bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parameterization of the Ångström–Prescott formula based on machine learning benefit estimation of reference crop evapotranspiration with missing solar radiation data
Authors: Chen Shang , Feng Wenzhe , He Liang , Xiao Wei , Feng Hao , Yu Qiang , Liu Jiandong , He Jianqiang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAccurately estimated reference evapotranspiration (ET0) is essential to regional water management. The FAO recommends coupling the Penman–Monteith (P‐M) model with the Ångström–Prescott (A‐P) formula as the standard method for ET0 estimation with missing Rs measurements. However, its application is usually restricted by the two fundamental coefficients (a and b) of the A‐P formula. This paper proposes a new method for estimating ET0 with missing Rs by combining machine learning with physical‐based P‐M models (PM‐ET0). The benchmark values of the A‐P coefficients were first determined at the daily, monthly, and yearly scales, and further evaluated in Rs and ET0 estimates at 80 national Rs measuring stations. Then, three empirical models and four machine‐learning methods were evaluated in estimating the A‐P coefficients. Machine learning methods were also used to estimate ET0 (ML‐ET0) to compare with the PM‐ET0. Finally, the optimal estimation method was used to estimate the A‐P coefficients for the 839 regular weather stations for ET0 estimation without Rs measurement for China. The results demonstrated a descending trend for coefficient a from northwest to southeast China, with larger values in cold seasons. However, coefficient b showed the opposite distribution as the coefficient a. The FAO has recommended a larger a but a smaller b for southeast China, which produced the region's largest Rs and ET0 estimation errors. Additionally, the A‐P coefficients calibrated at the daily scale obtained the best estimation accuracy for both Rs and ET0, and slightly outperformed the monthly and yearly coefficients without significant difference in most cases. The machine learning methods outperformed the empirical methods for estimating the A‐P coefficients, especially for the sites with extreme values. Further, ML‐ET0 outperformed the PM‐ET0 with yearly A‐P coefficients but underperformed those with daily and monthly ones. This study indicates an exciting potential for combining machine learning with physical models for estimating ET0. However, we found that using the A‐P coefficients with finer time scales is unnecessary to deal with the missing Rs measurements.
On stakeholder theory and corporate investment under financial frictions
Authors: Mykhayliv Dariya , Zauner Klaus G. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe view that corporations have a wider focus than just maximising shareholder value has received considerable attention from practitioners, managers, and academics alike. We investigate the Q theory of corporate investment with financial frictions when management maximises stakeholder value instead of shareholder value. Different objective functions are investigated. We characterise the optimal investment and financial policy of the firm. The results show that stakeholder firms invest more than shareholder firms, that is, over invest, and an increase of stakeholder shares increases investment, except when equity issuing firms face severe informational asymmetries or severe cost of external equity. We also discuss different approaches to model investment of stakeholder firms and their implications for empirical analysis.
Secretory Component and Serum Immunoglobulin A Deficiencies with Intestinal Autoantibody Formation and Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Fisher Stanley E. , Smith William I. , Rabin Bruce S. , Tomasi Thomas B. , Lester Roger , Van Thiel David H. 
Published: February 2024

SummaryA teenage boy with both secretory component deficiency and selective serum immunoglobulin A deficiency also developed pernicious anemia, insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus, pancreatic insufficiency, lymphopenia, intestinal candidiasis, and anti‐intestinal antibody. The patient's father had pernicious anemia and diabetes mellitus while the paternal grandfather also had pernicious anemia. Because the patient had inherited the paternal grandmother's human leukocyte antigen complex, there was no direct association between pernicious anemia and the genetic markers. The presence of multiple immunologic abnormalities in a single patient supports the concept of an underlying defect in immune regulation as a central factor in the pathogenesis of these disorders.
Clotted Feeding Tubes Associated with Transpyloric Feeding of Premature Infant Formula
Authors: Moyer Laurie , Chan Gary M. 
Published: February 2024

SummaryUse of a constant infusion of formula via transpyloric (TP) administration has been utilized as a means of supplying nutrition to the smaller (< 1,200 g) premature infant. We have noticed that many of our infants being fed with a “reformulated” premature infant formula (Enfamil®) by TP route have experienced clotted feeding tubes in spite of regular irrigation with sterile water. A retrospective study was conducted over a 9‐month period comparing all infants fed via TP tube (5 French polyvinyl) and receiving either premature formula or their own mother's milk. An in vitro study was also conducted comparing the premature infant formula and a standard formula with human milk placed in TP tubes at the milk's own original pH and an alkaline pH. A total of 59 infants received feedings via TP infusion. Thirty‐nine were fed premature formula and 20 infants received human milk. There were no differences in birth weight and gestational age between the two groups. No infant receiving human milk developed a clotted feeding tube. However, of infants receiving premature formula, 15 of the 39 (389?) developed at least one clotted feeding tube. The clotted group was smaller in birth weight (mean of 1,044 vs. 1,418 g, p < 0.001) and younger in gestational age (mean of 29 vs. 32 weeks, p < 0.05) than the nonclotted group. There were no differences between the two groups in age of initial feeding or rate of infusion. The in vitro study showed that feeding tubes were completely occluded consistently after 24 h for the premature formula at both original pH (6.70) and alkaline pH (8.0). Neither the human milk nor standard formula developed any clot. We believe that premature infant formulas should be used with caution when administered via a TP route.
Does Mixing Pancreatic Enzyme Microspheres (Pancreaser) with Food Damage the Enteric Coating?
Authors: Sackman Jeffrey W. , Smith Kathleen E. , Graham David Y. 
Published: February 2024

SummarySupplemental pancreatic enzymes are required for the treatment of malabsorption associated with cystic fibrosis. It is a general practice for enzymes to be sprinkled on, or administered in, food given to infants or children who require pancreatic enzyme replacement. We tested the effect of in vitro incubation of enteric‐coated pancreatic enzyme microspheres with infant foods on total recoverable enzyme activity and on the enteric coating. Incubation of enzyme beads with foods with pH 5 (i.e., chicken pH 6.5, veal pH 6.3, and green beans pH 5.6) was without significant effect on either parameter. There was a statistically significant, albeit minor, reduction in maximum enzyme activity recovered following incubation with applesauce (pH 3.5). In addition, the thickness of the enteric coating was significantly reduced. Whether changes in the enzyme beads results in improved or diminished efficiency of therapy remains to be determined. Lipase, unprotected by enteric coating, was rapidly inactivated in applesauce, emphasizing the need to instruct parents about which foods to avoid when administering pancreatic enzymes without enteric coating.
Increased [125I]Trypsin‐Binding in Serum from Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Authors: Cox Kenneth L. , Frates Ralph C. , Sheikholislam Bagher M. , Iwahashi‐Hosoda Christine K. 
Published: February 2024

SummaryThe capacities of normal and cystic fibrosis (CF) sera to bind to exogenous human [125I]trypsin were compared. Sera from eight older CF patients bound significantly more exogenous human [125I]trypsin than did sera from eight normal subjects (p < 0.001). Disregarding the increased trypsinbinding (TB) of CF sera, serum immunoreactive trypsinogen (SIRT) levels were not detectable in these eight older CF patients. However, when SIRT levels were corrected for TB, four CF patients had normal SIRT concentrations and four had low but detectable SIRT levels. As compared to five normal newborns' sera, serum from a newborn with CF had normal TB and the SIRT levels were very high. In conclusion, increased TB in CF serum lowers results of SIRT assays. Therefore, unless SIRT levels are corrected for TB, results obtained from currently available SIRT kits may be invalid.
Effect of Human Growth Hormone on Gastrin Secretion in Children with Hyposomatotropism
Authors: Root Allen W. , Auritt Aileen , Livingston Catherine 
Published: February 2024

SummaryThe effect of human growth hormone (hGH) on gastrin secretion was evaluated in 13 hyposomatotropic children and two subjects with bioinactive growth hormone (GH). Serum concentrations of gastrin were quantitated by radioimmunoassay after ingestion of a standard meal and following intravenous infusion of arginine. prior to and after ft and 12 months of hGH administration. Although the meal provoked a significant increment in gastrin values at each point, hGH did not alter basal concentrations or meal‐evoked secretion of gastrin in these subjects. Arginine had no effect on gastrin levels. Serum im‐munoreaetive insulin concentrations increased in response to eating and arginine. but hGH did not alter the insulin secretory response to either stimulus. It is concluded that hGH did not affect the secretion of gastrin or insulin under the conditions of this study.
Effect of Short‐Term Cimetidine Administration on Fecal Bile Acid Losses in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Isenberg Nevin J. , Hendrix Pamela Y. , Cox Kenneth L. 
Published: February 2024

Summary:Eight children with cystic fibrosis and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency were voluntarily hospitalized in a clinical research setting so that diet and enzyme supplements could be well controlled for consecutive 72‐h balance studies. We previously reported on these patients, as part of a larger study group, because they showed significantly reduced fecal losses of fat and nitrogen at the highest dose of cimetidine added to the otherwise constant regimen. Analysis of specimens from this same study shows a cimetidine‐related reduction in fecal bile acid loss. Numerous variables thought to influence fecal bile acid loss were closely controlled and/or measured in this clinical study setting. In order to potentially learn more about this complex phenomenon, we carried out a stepwise regression analysis of the data which indicated that half of the variance in fecal bile acid loss is still unaccounted for by the five “independent” variables tested in the regression. However, in this variance analysis system cimetidine assumes a larger relative role in modulating bile acid loss than it does in fecal losses of fat and nitrogen.
Pediatric Tube System for Collection of Uncontaminated Jejunal Juice
Authors: Nielsen Ole Haagen , Hjelt Karsten , Krasilnikoff P. A. , Justesen Tage , Rasmussen Sten Nørby 
Published: February 2024

Summary:A tube system for collection of uncontaminated jejunal juice in children is described. It consists of an outer tube, the distal end of which is closed with a membrane, and an inner aspiration tube. When the outer tube is positioned at the site of aspiration, the membrane is perforated by applying air pressure through the outer tube. The tube was tested in 72 Danish children. With only one intubation having to be repeated, aspiration was achieved in all the children (95% confidence limits, 92.60‐99.97%). The median intubation time was 10 min (range, 2‐35 min). Mean time for aspiration of 1 ml of jejunal juice varied from 1 to 30 min (median, 5 min). The site of aspiration in the jejunum—expressed as the position of the tip of the inner tube—was from 0 to 6 cm distal to the ligament of Treitz (median, 3 cm). There were no complications.
Breath Hydrogen Analysis
Authors: Ostrander Clinton R. , Cohen Ronald S. , Hopper Andrew O. , Shahin Susan M. , Kerner John A. , Johnson John D. , Stevenson David K. 
Published: February 2024

Summary:Hydrogen gas (H2) is a product of the fermentation of dietary carbohydrate (CHO) by bacteria in the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract in man. Thus, H2 is actually an exogenously produced gas, which either is passed as flatus, or diffuses into the body and is exhaled. In the adult, a fairly constant fraction is expired, providing a reliable indicator of total colonic H2 production. Breath H2 analysis currently represents a useful clinical means of testing adults and older children for the malabsorption of CHO. Noninvasive and easy procedures for the collection of expired air have encouraged their increasingly widespread use in pediatrics. Evidence to date suggests that breath H2 analysis may provide the best available method for estimating semiquantitatively the degree of CHO malabsorption. The association of the results of breath H2 analysis with other clinical measures of CHO digestion and absorption is expected, but discrepancies can also be anticipated based on the nature of this particular trace gas method. The interpretation of the results of breath H2 analysis in neonates and young infants remains especially problematic because of confounding variables which are difficult to control and are measured infrequently.
Congenital Dysautonomia with Secretory Diarrhea
Authors: Hyman Paul E. , Ament Marvin E. , Heyman Melvin B. 
Published: February 2024

Summary:A 1‐year‐old boy was evaluated because of failure‐to‐thrive and persistent diarrhea. His illness was characterized by autonomic dysfunction sharing some features of both familial dysautonomia and congenital sensory neuropathy with anhidrosis, but was consistent with neither diagnosis. The gastrointestinal tract was involved: esophageal motility was abnormal and moderate secretory diarrhea was present. This report documents an unusual case of congenital autonomic dysfunction with secretory diarrhea.
Pseudomembranous Colitis Presenting as Mild, Chronic Diarrhea in Childhood
Authors: Schwarz Ronald P. , Ulshen Martin H. 
Published: February 2024

Summary:Two children presented with mild, chronic diarrheal illnesses. Investigation revealed typical pseudomembranous colitis in both cases, which responded to therapy. While variation in the severity of pseudomem‐branous colitis is recognized, the subtle, chronic presentation exemplified by these cases has not previously been well described.
Acarboxy Prothrombin in Cord Plasma from Normal Neonates
Authors: Atkinson Peter M. , Bradlow Basil A. , Moulineaux John D. , Walker Nigel P. 
Published: February 2024

SummaryAcarboxy prothrombin was detected in the plasma of 48 of 128 umbilical cord plasma samples and in all of 65 patients receiving coumadin. None was found in 20 normal adults. Although the prevalence was the same in blacks, whites, and neonates of mixed origin, levels were significantly higher in blacks. There was a negative correlation between the level of acarboxy prothrombin and the prothrombin index. There was no correlation between maternal age, birth weight, gestational age, obstetrical complications, race, socioeconomic status, albumen, or u‐foetoprotein and the incidence of cord plasma acarboxy prothrombin.
Use of Golytely® in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Tolia Vasundhara , Fleming Sandra , Dubois Reuben S. 
Published: February 2024

SummaryProper cleansing of the bowel is essential to ensure an adequate colonoscopic examination. The experience of 24 children and adolescents with Golytely, a new colonic lavage solution, is presented. Oral Golytely was found to be less inconvenient for patients, safe, and more cost‐effective because it decreased hospitalization time.
Discordance of Milk Protein Production Between Right and Left Mammary Glands
Authors: Britton John R. 
Published: February 2024

SummaryThe cases of two lactating mothers whose milk from right and left mammary glands differed dramatically in protein concentration and composition are presented. The discordance in protein quality between the two breast milks underscores the need to sample both breasts in future studies of milk proteins and suggests that each breast may possess some degree of autonomy with respect to milk protein production.
Well‐Compensated Primary Bile Acid Malabsorption Presenting as Chronic Nonspecific Diarrhea
Authors: Jonas A. , Diver‐Haber A. , Avigad S. 
Published: February 2024

SummaryIncreased fecal bile acid loss and defective in vitro ileal bile acid uptake were demonstrated in an 8‐year‐old boy with diarrhea starting in the neonatal period. His continuously normal physical development and good nutritional status are in keeping with a well‐preserved cholic acid pool and normal duodenal bile acid concentration. Isolated bile acid malabsorption can remain well compensated and present as the chronic nonspecific diarrhea syndrome of childhood.
Severe Hemorrhage from Intestinal Hemangiomatosis in Klippel‐Trenaunay Syndrome
Authors: Schmitt Bernhard , Posselt Hans Georg , Waag Karl Ludwig , Müller Hartmut , Bender Steffen W. 
Published: February 2024

SummaryA child with Klippel‐Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) and severe anemia caused by bleeding from diffuse intestinal hemangiomatosis is presented. Hemangiomas of the bowel should be considered in any child with unexplained anemia and coexisting cutaneous hemangiomas. The diagnostic workup of patients with KTS and symptomatic hemangiomatosis is outlined with respect to indications for surgical management.
Intussusception of the Vermiform Appendix
Authors: Casteels Minne , Eggermont E. , Kerremans R. , Ponnette E. 
Published: February 2024

SummaryIntussusception of the vermiform appendix (IVA) in a 14‐year‐old girl is reported. The diagnosis was made preoperatively, which is rare: only five other cases have been reported. IVA can present with variable symptoms. This patient presented with episodes of recurrent severe paroxysmal pain and vomiting, each episode being separated by several uneventful weeks. The diagnosis of IVA could be made at the fourth attack of colic by the radiological visualization of a “spiral shell” filling defect at the bottom of the cecum that was reducible by intravenous injection of a spasmolytic. Laparotomy with appendectomy rescued the patient from these distressing episodes. Although IVA is an uncommon condition, one should be aware of its existence and include it in the differential diagnosis of acute abdominal syndromes. When confronted with a clinical picture of intussusception in older children or adolescents, one should especially remember this entity as a differential diagnosis with other causes of intussusception, especially tumors.
Characterization of Vitamin E Status in Cholestatic Children by Conventional Laboratory Standards and a New Functional Assay
Authors: Cynamon Harry A. , Isenberg J. Nevin 
Published: February 2024

SummaryIn the present study, the clinical application of a new functional test for vitamin E deficiency was evaluated. Erythrocytes from cholestatic children at risk for vitamin E deficiency and appropriate controls were incubated in vitro with hydrogen peroxide and the malondialdehyde generated and released into the supernatant quantitated. The results of these incubations were compared with fasting plasma vitamin E levels, the ratio of plasma vitamin E to plasma lipid levels, and, in some instances, hydrogen peroxide hemolysis tests. Malondialdehyde formation was less than 6% in controls and vitamin E‐sufficient cholestatic children. However, cholestatic vitamin E‐deficient children had a mean malondialdehyde formation of 41%. The results also suggest that for children less than 4 months of age, a ratio of plasma vitamin E to total plasma lipids less than 0.6 mg/g may be sufficient to provide protection from in vitro peroxidation. The authors suggest that this functional assay of vitamin E status be included in the evaluation of individuals with the potential for vitamin E deficiency.
Home Parenteral Nutrition in Chronic Intestinal Diseases
Authors: Amarnath R. P. , Fleming C. Richard , Perrault Jean 
Published: February 2024

SummaryNine children and adolescents with chronic intestinal diseases and growth failure were treated with home parenteral nutrition (HPN) for 7–63 months. All patients improved their growth velocities on HPN, with an average height gain of 9 cm. The mean growth velocity in six patients with Crohn's disease increased more than fivefold (from 0.67 ± 0.4 cm/year to 3.8 ± 1.09 cm/year), and they gained a mean of 11.4 ± 3.4 kg/year. The three patients without Crohn's disease [intestinal pseudo‐obstruction (two), severe short bowel (one)] increased growth velocity from an average of 2.9 ± 1.1 cm to 6.1 ± 1.34 cm/year and gained a mean of 10 ± 2.84 kg/year. Patients without Crohn's disease grew faster on HPN than age comparable patients with Crohn's disease. Also, the two patients with Crohn's disease who were younger and had their disease for a shorter period (<3 years) grew better than older patients with Crohn's disease who had their disease for a mean of 8 ± 1.3 years. All patients improved clinically, and three with Crohn's disease achieved complete remission. Five of the nine patients had psychosocial adjustment problems while on HPN. In conclusion, HPN is a relatively safe and effective means to stimulate growth in children and adolescents who cannot meet nutritional needs by the enteral route.
Gastrointestinal Processing of Gastrically Administered Prostaglandin F2α in Suckling and Weanling Rats
Authors: Bedrick Alan D. , Koldovský Otakar 
Published: February 2024

SummaryIn view of the presence of prostaglandins in milk, studies were performed to determine if maturational differences are present in the gastrointestinal processing of exogenous prostaglandin F2α. Suckling (10‐to 14‐day‐old) and weanling (30‐day‐old) rats were gastrically fed 3H‐labeled prostaglandin F2α and killed 2 h later. Characterization of radioactivity present in the stomach from animals of both age groups revealed low prostaglandin F2α metabolism. Analyses of proximal, middle, and distal intestinal segments revealed age‐related differences in prostaglandin metabolism. The amount of unmetabolized PGF2α in intestinal segments of suckling rats ranged from 11.4 to 13.5%. In weanling rats, there was a tendency toward increased amounts of intact PGF2α in proximal (16.3 ± 1.6%) and middle (17.6 ± 2.2%) regions; however, 25.9 ± 1.9% of the tissue radioactivity present in the distal small intestine of weanling rats was authentic PGF2α, significantly greater than that of the distal segment of suckling rats. The intestine of weanling rats contained greater amounts of less polar metabolites. These results indicate that orogastrically fed prostaglandin can pass through the gastrointestinal tract of developing rats and be delivered to the distal intestinal mucosa intact.