cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING IN CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM HERPESVIRUS INFECTIONS

To determine the usefulness of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in children with herpesvirus infections affecting the central nervous system (CNS), we obtained MR scans in nine children, ranging in age from two weeks to ten years, who had neurologic disorders caused by members of the herpesvirus group. Clinical syndromes included: neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis, symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, congenital varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection, post-VZV encephalopathy, and acute Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) encephalitis. MR scans were abnormal in eight children and demonstrated a wide range of cerebral abnormalities including cystic encephalomalacia, ventricular enlargement, cerebral atrophy, and focal parenchymal lesions. In young infants with severe congenital or perinatal infections due to HSV, CMV, or VZV, the results of MR were comparable to those of computed tomography (CT), although MR was more sensitive in defining the extent of the lesions in brain parenchyma. MR in two of these children demonstrated abnormalities of cerebral white matter one to two years after recovery from their neonatal infections In a child with EBV encephalitis CT was normal, whereas MR revealed bilateral abnormalities that corresponded to the clinical and electroencephalographic findings. In post-VZV encephalopathy. MR detected transient abnormalities of the cerebral and cerebellar peduncles. These results indicate that MR effectively detects abnormalities of the CNS during childhood herpesvirus infections.
Microsatellites with Macro-Influence in Ewing Sarcoma

Numerous molecular abnormalities contribute to the genetic derangements involved in tumorigenesis. Chromosomal translocations are a frequent source of these derangements, producing unique fusion proteins with novel oncogenic properties. EWS/ETS fusions in Ewing sarcoma are a prime example of this, resulting in potent chimeric oncoproteins with novel biological properties and a unique transcriptional signature essential for oncogenesis. Recent evidence demonstrates that EWS/FLI, the most common EWS/ETS fusion in Ewing sarcoma, upregulates gene expression using a GGAA microsatellite response element dispersed throughout the human genome. These GGAA microsatellites function as enhancer elements, are sites of epigenetic regulation and are necessary for EWS/FLI DNA binding and upregulation of principal oncogenic targets. An increasing number of GGAA motifs appear to substantially enhance EWS/FLI-mediated gene expression, which has compelling biological implications as these GGAA microsatellites are highly polymorphic within and between ethnically distinct populations. Historically regarded as junk DNA, this emerging evidence clearly demonstrates that microsatellite DNA plays an instrumental role in EWS/FLI-mediated transcriptional regulation and oncogenesis in Ewing sarcoma. This unprecedented role of GGAA microsatellite DNA in Ewing sarcoma provides a unique opportunity to expand our mechanistic understanding of how EWS/ETS fusions influence cancer susceptibility, prognosis and transcriptional regulation.
ZGn-modules, Gn cyclic of square-free order n

Abstract In the companion paper ( J. Algebra 93 (1985), 1–116) all finitely generated modules over a class of rings called Dedekind-like are described, with emphasis on the behavior of these modules in direct sums. The present paper begins by showing that the integral group ring ZG n is Dedekind-like. Some properties of ZG n -modules are studied that do not hold for Dedekind-like rings in general. The modules studied do not necessarily have torsion-free abelian groups.
The generation of the diisopropyl nitroxide radical during the reaction of lithium diisopropylamide with α-fluoroacetate esters

The formation of an EPR active species was observed when lithium diisopropylamide (LDA) was employed as the base for deprotonation of fluoroacetates. The EPR of a glass prepared from the reaction mixture showed an intense signal. The solution EPR spectrum of the sample was independent of temperature, and exhibited a hyperfine structure which allowed identification of the radical species as diisopropyl nitroxide. Generation of the enolate by metalation of ethyl fluoroidoacetate gave no evidence for autoxidation occurring in the absence of diisopropylamine.
Efficient introduction of HPLC fractions into a high performance tandem mass spectrometer

The interfacing of a high performance liquid chromatograph, utilizing a dry-packed Spherisorb® C8 column (0.25×500 mm), with a four-sector tandem mass spectrometer via a frit-FAB probe is described. In order to utilize the sensitivity of the mass spectrometer, which is equipped with an array detector, the gradient solvent was split to a flow rate of 2–5 μL/min before the sample injector. The effluent flows directly into the mass spectrometer for the recording of the (M+H)+ ions of mixtures with the first of the two mass spectrometers (MS-1), or for their collision-induced-decomposition (CID) spectra by scanning the second mass spectrometer (MS-2). Those components that elute too close in time to allow the complete CID spectrum of each are diverted into a sample loop, which later can be switched in-line to the mass spectrometer to provide more time for collecting all the data. The method is demonstrated with a tryptic digest of the α-chain of human hemoglobin.
Study of annealing twins in fcc metals and alloys

Systematic measurements have been made of grain size,D, twin density,p, and twin width, w, after various temperatures and times of annealing to study the evolution and growth of annealing twins in pure nickel. Functional relationships between these parameters have been experimentally established. Twin density,p, is found to be given by the relation $$\frac{p}{{p_o }} = \frac{{D_o }}{D}\log \frac{D}{{D_o }}$$ wherep 0 andD 0 are constants independent of temperature. An analysis of published results in other fcc metals and alloys shows an excellent agreement with the proposed formulation. The temperature dependence observed in the present study is in agreement with other available experimental results and in conflict with a model of the formation of annealing twins proposed by Gleiter.
A method for estimating the solvent strength parameter in liquid-solid chromatography

The intermolecular interactions responsible for the adsoprtion of solvents on alumina and silica are chracterized using the solvation parameter model. Both adsorbents retain solvents by strong hydrogen bond and dipole-type interactions. alumina is significantly more hydrogenbond basic and less hydrogen-bond acidic than silica, while both adsorbents are reasonably dipolar/polarizable. Increasing solvent size reduces polar adsorbent interactions. Models are presented that enable the solvent strength parameter, e° to be estimated for a wide range of solvents on alumina and silica to about 0.045 and 0.037 units, respectively. These models can be used to estimate from structure additional solvent strengh parameter values for useful liquid-solid chromatographic solvents that lack consensus experimental values.
The maintenance of turbulent shear stress in a mixing layer

Wavenumber frequency spectra have been measured in a two-dimensional incompressible mixing layer, using linearized hot-wire anemometers. Spectra of two dimensions (frequency and wavenumber) have been measured for lateral and longitudinal turbulent velocities, and used to construct three-dimensional spectra. The validity of the separation assumption used to construct these spectra was tested. Spectra of the velocity product responsible for the mean shear stress and the lateral gradient of this spectrum have been determined, as has a structure constant for the lateral velocity fluctuations that Phillips (1967) suggested is relevant to the maintenance of the shear stress gradient. Phillips’ (1967) stress model fails the tests proposed in this study.
The distribution of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the brains of male and female zebra finches.

A system of brain nuclei controls song learning and behavior in zebra finches (Poephila guttata). The size of song-control nuclei are much larger in males, which sing, than in females, which do not sing. This study examined the distribution of fibers, terminals, and cell bodies that are immunoreactive for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) (the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of catecholamines) in song-control nuclei of adult males and females and juvenile males. In addition, the broad pattern of TH staining throughout the brain was described. There was a sex difference in TH immunoreactivity within song-control nuclei: males had light to moderate staining in all three cortical nuclei examined, whereas females had little or no label in corresponding areas [lateral magnocellular nucleus of the anterior neostriatum (IMAN), higher vocal center (HVC), and robust nucleus of the archistriatum (RA)]. The song-control nucleus area X (X), located in the striatum of avian basal ganglia, was more darkly stained than the surrounding striatum only in males; X was not defined by more intense immunoreactivity in females and hence could not be visualized. There were no apparent differences in TH staining in males ranging in age from 50 days to adulthood (>90 days). Outside of the song-control system there were no substantive differences as a function of sex or age in the pattern or intensity of TH labeling. Major areas of telencephalic staining included the striatal region of basal ganglia, which was covered with dense, fine-grained label, and the septum, where cell bodies were encircled by extremely well-labeled thick processes. In the diencephalon, the preoptic area and hypothalamus included a complex pattern of darkly stained somata and fiber and terminal labeling. Darkly stained somata surrounded the pretectal nucleus, and labeled processes ramified throughout the superficial layers of the optic tectum. The midbrain and hindbrain contained a dense plexus of extremely dark cell bodies corresponding to mammalian substantia nigra, adjacent tegmental areas, and locus ceruleus. Labeled hindbrain cells were also seen in the pontine region, around nucleus solitarius, and in the ventrolateral medulla. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Platelet serotonin-2 receptors in schizophrenia: Effects of illness and neuroleptic treatment

To examine the role of serotonin2 (5-hydroxytryptamine2, 5-HT2) receptors in schizophrenia, we determined the binding indices of 5-HT2 receptors using 125I-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) as the radioligand in platelets obtained from 40 normal control subjects and 42 drug-free schizophrenic patients. We also examined the effect of neuroleptic drug treatment on the binding parameters (Bmax and Kd) of 5-HT2 receptors in platelets of schizophrenic patients. We observed that the Bmax of 125I-LSD binding in platelets of schizophrenic patients was significantly higher than in platelets of normal subjects. There was no significant difference, however, between the Kd of 125I-LSD binding in platelets of schizophrenic patients and normal control subjects. Furthermore, we found no correlation between Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale scores and either Bmax or Kd of 125I-LSD binding at the end of the drug washout period. We also observed that neither treatment with haloperidol nor treatment with thiothixine caused significant changes in Bmax and Kd of 125I-LSD binding in platelets of schizophrenic patients. However, both fluphenazine and trifluoperazine did significantly increase the Bmax of 125I-LSD binding without any significant change in the Kd values in platelets of schizophrenic patients. Our results thus suggest that platelet 5-HT2 receptors are increased in schizophrenia and that chronic treatment with fluphenazine and trifluoperazine, but not haloperidol or thiothixine, further increases the 5-HT2 receptor binding sites in platelets of schizophrenic patients.
Mesmerism and Masonry: early historical interactions

During the early years of animal magnetism, the Mesmeric and Masonic movements in France frequently shared membership, philosophical positions, ambience, and ritualistic style. There was even a proposal to establish a blend of the two to be called Mesmeric Masonry, although nothing came of that. This article documents such interactions and notes that important Mesmeric figures including Mesmer, the Puysegur brothers, Lafayette, and Gebelin, were also active Masons. Both movements were suppressed in France during the revolution, because they were considered to be threats to revolutionary goals.
Optical properties of certain steroid hormones and related compounds

The fusion properties of threecorpus luteum, six testes, five steroid estrogens, two gluco corticoids, one adrenal cortex, and two unclassified steroids were determined. These data afford rapid and positive identification of these compounds and only minute amounts of material are required.
Polymer Molecules at Interfaces: Studies by Small-Angle Neutron Scattering

The behavior of polymer molecules at interfaces is an essential aspect of a wide variety of physical-chemical phenomena. For example, polymer molecules in the fiber-polymer interface play an important role in determining the mechanical properties of composites, and polymer molecules at the liquid-solid interface are critical in the stabilization of colloidal dispersions. In some cases polymer molecules are physically adsorbed at the interface and in other cases they are chemically bonded to the surface at one or more positions along the chain. To simplify the terminology, however, both cases will be referred to as polymer adsorption. The chains in the second case are said to be grafted to the surface. It is an example of this second case that we are concerned with in this paper, and in particular with polymer grafted to a finely divided substrate dispersed in a liquid.
Invasion of the inferior vena cava by testicular seminoma: Demonstration by computed tomography and venography

Involvement of the inferior vena cava (IVC) by testicular neoplasms is unusual and often clinically unsuspected. We present a patient with testicular seminoma that involved the IVC secondarily and caused multiple pulmonary emboli requiring the placement of a caval filter. The radiographic features of this phenomenon are presented with special emphasis on the computed tomographic (CT) appearance of caval thrombosis and pulmonary embolus. The characteristically low density lymphadenopathy of seminoma may obscure the diagnosis of caval thrombosis on CT. Although the findings are nonspecific, tumor invasion of the IVC should be suspected in all patients with testicular neoplasms who demonstrate caval thrombosis radiographically.
On the origin of high negative interference over short segments of the genetic structure of bacteriophage T4.

Abstract High negative interference is observed in biparental crosses involving three closely linked r II markers, as reported by Chase and Doermann. Recombination values were measured in a series of crosses in which the relative frequencies of the two parents were systematically varied. From an analysis of these data, it is concluded that the high negative interference is due, primarily, to a high correlation of neighboring recombinational events resulting from a single mating. In triparental crosses, a smaller negative interference occurs. This demonstrates correlation of recombinational events which occur in different matings. In triparental (as in biparental) crosses, negative interference is demonstrable only between closely linked markers. Under appropriate experimental conditions, as many as 30 T4 phages can participate in intracellular growth in Escherichia coli strain B.
Single Molecule Studies of Polyadenylic Acid Helix-Coil Kinetics using Nanopore

Polyadenylic acid (poly(A)) forms helical configuration in aqueous solution at neutral and alkaline pH. The transition between its helical and random coil structures has been studied using bulk spectroscopic or calorimetric methods, revealing its thermodynamic properties. Recently, optical tweezers pulling experiments provided further support for the stacked helix structure of poly(A). While the bulk and the single-molecule experiments used ‘bare’ ssRNA molecules, the biological function of poly(A) entails the interactions with multiple proteins, such as poly(A)-binding proteins (PABP). In this study, we explore the helix-coil dynamics of poly(A) inside a small protein channel (alpha-hemolysin) at the single molecule level. The fluctuations between stacked and un-stacked states are directly observed and quantified using statistical averaging over multiple individual events. An extensive temperature-dependent study of the process provides us with activation energies of the helix to coil (and vice versa) transitions, which are found to obey first order kinetics and results agree with bulk measurements. Surprisingly, time scales extracted from the single-molecule measurements are ∼3 orders of magnitude longer than temperature-jump kinetics using ‘bare’ RNA. We provide a model that explains these results based on the protein-nucleic acid interactions inside the β-barrel channel of alpha-hemolysin. It is argued that channel confinement plays a critical role in dynamics of these complex processes. Our results shed light on the way intermolecular processes affect nucleic acids' kinetics.
Vibration transmission through rolling element bearings, part IV: statistical energy analysis

A theoretical broadband coupling-loss factor is developed analytically for use in the statistical energy analysis (SEA) of a shaft-bearing-plate system. The procedure is based on the solution of the boundary-value problem at the plate-bearing interface and incorporates a bearing-stiffness matrix developed by the authors. Three examples are utilized to illustrate the SEA incorporating the coupling-loss factor including: (1) a shaft-bearing-plate system; (2) a plate-cantilevered beam; and (3) a circular-shaft-bearing plate. The coupling-loss factor in the case of the thin plate-cantilevered beam is found to be more accurate than that developed by Lyon and Eichler (1964). The coupling-loss factor is described for the bearing system and extended to describe the mean-square vibratory response of a rectangular plate. The proposed techniques are of interest to the study of vibration and noise in rotating machinery such as gearboxes.
Bronchogenic cysts of the mediastinum in children

Abstract In childhood, bronchogenic cysts may produce life-threatening obstruction of the tracheobronchial tree. Four patients have been successfully treated by surgical excision of the cyst without mortality or significant postoperative morbidity. Two patients were operated upon in the first year of life because of severe symptoms. Bronchogenic cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute and recurrent respiratory illnesses in children. When diagnosed they should be excised.
CHARACTERIZATION OF THE EFFECT OF THE INLET OPERATING CONDITIONS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF LEAN PREMIXED GAS TURBINE COMBUSTORS

An experimental study of the effect of operating conditions on the behavior of a lean premixed laboratory combustor operating on natural gas has been conducted. Measurements were made characterizing the pressure fluctuations in the combustor and the flame structure over a range of inlet temperatures, inlet velocities and equivalence ratios. In addition the fuel distribution at the inlet to the combustor was varied such that it was an independent parameter in the experiment.
Evaluation of clinical activity of acromegaly by observation of the diurnal variation of serum inorganic phosphate

Abstract A study of 10 acromegalic and 5 control subjects was done to show the relationship between clinical activity of acromegaly, growth hormone levels, and diurnal variation in serum inorganic phosphorus. There was a reversal of the normal serum phosphorus pattern in acromegalics classified as clinically active, and the degree of variation correlated with the mean growth hormone level in individual subjects. The reversal of normal variation accounts for a considerable part of the elevation of serum phosphorus seen in active acromegaly. The measurement of diurnal variation of serum phosphorus appears clinically useful, but because extraneous factors may affect the results, certain conditions for its determination have been specified. The measurement of serum creatinine and creatinine clearance also have some value in assessing activity. A marked fluctuation of the growth hormone level in acromegalics was also noted in the study, suggesting that in borderline cases, careful studies to assess activity and multiple determinations of growth hormone are necessary.
Effect of Electron-Neutral Collisions in Multipactor Discharge on a Dielectric

Summary form only given. Multipactor discharge is a secondary electron avalanche frequently observed in microwave systems. For the past few years, its suppression has been a major issue in high power microwave sources and RF accelerators since it can degrade device performance or even damage devices, including catastrophic window failure. In the presence of high pressure gas, the collision of electrons with the background gas can significantly affect the multipactor discharge along with the additional ohmic power dissipation. Using Monte-Carlo simulations, we investigate the effect of electron-neutral collisions in multipactor discharge on a dielectric
Secure notarization of paper text documents

We present a method to notarize a paper document. This method computes a set of features from the page, inputs these features into a hash function, digitally signs the output, and then prints the resulting signature on the page. The notarized document is self-contained: verification does not require reference to online information.
The dimension of the kernel in planar sets which are starshaped via $\alpha $-paths

Let S be a closed set in the plane and let \(\alpha >0\). The following results hold for the \(\alpha \)-kernel of S, denoted \( {\rm Ker}_\alpha S\). ¶¶1)¶ When S is bounded by a simple closed and locally connected curve, then \( {\rm Ker}_\alpha S \) has nonempty interior if and only if for some \( \epsilon >0 \), every 3 points of S see via \( \alpha \)-paths in S some pair a,b with \( {\rm dist}\,(a,b)\geq \epsilon \). The number 3 is best possible. ¶¶2)¶ When S is simply connected, then \( {\rm Ker}_\alpha S=\cap \{M:M \) a maximal \( \alpha \)-convex subset of \( S\}\).
Foot design and integration for bioinspired climbing robots

Climbing animal’s feet use combinations of interlocking and bonding mechanisms in a staggering array of designs. The most successful climbers’ feet exhibit a complex hierarchy of varied mechanical structures at multiple scales, combining small appendages that generate shear or adhesive forces with compliant suspension systems that promote intimate contact with surfaces. Recent progress is presented in mechanical and materials design that integrates novel dry adhesive and microspine structures mounted on passively compliant suspensions into successively improved generations of feet targeted at the RiSE (Robots in Scansorial Environments) family of climbing robots. The current version can ascend 90 o carpeted, cork covered and a growing range of stucco surfaces in the quasi-static regime. Specifications of a “public interface” for integrating a broad range of synthetic appendages into the foot assemblies are presented in the hopes of encouraging as large as possible a community of MEMs and Nanomaterials designers to submit adhesive or friction enhancing materials for operational tests using the robot.
THE DISPERSION OF STACK GASES IN STABLE ATMOSPHERES

Attempts to measure the diffusion and transport of materials emitted continuously from an elevated point source into stably stratified atmospheres are reported. Also, the potential hazards and benefits which may arise from such emissions are discussed. Conclusions from these studies indicate that: the concentration of stack effluents, when measured over a grid fixed with respect to the ground, is decreased significantly by large-scale diffusion; the diffusive capacity of stable atmospheres is quite variable from one time to another and no single set of diffusion parameters can be assigned to stable atmospheres per se; Sutton's diffusion model appears to be adequate fur the specification of the horizontal diffusion rate but fails in the speclfication of the vertical diffusion rate; and the vertical distribution of concentration appears to depend strongly upon the Richardson number. (J.H.M.)
The determination of uridine and thymine in small samples of nucleic acid-protein residue.

Abstract A method is presented for the determination and isolation of thymine and uridine in the nucleic acids from small protein samples. The nucleic acid-protein residues are subjected to a direct controlled hydrolysis in 98% formic acid followed by chromatographic purification of the liberated thymine and uridine. The recovery of the spectrophotometrically pure nucleic acid bases is proportional to the contained nucleic acid. The procedure is applicable to isotopically labeled nucleic acids.
Phosphorus in Antique Iron Music Wire

Harpsichords and other wire-strung musical instruments were made with longer strings about the beginning of the 17th century. This change required stronger music wire. Although these changes coincided with the introduction of the first mass-produced steel (iron alloyed with carbon), carbon was not found in samples of antique iron harpsichord wire. The wire contained an amount of phosphorus sufficient to have impeded its conversion to steel, and may have been drawn from iron rejected for this purpose. The method used to select pig iron for wire drawing ensured the highest possible phosphorus content at a time when its presence in iron was unsuspected. Phosphorus as an alloying element has had the reputation for making steel brittle when worked cold. Nevertheless, in replicating the antique wire, it was found that lowcarbon iron that contained 0.16 percent phosphorus was easily drawn to appropriate gauges and strengths for restringing antique harpsichords.
Do community pharmacists influence prescribing

Objectives To evaluate whether community pharmacists have the ability to influence prescribing decisions and to determine the extent to which they do so Data Sources international Pharmaceutical Abstracts was searched for articles published between January 1970 and September 2002 and MEDLINE was searched for articles published between January 1966 and September 2002 that contain the terms pharmaceutical care or pharmacist and intervention Study Selection Selected studies documented pharmacist interventions that resulted in a change in prescribing that required influencing the prescriber, included a complete description of methods and results, and were conducted in community pharmacies in the United States Data Extraction Selected studies were examined to determine whether, in what ways, and to what extent community pharmacists influenced prescribing Data Synthesis Community pharmacists in traditional practices regularly, but infrequently, recommend to prescribers that they initiate, discontinue, or change drug therapy. Prescribers usually accept and implement pharmacists' suggestions. Pharmacists are more likely to intervene to correct drug therapy problems when they have been trained to provide pharmaceutical care and have modified their practices to accommodate a more patient-centered style of practice. In the larger reviewed studies, pharmacists intervened to change therapy for the majority of their patients. Conclusion Community pharmacists routinely intervene to influence prescribing. They do so, for the most part, to correct clinical problems or to provide their patients with more affordable therapy. In the majority of interventions, physicians accept and implement pharmacists' suggestions.
A Path-integral Approach to Depth Migration

Seismic depth migration can be cast as a weighted sum over forward paths connecting data measured on the surface to image locations in the subsurface. The integral forms of conventional downward-continuation operators have a sum-over-paths or pathintegral interpretation. These path integrals are related to, but distinct from other path integrals that have appeared in the geophysical literature. Kirchhoff migration approximates the path sum by the contributions from a few, special raypaths. This connection to Kirchhoff migration may permit the computational domain to be trimmed sufficiently to apply path integrals to target-oriented, 3-D prestack depth migration. The effective use of path integrals for depth migration will require an appropriate Monte Carlo integration method, presumably developed around stationary or near-stationary points in the travel time field.
A Comparison of Utilized and Theoretical Covariance Weighting Matrices on the Estimation Performance of Quadratic Inference Functions

The quadratic inference function (QIF) method is increasingly popular for the marginal analysis of correlated data due to its advantages over generalized estimating equations. Asymptotic theory is used to derive analytical results from the QIF, and we, therefore, study three asymptotically equivalent weighting matrices in terms of finite-sample parameter estimation. Furthermore, to improve small-sample estimation, we study modifications to the estimation procedure. Examples are presented via simulations and application. Results show that although theoretical weighting matrices work best, the proposed estimation procedure, in which initial estimates are held constant within the matrix of estimated empirical covariances, is preferable in practice.
A prospective observational study of human factors, adverse events, and patient outcomes in surgery for pediatric cardiac disease.

Objective To explore the impact of human factors on intraoperative adverse events and compensation mechanisms in pediatric cardiac surgery. Methods Prospective observations of pediatric cardiac surgical procedures were conducted. Patient complexity scores were calculated and outcomes recorded. The process of care was divided into epochs. Events were extracted and coded into compensated or uncompensated major and minor adverse events. Linear regression and analysis of variance were used to analyze the relationships between epochs, complexity, adverse events, and outcome. Patient-specific and procedure-specific variables were tested in a forward stepwise logistic regression as predictors of cases with 1 or more major adverse events. Results One hundred two patients undergoing pediatric cardiac surgery were observed. An average of 1.2 (range 0–6) major adverse events occurred per case. The most common type of major adverse event was cardiovascular, and most occurred during the surgery/postbypass epoch. Cognitive compensation was the most common compensation mechanism for major adverse events. An average of 15.3 minor adverse events occurred per case. Minor adverse events occurred frequently during the surgery/bypass epoch and related to communication and coordination failures. Higher case complexity, longer surgery duration, and higher number of major adverse events per patient correlated with death compared with other outcome groups ( P P P Conclusions Pediatric cardiac surgery is an ideal model to study the coordinated efforts of team members in a complex organizational structure. Adverse events occurred routinely during pediatric cardiac surgery and were mostly compensated. Case complexity was a significant predictor of major adverse events. The number of major adverse events per patient correlated with clinical outcomes.
Urinoma formation in posterior urethral valves: Relationship to later renal function

A retrospective analysis of radiologically determined individual renal function was performed in five boys who presented in the neonatal period with posterior urethral valves, vesicoureteral reflux and documented urinoma formation. Renal function was evaluated with scintigraphy. There was reflux in eight of ten ureters. Six of these ureters had an associated urinoma and compromised renal function in the neonatal period. In two of the boys the kidney with urinoma functioned better than the contralateral kidney with reflux alone. In two other boys with unilateral urinoma the contralateral ureter did not reflux and the affected kidney functioned less well. In follow up (20 to 36 months) seven of the ten kidneys have a near normal appearance or function. Those kidneys which are now abnormal were noted to be abnormal in the neonatal period.
A SYNTHESIS OF EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR SOFTWARE SPECIFICATIONS AND SPECIFICATION TECHNIQUES

Several evaluation criteria exist in the literature for both specification and specification techniques. These evaluation criteria identify a list of desired properties in specifications and specification techniques for judging their goodness. This paper presents a detailed analysis of several specification and specification technique evaluation criteria. Detailed analysis of these criteria identified that there is a lack of consistency in the property definition among criteria. The implication of this lack of differentiation between the two concepts is that the criteria for both specification and specification techniques are intermingled. Since the concept of specification is different from specification technique, the criteria used for one might not be applicable for the other. For example, "completeness" and "consistency" are specification criteria. A specification can be complete and consistent regardless of the medium used to represent the specification, the process used in its construction, the degree/extent of tools and automation used, or whether it is formal or informal. However, there is meaning to denote that a technique can be used to produce "consistent" or "complete" specifications. Hence, for proper applicability of these criteria, this paper separates specification criteria from that of the specification technique criteria. This paper also presents a unified criteria terminology and uses a table to list each criterion property from various researchers mapped to the unified terminology. The paper also identifies and presents a mapping from technique criteria to the specification criteria that shows which technique criteria satisfies specification criteria. The applicability of the mapping is then demonstrated by applying the mapping to a specification language and its support environment.
ETOPOSIDE: CONFORMATIONAL AND HYDRATION FEATURES

The proton chemical shifts of the anticancer agent etoposide in CD3OD, dry CDCl3 and ‘wet’ CDCl3 were determined and all proton resonances were assigned. The general conformational features of etoposide were determined from NMR coupling constants, truncated NOE measurements, NOESY and ROESY experiments and molecular modeling (MM2, MM+, AMBER). A complete relaxation matrix analysis (CORMA/MARDIGRAS) was used to calculate proton– proton distances from ROESY cross-peak intensities and the resulting distance constraints were used for molecular dynamic calculations using AMBER 4.1. Temperature annealing and water– solute interactions were applied in these simulations. The glycosidic ring is roughly perpendicular to the polycyclic ring system with the axial protons oriented toward the aromatic ring. The lactone ring is in the half-chair (C2) form and the 3′,5′-dimethoxy-4′-hydroxy aryl ring is directed beneath the polycyclic ring system. The hydration of etoposide in chloroform solution containing added water was studied. Etoposide hydroxide protons show up as separate proton resonances but irradiation of the water line or any of the OH lines reveals rapid spin communication among this population. The chemical shifts of the 2″- and 3″-hydroxyl protons of the glycosidic ring are strongly dependent on the water-to-etoposide ratio. Selective saturation transfer experiments as a function of decoupler power or irradiation time and non-selective inversion– recovery T1 measurements were carried out. Hydration modeling studies showed several water bridges connect the glycosidic hydroxyl groups with the O-16 atom of the epipodophyllotoxin ring system and with the 4′-hydroxyl group of the pendant 2′,6′-dimethoxyaryl group. Despite the very clear presence of a ‘spine’ of hydration, the general conformational features of ‘wet’ etoposide are the same as those of the non-hydrated etoposide. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serological and pathogenicity studies with some unclassified porcine adenoviruses

Abstract Eight unclassified porcine adenoviruses were compared serologically with each other and with prototype strains of porcine adenovirus types 1 to 4 by means of reciprocal virus neutralization tests. There was no relationship between any of the unclassified viruses and porcine adenovirus type 4, but unidirectional cross reactions did occur between 7 of the new viruses and one or other of porcine adenovirus types 1 to 3. In addition, cross reactions occurred among all the unclassified viruses, but all were unidirectional. Each of the unclassified viruses was inoculated intranasally into 2 hysterotomy-derived, colostrum-deprived, 7-days-old piglets. One piglet of each pair was killed 6 days, and the other 8 days, after inoculation. Diarrhoea occurred in one pair of piglets and oedema of the mesocolon was seen at post mortem examination of 5 piglets. Virus was isolated from the tonsil, ileum, colon and rectum of most of the inoculated piglets, but not from the liver, spleen, kidney, pancreas, brain, lung, bronchial or mediastinal lymph node, parotid salivary gland, mesenteric lymph or jejunum.
Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 8 Positively Cooperates with Mediator To Promote Thyroid Hormone Receptor-Dependent Transcriptional Activation

Mediator is a multisubunit assemblage of proteins originally identified in humans as a coactivator bound to thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) and essential for thyroid hormone (T3)-dependent transcription. Cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8), cyclin C, MED12, and MED13 form a variably associated Mediator subcomplex (termed the CDK8 module) whose functional role in TR-dependent transcription remains unclear. Using in vitro and cellular approaches, we show here that Mediator complexes containing the CDK8 module are specifically recruited into preinitiation complexes at the TR target gene type I deiodinase (DioI) together with RNA polymerase II (Pol II) in a TR- and T3-dependent manner. We found that CDK8 is essential for robust T3-dependent Dio1 transcription and that CDK8 knockdown via RNA interference decreased Pol II occupancy, and also the recruitment of the Pol II kinase CDK9, at the DioI promoter. Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed CDK8 occupancy at the DioI promoter concurrent with active transcription, thus suggesting CDK8 involvement in transcriptional reinitiation. Mutagenesis assays showed that CDK8 kinase activity is necessary for full T3-dependent DioI activation, whereas in vitro kinase studies indicated that CDK8 may contribute to Pol II phosphorylation. Collectively, our data suggest CDK8 plays an important coactivator role in TR-dependent transcription by promoting Pol II recruitment and activation at TR target gene promoters.
Superoxide dismutase: Improved assays and an assay applicable to acrylamide gels☆

Nitro blue tetrazolium has been used to intercept O2− generated enzymically or photochemically. The reduction of NBT by O2− has been utilized as the basis of assays for superoxide dismutase, which exposes its presence by inhibiting the reduction of NBT. Superoxide dismutase could thus be assayed either in crude extracts or in purified protein fractions. The assays described are sensitive to ng/ml levels of super-oxide dismutase and were applicable in free solution or on polyacrylamide gels. The staining procedure for localizing superoxide dismutase on polyacrylamide electrophoretograms has been applied to extracts obtained from a variety of sources. E. coli has been found to contain two superoxide dismutases whereas bovine heart, brain, lung, and erthrocytes contain only one.
Integrated cellular and gene interaction model for cell migration in embryonic development

The relationship between cellular behaviors and protein concentrations is central for embryonic development. An integrated cellular and gene interaction model is proposed to reveal this relationship. Protein concentrations vary spatiotemporally based on locations of cell, gene-gene interactions and the diffusion mechanism. On the other hand, cellular behaviors differentiate spatially, driven by cell-cell communication and protein concentrations in each cell. The model integrates a variation of the reaction-diffusion equation at the gene expression level and a particle-based cellular model based on the differential adhesion hypothesis for cell sorting at the cellular level. Cell sorting based on the adhesion hypothesis and patterns of inhibitory genes were simulated to illustrate the model. This model provides a more comprehensive basis to explain pattern formation during embryogenesis, than existing approaches that ignore the cellular components
Cohesion, Insurance and Redistribution

Governments use redistributive policies to favor relatively unproductive economic sectors. Traditional economic wisdom teaches that the government should instead buy out the agents in these sectors, and let them relocate to more productive sectors. We show that redistribution to a sector whose agents have highly correlated incomes generates an insurance value. Taking this insurance value into account, a buy-out is not sufficient to compensate the agents in the sector for relocating. In fact, it may be efficient for the government to sustain agents in an activity that, while less productive, is subject to correlated income shocks. US data suggests that indeed, sectors that receive transfers are subject to more correlated income shocks than others.
Utility of a three-item smell identification test in detecting olfactory dysfunction.

Objective: Physicians rarely assess smell function, largely because of time considerations. Therefore, there is clinical need for very brief cranial nerve I screening tests. Although a few such tests exist, none have been adequately validated. The goal of this study was to empirically assess the utility of a three-item microencapsulated odor identification test in detecting olfactory dysfunction. Setting: Smell and taste center at a university medical center. Methods: The test was administered to 224 consecutive patients (98 men and 126 women ranging in age from 15–88 years). As part of their overall assessment, the well-validated 40-item University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) was also administered. Sensitivity, specificity, and both negative and positive predictive values of the three-item test were established relative to UPSIT dysfunction categories. Test-retest reliability was determined in a subset of 39 patients. Results: The three-item test was abnormal in 99% (67/68) of patients with anosmia, 85% (35/41) of those with severe microsmia, 76% (31/41) of those with moderate microsmia, and 50% (17/34) of those with mild microsmia. Of the 40 normosmic patients, 62.5% (25/40) correctly identified all odors, 25% (10/40) two odors, and 12.5% (5/40) one odor. None of the normosmic patients missed all three items. Using a cut-off score of 2, the test's sensitivity and specificity were 99% and 40%, respectively, for detecting total anosmia. The corresponding negative and positive predictive values were 98% and 43%. For detecting anosmia and severe microsmia, these values were 93%, 45%, 88%, and 63%. For detecting any olfactory pathology, they were 82%, 63%, 42%, and 91%. The test-retest reliability was 0.87. Conclusion: The brief three-item test used in this study was found to be highly sensitive in identifying olfactory loss in patients with chemosensory complaints, particularly those with severe dysfunction. Although only moderately specific, its high reliability and negative predictive value suggests it may be an appropriate screening test for olfactory loss.
Measurements of Light at Night (LAN) for a Sample of Female School Teachers

Epidemiological studies have shown an association between rotating shiftwork and breast cancer (BC) risk. Recently, light at night (LAN) measured by satellite photometry and by self-reports of bedroom brightness has been shown to be associated with BC risk, irrespective of shiftwork history. Importance has been placed on these associations because retinal light exposures at night can suppress the hormone melatonin and/or disrupt circadian entrainment to the local 24-h light-dark cycle. The present study examined whether it was valid to use satellite photometry and self-reports of brightness to characterize light, as it might stimulate the circadian system and thereby affect BC incidence. Calibrated photometric measurements were made at the bedroom windows and in the bedrooms of a sample of female school teachers, who worked regular dayshifts and lived in a variety of satellite-measured sky brightness categories. The light levels at both locations were usually very low and were independent of the amount of...
The effect of heroin and multiple drug abuse on the electrocardiogram

Abstract The electrocardiograms (ECG) of 75 asymptomatic individuals admitted to a methadone treatment program were analyzed to determine the effect of street heroin and other drugs of abuse. All patients were free of cardiac, renal, or pulmonary disease and had no laboratory abnormalities. Two groups of patients were studied. In Group I there were 34 patients on heroin only which was taken within 24 hours of the ECG. Abnormalities were noted in 55 per cent; QT c prolongation was found in 19 per cent, and significant bradyarrhythmias were found in 19 per cent. In Group II there were 41 patients on methadone with multiple drug abuse; changes were found in 66 per cent. QT c prolongation was noted in 34 per cent, prominent U waves in 32 per cent, and bradyarrhythmias were found in 32 per cent. It is now a well-known fact that the sudden death syndrome in addicts may not be a pharmacologic or dosage-related phenomenon. The existence of conduction, depolarization, and repolarization abnormalities, as well as bradyarrhythmias in a significant number of drug-dependent individuals may play a role in the production and facilitation of lethal arrhythmias and may be the mechanism of the acute fatal reaction.
Exact Performance Analysis of Synchronous FH-MFSK Wireless Networks

In this paper, a new approach is presented to derive the exact bit-error-rate (BER) performance of frequency-hopping spread-spectrum (FHSS) wireless networks with noncoherent M-ary frequency-shift keying (MFSK) in additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and Rayleigh fading channels. The new approach has enabled an exact evaluation of the BER, regardless of the modulation order M or the number of interferers. Theoretical results validated by simulations have shown that system performance is dominated by the first two hits, which lead to an accurate and computationally efficient approximation for the AWGN channel case. The exact and approximated results are compared with the simulation and semianalytic results presented in the literature.
Proton Transfer in Monoclinic Zirconia: A Theoretical Study

In solid oxide fuel cells, the mechanism of hydrogen oxidation is complex. During this process, protonated forms of monoclinic zirconia may be formed, motivating their study within the framework of density-functional theory (DFT). Using the HCTH/120 exchange-correlation functional, the monoclinic phase of zirconia is, correctly, predicted to be more stable than cubic or tetragonal polymorphs at 0 K, in agreement with previous theoretical results. Several local minima are identified of a proton in monoclinic zirconia, modeled using (up to) a 3×3×3 arrangement of unit cells, in which the proton is bonded to one of the two available oxygen atom types, O1 or O2. The lowest energy structure of the proton bonded to O1 is favored by 0.39 eV compared to that of the proton bonded to O2. Based upon a vibrational analysis as well as finite-temperature Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamic simulations, this preference of the proton for O1 is suggested to persist at fuel cell operating temperatures.