cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the Role of Arg301 Identified in the X-ray Structure of Phosphite Dehydrogenase

Phosphite dehydrogenase (PTDH) from Pseudomonas stutzeri catalyzes the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent oxidation of phosphite to phosphate. The enzyme belongs to the family of d-hydroxy acid dehydrogenases (DHDHs). A search of the protein databases uncovered many additional putative phosphite dehydrogenases. The genes encoding four diverse candidates were cloned and expressed, and the enzymes were purified and characterized. All oxidized phosphite to phosphate and had similar kinetic parameters despite a low level of pairwise sequence identity (39–72%). A recent crystal structure identified Arg301 as a residue in the active site that has not been investigated previously. Arg301 is fully conserved in the enzymes shown here to be PTDHs, but the residue is not conserved in other DHDHs. Kinetic analysis of site-directed mutants of this residue shows that it is important for efficient catalysis, with an ∼100-fold decrease in kcat and an almost 700-fold increase in Km,phosphite for the R301A mutant....
Follicular Fluid Steroid Levels in Dysmature and Mature Follicles from Spontaneous and Hyperstimulated Cycles in Normal and Anovulatory Women

Follicular maturity and atresia have been defined previously, both hormonally and microscopically, in normal ovulatory women. Ovarian hyperstimulation with clomiphene citrate and human menopausal gonadotropins in normal women is carried out for the purpose of aspirating oocytes from several large follicles for in vitro fertilization. Alterations in follicular fluid (FF) hormone levels occur with hyperstimulation regimens, and some of these large follicles (>18 mm) appear morphologically atretic. We have used the term dysmature to describe those large follicles that have an abnormal oocyte morphological appearance and cannot be fertilized in vitro. Mature follicles have been defined by their size, their oocyte morphological appearance, and their ability to be fertilized in vitro. FF from small (2–3 mm) and large (>18 mm) mature and dysmature follicles were obtained from 10 untreated ovulatory women. Mature and dysmature follicles also were obtained from clomiphene and human menopausal gonadotropin-treated ...
Predicting visual stimuli on the basis of activity in auditory cortices

Multivariate pattern analysis of auditory cortex functional magnetic resonance imaging data can differentiate among sounds implied by entirely silent visual stimuli. This adds to the evidence suggesting that early sensory cortex activity reflects perceptual experience rather than sensory stimulation alone. Using multivariate pattern analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging data, we found that the subjective experience of sound, in the absence of auditory stimulation, was associated with content-specific activity in early auditory cortices in humans. As subjects viewed sound-implying, but silent, visual stimuli, activity in auditory cortex differentiated among sounds related to various animals, musical instruments and objects. These results support the idea that early sensory cortex activity reflects perceptual experience, rather than sensory stimulation alone.
Demineralization of Enamel in Cooked Food-Saliva Mixtures

Decalcificatian of enamel was tested on extracted human teeth in cooked food-saliva mixtures. Titratable acidity was recorded, and serial sections were studied. Findings revealed that the degree of decalcification did not always correlate with acid formation. The presence of organic phosphates may be responsible for the extent of decalcification.
The need for genetic variant naming standards in published abstracts of human genetic association studies

We analyzed the use of RefSNP (rs) numbers to identify genetic variants in abstracts of human genetic association studies published from 2001 through 2007. The proportion of abstracts reporting rs numbers increased rapidly but was still only 15% in 2007. We developed a web-based tool called Variant Name Mapper to assist in mapping historical genetic variant names to rs numbers. The consistent use of rs numbers in abstracts that report genetic associations would enhance knowledge synthesis and translation in this field.
Results of Single Staged Hypospadias Surgery to Repair Penoscrotal Hypospadias With Bifid Scrotum or Penoscrotal Transposition

ABSTRACTPurpose: During the last 10 years there has been controversy in the approach to severe hypospadias. Many pediatric urologists have elected to perform a 2-staged procedure to minimize complication rates and improve cosmesis. We continued to perform a single staged repair using the Hodgson XX or Koyanagi technique for even the most severe hypospadias. We review our results during the last 5 years in severe cases of penoscrotal hypospadias with bifid scrotum or penoscrotal transposition.Materials and Methods: The medical records of 20 consecutive children presenting to a single surgeon from 1996 to 2000 with severe penoscrotal hypospadias were reviewed. Patients underwent a 1-stage repair using an operative microscope. Cases not requiring further surgery were grouped as successful while cases requiring subsequent procedures were considered as complications.Results: After an average followup of 23 months 16 patients have not required subsequent procedures. Two patients had urethrocutaneous fistulas an...
Doppler velocimetry and placental disease.

Quantitative placental examinations were performed on 47 women who had Doppler flow velocity studies of the umbilical artery during their pregnancy. The systolic-diastolic ratio of the umbilical artery was used as the measurement parameter to divide the study population into two groups. Group 1 consisted of women with normal systolic-diastolic ratios (systolic-diastolic p
Dynamic calibration of feedback DAC non-linearity for a 4 th order CT sigma delta for digital hearing aids

In this paper we present a calibration scheme for calibrating the 2nd order harmonic distortion of feedback DAC used in a 4th order CT-ΣΔ. This scheme was implemented in a 0.25um CMOS process with a supply voltage of 1.2V, the 4th order CT-ΣΔ was able to achieve 68dB measured SNR, while the 2nd order harmonic was reduced by about 20dB suppressing it to the thermal noise floor.
An Efficient CAD-Integrated Multi-Dimensional Model for Microfluidic Simulations

Microfluidic devices exhibit high-aspect ratio in that their channel-widths are much smaller than their overall lengths. High-aspect geometry leads to an unduly large finite element mesh, making the (otherwise popular) finite-element method (FEM) a poor choice for modeling microfluidic devices. An alternate computational strategy is to exploit well-known analytical solutions for fluid flow over the narrow-channels of a device, and then either: (a) assume the same analytical solutions for the (wider) cross-flow regions, or (b) exploit these solutions to set-up artificial boundary conditions over the cross-flow regions. Such simplified models are computationally far superior to FEM, but do not support the generality or flexibility of FEM. In this paper, we propose a third strategy for exploiting the analytical solutions: (c) directly incorporate them into standard FE-based analysis via model reduction techniques. The advantages of the proposed strategy are: (1) designers can use standard CAD/CAE environments to model, analyze and post-process microfluidic simulation, (2) well-established dual-weighted residuals can be used to estimate modeling errors, and (3), if desired, one can eliminate the dependency on possibly inaccurate analytical solutions over selected regions. The simplicity and generality of the proposed method is inherited from the model reduction process, so are its theoretical properties, while simultaneously its computational efficiency is inherited from the use of analytical solutions.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Health care issues facing adolescents with congenital heart disease.

The number of children with congenital heart disease surviving beyond adolescence is rapidly increasing. Consequently, pediatric health providers not only have to address medical issues associated with the cardiac condition but must begin to develop programs that assist adolescents and their families in dealing with special health care needs for the young patient to successfully move into the adult world. Transitional health-related issues facing the adolescent with congenital heart disease including medical follow-up, insurability, employability, sexuality, and reproduction are described. Discussion about advising and counseling both patient and parents is included. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company
Chromium(VI) Forms Thiolate Complexes with gamma-Glutamylcysteine, N-Acetylcysteine, Cysteine, and the Methyl Ester of N-Acetylcysteine.

Reaction of potassium dichromate with γ-glutamylcysteine, N-acetylcysteine, and cysteine in aqueous solution resulted in the formation of 1:1 complexes of Cr(VI) with the cysteinyl thiolate ligand....
Analysis of Flow in a Concentric Cylindrical Vessel Using Stream and Vorticity Function

This paper reports the numerical results of flow in a concentric cylindrical vessel. Velocity plots are shown to illustrate the swirling cylinder flow inside the cylinder having free surface on top and constant rotating bottom wall. The analysis is carried out axisymmetric using Stream function and Vorticity method by writing Navier-Stokes equation and continuity equation in cylindrical coordinates in form of stream functions and azimuthal vorticity components eliminating the pressure component. Using Finite Difference Schemes, modified Navier-Stokes equation and continuity equations are solved by explicit methods. No-slip boundary condition is assumed at wall to minimize the discontinuity. Vortex formation is shown using contour plots and variation in Reynolds number and dimensions are considered as variable for the system. As the Reynolds number is increased the system undergoes vortex breakdown. Result clearly indicates the formation of another vortex near the free surface illustrating the phenomena of vortex breakdown. Effect of aspect ratio in the nature flow is also shown in the paper. Comparison of numerically achieved results and experimental results are done for validation.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
The influence of muscle fiber size on tenderness in A-maturity heifers.

A total of 77 crossbred late-maturing or intermediate-maturing heifers were fed an 84% total digestible nutrient diet from 200 kg live-weight to slaughter at 433 kg. Carcass data and histochemical samples were obtained at 24 h postmortem, and shear and sensory panel evaluation samples were obtained from the longissimus dorsi muscle afier 7 ahys of aging at 2 to 3°C. Average fiber size was correlated (P< 0.01) to sensory panel tenderness and shear force requirements. Cross-sectional areas of white, intermediate and red fibers were also correlated (P< 0.01) to shear force requirements. Percentages of white, intermediate and red fibers were not consistently correlated to sensory tenderness or shear force. Evidently, the number of myofibrils per unit of mass was associated with meat tenderness. Research needs to be done to determine iffiber size has a causal relationship with tenderness or is a correlated response to other factors that dictate tenderness.
High-Level Expression of Human Thymidylate Synthase☆

Abstract A method is presented for expressing human thymidylate synthase (TS) to the extent of 25–30% of the protein inEscherichia coli.By this procedure, 200–400 mg of pure enzyme can be obtained from a 2-liter culture of cells. The key to the level of expression appears to be related to the conversion of purine bases in the third, fourth, and fifth codons of the TS cDNA to thymine, without altering the encoded protein product. Conversion of the penultimate proline to a leucine did not diminish expression, but while the isolated native enzyme contained only proline on its amino-terminal end, the mutated enzyme was found to contain methionine on its amino terminus. By contrast, the expression of the unmodified TS cDNA represented only about 0.1–0.2% of the total cellular protein. Unlike recombinant rat and human TSs, the respective enzymes purified to homogeneity from eukaryotic cells were blocked at the amino ends and possessed 2- to 4-fold lower specific activities. To determine at what level the impairment of expression occurred, anin vitrotranscription, translation system was employed and the results showed that while transcription was unaffected, the translation of native TS mRNA was reduced by at least 20-fold relative to modified TS mRNA using a rabbit reticulocyte translation system. Thus, it appears that at least for the TS gene, expression is greatly influenced by the GC content of the 5′ coding region of the gene in both prokaryote and eukaryote systems.
Alliance Formation and the Timing of War Involvement

(2004). Alliance Formation and the Timing of War Involvement. International Interactions: Vol. 30, No. 4, pp. 331-347.
TU-D-201C-02: Subharmonic Imaging and Pressure Estimation

The use of gas filled microbubbles as contrast agents for ultrasound imaging(US) is well established by now. Such contrast agents are used world‐wide to improve the diagnostic capabilities of US especially when employed in combination with novel nonlinear contrastimaging modes such pulse inversion second harmonic and subharmonic imaging (SHI). Our group has investigated the use of SHI in breast imaging and has produced the first ever human SHI images as well as developed a new contrastimaging mode: dynamic cumulative maximum intensity (CMI) SHI. Fourteen patients with 16 breast lesions, who underwent breast biopsies with histopathological assessment, participated in a pilot study of mammography and contrastUS. A Logiq 9 scanner (GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI) was modified to perform grayscale SHI (transmitting/receiving at 4.4/2.2 MHz). Of the 16 lesions, 4 were malignant. Mammography had a sensitivity of 100 % and a specificity of 20 %. Baseline grayscale US and PDI both achieved a sensitivity of 50 % and a specificity of 92 %, while contrast‐enhanced PDI produced 75 % and 75 %, respectively. SHI had a sensitivity of 75 % and specificity of 83 %. All the ultrasound modes produced higher specificities than mammography (p 0.90). We have proposed subharmonic aided pressure estimation (SHAPE; U.S. patent 6,302,845) and provided proof of concept of the feasibility of in vivo SHAPE. The heart and aorta of four dogs were scanned with a Sonix RP scanner (Ultrasonic Medical Corporation, Richmond, BC, Canada) modified to perform SHAPE. Simultaneously, the instantaneous pressures within the aorta were measured using a manometer‐tipped catheter. The instantaneous in vivo pressure measurements and those based on SHAPE were in good accordance over a pressure range of 0 to 70 mmHg (r2 from 0.65–0.85). In conclusion, a new contrast specific imaging technique, SHI, has been investigated for in vivo breast imaging and for quantitative measurements. SHI appear to improve the diagnosis of breast cancer relative to conventional ultrasound and mammography; albeit based on a very limited patient population. Some encouraging results in pressure estimation have been achieved. Learning Objectives: 1. Understand the origin of subharmonic bubble signals 2. Understand the pro's and con's of SHI 3. Understand the principle of SHAPE
The Act of Remembering in "Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking"

Explores the role of memory in "Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking" as a force that unites "psychological" and "mystical" readings of the poem, and argues that the poem "demonstrate(s) that uniting of here and hereafter in memory is a sort of mystical experience available to all that can break down our mental barriers."
17-β-Estradiol decreases p38 MAPK-mediated myocardial inflammation and dysfunction following acute ischemia

Understanding the inflammatory response to myocardial ischemia is an important part of achieving the elusive clinical goal of perfect myocardial protection. While it is established that estrogen affects the chronic inflammatory processes of coronary atherosclerosis, the effects of estrogen on acute myocardial proinflammatory signaling are unknown. To study this, myocardial ischemia and reperfusion was performed in rat hearts from normal adult males, normal adult females, ovariectomized (OVX) females, males supplemented with E2, and OVX females supplemented with E2. Following reperfusion, homogenized hearts were analyzed for TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 gene and protein expression, p38 MAPK activation, and the apoptosis-related proteins caspase-3 and Bcl-2. Hearts from proestrus females demonstrated significantly better post-ischemic functional recovery than males. E2 supplementation to males and OVX females improved post-ischemic myocardial functional recovery, reduced the production of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6, and decreased the activation of p38 MAPK and caspase-3 when compared to their untreated counterparts. These results suggest that the effect of estrogen on cardioprotection against myocardial I/R may be attributed to its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. Further understanding of these mechanisms may allow therapeutic manipulation of sex hormones in the treatment of acute ischemic injury.
Detection of Bartonella henselae IgM in Serum of Experimentally Infected and Naturally Exposed Cats

Background Results of Bartonella henselae blood culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay on blood, or IgG antibody assays do not always correlate with the presence or absence of clinical disease in cats, and B. henselae IgG antibodies in serum do not always correlate with bacteremia. However, little is known concerning Bartonella spp. IgM antibodies in naturally exposed cats. Hypothesis Bartonella spp. IgM antibodies in serum are associated with fever, stomatitis, and bacteremia based on PCR assay results in experimentally infected or client-owned cats. Animals Stored sera from cats experimentally infected with B. henselae by exposure to Ctenocephalides felis, client-owned cats with and without fever, and client-owned cats with and without stomatitis were studied. Methods A Bartonella spp. IgM ELISA was titrated with samples from experimentally infected cats and then test sera from client-owned cats were assayed. Associations among IgM ELISA results, clinical findings, and bacteremia as defined by Bartonella spp. PCR assay were assessed. Results All experimentally infected cats developed Bartonella spp. IgM antibodies. Bartonella spp. IgM antibody assay results were not always in agreement with PCR assay results in client-owned cats (60%). Bartonella spp. DNA in blood, IgM antibodies, and IgG antibodies were not associated with the presence of fever or stomatitis. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Because Bartonella spp. IgM antibodies as measured by this assay were not associated with fever or stomatitis and were not always in agreement with PCR assay results, there appears to be little need for assessing individual client-owned cats for this antibody class alone.
Echocardiographic Diagnosis of Thrombus Originating from the Ductus Arteriosus

Initial functional closure of the ductus arteriosus normally occurs within hours after birth, with permanent closure taking several weeks. The mechanism for ductal closure has been well studied and has not been shown to include thrombus formation. We describe a normal infant found to have a thrombus originating in the ductus arteriosus that occluded the ductus and subsequently extended into the left pulmonary artery, threatening to occlude it as well. This case illustrates the importance of echocardiography in making this rare diagnosis. It also emphasizes the role of echocardiography as an effective means of following the progression or regression of such a thrombus.
Otologic complications of Stevens–Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

This case report demonstrates the otologic complications of Stevens–Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (SJS/TEN). A five year-old male was admitted to the burn unit with the diagnosis of SJS/TEN believed secondary to acetaminophen use. After resolution of the acute phase, the patient was left with a severe auricular deformity with scarring and complete occlusion of the right external auditory canal (EAC). The patient underwent meatoplasty, canaloplasty, and tympanoplasty with subsequent placement of a molded stent in order to maintain patency of his EAC. Four years later, the patient has a patent right EAC with adequate hearing.
Next generation sequencing yields the complete mitochondrial genome of the striped raphael catfish, Platydoras armatulus (Siluriformes: Doradidae)

Striped raphael catfish, Platydoras armatulus, belongs to catfish family Doradidae, which are endemic to South America and featured by a single row of thorny scutes along the lateral line. In this study, we determined the complete mitochondrial genome of P. armatulus by next generation sequencing of genomic DNA without prior sample processing or primer design. Bioinformatics analysis provided the full-length mitogenome sequence of 16,470 bp. The P. armatulus mitogenome is composed of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes and 1 control region, showing typical circular molecule structure as in other vertebrates. The whole genome base composition was estimated to be 30.9% A, 25.2% T, 15.9% G and 28.0% C, with A/T bias of 56.1%. The generation of P. armatulus mitogenome sequence enriched catfish molecular resources that are valuable for phylogenetic analysis and species identification studies.
Educating Health and Social Service Professionals in the Detection and Management of Mistreated Nursing Home Residents

A paucity of literature and educational materials addresses the mistreatment of nursing home residents. After serving as expert witnesses in the successful criminal prosecution of a nursing home corporation charged with involuntary manslaughter of two nursing home residents, the authors recognized the need to improve recognition and prevention of institutional mistreatment. This article will describe our involvement in post-trial advocacy efforts to improve the quality of care of nursing home residents through community education efforts.
Effects of single dose, postinduction dexamethasone on recovery after cardiac surgery.

Abstract Background . Corticosteroids have been recommended to facilitate rapid recovery after cardiac surgery. We previously reported that dexamethasone given after induction of anesthesia decreases the incidence of postoperative shivering. We performed a post hoc analysis of the data obtained during that study, focusing on secondary outcomes. Methods . A total of 235 adult patients undergoing elective coronary or valvular heart surgery were randomized to receive dexamethasone 0.6 mg/kg or placebo after induction of anesthesia. Patients who had pharmacologically treated diabetes mellitus, had hypersensitivity to dexamethasone, or were receiving treatment with corticosteroids were excluded. Results . We found that, compared with placebo, patients receiving dexamethasone were more likely to remain tracheally intubated for 6 hours or less (26.4% vs 10.0%, p = 0.020) and had a lower incidence of early postoperative fever (20.2% vs 36.8%, p = 0.009) and new-onset atrial fibrillation during the first 3 days postoperatively (18.9% vs 32.3%, p = 0.027). However, we could not demonstrate a statistical difference in the intensive care unit or hospital length of stay, or in overall morbidity and mortality. The dexamethasone-treated patients were also more likely to have a higher blood glucose on admission to the intensive care unit (186 mg/dL vs 143 mg/dL, p = 0.012). Conclusions . Dexamethasone facilitates early tracheal extubation and is associated with a lower incidence of early postoperative fever and new-onset atrial fibrillation. Apart from a treatable decreased glucose tolerance, dexamethasone treatment was not shown to affect morbidity or mortality significantly.
An analysis of need-appeals in television advertising

No empirical data is available that analyzes the need-appeals currently being used by advertisers. To fill this void, an extensive study is presented which analyzed the need-appeals in every television advertisement for nine product categories over a three month period. Need-appeals were classified acording to both Murray's and Maslow's lists of needs.
Effective-medium permittivity in particulate media at low densities and frequencies: a unified approach

A new approach for the evaluation of the effective permittivity of a mixture of dielectric particles in a background matrix of a dielectric with relative permittivity ∊m is formulated. The approach is much more precise in relating the singularity in the Green’s function of the wave equation for the electric field to the shape of the particles. Unlike other treatments, this approach first formulates rigorous wave equations for a collection of N particles, and it collects repeated scatterings inside one particle into a transition operator for a particle with nonzero volume vα. From there, an approximate integral equation in an averaged continuous medium leading to an effective permittivity, with error terms ~vα1/3/λ, is formulated for waves at wavelength λ. The approach is able, through differing assumptions about the kernel of the wave equation, to reproduce most of the formulations for the effective permittivity in the literature.
Bottlenecks in Production Lines with Rework: A Systems Approach

Abstract The bottleneck (BN) of a production system is a machine with the strongest effect on the system's throughput. In this paper, a method for BN identification in serial lines with rework and Bernoulli machines is developed. In addition, the paper provides two system-theoretic results: First, it demonstrates that BNs may be shifting not only because of changes in machine and buffer parameters but also due to changes in quality of parts produced. Second, it shows that if the split and the merge machines are not the last and the first, respectively, Bernoulli lines with rework do not observe the property of reversibility, and downstream machines may have a larger effect on the throughput than those upstream.
Pros and Cons of Extrapolating Animal Data on Antifungal Pharmacodynamics to Humans

Both the incidence of invasive fungal infections and the number of antifungal agents available to clinicians have expanded significantly over the past two decades. Successes with pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluations of other antimicrobial agents in animal models and their clinical correlations with patient outcomes have led to an increased number of studies evaluating both old and new antifungal agents. Recently, animal models have successfully defined target pharmacodynamic indices for many antifungal agents and fungal infections, but validation of these targets in human studies is frequently lacking. This article evaluates the potential pros and cons of extrapolating to humans the animal data on antifungal pharmacodynamics.
Modeling dilute gas–particle flows in horizontal channels with different wall roughness

Abstract The dilute turbulent steady-state gas–particle flows in flat horizontal channels with different wall surface roughness are considered. The kinetic theory of granular flows has been employed for modeling. The new approach to defining boundary conditions for a solid phase, which is based on the tangential restitution coefficient, has been applied. The model has been validated by comparison of the computed data with the experimental results.
Integral-differential equations approach to atomic three-body systems

Three-charge-particle quantum systems with arbitrary masses are treated by a general formalism based on a coordinate-space integral-differential Faddeev-Hahn-type equation. To solve these equations we expand the wave function components in terms of bound states in initial and final channels and project these equations on these bound states as in the close-coupling method used in Schrodinger equation. After a proper angular momentum projection, a set of coupled integral-differential equations for the unknown expansion coefficients result, which are solved numerically by discretization for the calculation of both bound state and rearrangement scattering. In this work the formalism is employed to study atomic and muonic three-body systems like negative ion of positronium Ps- = (e+e-e-), positive ion of hydrogen molecule H2+, muonic molecules dtµ and ddµ, and also low-energy charge-transfer reaction for muonium production. Satisfactory results are obtained for all these cases. Comparison with results of other works and details of the numerical scheme are presented.
Survival through staged palliation: fate of infants supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after the Norwood operation.

Background Infants supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) after a Norwood operation face in-hospital mortality rates of 60% to 70%. There are limited data on completion of staged palliation for the subset of patients who survive to hospital discharge. Methods We performed a retrospective case-control study of 64 sequential patients at a single institution supported by ECMO after a Norwood operation. Primary endpoints were survival to hospital discharge, stage II palliation, and stage III palliation. Predictors of non-survival to each endpoint were identified with logistic regression. Survival was compared with a 3:1 era-matched group of control patients who underwent a Norwood operation but did not require ECMO. Results Survival to hospital discharge, stage II palliation, and stage III palliation was 43.8%, 35.9%, and 25.4%, respectively for ECMO cases. Factors independently associated with non-survival to hospital discharge included female gender, ECMO 7 days or greater, and need for renal replacement therapy on ECMO. Non-Caucasian race and ECMO 7 days or greater were independently associated with non-survival to stage II, while non-Caucasian race, lower birth weight, and ECMO 7 days or greater were independently associated with non-survival to stage III. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was associated with decreased survival at each endpoint. Patients who survived ECMO had increased interstage mortality between hospital discharge and stage II palliation. Conclusions Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after a Norwood operation can be life-saving but ultimate survival through staged palliation remains suboptimal. The elevated mortality risk for patients supported by ECMO persists after hospital discharge. Both socioeconomic factors and ECMO-related morbidity may contribute to midterm mortality.
A simple yet accurate finite element procedure for computing stress intensity factors

A new finite element procedure for calculating stress intensity factors in elastic crack problems is developed. In common with a number of other approaches in the literature, the procedure combines the analytical singular fields present in a problem with a finite element treatment of the residual regular problem. What distinguishes the procedure is the use of path-independent integrals to balance the analytical and numerical contributions. A set of test problems with exact solutions is analysed and demonstrates that the procedure is readily implemented and can accurately evaluate stress intensity factors with a modest amount of computational effort. The application of two competing methods to the test problems further demonstrates that the new procedure is markedly superior in both its initial accuracy and its rate of convergence. The paper concludes with two additional illustrations of the procedure as applied to the single-edge crack and the centre crack; these also yield accurate results for little computational effort.
Screening for Lung Cancer

Excerpt To the Editor:The excellent review on screening for lung cancer (1) in a recent issue recommends against the use of serial chest roentgenograms or sputum cytology for the early detection of...
A radiation and energy budget algorithm for forest canopies

Previously, it was shown that a one-dimensional, physics-based (conservation-law) computer model can provide a useful mathematical representation of the wind flow, temperatures, and turbulence inside and above a uniform forest stand. A key element of this calculation was a radiation and energy budget algorithm (implemented to predict the heat source). However, to keep the earlier publication brief, a full description of the radiation and energy budget algorithm was not given. Hence, this paper presents our equation set for calculating the incoming total radiation at the canopy top as well as the transmission, reflection, absorption, and emission of the solar flux through a forest stand. In addition, example model output is presented from three interesting numerical experiments, which were conducted to simulate the canopy microclimate for a forest stand that borders the Blossom Point Field Test Facility (located near La Plata, Maryland along the Potomac River). It is anticipated that the current numerical study will be useful to researchers and experimental planners who will be collecting acoustic and meteorological data at the Blossom Point Facility in the near future.
Performance and Active Thermal Control of a 2-kW Hall Thruster with Segmented Electrodes

The performance and plume characteristics of a 2-kW Hall thruster with segmented anodes for thermal control of the main anode are characterized. Diagnostics performed included thrust, specific impulse, and efficiency, as well as the ion current density in the plume. The apparatus included an inverted-pendulum thrust stand for performance measurements and a shielded Faraday probe for ion current density characterization. Data were taken at several operating points and at several ratios of current to the main anode vs the shim electrodes. The data show a general increase in centerline current density, thrust, specific impulse, and efficiency as discharge current is moved to the shims. Thermal measurements show up to 50° C control authority in the main anode temperature.
Lateralization of catecholaminergic and behavioral response to cerebral infarction in the rat.

Abstract The effects of left middle cerebral artery ligation on brain catecholamine concentrations and behavior were compared with those effects of right middle cerebral artery ligation which have previously been reported. Although the lesion caused by middle cerebral artery ligation appeared to be identical on the two sides, the animals with left hemispheric lesion showed no postoperative change in either mean spontaneous 24 hour activity or mean catecholamine concentrations in several areas of the brain. In marked contrast, as we have previously reported and was confirmed in the present study, the animals with a right hemispheric infarct are hyperactive for about 2 to 3 weeks after surgery and there is a significant decrease in mean norepinephrine concentrations in several brain regions. These studies have demonstrated a remarkable asymmetry in the behavioral and biochemical response to cerebral cortical infarction. It is uncertain whether this asymmetry reflects an underlying hemispheric difference in catecholaminergic or non-catecholaminergic neurons.
The L1Md long interspersed repeat family in the mouse: almost all examples are truncated at one end

Abstract We have characterized a large repetitive element which has been found at seven different locations within the beta globin locus of the BALB/c mouse. This repeat has an unusual structure in that each of the different members has the same end of the element conserved while the other end terminates at a different point in each repeat member. The sequences within the repeats from the beta globin locus have homology with other repetitive families such as the MIF-1, Bam-5, R, and the BamH1 families. These were recently proposed (T. Fanning, (1983) Nucleic Acids Res. 11, 5073-5091) to be part of a structure with the same organization which we found in the globin locus. Probing plaques from a BALB/c genomic library with sequences derived from the repeats in the globin locus shows that virtually all of the repeats from this family are organized in a manner consistent with the proposed structure.
Quotations referenced in scholarly monographs

This is the second report in a research program entitled Reference Information Analysis (RIA) , the mission of which is to provide information for use in the design of future electronic library systemes by identifying actual information that users extract from libraries materials. The report explores the extent to which scholars use quotation in developing new knowledge? The materials (12 books printed in english:three in the arts, three in the humanities, and three in science and technologies), the methods and the results of the present inquiry are discussed. The study should identify patterns among quotations that would facilitate design of improved indexing and searching techniques
Flexural Strengthening of Steel Bridges with High Modulus CFRP Strips

Acceptance of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials for strengthening concrete structures, together with the recent availability of higher modulus CFRP strips, has resulted in the possibility to also strengthen steel structures. Steel bridge girders and building frames may require strengthening due to corrosion induced cross-section losses or changes in use. An experimental study investigating the feasibility of different strengthening approaches was conducted. Large-scale steel-concrete composite beams, typical of bridge structures, were used to consider the effect of CFRP modulus, prestressing of the CFRP strips, and splicing finite lengths of CFRP strips. All of the techniques examined were effective in utilizing the full capacity of the CFRP material, and increasing the elastic stiffness and ultimate strength of the beams. Results of the experimental program were compared to an analytical model that requires only the beam geometry and the constitutive properties of the CFRP, steel, and concrete. This model was used to investigate the importance of several key parameters. Finally, an approach for design is proposed that considers the bilinear behavior of a typical strengthened beam to the elastic-plastic behavior of the same beam before strengthening.
The Soul Danced into the Body: Nation and Improvisation in Istanbul

In this article, I examine the politics and practices of apprenticeship in the “traditions” of Turkish folk music through playing the bag˘lama, or saz. The saz has become iconically representative of a folk music collected and preserved in the era of nationalism, and I examine the meaning of such a self-conscious and reflexive tradition's claims to traditionality. I outline the ways in which that tradition is acquired as an aesthetics of self, requiring one to consciously shape the self to become the type of person who can play the saz and, hence, improvise within the sensibility of a tradition.
Does This Coughing Adolescent or Adult Patient Have Pertussis

fidence interval [CI], 1.4-2.2) or inspiratory whoop (summary LR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.42.6) increases the likelihood of pertussis. Absence of paroxysmal cough (summary LR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.27-1.0) or posttussive emesis (summary LR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.440.77) reduced the likelihood. Absence of inspiratory whoop was less useful (summary LR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.66-0.93). No studies evaluated combinations of findings. Conclusions In a nonoutbreak setting, data to determine the diagnostic usefulness of symptoms classically associated with pertussis are limited and of relatively weak quality. The presence or absence of posttussive emesis or inspiratory whoop modestly change the likelihood of pertussis; therefore, clinicians must use their overall clinical impression to decide about additional testing or empirical treatment.
The Role of Motivated Reasoning in Vendor Consideration

This is a conceptual article dealing with the role of motivated reasoning in vendor selection. The authors argue that organizational buyers’ motivated reasoning, along with the task characteristics of perceived importance and familiarity, plays an important role in determining whether an open or a closed consideration will be used for vendor selection. Based on the relationship between motivated reasoning and task characteristics, the authors develop several propositions.
Sterba on Machan's “Concession”

Reponse a J. Sterba concernant la position de l'A. sur la relation entre l'ideal de liberte, le bien-etre de la communaute et la conception libertaire des droits individuels.
Classical Equations of Motion for a Polarized Particle in an Electromagnetic Field

This paper gives the classical relativistic equations of motion for a particle with intrinsic angular momentum in an external electromagnetic field, including the effects of first-order field gradients. The system considered especially is a nucleus in its ground state. The preferred value of the electric quadrupole moment $Q$ is found to be $\ensuremath{-}(2I\ensuremath{-}1)\ensuremath{\mu}(\frac{\ensuremath{\hbar}}{\mathrm{mc}})$, where $I$ is the spin and $\ensuremath{\mu}$ the magnetic moment of the particle.
Transient behavior analysis of vibrationally controlled nonlinear parabolic systems with Neumann boundary conditions

The transient behavior of vibrationally controlled distributed parameter systems governed by parabolic partial differential equations (PDEs) with Neumann boundary conditions is analyzed. The analysis uses a certain mapping and a time-invariant PDE whose trajectories under this mapping yield the approximate moving averages along the trajectories of the vibrationally controlled system. This approach considerably enhances the understanding of the behavior of vibrationally controlled distributed-parameter systems and facilitates a selection of the parameters of stabilizing vibrations that ensure transient behavior with more desirable properties. >
The Blues Tribute Poem and the Legacies of Gertrude "Ma" Rainey and Bessie Smith

Ma was hidden in a big box-like affair built like a Victrola. . . . A girl came out and put a big record on it. The band picked up “Moonshine Blues”; Ma sang a few bars inside the big Victrola, then she opened the door and stepped out into the spotlight with her glittering gown that weighed twenty pounds, wearing a necklace of $5, $10, and $20 gold pieces. The house went wild. . . .Her diamonds flashed like sparks of fire falling from her fingers. The gold piece necklace lay like golden armor covering her chest. (Harris 93)
Resolving degeneracy in combinatorial linear programs: steepest edge, steepest ascent, and parametric ascent

While variants of the steepest edge pivot rule are commonly used in linear programming codes they are not known to have the theoretically attractive property of avoiding an infinite sequence of pivots at points of degeneracy. An example is presented demonstrating that the steepest edge pivot rule can fail to terminate finitely. It is then shown that a natural extension of the steepest edge pivot rule based on steepest ascent is guaranteed to determine a direction of ascent or a proof that no such direction exists after a finite number of pivots, although without modification the extension may not terminate with an ascent direction corresponding to an edge. Finally, it is demonstrated that a computationally more efficient pivot rule proposed by Magnanti and Orlin has similar theoretical properties to steepest ascent with probability 1independent of the linear program being solved. Unlike alternative methods such as primal lexicographic rules and Bland's rule, the algorithms described here have the advantage that they choose the pivot element without explicit knowledge of the set of all active constraints at a point of degeneracy, thus making them attractive in combinatorial settings where the linear program is represented implicitly.
Perception, Detection, and Diagnosis of Appearance Defects in Fabrics

High uniformity of appearance is essential for textiles. Unintended variations of color between and within fabrics pose serious problems: their avoidance makes great demands on manufacturing and quality control at all stages from the extrusion of synthetic fibers and yarns up to the final finishing of a fabric. Most fabric inspection for quality control is visual. Unfortunately in some cases, the appearance of a color defect is a very poor guide to the true nature of the defect, a fact not generally recognized by the industry. This paper describes studies of the responses of observers to well . characterized model color defects using standard psychophysical methods. The results from this new approach will help the industry to understand these problems and provide a basis for the design of sensor systems to be used in automated fabric in spection.
Photoelectric Heating and [CII] Cooling of High Galactic Latitude Translucent Clouds

The (2P3/2 -> 2P1/2) transition of singly--ionized carbon, [CII], is the primary coolant of diffuse interstellar gas. We describe observations of [CII] emission towards nine high Galactic latitude translucent molecular clouds, made with the long wavelength spectrometer on board the Infrared Space Observatory. To understand the role of dust grains in processing the interstellar radiation field (ISRF) and heating the gas, we compare the [CII] integrated intensity with the far-infrared (FIR) integrated surface brightness for the 101 sampled lines of sight. We find that [CII] is linearly correlated with FIR, and the average ratio is equal to that measured with the COBE satellite for all high-latitude Milky Way gas. There is a significant decrease that was not detected with COBE in [CII] emissivity at high values of FIR. Our sample splits naturally into two populations depending on the 60um/100um surface brightness ratio, or color: ``warm'' positions and ``cold'' positions. A transition from sources with warm to those with cold 60/100 colors coincides approximately with the transition from constant to decreasing [CII] emissivity. We model the [CII] and far-infrared emission under conditions of thermal equilibrium, using the simplifying assumptions that, in all regions heated by the ISRF, the most important source of gas heating is the photoelectric effect on grains and the most important source of gas cooling is [CII] emission. The model matches the data well. There are no statistically significant differences in the derived values of the ISRF intensity and the photoelectric heating efficiency for warm and cold sources. The observed variations in the [CII] emissivity and the 60/100 colors can be understood entirely in terms of the attenuation and softening of the ISRF by translucent clouds, not changes in dust properties.
A collaborative model for community-based health care screening of homeless adolescents

Because of their survival life-style, homeless youth are at extremely high risk for contracting life-threatening and debilitating diseases, such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and hepatitis B, and for engaging in chronic substance abuse; yet health services are often limited and not easily accessed. This article describes an innovative health-screening project for 150 homeless youth between the ages of 11 and 23 years in an urban metroplex. The Homeless Youth Services Project was the initial phase of a multiphase project to investigate the social and health services available to homeless youth. The study project was a collaborative effort between several community agencies that shared the multiple goals of identifying the homeless adolescent population, documenting the rate of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroprevalence and level of risk, and identifying community services and resources. Results of the screening project included the psychosocial and physical risks associated with homeless adolescents as well as the laboratory results of blood and urine screens. Consistent with the literature, the study population had a history of runaway behavior; physical, sexual, and substance abuse; and high rates of HIV seroprevalence and hepatitis B. Implications for advanced practice nurses working with homeless youth are also addressed.