cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epilogue: Professional Cooperation and Rivalry in the Future of Data-Driven Healthcare

To the extent that technologists in fields such as machine learning can develop their own distinct professional identity, steps toward the digitization of health monitoring and even diagnosis and treatment are likely to advance the triple aim (improving quality, cutting cost, and increasing access to care). However, as historians and sociologists of the professions have shown, such an identity is hard to achieve. It will require mandatory education and ethical rules (with enforceable penalties for violations) designed to apply legal and medical principles of confidentiality, informed consent, and other norms to processes of medical data collection, analysis, and use. Standards to balance privacy and trade secrecy against scientific demands for open data and replicability will be critical. As technologists develop such standards, they should work with — rather than try to replace — the physicians, attorneys, and other professionals whose long experience with fiduciary and other obligations can inform the development of socially responsible data practices.
Innovative Informatics Approaches for Peripheral Artery Disease: Current State and Provider Survey of Strategies for Improving Guideline-Based Care

Abstract Objective To quantify compliance with guideline recommendations for secondary prevention in peripheral artery disease (PAD) using natural language processing (NLP) tools deployed to an electronic health record (EHR) and investigate provider opinions regarding clinical decision support (CDS) to promote improved implementation of these strategies. Patients and Methods Natural language processing was used for automated identification of moderate to severe PAD cases from narrative clinical notes of an EHR of patients seen in consultation from May 13, 2015, to July 27, 2015. Guideline-recommended strategies assessed within 6 months of PAD diagnosis included therapy with statins, antiplatelet agents, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, and smoking abstention. Subsequently, a provider survey was used to assess provider knowledge regarding PAD clinical practice guidelines, comfort in recommending secondary prevention strategies, and potential role for CDS. Results Among 73 moderate to severe PAD cases identified by NLP, only 12 (16%) were on 4 guideline-recommended strategies. A total of 207 of 760 (27%) providers responded to the survey; of these 141 (68%) were generalists and 66 (32%) were specialists. Although 183 providers (88%) managed patients with PAD, 51 (25%) indicated they were uncomfortable doing so; 138 providers (67%) favored the development of a CDS system tailored for their practice and 146 (71%) agreed that an automated EHR-derived mortality risk score calculator for patients with PAD would be helpful. Conclusion Natural language processing tools can identify cases from EHRs to support quality metric studies. Findings of this pilot study demonstrate gaps in application of guideline-recommended strategies for secondary risk prevention for patients with moderate to severe PAD. Providers strongly support the development of CDS systems tailored to assist them in providing evidence-based care to patients with PAD at the point of care.
Early readmission and reoperation characteristics of ambulatory hypospadias repair

Summary Introduction and Background Hypospadias is a common birth defect. It is present in about 34.2 in 10,000 live births in North America. However, few studies have evaluated the immediate reoperation and readmission rates following elective repair. Objective This study aimed to define the rates of readmission and reoperation following elective hypospadias repair, to improve pre-operative counseling on risks of the procedure. Study design The Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) was interrogated from 2004 to 2015 for all elective hypospadias repairs (ICD-9-CM code 58.45) performed in the ambulatory surgical setting. The following were then determined: age at initial operation, insurance status, race, presence or absence of readmission or reoperation within 30 days, presence of repeat hypospadias repair (same ICD-9 code), and presence or absence of another urethral operation (ICD-9 CM code 58.XX, excluding 58.45). Mixed effects logistic regression were then performed with dependent variables of 30-day repeat encounter, 30-day emergency department (ED) visit, 30-day readmission, or 30-day reoperation; and independent variables of age, race, ethnicity, and insurance status. Results The study identified 45,264 hypospadias repairs during 2004–2015 performed in 43 hospitals. Within 30 days of the procedures, 2826 (6.2%) had additional encounters in the ED at the same facilities, and 546 (1.2%) had readmissions. A total of 105 (0.2%) underwent second anesthetic within the first 30 days. With regards to a 30-day repeat encounter, odds of repeat encounter were significantly increased in patients aged Discussion This study described the epidemiology of clinical events occurring at the same tertiary children's hospital within the first 30 days following more than 45,000 hypospadias repairs. Limitations included a cohort generated from a single set of ICD-9 codes. Conclusions Elective hypospadias repair had a low rate of readmission (1.2%) and reoperation (0.2%) within the first 30 days. Patients aged
On Handling Singularities in Finite Elements

In the practice of the Boundary Element Method, a basic task involves the quadrature over a quadrilateral or triangle of an integrand function which has a singularity of known form at a vertex. A not uncommon situation is that this quadrature has already been studied in depth for the standard triangle or the square, and all that is now necessary is to apply the known results in the context of a different triangle or parallelogram, one that has been obtained from the standard region by an affine transformation.
Of mice and monkeys: Quantitative genetic analyses of size variation along the dental arcade

We present preliminary results from quantitative genetic analyses of tooth size variation in two outbred pedigreed populations, baboons and mice. These analyses were designed to test the dental field theory as proposed by Butler (1939), that there are three fields within the dentition: incisor, canine, and molar. Specifically we estimated the genetic correlation between pairs of linear size measurements. Results from the baboon analyses suggest that there may also be a premolar field that is only partially independent of the molar field proposed by Butler (1939). Analyses of the mouse data indicate that for mice, size variation in the incisors appears to be genetically independent of molar size. If the field theory is correct, future analyses on incisor data for the baboons will return similar results of genetic independence. Circumstantial evidence from the fossil record suggests that there will be at least some degree of independence between the anterior and postcanine dentitions of primates.
Schrödinger Operators in the Low Energy Limit: Some Recent Results in L2(R4)

For a Schrodinger operator H = -Δ + V in L 2 (R 4 ) results on H in the low energy limit are given in the form of asymptotic expansions of (H - ζ) −1 as ζ → O.
Diagnosis, Classification, and Management of Pediatric Tracheobronchomalacia: A Review.

Importance Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) describes an increased collapsibility of the trachea and bronchi that is greatest on forced expiration. A broad term, TBM encompasses intrinsic tracheal weakness, some forms of tracheal deformation, and extrinsic compression. Tracheobronchomalacia is the most common congenital tracheal anomaly, affecting 1 in 2100 children. Tracheobronchomalacia is often associated with recurrent and prolonged respiratory tract infections, can lead to chronic lung disease, and can be fatal in its most severe form. Tracheobronchomalacia is often associated with other congenital anomalies and syndromes. Observations There is a paucity of information on TBM treatment in the modern otolaryngology literature. The primary treatment modalities described include tracheotomy, tracheal stents, and anterior aortopexy. In this review, a new TBM classification scheme and new treatment strategies are introduced to the otolaryngology literature. Diagnosis is made through history and physical examination, dynamic airway computed tomography, and dynamic 3-phase tracheobronchoscopy. Medical management includes nebulizer treatments, minimal use of inhaled corticosteroids, gastroesophageal reflux disease therapy, and continuous positive airway pressure. Surgical techniques, including anterior and posterior tracheobronchopexy and anterior and posterior aortopexy, are described. Conclusions and relevance Tracheobronchomalacia is an entity of relevance to pediatric otolaryngologists and should be considered as being associated with respiratory distress, stridor, cough, recurrent pneumonia, or feeding difficulties, especially in children with syndromes or other congenital anomalies. A multidisciplinary approach to these patients is essential. A classification scheme facilitates discussion of individual patients among health care professionals and guides appropriate management. Novel surgical approaches for the treatment of TBM, including anterior and posterior tracheopexy and aortopexy, may be considered in management of the treatment of children with symptomatic TBM.
From persecutors to protectors: Human rights and the F&M Global Barometer of Gay RightsTM (GBGR)

Sexual minorities are the most vulnerable minorities on the planet. Their existence challenges cultural norms, traditions, and power structures. They have been treated as social pariahs and scapego...
Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Surgical Approaches to Bilateral Vocal Fold Immobility.

Objectives Bilateral vocal fold immobility (BVFI) is a rare and life-threatening condition in which both vocal folds are fixed, resulting in airway obstruction associated with life-threatening respiratory compromise. Treatment of BVFI is largely surgical and remains an unsatisfactory compromise between voice, breathing, and swallowing. No comparisons between currently employed techniques currently exist. We sought to employ computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling to delineate the optimal surgical approach for BVFI. Methods Utilizing clinical computed tomography of BVFI subjects, coupled with image analytics employing CFD models and subject pulmonary function data, we compared the airflow features in the baseline pathologic states and changes seen between endoscopic cordotomy, endoscopic suture lateralization, and posterior cricoid expansion. Results CFD modeling demonstrated that the greatest airflow velocity occurs through the posterior glottis on inspiration and anterior glottis on expiration in both the normal condition and in BVFI. Glottic airflow velocity and resistance were significantly higher in the BVFI condition compared to normal. Geometric indices (cross-sectional area of airway) were lower in posterior cricoid expansion surgery when compared to alternate surgical approaches. CFD measures (airflow velocity and resistance) improved with all surgical approaches but were superior with posterior cricoid expansion. Conclusion CFD modeling can provide discrete, quantitative assessment of the airflow through the laryngeal inlet, and offers insights into the pathophysiology and changes that occur after surgery for BVFI. Level of evidence NA. Laryngoscope, 130:E57-E64, 2020.
Isn’t It Time for Youth Services Instruction to Grow Up? From Superstition to Scholarship

The overarching assessment of youth services rendered by Leslie Edmonds in 1987 remains largely true today: that its most influential force remains not research, or evidence, or constant profession...
Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My or Redskins and Braves and Indians, Oh Why: Ruminations on Mcbride V. Utah State Tax Commission, Political Correctness and the Reasonable Person

American Indian mascots have been used by High Schools, Colleges and Professional sports teams for decades. Such use of monikers and mascots that depict Native American images and stereotypes have come under intense criticism in the past decade. Despite the outcry, a few professional sports teams and major Division I institutions continue to stubbornly persist in using derogatory and offensive nicknames and stereotypes for their athletic competitors. This article urges those stubborn institutions and professional sports teams to reconsider the use of names and monikers that demean and disparage. By reconsidering the reasonable person standard, examining recent caselaw, and discussing the political correctness backlash, the article suggests a different path and a better way to recognize athletic prowess.
Disciplinary Socialization in Undergraduate STEM Students

When students select their major, they also indirectly choose to become a part of a new disciplinary community. How they elect to engage and interact with this community can have significant impacts in their persistence in their chosen major, as well as the quality of their experience. However, little is known about disciplinary socialization, the process by which students learn the customs, behaviors, and values of their disciplines, at the undergraduate level. This research proposal aims to begin the process of bridging this gap in knowledge by exploring the experiences of STEM students as they progress throughout their degrees from first year through to graduation. This work seeks to investigate how disciplinary socialization affects students throughout their progression in their chosen degree program, as well as how disciplinary socialization experiences subsequently affect students’ engagement as a member of their disciplinary community.
Effect of Electron Beam Irradiation and Storage on the Quality Attributes of Sausages with Different Fat Contents

Sausages with different fat contents (16 or 29%) were purchased from local stores, vacuum- packaged in oxygen-impermeable bags, and irradiated at 0 or 5 kGy using a linear accelerator. The changes in quality attributes of irradiated sausages were deter- mined during storage at 4°C. The 2-thiobarbituric acid- reactive substance values of sausages were not affected by fat content but were increased after irradiation (5 kGy). Storage for 60 d increased the 2-thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance values of nonirradiated sausag- es (P < 0.05) but had no effect on irradiated sausages. The numbers of volatile compounds and the amounts of total volatiles were increased by irradiation in both the high-fat (29% fat) and low-fat (16% fat) sausages. Di- methyl sulfide was detected only in irradiated sausages, regardless of fat content (P < 0.05), but it disappeared after 60 d of storage. Pentane and 1-heptene were de- tected only in irradiated samples after 60 d of storage. Low-fat sausages had greater L* values, but had lesser a* and b* values than high-fat sausages. Irradiation and storage had little effect on either the exterior or interior color (L*, a*, and b* values) of sausages. Fat content had no effect on the sensory variables of sau- sages, regardless of irradiation and storage. However, irradiated sausages had significantly stronger off-odors and off-flavors than nonirradiated sausages regardless of fat content (P < 0.05). This indicated that fat con- tent in sausages had a minimal effect on the quality of irradiated sausages during storage.
Indonesian socialism of the 1950s: from ideology to rhetoric

From 1945 until 1965, virtually all Indonesian political parties claimed to follow some version of socialism. What did ‘socialism’ mean in this context, though? In economics, party platforms promot...
Addition of small-bowel transit scintigraphy to gastric emptying for assessment of patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms.

Background Dyspeptic symptoms are not well correlated with gastric emptying (GE) results. Aims To determine (a) prevalence of delayed SB transit (SBT) in patients undergoing GE scintigraphy for symptoms of gastroparesis; (b) symptoms associated with delayed SBT. Methods Patients with symptoms of gastroparesis underwent combined GE and SBT scintigraphy (GES/SBTS). Patients ingested a mixed solid (S)-liquid (L) meal with egg whites labeled with 500 µCi Tc-99 m sulfur colloid and water with 125 µCi In-111 DTPA. Retained S and L gastric activity and percent of L In-111 activity in terminal ileum (TI) and/or cecum/colon at 6 h were determined. Patient Assessment of Gastrointestinal Symptoms (PAGI-SYM) assessed symptoms from 0 (none) to 5 (very severe). Key results Of 363 patients, 174 (47.9%) had delayed S GE, 141 (38.8%) delayed L GE, and 70 (19.3%) delayed SBT. Delayed SBT was seen in 24 (6.6%) with normal S GE and 46 (12.7%) with delayed S GE. Patients with isolated delayed SBT had highest symptom scores for postprandial fullness (3.5), stomach fullness (3.4), nausea (3.2), bloating (3.2), compared to isolated delayed S GE who had highest symptom scores for postprandial fullness (3.7), nausea (3.6), stomach fullness (3.4), and early satiety (3.3). Conclusions & inferences Delayed SBT occurred in 19.3% of dyspeptic patients using GES/SBTS. While postprandial and stomach fullness were common to both delayed S GE and delayed SBT, early satiety was associated with delayed S GE whereas bloating was associated with delayed SBT. Thus, SBTS can augment GES to help explain some symptoms associated with dyspepsia and suspected gastroparesis.
Embodied Consciousness Theory

The mysterious phenomenon of consciousness, after having been the subject of philosophic attention for few millennia, has drawn much scientific curiosity in recent decades; and many brilliant minds of various areas of sciences are trying to throw some light on it. Present neuroscience knowledge allows envisioning the neural processes behind the physical aspects of consciousness, however what may be behind the experiences of it, which has no physical insignia, has remained a mystery despite the grounds gained in recent well received efforts: monumental endeavors concluding in the known theories such as global workspace theory (GWT) [1] and integrated information theory (IIT) [2], fall short of providing a solid theory for consciousness: the former proposes a simple hypothesis concerning the neural basis of 'making a conscious mental effort,' and the latter, assuming 'experience to be an intrinsic property of the brain,' formulates how it is transitioned, through certain information based neural activity, to its physical substrate. Present work puts forward a theory of consciousness, rooted in the simple and straightforward implications of the computational operation of the brain which is consistent with well known facts and recent findings, which indicates presence of motor cortex activity in relaying conscious experiences. Despite simplicity, the theory provides fundamental basis for physicalism [3], as well answers for some Meta level problems of consciousness.
Introduction to the special issue: queer and trans people’s experiences of sexual violence

We, the guest editors, have come to the topic of queer and trans experiences of sexual violence from different paths even though we started our careers in Psychology at the same institution (Rock C...
Connexinplexity: The spatial and temporal expression of connexin genes during vertebrate organogenesis

Animal development requires coordinated communication between cells. The Connexin family of proteins is a major contributor to intercellular communication in vertebrates by forming gap junction channels that facilitate the movement of ions, small molecules, and metabolites between cells. Additionally, individual hemichannels can provide a conduit to the extracellular space for paracrine and autocrine signaling. Connexin-mediated communication is well appreciated in epithelial, neural, and vascular development and homeostasis, and most tissues likely use this form of communication. In fact, Connexin disruptions are of major clinical significance contributing to disorders developing from all major germ layers. Despite the fact that Connexins serve as an essential mode of cellular communication, the temporal and cell-type specific expression patterns of connexin genes remain unknown in vertebrates. A major challenge is the large and complex connexin gene family. To overcome this barrier, we probed the expression of all connexins in zebrafish using single-cell RNA-sequencing of entire animals across several stages of organogenesis. Our analysis of expression patterns has revealed that few connexins are broadly expressed, but rather, most are expressed in tissue- or cell-type-specific patterns. Additionally, most tissues possess a unique combinatorial signature of connexin expression with dynamic temporal changes across the organism, tissue, and cell. Our analysis has identified new patterns for well-known connexins and assigned spatial and temporal expression to genes with no-existing information. We provide a field guide relating zebrafish and human connexin genes as a critical step towards understanding how Connexins contribute to cellular communication and development throughout vertebrate organogenesis.
Clinical Incidence and Prevalence: Basic Data on the Current Scope of the Problem

The incidence and prevalence of TOS in the US is somewhat of an enigma, largely due to the absence of objective criteria for diagnosis and inconsistent reporting standards, but there are approximately 2,000 to 2,500 first rib resections performed in the US per year. This is a disease of younger individuals that has significant impact on the working cohort and can lead to significant disability and lost productivity if not recognized and treated. Surgery done for TOS in the United States is performed mostly for neurogenic reasons, and with excellent outcomes as a whole. Morbidity and mortality is minimal, and the majority of operations are being performed by vascular surgeons. The best outcomes are found in centers of higher volume and in teaching institutions. A better understanding of the incidence and prevalence of this condition will help the primary care physicians who initially hear about vague complaints and symptoms and must recognize these quickly enough to refer to the appropriate specialist for prompt therapy.
Anthropometric sizing and fit testing of a single battledress uniform for U.S. Army men and women

Women in the U.S. Army currently wear field uniforms that were designed and sized for men. Downsizing the male patterns to fit women has accentuated the fitting problems caused by sexually dimorphic body proportions. Thus, female body dimensions must be considered in the design and sizing of Army field clothing. The integrated sizing system for men and women presented here was derived mathematically from the U.S. Army's anthropometric data base. Key sizing dimensions were established by selecting those variable pairs which minimize within-size variations of other body dimensions important to garment design. Design values for additional body dimensions critical to garment fit were calculated from regression equations that used the key sizing variables to predict the dimensions of the largest individual who will wear each size. Appropriate ease was added to these nude body dimensions to arrive at an empirically defined grading system. Fitting trials will test the hypothesis that this anthropometric sizing program can provide an adequate fit for both Army men and women.
Risk-averse online learning under mean-variance measures

We study risk-averse multi-armed bandit problems under mean-variance measures. We consider two risk mitigation models. In the first model, the variations in the reward values obtained at different times are considered as risk and the objective is to minimize the mean-variance of the observed rewards. In the second model, the quantity of interest is the total reward at the end of the time horizon and the objective is to minimize the mean-variance of the total reward. Under both models, we establish asymptotic as well as finite-time lower bounds on regret and develop online learning algorithms that achieve the lower bounds.
Are offspring of women with hereditary hematologic disorders at increased risk of congenital cardiovascular malformations

Hereditary hematologic disorders (HHD) have been reported in excess among infants and families of infants with congenital cardiovascular malformations (CCM) compared with controls, suggesting possible common pathogenetic mechanisms. It is plausible that hemodynamic changes during pregnancy associated with HHD could affect cardiac morphogenesis. To investigate whether offspring of women with selected HHD have an excess risk of CCM, the authors examined data from a nationwide birth defects monitoring program (BDMP) covering about 2.9 million births in the United States between 1982 and 1988. The system ascertains major birth defects diagnosed in the newborn period. An anonymous linkage procedure linked maternal obstetric records with newborn records using demographic, diagnostic, and geographic variables. A total of 1,239 mothers were identified with selected HHD (47 hereditary spherocytosis, 575 thalassemias, 310 sickle cell anemia, 88 other hereditary hemolytic anemias, 159 von Willebrand disease, and 60 other congenital coagulapathies). In all, 14 infants received a newborn discharge diagnosis of CCM (expected number based on population rates of CCM from the same hospitals and time period is 7.74; P = 0.0268). No single CCM entity accounted for this excess. In contrast, 8 infants had major non-CCM defects (expected number 7.46; P = 0.466). These data suggest an excess risk of CCM among offspring of women with selected HHD. Further studies are needed to explore these findings and to evaluate the pathogenetic significance of this association.
The Association Between Earnings Sensitivity Measures and Market Determined Risk Exposures: The Case of Oil Price Risk for Petroleum Refiners

Using a sample of petroleum refining firms, this paper provides evidence that earnings sensitivity measures analogous to those mandated by the SEC's (1997) new market risk disclosure rules are positively associated with stock market determined oil price exposures. We also find that earnings sensitivity measures are useful in predicting future stock market determined oil price exposures. Because sensitivity disclosures under SEC (1997) are either unavailable or cross-sectionally not comparable at the present time, this study constructs proxies for earnings sensitivity measures using extant information. Hence, we view our study as providing early evidence on the risk-relevance of the newly mandated earnings sensitivity disclosures.
Survival following early hormone therapy for men with rapid PSA doubling time within 2 years following radical prostatectomy

5065 Background: Early hormonal therapy has been used in the salvage setting for men with biochemical recurrence following radical prostatectomy (RP), but no studies to date have been able to evalu...
Topological foundations of large scale systems analysis and design

The authors examine the theory of topological spaces that has proved to be useful for analysis, design, and pattern recognition of multidimensional large-scale systems. Those spaces are finite or locally finite. It is proved that any TW-complex, TCW-complex, or simplicial complex K is a T/sub 1/-discrete space. >
Fighting Nature: An Analysis and Critique of Breed-Specific Flourishing Arguments for Dog Fights

Social science literature on dog fighting illustrates an important element in the discourse of dog fighters, namely patriarchy. However, it has not addressed another common element, namely flourishing. According to this element of that discourse, some dog breeds are born to fight, and therefore dog fighters are helping them achieve their best lives. This argument is explicitly made by dog fighters, and it is inadvertently supported by those trying to give other dogs breed-specific flourishing, and those who advocate for breed-specific legislation. This poses a problem for advocates of using flourishing to understand animal welfare, particularly if they use kinds (like species and breed) to determine what counts as a flourishing life for a particular nonhuman animal. I argue that we can keep a slightly weakened version of breed-specific flourishing as a starting place for understanding individual dogs without endorsing sport fighting or breed-specific legislation for “vicious” breeds of dogs.
Interaction involvement and the use of referential and formal anaphora in conversation.

This study examined whether there are different cognitive burdens associated with the use of referential and formal anaphora in conversation, and whether these differences are systematically exploited by speakers seeking to converse coherently. It was assumed that speakers encountering difficulty in managing the pragmatics of conversation should rely more on the formal anaphoric devices of ellipsis and substitution and less on reference devices to create cohesive ties in their talk. The transcripts of 60 conversations among high-involved and low-involved speakers were coded and analyzed for the use of anaphora. Results indicated that the conversational partners of high-involved speakers used a significantly different pattern of reference and formal cohesive devices than did the conversational partners of low-involved speakers. in addition, this effect was especially pronounced for a low-involved conversational partner. Thus, a pattern of increased use of referential devices and decreased use of formal ana...
Advantages of combining explosion protection techniques for petro-chemical projects

Electrical installations for hazardous areas are subject to major restrictions for equipment, installation and maintenance. Cost reduction on material and human resources is also in this field the major driving force to look for more simplified and less expensive solutions. Combining various explosion protection methods is a popular approach for certain applications, however it is still not fully utilised. Manufacturers of hazardous area equipment are often only able to handle a few protection methods, especially in the field of instrumentation and control. This paper shows that today's hazardous area instrument and control circuits can be laid out as simple as it would be the case for nonhazardous area applications.
OCLC's LS/2000 and SC350 as linked systems

(1986). OCLC's LS/2000 and SC350 as linked systems. Serials Review: Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 53-58.
Merging thermal and microwave satellite observations for a high-resolution soil moisture data product

Based on Bayesian theory, the merged soil moisture data product should have smaller errors than the errors of each of the individual soil moisture products to be merged. From the application point of view, if the accurate coarser resolution microwave soil moisture observations can constrain the errors of the less accurate high resolution thermal soil moisture estimates using the merging approach, then the merged product will broaden the applications of the satellite soil moisture products. This study examines how the selected merging approaches realize the advantages of the merged soil moisture data products.
Stagnation Point Displacement: Control of Losses on a Conically Shaped Aerosol Distributor

A cone was placed just upstream of the second stage of a Two-Stage Circumferential Slot Virtual Impactor in an attempt to uniformly distribute 10 μm aerodynamic diameter (AD) aerosol particles so a circumferential inlet of the second stage, which was located below the cone, could uniformly aspirate aerosol. Large losses were observed near the apex of the cone; however, the losses can be significantly reduced by injecting a small counter-flow jet of sheath flow through the apex of the cone. The jet displaces the stagnation point of the main flow and thereby alters the particle trajectories. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was the primarily tool used to investigate the concept through simulating the effects of different operational conditions such as the ratio of counterflow jet velocity to main flow velocity and the Stokes number. The velocity of the counterflow jet should be approximately 1–2 times the main airflow velocity to achieve low particle losses. The jet becomes asymmetric when the ratio of it...
Correlation of Blood Flow and Systemic Physiology in Mice Tumor Models in Photodynamic Therapy

Blood flow in mice tumor models was measured with Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy and compared to concurrent physiology monitoring. Positive correlations were (not) found between flow and heart (breath) rate during anesthesia periods.
Understanding risk factors and avoiding complications with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Complications and technical failures of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) cause significant morbidity and, occasionally, mortality. An understanding of patient- and procedure-related risks is important for decision making with regard to whether or how ERCP should be performed. Instances in which ERCP is the least clearly indicated are often the most likely to cause complications. Patient-related risk factors include suspected sphincter of Oddi (SO) dysfunction, female sex, normal serum bilirubin, or previous history of post-ERCP pancreatitis, with multiple risk factors conferring especially high risk. Techniquerelated risk factors include difficult cannulation, pancreatic contrast injection, balloon sphincter dilation, and precut sphincterotomy performed by endoscopists of varied experience. Pancreatic stents may reduce the risk of pancreatitis in a number of settings including SO dysfunction. Hemorrhage and perforation are rare and can be avoided with endoscopic technique and attention to the patient’s coagulation status. Cholangitis is avoidable with adequate biliary drainage. Because success rates are higher and complication rates lower for endoscopists performing large volumes of ERCP, ERCP should be concentrated as much as possible among endoscopists with adequate experience. Patients with a high risk for complications may be best served by referral to an advanced center.
Does Instructional TV Make the Grade

ABSTRACT Managers at Michigan State University's extensive ITV operation employ a wide range of evaluative procedures with special emphasis on term‐by‐term telephone interviews to assess student attitudes in television courses. The interview system is explained in some detail for readers interested in initiating relatively inexpensive research techniques. Recent data comparing students in television sections with students in face‐to‐face classroom sections show no significant differences in grades or attitudes toward mediated instruction. These data are applied in varied ways by producers, faculty and administrators to improve instructional television
CD44 and CD44v6 downregulation in clinical prostatic carcinoma: relation to Gleason grade and cytoarchitecture.

BACKGROUND Altered expression of CD44 has been implicated in tumor progression and metastasis in multiple neoplasms. METHODS CD44 expression in archival tissues of prostate carcinoma was examined by immunohistochemistry with monoclonal antibodies against core CD44 and the RNA splice variant CD44v6 (v6). RESULTS Core CD44 expression was reduced in the majority of primary neoplastic foci (n = 94) and loss of expression correlated with increasing Gleason grade. Staining for v6 was absent in most carcinomas and metastases. Expression of core CD44 in pelvic lymph node (n = 27) and bone metastases (n = 21) was significantly reduced. In addition, CD44 expression correlated with cytoarchitecture. Tall columnar tumor cells typically stained positively, yet more rounded cells forming cribiform structures or nests showed reduced expression. All cases of high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia were positive for core CD44 yet, there was decreased expression in cribiform and micropapillary variants. CONCLUSIONS The majority of clinically relevant human prostatic carcinomas and metastases downregulate expression of CD44. Additional studies to determine whether CD44 cell surface expression relates to clinical outcome independent of other established clinicopathologic risk factors are warranted. Prostate 34:162–168, 1998.© 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Electrostatic instability for azimuthal mode number l = 1 induced by electron-neutral collisions in a strongly-magnetized nonneutral electron plasma

We investigate the electrostatic stability properties of a nonneutral electron plasma interacting with background neutral gas through elastic collisions with constant collision frequency νen. The theoretical model treats the electrons as a strongly magnetized fluid (ωpe2ωce2 ⪡ 1) immersed in a uniform magnetic field B0ez, and assumes small-amplitude perturbations with azimuthal mode number l = 1 and negligible axial variation (ϖϖz = 0). The stability analysis, carried out to first order in νenωce ⪡ 1, shows that the real oscillation frequency and growth rate for the l = 1 diocotron mode are given, respectively, by the simple expressions Re ω = ω0 and Im ω = (νenωce)ω0. Here, ω0 = Necrw2B0, where rw is the perfectly conducting wall radius, and N = ∫ d2 x n is the number of electrons per unit axial length. This analysis suggests that a measurement of the oscillation frequency and growth rate for the l = 1 diocotron mode can be used to infer νen, and thereby serve as a sensor for the background neutral pressure.
Punishment by Response-Contingent Withdrawal of an Imprinted Stimulus

Newly hatched ducklinigs were exposed to a moving, imprinted stiulullls; if they followed it, the stimnulus was withdrawn briefly. The tendency to follow gradually declined durinig punishment periods, but it returned to prepunishment amounts whlen punishmnent terminated. This finding attests to the efficacy of withdrawal of reinforcement as a techniquie for behavioral control.
Rapid sensitization to the cardiovascular effects of cocaine in rats

Abstract Effects of repeated daily administrations of cocaine on blood pressure and heart rate were studied in conscious rats. Cocaine (0.03–3.0 mg/kg i.v.) increased blood pressure and heart rate the first time it was administered (day 1) However, the magnitude and duration of the increases in blood pressure caused by cocaine (0.1–3.0 mg/kg) dramatically increased on day 2 and remained (except 1.0 mg/kg dose) at these levels through day 5. Following two drug-free days (days 6 and 7), the increase in blood pressure caused by cocaine (0.1, 0.3 and 3.0 mg.kg) on day 8 was still elevated. Unlike blood pressure, no enhancement in heart rate response to cocaine was observed.
Searching for expertise

It is well established that there is a need to find experts to get answers or advice. A variety of expertise locator tools have emerged to help locate the right person. But there is little systematic study on what people are really looking for when such systems are used and how external factors such as job role may shape that search. We conducted a study of 75 employees who were current users of an expertise locator system. An analysis of the reasons for their search revealed that people in client facing roles are primarily seeking to have a dialog with an expert, while others are just as likely to seek answers to technical questions. We also surveyed various tools for finding experts and found that corporate directories and personal networks were most often cited as alternatives to an expertise locator. We discuss the implications of these results for the design of tools for finding experts and expert knowledge.
Outcome of chronic opioid therapy for non-cancer pain

Potential iatrogenic mood and cognitive declines associated with long-acting opioid therapy were examined in 19 patients receiving long-acting oral opioid medications and compared to ten patients receiving usual care. Pain, mood, and cognitive function were measured before and after achieving stable doses. In addition to reducing pain, long-acting opioid medication reduced anxiety and hostility. No declines in cognitive function were associated with the long-acting opioid medications, and the group receiving long-acting opioid medications showed significant improvement on a measure of psychomotor speed and sustained attention. Both patient groups reported significant reductions in perceived impairment in daily activities due to pain. Treatment responders taking long-acting opioid medications (63%) were taking a significantly lower dose at follow-up than the treatment non-responder group. These findings suggest that long-acting opioid medications can improve mood and do not impair cognitive functioning in patients with chronic non-cancer pain.
Regulation of Hh/Gli signaling by dual ubiquitin pathways

The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway governs cell growth and patterning in animaldevelopment. Malfunction of several pathway components, including the keytranscriptional effector Ci/Gli proteins, leads to a variety of human disorders includingseveral malignancies. Ci/Gli activity is controlled by multi-layered regulatorymechanisms, the most prominent of which is the ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. In theabsence of Hh, Ci/Gli is proteolytically processed into a truncated form that functions asa transcriptional repressor of the Hh pathway. Ci processing is mediated by an SCF(Skip1/Cul1/F-box protein) ubiquitin ligase in which the F-box protein Slimb/β-TRCPbridges Ci to the ubiquitin ligase. Recent studies in Drosophila and mammalian culturedcells have demonstrated that sequential phosphorylation of Ci/Gli by PKA, GSK3, andCKI creates multiple docking sites that can recruit SCFSlimb/β-TRCP, which then promotesCi/Gli ubiquitination followed by proteasome-mediated processing. Recently, an E3ubiquitin ligase con...
The efficacy of 2,3-dimercaptopropanol and D-penicillamine on methyl mercury induced neurological signs and weight loss.

Abstract In order to test the effectiveness of complexing therapy on methyl mercury induced neurotoxicity, female rats were treated for five days with either 2,3-dimercaptopropanol (BAL) or D-penicillamine (DPA) beginning 1 or 12 days after the final dose of methyl mercury hydroxide (MMOH). MMOH was administered orally at a dose of 13.3 mg/kg once each day for 3 successive days. BAL, dissolved in peanut oil, was administered sc in a dose of 30 mg/kg twice each treatment day. DPA was dissolved in water and administered sc in a dose of 1200 mg/kg once each treatment day. Therapy begun 1 day after the last MMOH administration was prior to the appearance of toxic signs but therapy begun 12 days later was after signs had developed. The ability of BAL or DPA therapy to alter the distribution of radio-labelled ( 203 Hg) MMOH was determined. Both DPA and BAL significantly reduced tissue concentrations of mercury when administered beginning 1 day after MMOH, but only DPA was effective in removing mercury from tissues when treatment was begun 12 days after the last dose of MMOH. In a separate experiment when either BAL or DPA therapy was initiated as above 1 day after the last dose of MMOH, the appearance of neurological signs of toxicity was prevented and weight loss was reversed. When therapy was initiated the twelfh day after the last MMOH dose, neither BAL nor DPA was effective in reversing either neurotoxic signs or weight loss. Therefore, therapy is ineffective in reversing neurological signs if it is delayed too long after MMOH administration, even though it is effective in reducing tissue mercury levels.
Variety, prices and food status in low-income households

The basic premise of this paper is that a household receives utility directly from the status of a food composite good which is created by combining a household's skill and creativity in preparing foods, other inputs, and the kinds and amounts of foods available. We proceed to investigate the factors influencing the demand for and prodcution of this composite good. The demand for food status in influenced most by the following characteristics: race, education, houshold size, homeownership, region of household residence and income. Direct price effects were minor. Estimates of a food status production function imply that the production of food status is not much a matter of the quantities of foods consumed but rather the types of food purchased (variety) and the creativity of the homemaker.
An application of multivarilate weighing designs

In contrast to univariate weighing designs, multivariate weighing designs are those designs on which there is a set of n vertors of observations {Y 2k}, where is a matrix of mathematical constants. (X 2k) and (k,i) is plus or minus the identify matrix, or the zero matrix. The best linear unbisased estimator for and its covariance matrix are found. An example of the use of multivariate waitings concerns for determining the thermal expansion of plutonium oxide is given.
Application of Research to Bovine Brucellosis Control and Eradication Programs

Abstract Recent research on brucellosis has resulted in new developments in the broad areas of immunity, diagnosis, and Brucella characterization. Application of these developments is necessary to continue the progress of the control program toward the goal of eventual eradication of bovine brucellosis. Heifer calves vaccinated at three, four, or six months of age with Strain 19 developed an immunity against brucellosis equal to that in heifers vaccinated at eight months or older. Calves vaccinated at two months also developed a serviceable immunity. Application of vaccination at younger ages will practically eliminate persistent vaccinal titers that have caused some inaccuracies in interpretation of standard diagnostic tests. Specificity of several diagnostic tests has been increased considerably, thus increasing our ability to identify the infected animals. Most of these have been used to supplement the seroagglutination tests in problem herds. The card test is being evaluated further by applying it routinely in states that have not attained a modified certified status. Addition of Brucella phage and oxidative metabolic tests to the biochemic and serologic tests will enhance our capabilities of characterizing Brucella responsible for new outbreaks of brucellosis and our ability to contain such outbreaks.
Constitutive Heterochromatin Distribution in Monocentric and Polycentric Chromosomes

Monocentric chromosomes of Vicia faba (2n=12) and polycentric chromosomes of Luzula purpurea (2n=6) and L. multiflora (2n=36) were studied by the C-banding technique. C-positive regions exhibited a restricted distribution in V. faba nuclei and were located near the centromeres of the chromosomes. Each chromosome had both a characteristic number and distribution of C-positive regions permitting homologue identification. L. purpurea and L. multiflora C-bands were much more numerous than those of V. faba and were widely distributed throughout both nuclei and chromosomes. Three distinct constitutive heterochromatin distribution patterns were present in L. purpurea metaphase chromosomes permitting homologous chromosome identification. One of three C-band distribution patterns was also evident in L. multiflora chromosomes.