cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immune response factors in rheumatic heart disease: meta-analysis of HLA-DR associations and evaluation of additional class II alleles.

Objectives. This study used a meta-analysis to examine HLA-DR frequencies in rheumatic heart disease and prospectively examined other class II allelic disease associations. Background. Studies of rheumatic heart disease have reported HLA class II allelic associations, but these are inconsistent. Methods. A meta-analysis combined all known (n = 10) studies to determine disease risk associated with HLA-DR antigen expression. Meta-analysis of studies grouped by ethnic derivation of subjects was also performed. The present study also examined DQA, DQB and DPB allele frequencies by DNA-based strategies. Results. Meta-analysis showed a significant negative disease association with DR5 (odds ratio [OR] 0.67, p < 0.00003) for all combined studies. Among black patients, DR1 was increased (OR 2.80, p < 0.004); DR6 was increased (OR, 2.03, p < 0.003); and DR 8 was decreased (OR 032, p < 002). Among Eastern Indian patients, DR3 was increased (OR 244, p < 0.00003), with decreased expression for DR2 (OR 0.31, p < 0.00001) and DR5 (OR 0.52, p < 0.05). DR4 was increased among American whites (OR 1.74, p < 0.03), although there was significant heterogeneity among studies of whites. DQA, DQB and DPB allele frequencies were similar for control subjects and patients. Conclusions. Our findings support an association between major histocompatibity complex class II alleles and risk for rheumatic heart disease. However, heterogeneity in associations was observed among different ethnic and racial groups; regional and temporal differences in streptococcal outbreaks may compound this heterogeneity. Further studies are necessary to elucidate therespective contributions of these variables.
Nanomaterials: Top-to-bottom functional design.

For nanotechnology to fulfil its promises, devices have to control events at the nanoscale as well as link to the macroscopic world. An organized network of nanoparticles that behaves as a sensor is one example of such a system.
Effect of blood transfusion on long-term survival after cardiac operation.

Abstract Background . Blood transfusions have been linked to increased morbidity and mortality. Bleeding during and after cardiac operations and the hemodilution effects of cardiopulmonary bypass commonly result in blood transfusions. Because we could not find any studies evaluating the effects of transfusion on long-term survival after cardiac operation, we sought to determine these effects. Methods . We studied 1,915 patients who underwent first-time isolated coronary artery bypass operations between July 6, 1994 and December 31, 1997 at our institution. Patients with transfusions were compared with those who had not been transfused. Long-term survival data were obtained from the United States Social Security Death Index. Groups were compared by Cox proportional hazard models, Kaplan-Meier survival plots, and hazard functions. Results . Six hundred forty-nine of 1,915 study patients (34%) received a transfusion during their hospitalization. Transfused patients were older, smaller, and more likely to be female, and had more comorbidity. Transfused patients also had twice the 5-year mortality (15% vs 7%) of nontransfused patients. After correction for comorbidities and other factors, transfusion was still associated with a 70% increase in mortality (risk ratio=1.7; 95% confidence interval=1.4 to 2.0; p = 0.001). By multivariate analysis, transfusion, peripheral vascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, New York Heart Association functional class IV, and age were significant predictors of long-term mortality. Conclusions . We found that blood transfusions during or after coronary artery bypass operations were associated with increased long-term mortality.
Pigeon and Dove Eggwhite Protect Mice Against Renal Infection Due to P Fimbriated Escherichia coli

Pigeon and dove eggwhite exhibit high level P1 antigenic activity and are potent and specific inhibitors of adherence mediated by P fimbriae of uropathogenic Escherichia coli. To evaluate pigeon and dove eggwhite as P fimbrial receptor analogues in the prevention of ascending renal infection, mice were challenged with a P fimbriated E. coli urosepsis isolate suspended in saline alone or in saline plus various inhibitors of adherence, including D-mannose, globoside, and chicken, dove, and pigeon eggwhite. D-mannose inhibited mannose-sensitive adherence but not P fimbrial adherence, and failed to prevent renal infection. Globoside and chicken eggwhite also failed to inhibit P fimbrial adherence; chicken eggwhite had little and globoside had no impact on renal infection. In contrast, dove and pigeon eggwhite eliminated P fimbrial adherence and significantly reduced the incidence and intensity of renal infection. These findings suggest that pigeon and dove eggwhite provide P1-antigen-specific protection against ascending renal infection in mice due to P fimbriated uropathogenic E. coli.
Deletion of Iron Regulatory Protein 1 Causes Polycythemia and Pulmonary Hypertension in Mice through Translational Derepression of HIF2α

Iron regulatory proteins (Irps) 1 and 2 posttranscriptionally control the expression of transcripts that contain iron-responsive element (IRE) sequences, including ferritin, ferroportin, transferrin receptor, and hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF2α). We report here that mice with targeted deletion of Irp1 developed pulmonary hypertension and polycythemia that was exacerbated by a low-iron diet. Hematocrits increased to 65% in iron-starved mice, and many polycythemic mice died of abdominal hemorrhages. Irp1 deletion enhanced HIF2α protein expression in kidneys of Irp1(-/-) mice, which led to increased erythropoietin (EPO) expression, polycythemia, and concomitant tissue iron deficiency. Increased HIF2α expression in pulmonary endothelial cells induced high expression of endothelin-1, likely contributing to the pulmonary hypertension of Irp1(-/-) mice. Our results reveal why anemia is an early physiological consequence of iron deficiency, highlight the physiological significance of Irp1 in regulating erythropoiesis and iron distribution, and provide important insights into the molecular pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension.
Pulmonary surfactant and histopathological observations from a study of 106 patients.

Abstract Pulmonary tissue was acquired from lung biopsy specimens from 106 patients for extraction and determination of surface activity. Fifty-four of these patients contributed 64 normal lung biopsy specimens from which a range of normal maximal and minimal surface tension values was estimated for the methods used. These values were as follows: maximal surface tension mean 38 dyn/cm, 95% confidence limits 27–49 dyn/cm; minimal surface tension mean 7 dyn/cm, 95% confidence limits 0–14 dyn/cm; and stability index mean 1.38, 95% confidence limits 1.12–1.64. Lung biopsy specimens were secured from 52 patients with a variety of pulmonary diseases. These patients contributed 57 specimens for extraction and surface tension measurements. Alteration of pulmonary surfactant activity was observed infrequently in patients with both diffuse granulomatous diseases (4 of 17) and pneumonic processes that did not obliterate alveoli (5 of 13). Abnormal surface activity of lung extracts was noted in a majority of patients with emphysema and fibrosis (11 of 14). Alteration of surface activity was also observed in an extract prepared from a chronically apneumatic lung as compared with compressed atelectatic lungs. In addition the activity of an extract prepared from a lung harboring hemosiderosis was abnormal. In contrast pulmonary sequestration, uncomplicated by infection, and pulmonary arteriovenous malformation did not adversely affect alveolar surface activity. This report summarizes the most comprehensive clinical survey of human lung extract surface characteristics made to date.
Minimally Invasive Versus Conventional Reoperative Coronary Artery Bypass

Abstract Background . Conventional reoperative (redo) coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is associated with significant morbidity. This retrospective study compared perioperative outcomes of conventional single-vessel redo CABG versus redo CABG done by a minimally invasive technique. Methods . Group A consisted of 23 consecutive patients from September 1995 to July 1996 who underwent single vessel redo CABG of the left anterior descending artery with the left internal mammary artery using a limited anterior thoracotomy without cardiopulmonary bypass; group B consisted of 12 consecutive patients from November 1984 to July 1994 who underwent the same procedure using a median sternotomy with cardiopulmonary bypass. The two groups were similar with regard to age, sex, preoperative ejection fraction, and risk stratification. Results . Mortality, cerebrovascular accidents, myocardial infarctions, and reoperations for bleeding were not significantly different between the groups. However, the patients in group A had significant reductions in atrial fibrillation, time to extubation, transfusions required, and length of cardiac recovery and hospital stay. With a mean of 12 ± 6 months of follow-up, 87% of the patients in group A (20 of 23) are alive and asymptomatic. Actuarial survival rates for the patients in group B at 1, 2, and 10 years are 83%, 83%, and 72%, respectively. Conclusions . Minimally invasive single-vessel redo CABG can be performed safely and may reduce the morbidity associated with conventional single-vessel redo CABG.
Olefin Adsorption on Silica-Supported Silver Salts − A DFT Study

Recent experiments have shown that silver salts supported on mesoporous silicas display excellent adsorption selectivities of ethylene over ethane and propylene over propane. Employing the techniques of density functional theory, we have investigated the fundamental bases of this separation process by examining silver salts dispersed on model silica surfaces. Our model system includes Ag+ cations, their counteranions, silica supports, and surface silanols. Both adsorption geometries and energetics of ethylene and propylene were explored. Our results indicate that the nature of the Ag−olefin interaction is predominantly hybridization between Ag d and olefin π states, which is supported by analyses of electron density difference plots and density of states. The counteranions, such as NO3-, were found to interact strongly with surface silanols through multiple hydrogen bonds but have limited effect on the adsorption energy of olefins on the Ag+ cations. The current work supports recent experiments, which ind...
Combined octreotide and insulin therapy in acromegaly.

ABSTRACT Objective To describe an unusual treatment strategy for certain patients with both acromegaly and insulinrequiring diabetes. Methods We present a case history of a man with a pituitary adenoma and diabetes mellitus and chronicle his response to various treatment modalities. Results Acromegaly, a disease state with excess growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I, is associated with carbohydrate intolerance. Octreotide, a somatostatin analogue, is used in the treatment of acromegaly to lower GH levels. Despite effective lowering of GH levels, certain patients with acromegaly have persistent or even worsening carbohydrate intolerance and may require insulin therapy. Such a regimen would necessitate five or more injections per day. We describe a 51-year-old man who was diagnosed with a GH-producing pituitary adenoma in 1987. Despite transsphenoidal resection, frontal craniotomy, and radiation therapy, symptoms and increased levels of GH persisted. The patient was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus in August 1989 and treated with glipizide. Because of persistently increased GH levels, he was treated with octreotide. His glycohemoglobin level increased to 21% despite use of maximal doses of glipizide. The patient refused insulin therapy because of his objection to numerous daily injections. Despite adjustments in diet and exercise, glycemic control remained poor. As a trial, we thus attempted combining octreotide and regular insulin in the same syringe and administering the medications in a single subcutaneous injection. No precipitate formation was evident, and he had no adverse effects. Glucose control improved, and the glycohemoglobin level was lower but still elevated. GH levels remained at less than 5 ng/mL. His symptoms of acromegaly were unchanged, but his overall attitude and energy level improved. Conclusion The efficacy of the individual components of this treatment was demonstrated in the combination of insulin and octreotide. The combined administration of insulin and octreotide has limited application in patients with acromegaly and insulin-requiring diabetes mellitus. (Endocr Pract. 1997; 3:19-21)
Common Themes in the Work of Gilbert White and John Dewey: A Pragmatic Appraisal

Abstract Gilbert White has had a profound influence on natural resources and hazards research, but the philosophy that guides his work has not been clearly defined. White's approach has broad affinities with the pragmatic tradition of American social thought, most notably with the work of john Dewey. This paper compares four major themes in the work of White and Dewey: the precariousness of existence, the pragmatic conception of inquiry, learning from experience, and discourse and democracy. For each theme, I show how similarities and differences between White and Dewey can help to clarify controversies within geography, and directions for future research.
PERFUSION STUDIES OF THE HUMAN PLACENTA. II. METABOLISM OF C14-17β-ESTRADIOL WITH AND WITHOUT ADDED HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN

The metabolism of C14-17β-estradiol was studied in the human placenta perfused in vitro. Four placentas were perfused for eight hours each with a change of perfusing fluid every hour. Perfusates for 15 of the 32 hours were analyzed individually for metabolites of the radioactive estradiol added at the beginning of the various hours. In addition, 1 placenta was subjected to extraction at the end of the perfusion. The radioactive metabolites were identified by paper chromatography, countercurrent distribution, and derivative formation. The possible effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) on the formation of metabolites was studied as follows: HCG was not added during perfusion I; HCG was added during each hour of perfusion II; in perfusions III and IV HCG was added only during the last five and four hours respectively and not during the first three and four hours. C14-estriol was not found in the perfusates for hours 2, 4 and 7 spectively of perfusion I (no HCG). C14-estriol was found in the perfusates...
Measuring the optokinetic response of zebrafish larvae

Our laboratory screens for visual mutants by examining larval eye movements in response to rotating illuminated stripes. This behavior, which is termed an optokinetic response (OKR), is a reflex that appears in zebrafish at the same time as the development of the visual system. The OKR can be accurately measured by 4 d post-fertilization, which is the age when larvae begin foraging for food. The OKR requires approximately 1 min per larva analyzed. After identifying fish with defective eye movements, we conduct secondary screens (such as histological analysis and electroretinography) to identify the subset of fish with disruptions in the function of the outer retina. This paper describes our protocol for the OKR. Our setup is simple to construct and the materials needed are inexpensive. This makes our system especially useful for new undergraduate and graduate students, as well as introductory science lecturers.
Overview of candidate device technologies for storage-class memory

Storage-class memory (SCM) combines the benefits of a solid-state memory, such as high performance and robustness, with the archival capabilities and low cost of conventional hard-disk magnetic storage. Such a device would require a solid-state nonvolatile memory technology that could be manufactured at an extremely high effective areal density using some combination of sublithographic patterning techniques, multiple bits per cell, and multiple layers of devices. We review the candidate solid-state nonvolatile memory technologies that potentially could be used to construct such an SCM. We discuss evolutionary extensions of conventional flash memory, such as SONOS (silicon-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon) and nanotraps, as well as a number of revolutionary new memory technologies. We review the capabilities of ferroelectric, magnetic, phase-change, and resistive random-access memories, including perovskites and solid electrolytes, and finally organic and polymeric memory. The potential for practical scaling to ultrahigh effective areal density for each of these candidate technologies is then compared.
Commercial Palaces of New York: 1845–1875

ON Thursday September 10, 1846, Philip Hone, former mayor of New York City, noted in his diary that “Mr. (A.T.) Stewart's splendid edifice … in Broadway, between Chambers and Reade Street, is nearly finished, and his stock of drygoods will be exhibited on the shelves in a few days. There is nothing in Paris or London to compare with this drygoods palace.”1 In the years that followed, so many other palatial business buildings rose from the sidewalks of New York that Charles Mackay, an English lecturer and one-time editor of the Illustrated London News, could write of a trip taken to the city in 1857: “Broadway offers one grand procession of commercial palaces…. Brown stone edifices rank next in size and number to the marble palaces; and a few of cast iron, with elegant Corinthian pillars, add to the variety of architecture….”2
NXF-2, REF-1, and REF-2 Affect the Choice of Nuclear Export Pathway for tra-2 mRNA in C. elegans

In C. elegans, tra-2 mRNA nuclear export is controlled by a 3'UTR element, the TRE. In the absence of TRA-1, the TRE retains tra-2 mRNA in the nucleus. The binding of TRA-1 to the 3'UTR overcomes this retention resulting in export of a TRA-1/tra-2 mRNA complex. Here, we find that, unlike most mRNAs, tra-2 mRNA exits the nucleus via an alternative pathway to NXF-1 that requires CRM1 activity. Inhibition of export by NXF-1 depends upon the TRE, CeNXF-2, CeREF-1, and CeREF-2. Removal of the TRE or any one of these factors results in export of tra-2 by NXF-1. NXF-2 and REF-1 specifically bind the TRE, suggesting that they directly control tra-2 mRNA export. Furthermore, choice of proper export pathway affects tra-2 translational control. Therefore, tra-2 mRNA export is highly regulated and plays an important role in development by regulating the activity of tra-2 mRNA in the cytoplasm.
The Oxidative Degradation ofReserpine Preparations

Reserpine elixirs and injections may undergo partial oxidative degradation. A modified nitrite procedure is employed for the determination of reserpine in the presence of its decomposition products.
Incidence of abdominal wall defects is related to surface water atrazine and nitrate levels.

Abstract Background Gastroschisis and omphalocele are congenital abdominal wall defects (AWD). Atrazine and nitrates are common agricultural fertilizers. Methods The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention natality data set was used to collect data for patients with AWD born between January 1990 and December 2002. Similar data were obtained from the Indiana State Department of Health. An estimated date of conception was calculated by birth date and gestational age. Surface water nitrate and atrazine levels for Indiana were collected from US Geological Survey data. Midwest was defined as Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, and Nebraska. Statistical analysis was performed by χ 2 test and Pearson correlation for P ≤ .05. Results The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified 9871 children with AWD in 1990 and in 1995-2001 of 35,876,519 live births (rate 2.75/10 5 ). In Indiana, 358 children from 1990-2001 had AWD of 1,013,286 live births (rate 3.53/10 5 ). The AWD rate in Indiana was significantly higher than the national rate in 1996 ( P = .0377), 1998 ( P = .0005), and 2001 ( P = .0365) and significantly higher than the Midwest rate in 1998 ( P = .0104). Monthly comparison demonstrated a positive correlation of AWD rate and mean atrazine levels ( P = .0125). Conclusion Indiana has significantly higher rates of AWD compared with national rates. Increased atrazine levels correlate with increased incidence of AWD.
The Role of High-Frequency Ventilation in Neonates: Evidence-Based Recommendations

High-frequency ventilation (HFV) uses small tidal volumes and extremely rapid ventilator rates. Despite the wealth of laboratory and clinical research on HFV, there are no established guidelines for prioritizing the use of HFV versus conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) in neonatal respiratory failure. Examination of the currently available randomized controlled trials and meta-analysis of HFV versus CMV does not demonstrate any clear benefit of HFV either as a primary mode or as a "rescue" mode of ventilation in neonates who have respiratory insufficiency. The current literature does support the preferential use of HFV over CMV in conjunction with inhaled nitric oxide to maximize oxygenation in hypoxemic respiratory failure, in particular, as a result of persistent pulmonary hypertension.
A Proposed Miniature Red/Infrared Oximeter Suitable for Mounting on a Catheter Tip

A miniature red/infrared oximeter has, been developed that is suitable for mounting on a catheter tip and does not use fiber-optics. Two light-emitting diodes (LED's) and a phototransistor are mounted on the catheter tip such that conversion between optical and electrical signals takes place right at the tip. In vitro calibration shows that the infrared-to-red reflectance ratio is essentially linearly dependent on oxygen saturation (OS). The calibration constants depend on hematocrit and on blood flow.
Evaluation of patients with tetralogy of fallot and potts' anastomosis☆

Abstract Twenty-six patients with tetralogy of Fallot and Potts anastomosis were evaluated 6 to 18 years after creation of the anastomosis. Thirteen of the 26 patients had evidence of moderate to severe pulmonary vascular obstructive disease, as indicated by a high ratio of pulmonary to systemic vascular resistance. Evidence of isolated right ventricular hypertrophy on the electrocardiogram in the presence of severe pulmonary hypertension and the absence of a continuous murmur indicated severe pulmonary vascular obstructive disease. In patients with low pulmonary arterial pressure, the prognosis of complete repair was excellent. In patients with severe pulmonary hypertension, however, the operative results were poor and directly related to the degree of elevation of pulmonary resistance. For the proper estimation of pulmonary vascular resistance, catheterization of both the left and right pulmonary arteries is essential. The calculated pulmonary flow is almost always overestimated when the pulmonary arterial oxygen saturation is obtained only from the pulmonary artery on the side of the Potts anastomosis. Our experience indicates that a pulmonary to systemic resistance ratio of 0.6 or greater is always associated with severe pulmonary vascular disease. The data suggest that the risk of severe pulmonary vascular disease developing after Potts anastomosis is high, especially in the patient in whom the diameter of the anastomosis is large. There is also evidence that the diameter of the anastomosis tends to increase with time.
Copper econometric models

Abstract There are three copper econometric models in the open literature: Arthur D. Little (ADL) model, Fisher et al. (FCB) model, and Charles River Associates (CRA) model. This paper explains these models, re-estimates their coefficients by using identical data (for the period from 1957–1973), synthesizes a copper econometric model by tailoring various elements of the models into a composite model, and compares several of the output of this composite model with actual past data. The three models vary in the extent of their coverage. In general, the ADL model concentrates on U.S. refined copper market, the FCB model covers the international copper primary market more thoroughly than the U.S. market, and the CRA model is evenly distributed between the international and U.S. primary markets. All three models use almost the same exogenous variables for the input information. The three models examined show almost identical strength and weaknes in simulating copper markets. Based on historical copper market relationships, the three models apparently are not able to predict future markets efficiently. For example, none of the three models could have predicted dramatical copper price creases in 1973. The Penn Composite Model, properly combined to contain only the strength of the ADL and FCB models, has improved model predictability, but it is still far from satisfactory. The model can be greatly polished if it takes into account copper companies' production schemes and government's intentions simultaneously.
Digital image processing for clinicians, part III: SPECT reconstruction.

In part III of the review, we have developed an intuitive appreciation for the fundamental operations of image reconstruction algorithms, projection, and back-projection. This leads to an appreciation of FBP, the most commonly used reconstruction algorithm. We have also seen how some of the newer iterative algorithms work and the ways that they can contribute to nuclear cardiology.
Particle sizes of purified κ-casein: Metal effect and correspondence with predicted three-dimensional molecular models

κ-Casein as purified from bovine milk exhibits a rather unique disulfide bonding pattern as revealed by SDS-PAGE. The disulfide-bonded caseins present range from dimer to octamer and above and preparations contain about 10% monomer. All of these heterogenous polymers, however, self-associated into nearly spherical uniform particles with an average radius of 8.9 nm as revealed by negatively stained transmission electron micrographs. Evidence is presented that multivalent cations play a role in the stabilization of these spherical particles. Treatment with EDTA causes disruption of theκ-casein particles and leads to a broader size distribution as judged by electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The size and shape of the particles are in accord with earlier proposed 3D models forκ-casein that actually predicted participation of divalent cations in the structure.
Estimation of proportion ratio in non-compliance randomized trials with repeated measurements in binary data

Abstract It is not uncommon to encounter a randomized clinical trial (RCT) in which each patient is treated with several courses of therapies and his/her response is taken after treatment with each course because of the nature of a treatment design for a disease. On the basis of a simple multiplicative risk model proposed elsewhere for repeated binary measurements, we derive the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) for the proportion ratio ( PR ) of responses between two treatments in closed form without the need of modeling the complicated relationship between patient’s compliance and patient’s response. We further derive the asymptotic variance of the MLE and propose an asymptotic interval estimator for the PR using the logarithmic transformation. We also consider two other asymptotic interval estimators. One is derived from the principle of Fieller’s Theorem and the other is derived by using the randomization-based approach suggested elsewhere. To evaluate and compare the finite-sample performance of these interval estimators, we apply the Monte Carlo simulation. We find that the interval estimator using the logarithmic transformation of the MLE consistently outperforms the other two estimators with respect to efficiency. This gain in efficiency can be substantial especially when there are patients not complying with their assigned treatments. Finally, we employ the data regarding the trial of using macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) over three courses of intensive chemotherapies to reduce febrile neutropenia incidence for acute myeloid leukemia patients to illustrate the use of these estimators.
LIPOSUCTION OF THE KNEES, CALVES, AND ANKLES

Lipodystrophy of the knees, calves, ankles, and neck are somewhat unique in comparison to other sites because they are more difficult to camouflage. The calves and ankles, in particular, are less dependent on body weight and more resistant to diet and exercise. Calf and ankle lipodystrophy is usually present from early adolescence.
An overview on rod-bundle thermal-hydraulic analysis

Abstract Three methods used in rod-bundle thermal-hydraulic analysis are summarized. These methods are: (1) subchannel analysis, (2) porous medium formulation with volume porosity, surface permeability, distributed resistance and distributed heat source (sink) and, (3) bench-mark rod-bundle thermal-hydraulic analysis using a boundary-fitted coordinate system. Basic limitations and merits of each method are delineated.
Evaluating the performance of artificial neural networks for estimating the nonmetallic coating thicknesses with time-resolved thermography

Coatings are commonly applied to products both for protection and to enhance the appearance. In the manufacturing process, it is essential for coatings to be applied uniformly and with appropriate thickness. However, the coating thickness measurement of nonmetallic thin film remains a challenging task. This paper reports the results of research to explore the potential of regression and artificial neural network (ANN) models for estimating the thickness of nonmetallic coatings. The developed ANN models yielded a lower-error rate than a corresponding regression model. Three parameters were used as inputs to the ANN model to train 1880 network models with six different training algorithms. The input parameters were: temperature increments collected from 90 samples at 1 Hz for 59 s; rising temperature rates and slope of scaled log-reconstructed Laplace-transformed temperature along the real axis; and dEx(T) values derived from the temperature increments. The relative interval radius (RR) goes below 1% in ANN models with 99.5% confidence when dEx(T) is used as an input parameter. In addition, the RR value varies directly as the standard deviation of the modeling sample size varies, but the RR values stay at the same order of magnitude. Further testing found that the ANN models will not guarantee an acceptable prediction under untrained conditions.
Microwave propagation in dense random media

Using simple, approximate arguments, we obtain a formula that relates the average spacing between peaks in the transmitted intensityvs. wave frequency distribution of a single configuration of a random distribution of scatterers to the diffusion constant, sample thickness, and effective absorption length. The value of the diffusion constant obtained this way is found to be within 20% of the value obtained via intensity-intensity autocorrelation function techniques.
Activation of Hemoglobin C Synthesis in Sheep Marrow Culture

Erythropoietin preferentially stimulates hemoglobin C synthesis in suspension cultures of marrow cells from sheep homozygous for hemoglobin A; the amount of synthesis is dependent on the dose of erythropoietin and is blocked by antiserum to erythropoietin. The results provide the first in vitro evidence that erythropoietin mediates the hemoglobin A --> C "switch" in sheep and indicate that bone marrow cultures may be used to investigate the mechanisms involved in the preferential gene activation characteristic of the hemoglobin A --> C system.
Implementing EPR dosimetry for life-threatening incidents : Factors beyond technical performance

Overall we conclude that technical superiority of a technique does not in itself assure its rapid and effective adoption, even where the need is great and the alternatives are not satisfactory for large populations. Many important steps remain to achieve the goals of approval and adoption for use.
Dynamic linear elastic crack propagation in anti-plane shear by finite differences

The dynamic propagation of a crack in an anti-plane shear deformation field is analyzed by second-order-accurate finite differences. The finite difference equations are obtained by integrating the dynamic linear elastic equations of motion along the bicharacteristic strips in four perpendicular directions and the time axis to 0(Δt 3). The singularity in stresses around the crack is calculated by performing a global energy balance on small region containing the crack tip and approximating the stresses and velocity in this region by a one term asymptotic expansion about the crack tip. Results for stresses and stress intensity factor are presented for a semi-infinite crack propagating steadily in an infinite strip, from which errors in the numerical calculations are identified. Four cases of typical non-steady crack propagation in an infinite strip following steady propagation are also considered.
Opting out of publicly provided services: A majority voting result

Our objective in this paper is to examine majority voting in an environment where both public and private alternatives coexist. We construct a model in which households are differentiated by income and have the option of choosing between publicly provided services and private services. Publicly provided services are financed through income tax revenues and made available to all citizens at zero price. Majority voting determines the tax rate. Even though preferences over tax rates are not single peaked, we provide conditions under which a majority voting equilibrium exists. We illustrate our existence result with CES preferences and a Dagum income distribution.
Arthritis in Children and Adolescents

1. Janice John, DO, MS, MPH* 2. Latha Chandran, MD, MPH* 1. *Department of Pediatrics, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY. * ANA: : antinuclear antibody ARF: : acute rheumatic fever CRP: : C-reactive protein ESR: : erythrocyte sedimentation rate FDA: : Food and Drug Administration GAS: : group A Streptococcus HLA: : human leukocyte antigen Ig: : immune globulin JIA: : juvenile idiopathic arthritis MRI: : magnetic resonance imaging NSAIDs: : nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs RF: : rheumatoid factor SCFE: : slipped capital femoral epiphysis After reading this article, readers should be able to: 1. Identify the common causes of arthritis in children. 2. Develop a broad differential diagnosis for arthritis in the pediatric population. 3. Distinguish toxic synovitis from septic arthritis. 4. Recognize and manage a patient with septic arthritis. 5. Discuss the diagnostic and treatment approaches to reactive arthritis, acute rheumatic fever, Lyme arthritis, toxic synovitis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Arthritis is simply defined as inflammation of a joint. Arthritis may affect one or more joints and often is accompanied by swelling, redness, tenderness, warmth, and pain with movement. The pathophysiology of this inflammatory process varies depending on the underlying cause of arthritis. Monoarthritis is inflammation limited to one joint. In the context of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), oligoarthritis is defined as arthritis involving fewer than five joints, whereas polyarthritis is arthritis of five or more joints. Although there is a broad differential diagnosis, a thorough history and physical examination should provide sufficient information to direct the evaluation and management of the patient with arthritis. An overview of pediatric arthritis as well as a discussion of the most common causes, evaluation, and treatment is offered in this article. It is important to differentiate arthralgia from arthritis. Arthralgia is the presence of joint pain without objective signs of inflammation (warmth, erythema, tenderness, and swelling) on physical examination. Several rheumatologic diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, may present with arthralgia early in the course; it is also important to consider viral as well as other causes of arthralgia. Children who have arthritis may present with pain, limited range of motion, limp, and refusal to use or move the affected joint. …
The role of frequency modulation in controlling the response of mallard ducklings (Anas platyrhynchos) to conspecific distress calls

Abstract Three experiments examined the response of mallard ducklings to conspecific distress calls. In experiment 1, a synthetic call was constructed from a single distress note, by recording it on a digital disc and then using a software routine to regularly repeat this stored note with the average period (267 ms) of the original call. Ducklings were then tested for their tendency to inhibit their own distress vocalizations in response to either this synthetic call, the original call, or a constant-frequency tone mimic; they showed a significantly stronger inhibitory response to the synthetic call than to the tone mimic, but an even stronger response to the original call. The former result indicated that the synthetic call was an effective stimulus, and suggested that some aspect of the frequency modulation found in distress notes is required to evoke the normal duckling inhibitory response. The latter result further suggested that the acoustic variability found in the original call, but not the synthetic call, may be of importance for controlling duckling behaviour. Experiment 2 demonstrated that several other minor differences between the synthetic call and original call (number of notes per call and the digital recording of the synthetic call) could not account for the difference in duckling response to these two calls. Finally, in experiment 3, two additional synthetic stimuli were constructed from the digitized note, by first excising either the initial (front-chop) or terminal (rear-chop) frequency modulation found in each distress note, then creating amplitude envelopes for these new notes similar to that of the unaltered note, and finally repeating these notes to form calls with the same note period as the original call. The ducklings tested with the synthetic normal-note call and synthetic front-chop call showed a significantly stronger inhibitory response than the ducklings tested with the synthetic rear-chop call and the tone mimic. These results indicate that the terminal descending frequency sweep is an important feature of distress notes for triggering the response of ducklings to conspecific distress calls.
Abnormal brain glucose metabolism in the delusional misidentification syndromes: A positron emission tomography study in Alzheimer disease

Brain lesions have been reported with increasing frequency in the delusional misidentification syndromes (DMS). This is the first controlled study to describe DMS regional cerebral metabolic rates of glucose (rCMRglc). We compared rCMRglc (using positron emission tomography) and neuropsychological data in 9 patients with DMS and Alzheimer dementia (AD), 15 AD patients without DMS, and 17 healthy controls. The DMS group differed from the AD group without DMS in having significant hypometabolism in paralimbic (orbitofrontal and cingulate areas bilaterally) and left medial temporal areas, and significant bilateral normalized hypermetabolism in sensory association cortices (superior temporal and inferior parietal) without right left asymmetry. Compared to healthy controls, both AD groups had significant dorsolateral frontal hypometabolism bilaterally. No specific DMS neuropsychological profile was identified. Dysfunctional connections among multimodal association areas, paralimbic structures, and dorsolateral frontal cortex are proposed as the predisposing neural deficit underlying DMS, causing cognitive-perceptual-affective dissonance, which under specific conditions results in “positive” delusion formation.
How a non-hierarchical neutrino mass matrix can arise

Abstract One puzzle of neutrino masses and mixings is that they do not exhibit the kind of strong “hierarchy” that is found for the quarks and charged leptons. Neutrino mass ratios and mixing angles are not small. A possible reason for this is proposed here. It is based on the fact that typical realistic grand unified models contain particles with unification-scale masses which, when integrated out, can yield a neutrino mass matrix that is not of the standard see-saw form.
Catecholamine Induced Double Tachycardia: Case Report in a Child

A six-year-old girl with syncope in association with atrial flutter-fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia produced by exercise or emotion is presented. The tachycardias could be reproduced by low-dose isoprolerenol infusion and were blocked by high dose propranolol therapy. Catecholamine-induced tachyarrhythmias should be suspected in children with unexplained syncope in association with exercise or emotion.
Shunt malfunction after roller coaster ride

Introduction We report a case of shunt malfunction after a child was subjected to G forces during a roller coaster ride.
Evaluation of Butylated Hydroxytoluene as a Cryopreservative Added to Whole or Skim Milk Diluent for Bull Semen

Effect of five concentrations of butylated hydroxytoluene on the percent motility and percent intact acrosomes was evaluated for bull sperm frozen and thawed in whole and skim milk diluents. Twelve ejaculates were frozen in .5-ml straws in moving nitrogen vapor after each ejaculate was split among the five butylated hydroxytoluene treatments within the two diluents. Prefreeze and postthaw percent motility and postthaw percent intact acrosomes were evaluated at 0 and 4 h. Before freezing, sperm motilities were similar in whole or skim milk diluents with and without butylated hydroxytoluene. Upon thawing, sperm motility was 10 percentage points higher in whole milk diluent containing .5 and .75 mM butylated hydroxytoluene than in samples without it. After 4 h, percentage motile sperm was similar among all whole milk treatments. Sperm motility was similar among all skim milk treatments at both 0 and 4 h. Percent intact acrosomes were similar among all treatments for each diluent. Oxidation in whole milk diluent stored at 4 degrees C for 1 wk was reduced in the presence of 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mM butylated hydroxytoluene.
A New Scoring System for Upper Airway Pediatric Sleep Endoscopy

Importance Sleep-associated upper-airway obstruction in children is a significant cause of morbidity. Development of a simple, standardized, quantitative technique to assess anatomic causes of sleep-related breathing disorder is important for surgical planning, clinical communication, and research. Objective To design, implement, and evaluate a scoring system to quantify airway obstruction in pediatric drug-induced sleep endoscopy. Design, Setting, and Participants This study was a retrospective case series conducted at a tertiary pediatric hospital. The patients were children with sleep-related breathing disorder who underwent polysomnography and drug-induced sleep endoscopy. Interventions Flexible fiber-optic laryngoscopy was performed. Endoscopic examinations were recorded on video and assessed by 4 independent raters based on a scoring template. Main Outcomes and Measures Five locations in the upper aerodigestive tract (adenoid, velum, lateral pharyngeal wall, tongue base, and supraglottis) were evaluated on a 4-point scale for minimum and maximum obstruction. Internal reliability was assessed by calculating interrater and intrarater intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). For external validation, aggregate and site-specific scores were correlated with preoperative polysomnographic indices. Results Videos recorded of sleep endoscopies from 23 children (mean age, 2.2 years) were reviewed and rated. Children had an average apnea-hypopnea index of 24.8. Seventy percent of interrater and intrarater ICC values (7 of 10 for each set) were above 0.6, demonstrating substantial agreement. Higher total obstructive scores were associated with lower oxygen saturation nadir ( P = .04). The scoring system was also used to quantitatively identify children with multilevel airway obstruction, who were found to have significantly worse polysomnographic indices compared with children with single-level obstruction ( P = .02). Conclusions and Relevance The proposed scoring system, which is designed to be easy to use and allow for subjectivity in evaluating obstruction at multiple levels, nonetheless achieves good internal reliability and external validity. Implementing this system will allow for standardization of reporting for sleep endoscopy outcomes, as well as aid the practicing clinician in the interpretation of sleep endoscopy findings to inform site-directed surgical intervention in cases of complicated obstructive sleep apnea.
Problems in purification of a Bacillus subtilis autolytic enzyme caused by association with teichoic acid.

Abstract 1. 1. Crude autolysin was isolated from postexponential cell walls of Bacillus subtilis. A radioactive assay was devised for detection of minute quantities of enzyme. This assay utilized small amounts of substrate and was 100-fold more sensitive than the commonly used spectrophotometric assay. 2. 2. The crude autolysin was complexed with a large amount of teichoic acid. The teichoic acid was reduced to 5% of the original amount by ethanol precipitation and gel filtration on agarose. This fraction of teichoic acid persisted through repeated washings with ethanol and ether, electrophoresis in density gradients and on polyacrylamide, gel, ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration in 7 M urea. 3. 3. The data show that the enzyme and teichoic acid are tightly bound.
The growth of wind-waves in Titan’s hydrocarbon seas

Abstract Ocean wave growth on Titan is considered. The classic Sverdrup–Munk theory for terrestrial wave growth is applied to Titan, and is compared with a simple energy balance model that exposes the effect of Titan’s environmental parameters (air density, gravity, and fluid density). These approaches are compared with the only previously-published (semi-empirical) model (Ghafoor, N.A.-L., Zarnecki, J.C., Challenor, P., Srokosz, M.A. [2000] J. Geophys. Res. 105, 12,077–12,091, hereafter G2k), and allow the impact of various parameters such as atmospheric density to be transparently explored. Our model, like G2k, suggests fully-developed significant wave heights on Titan H s = 0.2 U 2 , where U is the windspeed (SI units): in dimensionless terms this is rather close to H s = 0.2 U 2 /g, a rule of thumb previously noted for terrestrial waves (we find various datasets where the prefactor varies by ∼2). It is noted that liquid and air densities affect the growth rate of waves, but not their fully-developed height: for 1 m/s winds wave amplitude reaches 0.15 m (75% of fully-developed) with a fetch of only 1 km, rather faster than predicted by G2k. Liquid viscosity has no major effect on gravity wave growth, but does influence the threshold windspeed at which gravity–capillary waves form in the first place. The model is used to develop predicted ranges for wave height to guide the design of the Titan Mare Explorer (TiME), a proposed Discovery-class mission to float a capsule on Ligeia Mare in 2023. For the expected maximum 1 m/s winds, a significant wave height of 0.2 m and wavelength of ∼4 m can be expected. Assuming that wave heights follow Rayleigh statistics as they do on Earth, then given the wave period of ∼4 s, individual waves of ∼0.6 m might be encountered over a 3 month period. For predicted Titan winds at Kraken Mare, significant wave heights may reach ∼0.6 m in the peak of summer but do not exceed the tidal amplitude at its northern end, consistent with the area around Mayda Insula being a tidal flat, while elsewhere on Kraken and Ligeia and at Ontario Lacus, shorelines may be wave- or tidally-dominated, depending on the specific location.