cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Small Lung Opacities in Populations Unexposed to Dusts: A Literature Analysis

Objectives Despite the wide use of the International Labor Organization (ILO) system for reading chest radiographs, little information is available regarding the prevalence of abnormalities in populations unexposed to dusts. Prevalence studies of radiographic changes consistent with dust inhalation, as classified by the system, would be more meaningful if there were better understanding regarding the extent of abnormalities in unexposed populations. Design To determine small opacity prevalence in unexposed populations, a review of articles published since 1970 that used the ILO system to classify radiographs of the unexposed, either as subjects or control subjects, was performed. Criteria for inclusion in this review included ascertainment of the lack of exposure of subjects to occupational dusts, and independent reading of radiographs by at least two readers certified in the ILO system (B readers) or experienced in its use. A total of eight published articles presenting data on nine study populations were included in this study. Results The prevalence of small opacities graded 1/0 or greater varied widely, with a range from 0.21 to 11.7%. A meta-analysis of the published data yielded a population prevalence of 5.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]=2.9 to 7.7%). The prevalence was significantly greater in Europe than in North America (Europe, 11.3%; 95% CI=10.1 to 12.5%; North America, 1.6%; 95% CI=0.6 to 2.6%). A subset of the studies contained information on gender that showed greater prevalence of lung opacities in male subjects than female subjects (male subjects, 5.5%; 95% CI=3.4 to 7.6%; female subjects, 3.5%; 95% CI=1.3 to 5.8%). Based on estimated age information, the studies were divided into two strata (mean age Conclusions These results indicate that a background level of opacities consistent with the radiographic appearance of pneumoconiosis exists in populations considered to be free of occupational dust exposure. Environmental and unaccounted occupational exposures, as well as reader variability, all may play a role in the determination of small opacity prevalence in these subjects and may explain the large differences between Europe and North America. Thorough ascertainments of occupational and environmental exposures are essential to determine the true significance of opacities in populations who are not exposed to dust.
Where's the Chemistry in Science Museums?

In 1990 the ASTC mailed out 600 questionnaires to 185 North American institutions, inquiring about museum activities in chemistry. The survey found that about 28 percent of the science museums reported no chemistry activities and that less than one third of the science museums offered chemistry exhibits.
A software engineering experiment in software component generation

The paper presents results of a software engineering experiment in which a new technology for constructing program generators from domain-specific specification languages has been compared with a reuse technology that employs sets of reusable Ada program templates. Both technologies were applied to a common problem domain, constructing message translation and validation modules for military command, control, communications and information systems (C/sup 3/I). The experiment employed four subjects to conduct trials of use of the two technologies on a common set of test examples. The experiment was conducted with personnel supplied and supervised by an independent contractor. Test cases consisted of message specifications taken from Air Force C/sup 3/I systems. The main results are that greater productivity was achieved and fewer error were introduced when subjects used the program generator than when they used Ada templates to implement software modules from sets of specifications. The differences in the average performance of the subjects are statistically significant at confidence levels exceeding 99 percent.
Site preferences, energetics and orientation of CH3Br on Pt(111) : investigation by RAIRS, TPD and photofragment angular distributions

Abstract Reflection absorption infrared and thermal programmed desorption spectroscopies were used to examine the thermal chemistry of CH 3 Br on Pt(111). Abrupt changes in the RAIRS and TPD spectra provided evidence for the population of different adsorption phases at coverages below saturation of the first monolayer. At low coverages, coadsorption experiments with CO and O atoms indicate that CH 3 Br occupies only top sites. As the coverage is increased past 0.10 ML, less stable multi-coordinate sites begin to populate. Assuming an initial sticking coefficient of unity, saturation coverage of CH 3 Br is 0.25 ± 0.02 ML. The adsorption energy of CH 3 Br decreased from 0.62 to 0.33 eV as the coverage increased to saturation. Changes in the adsorbate orientation as a function of coverage were investigated using RAIRS and the angular distributions of CH 3 photofragments from dissociative electron attachment of CH 3 Br induced by irradiation at 193 nm. Orientational information derived from these two methods were contrasted. Photofragment angular distributions were consistent with CH 3 Br undergoing large amplitude librational motions, with a preferred orientation close to the surface plane at low coverages. With increasing coverage the molecules gradually tip upwards to point closer to the surface normal.
LOCAL ORGAN HYPERSENSITIVENESS : III. FURTHER OBSERVATIONS ON ITS EXPERIMENTAL PRODUCTION IN THE RABBIT EYE.

1. Rabbit eyes sensitized with guinea pig red blood cells or fresh egg white respond with an inflammatory reaction following the intravenous injection of the homologous antigen, but not the heterologous. 2. Two-tenths of 1.0 cc. of a multiple antigen containing ten separate ingredients, or in other words, 0.02 cc. of each foreign protein, when introduced into the rabbit's anterior chamber, is sufficient to produce an altered ocular reactivity such that when 1 cc. of one of the ten antigens is introduced intravenously the eye shows hyperemia of the iris and conjunctiva with more or less edema and lacrimation during the next 24 hours. 3. For as long as 8 months after sensitization eyes will respond with an inflammatory reaction following the intravenous injection of fractions of the total antigen. 4. Repeated daily intravenous injections of a single antigen usually produce no reaction in the sensitized eye after the first few days. Injection of different antigens intravenously on succeeding days produces a continued sterile inflammatory process in the sensitized eye. After the total number of single antigens has been injected, repetition of these injections now fails to produce a similar response. Instead, the eye reaction is at a much lower level and the inflammatory response is manifested only to a few of the antigens injected intravenously. 5. Unless massive doses of antigen are used to desensitize, permanent desensitization of the eye has not occurred in animals which have been followed for at least 8 months. Animals may develop maximal eye responses following repeated intravenous injections of the same antigen, if sufficient time has elapsed between injections. Nevertheless, the eye reactions which can be elicited 6 or 7 months after sensitization are less intense than the initial responses. 6. The ability of the eye inflammation to light up following the intravenous injection of homologous antigen is not due to an initial tissue injury as proven by the fact that the reaction is specific and anterior chambers injured with typhoid vaccine, iodine, saline, glycerine, or albolene will not respond subsequently when the various proteins used for sensitization of the other eyes are injected intravenously. 7. It has been impossible to demonstrate sensitivity in the eye by the intravenous shocking route until at least the 5th day following introduction of the antigen into the anterior chamber. 8. The eye reaction can be produced by the subcutaneous as well as the intravenous injection of antigen. 9. Rabbits vary considerably in the intensity of the eye reaction which can be elicited in them, but only rarely was an animal found which failed completely to give a reaction.
The Case Against Targeted Industry Strategies

Targeted industry studies and strategies have been widely used in economic development practice since the 1970s, and their use continues to grow. In spite of their longevity, targeting as a method never has been formally or rigorously evaluated. This article looks at dozens of studies and strategies and concludes that targeting is based on poor data, unsound social science methods, and faulty economic reasoning and is largely a political activity. Targeting studies could be improved somewhat by making their methods more transparent, encouraging use of competing studies, and building in a required evaluation component.
Study of thin gate oxides grown in an ultra-dry/clean triple-wall oxidation furnace system

A triple-wall oxidation furnace system has been designed and implemented successfully. This paper explains the system in detail and discusses the reliability of the gate oxides grown in such a system. The 9.3 nm gate oxides display an improved dielectric breakdown field strength (15 MV/cm), and charge-to-breakdown (45C/cm2) with less interface trap generation than the gate oxides grown in a conventional single-wall oxidation system. From these results, we conclude the microscopic defects as well as the macroscopic defects are better controlled in a triple-wall oxidation system than in a conventional single-wall oxidation system. This new system permits the study of the Si-SiO2 interface with a control on the number of electronic defects inherent in the processing of MOS devices.
Bourdieu, Flaubert, and the Sociology of Literature

In The Field of Cultural Production and The Rules of Art, Pierre Bourdieu offered a highly suggestive reading and analysis of Gustave Flaubert's Sentimental Education. Bourdieu's approach has been extraordinarily influential in recent years in both the sociology of culture and, increasingly, literary criticism. Yet, his treatment of Flaubert's work, this article argues, despite its indisputable insight is problematic in several ways. This article has two objectives in this connection: (1) to show how the weaknesses in Bourdieu's treatment of the novel point to certain key weaknesses in his broader social theory, and (2) to use a parallel reading of the same novel both to demonstrate said weaknesses and to embark on a discussion of the future possibilities of the sociology of literature, arguing that though we should not simply engage in Bourdieuian readings of literary texts, a consideration of the late sociologist's work could inspire a renewed, vigorous research program in this area.
Recoil study of the symmetric fission of 238U by 450 MeV protons

Abstract A thick-target recoil study of isobaric products with mass number 103 and 111 from the fission of 238 U by 450 MeV protons has been performed. The results have been analyzed to yield, for a given mass chain, the dependence on atomic number, Z, of the average cascade deposition energy, the average total kinetic energy release, and the average separation distance of the primary fragment charge centers. The average deposition energy increases by about 25 MeV per Z unit whereas the other two quantities are essentially independent of Z. A correlation between the most probable value of Z for a given mass chain and the deposition energy leading to this product is derived on the basis of the unchanged charge distribution postulate.
Hemodynamic changes in the small vessels in man as analyzed by digital plethysmography.

Plethysmography is the measurement of variations in the size of an organ or body part on the basis of the amount of blood passing through or present in the part. The development of new instruments, such as the digital plethysmograph, allowed for the better evaluation of specific antihypertensive therapies.
Spinal anaesthesia in former preterm infants

Summary Spinal anaesthesia for herniotomies in former preterm infants at risk from postoperative apnoea was investigated in a prospective, uncontrolled study involving 164 infants. Hyperbaric tetracaine (0.5 mg·kg−1) with adrenaline was used. In 152 patients (92.7%) spinal blockade was achieved, in 12 (7.3%) general anaesthesia was given after unsuccessful lumbar puncture. Fifteen patients required supplementation of spinal anaesthesia. Intraoperative complications included 2 apnoea during lumbar puncture and 5 total spinal blocks. By the end of surgery all complications had been resolved. No patient with spinal anaesthesia developed prolonged apnoea after surgery. Spinal anaesthesia in former preterm infants seems to avoid prolonged postoperative apnoea. Disadvantages of the technique were failures due to technical difficulties and excessive spread of spinal blockade.
Economic designs of constrained EWMA and combined EWMA-X¯ control schemes

Abstract This research presents a comparison between the cost performance of the Exponentially Weighted Moving Average EWMA) and the combined EWMA-X¯ control chart schemes. In particular, we explore the impact of constraining the in-control average run length on the optimal cost performance of both schemes. Methodologically, we incorporate traditional expected cost models and study the robustness of the two approaches. In general, there appears to be minimal motivation to combine the use of both charts within the same application. The cost model for the combined chart is not a well-behaved function, and yields varying optimal parameters when the in-control average run length is constrained.
Endoluminal angioplasty of the popliteal artery. Review of 54 consecutive patients.

Abstract Aim To determine the results of endoluminal angioplasty for occlusive or stenotic lesions of the popliteal artery. Methods Retrospective study of symptomatic patients having popliteal occlusive lesions treated by endoluminal balloon angioplasty. All patients underwent systematic preoperative and postoperative color duplex scan and preoperative angiography. The principal endpoints were primary and primary assisted patency. Results Fifty-four percutaneous endoluminal angioplasties of the popliteal artery, including six procedures with stents, were performed in 50 patients. In all cases, the superficial femoral artery was patent and without significant stenosis. Primary patency for the entire cohort was 57.4±6.7% at 1 and 2 years. Primary assisted patency was 86.3±4.8% at 1 year, and 79.1±5.9% at 2 years. The results of angioplasty appeared to be better in patients with intermittent claudication when compared to patients with critical limb ischaemia, ( p =0.0006). Angioplasty of single occlusive lesions had a better prognosis than that of multiple occlusive lesions ( p =0.01). Results of angioplasty were better at the below-knee and median popliteal artery than at the femoro-popliteal junction or in the above-knee popliteal artery ( p =0.03). Tibial run-off and isolated popliteal stenosis versus isolated popliteal thrombosis did not seem to affect primary patency rate. Conclusion Results of angioplasty of the popliteal artery are acceptable for claudicants, especially those with TASC-A lesions and those with lesions in the distal two thirds of the popliteal artery.
Geochronologic and thermobarometric constraints on the metamorphic history of the Fairbanks Mining District, western Yukon-Tanana terrane, Alaska

This study presents new petrologic and thermochronologic information from the Fairbanks district of east central Alaska that indicate a complex metamorphic and structural history for the western Yukon-Tanana terrane. Garnet-biotite and garnet-pyroxene thermometry and jadeite barometry yield prograde temperatures and pressures for the Chatanika eclogite (523°C, 14-15 kbar (1 kbar = 100 MPa)). Cooling from peak eclogitization is estimated from 40 Ar/ 39 Ar single grain geochronology at 210-180 Ma. Secondary white mica ages of 140-115 Ma along the fault contact between eclogite and underlying lower amphibolite-facies rocks constrain the age of the event that placed the Chatanika eclogite over the Fairbanks schist. Based on observations from field mapping and diamond drill samples, we interpret this structural contact as a thrust fault. Garnet-biotite mineral pairs are reset by as much as 200°C within this fault zone. Biotite and white mica ages of 100-110 Ma, combined with Jurassic amphibole ages in Fairbanks schist samples, indicate the Fairbanks schist and Chatanika eclogite cooled through biotite and white mica argon closure temperatures in the early Cretaceous. Intrusion of mid-Cretaceous, calc-alkalic, gold-related granitic plutons in the Fairbanks district are evidenced by loss of radiogenic argon in many of the 40 Ar/ 39 Ar age fractions. Eocene basalt is visible in six widely separated localities within the eastern part of the Fairbanks district. However, the pervasiveness of a 50 Ma resetting event in samples as far as 30 km from present day basalt localities indicates the Eocene flows were either deposited throughout the Fairbanks area or are associated with large plutons at depth.
Scientific Cluster Deployment and Recovery - Using puppet to simplify cluster management

Deployment, maintenance and recovery of a scientific cluster, which has complex, specialized services, can be a time consuming task requiring the assistance of Linux system administrators, network engineers as well as domain experts. Universities and small institutions that have a part-time FTE with limited time for and knowledge of the administration of such clusters can be strained by such maintenance tasks. This current work is the result of an effort to maintain a data analysis cluster (DAC) with minimal effort by a local system administrator. The realized benefit is the scientist, who is the local system administrator, is able to focus on the data analysis instead of the intricacies of managing a cluster. Our work provides a cluster deployment and recovery process (CDRP) based on the puppet configuration engine allowing a part-time FTE to easily deploy and recover entire clusters with minimal effort. Puppet is a configuration management system (CMS) used widely in computing centers for the automatic management of resources. Domain experts use Puppet's declarative language to define reusable modules for service configuration and deployment. Our CDRP has three actors: domain experts, a cluster designer and a cluster manager. The domain experts first write the puppet modules for the cluster services. A cluster designer would then define a cluster. This includes the creation of cluster roles, mapping the services to those roles and determining the relationships between the services. Finally, a cluster manager would acquire the resources (machines, networking), enter the cluster input parameters (hostnames, IP addresses) and automatically generate deployment scripts used by puppet to configure it to act as a designated role. In the event of a machine failure, the originally generated deployment scripts along with puppet can be used to easily reconfigure a new machine. The cluster definition produced in our CDRP is an integral part of automating cluster deployment in a cloud environment. Our future cloud efforts will further build on this work.
City Behavior and Precautionary Measures

In a between-subjects design, a Precautionary Measures Scale was developed to assess the extent to which 121 participants would endorse 19 precautionary behaviors if visiting a small town, a small city, or a metropolis. Results indicated high internal consistency for the scale, and a significant main effect for location. The effect for gender approached significance. Participants in the metropolis condition had significantly higher scores than did those in the small-town condition, and women tended to have significantly higher precautionary scale scores than did men. Further, participants classified as feminine on the Bem (1981) Sex-Role Inventory tended to have significantly higher scores across locations that did those classified as masculine.
Encopresis Discussion of Etiology and Management

The child with fecal incontinence tends to be resented by his parents, ostracized by his peers, condemned by his teacher, and is frustrating to his physician. There have been numerous studies of this subject in recent years, but information and practical suggestions on therapy are not readily available to the practitioner.
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis: Some Considerations on the Debate Regarding Its Cause

1867 In addition, this theory also accounts for the reported higher likelihood of NSF in patients who have received a high cumulative dose of contrast material over time [3, 6]; a higher cumulative dose would presumably allow greater amounts of ionic Gd+3 to form and likely lead to an increased burden of ionic Gd+3 in tissues. Kuo’s [1] position in the accompanying article can be briefly summarized as follows. He accepts that gadolinium-containing agents play a role in NSF occurrence. However, he does not fully accept the transmetallation theory outlined above but instead maintains that gadolinium bound to chelate (i.e., the form in which gadolinium is found in MR contrast agents), rather than ionic Gd+3, may be causative in NSF. Accordingly, Kuo places much less emphasis on the role of the cumulative dose of gadolinium-containing contrast agents. Instead, he emphasizes the timing of the administration of contrast material in relation to predisposing events within susceptible patients (e.g., infection in a patient with renal failure). Please refer to Figure 1 in Kuo’s article for a graphic representation of his argument on this point. Kuo views a recently published article [7] as supportive evidence for his hypothesis. That article describes a small series of patients (almost all of whom had experienced chronic renal failure) in whom contrast material was administered during a state of active infection and who later developed NSF. At least one previous article has also observed an increased incidence of NSF in renal failure patients in whom MR contrast material was administered in the presence of a “proinflammatory” condition (e.g., infection, throm bosis, or surgical trauma to tissues) [8]. Kuo [1] advances three major arguments in favor of the concept that gadolinium chelate (as opposed to tissue deposition of ionic Gd+3) is causative in the fibrosis seen in Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis: Some Considerations on the Debate Regarding Its Cause
The diurnal surface-pressure oscillation

A spherical harmonic analysis of the diurnal surface pressure oscillation shows that its main part can be represented by a wave travelling westward with the sun. The amplitude of this wave is about half of that of the semidiurnal oscillation [eq. (7)]. For the discussion of the excitation of the diurnal oscillation the equivalent depths (Table 4) and Hough functions (Table 5, 6) for the three lowest symmetrical modes are computed. There is no difficulty in accounting for the smallness of the diurnal oscillation compared to the semidiurnal oscillation on the basis of thermal excitation, even if the semidiural oscillation is not greatly magnified by resonance.
Chylous Ascites Following Surgical Treatment for Wilms Tumor

ABSTRACTPurpose: Postoperative chylous ascites is a rare complication of retroperitoneal surgery that has considerable morbidity. We review the pathogenesis and management of chylous ascites following surgical treatment of Wilms tumor.Materials and Methods: We identified 9 children with chylous ascites after surgical treatment of Wilms tumor. Of these cases 3 were treated at a single institution during the last 20 years and 6 were identified during retrospective chart reviews of patients enrolled in National Wilms Tumor Studies 3 and 4 to identify surgical complications. Chylous ascites presented as increased abdominal girth and poor feeding. Paracentesis or laparotomy was diagnostic.Results: Patient age at presentation with Wilms tumor ranged from 6 to 95 months (median 15). Left nephrectomy was performed in 5 cases, right nephrectomy in 3, and left nephrectomy and partial right nephrectomy in 1 with bilateral disease. Lymphadenectomy including the hilar and periaortic lymph nodes was performed in 5 pati...
Cryosurgery for Ocular and Periocular Lesions

This preliminary report suggests that cryosurgery has a definite place in the management of certain external periocular and ocular problems. Cryosurgery for basal- or squamous-cell carcinoma of the lid is easily performed, gives excellent cosmetic results, and has a low recurrence rate. It is not recommended for lesions involving the fornices, nor for sclerotic or morphea-type basal-cell carcinomas. Tumor recurrences following radiation, surgery, or cryosurgery can still be retreated with cryosurgery. To date, there is no evidence that cryosurgery at temperatures above --40 degrees C causes damage to the lacrimal outflow system. Cryosurgery is of value in the management of trichiasis, reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, spider hemangioma, molluscum contagiosum, and conjunctival dysplasia. Cryotherapy for management of intraepithelial epithelioma and squamous-cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva and cornea is still under investigation. Cryosurgery will, in our opinion, become the treatment of choice for basal- and squamous-cell carcinomas of the eyelids. The 96% cure rate with one treatment for these lesions reported here is artificially high since the follow-up period is too short. However, retreatment with cryosurgery is a simple 10- min outpatient procedure which is certainly not the case with recurrences after other forms of therapy.
Sex steroids modulate motor-correlated increases in cerebellar discharge.

Adult female rats implanted with a microelectrode drive unit were trained to walk on a computer-controlled treadmill apparatus (10 s on every 20 s for 2 h) during recording of single Purkinje neurons in the paravermal area of the anterior cerebellum. Vigorous increases in the firing rate of individual units were found to be correlated with movement of specific limbs in particular stages of the step cycle during treadmill locomotion. Both spontaneous and motor-evoked discharge of individual Purkinje neurons were monitored before and after s.c. injection of either 17 beta estradiol (E2, 100 ng/kg) or progesterone (P, 50 micrograms). The percent increase in firing rate during locomotion versus rest was determined as a measure of the evoked:spontaneous discharge ratio. Drug-induced changes in this ratio indicate differential effects on the individual parameters, rather than simple excitatory or inhibitory effects. For all neurons tested, E2 augmented the movement-evoked discharge over pre-E2 control levels. The onset for this effect occurred at 15 min post-steroid, with a peak response noted at 30-35 min post-steroid. By 60-90 min, a partial recovery of the evoked:spontaneous ratio was noted, although absolute increases in both parameters were still observed, indicating long-term effects on neuronal activity. These effects were independent of the stage of the estrous cycle. In contrast, P decreased absolute firing rates of Purkinje cells during stationary and locomotor phases. However, the evoked:spontaneous ratio was decreased to an even greater degree. The latency for this effect was 9-12 min, with recovery to control levels of response seen at 30 min post-steroid. This response was typical of cells tested on estrus and diestrus 1. Cells tested on proestrus or diestrus 2, when E2 levels are increasing, were not modulated by P using the above paradigm.
Fibroblast growth factor-23 and early decrements in kidney function: the Heart and Soul Study

Background. Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) is associated with mortality in dialysis patients, and concentrations are elevated in moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD). The threshold of CKD or albuminuria at which FGF-23 begins to change is unknown. Methods. In 792 outpatients with stable cardiovascular disease (CVD) and normal kidney function to moderate CKD, we evaluate the associations of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) with plasma FGF-23 concentrations. Results. Compared to participants with eGFR ≥90 ml/min/1.73m2, mean FGF-23 concentrations were 7.8 RU/ml higher (4.3–11.5, P = 0.01) in those with eGFR 60–89 ml/min/1.73m2 in models adjusted for age, sex, race, ACR, blood pressure, diabetes and body mass index. More advanced decrements in eGFR were associated with much higher FGF-23 concentrations. In spline analysis, the slope of change in FGF-23 concentration was evident at eGFR <90 ml/min/1.73m2. Compared to participants with ACR <30 mg/g, mean FGF-23 concentrations were 18.4 RU/ml higher (9.3–29.2, P < 0.001) in those with ACR 30–299 mg/g in models adjusted for identical covariates plus eGFR and much higher in individuals with ACR ≥300 mg/g. Spline analysis demonstrated a linear relationship of ACR with FGF-23, independent of eGFR, even among persons with ACR <30 mg/g. Conclusion. Modest decrements in eGFR or elevations in albuminuria are each independently associated with higher FGF-23 concentrations in outpatients with stable CVD.
The effects of the substratum, divalent and monovalent cations on locomotion in Amoeba proteus†

The rate of locomotion in Amoeba proteus is dependent upon the nature of the substratum, the nature of the different divalent and monovalent cations present, and the ratio of the amount of the monovalent cations to the amount of calcium or strontium. Calcium is more efficient than strontium in antagonizing potassium. Magnesium and barium do not antagonize potassium. The four monovalent cations studied in antagonizing calcium are efficient in the following order: Na>K>Li>Rb. Calcium and potassium are more effective against antagonistic cations when combined with chlorine than when combined with phosphate.
Dietary phosphate modifies lifespan in Drosophila

Phosphate is required for many important cellular processes and having too little phosphate (hypophosphatemia) or too much (hyperphosphatemia) can cause disease and reduce lifespan in humans. Drosophila melanogaster has been a powerful tool to discover evolutionarily wellconserved nutrient-sensing pathways that are important for the lifespan extension. We have established Drosophila as a model system for studying the effects of dietary phosphate during development and adult life. When absorption of phosphate is blocked by sevelamer or cellular uptake is inhibited by phosphonoformic acid (PFA), larval development is delayed in a phosphate-dependent fashion. Conversely, restriction of phosphate absorption with sevelamer or reduced cellular uptake after treatment with PFA is able to extend the adult lifespan of otherwise normal flies. Gaining an understanding of the specifi cp athways and mediators that regulate cellular and organismic phosphate levels might ultimately lead to the development of improved dietary and therapeutic approaches to the treatment of human disorders of hypo- and hyperphosphatemia.
Changes in secondary metabolism and deposition of an unusual lignin in the ref8 mutant of Arabidopsis

The end products of the phenylpropanoid pathway play important roles in plant structure and development, as well as in plant defense mechanisms against biotic and abiotic stresses. From a human perspective, phenylpropanoid pathway-derived metabolites influence both human health and the potential utility of plants in agricultural contexts. The last known enzyme of the phenylpropanoid pathway that has not been characterized is p-coumarate 3-hydroxylase (C3H). By screening for plants that fail to accumulate soluble fluorescent phenylpropanoid secondary metabolites, we have identified a number of Arabidopsis mutants that display a reduced epidermal fluorescence (ref) phenotype. We have now shown that the ref8 mutant is defective in the gene encoding C3H. Phenotypic characterization of the ref8 mutant has revealed that the lack of C3H activity in the mutant leads to diverse changes in phenylpropanoid metabolism. The ref8 mutant accumulates p-coumarate esters in place of the sinapoylmalate found in wild-type plants. The mutant also deposits a lignin formed primarily from p-coumaryl alcohol, a monomer that is at best a minor component in the lignin of other plants. Finally, the mutant displays developmental defects and is subject to fungal attack, suggesting that phenylpropanoid pathway products downstream of REF8 may be required for normal plant development and disease resistance.
The role of free tissue transfer in the reconstruction of massive neglected skin cancers of the head and neck.

BackgroundMost skin cancers involving the head and neck region are easily managed with surgical resection and local flap rotation. Occasional patients present with massive neglected skin cancers or...
Validation of a Modified Pediatric Early Warning System Score: A Retrospective Case–Control Study

The Pediatric Early Warning System (PEWS) score may be useful for detection of deterioration in clinical condition. In this retrospective study, the cases were patients transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), and controls were those not transferred to the PICU. The maximum PEWS score in both groups were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). The study population included 100 cases and 250 controls. There was no difference in the age of cases and controls (6.3 vs 6.3 years). The length of hospital stay (18.09 ± 32 vs 3.93 ± 2.9 days; P < .001) and the maximum PEWS score (2.95 ± 1.5 vs 1.4 ± 0.8) were significantly higher for the cases (P < .0001). The PEWS score area under the ROC was 0.81 (95% confidence interval = 0.75-0.86). The sensitivity and specificity for a score 2.5 were 62% and 89%, respectively. The use of the modified PEWS score can help identify patients on wards who are at risk for deterioration.
Lesions of the Edinger-Westphal nucleus in C57BL⁄6J mice disrupt ethanol-induced hypothermia and ethanol consumption

The Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EW) is a brain region that has recently been implicated as an important novel neural target for ethanol. Thus, the EW is the only brain region consistently showing elevated c-Fos expression following both voluntary and involuntary ethanol administration. Ethanol-induced c-Fos expression in the EW has been shown to occur in urocortin I-positive neurons. Moreover, previous reports using several genetic models have demonstrated that differences in the EW urocortin I system are correlated with ethanol-mediated behaviours such as ethanol-induced hypothermia and ethanol consumption. The aim of this study was to confirm these relationships using a more direct strategy. Thus, ethanol responses were measured following electrolytic lesions of the EW in male C57BL/6J mice. Both EW-lesioned and sham-operated animals were tested for several ethanol sensitivity measures and ethanol consumption in a two-bottle choice test. The results show that lesions of the EW significantly disrupted ethanol-induced hypothermia, while having no effect on pupillary dilation, locomotor activity or ethanol-induced sedation. In addition, EW-lesioned animals showed significantly lower ethanol preference and total ethanol dose consumed in the two-bottle choice test. EW-lesioned animals also consumed less sucrose than sham-operated animals, but did not have altered preferences for sucrose or quinine in a two-bottle choice test. These data support previously observed genetic correlations between EW urocortin I expression and both ethanol-induced hypothermia and ethanol consumption. Taken together, the findings suggest that the EW may function as a sensor for ethanol, which can influence ethanol consumption and preference.
Thyroidectomy alters the daily pattern of expression of the clock protein, PER2, in the oval nucleus of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and central nucleus of the amygdala in rats

A role for thyroid hormones in the regulation of the rhythmic expression of circadian clock genes is suggested by the finding that surgical removal of the thyroid gland alters circadian behavioral and endocrine rhythms in rodents. Virtually nothing is known about the role of thyroid hormones in the regulation of clock genes responsible for the generation of circadian rhythmicity. To study this issue, we assessed in rats the effect of thyroidectomy/parathyrodectomy (TPX) on the expression of the clock protein, PER2, in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the master circadian clock, and in a number of key limbic forebrain structures, the oval nucleus of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNSTov), the central nucleus of the amygdala (CEA), the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and the dentate gyrus (DG). TPX significantly altered the normal daily pattern of PER2 expression in the BNSTov and CEA, but had no effect on PER2 expression in the SCN, BLA and DG. Thus, although thyroid hormones modulate PER2 expression in the brain, the effect is tissue specific and therefore likely not to be mediated by a direct effect of the hormone on gene expression.
The Landscape of Error in Surgical Pathology

In this chapter, we examine the landscape of error in surgical pathology. We begin with definitions of error and related terms.
Dealing with identifier variables in data management and analysis

Identifier variables are prominent in most data files and, more often than not, are essential to fully use the information in a Stata dataset. However, rendering them in the proper format and relevant number of digits appropriate for data management and statistical analysis might pose unnerving challenges to inexperienced or even veteran Stata users. To lessen these challenges, I provide some useful tips and guard against some pitfalls by featuring two official Stata routines: the string() function and its elaborated wrapper, the tostring command. I illustrate how to use these two routines to address the difficulties caused by identifier variables in managing and analyzing data from private institutions and U.S. government agencies.
Accuracy of parental reports of children's HPV vaccine status: implications for estimates of disparities, 2009-2010.

OBJECTIVES Since the introduction of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in 2006, there have been considerable efforts at the national and state levels to monitor uptake and better understand the individual and system-level factors that predict who gets vaccinated. A common method of measuring the vaccination status of adolescents is through parental recall. We examined how the accuracy of parents' reports of their daughters' HPV vaccination status varied by social characteristics. METHODS Data were taken from the 2009-2010 National Immunization Survey (NIS)-Teen, which includes a household interview and a provider-completed immunization history. We evaluated concordance between parents' and providers' reports of teens' HPV vaccine initiation (≥1 dose) and completion (≥3 doses). We assessed bivariate associations of sociodemographic characteristics with having a concordant, false-positive (overreporting) or false-negative (underreporting) report, and used multinomial logistic regression to estimate the independent impact of each characteristic. RESULTS In bivariate analyses, concordance of parent-reported HPV vaccine initiation was associated with each of the sociodemographic characteristics investigated. In regression models, self-reported nonwhite race, lower household income, and lower education level of the teen's mother were associated with a higher likelihood of having a false-negative parental report than a concordant report. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that, while estimates of overall coverage based on parental report may be unbiased, the differences in the accuracy of parental report could result in misleading estimates of disparities in HPV vaccine coverage.
On-chip stress compensation on the ZRO of a mode-matched MEMS gyroscope

Compensating the effects of external stress on a three-fold symmetric mode-matched z-axis silicon-on-insulator (SOI) MEMS gyroscope is shown to reduce long term drift for the first time. The stress sensors consist of released SOI resistors connected in a Wheatstone bridge configuration. The gyroscope is ovenized within 300 K ± 20 mK using an external heater and an on-chip temperature sensor to suppress the environmental temperature effects. The in-house vacuum packaged SOI-MEMS gyroscope is mode matched by operating both drive and sense in feedback. Allan deviation analysis of the gyroscope with on-chip stress compensation shows an order of magnitude improvement on long term stability compared to an uncompensated gyroscope.
A Fiber-Based Heat Transfer Element for Modeling the Thermal Response of Structural Members Subjected to Fire

This paper presents a novel type of heat transfer finite element that can be used to capture the three-dimensional thermal response of structural beams and columns subjected to realistic fire conditions. The element is a 3-node heat transfer element that uses a fiber discretization to account for both transverse and longitudinal temperature variations within a structural member. This fiber heat transfer element is explicitly formulated to be compatible with any fiber-based beam-column element in a sequentially coupled thermal-mechanical analysis of structural frames subjected to fire. While the element combines finite element and finite difference approximations of the thermal response, the element equations are in a form that can readily be implemented in an existing finite element analysis program. Because the element is discretized into longitudinal fibers, the fiber heat transfer element can account for temperature-dependent material properties and can also be used to model members comprising more than one material (e.g., steel-concrete composite members). To demonstrate the capabilities of the fiber heat transfer element, analyses are performed on a rectangular steel bar with various types of thermal boundary conditions. Results indicate that the fiber heat transfer element offers excellent accuracy and computational efficiency, making the fiber heat transfer element a valuable tool for modeling the thermal behavior of structural frames in fire.
Spatial stochastic modeling of sedimentary formations to assess CO2 storage potential.

Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) is a technology that provides a near-term solution to reduce anthropogenic CO2 emissions to the atmosphere and reduce our impact on the climate system. Assessments of carbon sequestration resources that have been made for North America using existing methodologies likely underestimate uncertainty and variability in the reservoir parameters. This paper describes a geostatistical model developed to estimate the CO2 storage resource in sedimentary formations. The proposed stochastic model accounts for the spatial distribution of reservoir properties and is implemented in a case study of the Oriskany Formation of the Appalachian sedimentary basin. Results indicate that the CO2 storage resource for the Pennsylvania part of the Oriskany Formation has substantial spatial variation due to heterogeneity of formation properties and basin geology leading to significant uncertainty in the storage assessment. The Oriskany Formation sequestration resource estimate in Pennsylvania ...
Type I (Insulin Dependent) Diabetes Mellitus Is There Strong Evidence for a Non-HLA Linked Gene?

A recent investigation of families containing two and three consecutive generations affected with Type I (insulin dependent) diabetes mellitus has led to speculation that there is a second susceptibility gene, not linked to the major histocompatibility complex. These families differ in important respects from families which have provided the strongest evidence for HLA linkage, namely, families with two or more affected siblings. Computer simulations were designed to test the hypothesis that these two types of families were drawn from the same population of insulin dependent patients. The results indicate that this hypothesis is tenable and that the consecutive generation families probably failed to yield strong evidence for an HLA linked susceptibility gene because of ascertainment bias combined with probable incorrect specifications of the mode of inheritance of insulin dependent diabetes.
Reactions to anti-male sexism claims: The moderating roles of status-legitimizing belief endorsement and group identification

Men increasingly identify as victims of gender discrimination, but it is unclear how people react to men who claim to be victims of gender bias. We examined how status-legitimizing belief endorseme...
Nitrate reduction pathways on Cu single crystal surfaces: Effect of oxide and Cl−

Abstract The origin of different nitrate reduction activity between the (100), (111), and (110) faces of Cu is examined using vibrational spectroscopy and calculations. Shell isolated nanoparticle enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS) reveals a suite of intermediates from the nitrate reduction process on Cu(100), Cu(111), and Cu(110) including NO 2 − and HNO. All three faces show similar intermediates, suggesting the same mechanism is operative on all of them. Critical to the reduction pathway on the bare Cu surfaces is the reduction of nitrate to nitrite concomitant with partial oxidation of the Cu surface. This priming action facilitates nitrate reduction and reduces overpotentials, particularly on the Cu(111) and Cu(110) faces, which are more susceptible to oxidation. Decoration of the surfaces with Cl − suppresses nitrate reduction, resulting in higher overpotentials and lower current density. NH 3 is observed by SHINERS as a direct nitrate reduction product in the presence of Cl − , rather than NO x species observed on the bare Cu surfaces, indicating a reaction pathway unique from the bare, undecorated surface.
Pathophysiology of the Failing Heart

Cardiac (or myocardial) failure of acute onset or of chronic duration is the result of a structural and/or biochemical remodeling of the myocardium. This, in turn, compromises the contractile performance of the myocardium. The hypertrophic growth of myocytes and the architectural transformation of ventricular chamber size and shape--while initially useful compensatory responses--do not prevent the inevitable appearance of pump failure where oxygen delivery to the metabolizing tissues becomes inadequate. Indeed, the severity of cardiac failure can be judged from the level of oxygen consumption that elicits this state of impaired oxygen supply and demand. A better understanding of the mechanical behavior of the ventricular chamber, including its elastic and resistive properties, together with recent advances in our ability to measure instantaneous ventricular pressure and volume, may prove useful in identifying pathologic features of hypertrophy and dilatation in individual patients. In grading the severity of failure and comparing groups of patients, a normalization of the mechanical parameters by differences in chamber size, shape, and mass is necessary. Symptomatic cardiac failure, based invariably on inadequate oxygen delivery and/or pulmonary congestion, is more commonly the result of ventricular systolic dysfunction. Abnormalities in diastolic function, including ventricular relaxation and filling, while less common and often associated with preserved systolic pump function, do occur. Finally, it must be recognized that the failing ventricle carries an additional hydraulic load that arises from the arterial circulation to which it is coupled.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)