cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A replication and extension of the PEERS intervention: examining effects on social skills and social anxiety in adolescents with autism spectrum disorders.

This study aimed to evaluate the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS: Laugeson et al. in J Autism Dev Disord 39(4):596–606, 2009). PEERS focuses on improving friendship quality and social skills among adolescents with higher-functioning ASD. 58 participants aged 11–16 years-old were randomly assigned to either an immediate treatment or waitlist comparison group. Results revealed, in comparison to the waitlist group, that the experimental treatment group significantly improved their knowledge of PEERS concepts and friendship skills, increased in their amount of get-togethers, and decreased in their levels of social anxiety, core autistic symptoms, and problem behaviors from pre-to post-PEERS. This study provides the first independent replication and extension of the empirically-supported PEERS social skills intervention for adolescents with ASD.
To B or not to B—that is the question for myocardial infarction

After myocardial infarction (MI), circulating B cells produce the chemokine Ccl7, which mobilizes inflammatory monocytes from the bone marrow into the blood, after which they are then recruited to the injured heart, a new study shows. B cell depletion after MI limits myocardial injury and improves heart function, suggesting a new approach for the management of acute MI (pages 1273–1280).
Population studies on benthic nematodes within a subtropical seagrass community

Examination of the benthic nematode fauna of the soft surface sediments of a turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum Konig) bed in Biscayne Bay (Miami, Florida) has revealed a high degree of homogeneity exemplified by the dominance of four species out of approximately 100 nematode taxa from the area. The dominant species, Metoncholaimus scissus, Theristus fistulatus, Spirinia parasitifera and Gomphionema typica, regularly comprised between 87 and 95% of the total number of nematodes present in samples collected during the winter and spring of 1966. T. fistulatus showed an abundance of 56% over the course of the study, i.e., 160 samples collected over a period of 14 months. Maximal peaks in population densities were noted and correlated with physiographic alterations in the environment. The M. scissus population declined concurrent with changes in the community; at the same time, with accumulation of sediment, the Terschellingia longicaudata population increased. Ratios of species, and especially shifts in the dominantforms present, with repeated collections, are extremely useful indicators of important biological and physical changes in a particular environment. Analysis of distributional data on dominant species in 64 samples from eight closely approximated positions showed that observed temporal and spatial variations were not significant statistically at the 5% level. It is concluded that erroneous observations can be made from ecological studies based on field data derived without proper replication or consideration of seasonal factors. The latter as well as intrinsic variability within the particular locality itself contribute to the basic faunistic composition of benthic communities.
A Closer Look at the Individual and Joint Effects of Gender and Race on Juvenile Justice Decision Making

Using the intersectional perspective and results from prior research, the individual and combination relationships of gender and race with juvenile justice decision making are examined in one jurisdiction in a Midwestern state. Results reveal that both gender and race, individually and jointly, influence case outcomes net relevant legal and extralegal considerations. These relationships involve receiving both more severe and more lenient outcomes and point to the variable effects of gender and race in juvenile justice proceedings.
Gd-DTPA adrenal gland enhancement at 1.5 T.

Abstract The change in relative signal intensity of normal adrenal glands in 31 patients was evaluated following bolus administration of 0.1 mmol/kg of gadolinium diethylenetriamine pentacetic acid (Gd-DTPA). A marked increase in relative intensity of greater than 300% was observed within 2.5 min following contrast administration upon comparison of pre- and postcontrast T 1 -weighted gradient-echo images (TR = 47 msec, TE = 13 msec, pulse angle 80°). Significantly elevated relative intensities of 55% and 44% persisted on postcontrast T 1 -weighted spin-echo images obtained at further delay times averaging 8 and 20 min, respectively, when compared to the identical precontrast sequence.
High-temperature superconducting current lead incorporating operation in the current-sharing mode

Abstract This paper describes a high-temperature superconducting (HTS) current lead, in which, over a short length at the warm end (e.g., 80 K), the lead, comprised of paralleled BSCCO-2223/Ag–Au tapes, is operated in the current-sharing mode. Because our leads rely on cooling by the effluent helium vapor, they are applicable only to devices such as superconducting magnets that operate in a bath of liquid helium. The current-sharing mode operation results in a significant saving of the superconducting materials (BSCCO, Ag, and Au) needed to construct our leads as compared with a “fully-superconducting” HTS lead of the same configuration that is rated for the same transport current and operates over the same temperature range. Detailed analysis of our four leads, each rated 6-kA and comprised of 240 paralleled BSCCO-2223/Ag–Au tapes, demonstrates that the cold-end heat input of each of our leads is equal to or can be optimized to be smaller than that of a completely superconducting counterpart comprised of 480 paralleled tapes. The paper also shows that a protection criterion under fault mode or heat exchange consideration ultimately determines the extent to which the material saving can be achieved in our leads.
What Grinding Swarf Reveals

Abstract When samples of grinding swarf obtained using Al2O3 and cubic boron nitride (CBN) grinding wheels under similar conditions are examined by a scanning electron microscope (SEM), two important differences are observed. The Al2O3 chips are shorter, thicker and more highly strained and there are a greater number of spherical particles present than when grinding with CBN. When these spherical particles are examined at high power, they are found to consist of a large number of small curved platelets. The purpose of this study is to suggest the origin of the small platelets and why there are more spheres and larger spheres present in the debris when grinding with Al2O3 than with CBN.
Assessment of medical technology and the challenge for health reform in Africa

Introduces an African perspective to existing research and scholarship on the relationship between western medical technology and health care planning in Africa. Examining the broader issues of development and underdevelopment, contends that the present health care system, fashioned after western medical systems (focusing on hospital and curative care), has failed to make significant impact by reducing mortality rates in Africa. Describes the already precarious health conditions in Africa and argues that, while Africa can benefit from the application of western medical technology, the irrelevance of current strategies to people’s needs and the widespread abuse of medical resources have rendered western technology ineffective in Africa. Concludes by calling for the creation of a council of technological assessment in Africa to review requirements and recommend to African governments appropriate and efficient medical technologies to meet the health needs of Africans.
Outcomes of Partial Nephrectomy in Patients on Chronic Oral Anticoagulant Therapy

Purpose: We report our experience with patients requiring long-term anticoagulation therapy who underwent open or laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for renal tumors at our institution. We compared outcomes with those in a control group undergoing partial nephrectomy with no anticoagulation requirements.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 1,031 patients who underwent laparoscopic or open partial nephrectomy from 2000 to 2005. Since 2000, 31 open and 16 laparoscopic partial nephrectomies were performed in patients on chronic warfarin, clopidogrel or cilostazol. Anticoagulation was appropriately discontinued perioperatively. The 47 anticoagulated cases were compared with 47 nonanticoagulated controls that were carefully matched for surgical approach, partial nephrectomy defect size, tumor size and location, procedure year and warm ischemia time. Investigators were blinded to all clinical outcomes throughout the matching process. Bleeding and thrombotic outcomes were then analyzed...
Spatial energy balancing through proactive multipath routing in wireless multihop networks

In this paper, we investigate the use of proactive multipath routing to achieve energy-efficient operation of ad hoc wireless networks. The focus is on optimizing tradeoffs between the energy cost of spreading traffic and the improved spatial balance of energy burdens. We propose a simple scheme for multipath routing based on spatial relationships among nodes. Then, combining stochastic geometric and queueing models, we develop a continuum model for such networks, permitting an evaluation of different types of scenarios, i.e., with and without energy replenishing and storage capabilities. We propose a parameterized family of energy balancing strategies and study the spatial distributions of energy burdens based on their associated second-order statistics. Our analysis and simulations show the fundamental importance of the tradeoff explored in this paper, and how its optimization depends on the relative values of the energy reserves/storage, replenishing rates, and network load characteristics. For example, one of our results shows that the degree of spreading should roughly scale as the square root of the bits middot meters load offered by a session. Simulation results confirm that proactive multipath routing decreases the probability of energy depletion by orders of magnitude versus that of a shortest path routing scheme when the initial energy reserve is high
Synthesis and characterization of nanosize sodium titanates

This paper describes the synthesis and peroxide-modification of nanosize monosodium titanate (nMST). The synthesis method was derived from a sol–gel process used to produce micron-sized monosodium titanate (MST). Key modifications to this process include altering reagent concentrations, omitting a particle seed step, and introducing a non-ionic surfactant to facilitate control of particle formation and growth. The nMST material exhibits spherical-shaped particle morphology with a monodisperse distribution of particle diameters in the range from 100 to 150 nm. The BET surface area and isoelectric point of the nMST measured 285 m2 g−1 and 3.34 pH units, respectively, which is more than an order of magnitude higher in surface area and a pH unit lower than that measured for the microsize MST. The nMST material serves as an effective ion exchanger under both weakly acidic and strongly alkaline conditions and was converted to a peroxotitanate form by reaction with hydrogen peroxide.
Performing Gender at the Beginning of Modern Chinese Theatre

In the early twentieth century, female impersonators in Japan's first Western-style theatre, shinpa (new school drama), employed gender performance conventions based on kabuki onnagata and European melodramatic techniques. Shinpa performers influenced the performance of gender in early Chinese spoken drama. Chinese student actors emulated shinpa conventions in Tokyo and popularized them in Shanghai in the 1910s, where they were accepted as being accurate enactments of modern women.
Improving practice performance in aesthetic surgery.

Every aesthetic surgeon has the goal of improving practice performance. It is a fact, however, that one cannot substantiate improvement—or sometimes even determine the need for improvement in specific areas—without some form of measurement. That is why the Maintenance of Certification in Plastic Surgery (MOC-PS) program includes a format for practice-based learning that allows surgeons to actually measure their practice performance relative to their own outcomes data and chart review and comparative data from other practitioners. This program is a vitally important opportunity for plastic surgeons to evaluate and substantially improve their performance. MOC applies to all 24 of the boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). The MOC-PS program, like the Recertification program that it replaces, is mandatory for all American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) diplomates certified in or after 1995 and is elective for those certified before 1995. When the ABMS instituted the concept of MOC in 1999 to replace Recertification, it did so in concert with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), the organization that oversees residency training. It was through this collaborative effort that the core competencies, now taught and measured in all residency programs, were developed. These competencies are now measured by all certifying boards through MOC.1 The four-part MOC-PS program is designed as a 10-year cycle. Part I (Professional Standing) is required every three years and includes an unrestricted state medical license, hospital privileges in plastic surgery, accreditation of outpatient centers, peer review recommendations, and membership in one of the 20 sponsoring organizations of the ABPS, such as the Aesthetic Society. Part II (Lifelong Learning and …
Common controversies in total knee replacement surgery: Current evidence

Total knee replacement (TKR) is a widely used operation that has radically improved the quality of life of millions of people during the last few decades. However, some technical details, concerning the surgical procedure and the rehabilitation following total knee arthroplasty, are still a matter of a strong debate. In this review of the literature, we have included the best evidence available of the last decade, in an effort to shed light on some of the most controversial subjects related to TKR surgery. Posterior-stabilized or cruciate-retaining prosthesis? To use a tourniquet during operation or not? Do patients need continuous passive motion for their post-surgery rehabilitation? To resurface patella or not? These are some of the most controversial topics that until now have been persistent dilemmas for the orthopedic surgeon. Results of this systematic review of the literature are highly controversial. These conflicting results are an indication that larger and more well conducted high quality trials are needed in order to gain more secure answers. At the same time, it is becoming apparent that a meticulous operative technique, respecting the soft tissue envelope and knowing the principles of alignment and soft tissue balancing, are some of the parameters that might contribute more to achieving the optimal results for the patients.
Experimental Triggering of Reproduction in a Natural Population of Microtus montanus

A nonbreeding winter population of Microtus montanus was given limited supplements of fresh green wheatgrass over a 2-week period. The population was sampled at the end of the feeding period and compared to an adjacent population receiving no grass supplements. All of the experimental females were pregnant, while animals from the control area remained in nonbreeding condition. Replication of the experiment during the next winter produced similar results. The data suggest that Microtus montanus cues reproductive effort from chemical signals in the plant food resources.
Combined deficiency of factors II, VII, IX, and X (Borgschulte-Grigsby deficiency) in pregnancy.

Abstract Background: Combined deficiency of vitamin K–dependent coagulation factors (II, VII, IX, X) is an uncommon challenge for the expectant gravida. Case: A 34-year-old primigravida had congenital combined deficiency of factors II, VII, IX, and X that were incompletely sensitive to vitamin K. She had an altered form of vitamin K–dependent factors that retained immunologic activity but lacked coagulant activity and the normal complement of gamma-carboxyglutamic acid residues. She required vitamin K supplementation throughout her life. After an uneventful pregnancy she had postpartum hemorrhage resulting from an episiotomy. Fresh frozen plasma was administered to achieve hemostasis. The remainder of her postpartum course was normal. Conclusion: Combined congenital deficiency of factors II, VII, IX, and X can be managed in pregnancy with the use of vitamin K and fresh frozen plasma.
Chemoreflex drive of ventilation during exercise in ducks.

To determine if arterial chemoreceptors contribute to the ventilatory response during exercise, we measured minute ventilation ( $$\dot V$$ 1) in spontaneously breathing Pekin ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) during rest and running exercise when the inspired gas was switched from either 21% or 12% O2 to 100% O2 for 45 s (O2-test). In normoxia at rest (PaO2=99 Torr), inhaling 100% O2 reduced $$\dot V$$ 1 by 30%, while during resting hypoxic conditions, (PaO2=56 Torr), 100% O2 inhalation reduced $$\dot V$$ 1 by 66%. During exercise, abruptly inhaling 100% O2 decreased $$\dot V$$ 1 by only 14% and 33% in normoxic and hypoxic conditions, respectively. Thus, only a small fraction of the ventilatory response during exercise under normoxic conditions is due to an arterial chemoreceptor input. However, during exercise in hypoxic conditions, arterial chemoreceptors provide a substantial portion of the total drive to ventilation.
The ontogeny of classical conditioning in the neonatal rat with varied CS-UCS intervals

Leg flexion to shock after vibration was studied in neonatal rats during the first, third, sixth and twelfth days of age, using CS-UCS intervals of 300, 600 and 1200 msec. Every tenth trial was a test trial (no UCS) for a block of 80 trials per S, and responses to CS that anticipated the UCS were measured during the other nine trials of a block. There was little hard evidence of learning during the early days of life, but conditionability steadily increased as a function of age. While on the first day of age the 1200 msec interval produced more test trial CRs than the 600 msec interval, this phenomenon was reversed on the twelfth day of age.
The impact of training and demographics in WIA program performance: A statistical analysis

The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) measures participant labor market outcomes to drive program performance. This article uses statistical analysis to examine the relationship between participant characteristics and key outcome measures in one large California local WIA program. This study also measures the impact of different training interventions on program outcomes while controlling for participant characteristics. The findings suggest that adjusting future performance measures for participant characteristics would create more valid performance measures. Further, we find that WIA training interventions do not yield consistent positive labor market outcomes after controlling for participant demographics. Finally, we recommend directions for future research.
Deficiency of the DNA of Micrococcus radiodurans in methyladenine and methylcytosine.

Abstract Micrococcus radiodurans , an extraordinarily radiation-resistant organism, was found to have no detectable methylated bases in its DNA nor any DNA methyltransferase activity. The DNA can receive methyl groups in vitro from enzymes from heterologous sources. It thus may serve as ‘methyl-deficient’ DNA.
Prevention of postoperative pulmonary complications.

IntroductionPostoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) frequently result in serious morbidity and mortality. Although the evaluation and management of pulmonary patients undergoing thoracic surgery has received much attention in the literature, risk stratification and perioperative management of p
Mechanical properties of individual focal adhesions probed with a magnetic microneedle.

Abstract A permanent magnetic microneedle was developed to apply tensional forces to integrin receptors via ligand-coated magnetic microbeads while optically analyzing the mechanical properties of individual focal adhesions. Force application (130 pN for 3 s) through activated β1 integrins produced less bead displacement than when unligated integrins were stressed. This strengthening response differed markedly on a bead-by-bead basis, correlated directly with local focal adhesion assembly, and was similar when analyzed at 4 °C, indicating that it was due to passive material properties of the cell. Viscoelastic analysis clarified that recruitment of focal adhesion proteins increased the local elastic stiffness of the adhesion complex without changing its viscous behavior. These data indicate that individual focal adhesions exhibit distinct mechanical properties that depend upon local focal adhesion assembly, and that these local variations in micromechanics can be detected and analyzed within living cells using the permanent magnetic microneedle technique.
Causal relevance and Nonreductive physicalism

It has been argued that nonreductive physicalism leads to epiphenominalism about mental properties: the view that mental events cannot cause behavioral effects by virtue of their mental properties. Recently, attempts have been made to develop accounts of causal relevance for irreducible properties to show that mental properties need not be epiphenomenal. In this paper, I primarily discuss the account of Frank Jackson and Philip Pettit. I show how it can be developed to meet several obvious objections and to capture our intuitive conception of degrees of causal relevance. However, I argue that the account requires large-scale miraculous coincidence for there to be causally relevant mental properties. I also argue that the same problem arises for two apparently very different accounts of causal relevance. I suggest that this result does not show that these accounts, on appropriate readings, are false. Therefore, I tentatively conclude that we have reason to believe that irreducible mental properties are causally irrelevant. Moreover, given that there is at leastprima facie evidence that mental properties can be causally relevant, my conclusion casts doubt on nonreductive physicalist theories of mental properties.
Immunoquantitation of factor VIII-related antigen (Von Willebrand factor antigen) in prostate cancer

Abstract Metastasization may be associated with activation of haemostatic processes resulting in increased levels of circulating factor VIII-related antigen (FVIIIRAg) (von Willebrand factor antigen). To evaluate the relevancy of this in prostate cancer (PCa), the level of FVIIIRAg in the serum of patients with PCa, benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and non-prostatic diseases was quantitated by a modified micro enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Significant (P
Justifying public participation in technical decision making

The need for expert knowledge and expert knowledge-based action in an advanced technoscientific society poses a fundamental challenge to any attempt to involve the public in the specialized basis of this society, i.e. in technical decision-making. The concern is not so much with how to meet this challenge at the practical level; it is with how to ground or rationally defend the will to do so-and to provide a brief topology of discussions that are deepening this understanding. So the author sketches out reasons for participation-as prolegomena to undertaking the work of actually creating or institutionalizing such participation. The task is more theoretical than applied, but, like the mathematics and physics that commonly prepare the way for the engineering sciences and the practice of engineering design, the task is not without practical importance.
Electronic properties of a simple metal-metal interface

Abstract : The properties of metal-metal interfaces are of interest in many metallurgical applications. These include grain boundaries, crack growth, friction and bi-metallic adhesion. The present work is a study of the electronic properties of a simple bimetallic junction. The methods employed to investigate the interface are the Green's function technique and the phase shifts method. Green's function of a simple junction within the tight-binding approximation is calculated. The conditions for the occurrance of bound states is deduced from the poles of the Green's function. It is shown that there are three types of wave functions associated with the interface. The first extends throughout the entire cyrstal, the second extends on one side of the interface only, whereas the third kind is localized near the interface. Using the phase shifts method an expression for the change in density of states due to the creation of the interface is derived. From this expression the corresponding single-particle contribution to the interface energy and the interface specific heat is derived.
Androgen Receptor and Histone Lysine Demethylases in Ovine Placenta

Sex steroid hormones regulate developmental programming in many tissues, including programming gene expression during prenatal development. While estradiol is known to regulate placentation, little is known about the role of testosterone and androgen signaling in placental development despite the fact that testosterone rises in maternal circulation during pregnancy and in placenta-induced pregnancy disorders. We investigated the role of testosterone in placental gene expression, and focused on androgen receptor (AR). Prenatal androgenization decreased global DNA methylation in gestational day 90 placentomes, and increased placental expression of AR as well as genes involved in epigenetic regulation, angiogenesis, and growth. As AR complexes with histone lysine demethylases (KDMs) to regulate AR target genes in human cancers, we also investigated if the same mechanism is present in the ovine placenta. AR co-immunoprecipitated with KDM1A and KDM4D in sheep placentomes, and AR-KDM1A complexes were recruited to a half-site for androgen response element (ARE) in the promoter region of VEGFA. Androgenized ewes also had increased cotyledonary VEGFA. Finally, in human first trimester placental samples KDM1A and KDM4D immunolocalized to the syncytiotrophoblast, with nuclear KDM1A and KDM4D immunostaining also present in the villous stroma. In conclusion, placental androgen signaling, possibly through AR-KDM complex recruitment to AREs, regulates placental VEGFA expression. AR and KDMs are also present in first trimester human placenta. Androgens appear to be an important regulator of trophoblast differentiation and placental development, and aberrant androgen signaling may contribute to the development of placental disorders.
SIMPLIFIED METHOD FOR SHEAR DESIGN BASED ON AASHTO LOAD AND RESISTANCE FACTOR DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS

Determination of the shear strength of prestressed concrete beams has become complicated in recent years. Much of the complexity comes from determining the concrete contribution (Vc) to the overall shear resistance. Because of the empirical nature of the calculation of Vc by various codes and specifications and because of the insignificant cost impact of shear reinforcement, this complexity is not warranted. A simplified shear design method is proposed. A detailed example is presented to demonstrate a design that is based on the current AASHTO Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Specifications and the proposed method. An important issue in the shear design of thin-web, precast-prestressed concrete members is the maximum allowed shear reinforcement. AASHTO Standard Specifications require that Vs not exceed 0.66 √f'c b'd (f'c in MPa) or 8 √f'cb'd (f'c in psi). This limit has become a controlling design factor when wide-beam spacing and high-performance concrete are used. It is almost always a controlli...
Large-Signal Surface Photovoltage Studies with Germanium

Studies of the surface photovoltage of germanium were carried out over a considerably wider range of excess carrier densities than previously reported. Ambient induced inversion and accumulation layer surfaces were studied on $p$- and $n$-type Ge with resistivities ranging from 1 to 15 ohm-cm. The photovoltage was measured with ac methods and the excess carrier density was monitored by changes in the specimen conductance. The observed dependence of the photovoltage on the excess carrier density agreed quite well with theory that considers the surface space charge, but neglects charge changes in fast surface states. Comparison of the observed and theoretical curves is believed to give the surface potential to within about one $\frac{\mathrm{kT}}{e}$ unit for potentials less than about $\frac{8kT}{e}$ units, even if the effect of previously reported fast states is neglected. Excursions of the surface potential over the ambient cycle were found to be about the same as those reported for other types of surface measurements.The large signal photovoltage, in the range of surface potentials covered in the present work, is insensitive to fast states having the range of parameters extant in the literature: sensitivity is largely restricted to unreported parameter values. Since no evidence for fast states was observed in the present experiments, it is concluded that the present results are at least consistent with previously reported fast-state parameter values.
Sperm dumping in a haplogyne spider

The present study shows that females of Silhouettella loricatula (Arachnida: Araneae: Oonopidae) manage to process sperm in an unusual and previously unknown way. The male ejaculate consisting of spermatozoa and globular secretion is enclosed in a secretory sac. This may avoid the mixing of sperm from different males and at least severely limit sperm competition. The process of sperm enclosure occurs within the female's sperm storage site (receptaculum) as the ejaculate is not surrounded by a sac inside the male's sperm-transferring organs (palpal bulbs). The secretion forming the sac is produced by glands adjoining the receptaculum. The possibility that globular secretions in the male palpal bulbs partly contribute to the sac cannot be ruled out completely. It is suggested that in S. loricatula, the main function of sperm enclosure in a sac is enabling females to dump the ejaculate of a male. The present study represents the first report on sperm dumping in the family Oonopidae. During five first and three second copulations in the laboratory, the dumping of a sac was observed. One dumped sac was sectioned and contained spermatozoa. Two couples were flash-fixed with liquid nitrogen early during copulation, which revealed the mechanism of the sac dumping. By muscle contractions, the receptaculum is bent backwards and the sac moved into the genital opening. The actual sac dumping occurs most probably in cooperation with the male, which moves his pedipalps rhythmically during the entire copulation. Extensions and furrows on the emboli suggest that they may additionally be used as copulatory courtship devices. The enclosure of sperm from the current male in secretion takes place during or immediately following copulation as all mated females sacrificed after copulation had a new sac containing spermatozoa in the receptaculum. Dumping sperm of a previous male during the next copulation may allow females to bias sperm precedence.
A Composite Statistical Test for Detecting Changes of Steady States

A statistical procedure for determining whether process variables have undergone a change of steady states is developed by using a composite statistical test. Factors influencing the power of the test and the probability of Type I errors were studied through theoretical analysis, computer simulation, and application to plant data. They include the number of variables to be tested together, the number of measurements used in time averaging, the levels of significance of the tests, and the appropriate formulation of the hypotheses. The procedure developed here is useful in process data reconciliation and in applications that require an analysis of process trends.
The temperature dependence of wettability: Hexadecane on a fluoropolymer

Abstract It is often assumed that raising the temperature of a system increases its wettability. The contact angles of hexadecane on a fluoropolymer were measured over a 130°C. temperature range. The advancing angle was found to be independent of temperature and the receding angles increased slightly with temperature. It is postulated that large temperature effects indicate specific interactions such as adsorption or desorption.
Leukoedema of the human oral mucosa

Abstract The clinical and histologic features of leukoedema of the oral mucosa have been described in nineteen cases reviewed by Sandstead, who had originally introduced the term, and three cases studied at the Clinical Center of the National Institutes of Health. Clinically, a diffuse, filmy, grayish white opacity involved the buccal mucosa bilaterally and, to a lesser extent, other sites of lining mucosa. This opacity was asymptomatic, appeared more frequently in adult Negroes, and showed no sex or age predilection. Histologically, the only significant change that could account for this appearance was a retained superficial layer of parakeratotic cells. No other significant epithelial or connective tissue alteration could explain this clinical lesion. There was no evidence to support the contention that leukoplakias and other keratoses were more likely to develop in areas of leukoedema than in normal epithelium. Presently, leukoedema is considered a variant of normal mucosa in which there is incomplete shedding of parakeratotic cells, a few of which may normally be present in most lining mucosa.
Staged repair of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries: experience with 104 patients.

Abstract Objective To determine the early and intermediate-term outcome of the staged repair used to treat children with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries. Methods We reviewed a retrospective case series of 104 patients with this complex lesion. Information was obtained from medical records and referring physicians. Results Of the 104 patients treated with the staged repair, 58 achieved completion of anatomic repair. The 10-year mortality was 16.5%. In the patients with complete repair, the median right-to-left ventricle pressure ratio was 0.5. The overall surgical reoperation rate was 17%, and 15.5% of patients required postoperative interventional cardiac catheterization. In the multivariate analysis, the number of collateral vessels incorporated in the repair was found to be an independent risk factor for postoperative mortality and an elevated right-to-left ventricle pressure ratio after complete repair. Conclusion The staged repair can be successfully used to treat patients with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries. This method yields a relatively low mortality with good functional results.
Effect of inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice.

We recently reported that following a toxic dose of acetaminophen to mice, tyrosine nitration occurs in the protein of cells that become necrotic. Nitration of tyrosine is by peroxynitrite, a species formed from nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide. In this manuscript we studied the effects of the NO synthase inhibitors N-monomethyl-l-arginine (l-NMMA), N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (NAME), l-N-(1-iminoethyl)lysine (l-NIL), and aminoguanidine on acetaminophen hepatotoxicity. Acetaminophen (300 mg/kg) increased serum nitrate/nitrite and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, indicating increased NO synthesis and liver necrosis, respectively. None of the NO synthase inhibitors reduced serum ALT levels. In fact, l-NMMA, l-NIL, and aminoguanidine significantly augmented acetaminophen hepatotoxicity at 4 h. A detailed time course indicated that aminoguanidine (15 mg/kg at 0 h and 15 mg/kg at 2 h) significantly increased serum ALT levels over that for acetaminophen alone at 2 and 4 h; however, at 6 and 8 h serum ALT levels in the two groups were identical. At 2 h following acetaminophen plus aminoguanidine NO synthesis was significantly increased; however, at 4, 6, and 8 h NO synthesis was significantly decreased. Aminoguanidine also decreased acetaminophen-induced nitration of tyrosine. Acetaminophen alone did not induce lipid peroxidation, but acetaminophen plus aminoguanidine significantly increased hepatic lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde levels) at 2, 4, and 6 h. These data are consistent with NO having a critical role in controlling superoxide-mediated lipid peroxidation in acetaminophen hepatotoxicity. Thus, acetaminophen hepatotoxicity may be mediated by either lipid peroxidation or by peroxynitrite.
Prospective Outcomes of Stage III Thumb Carpometacarpal Arthritis Treated With Arthroscopic Hemitrapeziectomy and Thermal Capsular Modification Without Interposition

Purpose To prospectively evaluate the subjective and objective results of Eaton stage III thumb carpometacarpal arthritis treated with arthroscopic hemitrapeziectomy and thermal capsular modification without interposition. Methods Twenty-three patients with Eaton stage III thumb carpometacarpal arthritis had arthroscopic hemitrapeziectomy without interposition and were evaluated with regard to grip and pinch strength, digital and wrist motion, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, analog pain scores, and radiographic findings before surgery, 3 months after surgery, and at a minimum of 4 years after surgery. Results At 3 months after surgery, average DASH score improved from 61 to 10, and pain scores decreased from 8.3 to 1.5. Grip and key pinch strength improved 6.8 kg and 1.9 kg, respectively, and wrist and digital motion were unchanged. Proximal migration of the first metacarpal averaged 3 mm, and translation decreased from 30% to 10%. Nineteen of 23 patients were pleased with their overall outcomes. After 3 months, DASH scores, grip and pinch strengths, motion, patient satisfaction, and radiographic subsidence and translation remained unchanged for a minimum of 4 years. Conclusions Arthroscopic hemitrapeziectomy and thermal capsular modification offers patients with Eaton stage III arthritis a minimally invasive alternative that can provide increased function and decreased pain by 3 months after surgery. These results appear to last for a minimum of 4 years and are comparable to those reported for open techniques involving complete trapeziectomy. Substance interposition does not appear to be necessary. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
The energy spectrum of cosmic-ray protons and helium near 100-GeV

Abstract A large ring-imaging Cerenkov telescope (RICH-II) was flown on a high altitude balloon from Fort Sumner, New Mexico, USA in October 1997. This instrument is designed to determine the energy spectra of light cosmic-ray nuclei over the energy range 30–150 GeV/n through a precise measurement of the angle of Cerenkov emission from each particle. We give details about the design and performance of the instrument and present results on the absolute intensity of cosmic-ray protons and helium nuclei. The observed ratio of proton to helium intensities does not change significantly over this energy range. We also find that the abundances of protons and helium nuclei at 100 GeV/n at the cosmic-ray source relative to elemental galactic abundances are much smaller than those of other elements with comparable first ionization potential.
Analysis of models for determining intestinal wall permeabilities

In determining intestinal wall permeabilities, several mass transport models may be applied to analyze the results from external perfusion experiments. The appropriateness of any given model depends on the applicability of the model assumptions to the experimental system. This report compares several mass transport models with respect to their assumptions and applicability to a particular experimental design. The models are shown to differ in their assumptions regarding convection and diffusion in the perfusing fluid. However, since the wall permeability is an unknown parameter in each model and is estimated from the data, all of the models fit the mass transfer results reasonably well, despite fundamentally different assumptions. However, the determined permeabilities differ. Residence time distribution analysis of the experimental system is more sensitive to the model assumptions. It is shown that, in a particular experimental system, laminar flow in a cylindrical tube is the most appropriate model. The model also has the advantage of implicitly accounting for the convection–diffusion problem in the perfusing fluid. Hence, the diffusion layer thickness is not estimated from the data. With the hydrodynamics defined, the relative permeabilities resulting from the application of the several models to the data can be interpreted. The wall permeability determined in the suggested manner provides an estimate of the limiting assistance under perfect mixing conditions.
Addition of epinephrine to epidural bupivacaine infusions following initiation of labor analgesia with epidural fentanyl.

Abstract Study Objective To evaluate the analgesic effects of the addition of epinephrine to a bupivacaine epidural infusion in early labor after a fentanyl bolus, following a lidocaine-epinephrine test dose. Design Randomized, double-blinded study. Setting Labor suite of a tertiary care hospital. Patients 60 ASA physical status 1 and 2, laboring, nulliparous women. Interventions All laboring women received a 3 mL epidural test dose of 1.5% lidocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine, followed by a fentanyl 100 μg bolus in 10 mL of diluent volume. Patients were randomized to receive one of two continuous epidural infusions: bupivacaine 0.625 mg/mL at 10 mL/hr (control group) or bupivacaine 0.625 mg/mL with epinephrine 5 μg/mL at 10 mL/hr (epinephrine group). Measurements Time to re-dose, pain scores, and side effects were recorded. Main Results The mean duration of satisfactory analgesia prior to re-dose was 159 ± 62 min for the control group and 221 ± 111 min for the epinephrine group ( P P Conclusions The administration of 0.625 mg/mL bupivacaine with epinephrine 5 μg/mL at 10 mL/hr, compared with plain 0.625 mg/mL bupivacaine at 10 mL/hr, provided a longer time to re-dose, decreased pain scores at two time intervals, and had no significant difference in duration of labor or side effects.
The speciation of metals in mammals influences their toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics and therefore human health risk assessment.

Chemical form (i.e., species) can influence metal toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics and should be considered to improve human health risk assessment. Factors that influence metal speciation (and examples) include: (1) carrier-mediated processes for specific metal species (arsenic, chromium, lead and manganese), (2) valence state (arsenic, chromium, manganese and mercury), (3) particle size (lead and manganese), (4) the nature of metal binding ligands (aluminum, arsenic, chromium, lead, and manganese), (5) whether the metal is an organic versus inorganic species (arsenic, lead, and mercury), and (6) biotransformation of metal species (aluminum, arsenic, chromium, lead, manganese and mercury). The influence of speciation on metal toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics in mammals, and therefore the adverse effects of metals, is reviewed to illustrate how the physicochemical characteristics of metals and their handling in the body (toxicokinetics) can influence toxicity (toxicodynamics). Generalizing from mercury,...
Vertical migration as a refuge from predation in intertidal marsh snails: A field test

Abstract Marsh periwinkles Littorina irrorata Say are common gastropod inhabitants of tidal marshes along the East and Gulf coasts of the U.S.A. These snails migrate up cordgrass Spartina alterniflora Loisel stems with tidal inundation. We conducted a field experiment in a Texas coastal marsh to determine if climbing grass stalks provides a refuge from predation for L. irrorata from blue crabs Callinectes sapidus Rathbun and other predators which enter and feed in the marsh at high tide. Treatments consisted of cages with short or tall grass heights from which predators were either excluded (closed cage) or allowed to enter and leave with the tides (open cage). A folded aluminum edging prevented most L. irrorata emigration from open treatments. Our results show that snails not allowed to climb grass stalks suffered significantly higher predation-related mortality than climbing snails indicating that vertical migration does provide a refuge from predation. Analysis of population size structure data from this and other studies show that juvenile L. irrorata are less abundant than larger conspecifics during the summer reproductive peak when abundances should be high. We attribute this to size selective predation by spring-recruited blue crabs and other predators.
Age-associated nuclear anomalies in Tetrahymena.

SYNOPSIS. Micronuclear abnormalities that probably lead to progeny death appear in strain D6 (variety 1, mating type II), Tetrahymena pyriformis, during sexual reproduction. There are two categorical types of nuclear irregularities: those characteristic of the cell before it enters conjugation, and those manifested as a result of the conjugation process. These abnormalities are characteristic of senescent cells.
A Storm-Triggered Landslide Monitoring and Prediction System: Formulation and Case Study

Abstract Predicting the location and timing of mudslides with adequate lead time is a scientifically challenging problem that is critical for mitigating landslide impacts. Here, a new dynamic modeling system is described for monitoring and predicting storm-triggered landslides and their ecosystem implications. The model ingests both conventional and remotely sensed topographic and geologic data, whereas outputs include diagnostics required for the assessment of the physical and societal impacts of landslides. The system first was evaluated successfully in a series of experiments under idealized conditions. In the main study, under real conditions, the system was assessed over a mountainous region of China, the Yangjiashan Creeping (YC) slope. For this data-rich section of the Changjiang River, the model estimated creeping rates that had RMS errors of ∼0.5 mm yr−1 when compared with a dataset generated from borehole measurements. A prediction of the creeping curve for 2010 was made that suggested significa...