cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spectroscopic orbits of subsystems in multiple stars. III

Spectroscopic orbits are computed for inner pairs in six nearby hierarchical multiple systems (HIP 35733, 95106/95110, 105441, 105585/105569, 105947, and 109951). Radial velocities and resolved measurements, when available, are used to derive combined sets of outer orbital elements for three systems. Each multiple system is discussed individually. Additionally, HIP 115087 is a simple 7.9 day single-lined binary. Although the minimum companion mass is sub-stellar (in the brown dwarf desert regime), it appears to be a 0.2 solar-mass star in a low-inclination orbit.
Early feeding, hypoglycemia and breastfeeding initiation in infants born to women with pregestational diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE To examine the effects of early breastfeeding (eBF) or early formula feeding (eFF) on hypoglycemia and on BF initiation in infants born to women with pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) who intended to BF. METHODS Retrospective cohort investigation of 554 women with PGDM and their infants (IDMs) who delivered during 2008-2016. The first feeding (BF or FF) was considered early if given within 4 hours from birth. RESULTS 282 (51%) IDMs were admitted to the Well Baby Nursery. Of the 134 IDMs whose early feeding was BF, hypoglycemia affected 30% which was corrected with oral feedings in 78% of the cases. At discharge, 49% BF exclusively while 45% BF partially. Of the 148 IDMs whose early feeding was FF, hypoglycemia affected 40% which was corrected with oral feedings in 69% of the cases. At discharge, 14% BF exclusively while 48% BF partially. There were 272 (49%) IDMs admitted to the NICU. Their early feeding was BF (14%) and FF (86%). Hypoglycemia developed in 50% and 43% of these groups, respectively. Benefits of early feedings on hypoglycemia were masked by the routine use of IV dextrose infusions. At discharge, early BF led to exclusive BF in 45% and partial BF in 50% of the cases. Early FF led to exclusive BF in 17% and partial BF in 42% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS Early and continued feeding (BF preferably or FF if BF is not feasible) should be the first line of treatment for hypoglycemia. Early BF is paramount for BF initiation. Early FF is an obstacle, albeit not absolute, to BF initiation, thus it should not deter continued efforts to start or resume BF.
On mapping the diapycnal water mass transformation of the upper North Atlantic Ocean

AbstractDiapycnal water mass transformation is the essence behind the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) and the associated heat/freshwater transports. Existing studies have mostly ...
Sensor Fusion via Statistical Hypothesis Testing for Prognosis and Degradation Analysis

Due to the rapid development of sensing technologies, multiple sensors became available for real-time monitoring of the degradation status of machine systems. With such a wealth of data collected from multiple sensors, researchers have proposed different sensor fusion approaches for prognosis and condition monitoring, thus allowing accurate inference of the remaining useful life (RUL) of machine systems. However, almost no method provides a statistical metric to evaluate the quality of degradation signals for prognosis and condition monitoring. To fill this literature gap, this paper develops a sensor fusion framework to check the reliability of given degradation signals for prognosis and degradation analysis through a series of statistical hypothesis tests. A health index is constructed in the sensor fusion framework to help differentiate between distinct degradation states. Based on the health index, the remaining times to various degradation states are estimated, including the RUL to failure. A published degradation data set of aircraft engines is used to evaluate and compare the prognostic and condition monitoring performance of the proposed method with benchmark methods. Note to Practitioners —This paper aims to real-time forecast the condition of operating units given their real-time multisensor data. In particular, this paper proposes a data fusion framework that fuses the multisensor data to construct a health index signal. The health index is designed to distinguish between any two degradation states during the lifecycle of a unit. Therefore, it can be used to estimate the remaining life to reach any degradation state including failure, which helps to raise early maintenance and safety alarms. The overall procedure can be summarized in the following steps: 1) the architecture of the health index is learned from the multisensor data of historical units that already failed; 2) this architecture is then applied to the real-time multisensor data of an operating unit to construct its real-time health index signal; 3) the real-time health index signal is forecast for future time instances; and 4) for each forecast time instance, the forecast health index value is compared with the historical health index signals to find the most likely degradation state of the operating unit at that time instance. The proposed approach was shown to be effective for applications with a single failure mode.
Examining key hotel attributes for guest sleep and overall satisfaction

IntroductionDespite the fact that hotels provide a venue for sleeping, there is surprisingly little research that has explored sleep among hotel guests. The aim of this study is to identify the rel...
Artificial Intelligence for Response Evaluation With PET/CT

Positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) are nuclear diagnostic imaging modalities that are routinely deployed for cancer staging and monitoring. They hold the advantage of detecting disease related biochemical and physiologic abnormalities in advance of anatomical changes, thus widely used for staging of disease progression, identification of the treatment gross tumor volume, monitoring of disease, as well as prediction of outcomes and personalization of treatment regimens. Among the arsenal of different functional imaging modalities, nuclear imaging has benefited from early adoption of quantitative image analysis starting from simple standard uptake value normalization to more advanced extraction of complex imaging uptake patterns; thanks to application of sophisticated image processing and machine learning algorithms. In this review, we discuss the application of image processing and machine/deep learning techniques to PET/CT imaging with special focus on the oncological radiotherapy domain as a case study and draw examples from our work and others to highlight current status and future potentials.
Repair of Vesicovaginal Fistula at Time of Colpocleisis

Study Objective The objective of this video is to present the surgical management of a large vesicovaginal fistula with ureters presenting through the fistula with concomitant colpocleisis. Design Surgical Video. Setting The patient was placed in the dorsal lithotomy position for the entirety of the surgery. Patients or Participants We present the case of an 83 year-old female with a history of stage IV prolapse who underwent initial treatment with placement of a pessary. After a year following pessary placement, the patient had the device removed and urine was noted to be in the vaginal vault, highly suspicious for a vesicovaginal fistula. Subsequently, the patient had a cystourethrogram confirming a 0.7 × 1 cm vesicovaginal fistula. For further evaluation and surgical planning, the patient underwent an exam under anesthesia and cystourethroscopy. On vaginal exam, the patient was noted to have stage IV prolapse with a large 5 cm vesicovaginal fistula with the ureters clearly visible, approximately 3 cm from the opening of the fistula. Following evaluation, the patient decided to proceed with definitive surgical management. Interventions Vesicovaginal fistula repair at time of colpocleisis. Measurements and Main Results The patient underwent a vesicovaginal fistula repair with concomitant colpocleisis. The case was performed by Urology and Urogynecology in order to preserve ureteral integrity. At the patient's one month follow up, she had no complaints of prolapse or vaginal leaking. She additionally underwent a cystourogram demonstrating no leakage at the site of repair. Conclusion Neglect of a vaginal pessary can lead to serious complications indicating the importance of patient education and careful follow-up. Surgical planning is a key component in effectively managing a vesicovaginal fistula with ureteral presentation in order to preserve ureteral integrity. Concomitant vesicovaginal repair and colpocleisis can be performed safely with effective cure of a vesicovaginal fistula and stage IV prolapse.
Effects of short-term exposure to ambient airborne pollutants on COPD-related mortality among the elderly residents of Chengdu city in Southwest China

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has become a severe global burden in terms of both health and the economy. Few studies, however, have thoroughly assessed the influence of air pollution on COPD-related mortality among elderly people in developing areas in the hinterland of southwestern China. This study is the first to examine the association between short-term exposure to ambient airborne pollutants and COPD-related mortality among elderly people in the central Sichuan Basin of southwestern China. Data on COPD-related mortality among elderly people aged 60 and older were obtained from the Population Death Information Registration and Management System (PDIRMS). Data on airborne pollutants comprised of particulate matter < 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O3) were derived from 23 municipal environmental monitoring sites. Data on weather conditions, including daily mean temperature and relative humidity, were obtained from the Chengdu Meteorological Bureau. All data were collected from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2018. A quasi-Poisson general additive model (GAM) was utilized to assess the effects of short-term exposure to airborne pollutants on COPD-related mortality among elderly people. A total of 61,058 COPD-related deaths of people aged 60 and older were obtained. Controlling the influences of daily temperature and relative humidity, interquartile range (IQR) concentration increases of PM2.5 (43 μg/m3), SO2 (8 μg/m3), NO2 (18 μg/m3), CO (0.4 mg/m3), and O3 (78 μg/m3) were associated with 2.7% (95% CI 1.0–4.4%), 4.3% (95% CI 2.1–6.4%), 3.6% (95% CI 1.7–5.6%), 2.7% (95% CI 0.6–4.8%), and 7.4% (95% CI 3.6–11.3%) increases in COPD-related mortality in people aged 60 and older, respectively. The exposure-response curves between each pollutant and the log-relative risk of COPD-related mortality exhibited linear relationships. Statistically significant differences in the associations between pollutants and COPD-related mortality were not observed among sociodemographic factors including age, gender, and marital status. The effects of O3 remained steady after adjusting for PM2.5, SO2, NO2, and CO each time in the two-pollutant models. Increased concentrations of ambient airborne pollutants composed of PM2.5, SO2, NO2, O3, and CO were significantly and positively associated with COPD-related mortality in the central Sichuan Basin, which is located in the hinterland of southwestern China. The adverse effects of O3 were stable, a finding that should receive more attention.
Valuation Uncertainty and Short-Sales Constraints: Evidence from the IPO Aftermarket

We use the initial public offering (IPO) setting to provide evidence that the combination of valuation uncertainty and short-sales constraints generates significant equity market mispricing. The IP...
Bile acid indices as biomarkers for liver diseases I: Diagnostic markers.

Background Hepatobiliary diseases result in the accumulation of toxic bile acids (BA) in the liver, blood, and other tissues which may contribute to an unfavorable prognosis. Aim To discover and validate diagnostic biomarkers of cholestatic liver diseases based on the urinary BA profile. Methods We analyzed urine samples by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and compared the urinary BA profile between 300 patients with hepatobiliary diseases vs 103 healthy controls by statistical analysis. The BA profile was characterized using BA indices, which quantifies the composition, metabolism, hydrophilicity, and toxicity of the BA profile. BA indices have much lower inter- and intra-individual variability compared to absolute concentrations of BA. In addition, BA indices demonstrate high area under the receiver operating characteristic curves, and changes of BA indices are associated with the risk of having a liver disease, which demonstrates their use as diagnostic biomarkers for cholestatic liver diseases. Results Total and individual BA concentrations were higher in all patients. The percentage of secondary BA (lithocholic acid and deoxycholic acid) was significantly lower, while the percentage of primary BA (chenodeoxycholic acid, cholic acid, and hyocholic acid) was markedly higher in patients compared to controls. In addition, the percentage of taurine-amidation was higher in patients than controls. The increase in the non-12α-OH BA was more profound than 12α-OH BA (cholic acid and deoxycholic acid) causing a decrease in the 12α-OH/ non-12α-OH ratio in patients. This trend was stronger in patients with more advanced liver diseases as reflected by the model for end-stage liver disease score and the presence of hepatic decompensation. The percentage of sulfation was also higher in patients with more severe forms of liver diseases. Conclusion BA indices have much lower inter- and intra-individual variability compared to absolute BA concentrations and changes of BA indices are associated with the risk of developing liver diseases.
Soil salinization accelerates microbiome stabilization in iterative selections for plant performance.

Climate change-related soil salinization increases plant stress and decreases productivity. Soil microorganisms are thought to reduce salt stress through multiple mechanisms, so diverse assemblages could improve plant growth under such conditions. Previous studies have shown that microbiome selection can promote desired plant phenotypes, but with high variability. We hypothesized that microbiome selection would be more consistent in saline soils by increasing potential benefits to the plants. In both salt-amended and untreated soils, we transferred forward Brassica rapa root microbiomes (from high biomass or randomly selected pots) across six planting generations while assessing bacterial (16S rRNA) and fungal (ITS) composition in detail. Uniquely, we included an Add-back Control (re-adding initial frozen soil microbiome) as a within-generation reference for microbiome and plant phenotype selection. We observed inconsistent effects of microbiome selection on plant biomass across generations, but microbial composition consistently diverged from the Add-back Control. Although salt amendment strongly impacted microbial composition, it did not increase the predictability of microbiome effects on plant phenotype, but it did increase the rate at which microbiome selection plateaued. These data highlight a disconnect in the trajectories of microbiomes and plant phenotypes during microbiome selection, emphasizing the role of standard controls to explain microbiome selection outcomes.
Silencing of Aquaporin Homologue Accumulates Uric Acid and Decreases the Lifespan of the Asian Citrus Psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae).

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama is devastating the citrus industry worldwide. It transmits ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’, the pathogen of Huanglongbing in citrus. RNA interference is an excellent tool for functional genomics and for screening target genes for pest control. Herein, we silenced the aquaporin (AQP) gene (DcAQP) homologue in D. citri to study its functionality and whether it could be a good target for a control strategy. AQP is an integral membrane channel protein that aids in the rapid flux of water and other small solutes that move across the lipid membrane. In Hemiptera, it is well established that AQP plays important roles in adjusting to physiological challenges including (1) regulating osmotic stress between the gut lumen and hemolymph after imbibing large quantities of a low nitrogen, sugar-rich liquid diet; (2) avoiding or preventing dehydration and desiccation; and (3) surviving at elevated temperatures. The dsRNA-DcAQP was applied twice to nymphs of the 4th and 5th instars through a soaking technique. Silencing AQP caused a significant increase in nymph mortality. Emerged adults showed malformations and a shorter lifespan. Silencing DcAQP provoked alterations in some metabolites and increased the uric acid content in emerged adults. DcAQP could be a useful target to control D. citri.
The Nature of Disease

This chapter explores the metaphysics of disease, with emphasis on the ways in which concepts of disease reflect what we know in medicine. It considers traditional discussions in the philosophy and history of medicine about the nature of disease, with particular attention to its structure and development. It argues that competing accounts of the nature of disease offer limited yet complementary ways to understand the metaphysical character of disease, thereby resulting in what is called a limited realist approach. As Khushf (1995, p. 465) rightly notes, coming to terms with the tensions between and among diverse ways of conceptualizing disease is perhaps one of medicine’s important goals as it moves into the Third Millennium, a time that promises great strides in our understanding and control of disease1.
Implicit and Explicit Representation

The degree to which information is encoded explicitly in a representation is related to the computational cost of recovering or using the information. Knowledge that is implicit in a system need not be represented at all, even implicitly, if the cost of recovering it is prohibitive. Keywords: representation; implicit knowledge; computation; mechanistic explanation; explicit
Water Resources Management

Water resources management controls water resources systems, that are combinations of constructed water control facilities and natural, or environmental elements that work together to achieve water management. A constructed water resources system, consisting of structural facilities, provides control of water flow and quality and includes facilities for water supply and wastewater management; for drainage of land and control of floods; and for water control in rivers, reservoirs, and aquifers. Examples include conveyance systems (channels, canals, and pipes), diversion structures, dams and storage facilities, treatment plants, pumping stations and hydroelectric plants, wells, and all appurtenances. Natural water resource systems comprise sets of environmental or hydrologic elements in nature that include the atmosphere, watersheds, stream channels, wetlands, floodplains, aquifers and groundwater systems, lakes, estuaries, seas, and the ocean. Keywords: water resources management; water resources systems; structural measures; nonstructural measures; purposes; water supply; wastewater; flood control; hydropower; recreation; navigation; environmental protection
Glutathione S-transferase A. A novel kinetic mechanism in which the major reaction pathway depends on substrate concentration.

Glutathione transferase A has been purified from rat liver. The enzyme catalyzes the conjugation of glutathione with compounds bearing an electrophilic site, especially those in which the electrophilic site is on, or α to, an aromatic ring. The enzyme has a molecular weight of 45,000 and is composed of two similar subunits. Initial velocity, product inhibition, and binding studies indicate a biphasic kinetic mechanism in which the reaction pathway depends on the concentration of the substrates. At high concentrations of GSH, an ordered sequential pathway predominates in which GSH binds first. At low concentrations of GSH, a ping-pong pathway predominates in which the electrophilic substrate adds first. In accordance with a prediction of the general rate equation for the over-all mechanism, the breakpoint in the biphasic double reciprocal plot for GSH saturation was found to shift to lower GSH concentrations as the concentration of the electrophilic substrate was lowered. A numerical rate equation was developed which describes initial velocities over the entire range of substrate concentrations. An appendix presents a method for distinguishing among several formal kinetic mechanisms which yield nonlinear double reciprocal initial velocity plots as a result of multiple reaction pathways.
Structure of Tuberoinfundibular Peptide of 39 Residues

The recently identified natural peptide ligand, tuberoinfundibular peptide of 39 residues (TIP39) for the parathyroid hormone-2 (PTH2) receptor has been structurally characterized by high resolution NMR, circular dichroism, and computer simulations. The structural features of TIP39, determined in the presence of a zwitterionic lipid to mimic the membrane environment of the G-protein-coupled PTH2 receptor, consist of two α-helices, Ala5–Arg21 and Leu26–Val35. Although TIP39 shares limited sequence homology with parathyroid hormone (PTH), a comparison of the structural features of TIP39 and PTH illustrates a similar topological display of residues of the N-terminal helix important for PTH2 receptor activation. The C-terminal helix of TIP39 differs from that of PTH with respect to size and amphipathicity, suggesting an altered mode of binding for TIP39, consistent with the receptor chimera and ligand truncation studies presented in the accompanying paper (Hoare, S. R. J., Clark, J. A., and Usdin, T. B. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 27274–27283). The structural characterization of TIP39 also provides some insight into the lack of affinity of this novel ligand for the PTH1 receptor.
Asian American Art Associations in New York City

When most Americans hear the word “Chinatown,” they think of thousands of Chinese immigrants crowded together in San Francisco or New York City. Chinatowns are more than that. Manhattan’s traditional Chinatown may be the oldest in New York, but it is not the largest. The biggest Chinese community in New York is in Flushing, Queens, where 148,000 Chinese, 70,000 Koreans, and thousands of Southeast and West Asians make up 55% of the borough’s panAsian population. While most immigrants to New York have moved away from their first neighborhood by the third generation, Chinese have tenaciously clung to their Chinatowns since the passage of the racist 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act that had been in effect until 1943 (Lin, 1998). This Act denied thousands of working Chinese men the opportunity to bring their families to America or import brides, thus a bachelor society was created (Waxman, n. d.). After America’s transcontinental railroads were completed in the 1870’s, Chinese workers, derogatively referred to as “coolies” (unskilled day-laborers), were prevented from entering other trades and occupations, including fishing and farming. The unemployed Chinese were stereotyped in newspapers and the penny press as the Yellow Peril and linked with gambling, opium dens, gangs, street crime, and prostitution.
Discrete-time decentralized control using the risk-sensitive performance criterion in the large population regime: A mean field approach

This paper considers a discrete-time decentralized control problem using the risk-sensitive cost function when there is a large number of agents. We solve this problem via mean field control theory. We first obtain an individual robust decentralized controller that is a function of the local state information and a bias term that is related to the mean field term. We then construct an auxiliary system that characterizes the best approximation to the mean field term in the mean-square sense when the number of agents, say N, goes to infinity. We prove that the set of individual decentralized controllers is an e-Nash equilibrium, where e can be made arbitrarily close to zero when N → ∞. Finally, we show that in view of the relationship with risk-sensitive, H∞, and LQG control, the equilibrium features robustness, and converges to that of the LQG mean field game when the risk-sensitivity parameter goes to infinity.
HISTOLOGIC OBSERVATIONS IN ERYTHEMA TOXICUM NEONATORUM

The first histologic description of lesions of erythema toxicum neonatorum is given. It is shown that erythema toxicum neonatorum is related to the pilo-sebaceous follicle. The histologic picture is quite different from that of other rashes considered in the discussion of the clinical differential diagnosis. The papule of erythema toxicum neonatorum shows an accumulation of leukocytes with a predominance of eosinophils within the layers of the hair follicle just below the dermal-epidermal junction of the skin. The pustule of erythema toxicum neonatorum is the result of an accumulation of these cells within the superficial epidermis encircling the hair. The papulo-pustular lesion shows also histologically a combination of both components. The microscopic changes associated with the macule and erythema are meager; only a few perivascular eosinophils are present in the dermis. The cause of erythema toxicum neonatorum is unknown.
Army and Egyptian Temple Building Under the Ptolemies

This paper examines building dedications to Egyptian gods that reveal the interplay between the military and state financing of Egyptian temples. I propose a new model of financing Egyptian temple building with the army as a source of private and local funding. I argue that officers or soldiers stationed in garrisons and soldier-priests were used as supervisors of temple construction for the king and even financed part of it to complement royal and temple funds. Three main conclusions emerge. First, the rather late date of our evidence confirms that temple building was increasingly sponsored by private and semiprivate funding and suggests that the army’s functions were becoming more diverse. Second, Egyptians were integrated in the army and soldiers were integrated into the local elite. Third, the formation of a local elite made of Greek and Egyptian soldiers acting for the local gods challenges the idea of professional and ethnic divisions.
Change Agency in Learning, Instruction, and Performance

The purpose of this chapter is to describe the state of research and theory in the area of Change Agency in instructional and organization systems. The study of the diffusion and adoption of innovations arguably began with a need to understand how external change agents could encourage relatively passive users of an innovation to accept the need for change and implementation of the desired change. The change agents’ frustrations with the lack of relevant useful results led to more collaborative efforts to design, develop, implement and benefit from research, processes and products. The last few decades have seen research on change and change agency that is focused more on how to engage users in the change process through change agents who are internal and external to the system.
PREY SWITCHING AND VARIABLE FORAGING STRATEGIES OF BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES AND THE EFFECT ON REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS

Abstract We studied the diets, foraging strategies, and reproduction of Black-legged Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) during five years at two colonies within Prince William Sound, Alaska. Years with reduced occurrence of 1-year-old Pacific herring (Clupea pallasi) in kittiwake diets were associated with increased foraging trip duration, distance, and travel time at both colonies. Foraging range was consistently greater at the large, fjord colony with an annual mean trip duration of 4 hr and mean distance to the farthest feeding location of 40 km in years when 1-year-old herring dominated diets; these numbers increased to a maximum mean of 6 hr and 60 km during a year when kittiwakes consumed primarily young-of-year (YOY) herring and Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus). Foraging trips of kittiwakes at the small, island colony averaged 2 hr and 5 km during years when 1-year-old herring dominated diets and increased when capelin (Mallotus villosus) and YOY herring and sand lance were consumed. Consequenc...
Purification of human factor X and comparison of peptide maps of human factor X and prothrombin.

Abstract Human prothrombin and Factor X have been purified utilizing chromatography on hydroxyapatite. The Factor X has been further purified by preparative disc electrophoresis and DEAE-cellulose chromatography. Comparison of the peptide maps made from tryptic digests shows only about one third of the peptides to be common to the two molecules. These findings indicate that Factor X is not a derivative of prothrombin (nor vice versa).
PROCESS SECURITY ASSESSMENT: OPERATIONAL SPACE CLASSIFICATION AND PROCESS SECURITY INDEX

Many chemical processes can be operationally risky, environmentally harmful and potentially dangerous when abnormal or destructive situations occur. This is due to the fact that chemical processes are often operated under high pressures, at high temperatures, and with fast material flows and complex manufacturing mechanisms. In the extreme, catastrophes such as explosions, toxic release and loss of life will occur unexpectedly and rapidly, particularly when a terrorist who has a sufficient technical background in chemical operations attacks a plant. To assure process security, systematic and effective process security-bearing operational strategies must be developed. This paper introduces a process operational space classification method and a process operational security index. The method and the index can be an effective quantitative tool for characterizing and analysing process security, especially when the process experiences various disturbances set by saboteurs who may be technically very knowledgeable. The efficacy of the quantification method is demonstrated by its application to an exothermic batch reactor.
Contractile protein dysfunction as a determinant of depressed cardiac contractility during endotoxin shock.

The relationship between the acute myocardial failure associated with gram negative endotoxin shock (ES) and cardiac contractile protein function has not been clearly elucidated. In this study, ES (E. coli, B5, 4 mg/kg) was induced in the canine model and systemic hemodynamics and dPdt-max were monitored continuously for 5 h. Time-matched controls (TMC, n = 6) demonstrated an initial dPdt-max of 2200 ± 200 mmHg/s and did not change significantly during the 5-h protocol. In the ES group (n = 6), dPdt-max decreased from 2300 ± 250 to 900 ± 100 mmHg/s over the 5-h protocol. Purified cardiac myofibrils were isolated following 5 h ES by differential centrifugation utilizing Triton X-100 and pCa-ATPase curves generated. ATPase activity (%) superimposed on tension data demonstrated a close correlation. Normal myofibrillar ATPase activity exhibited 50% activation at pCa 6.3; Vmax = 0.14 ± 0.01 μmol Pi/mg-min. Myofibrillar ATPase curves from the endocardial surface of the ES group were shifted down and to the right when compared to TMC; Vmax decreased from 0.14 ± 0.01 to 0.12 ± 0.005 μmol Pi/mg-min (P < 0.05). Myofibrillar ATPase activity from the epicardial surface of the ES group, was shifted to the right with no change in Vmax (0.13 ± 0.005 μmol Pi/mg-min) when compared to TMC. Kinetic analysis demonstrated a significant depression at the endocardial surface of both Km (TMC = 4.33 ± 0.20 × 10−7; ES = 3.63 ± 0.18 × 10−7, P < 0.05) and Vmax (TMC = 0.151 ± 0.011; ES = 0.126 ± 0.007 μmol Pi/mg-min; P < 0.005) with no change in either Km or Vmax at the epicardial surface. It is concluded that the decrease in myocardial contractility during the course of ES is due in part to a defect at the level of the contractile proteins; the subendocardial surface being affected more than the epicardial surface.
Maternal glucose levels after dexamethasone for fetal lung development in twin vs singleton pregnancies.

Objective Betamethasone administration in singleton pregnancies causes maternal hyperglycemia. With the increased risk of glucose intolerance in twin pregnancies, we sought to determine whether maternal hyperglycemia after dexamethasone administration is different in twin vs singleton pregnancies. Study Design Patients with singleton or twin pregnancies admitted between 24 and 34 weeks' gestation with diagnoses requiring steroid administration were approached. Exclusion criteria included diabetes, abnormal glucose tolerance test, infection, or medications known to interfere with glucose metabolism. Patients were NPO for 24 hours and received dexamethasone per protocol. Maternal glucose levels were checked at baseline and then at specified intervals after the initial dose; appropriate statistical analysis was performed. Results Ten singleton and 9 twin gestations were enrolled. There were no differences in mean maternal or gestational ages. Mean glucose levels were significantly higher in the twin group at 4 hours (114 mg/dL vs 95.6 mg/dL), 8 hours (121.4 mg/dL vs 90.9 mg/dL), and 24 hours (116 mg/dL vs 81 mg/dL) (P Conclusion Twin pregnancies had higher mean glucose values than singleton pregnancies in the first 24 hours after dexamethasone administration.
Intraosseous infusions by prehospital personnel in critically III pediatric patients

A program to instruct ground and aeromedical prehospital emergency medical system providers in the intraosseous infusion technique was developed and implemented. Paramedics and flight nurses received training through lectures and performance of the procedure in several animal models. The records of attempts on 15 patients who subsequently received intraosseous infusions were then reviewed. An intraosseous infusion was successful in 12 of 15 attempts (80%), and all needles were placed in less than 30 seconds. Drugs administered included phenobarbitol, phenytoin, atropine, epinephrine, sodium bicarbonate, isoproterenol, and pancuronium. Observed complications were limited to minimal subcutaneous infiltration in three cases and slow infusion in another. No serious sequelae were noted, but most patients did not survive and the ability of this study to detect sequelae may be limited. These data suggest that intraosseous infusion is a safe and reliable technique in the prehospital setting. Research is needed to study this technique in more detail.
A 4.5-GHz 130-nm 32-KB L0 cache with a leakage-tolerant self reverse-bias bitline scheme

This paper describes a 32-KB two-read, one-write ported L0 cache for 4.5-GHz operation in 1.2-V 130-nm dual-V/sub TH/ CMOS technology. The local bitline uses a leakage-tolerant self reverse-bias (SRB) scheme with nMOS source-follower pullup access transistors, while preserving robust full-swing operation. Gate-source underdrive of -220 mV on the bitline read-select transistors is established without external bias voltages or gate-oxide overstress. Device-level measurements in the 130-nm technology show 72/spl times/ bitline active leakage reduction, enabling low-V/sub TH/ usage, 40% bitline keeper downsizing, and 16 bitcells/bitline. 11% faster read delay and 2/spl times/ higher dc noise robustness are achieved compared with high-performance dual-V/sub TH/ bitline scheme. Sustained performance and robustness benefits of the SRB technique against conventional dynamic bitline with scaling to 100- and 70-nm technology is also presented.
Applications of qualitative modeling to knowledge-based risk assessment studies

Risk assessment of technological processes (chemical and power plants, electro-mechanical systems) is a complex process that requires enumeration of all possible failure modes, their probability of occurrence, and their consequences. Traditionally such studies have been performed by a committee of expert engineers with diverse backgrounds. This paper discusses the use of qualitative modeling techniques based on deriving behavior from structural descriptions and causal reasoning to aid automating and enhancing the risk analysis process. Hierarchical schemes are used for describing component structure, and system functionality is derived from a set of primitive functions and parameters defined for the domain. The system uses these models to automatically generate fault and event networks for hypothesized fault situations specified by users.
Some new concepts in immunological phylogeny.

Immunocompetence is first evident at the invertebrate level in coelenterates. Primordial cell-mediated immunity revealed by specific allograft reactions with at least short term memory is demonstrable in advanced invertebrates, whereas integrated cell-mediated and humoral immunity evolved progressively with the vertebrates.
An unusual manifestation of nettle rash in three horses

Three horses with an apparent neurological disorder resulting from nettle rash showed signs of ataxia, distress and muscle weakness, and two of them had urticaria. In each case the condition resolved within four hours, with no long term problems or recurrence.
A three-dimensional numerical sensitivity study of convection over the Florida peninsula

The Florida peninsula has the highest annual number of days with thunderstorms in the United States, partly due to sea breeze convergence. A three-dimensional mesoscale planetary boundary layer (PBL) model with the E-e turbulence closure is used to investigate the relationship between sea breeze convergence and convection over the peninsula for two ambient wind cases during typical summer days.
Beta-adrenergic blockade in experimental myocardial infarction

Abstract Experimental myocardial infarction was produced in dogs by ligation of the circumflex coronary artery. Six of 7 control animals died in ventricular fibrillation within 6 minutes of coronary ligation. Only 1 of 7 dogs which were pretreated with propranolol (0.08 mg. per kilogram) died after the same procedure, whereas the mortality rate was not significantly altered by pretreatment with propranolol at a higher dose (0.2 mg. per kilogram). There was evidence of greater depression of cardiac function after coronary artery ligation in the dogs receiving the higher dose of propranolol. The mechanism of the protective action of propranolol against ventricular fibrillation in the ischemic myocardium is discussed and its attendant dangers are indicated.
Near-infrared Fourier transform Raman and conventional Raman studies of calf gamma-crystallins in the lyophilized state and in solution

We present in this report a detailed structural study of calf gamma-crystallins both in the solid state and in solution by the newly developed technique of near-infrared (IR) Fourier transform (FT)-Raman spectroscopy as well as by the conventional Raman method. In comparison with conventional laser Raman spectroscopy, the near-IR FT-Raman approach exhibits several attractive features such as fluorescence rejection capability, frequency accuracy, and the FT's multiplex and throughput advantages. These distinct characteristics combined form the basis for the particular suitability of FT-Raman in crystallin structural analysis and elucidation. We have thus obtained evidence in support of the view that native calf gamma-II crystallin does not contain a disulfide bond either in the lyophilized state or in solution. In addition, conventional Raman spectra are examined for all four gamma-crystallin fractions. gamma-S, gamma-II, gamma-III, and gamma-IV, and the results indicate a high degree of structural similarities among them. It is also found that the sulfhydryl groups in all four gamma-crystallins are highly resistant to air oxidation and are capable of maintaining their reduced state during isolation in the absence of added reductants or such chelating agents as EDTA.
Effects of catechol estrogens and catecholamines on hypothalamic and corpus striatal tyrosine hydroxylase activity.

: The effects of catechol estrogens on tyrosine hydroxylase activity in hypothalamic and corpus striatal extracts were evaluated. When assayed in the presence of subsaturating concentrations of pterin cofactor, tyrosine hydroxylase activity was depressed by 2-hydroxyestrone, 2-hydroxyestradiol, Lnorepinephrine, or dopamine. However, estrone, 17β-estradiol, 2- methoxyestrone, or 2-methoxyestradiol had no consistent inhibitory effect on tyrosine hydroxylase activity under in vitro conditions. Moreover, a decrease in pterin binding affinity (elevated Km) in the presence of either catecholamines or 2-hydroxyestrogens was found. These findings were suggestive of a competitive interaction between catechols and pterin. Catechol estrogens and catecholamines were shown to inhibit both membrane-bound and soluble forms of tyrosine hydroxylase. The membrane-bound form of tyrosine hydroxylase, however, was found to have a greater binding affinity (lower Kl) for 2hydroxyestradiol and norepinephrine than did the soluble form. The results of the present study are suggestive of a cytoplasmic effect of estrogen that may be mediated by 2-hydroxyestrogen and terminated by O-methylation.
Synthesis of organohydroxylamine complexes of iron(II) tetraphenylporphyrin

Complexes prepares Fe(II) TPP (RNHOH) 2 ou R=methyl, ethyl, propyl et phenyl, et TPP=la tetraphenylporphyrine. Ces complexes pourraient etre des modeles d'intermediaires «hydroxylamine» dans l'oxydation de NH 4 + en NO 2 − ou la reduction de NO 2 − en NH 4 + par des enzymes
Dental services utilization by women of childbearing age by socioeconomic status

For women of childbearing age, oral health not only affects their physical and psychological well-being but also that of their children. This study used the 2003-2004 Ohio Family Health Survey (N = 9,819) to examine dental need and utilization by women in Ohio. Predisposing, enabling, and need variables were examined as they effect dental health service utilization by women of childbearing age at different socioeconomic status (SES) levels. The proportion of women in the low SES group self reporting a dental need (18%) was 3 times that of the proportion of women in the higher SES group with a self reported need (6%). Results of bivariate analysis showed that having a dental visit in the past year varied significantly by SES, race, insurance status, provider density, and need. A racial disparity in dental service utilization was noted in the bivariate analysis of the middle SES group. While dental need and type of dental coverage varied by SES, both were significantly associated with utilization of dental services within all 3 SES categories in the logistic regressions. These results suggest that measures need to be implemented to meet the goal of increasing access and utilization of dental health services by low-income populations.
Finite Element Analysis on Dynamic Characteristics of Hybrid Bearing Spindle System

Due to having the features of high accuracy, high stiffness, high load capacity and longer service life, the hybrid bearing spindle system is widely used in grinding. This paper presents an analysis method of hybrid bearing spindle dynamic characteristics. The method uses CFD method to solve the oil film pressure field, instead of Reynolds equation, in order to obtain the oil film stiffness and damping. With the obtained oil film stiffness and damping to build the appropriate constraints, 3D finite element model of the hybrid bearing spindle system is established, and the modal analysis of the spindle system is carried out. Compared the analysis results with the theoretical calculation results, the feasibility and correction of the method are proved.
Prevention and Treatment of Mucositis: A Guide for Nurses

Oral mucositis is a frequent and potentially severe complication that can occur following chemotherapy or irradiation. Not only is mucositis painful but it can also result in impaired nutrition, infection, and treatment delays. Pediatric oncology nurses have a challenge to try to provide the most appropriate mouth care regimen specific to each individual patient. This review of the literature can serve as a guide for helping to prevent and to treat mucositis. It provides information about the chemotherapeutic agents responsible for causing mucositis, many of the preventive approaches used to reduce the incidence of mucositis, and the current treatments available for active mucositis. It also discusses dietary recommendations and the role of the nurse caring for the patient with mucositis.
Interactions between Long and Synoptic-Scale Waves. Part II: Growth Rate of Long Waves.

Abstract The synoptic-scale waves can alter the structure and growth rate of long waves by a two-step process. First, the long wave modulates the synoptic-scale waves on a planetary scale by-changing the local instability characteristics of the flow. This produces planetary-scale variations in the eddy heat flu and. vorticity fluxes. Then, these fluxes can directly force the long wave. This coupling of a synoptic-scale wave and a long wave is studied as a two time-scale process; the synoptic-scale waves vary on a faster time scale than the long waves. In Part 1, we looked at the first step of this two-step process, the effect of a long wave on the synoptic-scale waves. In this paper, we look at the second step, effects of the synoptic-scale waves on long waves. We find two potentially unstable solutions, one is a modification of the linear long wave, and the other is a strongly nonlinear solution. In the latter solution, the long wave has aphase speed approximately equal to Re of the synoptic-scale wave, ...
The role of the immune system in the pathophysiology of osteoporosis

The role of the immune system in the development of senile osteoporosis, which arises primarily through the effects of estrogen deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism, is slowly being unraveled. This review focuses on our current understanding of how the components of this complex-interlinked system are regulated and how these fit with previous models of senile and postmenopausal osteoporosis. There is certainly substantial evidence that bone remodeling is a tightly regulated, finely balanced process influenced by subtle changes in proinflammatory and inhibitory cytokines as well as hormones and cellular components that act primarily but not exclusively through the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB (RANK)/RANK ligand/osteoprotegerin system. In addition, an acute or chronic imbalance in the system due to infection or inflammation could contribute to systemic (or local) bone loss and increase the risk of fracture. Although significant progress has been made, there remains much to be done in unraveling this complex interaction between the immune system and bone.
Evangelical Catholicism in Early Colonial Mexico: An Analysis Of Bishop Juan De Zumárraga'S Doctrina Cristiana

Shortly after 1546 someone in Mexico was reading a book recently published at the instance of Bishop Juan de Zumarraga. The book was one of the first dozen published in the New World. As he read he occasionally made annotations in the margin. At one place he wrote: “Constantino.” Further on he put: “Constantino es este y no Zumarraga.” At the end of the book he summed up his observations by writing: “Hasta aqui tomo Su Senoria de Constantino doctor.”
Impact of p-GaN Thermal Damage and Barrier Composition on Semipolar Green Laser Diodes

Dark triangle defects (DTDs) are common nonradiative defects in semipolar (2021) oriented green quantum wells (QWs), commonly used in green laser diodes (LDs). We show that DTDs do not appear “as-grown,” and DTD size depends strongly on post-QW-growth annealing time and temperature. Using low temperature p-GaN, we prevent catastrophic QW damage and directly compare LDs with GaN and AlGaN containing barriers. The GaN barrier LD exhibited a lasing wavelength of 511 nm, reduced operating voltage, and the lowest threshold current density, likely due to enhanced optical confinement factor and the elimination of very low growth temperature AlGaN in the active region.