cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pathway for the Management of Pericardial Disease

Pericardial disease is a broad term that describes a wide range of pathologies. The clinical aspects of pericardial disease encompass acute pericarditis, pericardial tamponade, pericardial effusion, constrictive pericarditis, and effusive-constrictive pericarditis. These disorders differ not only in clinical presentation but also in the timeline of disease development; e.g., pericardial tamponade is commonly an acute, life-threatening event, whereas constrictive pericarditis is a chronic process developing over months to years. Therefore, pericardial disease management is challenging for most clinicians. The evidence base in the field is relatively scarce compared with other disease entities in cardiology. European Society of Cardiology released guidelines for the diagnosis and management of pericardial diseases [1]. Currently, there are no guidelines from American cardiology societies to help clinicians in managing pericardial disease. In this chapter we outline a unified, stepwise pathway-based approach for the management of pericardial disease [2] (Fig. 13.1).
The implications of red rice on food security

Abstract Due to its genetic similarity with commercial rice, red rice is one the most damaging weeds in direct seeding rice systems. Using an integrated approach to estimate the economic, environmental, and food security impact of red rice infestation in the U.S. as an empirical case study, we find that losses under a moderate infestation scenario from 2002 to 2014 amount to 5.7 million tons or 6%, with an environmental cost of $457 million. The resulting production loss in the U.S. is enough to feed 12 million additional people a year. We extend these findings to selected Asian countries where adoption of direct rice seeding is increasing, and estimate that red rice can have significant impacts on global food security.
"GroupMe": Investigating Use of Mobile Instant Messaging in Higher Education Courses.

In this study, the use of the mobile instant messaging (MIM) tool GroupMe was explored in the higher education context. The tool was used to facilitate online course discussions, small group work, and other course communications in face-to-face and online sections of two graduate educational technology courses. Over 900 postings were generated from 29 participants, then coded and analyzed by the researchers. Qualitative data was also obtained through an e-mail follow-up questionnaire. Findings indicate that the MIM platform afforded students opportunities to engage in productive course-relevant conversations and provided additional ways for learners to exhibit online social presence through tool features. Recommendations for the use of MIM to support teaching and learning and suggestions for further scholarly inquiry are discussed.
Prenatal exposure to mercury in relation to infant infections and respiratory symptoms in the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study.

Abstract Background Mechanistic studies support the potential for mercury (Hg) to alter immunity, including via in utero exposure. As yet, there are few prospective studies of in utero Hg exposure and subsequent immune-related outcomes, especially in infancy. Objectives We investigated the association of biomarkers of prenatal Hg exposure and maternal silver-mercury dental amalgams with the occurrence of infant allergy, respiratory infection, and respiratory symptoms in the first year of life. Methods The New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study (NHBCS) ascertained information on infant allergies, infections and symptoms through telephone interviews at 4, 8 and 12 months postpartum and measured total Hg in maternal toenails collected at ~28–30 weeks gestation. Information on maternal fish consumption and presence of dental amalgams was obtained from a questionnaire administered at study enrollment at 24–28 weeks. A total of 1321 NHBCS mother-infant pairs had at least one Hg exposure measure (toenail Hg or information on dental amalgams) and information on dietary fish intake. Generalized linear models and generalized estimating equation models with Poisson regression adjusted for potential confounders (maternal age, level of education, parity, smoking, alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010, infant sex, gestational age, feeding mode, and day care attendance) were used to assess the association between infant outcomes and prenatal toenail Hg levels. We subsetted this analysis on mothers who consumed fish (n = 706) as a measure of in utero methylmercury (MeHg) exposure. Associations between infant outcomes and dental amalgams as a measure of in utero inorganic Hg exposure were assessed among mothers who did not consume fish (n = 218). Results Among women who ate fish during pregnancy, higher maternal toenail Hg concentrations were associated with an increased risk of lower respiratory infections and respiratory symptoms requiring a doctor visit among infants age 9–12 months (relative risk (RR) 1.4 (95% CI: 1.1, 1.9) and 1.2 (95% CI: 1.0, 1.4) respectively), whereas a reduced risk of lower respiratory infections was observed among infants 0–4 months of age (RR = 0.7 (95% CI: 0.5, 1.0). We found little to no evidence of associations of toenail Hg with upper respiratory infections, allergy or eczema at any age to one year. Among infants of mothers who did not consume fish, we found an elevated risk of upper respiratory infections requiring a doctor visit in relation to having dental amalgams during pregnancy (RR = 1.5 (95% CI: 1.1, 2.1)). Overall, weaker associations were observed with lower respiratory infections, respiratory symptoms, and medically confirmed allergies, and there was no association with eczema. Conclusions Our analyses of a US birth cohort, along with prior mechanistic work, raise the possibility that gestational Hg exposure through fish/seafood consumption and dental amalgams may alter respiratory infections and respiratory symptoms in infants.
Toward an Understanding of Peer Influence on Undergraduate Study Abroad Participation

This study explores the role of peer influence on students’ decisions to participate in study abroad. Although previous research has identified many factors that relate to study abroad participation, peer influence represents an underexplored factor for consideration in this line of research. Using the tools of social network analysis, this study finds a small but significant relationship between peer study abroad and a student’s participation in study abroad. Results provide food for thought about the way peers may influence students in their decisions surrounding study abroad, both directly and indirectly. This line of inquiry has important implications for education abroad professionals who seek to leverage peer influence so that students make optimal decisions
Cardiac Tumors: Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Management

Cardiac masses and tumors are a heterogenous group of disorders and include primary tumors (both benign and malignant), metastatic disease, and numerous masquerades such as thrombus. Clinical presentation ranges from incidental discovery on imaging tests ordered for other reasons to life-threatening presentations such as cardiac tamponade, arrhythmia, obstruction, and systemic embolization. Of the available imaging modalities, cardiac MRI is generally the most useful for assessment and helps to delineate the relevant anatomy. Due to the technical difficulties and risk of biopsy of cardiac masses, a presumptive diagnosis is typically made using imaging techniques with surgery serving both a diagnostic and curative role. Because these conditions can vary widely in their management, we recommend early involvement of a multidisciplinary group which should include a cardiologist, cardiac surgeon, and oncologist.
“I See Death Around the Corner”: Black Manhood and Vulnerability in Me Against the World:

This essay uses Tupac Shakur’s Me Against the World as a case study examining how Black male artists use hip-hop music for articulating the racialized vulnerability organizing their manhood. By thi...
Farmland size, chemical fertilizers, and irrigation management effects on maize and wheat yield in Mexico

Farmland size is a key factor in debates over agricultural land use, food security, agrochemical pollution, and the future of smallholder systems. This paper examines relationships between farmland...
Measurement of the in-plane temperature field on the build plate during polymer extrusion additive manufacturing using infrared thermometry

Abstract The process of filament-to-filament adhesion during polymer extrusion additive manufacturing (AM) is critically influenced by temperature distribution around the filament. Direct measurement of temperature distribution around the filament being deposited is, therefore, important for fully understanding this critical process. While past papers have reported side-view (x-z) temperature measurement using infrared (IR) thermography, this paper presents measurement of the in-plane (x-y) temperature field on the build plate during printing of the first layer by infrared thermography. This measurement is carried out from under the build plate. A small part of the build plate is replaced by an infrared-transparent window. In conjunction with an infrared right-angle prism mirror positioned underneath, direct measurement of in-plane temperature distribution is carried out with an infrared camera. With a thin graphite coating on the build plate, in-plane temperature field on the build plate is obtained, whereas experiments without the graphite coating result in direct measurement of the filament temperature distribution. Bottom-view measurements are shown to agree well with side-view measurements. Temperature fields on the build plate are measured as functions of time for single-line and multi-line printing. A few key features revealed by measurements include symmetrical and asymmetrical temperature distributions for single and multi-line printing, respectively, and the thermal influence between lines being limited only to the adjacent line. The in-plane temperature measurement approach complements past side-view measurements, and improves upon our understanding of thermal phenomena during polymer AM.
Extending critical infrastructure element longevity using constellation-based ID verification

Abstract This work supports a technical cradle-to-grave protection strategy aimed at extending the useful lifespan of Critical Infrastructure (CI) elements. This is done by improving mid-life operational protection measures through integration of reliable physical (PHY) layer security mechanisms. The goal is to improve existing protection that is heavily reliant on higher-layer mechanisms that are commonly targeted by cyberattack. Relative to prior device ID discrimination works, results herein reinforce the exploitability of constellation-based PHY layer features and the ability for those features to be practically implemented to enhance CI security. Prior work is extended by formalizing a device ID verification process that enables rogue device detection demonstration under physical access attack conditions that include unauthorised devices mimicking bit-level credentials of authorized network devices. The work transitions from distance-based to probability-based measures of similarity derived from empirical Multi-Variate Normal Probability Density Function (MVNPDF) statistics of multiple discriminant analysis radio frequency fingerprint projections. Demonstration results for Constellation-Based Distinct Native Attribute (CB-DNA) fingerprinting of WirelessHART adapters from two manufacturers includes 1) average cross-class percent correct classification of %C > 90% across 28 different networks comprised of six authorized devices, and 2) average rogue rejection rate of 83.4% ≤ RRR ≤ 99.9% based on two held-out devices serving as attacking rogue devices for each network (a total of 120 individual rogue attacks). Using the MVNPDF measure proved most effective and yielded nearly 12% RRR improvement over a Euclidean distance measure.
Social isolation in Asian Americans: risks associated with socio-demographic, health, and immigration factors.

Objectives The present study examined the factors associated with social isolation in Asian Americans. Three types of social isolation (social isolation from family, social isolation from friends, and overall social isolation), identified by the Lubben Social Network Scale-6, were examined with a sample of Asian Americans representing diverse ethnic groups (Chinese, Asian Indian, Korean, Vietnamese, Filipino, and other Asians) and a broad age range (18-98). Design Using data from the 2015 Asian American Quality of Life Survey (N = 2609), logistic regression models examined how each type of social isolation was predicted by sociodemographic (age, gender, ethnic origin, marital status, education, and perceived financial status), health-related (chronic medical conditions and self-rated health), and immigration-related (proportion of life in the United States and English proficiency) variables. Results The percentage of the sample that fell into the category of social isolation from family, social isolation from friends, and overall isolation ranged from 18.2% to 19.3%. At 36% in the friend category and 33% in the overall category, the Vietnamese sample showed a heightened risk of social isolation. Regression analyses indicated that, for both family and friend categories, individuals who were in the middle-aged group (40-59 years old) and who had limited English proficiency demonstrated higher odds of being isolated. Reflecting relational differences in family and friend networks, the risk associated with unmarried status was specific to social isolation from family, whereas having unmet financial needs was only associated with social isolation from friends. Conclusions The study findings expand our understanding of the multiple domains of social isolation in an understudied population and emphasize the importance of developing prevention and intervention programs to foster social connectedness among Asian Americans. Our findings on risk factors and ethnic variations help identify the groups to be prioritized in intervention efforts and suggest ways to approach them.
Factors Associated With Prescriptions for Branded Medications in the Medicare Part D Program.

Importance Branded products of multisource drugs are frequently dispensed in the Medicare Part D program, increasing costs for the program and patients. Objective To examine the reasons for dispensing branded multisource drugs in Medicare Part D. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study examined claims for multisource drugs with more than 1000 branded claims dispensed in Medicare Part D using Medicare Prescription Drug Event data from a 2017 nationwide random sample of 20% of Medicare beneficiaries. Data were analyzed between January and October 2020. Exposures Justification for branded dispensing as indicated by each claim’s dispense-as-written code. Main Outcomes and Measures Mean Medicare Part D program spending and patient out-of-pocket spending for branded and generic products, and generic vs branded spending discounts in program and patient out-of-pocket spending for each multisource drug. Results Among 169 million claims for 224 multisource drugs, 8.3 million claims (4.9%) were dispensed with a branded product. Among these claims, 4.9 million claims (59.2%) did not have a recorded reason for branded dispensing; 1.4 million claims (16.9%) occurred because of prescriber requests; and 1.1 million claims (13.5%) occurred because of patient requests. If all branded dispensing requested by prescribers had been substituted by the corresponding generics, the projected savings to the Medicare Part D program and Medicare patients were $997 million (56.0%) and $161 million (64.4%), respectively. If all branded dispensing requested by patients had been substituted by generics, the projected savings to the Medicare Part D program and Medicare patient were $673 million (53.4%) and $109 million (55.1%), respectively. Drugs with the highest proportion of branded dispensing by physician or patient request were typically high cost (eg, drugs with above-median frequencies of branded dispensing: mean [SD] discount on generic vs branded, 73.9% [26.9%] for prescriber requests). Conclusions and Relevance Prescribers and patients motivated 30.4% of all branded dispensing of multisource drugs in the Medicare Part D program. Branded dispensing requested by prescribers or patients incurred an incremental annual cost of $1.67 billion to the Medicare program and $270 million to patients when compared with switching to generics. Policy makers should consider ways to discourage prescribers and patients from requesting branded dispensing of multisource drugs because of the higher cost.
Qualitative Survey of Second-Year Respiratory Therapy Students' Experience in a Tele-ICU Clinical Rotation

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, we initiated a new clinical rotation for respiratory care students in a virtual ICU (eICU). During this rotation, students experienced an increase in their baseline knowledge of telemedicine and mechanical ventilation. We hypothesized that qualitative feedback of the clinical rotations would reflect a positive learning experience. Methods: Students from two universities completed clinical rotations in a tele-ICU as a part of an IRB-approved observational study. They completed two, four-hour rotations with a telemedicine RT preceptor (eRT) with experience in the eICU. Students were involved in remote patient assessment, review and interpretation of ventilator waveforms, blood gases, and chest x-rays. Students received an introduction to lung protective ventilation, spontaneous breathing, and broncho-pulmonary hygiene protocols. At the end of the second day of the clinical rotation, students completed a survey which included qualitative questions regarding their experience. Results: In their comments, students stated eRTs provided guidance and created a comfortable learning environment that students would recommend to others. Interaction with tele-ICU RNs (eRN) was described as friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. Students noted the high level of teamwork in the eICU and that they observed quality patient care provided. Students stated that interactions with tele-ICU MDs were educational; however, forty percent of students reported not interacting with eMDs. While some of the students did not interact with staff in the physical ICU, others noted that interactions via telecommunication platforms were positive and friendly. The biggest difference noted between this rotation and in-person rotations was that it is not hands on; however, students stated they were able to focus on technology and learning about ventilator waveforms and mechanics. When asked what it takes to be an effective eRT, a willingness to learn and be involved was described. Students felt it was important to be knowledgeable about technology, modes of mechanical ventilation, and waveforms. Additionally, the students noted it was important to be knowledgeable about diseases and patient-ventilator synchrony. Conclusions: Students’ experience in a virtual ICU was overwhelmingly positive, providing new perspectives on patient care.
THE ROLE OF GESTURE IN CHILDREN'S COMPREHENSION OF SPOKEN LANGUAGE: NOW THEY NEED IT, NOW THEY DON'T

Two experiments investigated gesture as a form of external support for spoken language comprehension. In both experiments, children selected blocks according to a set of videotaped instructions. Across trials, the instructions were given using no gesture, gestures that reinforced speech, and gestures that conflicted with speech. Experiment 1 used spoken messages that were complex for preschool children but not for kindergarten children. Reinforcing gestures facilitated speech comprehension for preschool children but not for kindergarten children, and conflicting gestures hindered comprehension for kindergarten children but not for preschool children. Experiment 2 tested preschool children with simpler spoken messages. Unlike Experiment 1, preschool children's comprehension was not facilitated by reinforcing gestures. However, children's comprehension also was not hindered by conflicting gestures. Thus, the effects of gesture on speech comprehension depend both on the relation of gesture to speech, and on the complexity of the spoken message.
Reversing Field: What Can International Relations Learn from International Law?

International Relations has rediscovered the study of international law in recent years. And yet, this new “IL/IR” scholarship has been highly unbalanced, with political science scholars paying little or no attention to the potential contribution of international legal scholarship, which is seen as excessively formalist and blind to the realities of modern power politics. Ironically, by ignoring what lawyers know about how international law operates, IR scholars themselves unwittingly fall prey to a type of formalism that is insufficiently attentive to the practical realities of how the international legal order works. Happily, IR scholars can remedy these defects by drawing upon the theoretical frameworks and empirical analyses of their counterparts in law. To encourage such an engagement, this paper proceeds in three parts. Part I provides a thumbnail history of the relationship between the disciplines, including their post-war estrangement, the recent rapprochement, and the unbalanced terms of trade between the two disciplines today. Part II sets out a brief primer on the leading theoretical approaches to international law, demonstrating that the common image of international legal scholarship as overly formalistic and blind to political realities is simply incorrect, and that IL scholarship offers important insights into issues that political scientists care about. Part III turns more directly to how international legal thought can advance IR thinking. We identify several concepts – which we call process, power, pluralism, and normativity – that are central to legal analysis but often overlooked or treated differently in IR scholarship. Next, by way of example, we highlight three broad areas of inquiry – the making, interpretation, and enforcement of international law – where international law approaches can make a distinctive contribution to IR scholarship.
The Problem of Double Taxation for American Business Enterprises in China and a Draft Convention for Its Solution

A BRIEF consideration of China's prewar trade with foreign countries generally and of possible postwar trends will be sufficient to indicate the growing urgency of a solution of the problem of taxation confronting American concerns desiring to do business there. In prewar days, first among China's exports was wood (tung) oil, of which she is the world's major source of supply. Next come egg products, in a preserved or dried form, of which China is also the world's biggest producer. Then come bristles, carpet wools and camel's hair from the herds of Mongolia, tungsten and antimony from the Yangtze Valley, of which China has sixty per cent of the world's sup. ply, and musk from the musk deer of Szechuan and Tibet. There are also tin from the mines of Yunnan, camphor, lacquers, vegetable oil, seeds, hand-made embroideries and laces, porcelains.' Among China's imports, cotton goods were first on the list. There followed iron, steel and machinery, electrical equipment, aircraft and accessories, railway materials, motor cars, trucks, buses, chemicals and medicinal preparations, petroleum products, leather goods, paper, cigarettes and leaf tobacco.2 Before the first world war, American trade with China was on a small scale and could not be compared with that of other nations. In 1913, for instance, nearly thirty per cent of China's imports were accredited to Hongkong, of which the bulk was of British or European origin; over twenty per cent came from Japan; sixteen and one-half per cent was accredited to Great Britain direct; and but six per cent represented America's share.3
Some analytic properties of a decay amplitude with final state interactions

We investigate the analytic properties of the simplest single loop Peynman diagrams whose contributions to K → 3π decay depend on both of the independent energy variables. This is done by replacing the two internal double pion lines by fictitious single lines of discrete rest masses λ1 and λ2 and integrating over λ1 and λ2 at the end of the calculation. The analytic properties of the actual amplitude are those of the fictitious amplitude in the limit as λ1 and λ2 independently tend to a value of two pion masses from above. The amplitude has complex singularities and does not satisfy a Mandelstam-type representation. However, a one dimensional dispersion representation with only real cuts does hold in one variable when the other variable is fixed at any real value. We comment briefly on the change in the properties of the amplitude as the K-meson mass increases past the instability point.
Epidemiology and Outcomes of Status Epilepticus in The Elderly

Status epilepticus (SE) is a serious condition of prolonged or repetitive seizures. The annual incidence (86/100,000) of SE in the elderly who are aged 60 and greater is almost twice that of the general population and is even higher in those who are 70 years and older. Either acute or remote symptomatic stroke causes approximately 60% of SE seen in the elderly. SE is associated with a high mortality in the elderly (38%), with a rate approaching 50% in patients older than 80 years of age. Etiology is a strong determinant of mortality in the elderly: mortality approaches 100% in patients with anoxia and 30% in patients with either metabolic disorders, hemorrhages, tumors, or systemic infections. Mortality is almost three times higher in SE associated with acute ischemic stroke than in stroke alone, indicating synergistic effects. Duration of SE is also a factor in mortality. Treatment should be initiated for any convulsive seizure that lasts at least 10 min or is repetitive. An electroencephalogram (EEG) should be promptly obtained so that a diagnosis can be made without delay. Because older patients have a greater likelihood of nondiagnostic findings on routine EEGs, prolonged EEG recordings and inpatient video-EEG monitoring significantly increase the rate of establishing a definitive diagnosis. Nonconvulsive status epilepticus in the elderly is especially difficult to diagnose and should be evaluated with an EEG. Treatment of SE is complicated by altered pharmacokinetics in the elderly. Initial treatments, usually the administration of an intravenous benzodiazepine, have overall success rates of 55% for overt convulsive SE and 14.9% for subtle SE. For refractory SE, little is gained by using additional standard drugs, and general anesthesia with continuous EEG monitoring is recommended.
An S6 kinase activated during liver regeneration is related to the insulin-stimulated S6 kinase in H4 hepatoma cells

Protein kinase activity toward the 40 S ribosomal protein S6 is activated 6-fold in regenerating rat liver following 70% hepatectomy. The kinase is maximally activated within 2 h after surgery, remains active up to 36 h after surgery, and declines rapidly thereafter. The post-hepatectomy S6 kinase activity exhibits structural and functional similarity to an insulin-stimulated S6 kinase in H4 hepatoma cells. Both S6 kinase activities are cAMP- and Ca2+-independent, and have a requirement for [ethylenebis(oxyethylenenitrilo)]tetraacetic acid. The regenerating liver and the insulin-stimulated H4 hepatoma S6 kinase elute at similar positions when sequentially fractionated by anion-exchange and cation-exchange chromatography. Both enzymes migrate at Mr 70,000 on fast protein liquid chromatography Superose 12 gel filtration. In H4 hepatoma cells, activation of S6 kinase activity is reversed by removal of insulin, and the cells can then be restimulated. Freshly isolated hepatocytes from normal animals show low levels of S6 kinase activity which can be stimulated by epidermal growth factor and insulin. Hepatocytes prepared from regenerating liver remnant have constitutively high levels of S6 kinase activity, which is unresponsive to insulin plus epidermal growth factor and which remains elevated at least 2 h in the absence of exogenously added growth factors. These findings demonstrate S6 protein kinase activation in vivo, in the setting of regulated cell growth; as in cultured cells, activation of S6 kinase probably represents an early step in the pleiotypic response elicited by activation of growth factor receptors.
Philosophy — religion — theology

This essay is a (meta)philosophical attempt to clarify the theoretical practice called ‘philosophy of religion’. It proceeds in stages. (1) Beginning with a very broad definition of `religion’, it claims (a) that the religious dimension is not only a necessary and basic topic of philosophy, but also its source, and (b) that all philosophers, in the practice of their life, rely on a basic ‘faith’. If this is true, the question arises as to whether they can abstract from their faith in practicing philosophy. (2) The existing ‘positive’ religions concretize the religious dimension, but it is universally realized and expressed, even in atheistic and agnostic attitudes and convictions. All humans rely on a basic faith. (3) The modern self-conception of philosophy rests on the assumption that because it is autonomous it can separate itself from the lived existence from which it springs. This conception is a dream that has not been and cannot be realized. It must therefore be replaced with a metaphilosophy that respects the faith-based essence of philosophy. (4) Religion (the religious dimension and its concretization in faith) is united with philosophy in at least two ways: (a) as its object, and (b) as the basic condition of the philosophical (re)search. (5) Philosophy is a relatively autonomous element of the self-aware and critical life of philosophers. Its language is simultaneously particular and universal. As an attempt to think in the name of and for all humans, it continues its traditional task. Insofar as it is done at the service of a religious community, it is a particular faith searching for understanding, both of the universe and of itself. In its latter function philosophy can be called theology; in its universal function, it brackets its theological character, though it neither can nor should repress it.
Pulse reflection from a generally dispersive material - TE polarization

The time-domain reflection coefficient for a TE-polarized transient plane wave obliquely incident on the interface between free space and a generally dispersive medium is obtained by computing the inverse temporal transform of the frequency-domain Fresnel reflection coefficient. The result consists of simple functions and a finite number of convolutions of these functions. The result should be useful in time-domain material measurement systems, where the theoretical response of a material is required.
Comparative Evaluation of Micro-Deval Abrasion Test with Other Toughness/Abrasion Resistance and Soundness Tests

This study presents the findings from a research investigation conducted to characterize the toughness/abrasion resistance and soundness of aggregates from 23 sources using the micro-Deval, Los Angeles (LA) abrasion, sodium sulfate soundness, and magnesium sulfate soundness tests. Correlations between the results of micro-Deval test and other tests were explored, and the NCHRP 4-19 study recommendation of maximum loss of 18% in micro-Deval test to characterize good versus poor aggregates was evaluated against the field performance of the aggregate. Also, the effect of aggregate gradation on the loss observed in micro-Deval and LA abrasion tests was studied. Based on the results from this study, the recommendations from the NCHRP 04-19 study appear to be valid for the aggregates evaluated. Also, a high degree of correlation was observed between the size of the aggregate evaluated and the micro-Deval loss, with smaller sized aggregates yielding larger loss. Good correlation was observed between results of sodium sulfate and magnesium sulfate soundness tests, however, no significant correlation was observed between the losses observed in micro-Deval test and either of the two sulfate soundness tests or the LA abrasion test.
Phosphorus Immobilization and Soil Aggregation in Chemically Amended Poultry Litter Used in Corn/Soybean Rotation

Excessive use of poultry litter (PL) on agricultural land is known to cause eutrophication of surface waters. Consequently, both poultry producers and PL users have to meet strict state and federal guidelines on litter storage and land application. This study examined the environmental benefits of adding lime, alum, ferrous sulfate, fly ash (FA), fluidized bed ash (FBA) and soil fix (SF) to PL for immobilizing excess phosphorus (P) while providing sufficient nutrients for proper growth of soybean [Glycine max (L.)] and corn [Zea mays (L.)] on a rotation. Amending PL with lime, alum, SF, FA and FBA significantly (p>0.05) increased corn and soybean yield. In contrast control plots that received a 10-10-10 (N-P2O5-K2) fertilizer showed lower yield and corn quality. Increased yield was observed when PL was amended with lime, alum and ferrous sulfate. Results from a soybean root, shoot, and nodule growth study indicated variability with respect to PL application and amendment use. Smaller size nodules were obt...
Risk for Active Tuberculosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients

Background & Aims: The primary aim of this study was to determine the incidence of active tuberculosis in an inflammatory bowel disease population compared with the general population before the availability of infliximab. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study with the General Practice Research Database from January 1988–October 1997. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease subjects with a minimum of 1 year of follow-up were matched to randomly selected subjects from the remaining population on year of birth (±5 years), sex, and primary care practice at ratio of 1:4. Active tuberculosis was determined by tuberculosis diagnostic codes. The incidence of active tuberculosis in the inflammatory bowel disease population and the relative risk for active tuberculosis in inflammatory bowel disease population compared with the general population were calculated. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to adjust for confounders. Results: There were 16,213 inflammatory bowel disease subjects and 66,512 control subjects. The annual incidence of active tuberculosis was 20/100,000 in inflammatory bowel disease subjects compared with 9/100,000 in control subjects, yielding an unadjusted relative risk for active tuberculosis of 2.36 (95% confidence interval, 1.17–4.74). Adjusting for confounders, corticosteroid use and smoking, the odds ratio of inflammatory bowel disease for active tuberculosis was 1.88 (95% confidence interval, 0.68–5.20). Conclusions: During the pre-infliximab era, inflammatory bowel disease subjects appeared to be at higher risk for active tuberculosis than the general population, with immunosuppressant medications likely the main reason for this increased risk.
Identification of a Small Genetic Region that Encodes Orotate Phosphoribosyltransferase and Orotidylate Decarboxylase in Drosophila melanogaster

A variety of tests indicate that a small genetic region in chromosome 3R encodes at least a part of the bienzyme complex containing the last two enzymes of the pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway in Drosophila melanogaster, Complex U. Electrophoretic variants of the last pathway enzyme map to this region and both Complex U activities are proportionally reduced in flies heterozygous for specific deficiencies of the region. Complex U mutants have been isolated that lack both activities. Characteristics of these mutants are discussed relative to other pyrimidine pathway mutants known in Drosophila melanogaster and in mammals.
The asymptotic variance and skewness of maximum likelihood estimators using Maple

In 1998, Bowman and Shenton introduced an asymptotic formula for the third central moment of a maximum likelihood estimator of the parameter θα, a = 1, 2, …, s. From this moment, the asymptotic skewness can be set up using the standard deviation. Clearly, the skewness, measured in this way is location free, and scale free, so that shape is accounted for. The computer program is implemented by insertion of the values of expectations of products of logarithmic derivatives, a tiresome task. But now using Maple, the only input consists of the values of the parameters and the form of the density or probability function. Cases of up to four parameters have been implemented. However, in this paper we present two- and three-parameter cases in detail. Future improvements in handling Maple may lead to the implementation of the general case. Bowman and Shenton [Bowman, K.O. and Shenton, L.R., 1999, The asymptotic kurtosis for maximum likelihood estimators. Communications in Statistics, Theory and Methods, 28(11), 26...
Relative bioavailability of manganese from a manganese-methionine complex and inorganic sources for ruminants.

Two experiments were conducted to study the relative bioavailability of Mn from a feed grade Mn-Met complex or from two feed grade MnO sources using reagent grade MnSO4.H2O as the standard. In each experiment, 42 crossbred wether lambs were fed one of seven dietary treatments for 21 d and then killed; liver, kidneys, and right metacarpus were removed for MN analysis. In Experiment 1, treatment included the basal diets (34.4 ppm of Mn, DM basis) alone or supplemented with 900, 1800, or 2700 ppm of Mn as reagent grade MnSO4.H2O or feed grade Mn-Met complex. In Experiment 2, the basal diet (31.5 ppm of Mn, DM basis) was fed alone or was supplemented with 900, 1800, or 2700 ppm of Mn as reagent grade MnSO4.H2O or 1800 ppm of Mn as feed grade Mn-Met, feed grade MnO A, or feed grade MnO B. The overall estimated relative bioavailabilities based on multiple linear regression coefficients of bone, kidney, and log-transformed liver Mn concentrations on total dietary Mn concentrations were 100, 121, 70, and 53% for MnSO4.H2O, Mn-Met complex, MnO A, and MnO B, respectively.
Bariatric surgery at the extremes of age

The safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery in adolescents and especially in Medicare population have been challenged. Our aim was to determine short-term (30-day) and long-term outcomes of bariatric surgery in patients>or=60 years and or=60 years and 12 patients or=60 years and all 12 adolescents returned the questionnaire (92%) at a mean of 5 years (range 1-19 years). For patients>or=60 years, 30-day mortality was 0.7%, serious morbidity delaying discharge was 14%, and 5-year mortality was 5%. At a mean of 5 years, body mass index (BMI in kg/m2) decreased from a mean (+/-SEM) of 46+/-1 to 33+/-1 with a 51% resolution of weight-related comorbidities and an 89% subjective overall satisfaction rate. In patients<or=18 years, all with serious comorbidities, there were no deaths and no serious complications. BMI decreased from 55 (range 39-74) to 36 (range 27-53) at 4 years (range 1-8 years). Resolution of weight-related comorbidities was 82%, and satisfaction with outcome was 83%. Thirty-day hospital mortality (<1%) and 5-year mortality (5%) were much lower than reported previously in the senior population, with acceptable morbidity and importantly, with satisfactory outcomes. Bariatric surgery is safe and effective at high volume centers for patients with morbid obesity at both extremes of age.
Calcium-lowering medications in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: intraoperative findings and postoperative hypocalcemia

Abstract Background We analyzed how calcium-lowering medications (CLMs) influenced surgical findings in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of 281 patients undergoing surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism. Logistic regression evaluated the relationship between CLM and surgical findings. A mixed-effects model determined the influence of CLMs on these curves. Results We found that CLM ( P = .018) and a higher serum calcium level ( P = .018) were variables making 4-gland hyperplasia less likely. Analysis of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) plots revealed that CLMs altered the kinetics ( P = .043). However, the 2 groups did not differ in the number of measurements necessary for a 50% decrease in IOPTH levels. Multivariate logistic regression also revealed that patients taking more than one CLM had an increased association with postoperative hypocalcemia ( P = .018). Conclusions Although CLM contributed to differences in IOPTH curves, their use does not require changing standard IOPTH protocol but should alert the surgeon to the risk of postoperative hypocalcemia.
Advances in the Application of X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (ESCA) Part I. Foundation and Established Methods

Abstract X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS or ESCA) has reached a state of maturity in which some of its common uses may be considered routine. There is a danger, however, in the possible over-interpretation of this status. (Consider, for example, the hundreds of incorrect ESCA analyses in high Tc superconductivity.) Thus, although recent advances in instrumentation have simplified general operations, they have also clearly identified a variety of previously undetected or misunderstood features in the technique that seem to suggest the potential of a more powerful analysis tool. These new areas require a much more sophisticated understanding of the photoelectron process and its potential uses. In the present article we provide a description of the background, present status, and possible future uses of some of these features of photoemission spectroscopy, including: (1) the charging shift and Fermi edge referencing, (2) valence band analysis, (3) XPS induced loss spectroscopy, (4) surface-to-bulk chem...
A computer simulation of the electrophoretic separation and detection of the isozymes of creatine kinase

Abstract A program is described, written in BASIC for the Apple II+ Computer, which allows for the simulation of a typical experiment in electrophoresis. The subject of the simulation is the separation and detection of the isozymes of creatine kinase, which are important in the diagnosis of several disorders, including myocardial infarction. The program allows the user to investigate the effects of several variables on electrophoretic mobility and includes simulations of isozyme patterns characteristic of specific pathological conditions.
Obtaining Preliminary Bayesian Estimates of the Value of a Weather Forecast

A PLICATION OF Bayesian decision theory to problems facing agriculture has come during a decade of continually increasing interest in the weather [12]. The National Weather Service spends about 70 million dollars annually observing, analyzing, and forecasting weather phenomena. In addition to the usual general forecasts, specialized forecasts of particular value in local areas are used in agricculture as well as other industries [13, p. 86]. In the future forecasts of specific weather phenomena will undoubtedly become increasingly available, either as a public service from the Weather Service or for sale by private consulting firms. The public forecasting service would want to avoid the cost of issuing forecasts that cannot profitably be used by the clientele in the forecast area. Or farmers purchasing private forecasts would want to avoid paying a price that exceeds their value. Thus, as the capability of issuing forecasts increases, it seems reasonable to assume that agricultural economists will be called upon to estimate their value. The Bayesian decision model would seem to be suited to the task of estimating the value of weather forecasts. The model itself has been extensively developed in the literature [5, ch. 5 and 6; 9; 11, ch. 5; 14; 15]. Its use in price forecasting has been demonstrated by Eidman, Dean, and Carter [7] and Bullock and Logan [1]. Carlson [4] illustrated its use for crop disease forecasting. Byerlee [2] and Byerlee and Anderson [3] have used it to evaluate a long-range weather forecast. Estimates of the production function, the prior probability distribution for weather inputs, and the likelihood function are needed to compute the value of a forecast. The production function would include the random weather variables to be forecast as well as a set of inputs under the manager's control. It would be used to compute the profits from alternative actions and suggest the form of the forecast. Unfortunately, when using Bayesian analysis the information needed to estimate the value of the forecast is the same information needed to
The equalizing solution of the jump linear quadratic problem

When designing an optimal controller for a stochastic system, a difficulty is to take into account the variability of the performance index along different sample paths. The customary averaging approach is not robust in that it does not reflect the distribution of the realized cost, and, using connections with the theory of statistical games, the family of equalizing strategies is analyzed here for the Jump Linear Quadratic problem.
STUDIES ON INFLUENZAL MENINGITIS : II. B. INFLUENZAE-THE PROBLEM OF VIRULENCE AND RESISTANCE.

1. By a suitable bactericidal technique, it can be demonstrated that the virulent S influenza bacillus is completely resistant to the bactericidal action of diluted normal unheated serum. In contrast, the R organism is easily killed when subjected to the action of diluted normal serum. Although this is not a true virulence test, it promises to be a useful substitute when a susceptible animal is not available. 2. The S culture filtrate contains a substance with a strong antibactericidal effect, but the R culture filtrate does not contain this substance. 3. It would appear probable that this antibactericidal substance is identical with, or closely related to the precipitinogen (or soluble substance) which is present only in the culture fluid of the S influenza bacillus. In view, however, of differences in heat stability of the two substances, this question must remain in doubt until a supply of purified precipitinogen is available. 4. Quantitative agglutination, precipitation and bactericidal comparisons between (a) R-absorbed anti-S serum and unabsorbed anti-S serum and (b) anti-S serum and anti-R serum indicate that the agglutinogen is a separate antigen, and the agglutinin a separate antibody, taking no part in the bactericidal action of the antiserum. They also indicate that the precipitin, which is present only in the anti-S serum, is identical with the bactericidal antibody. 5. The relation of the precipitinogen (or soluble substance) to virulence and of the precipitin to resistance is discussed.
Broadband Brightness of the Vortex Core

Applications of optical-vortices require a dark core. Darkness is limited by the bandwidth of the light source, and the degree of spatial and temporal coherence. The on-axis intensity of a spatially symmetric beam is reported here for a broadband light source.