cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A paradigm in pediatrics to deliver family and child-centered care

The concepts behind person-centered care continue to evolve. In pediatric healthcare, both the child and family are considered. In this article, an overview of person-centered care in pediatrics is presented. The model includes six key features: 1 communication; 2 access to care; 3 flow; 4 individualization; 5 coordination of care and 6 connectedness . Effective communication should occur between healthcare providers and families, between physicians and between physicians, nurses and other medical staff. Families should have easy access to care. Making appointments and obtaining information should be made easy for families. Experiences with the healthcare system should be designed to eliminate bottlenecks and minimize waiting. The child and family should be treated with respect for diverse social and cultural backgrounds. The personal belief systems of the family should be respected. The family should not have to expend effort to navigate a complex healthcare system. The system should offer coordination of care to ensure families have access to and obtain the services they require. Families struggling with the diagnosis of a child with a medical condition should be supported. Connecting families to other families can help break down feelings of isolation.
Analysis of liner performance using the NASA Langley Research Center Curved Duct Test Rig

Abstract The NASA Langley Research Center Curved Duct Test Rig (CDTR) is designed to test aircraft engine nacelle liner samples in an environment approximating that of the engine on a scale that approaches the full scale dimensions of the aft bypass duct. The modal content of the sound in the duct can be determined and the modal content of the sound incident on the liner test section can be controlled. The effect of flow speed, up to Mach 0.5 in the test section, can be investigated. The results reported in this paper come from a study to evaluate the effect of duct configuration on the acoustic performance of single degree of freedom (SDOF) perforate-over-honeycomb liners. Variations of duct configuration include: asymmetric (liner on one side and hard wall opposite) and symmetric (liner on both sides) wall treatment; inlet and exhaust orientation, in which the sound propagates either against or with the flow; and straight and curved (outlet is offset from the inlet by one duct width) flow path. The effect that duct configuration has on the overall acoustic performance is quantified. The redistribution of incident mode content is shown, in particular the mode scatter effect that liner symmetry has on symmetric and asymmetric incident mode shapes. The Curved Duct Test Rig is shown to be a valuable tool for the evaluation of acoustic liner concepts.
The Fifth Column: On the Proper Scheduling of the Vampires, or Phlebotomy Follies

An essay about introducing technological innovation and new management principles in scheduling blood collection and analysis in a large three-hospital complex.
Arithmetic progression sums of binomial coefficients

Abstract Using a variant of the Vandermonde convolution, a recurrence relation is derived for arithmetic progression sums of binomial coefficients. The classical roots of unity identity by Ramus is derived and interpreted in terms of the characteristic polynomial.
Non-equilibrium electronic Grüneisen parameter

The electronic Gruneisen parameter, γ e , is a fundamental parameter characterizing the relationship between thermal expansion and electronic specific heat. Conventionally, γ e is measured at low temperatures for minimizing the lattice contribution to thermal expansion. In this paper, we extract γ e by separating the electron and lattice contributions in time domain using ultrashort pulse excitation. We show that γ e cannot be considered as a constant during the electron-lattice thermal nonequilibrium state. Instead, a revised expression for γ e is proposed for the non-equilibrium electron–phonon system.
DEGRADATION OF THE BOND BETWEEN CONCRETE AND STEEL UNDER CYCLIC SHEAR LOADING, MONITORED BY CONTACT ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE MEASUREMENT

Degradation of the bond between steel reinforcing bar (rebar) and concrete under cyclic shear loading was observed nondestructively by measuring the contact electrical resistance of the joint. Degradation, which caused a decrease in bond strength but no visual damage, was indicated by an abrupt increase in the resistance at a small fraction of the fatigue life.
The evolutionary consequences of alternative types of imperfect vaccines

The emergence and spread of mutant pathogens that evade the effects of prophylactic interventions, including vaccines, threatens our ability to control infectious diseases globally. Imperfect vaccines (e.g. those used against influenza), while not providing life-long immunity, confer protection by reducing a range of pathogen life-history characteristics; conversely, mutant pathogens can gain an advantage by restoring the same range of traits in vaccinated hosts. Using an SEIR model motivated by equine influenza, we investigate the evolutionary consequences of alternative types of imperfect vaccination, by comparing the spread rate of three types of mutant pathogens, in response to three types of vaccines. All mutant types spread faster in response to a transmission-blocking vaccine, relative to vaccines that reduce the proportion of exposed vaccinated individuals becoming infectious, and to vaccines that reduce the length of the infectious period; this difference increases with increasing vaccine efficacy. We interpret our results using the first published Price equation formulation for an SEIR model, and find that our main result is explained by the effects of vaccines on the equilibrium host distribution across epidemiological classes. In particular, the proportion of vaccinated infectious individuals among all exposed and infectious hosts, which is relatively higher in the transmission-blocking vaccine scenario, is important in explaining the faster spread of mutant strains in response to that vaccine. Our work illustrates the connection between epidemiological and evolutionary dynamics, and the need to incorporate both in order to explain and interpret findings of complicated infectious disease dynamics.
Relation of Anterior and Posterior Lobe of the Hypophysis to Insulin Sensitivity in the Rat.

SummaryRemoval of the posterior lobe of the hypophysis with only slight injury to the anterior lobe does not increase the sensitivity of rats to the convulsive action of insulin. Removal of the anterior lobe only, leaving the posterior lobe intact, results in a marked increase in insulin sensitivity equal to that observed after complete hypophysectomy.
Rossby waves in a rotating fluid of spheroidal configuration

Abstract The ray method is used to study quasi-geostrophic waves in a thin layer of incompressible, inviscid fluid of constant density both in a rotating spheroidal shell and on a rotating spheroid bounded above by a free surface. Asymptotic approximations to solutions of both the time-dependent and time-reduced problems are found; the dispersion relation obtained has the form of the Rossby-Haurwitz formula when the shell is spherical, and is asymptotically equivalent to that found by Longuet-Higgins (1965) for the free surface problem on a sphere. The approximation is first applied to free oscillations in a rotating spherical shell and Longuet-Higgins' (1964) results are rederived. Spheroidal shells in which the shell thickness depends only upon the latitude are studied next and a necessary and sufficient condition for oscillations to occur is obtained.
Regional distribution and kinetics of vinyl acetate hydrolysis in the oral cavity of the rat and mouse

Vinyl acetate is an ester that is used to make polyvinyl acetate based polymers that are used in the manufacture of latex paints and adhesives. Chronic oral exposure to high concentrations of vinyl acetate induces oral tumors in rodents. Since carboxylesterase-dependent hydrolysis of VA to acetic acid and acetaldehyde has been implicated in the nasal inhalation carcinogenesis of this ester, the potential for oral mucosa of the F344 rat and BDF mouse to hydrolyze VA was examined. Homogenates were prepared by scraping the mucosa from four regions of the oral cavity: dorsal interior (all tissues interior to the teeth), dorsal tongue surface, ventral interior (sublingual area and lower interior tissues) and exterior (all tissues exterior to the teeth). The oral cavity was rinsed once with saline prior to dissection to determine if oral secretions possessed metabolic capacity. Aliquots of the homogenates or rinse fluid were incubated for 30 min with varying concentrations of vinyl acetate (0.05-10 mM), and the production of acetaldehyde was quantitated by HPLC. All tissue regions possessed VA hydrolysis activity. In both species the hydrolysis activity was greatest in the dorsal interior region (Vmax of 90 and 6 nmol/min in the rat and mouse, respectively, Km values of 0.5 and 0.9 mM). Activity in the other oral regions was 2-15-fold lower. Activity was observed in the rinse fluid, but was 20-fold or more lower than the dorsal interior region. Finally, solutions of vinyl acetate were placed in the mouth of anesthetized rats for 10 min and then analyzed for acetaldehyde concentrations. Acetaldehyde was detected in these solutions providing evidence that metabolism of this ester occurs in vivo in oral tissues.
AlGaAs Optoelectronic Devices On Monolithic GaAs/Si Substrates

The use of optical interconnects in systems incorporating complex Si circuits could significantly reduce the number of wire interconnects required for such systems. One possible approach to the development of optical interconnects is the monolithic integration of AlGaAs optoelectronic devices and Si circuits. However, the differences in crystal properties between GaAs and Si present a severe impediment to the growth of high-quality GaAs on Si. This paper will review recent advances in lasers and other opto-electronic devices fabricated on MGS substrates.
Toroidal condensation of Z DNA and identification of an intermediate in the B to Z transition of poly(dG-m5dC)•poly(dG-m5dC)

Using a combination of spectroscopic techniques, quasi-elastic laser light scattering (QLS), and electron microscopy (EM), we have been able to show that the B to Z transition of poly(dG-m5dC) X poly(dG-m5dC) is accompanied by extensive condensation of the DNA in both low and high ionic strength buffers. At low concentrations of NaCl (2 mM Na+), an intermediate rodlike form, which exhibits a circular dichroism (CD) spectrum characteristic of an equimolar mixture of B and Z forms, is observed. This is produced by the orderly self-association of about four molecules of the polymer after prolonged incubation of a concentrated solution at 4 degrees C. On addition of 5 microM Co(NH3)63+, the CD spectrum of the intermediate changes to that of the Z form, which is visualized as a dense population of discrete toroids on an EM grid stained with uranyl acetate. On the other hand, addition of NaCl to a solution of poly(dG-m5dC) X poly(dG-m5dC) in the absence of any multivalent ion condenses the polymer to toroidal structures at the midpoint (0.75 M NaCl) of the B to Z transition. Further addition of NaCl unfolds these toroids to rodlike structures, which show characteristic Z-form CD spectra. These results show that Z DNA can take up a variety of tertiary structural forms and indicate that its inverted CD spectrum is due to its left-handed helical sense rather than to differential scattering artifacts.
Tooting crater: Geology and geomorphology of the archetype large, fresh, impact crater on Mars

Abstract The 27.2 km diameter Tooting crater is the best preserved young impact crater of its size on Mars. It offers an unprecedented opportunity to study impact-related phenomena as well the geology of the crust in the Amazonis Planitia region of Mars. For example, the nearly pristine condition enables the partial reconstruction of the sequence of events for crater formation, as well as facilitates a comparison to deposits seen at the Ries crater in Germany. High-resolution images taken by the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) and Context Camera (CTX) on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft have revealed a wealth of information on the distribution of features within the crater and beyond the rim: a large central peak, pitted material on the floor and terrace blocks, lobate flows interpreted to be sediment flows, impact melt sheets, four discrete layers of ejecta, and an asymmetric secondary crater field. Topographic data derived from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) and stereo HiRISE and CTX images show that the central peak is ∼1100 m high, the lowest point of the crater floor is 1274 m below the highest part of the rim, and the crater rim has ∼600 m of variability around its perimeter. Layering within the cavity walls indicates ∼260 m of structural uplift of the target material, which constitutes ∼35% of the total relief of the rim. Abundant evidence is found for water flowing down the cavity walls, and on the surface of the ejecta layers, both of which took place sometime after the impact event. Thickness measurements of the ejecta layers reveal that the continuous blanket is remarkably thin (∼3–5 m) in some places, and that the distal ramparts may be ∼60 m high. Crater counts made on the ejecta layers indicate a model age of
Estrogen-dependent modulation of rat brain ascorbate levels and ischemia-induced ascorbate loss.

Brain ascorbate levels in young adult female rat are lower than those in males. Loss of ascorbate during ischemia is also less in females, suggesting lower oxidative stress. After ovariectomy, however, ischemia-induced loss equals that in males. In the present study, we determined ascorbate levels in maturing male and female rat brain to establish when the gender difference in content arises. We further investigated whether 17β-estradiol and/or progesterone treatment modulate levels and ischemia-induced loss in ovariectomized females and compared these data with those from normal females in proestrus and estrus. Gender differences in brain ascorbate content were absent before puberty and persisted only in cortex in aging rats. Chronic estradiol treatment, whether alone or in combination with progesterone, prevented an ovariectomy-induced ascorbate increase in hippocampus and caused levels in cortex and cerebellum to fall below those of randomly sampled normal females. These same low levels were found during proestrus and estrus. Estradiol replacement after ovariectomy prevented enhanced ischemia-induced ascorbate loss in hippocampus, but not in cortex or cerebellum. Ischemia-induced losses in proestrus and estrus were similar to those in normal controls. Progesterone had little effect in any region. These data indicate that ascorbate content and redox balance in female brain are influenced postpubertally by estrogens in a region-selective manner.
Pulsed Power Generators

Pulsed power generators are capable of delivering as much as megajoules of energy in pulses of 100 nsec or less. A brief review of the technological approach to this problem is presented as well as the description of three different devices: Gamble II, AURORA, and a small laboratory device designed at NRL.
A supply chain manager selection methodology : empirical test and suggested application

With the expanding global economy, no managerial position requires a broader set of skills than that of the supply chain manager. Understanding the complexities of filling this vital managerial position, recent conceptual research has called for the development of a tool designed to identify the top candidates for supply chain positions. This research presents a full test of a three hurdle methodology for supply chain manager selection. Empirical results reported here suggest that managers must possess superior general mental aptitude, need for achievement, and adaptability for firms to maximize performance.
Variation-aware layout-driven scheduling for performance yield optimization

With the move to deep submicron processes, the design-productivity gap has continued to widen for RTL-based design methodologies. High-level synthesis has been touted as a solution to the design-productivity gap by allowing designers to move up to a higher level of abstraction where they focus on the functionality of the circuit instead of the low level details. However, at the same time, the move to deep submicron processes has led to increased levels of process variation, which must be considered during synthesis so that the performance yield of the circuit meets design specifications. In this paper, we tackle the problem of performance yield optimization during the scheduling task of high-level synthesis. We formulate the problem of performance yield optimization for scheduling as an integer linear programming problem (ILP) and offer the following contributions: 1) a totally unimodular ILP formulation for performance yield maximization and 2) a variation-aware and layout-driven iterative algorithm for performance yield improvement. Experimental results show that we can obtain significant gain in performance yield compared to a state-of-the-art variation-aware high-level synthesis tool Fast Yield.
Precancerous disease of the gastrointestinal tract

The gastrointestinal disorders regarded as potentially premalignant are the benign epithelial growths and the inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the mucous membrane. The majority of large-bowel carcinomata appear to start as adenomatous polyps. Chronic ulcerative colitis also appears to predispose to development of malignancy.
Development of a toxicity test system using primary rat liver cells

A model in vitro rat liver parenchymal cellular toxicity system employing cells obtained by the in situ collagenase perfusion technique has been developed to detect potential liver toxicants. The initial evaluation of this test system was accomplished using cadmium chloride, chromium chloride, cobalt chloride, mercuric chloride, nickelous chloride, sodium arsenite, sodium selenite, and ammonium vanadate. Linear regression analysis of the dose response curves was used to determine the effective concentration at which the viability was reduced to 50% (EC50). The relative toxicity of the compounds was as follows: Cd>V=As>Se>Hg>Cr=Co>Ni. Since several of the compounds with very similar EC50S had significantly different dose response slopes, an additional parameter, lowest effective concentration tested (LECT) was employed to assess the relative toxicity. The LECT was determined using the Williams test and the relative toxicity of the compounds was found to be Cd=Se>V>As=Hg>Co>Cr=Ni. The primary objective in developing this rat liver cellular toxicity test system was to employ an in vitro test system utilizing metabolically active primary cells from a potential target organ. This study demonstrates the utility of this test system in determining the relative liver cell toxicity of a series of inorganic agents of differing toxicity.
Reply to Rowe

In our reply to Rowe, we explain why most of what he criticizes is actually the product of his misunderstanding our argument. We begin by showing that nearly all of his Part 1 misconceives our project by defending a position we never attacked. We then question why Rowe thinks the distinction we make between motivational and virtue intellectualism is unimportant before developing a defense of the consistency of our views about different desires. Next we turn to Rowe’s criticisms of our account of the prudential paradox and show these criticisms to rest on a misunderstanding. We close with some remarks about the implausibility and textual problems Rowe faces in denying that Socrates recognized a role for painful punishments.
Natural Frequencies Of A Thin Disk, Clamped By Thick Collars With Friction At The Contacting Surfaces, Spinning At High Rotation Speed

Abstract Prediction of the natural frequencies of a rotating disk requires accurate representation of the disk membrane stresses caused by rotation. These stresses depend strongly on the membrane stress boundary condition at the clamping collar. This research evaluates experimentally the validity of the standard models of this boundary condition: vanishing radial stress, vanishing radial displacement, or finite stress at the center of an integral disk and collar assembly. It shows that they can lead to over 13% error in prediction of the natural frequencies of the disk spinning at high rotation speed. The error occurs because the idealized models do not include friction and stiction at the disk/collar interface and slippage of the disk between the collars. Stiction and slippage also cause hysteresis of the disk natural frequencies with start/stop cycles of rotation speed. Inclusion of an empirically determined friction traction at the collar diameter reduces the error in predicted frequencies to less than 1%.
Magnetic properties of zirconium (III) and hafnium (III) iodides

Abstract Zirconium (III) iodide and hafnium (III) iodide were prepared by aluminum reductions of the corresponding tetrahalides. Green and black species of both compounds were isolated. The magnetic susceptibilities of these compounds were measured over the temperature range 100–300°K by the Gouy method. A correlation of observed magnetic and structural properties is given in terms of competing ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions in the lattice. The visible absorption spectrum was measured for species obtained on dissolution of zirconium (III) iodide in water. Absorption bands were assigned for what is proposed to be the hexaquozirconium (III) ion and a less stable iodinated species of the aquozirconium (III) ion.
Concomitant boost radiotherapy for advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

The concomitant boost technique is a variant of accelerated fractionation whereby the boost is delivered as a second daily fraction during the basic treatment course to reduce the total duration of treatment. From April 1972 through June 1983, 53 patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of various sites in the head and neck region were treated for cure at U.T. M. D. Anderson Hospital with this technique. In 12 patients, the concomitant boost was used because of rapid recurrence following surgical resection either before or after initiation of planned postoperative radiotherapy; the remaining patients had rapidly growing untreated or recurrent disease in the primary site, neck, or both. In most cases, the concomitant boost was delivered in fractions of 120-150 cGy, separated by 3-6 h from the basic daily treatment of 180-200 cGy. The boost treatments were given 2-3 times a week for 3-5 weeks, delivering an average of about 17 Gy in 12 fractions. Two different treatment techniques were used. Patients with predominantly neck disease (30) were treated with glancing AP and PA fields or with appositional electron beam portals to spare the mucous membranes, while those with advanced or rapidly progressive primary lesions, with or without nodal disease (23), received their concomitant boost through lateral photon or high energy electron beams to include the primary tumor site. As expected, the acute mucosal reactions were most severe in the latter group, but only three patients required interruption of treatment because of severe mucositis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The genusGeitleria (cyanophyceae) in a Bahamian cave

The atmophytic calcifying blue-green algaGeitleria calcarea is reported from the damp limestone walls of a cave on Long Island, Bahamas. Numerous bats and insects inhabited the dimly-lighted, warm, humid cave.
Semilinear evolution inclusions with nonlocal conditions

We discuss conditions for the existence of at least one solution of semilinear evolution inclusions with a nonlocal condition and a nonconvex right-hand side. Our technique is based on fixed point theorems for multivalued maps.
Eosinophilic esophagitis attributed to gastroesophageal reflux: improvement with an amino acid-based formula.

Abstract Background & Aims Treatment for gastroesophageal reflux may be ineffective in patients with an eosinophilic infiltration of the esophagus. The aim of this study was to investigate whether unremitting symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux and biopsy abnormalities of the esophagus may be associated with the ingestion of certain foods. Methods Ten children previously diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux by standard testing with long-standing symptoms (median, 34.3 months; range, 6–78 months) despite standard antireflux therapies, including Nissen fundoplication in 6 patients, were fed the elemental formulas Neocate or Neocate-1-Plus (Scientific Hospital Supplies Inc., Gaithersburg, MD) for a minimum of 6 weeks. Each child had repeat endoscopy followed by open food challenges. Results While receiving the formulas, patients had either resolution (n = 8) or improvement (n = 2) of symptoms. On follow-up esophageal biopsy, the maximal intraepithelial eosinophil counts decreased significantly before (median, 41; range, 15–100) to after (median, 0.5; range, 0–22) the formula trial ( P = 0.005). Other reactive epithelial changes of the esophageal mucosa also improved significantly. All patients redeveloped their previous symptoms on open food challenges. Conclusions Chronic gastrointestinal symptoms and histological changes of the esophagus unresponsive to standard treatments for gastroesophageal reflux were improved by the use of elemental formulas. Symptoms recurred when specific dietary proteins were reintroduced during open food challenges. The mechanism of these observations is unknown.
Thresholds for dynamic visual movement

The present study, employing a computer-based cathode-ray tube (CRT) display system, seeks to extend earlier findings on “dynamic visual movement. ” A methodology is developed that attempts to assess thresholds for various phases of “subjective visual experience, ” and quantitative estimates of such thresholds are examined.
Nephelometer optical response model for the interpretation of atmospheric aerosol measurements

A numerical model evaluating the response of a typical integrating nephelometer is described. The model incorporates the actual scattering geometry as well as the effects of a finite light source, detector size, and a nonideal Lambertian diffuser. An angular scattering weighting function is introduced to provide a tractable approach in numerical calculations and easy application. Using established size distribution ensembles associated with a few representative aerosol types, we compare the calculated response of a real nephelometer with that of an ideal, or perfect, nephelometer. The results indicate that, frequently, the nephelometer-produced aerosol-scattering coefficient is of the order of 10–20% too small; but for some naturally occurring aerosols, the difference may be as large as 40–50%. For a multiple-wavelength nephelometer, the response model can be employed to estimate the expected error in the aerosol-scattering coefficients directly from the measurements themselves.
Simulation studies of instrumental artifacts on spin I=1 double quantum filtered NMR spectroscopy.

Abstract We report on the results of a simulation based study of the effect of various experimental artifacts for spin I = 1 double quantum filtered NMR. The simulation captures the effects of static field inhomogeneity, finite pulse widths, phase errors, transients and radio frequency field inhomogeneity. We simulated the spectral distortions introduced under these errors for four, eight and sixteen step phase cycles that are well known in the NMR community. The dominating pulse errors are radio frequency field inhomogeneity and antisymmetric pulse transients. These errors result in the reduction of signal intensity as well as an introduction of distortions in the detected double quantum filtered spectrum. Using the simulation tool we studied the improvement one obtains when implementing a sixteen step phase cycle over a four step phase cycle. The results indicate that implementing a sixteen step phase cycle over an eight or four step phase cycle does not result in a significant reduction in the DQF intensity loss, or reduction in spectral distortions for antisymmetric transients.
Host associations of the strangler fig Ficus watkinsiana in a subtropical Queensland rain forest

The distribution of epiphytic organisms is limited by the availability of, and dispersal to suitable hosts. We examined the distribution of a hemi-epiphytic strangler fig, Ficus watkinsiana (Moraceae) in Cooloola National Park (Queensland, Australia), in order to determine whether this species exhibits a preference for certain host species and why. We assessed host bark roughness and flakiness, fruit type, and size to explain the observed distribution of F. watkinsiana. We surveyed over 1900 potential host trees of the 30 most common forest canopy species and found that host size measured by diameter at breast height accounted for most variation in fig prevalence (Binary Logistic Regression log-likelihood = -588.178, G= 314.494, d.f. = 1, P< 0.005). After controlling for host size, F. watkinsiana prevalence still differed significantly between host species (X 2 = 54.612, d.f. = 24, P < 0.005), a difference that was only partly explained by variation in the bark roughness of host trunks. These results suggest that variation in the rate at which tree species host strangler figs are primarily related to individual tree size - figs may simply be more likely to colonize and thrive upon host species that grow larger.
Psychiatric symptoms, type A behavior, and arrhythmias following coronary bypass

Abstract One hundred four patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery were evaluated for psychiatric symptoms and their association with postoperative arrhythmias occurring within 48 hours after surgery. Patients high in type A behavior had increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias, while those scoring relatively high in depression and anxiety had fewer atrial arrhythmias than patients low in these measures. No significant association was found between postoperative arrhythmias and obesity, heavy tobacco use, or number of bypasses. A history of arrhythmias correlated significantly with postoperative arrhythmias. Anxious or depressed patients who deny their symptoms may be at increased risk for postoperative atrial arrhythmias.
PSYCHOSOCIAL DWARFISM: NORMAL SOMATOMEDIN (SM) GENERATION

Study of a psychosocial dwarf with initial GH deficiency reveals that the dwarfism was not due to caloric deficit nor inability to generate SM in response to GH release. We present data on a 7 yr. old boy with a severe form of psychosocial dwarfism (PSD), who began a period of marked catch-up growth 3 weeks after admission (growth velocity 3 cm/month). During the period of poor growth the mean caloric intake was 1595 cal/day, in the period of catch-up growth it was 1504 cal/day. Since the weight increased in the period of catch-up growth the caloric intake per kg bodyweight actually decreased. The maximum growth hormone response during combined L-DOPA-ITT rose from 5.9 ng/ml to 13.6 ng/ml in the phase of catch-up growth. Somatomedin which was in the hypopituitary range of 0.59 U/ml rose concomitantly to a normal value of 0.84 U/ml. With separation from his favorite nurse his growth velocity dropped while in the hospital to 0.4 cm/month accompanied by an inadequate growth hormone release upon stimulation (max. GH 6.9 ng/ml). The caloric intake remained unchanged, with the return of his favorite nurse he resumed his previous growth velocity of 3 cm/month and stimulable growth hormone rose to 15 ng/ml. We conclude that growth failure in PSD is not due to caloric undernutrition but to defective GH release and inadequate SM generation which corrected with removal from the family milieu.
Reversions of two proline-requiring auxotrophs of Haemophilus influenzae by N-methyl-N′-nitro- N-nitrosuguanidine and hydrazine

Abstract New mutation detection systems are described for Haemophilus influenzae They involve two independently isolated proline auxtrophs which appear to be mutants at different sites in a proline locus (proB) that is very closely linked to a locus (thd) or thymidine requirement. One of the mutants, proB1, appears to revert to prototrophy only by mutations at the locus. The other, proB2, reverts both by mutation at the locus and by unlinked suppressors. The latter account for about 90% of the reversions induced by MNNG and by HZ. The close linkage of proB to thd was used to distinguish between true revertants and suppressors by a transformation test. A comparison was made between the mutation induction kinetics of the different classes of revertants and mutations to novobiocin resistance with MNNG and HZ. The very different induction kinetics for these two mutagens previously reported for the novobiocin resistance system were also found for the proline systems. There were some differences between the detection systems, however, in the frequency of induced mutation relative to the spontaneous frequency and, in one case, in the form of the induction curve. It is concluded that the major features of the induction curves reflect the amount of damage done to DNA and so are general for all systems, but that there are some features which are locus- or site-specific.
Postpartum headache: is your work-up complete?

Objective Headache is a common finding in the postpartum period, and there are limited data describing the cause and treatment of women with postpartum headache. Our objective was to describe our experience with women who were hospitalized for postpartum headache and to develop a management algorithm for these women. Study Design Data for 95 women with headache >24 hours after delivery from 2000-2005 were reviewed retrospectively. Maternal assessment included an evaluation for benign and serious causes of headache that included preeclampsia, dural puncture, and neurologic lesions. Neurologic imaging were performed on the basis of initial neurologic findings and clinical course. Outcomes that were studied included cause, a need for cerebral imaging, neurologic findings, maternal complications, and long-term follow-up evaluations. Results The mean onset of headache was 3.4 days (range, 2-32 days) after delivery. Tension-type/migraine headache was the most common cause (47%). Preeclampsia/eclampsia and spinal headache comprised 24% and 16% of cases, respectively. Anesthesia evaluation was required in 15 patients because of suspected spinal headache; blood patch was required in 12 of these patients. Cerebral imaging was performed in 22 patients because of focal neurologic deficits and/or failure to respond to initial therapy; 15 of these women (68%) had abnormal findings. Ten patients had serious cerebral pathologic findings, such as hemorrhage, thrombosis, or vasculopathy. There were no deaths; 2 women had minor residual neurologic damage on follow-up evaluation. Conclusion The evaluation of persistent headaches that develop >24 hours after delivery must be performed in a stepwise fashion and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Preeclampsia should be considered initially in women with hypertension and proteinuria. Normotensive women should be evaluated initially for tension-type/migraine headache or spinal headache. Patients with headache that is refractory to usual therapy and patients with neurologic deficit require cerebral imaging to detect the presence of life-threatening causes.
Characterization of a severe parenchymal phenotype of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in (C57BL6xB10.PL)F1 mice

We here describe a novel CD4 T cell adoptive transfer model of severe experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in (C57BL6xB10.PL)F1 mice. This FI cross developed severe disease characterized by extensive parenchymal spinal cord and brain periventricular white matter infiltrates. In contrast, B10.PL mice developed mild disease characterized by meningeal predominant infiltrates. As determined by cDNA microarray and quantitative real time PCR expression analysis, histologic and flow cytometry analysis of inflammatory infiltrates, and attenuation of disease in class I-deficient and CD8-depleted F1 mice; this severe disease phenotype appears to be regulated by CNS infiltration of CD8 T lymphocytes early in the disease course.
Chemically amplified resists for electron-beam projection lithography mask fabrication

A positive tone chemically amplified (CA) resist, Shipley UVIIITM, has been investigated for use in the fabrication of scattering electron-beam projection lithography (EPL) masks. Shipley UVIII is a DUV resist that also functions as a high resolution (sub 75 nm) e-beam resist with sensitivities of 12 - 30 (mu) C/cm2 at 75 keV depending upon the bake parameters, and is currently used in the manufacture of advanced x-ray masks with 90 nm feature sizes. This paper discusses the issues associated with the implementation of CARs in EPL mask processing, including the thermal variations and mechanical distortions which can cause nonuniformities during resist processing. The performance of the resist was evaluated based on critical dimension (CD) uniformity across the mask and within individual membranes, image placement (IP) performance within an individual membrane, and image quality. CD uniformity of less than 15 nm 3 (sigma) has been achieved across the mask (approximately 50 X 50 mm area) and less than 10 nm 3 (sigma) has been achieved intramembrane (1.1 X 12.1 mm area), for 400 nm nominal feature sizes in resist. Pattern transfer etch processes for a TaSi scatter layer have also been developed.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Tiera: towards flexible multi-tiered cloud storage instances

Cloud providers offer an array of storage services that represent different points along the performance, cost, and durability spectrum. If an application desires the composite benefits of multiple storage tiers, then it must manage the complexity of different interfaces to these storage services and their diverse policies. We believe that it is possible to provide the benefits of customized tiered cloud storage to applications without compromising simplicity using a lightweight middleware. In this paper, we introduce Tiera, a middleware that enables the provision of multi-tiered cloud storage instances that are easy to specify, flexible, and enable a rich array of storage policies and desired metrics to be realized. Tiera's novelty lies in the first-class support for encapsulated tiered cloud storage, ease of programmability of data management policies, and support for runtime replacement and addition of policies and tiers. Tiera enables an application to realize a desired metric (e.g., low latency or low cost) by selecting different storage services that constitute a Tiera instance, and easily specifying a policy, using event and response pairs, to manage the life cycle of data stored in the instance. We illustrate the benefits of Tiera through a prototype implemented on the Amazon cloud. By deploying unmodified MySQL database engine and a TPC-W Web bookstore application on Tiera, we are able to improve their respective throughputs by 47% -- 125% and 46% -- 69%, over standard deployments. We further show the flexibility of Tiera in achieving different desired application metrics with minimal overhead.
Nonrelativistic plane-wave Born-approximation calculations of direct Coulomb M-subshell ionization by charged particles

Expressions used in the calculation of screened hydrogenic M-subshell and total M-shell cross sections for direct Coulomb ionization in the nonrelativistic plane-wave Born approximation have been numerically integrated and tabulated for a range of heavy charged-particle velocity and target-binding energy parameters. Explicit expressions are given for the calculation of x-ray production cross sections from ionization cross sections, Coster-Kronig transition rates, and fluorescence yields. The present results are in disagreement with those of Hansteen, Johnsen, and Kocbach.
Characteristics of cocaine interaction with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on glucose metabolism in the rat testis

In this study, the characteristics of cocaine (COC) interaction with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on glucose metabolism in the rat testis were investigated at different time points. Rats receiving 20 mg/kg IP COC at 0830 h and sacrificed at 15 min, 30 min and 60 min posttreatment showed no change in glucose metabolism. Moreover, 5 mg/kg, IV, COC treatment at 0900 h to rats and sacrificed 60 min postexposure, also produced no change in glucose metabolism. However, at 1300 h, the same protocol with IV COC treatment resulted in a significant increase in glucose utilization by the testis. Furthermore, a THC dose of 10 mg/kg, PO to the rats at 0830 or at 1130 h, followed by sacrifice 90 min later caused a significant decrease in glucose utilization at both time points. Similarly, when rats were given both THC and COC (THC at 0830 h, COC 90 min later) and sacrificed 60 min post-COC, it resulted in a further decrease in testicular glucose metabolism as compared to the rats treated by THC alone. On the other hand, concurrent exposure of rats to these drugs at 1300 h with same protocol, ended up with no change in glucose utilization in the testis. These data suggest that not only the route of administration but also the time of exposure plays an important role in defining the nature of the effects of COC/THC interaction on rat testicular glucose metabolism.
A New Bulk Shallow-Cumulus Model and Implications for Penetrative Entrainment Feedback on Updraft Buoyancy

Abstract A new refinement of Albrecht et al.’s bulk model for shallow-cumulus convection is presented. It is used to illuminate fundamental aspects of oceanic shallow-cumulus boundary layer structure, including updraft buoyancy and vertical velocity scales, cumulus mass flux, temperature and humidity profiles, and trade-inversion height. The new model, like Albrecht et al.’s, includes a subcloud mixed layer and a cumulus layer with linear gradients of conserved thermodynamic variables, topped by a sharp capping inversion. Albrecht et al.’s model was not mathematically well posed, leading to an inconsistency between its heat and moisture balances at the inversion base. The new bulk model resolves this problem by diagnosing, rather than prognosing, the cumulus-layer gradients and introducing a penetrative entrainment closure to determine the growth of the cumulus layer into the overlying free troposphere. It uses more realistic assumptions about lateral cumulus entrainment and detrainment and a simplified s...
Prevention by Vitamin B12 of Protein Catabolic Action of Cortisone.

Summary1. Fifty young male rats were divided into 5 uniform groups and were fed a vit. B12-deficient diet for 20 days. For the following 30 days, one group received 200 μg of vit. B12/kilo of diet, another was continued on the deficient diet, and the other 3 groups were injected with large doses of cortisone acetate with or without vit. B12. 2. Vit. B12 alone did not alter daily urinary nitrogen excretion/100 g body weight, but increased appetite and body weight gains. Without vit. B12, cortisone significantly increased daily urinary nitrogen losses and reduced body growth and food consumption. Vit. B12 largely prevented these protein catabolic actions of cortisone under ad lib. feeding, but was ineffective when food intake was reduced to that of rats given cortisone without vit. B12. 3. It is concluded that (a) vit. B12 can prevent increased urinary nitrogen losses induced by cortisone, probably by increasing appetite and thereby enhancing the availability of carbohydrate or protein to the organism (b) l...
Functional müllerian tissue within the conus medullaris generating cyclical neurological morbidity in an otherwise healthy female

Endometriosis is a common disease; however, ectopic mullerian tissue within the spine is a rare entity with the potential for producing significant neurological compromise. There are several postulated etiologies for this phenomenon, and only a few case reports are available in the world literature. Knowledge of this rare phenomenon is of paramount importance, since early diagnosis can lead to lessened neurological morbidity. In this manuscript, we present a case report, discuss gynecological and neurosurgical perspectives relating to the treatment strategies for managing this entity, and propose an alternative explanation for such an occurrence from a neurogenetic standpoint. We present a case of spinal mullerianosis within the conus medullaris which was managed symptomatically for several years with an intracystic drain and subcutaneous reservoir. Over the years, it became clear that there was a cyclical presentation to her clinical malady, which at times was severe. Ultimately, she required surgical resection which aided in her diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Intraspinal mullerianosis is a rare location for an otherwise common disease in women and has the potential to create significant neurological morbidity by creating a mass lesion. Although the exact etiology remains unclear, the histogenic theories of embryologic origin appear most plausible. Treatment strategies for this condition may include hormonal therapy, obstetrical surgery, or open spinal surgery. This unusual and poorly understood disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis for intraspinal lesions presenting with hemorrhage in the clinical context of cyclical neurological symptoms.
The role of electrophysiologic studies in pediatric cardiology: an overview.

The electrophysiologic study (EPS) is a new modality in clinical cardiology. In the last decade, electrophysiologic study has provided a new insight into the understanding of simple and complex arrhythrnias and has guided their management. During this time, EPS has changed from a research tool to an important diagnostic and therapeutic tool in clinical cardiology. In contrast to surface electrocardiogram (ECG), EPS includes direct electrical recording and programmed stimulation of the heart, either from epicardium or endocardium. However, the techniques and methods of EPS have been greatly modified. This review article examines the role of EPS in pediatric cardiology. The anatomic and physiologic diagnosis of an arrhythmia are often necessary to provide a rational basis for treatment. Frequently, specific questions can be answered by non-invasive tests, e.g., surface ECG, 24-hour ambulatory Holter recording, transtelephonic arrhythmia recording, and exercise stress test. However, the invasive EPS approach is necessary to-
Association of phosphatidylinositol kinase activity with polyoma middle-T competent for transformation.

Polyoma middle-T antigen is required for viral transformation of cultured cells and for tumorigenesis in animals. Like many other transforming gene products, middle-T is bound to the membrane and has an associated tyrosine kinase activity in vitro1,2. This activity seems to result from the interaction of middle-T with pp60c-src, the cellular homologue of the transforming gene product of the Rous sarcoma virus, pp60v-src (refs 3–5). Both pp60v-src (ref. 6) and another retrovirus transforming gene product, pp68v-ros (ref. 7) were shown recently to have an associated phosphatidylinositol (PI) kinase activity in vitro and to increase PI turnover in vivo. These results suggest that viral transformation may be directly connected to a complex network of second messengers generated from PI turnover8–18. Here, we assayed for PI kinase activity in immunoprecipitates made with middle-T- or pp60c-src-specific antisera of cells infected with polyoma virus. A PI kinase activity was detected in those immunoprecipitates which contained middle-T. Studies of mutants of middle-T defective in transformation indicate a close correlation between PI kinase activity and transformation.