cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of craniotomy location on postoperative pain and nausea

Purpose. At least one retrospective study has suggested that the need for postoperative control of pain and nausea depends on the location of the cranial surgery. This prospective study was performed to examine the hypothesis that patients who have had infratentorial craniotomy experience more severe pain and more frequent nausea than those with supratentorial procedures. Methods. We compared postoperative outcomes in 28 patients with infratentorial craniotomy, 53 with supratentorial craniotomy, and 47 with complex spinal cord surgery (the control group). Anesthesia was standardized for all three groups and the concentration of isoflurane was titrated to keep mean arterial pressure within 30% of preoperative values. Severity of pain and frequency of nausea and vomiting were recorded for 24 h after surgery. Pain was assessed with a verbal pain score scale of 0–10, with 10 being the worst pain imaginable. Data were collected for 24 h postoperatively. Results. Because nausea and pain diminish drastically 2 h after surgery, pairwise differences were assessed at each point within the first 2 h. Within 30 min of extubation, median pain scores in the supratentorial and spine groups rose to 2 and in the infratentorial group to 5. The statistical differences between groups were not significant (P > 0.06) by logistic regression. Also, the incidence of nausea was not significantly different (57% supratentorial, 57% spine, 67% infratentorial; P = 0.62) by Dunn’s procedure. Conclusion. There were no significant differences in the severity of pain or the frequency of nausea based on the craniotomy site.
Comparison of Diffusion and Transport in human head

Two well-known forward models for light propagation in adult human head are compared: Monte Carlo and Finite-Difference. The main advantage of a diffusion based method is the low computational cost at the expenses of accuracy.
Reliability of the Impulsive-Premeditated Aggression Scale (IPAS) in treated opiate-dependent individuals.

Abstract The purpose of the study was to evaluate the internal consistency and test–retest reliability of the Impulsive Aggression (IA) and Premeditated Aggression (PM) scales of the Impulsive–Premeditated Aggression Scale (IPAS) in male and female substance-dependent patients, and to compare the findings to those obtained on widely used, validated measures of aggression. Using a sample of 121 patients (61 women) in methadone maintenance treatment, 69 (35 women) of which were re-evaluated after a minimum of 2 weeks, the IPAS scales showed acceptable internal consistency ( α > .72) and test–retest reliability (ICC > .54). These results were comparable to the other aggression measures, and results among women were comparable to men. This was the first study to examine the IPAS scales in a substance use population, to contain a sufficient sample of women for sub-analyses, and to examine the stability of the measure. Findings support the internal consistency and test–retest reliability of the IPAS in male and female opiate-dependent individuals.
Function of calcium ions in pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase activity.

Abstract Phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of the pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) component of the mammalian pyruvate dehydrogenase complex are catalyzed, respectively, by a MgATP2-requiring kinase and a Mg2+-requiring phosphatase. The kinase and the PDH, but not the phosphatase, are tightly bound to the dihydrolipoyl transacetylase core of the complex. Evidence is presented that the activity of the PDH phosphatase from bovine kidney and heart is increased about tenfold when it is attached to the transacetylase. Ca2+ is required to bind the phosphatase, but not the kinase or the PDH, to the transacetylase, thereby facilitating the Mg2+-dependent dephosphorylation of the phosphorylated PDH. Ca2+ lowers the apparent Km of the phosphatase for phosphorylated PDH about twentyfold. The Ca2+-controlled association of the phosphatase and the transacetylase could provide an important mechanism for regulation of the phosphorylation-dephosphorylation cycle.
Phylogeography of West Nile Virus: from the Cradle of Evolution in Africa to Eurasia, Australia, and the Americas

West Nile virus (WNV) is the most widely distributed of the encephalitic flaviviruses and is a major cause of encephalitis, with isolates obtained from all continents, apart from Antarctica. Subsequent to its divergence from the other members of the Japanese encephalitis virus complex, presumably in Africa, WNV has diverged into individual lineages that mostly correspond with geographic distribution. Here we elucidate the phylogeography and evolutionary history of isolates from lineage 1 of WNV. Interestingly, there are many examples of the same amino acid having evolved independently on multiple occasions. In Africa, WNV exists in an endemic cycle, whereas it is epidemic in Europe, being reintroduced regularly from Africa either directly (in western Europe) or via the Middle East (in eastern Europe). Significantly, introduction into other geographic areas has occurred on one occasion only in each region, leading to subsequent establishment and expansion of the virus in these areas. Only one endemic genotype each is present in India and Australia, suggesting that WNV was successfully introduced into these locations once only. Each introduction occurred many centuries ago, probably due to trade and exploration during the 19th century. Likewise, in the Americas, WNV was successfully introduced in 1999 and subsequently became endemic across most temperate regions of North America (NA). In contrast to previous suggestions, an isolate from the epidemic in Israel in 1998 was not the direct progenitor of the NA epidemic; rather, both epidemics originated from the same (unknown) location.
Fluorescence spectroscopy and cryoimaging of rat lung tissue mitochondrial redox state

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the utility of optical cryoimaging and fluorometry to evaluate tissue redox state of the mitochondrial metabolic coenzymes NADH (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) and FAD (Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide) in intact rat lungs. The ratio (NADH/FAD), referred to as mitochondrial redox ratio (RR), is a measure of the lung tissue mitochondrial redox state. Isolated rat lungs were connected to a ventilation-perfused system. Surface NADH and FAD fluorescence signals were acquired before and after lung perfusion in the absence (control perfusate) or presence of potassium cyanide (KCN, complex IV inhibitor) to reduce the mitochondrial respiratory chain (state 5 respiration). Another group of lungs were perfused with control perfusate or KCN-containing perfusate as above, after which the lungs were deflated and frozen rapidly for subsequent 3D cryoimaging. Results demonstrate that lung treatment with KCN increased lung surface NADH signal by 22%, decreased FAD signal by 8%, and as result increased RR by 31% as compared to control perfusate (baseline) values. Cryoimaging results also show that KCN increased mean lung tissue NADH signal by 37%, decreased mean FAD signal by 4%, and increased mean RR by 47%. These results demonstrate the utility of these optical techniques to evaluate the effect of pulmonary oxidative stress on tissue mitochondrial redox state in intact lungs.
Thin-layer chromatographic separation of intermediates of the pyridine nucleotide cycle

A rapid thin-layer chromatographic procedure for separation of the compounds comprising the intermediates in the salvage pathway known as the pyridine nucleotide cycle plus quinolinic acid and the reduced forms of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate is described. The method utilizes silica gel high-performance thin-layer plates and a mobile phase of methanol, tetrabutylammonium hydroxide, and acetonitrile. The time required for analysis is greatly reduced and results in greater than 96% purity of each migrating compound.
Clinical specular microscopy

Clinical specular microscopy (CSM) has recently been introduced as a means of qualitative and quantitative examination of the human corneal endothelium at high magnification. With the aid of CSM, a decline in endothelial cell density with age has been documented and several endothelial abnormalities from disease or trauma can be detected. Donor material for corneal grafting can be examined by CSM and keratoplasty procedures can be designed to decrease endothelial damage. Cataract surgical procedures can cause endothelial cell loss. According to most studies, intracapsular extraction causes less cell loss than does phacoemulsification, and cataract extraction with intraocular lens (IOL) insertion causes the greatest loss. Cell loss from IOL can be minimized by decreasing lens-corneal contact. Elevated intraocular pressure may lead to endothelial cell loss, as may therapy with epinephrine. Endothelial toxicity of other drugs and solutions can be studied by CSM. While long term studies are necessary to correlate the morphologic changes detected by CSM with future endothelial function, shortterm studies can be helpful in developing medical and surgical techniques that minimize corneal endothelial trauma.
Recruitment failure of the bay scallop, Argopecten irradians concentricus, during the first red tide, Ptychodiscus brevis, outbreak recorded in North Carolina

In the presence of the first recorded red tide (Ptychodiscus brevis) outbreak in North Carolina, autumn 1987 recruitment of bay scallops (Argopecten irradians concentricus) in the state’s most productive scallop beds was a virtual failure. Recruitment averaged across all of Bogue and Back sounds was only 2% of the mean of three previous red tide-free (control) years. Only from central Core Sound northward, where the red tide occurred later and not as intensively, was bay scallop recruitment normal (93% of control years). Mortality of adult scallops from early December 1987 to late January 1988, while red tide was at bloom concentrations but fishing was prohibited, was 21%. No comparable natural mortality data exist for control years because intense fishing mortality in this period is confounded with natural mortality. Data on abundance of articulated pairs of empty shells strongly suggest that the red tide caused mortality of both adult and newly recruited bay scallops. Bay scallop recruitment in autumn 1988 again failed to restock the traditionally productive scallop beds in western Bogue Sound and in Back Sound, perhaps because the only concentrations of spawners surviving the red tide in central Core Sound and further north were too far distant for successful transport of bay scallop larvae in sufficient abundance to these traditional beds. This potential explanation implies continuing impact of the red tide on North Carolina’s bay scallop fishery until spawning populations increase in Back Sound and western Bogue Sound.
A putative glucocorticoid receptor and a transcortin-like macromolecule in pituitary cytosol

This study describes the binding of [3H] corticosterone and [3H] dexamethasone to soluble macromolecules in the pituitaries of adrenalectomized rats perfused at sacrifice to remove blood contamination. 1. (1) Unlabeled dexamethasone competes only slightly for [3H] corticosterone binding when the steroids are added to cytosol as well as when the steroids are present from the time of disruption of the tissue. In the latter case, corticosterone is as good a competitor as dexamethasone for [3H] dexamethasone binding. 2. (2) Gel permeation chromatography with BioRad A-5M reveals the presence of a [3H] corticosterone-macromolecular complex with an elution volume comparable to transcortin as well as a very large hormone-binding complex eluting in the void volume of the column. Competition by unlabeled dexamethasone abolishes the latter complex but does not reduce the size of the transcortin-like peak. 3. (3) When the cytosol is made 33% in ammonium sulfate, most of the [3H] dexamethasone complex is precipitated, while the [3H] corticosterone complex stays in solution. 4. (4) The [3H] dexamethasone complex and the dexamethasone-competable [3H] corticosterone complex both bind to DNA-cellulose while serum transcortin complexed with [3H] corticosterone does not bind. The results favor the existence of two different corticoid-binding macromolecules in pituitary cytosol. A glucocorticoid “receptor” binding both [3H] corticosterone and [3H] dexamethasone may mediate the feedback suppression of pituitary-adrenal function. The function of the other macromolecule resembling transcortin remains unknown.
Methods and Tools for Drought Analysis and Management

Drought is an ambiguous concept. It is often difficult to tell when you are in a drought because of its slow, protracted nature and lack of news-grabbing impacts—such as water inundating communities or buildings burning—associated with other natural disasters. It is equally difficult to track the effect of drought on people, their livelihoods, and the environment because of the ubiquitous role that water plays in our world. As a result, we often wait until we are in the midst of a water crisis to seek ad hoc solutions, which can be costly, inefficient, and highly politicized.
Adaptive equalisation for broadband predistortion linearisation of optical transmitters

Polynomial predistortion is known to have limited signal bandwidth and modulation-depth range above which the improvement gained by linearisation quickly diminishes. This problem has been studied for RF power amplifiers in the context of wireless communications but less so for analogue fibre optic links which could greatly benefit from a broadband, large dynamic range predistortion lineariser. Behavioural models are presented for static and dynamic nonlinearities based on the Volterra series. It is shown that for modulation frequencies much lower than the relaxation oscillation frequency, a simple predistortion architecture that employs only postfiltering is adequate to compensate for memory effects that limit predistortion bandwidth. Design considerations for an analogue adaptive tap delay line filter are also presented along with the general frequency response needed to compensate for memory. The dependence of predistortion parameters on modulation depth is analysed, and it is shown that an adaptive predistorter using instantaneous digital adaptation (IDA) provides both a larger signal-to-noise and distortion ratio (SNDR) and modulation depth range at the transmitter for a given noise floor.
Spin-charge separation in molecular wire conductance simulations

We analyze spin-charge separation in molecular wires using a combination of real-time density-functional simulations and model Hamiltonian calculations. By considering the ab initio electron dynamics of positively charged $({\text{C}}_{50}{\text{H}}_{52}^{+})$ and negatively charged $({\text{C}}_{50}{\text{H}}_{52}^{\ensuremath{-}})$ polyacetylene chains under a chemical potential bias, we are able to extract information about the mobility of electrons, holes, and spins in these molecules. Our results indicate that charges move more rapidly than spins in these molecules. We further supplement our ab initio data with empirical calculations employing the Pariser-Parr-Pople (PPP) model Hamiltonian. Our modeling indicates that the degree of spin-charge separation responds very strongly to the nonlocal exchange interaction, while showing little sensitivity to Coulombic forces. In particular, in order to reproduce the B3LYP results within the PPP model, it is necessary to reduce the strength of the exchange interaction by ca. 50% in the latter. We therefore conclude that many of the features present in the B3LYP spin current response are a direct result of self-interaction error in the functional.
Handling of Calcium by the Ferret Submandibular Gland

The handling of Ca by the submandibular gland of the ferret during stimulation of salivation with pilocarpine was studied using micropuncture and microanalytical, as well as standard, physiological techniques. Concentrations of ionized Ca were measured in the fluid from the intercalated, lobular, and main ducts of the gland. The net transductal fluxes of this divalent ion were calculated.
Status report: the manticore project

The Manticore project is an effort to design and implement a new functional language for parallel programming. Unlike many earlier parallel languages, Manticore is a heterogeneous language that supports parallelism at multiple levels. Specifically, we combine CML-style explicit concurrency with fine-grain, implicitly threaded, parallel constructs. We have been working on an implementation of Manticore for the past six months; this paper gives an overview of our design and a report on the status ofthe implementation effort.
Protease inhibitor therapy is associated with markedly prolonged time to relapse and improved survival in AIDS patients with cytomegalovirus retinitis

Prior to the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMV-R) in AIDS patients was characterized by multiple relapses and decreased survival. Recent data suggest that CMV-R in patients treated with HAART may remain relapse-free for long periods. We performed a study of the effects of HIV protease inhibitors (PIs) on the incidence of relapse and time to death in AIDS patients with CMV-R treated with anti-CMV therapy. Medical records of all AIDS patients with CMV-R at Parkland Memorial Health and Hospital System treated with anti-CMV agents were reviewed for date of diagnosis of CMV-R, date of CMV-R relapse, type and duration of anti-CMV therapy, and duration of PI therapy. Relapse rates in subjects treated with PIs were compared with the relapse rates in those who were not treated with PIs. The primary endpoint was the time to relapse and death as determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Multivariate analysis was performed by Cox proportional hazard model. One hundred and nine cases of CMV-R were identified in 75 patients. Median follow-up time was 247 days (range 31-1818 days). There were 0.54 relapses per 1000 patient days in the group treated with PIs compared with 1.83 relapses per 1000 patient days in the non-PI treatment group (relative risk [RR]=0.29, P 120 cells/microl had a relapse. We conclude that patients with CMV-R treated with HAART containing a PI have increased time to relapse and have prolonged survival.
A Peer-to-Peer Architecture for Supporting Dynamic Shared Libraries in Large-Scale Systems

Historically, scientific computing applications have been statically linked before running on massively parallel High Performance Computing (HPC) platforms. In recent years, demand for supporting dynamically linked applications at large scale has increased. When programs running at large scale dynamically load shared objects, they often request the same file from shared storage. These independent requests tax the shared storage and the network, causing a significant delay in computation time. In this paper, we propose to leverage a proven file sharing technique, Bit Torrent, abstracted by an on-node FUSE interface to create a system-level distribution method for these files. We detail our proposed methodology, related work, and our current progress.
Evaluation of the mutagenic potential of bacterial polychlorinated biphenyl biodegradation products

Potential bacterial biodegradation products of polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) were evaluated as environmental mutagens.p-Chlorophenylglyoxylic acid,p-chloromandelic acid and three monochlorinated benzoic acids were not mutagenic in either the sister chromatid exchange (SCE) orSalmonella typhimurium histidine reversion mutagenesis assays. Bacterial degradation may, therefore, tend to decrease the mutagenic potential of lesser chlorinated PCBs.
Effects of ethanol on prostanoid production by liver fat-storing cells

Fat-storing cells participate in the development of alcoholic liver disease. To study possible effects of ethanol on prostaglandin metabolism by fat-storing cells, we isolated them from normal rat liver. Cultured fat-storing cells produced substantial amounts (DNA, about 2 ng/μg every 24 hr) of prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin I2 (measured as 6-keto prostaglandin F1α) but no significant amounts of prostaglandin F2α. This production was markedly enhanced by the addition of ethanol in concentrations likely to occur in the blood during alcohol consumption. We confirmed the presence of class 1 alcohol dehydrogenase activity and isoenzymes in the cytosol of cultured fat-storing cells in their second passage. The stimulatory effect of ethanol was inhibited by 4-methylpyrazole (an alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor), exaggerated by disulfiram (an aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor) and reproduced by concentrations of acetaldehyde likely to occur in the liver. Thus, our results indicate that fat-storing cells produce vasodilatory prostaglandins and that this production is enhanced by the acetaldehyde that results from the oxidation of ethanol catalized by alcohol dehydrogenase present in these cells. (HEPATOLOGY 1993;18:153–159).
Charge transfer to metal surfaces from bouncing aerosol particles

Abstract The transfer of charge to a metal surface as a result of impacts by initially neutral particles (contact charging) and by initially charged particles (transfer of precharge) has been investigated. Monodisperse particles from a vibrating orifice or fluidized bed generator were charged by induction and bounced off of a metal probe. The transfer of precharge was found to be sensitive to the probe surface condition. A surface polishing procedure was developed which resulted in linear charge transfer. In some cases semiconducting effects were observed. Charge transfer varied during an initial equilibration period due to alteration of the metal surface by particle impacts. Measurements were made with methylene blue, potassium biphthalate, sodium chloride and aluminum particles impacting on stainless steel, Inconel, titanium and platinum. For insulating particle materials, the transfer of precharge was independent of particle size while the contact charge was proportional to the cube of particle diameter and directly proportional to impact velocity. The magnitude of the contact charge was strongly dependent on the electrical resistivity of the material. A theoretical model was found to account for most aspects of the data. A more complete theory would require greater knowledge of surfaces and contact potentials than presently exists.
Bacteriophage T4, a new vector for the expression of cloned genes.

Abstract The amino-terminal portion of the T4rIIB gene has been fused to the coding sequence of a truncated lacZ gene from Escherichia coli, giving rise to a fusion protein with β-galactosidase activity. The 3192-bp rIIB-lacZ gene fusion was transferred into phage T4, and enzymatically active protein was produced after phage infection. T4 may be a useful expression vector in special circumstances, in particular for proteins whose accumulation in E. coli is limited by sensitivity to proteases.
Exploring protein-DNA interactions in 3D using in situ construction, manipulation, and visualization of individual DNA-dumbbells with optical traps, microfluidics, and fluorescence microscopy

In this protocol, we describe a procedure to generate 'DNA dumbbells'-single molecules of DNA with a microscopic bead attached at each end-and techniques for manipulating individual DNA dumbbells. We also detail the design and fabrication of a microfluidic device (flow cell) used in conjunction with dual optical trapping to manipulate DNA dumbbells and to visualize individual protein-DNA complexes by single-molecule epifluorescence microscopy. Our design of the flow cell enables the rapid movement of trapped molecules between laminar flow channels and a flow-free reservoir. The reservoir provides the means to examine the formation of protein-DNA complexes in solution in the absence of external flow forces while maintaining a predetermined end-to-end extension of the DNA. These features facilitate the examination of the role of 3D DNA conformation and dynamics in protein-DNA interactions. Preparation of flow cells and reagents requires 2 days each; in situ DNA dumbbell assembly and imaging of single protein-DNA complexes require another day.
Unusual non-neoplastic lesions of the lung

Many nonneoplastic conditions that may affect the lung are in reality rare or unusual manifestations of metabolic processes, inflammatory conditions, or unknown etiology. Because of their rarity, they can often be confused with malignant neoplasms. Familiarity with these conditions not only will expedite further treatment for these patients but also will avoid the process of more tests or unnecessary surgical procedures. The nomenclature for some of those conditions is still controversial. The clinical outcome of these conditions can be quite variable, with some patients surviving a long number of years and others eventually succumbing to the disease. We will limit our discussion in this review to four of these conditions, including inflammatory pseudotumor (inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor), placental transmogrification of lung, alveolar microlithiasis, and metastatic calcification. Although these lesions are not part of the gamut of neoplastic conditions affecting the lung, they are nonetheless important to recognize, as their outcome may not necessarily be an innocuous one.
Design of microfluidic sample preconditioning systems for detection of biological agents in environmental samples

Monitoring of biologically active agents such as bacteria, viruses, proteins and small molecules in environmental samples poses complex analytical problems. The particulate nature of the analytes and potential interferents is of particular concern for microfluidic systems in which the channels may not be much larger than the particles themselves. For this reason, sample preconditioning upstream of a chemical analytical device will usually be required. However, the small dimensions of microfluidic devices also allow unique methods of sample purification, concentration, and detection. In our laboratory we have developed a series of microfluidic chemical analytical devices for such purposes. These devices rely on the low Reynolds number flow conditions. In such conditions field flow fractionation based on sedimentation, diffusion and electrophoresis perpendicular to the flow direction can be profitably harnessed to precondition samples. The H-filter is one such device in which a simple 4-port device that allows two fluids to be brought into adjacent flow, and then separated downstream into two (or more) flow streams after exchange of material under the influence of one or more fields. It can be fabricated using anodically bonded silicon and Pyrex channels, or using polymeric devices formed using `soft lithography' techniques. We have tested the ability of this device to be used for purification of bacteria and their spores from complex samples containing silica and other interferent particles. We will present results of our tests of this device, as well as initial attempts to integrate the H-filter into a sample preconditioning system that includes on-chip pumps.
Mitochondrial DNA diversity in North American and European Atlantic salmon with emphasis on the Downeast rivers of Maine

The displacement loop and NADH-1 dehydrogenase regions of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction in 954 Atlantic salmon and digested with 40 restriction endonucleases. Variation was detected with 10 enzymes, resulting in 21 composite haplotypes which were strongly patterned geographically with a major discontinuity observed between most North American (NA) and European salmon. Significant heterogeneity of haplotype frequencies was found within and among all classification levels (continent, country, and river). Haplotype frequencies were significantly different across continents, within European samples, within NA samples, within Canadian samples, within wild Maine samples, within captive Maine strains, and between captive and wild Maine strains. Nine haplotypes occurred only in NA, seven in Maine, three only in Maine, and 11 occurred only in Europe. Some Maine rivers had only a single haplotype, suggesting that effective population sizes may be low. The second most frequent European haplotype occurred in tributaries to one Newfoundland river. Gene trees based on parsimony and genetic distance suggest that the haplotypes are monophyletic within each continent, and that the haplotype found on both continents is intermediate between those of Europe and NA, suggesting common ancestry of all haplotypes.
Denaturant dependence of equilibrium unfolding intermediates and denatured state structure of horse ferricytochrome c.

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is employed to characterize unfolding intermediates and the denatured state of horse ferricytochrome c in guanidine hydrochloride. Unfolded and partially unfolded species with non-native heme ligation are detected by analysis of hyperfine-shifted 1H resonances. Two equilibrium unfolding intermediates with His-Lys heme axial ligation are detected, as are two unfolded species with bis-His heme ligation. These results are contrasted with previous results on horse ferricytochrome c denaturation by urea, for which only one unfolding intermediate and one unfolded species were detected by NMR spectroscopy. Urea and guanidine hydrochloride are often used interchangeably in protein denaturation studies, but these results and those of others indicate that unfolded and intermediate states in these two denaturants may have substantially different properties. Implications of these results for folding studies and the biological function of mitochondrial cytochromes c are discussed.
The role of the surgeon in the case of a giant neck mass in the EXIT procedure

Large fetal neck masses can present a major challenge to securing an airway at birth, with associated risks of hypoxia, brain injury, and death. The authors report a case of a giant neck mass, diagnosed in a fetus of 28 weeks, treated through ex utero intrapartum treatment procedure to assist in securing an airway followed by excision of the mass on the day after delivery. A multidisciplinary team approach, combined with an accurate prenatal diagnosis obtained through fetal ultrasound magnetic resonance imaging examination, was the key to a successful outcome. The role of the pediatric surgeon was initially to secure the airways through a tracheostomy followed by excision of the mass when the infant's vital parameters had been stabilized.
Dynamic Computer Control of a Robot Leg

A dynamic control scheme for a three degree-of-freedom robot leg, which has been interfaced to a PDP-11/70 minicomputer, is developed and implemented. A CSMP (Continuous System Modeling Program) simulation is also used to study the dynamic characteristics of the leg off-line. The results of the work show that the dynamic equations of motion are valuable in robotic systems to develop an appropriate control scheme, to determine suitable ranges of feedback gains, and to be used on-line to generate a feed-forward control input.
Determinants of exercise among children. II. A longitudinal analysis.

Abstract Background. Research has demonstrated that physical activity serves an important preventive function against the development of cardiovascular disease. The recognition that U.S. children are often sedentary, coupled with the observation that physical activity habits tend to persist into adulthood, has prompted the investigation of exercise determinants consistent with social learning theory. The purposes of the present study were to identify social learning variables relevant to children's exercise and to explore the longitudinal predictive value of the determinants. Methods. Data were collected from 111 families (N= 54 girls,N= 57 boys) who were interviewed in both Phase 1 (fifth and sixth grades) and Phase 2 (eighth and ninth grades) of this study. Data from mothers (N= 111) were collected during both phases; data from 80 fathers were collected at Phase 2 only. Results. The results of simultaneous stepwise regression analyses indicated that child's enjoyment of physical activity was the only consistent predictor of physical activity during Phase 1. At Phase 2, child's exercise knowledge, mother's physical activity, and child's and mother's friend modeling/support emerged as predictors for girls. For boys, child's self-efficacy for physical activity, exercise knowledge, parental modeling, and interest in sports media were important. Longitudinally, mother's self-efficacy, barriers to exercise, enjoyment of physical activity, and child's self-efficacy for physical activity were important for girls. Only child's exercise knowledge predicted boys' physical activity. The addition of information from fathers nearly doubled the explanatory power of the predictors for both genders. Conclusions. Socialization in the family unit exerts a tremendous influence on health-related behaviors such as exercise. The relative importance of determinants seems to differ for girls and boys and the pattern of these determinants appears to change over time.
On-line SPC-based trigger for control action

A procedure is developed which uses SPC concepts to automatically trigger when control action is justified. The conventional concepts of CUSUM and variance are reformulated for computational simplicity. Including initialization, the algorithm is shown to require 18 lines of executable FORTRAN code. The procedure can be used, for instance, to supervise changes in etch reactor conditions based on successive end run analysis.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The process of converting to a near filmless operation at the University of Utah, Department of Radiology.

The Department of Radiology at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center has made the transition from a traditional film-based department to a near filmless operation. The University of Utah is a large teaching hospital and the transition from film in an educational facility will be discussed. This transition has had its difficulties and its success is dependent on the support of departmental leadership and hospital administration. We have had more than 100 years of experience with film, and current procedures were efficient given the limitations of the medium. While motivated by the traditional reasons for moving to a picture archival and communications system (PACS), such as film savings, unavailable films, and faster reports, we found the intangibles to be the larger issue, as well as a source for the largest benefits. This report will discuss the implementation process and the affect it had on all areas of the hospital, including its impact on hospital physicians, radiologists, file room personnel, and technologists. Procedure changes to the flow of patients, film, and electronic images will also be described. This process cannot be viewed as a onetime change, but must be viewed as a continuous process as areas of improvement are identified and new and improved technologies are developed.
Efficiency of multiple-choice tests as a function of spread of item difficulties

The validity of a univocal multiple-choice test is determined for varying distributions of item difficulty and varying degrees of item precision. Validity is a function ofσ d 2 +σ v 2 , whereσ d measures item unreliability andσ v measures the spread of item difficulties. When this variance is very small, validity is high for one optimum cutting score, but the test gives relatively little valid information for other cutting scores. As this variance increases, eta increases up to a certain point, and then begins to decrease. Screening validity at the optimum cutting score declines as this variance increases, but the test becomes much more flexible, maintaining the same validity for a wide range of cutting scores. For items of the type ordinarily used in psychological tests, the test with uniform item difficulty gives greater over-all validity, and superior validity for most cutting scores, compared to a test with a range of item difficulties. When a multiple-choice test is intended to reject the poorestF per cent of the men tested, items should on the average be located at or above the threshold for men whose true ability is at theFth percentile.
Theoretical modelling of the effects of anisotropy and stress on the magnetization and magnetostriction of Tb0.3Dy0.7Fe2

Abstract The alloy Tb0.3Dy0.7Fe2 is known to have a useful combination of high magnetostriction and low anisotropy energy. This means that relatively high strain amplitudes, exceeding 1 × 10−3, can be obtained at low to moderate field strengths of less than 240 kA/m. This paper is concerned with the application of the anisotropic rotation model of the magnetization mechanism in this material. The model comprises the underlying assumptions which correspond to the Stoner-Wohlfarth model and its derivatives. In this case, the magnetic moments of the domains are constrained by the anisotropy to lie along the 〈111〉 directions within the crystal. It is shown from symmetry considerations that the fractional occupancies of six of the eight 〈111〉 directions exhibit pair degeneracy, leaving only five independent parameters to describe the distribution of domains among those directions. The changes in magnetization and magnetostriction which occur as the material is magnetized by a field along the [112] axis were determined both under zero stress and under a range of uniaxial stress levels applied along the [112] axis by following the changes in direction of the local minima in the sum of anisotropy, field and magnetostrictive energies.
Polypyridyl hydrido complexes of osmium(II) and ruthenium(II)

A series of polypyridyl-hydrido complexes of Os(II) and Ru(II) has been prepared, e.g., cis-(M(bpy)/sub 2/(CO)H)/sup 2 +/ (bpy is 2,2'-bipyridine; M = Ru, Os) and, for example, (Os(phen)(1,2-Ph/sub 2/P)/sub 2/C/sub 6/H/sub 4/)(PPh/sub 3/)H)/sup 2 +/ (phen is 1,10-phenanthroline) based on three different synthetic routes. The complexes have been characterized by nmr (/sup 1/H and /sup 31/P) and by infrared spectroscopy. Initial results are reported on the photochemical and photophysical properties of the complexes. The complexes of Os(II) represent rare examples of luminescent metal-hydrido complexes in fluid solution at room temperature. 2 figures, 1 table.
Electron microscopic studies of hardening in type III dental alloy

Abstract Previous studies on the hardening mechanism of the type III dental alloy have involved the use of X-ray, optical metallography and hardness measurement techniques. Despite the thoroughness of previous investigations, the mechanism of hardening is obscure. It is not known whether precipitation or ordering or both are responsible for hardening. This investigation was initiated to study the hardening behavior in greater detail using transmission electron microscopy. Samples of this alloy solution-treated at 700 °C and aged for various times of up to 126 hours at 350 °C were used. Electron microscopic observations reveal that hardening is primarily due to the precipitation phenomenon. Ordering also plays a role in hardening but its contribution seems to be very small. The precipitates are coherent, platelet type and form on (100) and (111) planes of the matrix.
Purification of a serine protease and evidence for a protein C activator from the saliva of the tick, Ixodes scapularis

The saliva of ticks is critical to their survival as parasites and hematophagous animals. In this study, we have purified an enzyme with trypsin-like activity from the saliva of the tick vector of Lyme Disease, Ixodes scapularis. This enzyme, named as IXOSP (I. scapularis salivary serine protease), is a 29.9 kDa molecule with N-terminus FPxMVxLRIKxR. A BLAST search identified IXOSP as a secreted serine protease (AAY66740) with a conserved catalytic triad His, Asp, and Ser. In vitro studies demonstrated that IXOSP cleaves chromogenic substrates with arginine in the P1 position, by a mechanism inhibited by PMSF or aprotinin. Gene expression studies revealed that IXOSP is expressed at different tick developmental stages, including eggs, and unfed or fed adult tick salivary glands, but not in nymphs or in the midgut. While the physiological substrate for IXOSP remains to be identified, we demonstrated that I. scapularis saliva activate protein C (PC) resulting in the production of activated PC, a potent anticoagulant that also regulates a myriad of inflammatory responses through protease activated receptors. In contrast, the salivary glands of Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles stephensi, Anopheles albimanus, Aedes aegypti, Lutzomyia longipalpis, and Phlebotomus ariasi did not activate protein C. These discoveries are discussed in the context of blood coagulation, inflammation and vector-host interactions.
Life span and cancer mortality in the beagle dog and humans

This study compares the age-dependence and rate of cancer mortality in untreated Beagles over a lifetime with that of Japanese and US white men and women. The purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which there is a linkage between life span and cancer mortality in Beagle dogs and humans. The two human populations were chosen to represent contrasting races and environments. Using the age at 10% survival as the measure of life span, about 5.5 years in humans was equivalent to 1 year of life in Beagles. The age dependence and total cancer mortality was the same in men and male Beagles. The age dependence was the same in female Beagles and women, but the total cancer mortality was somewhat greater in female Beagles due to more breast cancer. Cancer in Beagles, other than breast cancer in females, consisted mostly of sarcomas and lymphomas. There was very little cancer in environmentally exposed tissues (lung and intestine). There was also some contrast between Japanese and Americans in the relative rates of cancer at certain sites. The study provides support for the life span linkage of adult cancer mortality in the two species, in spite of the different patterns of cancer types and environments.
Impact-triggered thermoelectric power generator using phase change material as a heat source

This paper demonstrates an impact-triggered thermoelectric generator that uses latent heat liberated from the crystallization of supersaturated sodium acetate trihydrate (SSAT). A volume of SSAT is encapsulated in a polydimethylsiloxane chamber and capped with a steel plate. The device triggers when an external impact is applied to the steel plate, leading to an exothermic crystallization process. The heat creates a thermal gradient across a thermoelectric module which in turn generates electrical output. A maximum hot-junction temperature of 58??C can be achieved, resulting in an instantaneous output power of 2.08 mW across 185 ? load using a 3.3?2.5?1?mm3?commercially available Bi2Te3?thermoelectric module with 290 junctions.
The Use of the Performance Diagnostic Checklist to Guide Intervention Selection in an Independently Owned Coffee Shop

Abstract The utility of the Performance Diagnostic Checklist (PDC) (Austin, 2000) as an assessment tool to design an intervention for increasing maintenance tasks in an independently owned coffee shop was examined. The PDC, which was administered to four employees, identified a lack of appropriate antecedents and consequences as areas in need of intervention. Based on the results of the PDC, task clarification and a lottery were implemented in a multiple baseline across tasks design to increase employees' completion of maintenance tasks. The results for task group 1 yielded baseline and intervention means of 44% and 86%, respectively. The results for task group 2 yielded baseline and intervention means of 32% and 67%, respectively. A social validity measure indicated that employees thought that the appearance of the shop had improved, believed the changes helped to improve customer satisfaction, and claimed that the new procedures made their job easier. Overall, results suggest that the PDC can be an effe...
Cytokine Regulation of the Immune Response: An in Vivo Model

Abstract Cytokine interactions are central to the development of immune and inflammatory responses. While in vitro assays provide evidence about specific activities of individual cytokines, they are less informative concerning cytokine interactions that constitute the cytokine network. In this article we review an in vivo model of experimental inflammation, streptococcal cell wall (SCW)-induced arthritis in rats, which, when combined with in vitro analysis, provides a powerful approach to deciphering the complexity of the cytokine network. Using this model, it is possible to identify cytokines present in acute and chronic inflammatory lesions and their cells of origin, to administer these cytokines exogenously and monitor their impact, and to antagonize specific cytokine actions to establish a causal relationship. In this context, we have reviewed our experiences with one particular cytokine, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), which plays a key role in the regulation of immune and inflammatory events. Whereas systemically administered TGF-β attenuated SCW-induced joint inflammation, consistent with its known immunosuppressive activities, local (intra-articular) injection surprisingly exacerbated SCW-induced arthritis. Moreover, antagonism of TGF-β within the synovium with neutralizing antibodies impaired the development of inflammation as evaluated noninvasively by radiology and by the measurement of swelling, deformity, and erythema of individual joints. Additional parameters of analysis include histology to visualize tissue destruction, immunohistochemistry to detect the presence of specific cytokines or infiltrating immune cells, and Northern hybridization to measure the expression of cytokine mRNA. Thus, in vivo studies coupled with in vitro characterization provide a comprehensive biological and molecular profile of a particular cytokine and its place in the cytokine network. Moreover, this approach provides insight into potential mechanisms for therapeutic modulation of aberrant immune and inflammatory responses.
Growth, structure and oxidation of ordered silicon layers on nickel (001)

Thin silicon films deposited in ultra-high vacuum on Ni(001) have been studied, as a function of annealing and/or O2 exposure, using Auger spectroscopy and low energy electron diffraction. Annealing at temperatures as low as 200 ° C causes rapid intermixing, with only about one monolayer of Si (θ ≈ 1) remaining in a disordered surface layer. Annealing at successively higher temperatures causes further intermixing and the appearance of a c(2 × 2) ordered overlayer (θ = 0.5). The rate of O chemisorption and the structure of the oxide are found to depend on the structure of the adsorbed Si layer. For the c(2 × 2) layer, O2 exposure leads to the rapid formation of multiple SiO bonds at all surface Si sites, as in the case of bulk Ni3Si. This effect is less pronounced (and the saturation O coverage lower) for a surface having a somewhat higher Si coverage but in the form of a disordered layer. The results are interpreted in terms of the involvement of underlayer Ni atoms in promoting O2 dissociation.
The retrieval of syntax in Broca's aphasia.

Eight Broca's aphasics at the Boston Veterans Administration Hospital were administered a story completion test, designed to elicit 14 different English syntactic constructions. The first scorable response to each test item was analyzed with respect to omission of obligatory elements. The patterns of error recorded a consistent order of difficulty of the constructions, as well as a variety of strategies employed by the subjects in attempting to compensate for their limitations in syntactic encoding. The results confirmed earlier observations that initial unstressed functors are particularly vulnerable. Correspondingly a typical compensatory strategy employed by Broca's aphasics is to initiate their utterances with stressed words, like vocatives, or nouns where normal subjects produce pronouns.