cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES | Silicosis

Silica (silicon dioxide, SiO2) is an abundant mineral that forms the major component of most rocks and soil. Silicosis is a chronic diffuse interstitial fibronodular lung disease caused by the inhalation of dust containing free crystalline silica. Workers may be exposed to silica where the use of power machinery generates numerous fine particles from stone. Exposures can be grouped broadly into trades where rock is drilled or removed from the earth, trades where silica-bearing rock is worked to produce stone products, jobs utilizing abrasives containing silica, and sites where finely powdered silica is used as an additive in manufacturing. Prolonged exposure to silica, usually over decades, is required to cause silicosis. The patient reports progressive shortness of breath and cough. Physical examination may be normal, or end-inspiratory crackles (rales) or wheezes may be heard over the mid-lung areas. Restrictive pulmonary function or a mixed pattern of obstruction and restriction appear with advanced disease. The chest radiograph shows an early diffuse pattern of small rounded opacities, predominantly in the upper lobes, enlargement of hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes, and later progression to coalescent opacities (progressive massive fibrosis) and compensatory emphysema. The characteristic pathology of silicosis is the silicotic nodule, with whorled collagen centrally, surrounding macrophages, lymphocytes, and fibroblasts, numerous birefringent polarizable silica particles, and fibrosis. Silicosis patients are at risk for difficult to eradicate tuberculosis. Silica exposure carries a slightly increased risk for lung cancer. There is no effective treatment for silicosis; thus, it must be prevented before it occurs. The prevalence of silicosis has been decreasing in developed countries through industrial hygiene measures to reduce airborne dust levels, but silicosis remains common in the developing nations.
A comparison of vertical velocity variance measurements from wind profiling radars and sonic anemometers

Abstract. Observations of turbulence in the planetary boundary layer are critical for developing and evaluating boundary layer parameterizations in mesoscale numerical weather prediction models. These observations, however, are expensive and rarely profile the entire boundary layer. Using optimized configurations for 449 and 915 MHz wind profiling radars during the eXperimental Planetary boundary layer Instrumentation Assessment (XPIA), improvements have been made to the historical methods of measuring vertical velocity variance through the time series of vertical velocity, as well as the Doppler spectral width. Using six heights of sonic anemometers mounted on a 300 m tower, correlations of up to R2 = 0. 74 are seen in measurements of the large-scale variances from the radar time series and R2 = 0. 79 in measurements of small-scale variance from radar spectral widths. The total variance, measured as the sum of the small and large scales, agrees well with sonic anemometers, with R2 = 0. 79. Correlation is higher in daytime convective boundary layers than nighttime stable conditions when turbulence levels are smaller. With the good agreement with the in situ measurements, highly resolved profiles up to 2 km can be accurately observed from the 449 MHz radar and 1 km from the 915 MHz radar. This optimized configuration will provide unique observations for the verification and improvement to boundary layer parameterizations in mesoscale models.
Energy balance and mass conservation in reduced order models of fluid flows

Abstract In this paper, we investigate theoretically and computationally the conservation properties of reduced order models (ROMs) for fluid flows. Specifically, we investigate whether the ROMs satisfy the same (or similar) energy balance and mass conservation as those satisfied by the Navier–Stokes equations. All of our theoretical findings are illustrated and tested in numerical simulations of a 2D flow past a circular cylinder at a Reynolds number R e = 100 . First, we investigate the ROM energy balance. We show that using the snapshot average for the centering trajectory (which is a popular treatment of nonhomogeneous boundary conditions in ROMs) yields an incorrect energy balance. Then, we propose a new approach, in which we replace the snapshot average with the Stokes extension. Theoretically, the Stokes extension produces an accurate energy balance. Numerically, the Stokes extension yields more accurate results than the standard snapshot average, especially for longer time intervals. Our second contribution centers around ROM mass conservation. We consider ROMs created using two types of finite elements: the standard Taylor–Hood (TH) element, which satisfies the mass conservation weakly, and the Scott–Vogelius (SV) element, which satisfies the mass conservation pointwise. Theoretically, the error estimates for the SV-ROM are sharper than those for the TH-ROM. Numerically, the SV-ROM yields significantly more accurate results, especially for coarser meshes and longer time intervals.
Heterogeneity in Body Contouring Outcomes Based Research: The Pittsburgh Body Contouring Complication Reporting System.

Background Body contouring complications after massive weight loss (MWL) vary significantly in frequency and type. Currently, no standardized recommendations exist regarding which complications are most important to report. Objectives We aim to provide a guideline for complication reporting in the body contouring literature. The Pittsburgh Body Contouring Complication Reporting System (PBCCRS) will aid in risk stratification of body contouring procedures and will decrease under-, over-, and nonreporting of complications. Methods The authors reviewed the literature for the terms "body contouring," "MWL," and "complications." Elimination criteria included: non-English language, case report, meta-analysis, outpatient, non-MWL, unclear demographics, N <30 and lack of numeric results. Data were analyzed in 2 groups: truncal contouring and extremity contouring. Results Eighty-nine papers were reviewed and 21 met inclusion criteria. The weighted mean rates as percentages for complications in the extremity group were: dehiscence (29.0), seroma (18.6), scarring (14.9), infection (8.8), lymphedema (7.8), hematoma (3.5), necrosis (1.9), deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) (0), and death (0). In the truncal group, weighted mean complication rates as percentages were: dehiscence (15.4), seroma (13.1), scarring (2.9), infection (9.4), lymphedema (1.3), hematoma (6.4), necrosis (7.2), DVT/PE (1.5), and death (0.6). Lymphedema was seldom reported, and suture extrusion was not reported in any selected papers. Weighted mean rates of DVT/PE in the extremity vs truncal contouring groups were significantly different. Differences in rates of scarring, lymphedema, and hematoma rates neared significance. Conclusions Heterogeneity amongst selected studies is explained by variability in how complications are defined. The Pittsburgh Body Contouring Complication Reporting System provides suggested recommendations on complication reporting in massive weight loss body contouring surgery.
NASA-NPS Landscape Climate Change Vulnerability Project (LCCVP) Team Meeting at AMK Ranch

A NASA-funded research team met May 19-22 at the AMK Ranch for a semi-annual team workshop. Participants included: Montana State University â Andy Hansen, Tony Chang, Regan Nelson, Nate Piekielek Woods Hole Research Center â Patrick Jantz, Scott Zolkos NPS Inventory & Monitoring Program â John Gross, Bill Monahan Great Northern LCC â Tom Olliff NASA Ames â Forrest Melton, Jun Xiong Guest â Steve Running (University of Montana) Chef â Jodi Stevens The goal of the project is to demonstrate the four steps of climate adaptation planning in two US Department of Interior Landscape Conservation Cooperatives (LCCs) using NASA and other data and models. Objectives are: 1. Hindcast and forecast future climate and land use scenarios. 2. Assess the vulnerability of ecological processes and key habitat types. 3. Evaluate management options. 4. Design and implement management adaptation strategies. 5. Facilitate decision support.
Multitasking and Silent Electronic Health Record Use in Ambulatory Visits.

Author(s): Ratanawongsa, Neda; Matta, George Y; Lyles, Courtney R; Koenig, Christopher J; Barton, Jennifer L; Yu, Kaylin; Schillinger, Dean
Performance of an Earthworm-Based Biological Wastewater-Treatment Plant for a Dairy Farm: Case Study

AbstractEarthworms have been in existence for approximately 600 million years and have adapted to toxicity. They may help cleaning wastewater by devouring micro-organisms. Although the performance ...
Mangroves in the global climate and environmental mix

Mangroves provide numerous ecosystem services to humanity and yet remain some of the most undervalued and poorly treated ecosystems in the world. Mangroves are distributed in the land-sea interphase of tropical and subtropical coasts in 123 countries. Up until two decades ago, scholars have focused on the provisioning, supporting, and cultural services associated with mangroves, but recent efforts have pivoted towards mangroves role in regulating the global carbon cycle. Today, it is established that mangroves sequester 50 times more carbon than tropical forests, with strong indications that mangroves are the missing carbon sink. Despite their importance, mangroves remain under threat from human activities, and action is required to protect them. This paper provides an overview of the importance of mangroves to humanity, their role in carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling, and highlights the threats they continue to face across their range.
Demonstration of Receptor Function of Membrane Proteins by Selection and Immobilization with Monoclonal Antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that are specific for certain types of cells and for stages of ontogenetic development can be produced without prior knowledge of antigenic differences between the cell types. Once identified, however, the elucidation of the function of these interesting antigens may represent a formidable task. In this chapter, we discuss the technique of selection and immobilization of membrane proteins by MAbs bound to Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. This technique allows visualization of receptor interactions with ligands on cells or in solution. Since multivalent interactions between S. aureus bacteria-MAb-receptor complexes and ligand-coated particles can be established, the method is particularly useful for studies on receptors where univalent reactions are of low affinity. The use of this method to identify two different membrane proteins as receptors for fragments of the third component of complement (C3) and one of these additionally as an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) receptor, is described. To introduce these studies, the biology of C3, C3 receptors, and EBV is first briefly reviewed.
Operating Room Positioning, Equipment, and Instrumentation for Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery

Since 1995, the number of laparoscopic bariatric surgical procedures has dramatically increased both in the United States and in other countries. These advanced laparoscopic operations offer the advantage of more rapid recovery and dramatically reduced wound complication with established efficacy. For optimal efficiency and outcomes, laparoscopic procedures on obese patients require specialized laparoscopic equipment and instrumentation, including staplers and hand instruments, which are used with individual skill and coordinated teamwork to facilitate patient positioning, laparoscopic access, insufflation, visualization by camera, energy sources for transection and coagulation, flexible endoscopy, and voice activation and robotics, and to provide a fully integrated operating room layout.
Metabolic acidosis inhibits growth hormone secretion in rats: Mechanism of growth retardation

To test the hypothesis that growth retardation in nonanion gap acidosis may be associated with impairment of growth hormone (GH) secretory patterns, we examined GH secretion in rats made acidotic with ammonium chloride ingestion. Considerable growth retardation was demonstrated in pair-fed and acidotic rats after 1 wk of ammonium chloride ingestion compared with control. With stable metabolic acidosis sustained on the 8th day of experiment, pulsatile secretion of GH was evaluated by blood samples drawn every 10 min for 6 h. Using deconvolution analysis to quantitate in vivo GH secretory rates, we found significant inhibition of pulsatile GH secretion in acidotic rats. Changes in amplitude of GH pulses and mean mass of GH pulses correlated with changes in body weight. These studies showed that chronic metabolic acidosis causes growth impairment, reduced food efficiency, and amplitude-specific inhibition of pulsatile secretion of GH. We propose that this GH axis suppression, whether mediated by decreased nutrients or not, contributes significantly to growth failure in children with renal tubular acidosis. Because a similar degree of inhibition of GH secretion was seen in pair-fed rats, we infer that insufficient calorie intake in metabolic acidosis may contribute to disruption of normal GH secretion patterns. These changes in GH secretion were specific, because acidotic rats were different from pair-fed controls in that they showed no change in either half-life of GH in circulation or in pulse frequency. Such observations offer a rationale for more detailed clinical investigations into the impact of metabolic acidosis on physiological regulation of pulsatile GH secretion in humans.
Information-Preserving Probability-Possibility Transformations:

It is now generally recognized that uncertainty can be formalized in different mathematical theories [17]. Some of the theories of uncertainty are more general than others, while some are not comparable in this respect. The theories also differ from one another in their meaningful interpretations, computational complexity, robustness, and other aspects related to their utility. According to conclusions of several comparative studies [10, 11, 23, 26], none of the theories of uncertainty is superior to its competitors under all circumstances. Each theory seems to have some advantages and some disadvantages when compared with the other theories. Furthermore, this comparison is context-dependent: each theory is suitable for utilizing some types of evidence and unsuitable for other types. The different theories of uncertainty should thus be viewed as complementary.
Multiobjective Analysis in Water Resources Part I Numerical Versus Non-numerical Criteria and Discrete Versus Continuous Alternatives

In the design and operation of a water resources system, such as a reservoir complex or a wastewater treatment facility, it often happens that more than one objective has to be satisfied (Hipel, 1992). For example, several of the following objectives may be appropriate:
Preliminary Analysis Of Positive Knee Energy Injection In A Transfemoral Amputee Walking With A Powered Prosthesis

Individuals with lower limb amputations show higher metabolic costs during ambulation than able-bodied individuals. This high metabolic cost may be explained by the inability of available passive prostheses to replicate the biomechanics of intact legs during walking. Powered prostheses promise to address this issue by imitating the power generation of intact legs. Several studies have investigated the effect of power generation and energy injection at the ankle joint in transtibial amputees. In contrast, no study has directly addressed knee power generation in transfemoral amputees. This study investigates the effect of knee power generation in late stance in one transfemoral amputee subject using a lightweight powered prosthesis. Experimental results suggest that injecting positive energy into the gait cycle at the knee level may improve gait ability by reducing effort.
Synthesis and characterization of diazirine alkyne probes for the study of intracellular cholesterol trafficking

Cholesterol is an essential structural component of cellular membranes and precursor molecule for oxysterol, bile acid, and hormone synthesis. The study of intracellular cholesterol trafficking pathways has been limited in part due to a lack of suitable cholesterol analogues. Herein, we developed three novel diazirine alkyne cholesterol probes: LKM38, KK174, and KK175. We evaluated these probes as well as a previously described diazirine alkyne cholesterol analogue, trans-sterol, for their fidelity as cholesterol mimics and for study of cholesterol trafficking. LKM38 emerged as a promising cholesterol mimic because it both sustained the growth of cholesterol-auxotrophic cells and appropriately regulated key cholesterol homeostatic pathways. When presented as an ester in lipoprotein particles, LKM38 initially localized to the lysosome and subsequently trafficked to the plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum. LKM38 bound to diverse, established cholesterol binding proteins. Through a detailed characterization of the cellular behavior of a panel of diazirine alkyne probes using cell biological, biochemical trafficking assays and immunofluorescence approaches, we conclude that LKM38 can serve as a powerful tool for the study of cholesterol protein interactions and trafficking.
EFFECTS OF DISEASE STATES ON DRUG DISPOSITION IN MAN

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the effects of disease states on drug disposition in man. The chapter describes certain characteristics of drug disposition in normal individuals. Without controlling such environmental conditions as diet or exposure to chemicals encountered at work or at home, studies on normal nonmedicated adult volunteers living in a basal state demonstrated that the very large interindividual variations in elimination rates of such drugs as antipyrine, bishydroxycoumarin, ethanol, halothane, nortriptyline, phenylbutazone, phenytoin and salicylates are under predominantly genetic control. Two studies disclosed that most of the interindividual variations, which ranged from 4- to 40-fold depending on the drug, disappeared within identical twinships but were retained to some extent within fraternal twinships. These results, as well as family studies on bishydroxycoumarin, phenylbutazone, and nortriptyline metabolism, suggested that large interindividual variations in the disposition of many commonly used drugs were maintained mainly by genetic, rather than environmental, factors.
Post-licensure surveillance of trivalent adjuvanted influenza vaccine (aIIV3; Fluad), Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), United States, July 2016-June 2018.

BACKGROUND Trivalent adjuvanted influenza vaccine (aIIV3; Fluad®) was approved in the United States (U.S.) in 2015 for adults aged ≥65 years and has been in use since the 2016-17 influenza season. METHODS We analyzed U.S. reports for aIIV3 submitted from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2018 to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), a national spontaneous reporting system. Medical records were reviewed for serious reports. Among individuals ≥65 years of age, the relative frequency of the most commonly reported adverse events (AEs) after aIIV3 were compared with non-adjuvanted inactivated influenza vaccines given to adults aged ≥65 years, high-dose trivalent influenza vaccine (IIV3-HD) and trivalent or quadrivalent vaccines (IIV3/IIV4). Data mining analyses were undertaken to identify whether AEs for aIIV3 occurred disproportionately more than expected compared to all influenza vaccines. RESULTS VAERS received 630 reports after aIIV3, of which 521 (83%) were in adults aged ≥65 years; 79 (13%) in persons <65 years and in 30 (5%) reports age was missing; 19 (3%) reports were serious, including two deaths (0.4%) related to myocardial infarction and Sjogren's syndrome. The most common AEs reported in adults aged ≥65 years were injection site pain (21%) and erythema (18%), with similar proportions reported for IIV3-HD (17% and 19%, respectively) and for IIV3/IIV4 (15%, each). Except for reports related to vaccination of inappropriate age (n = 79) and syringe malfunction (n = 6), data mining did not identify other disproportionately reported AEs. CONCLUSIONS Although our review of aIIV3 in VAERS did not identify any unexpected health conditions of concern, we observed more than twice the expected number of reports with administration of the vaccine to persons outside of the age range for which the vaccine is approved in the U.S. Health care providers should be educated on the age groups for whom aIIV3 is recommended.
How to mine gold without digging

This paper examines the main drivers of the returns of gold miner stocks and ETFs during 2006–2017. We solve a combined optimal control and stopping problem to demonstrate that gold miner equities ...
Human Dignity and Public Reason

ABSTRACTThe concept of human dignity is important for understanding discussions of rights, religion, and society in contemporary China. While the neoliberal idea of “public reason” abstracts human ...
Wnt deregulation in rhabdomyosarcoma.

Signaling pathways integrate extracellular cues into intracellular gene expression profiles. Cell proliferation and differentiation are governed by many different signaling pathways that relay the extracellular spatiotemporal signals into the appropriate pattern of gene regulation within cells. There is complex interconnection and cross-talk between the signaling pathways during the process of development and regeneration, including during skeletal muscle regeneration and development. Wnt signaling has been shown to play an essential role in the regulation of the myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) during embryonic development and adult muscle regeneration (1-3). Any alteration in signaling pathway input can lead to diseased conditions, including cancer.
Micronutrients in Liver Disease: Roles, Risk Factors for Deficiency, and Recommendations for Supplementation

Micronutrients are essential components of the diet and are required to maintain fundamental bodily functions. Liver disease has a profound effect on nutrient intake, metabolism of nutrients, and nutrition status, often resulting in some degree of malnutrition, including micronutrient deficiency. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can impair metabolic processes at the cellular and biochemical level even before clinical and physical alterations are seen. It is essential that micronutrient status is evaluated as part of a comprehensive nutrition assessment for all patients with chronic or advanced liver disease. Early intervention to correct suspected or confirmed deficiencies may minimize symptoms and improve clinical outcomes and quality of life. In this narrative review, different types of liver disease and associated micronutrient abnormalities are outlined, and methods of micronutrient assessment and supplementation are discussed.
Efficient regionalization for spatially explicit neighborhood delineation

Neighborhood delineation is increasingly relied upon in urban social science research to identify the most appropriate spatial unit. In problems of this type, the true number of neighborhoods (typi...
The “Trump effect” on hate crime reporting: media coverage before and after the 2016 presidential election

Hate crimes have a broad impact not just on the victim, but also on people in the community. Since the 2016 presidential election there has been an uptick in hate crimes against people of color, im...
Evolution of Plant Homeobox Genes

Plant homeobox genes can be classified into 14 evolutionary classes, each characterised by fusion of the homeodomain with class-specific codomains. Among these classes only BEL and KNOX are found in red algae, whereas unicellular green algae also include members of the classes WOX, DDT and PINTOX. All 14 classes are found only in land plants, including moss and vascular plants, suggesting that homeobox genes have proliferated within each class particularly in flowering plants, indicating that all classes had already differentiated in the common ancestor of moss and vascular plants. In different land plants, including moss and flowering plant, multiple gene copies are observed for most classes, suggesting that proliferation and functional differentiation of gene paralogues within the original classes reflects the increasing complexity of plant development and architecture. Key Concepts: Homeobox genes in plant can be classified into 14 distinct classes all of which had appeared in the common ancestor of Bryophyta and Tracheophyta. Functional differentiation of plant homeodomain protein classes relates to acquisition of a class-specific codomain architecture. Proliferation of paralogous genes within each class in land plants concomitantly with increasing organismal complexity. Keywords: homeobox; homeodomain; transcription factor; plant
A novel application for wireless communications in vehicle early warning

A novel application of wireless communication in vehicle early warning is introduced. This application establishes an innovative function for mobile handhelds that is the protection of their holders from accidents with cars. Two main components of this vehicle early warning system are a mobile base station (MBS) deployed in vehicles, and a transceiver installed in mobile handhelds that defines mobile handhelds as active targets. The MBS: (a) communicates with all mobiles located in its proximity; (b) discriminates the mobiles via unique codes assigned to each mobile; and (c) locates and tracks those mobiles. An early warning signal is generated in critical conditions that triggers or controls mechanical systems such as brakes, wheels or airbags. This paper discusses the structure and design problems associated with this system. This scheme highly enhances road and pedestrian safety and defines a new application for wireless systems.
Current Status and Future Directions of Assessment Psychology

This chapter summarizes the conclusions reached by other authors in the volume. It presents a brief history of psychological assessment and discusses the current status of assessment within the disciplines of psychology and education. The use of psychological assessment in a variety of settings (child and adult mental health, geriatric, industrial/organizational, medical, forensic, correctional, and educational) is surveyed and the unique issues associated with assessments in each setting are highlighted. Current trends and important issues in various types of assessment (cognitive/intellectual, interests, neuropsychology, personality/psychopathology, interviews, behavioral and projective approaches, and self-report inventories) are presented. The authors conclude that it is essential to demonstrate that inferences based on assessment data are related to specific uses that occur in specific applications of specific instruments. The authors make a plea for less emphasis on assessment procedures and instruments that are decades old and more emphasis on innovative approaches to assessment. They conclude that assessment psychology is alive and well and making important contributions in the settings where it is practiced and to the thousands of people who are assessed each year. Keywords: assessment psychology; assessment settings; current status; future directions; types of assessment
Re-operative hypospadias repair using the Snodgrass incised plate urethroplasty.

Objective To retrospectively assess the results of tubularized incised plate (Snodgrass) urethroplasty in a series of re-operative hypospadias repairs in children. Patients and methods The study comprised a follow-up (from 1996 until 2000) of 13 patients (mean age 7.5 years, range 13 months to 27 years) who had at least one previous hypospadias repair and who then underwent a reconstruction using the Snodgrass repair. In all cases the urethroplasty was covered with an additional layer of subcutaneous tissue. The original location, associated complications and results were recorded. In some cases, the long-term follow up was conducted by telephone. Results Associated complications before the Snodgrass repair included urethral stricture in two, fistula in three and persistent chordee in one patient. The mean (range) follow-up was 22 (9–34) months. The cosmetic results were excellent, with two complications (one patient with a glans dehiscence and a urethrocutaneous fistula, and a second with meatal stenosis). The remaining patients required no further procedures and were voiding normally at the last follow-up. Conclusion Excellent cosmetic and functional results can be obtained using the Snodgrass incised plate urethroplasty for re-operative hypospadias repair. Only one patient in this series had an initial operation in which the urethral plate was previously incised. Therefore, caution should be used when considering an incised plate urethroplasty in these patients.
Somatostatin monoclonal antibody immunoneutralization increases gastrin and gastric acid secretion in urethane-anesthetized rats

The role of endogenous somatostatin in mediating urethane anesthesia-induced inhibition of gastric acid secretion was investigated using measurement of somatostatin messenger RNA concentrations in the antrum and the influence of somatostatin monoclonal antibody CURE.S6 on acid secretion in rats anesthetized with urethane and acutely implanted with gastric fistulas. Fifteen minutes after injection of urethane, somatostatin messenger RNA concentrations were increased by 128% compared with those in nontreated rats. The significant elevation of somatostatin messenger RNA was maintained for 2 hours after injection. Somatostatin monoclonal antibody injected intravenously (2 mg) completely reversed the inhibitory effect of somatostatin (20 micrograms/kg.h) on pentagastrin (24 micrograms/kg.h)-stimulated gastric acid secretion. The somatostatin monoclonal antibody dose dependently increased basal gastric acid secretion in urethane-anesthetized rats. Peak acid response to the somatostatin monoclonal antibody (2 mg) was observed 20 minutes after antibody injection (preinjection, 1.4 +/- 1.2 mumol/10 min; postinjection, 10.6 +/- 0.6 mumol/10 min); meanwhile, levels of plasma gastrin increased from 27 +/- 6 pg/mL to 75 +/- 8 pg/mL and were maintained elevated for the 2-hour experimental period. When gastrin monoclonal antibody 28.2 was injected together with somatostatin monoclonal antibody, the stimulatory effect of the somatostatin antibody was inhibited by 82%. A control monoclonal antibody 109-21 directed against the biologically inactive glycine-extended fragment 66-72 of progastrin did not alter basal gastric acid secretion or the inhibitory effect of somatostatin. These results indicate that one mechanism by which urethane induced low basal gastric acid secretion involved increased synthesis and release of endogenous somatostatin and associated inhibition of gastrin secretion.
Performance of analog neural networks subject to drifting targets and noise

This paper analyzes the tracking behavior of analog neurons when subjected to additive noise and slowly drifting target weights. The performance of single analog neurons and multilayer analog neural networks are studied. We consider a system identification model with a target and tracking neural network. The target weights are described by a stochastic difference equation with weights changing slowly with time. The tracker weights follow the least mean square (LMS) gradient descent algorithm and at each update are given a noise corrupted value of the output of the target network. When inputs are Gaussian and the activation used is the Gaussian error function, g(x)=1//spl radic/(2/spl pi/)/spl int//sub -x//sup x/e(-t/sup 2/2/)dt. The analysis is tractable. The dynamics of target and tracking networks are described by a set of stochastic difference equations. We obtain an approximation of the mean squared generalization error by linearizing the nonlinear difference equations and using simple probabilistic arguments. Analytical results are then confirmed with simulation results.
Principal Component Analysis (PCA) based compressive sensing millimeter wave imaging system

Compressive sensing is a novel sampling/sensing paradigm that enables significant sampling and computation cost reduction for signals with sparse or compressible representation. With compressive sensing technique, the number of measurements needed for accomplishing a specific task can be greatly reduced compared to traditional methods when the signal is sparse in certain basis. The fundamental idea behind compressive sensing is that rather than sampling at high rate first and then compressing the sampled data, it would be much better to directly sample the data in a compressed format.
Evaluation of a Potential Generator-Produced PET Tracer for Cerebral Perfusion Imaging: Single-Pass Cerebral Extraction Measurements and Imaging with Radiolabeled Cu-PTSM

Copper(II) pyruvaldehyde bis(N4-methylthiosemicarbazone) (Cu-PTSM), copper(II) pyruvaldehyde bis(N4-dimethylthiosemicarbazone) (Cu-PTSM2), and copper(II) ethylglyoxal bis(N4-methylthiosemicarbazone) (Cu-ETSM), have been proposed as PET tracers for cerebral blood flow (CBF) when labeled with generator-produced 62Cu (t1/2 = 9.7 min). To evaluate the potential of Cu-PTSM for CBF PET studies, baboon single-pass cerebral extraction measurements and PET imaging were carried out with the use of 67Cu (t1/2 = 2.6 days) and 64Cu (t1/2 = 12.7 hr), respectively. All three chelates were extracted into the brain with high efficiency. There was some clearance of all chelates in the 10-50-sec time frame and Cu-PTSM2 continued to clear. Cu-PTSM and Cu-ETSM have high residual brain activity. PET imaging of baboon brain was carried out with the use of (64Cu)-Cu-PTSM. For comparison with the 64Cu brain image, a CBF (15O-labeled water) image (40 sec) was first obtained. Qualitatively, the H2(15)O and (64Cu)-Cu-PTSM images were very similar; for example, a comparison of gray to white matter uptake resulted in ratios of 2.42 for H2(15)O and 2.67 for Cu-PTSM. No redistribution of 64Cu was observed in 2 hr of imaging, as was predicted from the single-pass study results. Quantitative determination of blood flow using Cu-PTSM showed good agreement with blood flow determined withmore » H2(15)O. This data suggests that (62Cu)-Cu-PTSM may be a useful generator-produced radiopharmaceutical for blood flow studies with PET.« less
Corrosion of Ceramic Materials

Non-oxide ceramics are promising materials for a range of high temperature applications. Selected current and future applications are listed. In all such applications, the ceramics are exposed to high temperature gases. Therefore it is critical to understand the response of these materials to their environment. The variables to be considered here include both the type of ceramic and the environment to which it is exposed. Non-oxide ceramics include borides, nitrides, and carbides. Most high temperature corrosion environments contain oxygen and hence the emphasis of this chapter will be on oxidation processes.
The alcohol-deprivation effect in monkeys

One stumptail and four rhesus monkeys were given free access to solutions of ethyl alcohol (increasing from 7% to 20% v/v) for 22 days. A subsequent 6 days without alcohol produced a significant increase in alcohol consumption when it was first made available again. Such an “alcohol-deprivation effect” is similar to that previously seen with rats. Unlike the rats, the monkeys frequently appeared to drink to intoxication.
Transfusion-associated necrotizing enterocolitis: translating knowledge into nursing practice

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a leading cause of prolonged hospitalizations for premature infants in the United States. In a recent large retrospective study, a significant proportion of NEC cases were shown to occur within 48 hours of packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion, especially in growing preterm neonates of older postnatal age. A small body of evidence consistently demonstrates that 25-35 percent of NEC cases are temporally associated with PRBC transfusion and that cases of NEC associated with transfusion are generally more severe with a higher rate of surgical intervention and mortality. Awareness of this association is vital for potential prevention and early recognition of NEC. The neonatal nurse has a primary role in care strategies that may affect NEC. This review of literature was compiled to educate neonatal nurses about the existence of transfusion-associated necrotizing enterocolitis and guide the translation of knowledge into nursing practice at the bedside.
Long-term radiation complications following conservative surgery (CS) and radiation therapy (RT) in patients with early stage breast cancer

The frequency of brachial plexopathy, rib fracture, tissue necrosis, pericarditis, and second non-breast malignancies occurring in the treatment field among 1624 patients with early stage breast cancer treated with conservative surgery and radiation therapy at the Joint Center for Radiation Therapy between 1968 and 1985 is reported. The median follow-up time for survivors was 79 months (range 5-233 months). Brachial plexopathy was related to the use of a third field, the use of chemotherapy and the total dose to the axilla. Brachial plexopathy developed in 20 of 1117 women (1.8%) who received supraclavicular irradiation with or without axillary irradiation. The median time to its occurrence was 10.5 months (range 1.5-77 mo), and the majority (80%) of cases completely resolved. Among patients treated with a three-field technique, the incidence of brachial plexopathy was 1.3% (13/991) in patients treated with a dose to the axilla of less than or equal to 50 Gy, compared with 5.6% (7/126) in women treated with an axillary dose of greater than 50 Gy. The incidence of brachial plexopathy was 4.5% (15/330) among patients receiving chemotherapy, compared with 0.6% (5/787) when chemotherapy was not used (p less than 0.0001). Rib fracture was seen in 29 patients (1.8%), at a median time of 12 months following treatment (range 1-57). In all cases, the rib fracture healed without intervention. The incidence of rib fracture was 2.2% (28/1300) among patients treated on a 4 MV linear accelerator, compared with 0.4% (1/276) for patients treated on a 6 or 8 MV machine (p = 0.05). Of patients treated on a 4 MV machine, 0.4% (1/279) developed a rib fracture when a whole breast dose of 45 Gy or less was given, 1.4% (10/725) after receiving between 45 and 50 Gy, and 5.7% (17/296) following 50 Gy or higher. Tissue necrosis requiring surgical correction developed in three patients (0.18%) 22, 25, and 114 months after treatment. Presumed pericarditis (requiring hospitalization) was seen in 0.4% of women (3/831) who received radiation therapy to the left breast 2, 2, and 11 months after the start of treatment. Three women (0.18%) developed sarcomas in the treatments field at 72, 107, and 110 months, for a 10-year actuarial rate of 0.8%. Two of these sarcomas developed in areas of probable match-line overlap. One patient (0.06%) developed an in-field basal cell carcinoma at 42 months. In conclusion, the risk of significant complications following conservative surgery and radiation therapy for early stage breast cancer is low.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The ontogeny of agonistic behavior and the onset of sexual maturation in the paradise fish, Macropodus opercularis (linnaeus)

Fish 20–100 days of age were observed in brief conflicts with a stimulus fish of similar size and age. Four stages of behavior development were identified, based on quantitative changes in behavior which occurred with increasing age. Relatively little aggressive behavior occurs in the larval stage which includes fish up to about 40 days of age. Juveniles, age 40–70 days, approach, chase, and attack each other much more than do the larva. In the adolescent stage, 70–100 days of age, the incidence of species typical displays increases paralleling the onset of puberal changes in the testis and ovary. No sex differences in behavior were seen in fish up to 100 days of age. Among adult fish of unknown age males performed lateral threat displays more frequently than females as has been previously reported.
Judging Who Should Live: Schneiderman and Jecker on the Duty Not to Treat

In this paper, I consider the thesis advanced by Lawrence J. Schneiderman and Nancy S. Jecker that physicians should be forbidden from offering futile treatments to patients. I distinguish between a version of this thesis that is trivially true and Schneiderman and Jecker's more substantive version of the thesis. I find that their positive arguments for their thesis are unsuccessful, and sometimes quite misleading. I advance an argument against their thesis, and find that, on balance, their thesis should be rejected. I briefly argue that a resolution of the debate about medical futility will require addressing deeper issues about value.
Pindolol does not augment cortisol and prolactin responses to paroxetine in healthy subjects

Abstract Objective: Animal studies have shown that pindolol augmentation of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may act through inhibition of 5-HT1A autoreceptors in the raphe. The combination of pindolol plus a SSRI produces increased synaptic 5-HT levels that are greater than those achieved with a SSRI alone. However, it is unclear whether this actually occurs in humans, and clinical studies of pindolol augmentation have produced inconsistent results. Since the release of cortisol and prolactin is under serotonergic control, we hypothesized that pindolol augmentation of synaptic 5-HT concentrations produced by an SSRI in humans should lead to enhanced SSRI-induced cortisol and prolactin responses. Methods: Cortisol and prolactin responses were measured after challenge tests with paroxetine (20–40 mg) plus pindolol (5 mg) and after paroxetine plus placebo in six non-depressed, healthy control subjects. Results: No differences were observed in the cortisol or prolactin responses between either neuroendocrine challenge test. Conclusions: These results suggest that SSRI augmentation with usual clinical doses of pindolol does not increase central synaptic 5-HT neurotransmission sufficient to induce an enhanced neuroendocrine response.
Congenital diaphramatic hernia

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia, despite advances in therapy, remains a complex condition with significant morbidity and mortality. The etiology of the disorder is still incompletely understood, though the pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension that develop secondarily must be overcome to improve survival. Prenatal US and fetal MRI have helped in the development of a greater understanding of this disease. Also with these modalities, measurement techniques have been developed in an attempt to provide prognosticators for the development of pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension. There is a broad range of approaches for performing these measurements, and variability among imaging centers is noted. Despite inconsistent approaches, these techniques have become the foundation for counseling and prenatal and postnatal therapy. It is hoped that with further research with prenatal US and fetal MRI and the development of innovative medical and surgical therapies that the morbidity and mortality of children with congenital diaphragmatic hernias can be significantly reduced.
Influences on Attitude-Behavior Relationships A Natural Experiment with Curbside Recycling

A simple model was tested in which attitudinal factors and external conditions act in combination to influence behavior. The model predicts that behavior is a monotonic function of attitudes and external conditions and that the strength of the attitude-behavior relationship is a curvilinear function of the strength of the external conditions, with extreme values setting boundary conditions on the applicability of attitude models. The model also allows for interactions in which perceived costs enter into the attitudinal process. Evidence is taken from a natural experiment in recycling in which collection bins for curbside pickup had been provided to 26% of 257 survey respondents. Consistent with the model, main effects of attitudes and external conditions were found, as was an interaction effect in which the Schwartz norm-activation model predicted recycling behavior only for households without bins. Interactive models such as the one developed here can yield better policy-relevant analyses by clarifying t...
Nanoscale Topography Influences Polymer Surface Diffusion

Using high-throughput single-molecule tracking, we studied the diffusion of poly(ethylene glycol) chains at the interface between water and a hydrophobic surface patterned with an array of hexagonally arranged nanopillars. Polymer molecules displayed anomalous diffusion; in particular, they exhibited intermittent motion (i.e., immobilization and “hopping”) suggestive of continuous-time random walk (CTRW) behavior associated with desorption-mediated surface diffusion. The statistics of the molecular trajectories changed systematically on surfaces with pillars of increasing height, exhibiting motion that was increasingly subdiffusive and with longer waiting times between diffusive steps. The trajectories were well-described by kinetic Monte Carlo simulations of CTRW motion in the presence of randomly distributed permeable obstacles, where the permeability (the main undetermined parameter) was conceptually related to the obstacle height. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of interfacial ...
Impact of Atypical Coverage for Patients with Community‐Acquired Pneumonia Managed on the Medical Ward: Results from the United States Community‐Acquired Pneumonia Project

Study Objective. As current guidelines for treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) recommend empiric antimicrobial coverage for atypical pathogens, we evaluated the need for atypical coverage by examining length of hospital stay (LOS) and mortality in patients with CAP who were managed on the medical ward. Methods. Medical records of patients with CAP admitted from January 1, 1997-December 31, 2001, from 176 United States nonteaching community hospitals were reviewed. Patients were divided into one of three mutually exclusive groups on the basis of intravenous antimicrobials received on days 1 or 2 of hospital stay: ceftriaxone monotherapy, ceftriaxone plus a macrolide, or levofloxacin. Variables evaluated for their ability to predict outcome were patient age, year of hospital admission, geographic region, preadmission setting, preadmission antimicrobial treatment, timing of antimicrobial administration, comorbid disease, and duration of intravenous antimicrobial treatment. The impact of initial antimicrobial regimen on LOS and mortality was evaluated in regression models while controlling for significant predictors of outcome. Results. Of 8975 patients evaluated, 2453 met the inclusion criteria. Significant differences were noted among patients who received ceftriaxone (932 patients), ceftriaxone plus a macrolide (872), and levofloxacin (649) with respect to mean ± SD age (72 ± 16, 67 ± 18, and 70 ± 17 yrs, respectively; p<0.0001), admission from a nursing home (21%, 11%, and 15%, respectively; p<0.0001), and duration of intravenous antimicrobial treatment (4.4 ± 2.7, 4.0 ± 2.6, and 3.6 ± 2.5 days, respectively; p<0.0001). The LOS predictors were age, geographic region, coexisting heart failure, and duration of intravenous antimicrobial therapy. Mortality predictors were age, admission from a nursing home, coexisting heart failure, and coexisting cancer. After controlling for these predictors of outcome, no significant differences were noted among the three groups for LOS (5.5 ± 3.5, 4.8 ± 2.9, and 4.8 ± 2.9 days, respectively; p=0.2791) or mortality (3.1%, 2.0%, and 2.6%, respectively; p=0.8461). Conclusion. Initial coverage for atypical pathogens does not affect LOS or mortality among patients with CAP managed on the medical ward.