, high grading. JEL Codes: C51, Q11, Q22.
Neurocircuitry of stress: central control of the hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenocortical axis

Abstract Integration of the hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal stress response occurs by way of interactions between stress-sensitive brain circuitry and neuroendocrine neurons of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Stressors involving an immediate physiologic threat (`systemic' stressors) are relayed directly to the PVN, probably via brainstem catecholaminergic projections. By contrast, stressors requiring interpretation by higher brain structures (`processive' stressors) appear to be channeled through limbic forebrain circuits. Forebrain limbic sites connect with the PVN via interactions with GABA-containing neurons in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, preoptic area and hypothalamus. Thus, final elaboration of processive stress responses is likely to involve modulation of PVN GABAergic tone. The functional and neuroanatomical data obtained suggest that disease processes involving inappropriate stress control involve dysfunction of processive stress pathways.
The Stare Decisis of Racial Inequality: Supreme Court Race Jurisprudence and the Legacy of Legal Apartheid in the United States

More than a generation after the civil rights movement, racial inequality persists as a defining characteristic of United States social structure. Scholars from across the political spectrum have discussed and debated the causes of persistent racial inequality, offering various interpretations. Yet in the work of these otherwise different scholars, there is a consistent theme – the post civil rights era is an era of ‘formal legal equality’. Employing a method of structurally situated critical discourse analysis comparing Supreme Court race jurisprudence in the Post-Civil War and the post-Civil Rights Eras, this article interrogates this deployment of the concept of formal equality. The analysis reveals that in both eras the Supreme Court utilizes a discursive frame that asserts the position of formal legal equality, yet simultaneously employs narrative moves that ignore social structural mechanisms of racial inequality. The result is a legacy of legal framing that deploys an ‘epistemology of ignorance’ as...
Attraction of male winterform pear psylla to female-produced volatiles and to female extracts and evidence of male–male repellency

Pear psylla, Cacopsylla pyricola (Forster) (Homoptera: Psyllidae), is a major pest of commercial pears in North America and Europe. Olfactometer trials have shown that males of both the summer and winter morphotype are attracted to female-infested host material. Additional work with the summer morphotype has shown that males are attracted to females even in the absence of the host plant, which is evidence that female C. pyricola produce a volatile sex attractant. Here, we describe similar results with the winterform, confirming for this morphotype that the female psylla rather than the infested host material is the source of the attractant. Male winterforms displayed attraction to odors from live females in the absence of the host plant, freshly killed females, and female whole body extracts. The female whole body extracts were at least as attractive as a comparable number of live females, suggesting that we were successful at extracting the components of the attractant with this procedure. All previous olfactometer trials with C. pyricola used the insect as the attractant source; the current study is the first to demonstrate that volatile chemicals isolated from the female insect were attractive to male conspecifics. Winterform males were also assayed to odors produced by conspecific males. We found that male psylla avoided volatile odors from live males, freshly killed males, or whole body extracts of males. To our knowledge, these results are the first indication that males of any member of the Psyllidae avoid odors associated with conspecific males.
MEMS-based 3D optical microendoscopy

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices have the advantages of small size, fast speed and low cost. MEMS-based miniature imaging probes have been developed for various optical “biopsy” imaging systems. These MEMS based optical imaging systems enable in vivo endoscopic optical “biopsy”, resulting in a paradigm shift of optical imaging of internal organs. In particular, MEMS based endoscopic optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging, nonlinear optical imaging and confocal imaging will be discussed.
Terahertz quantum cascade lasers

We provide an overview of terahertz quantum cascade lasers based on resonant-phonon depopulation and metal-metal waveguides, including two-phonon resonant-phonon depopulation schemes, long wavelength operation, and real time terahertz imaging.
Synergy and Its Limits in Managing Information Technology Professionals

We examine the effects of human resource management (HRM) practices (e.g., career development, social support, compensation, and security) on information technology (IT) professionals' job search behavior. Job search is a relatively novel dependent variable in studies of voluntary withdrawal behavior in general and for IT professionals in particular. From a universalistic perspective, HRM practices individually and in combination exhibit independently additive effects on job search behavior. Our study contrasts this perspective with configurational theory, hypothesizing that proposed ideal-type configurations of HRM practices have synergistic effects on job search behavior. We contribute to the IT and broader HRM literature by theoretically explicating and empirically demonstrating with IT professionals the power of configurational theory to explain the relationship between HRM practices and job search behavior. Our empirical results show that two configurations of HRM practices---Human Capital Focused (HCF) and Task Focused (TF), which are high and low on all HRM practices, respectively---exhibit a synergistic relationship with the job search behavior of IT professionals. HCF has lower job search behavior than would be expected based on the independently additive effects of the HRM practices, whereas TF has correspondingly higher job search behavior. Our results also show that less than perfect horizontal fit detracts from the synergy of these extreme configurations. Just as importantly, several other nonextreme configurations of HRM practices exhibit independently additive effects for the HRM practices but not synergy, suggesting that synergy is limited to extreme configurations. We also discuss a number of implications for research and practice.
Charismatic, ideological, and pragmatic leadership: Multi-level influences on emergence and performance

Theories of outstanding, historically notable leadership have traditionally emphasized charisma. Recent research, however, suggests that charisma may represent only one pathway to outstanding leadership. Outstanding leadership may also emerge from ideological and pragmatic leadership. This article examines the conditions influencing the emergence and performance of charismatic, ideological, and pragmatic leaders. In particular, different conditions operating at the environmental, organizational, group, and individual levels influence the emergence and performance of each of these three types of leaders. Implications for understanding the origins and impact of charismatic, ideological, and pragmatic leaders are discussed as well.
Emotional processes following disclosure of an extramarital affair.

In-depth interviews with individuals who had experienced marital infidelity revealed a three-stage process following disclosure of an affair. The process starts with an “emotional roller coaster” and moves through a “moratorium” before efforts at trust building are recognized. Implications for the literature on forgiveness and the process of change in couples therapy are discussed as well as implications for future research and for practice.
Prolonged Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease is a Risk Factor for Thyroid Failure in Long-Term Survivors After Matched Sibling Donor Stem Cell Transplantation for Hematologic Malignancies

Abstract We studied thyroid function in 81 long-term survivors of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT), with a median follow-up of 84 months (range, 45 to 166 months). Median age at transplantation was 35 years (range, 6 to 66). Seventy-two of the patients received a total body irradiation (TBI)–containing conditioning regimen (n = 23, 12 Gy; n=49, 13 Gy). Twenty-one of the patients (25.9%) had subclinical hypothyroidism, and 9 (11.1%) developed overt hypothyroidism at a median of 28 months (range, 3 to 78 months) after allo-SCT. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that prolonged immunosuppressive therapy (IST) was significantly associated with subclinical hypothyroidism (odds ratio [OR] = 3.8) and overt hypothyroidism (OR = 2.6). Antithyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase antibody were detected in 12 of 60 patients tested (20%). No correlation was found between the occurrence of thyroid antibodies and hypothyroidism (P = .13) or chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) (P = .55). In conclusion, thyroid dysfunction is relatively common after allo-SCT and is more likely to occur in patients receiving prolonged IST for cGVHD; however, thyroid dysfunction does not appear to be related to an antibody-mediated autoimmune process.