cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Atlantoaxial rotatory fixation: part 2--new diagnostic paradigm and a new classification based on motion analysis using computed tomographic imaging.

OBJECTIVE: This is Part II of a study on atlantoaxial rotatory fixation (AARF) that aims to introduce a new diagnostic paradigm and a new classification of this condition based on motion analysis of C 1 C 2 rotation using computed tomographic (CT) imaging. This phase of the study is possible because Part I succeeded in defining physiological C 1 C 2 axial rotation with CT data from 21 normal children, displayed in a highly concordant composite motion curve, which is used as the normal template for the present study. AARF is defined as flagrant departure from normal motion dynamics as delineated by abnormal motion curves. The new classification is predicated on the graded amount of pathological stickiness in the restricted rotation. METHODS: Forty children age 1.5 to 14 years with painful cock-robin necks resulting from minor trauma or otolaryngological procedures were subjected to 3 CT examinations: 1) in the presenting (P) position; 2) with the nose pointing up (P 0 position); and 3) with the head forcefully turned to the opposite side as much as the patient could tolerate (P _ position). The angles made by C 1 and C 2 and the separation angle C 1 C 2 ° (C 1 minus C, degrees) were obtained as described in Part I. The test motion curve was generated by plotting C 1 against C 1 C 2 angles, and all motion curves were analyzed in the context of the normal template. RESULTS: Five distinct groups with highly characteristic motion curves could be identified. Group 1 (n = 5) patients showed essentially unaltered (locked) C 1 C 2 coupled configurations regardless of corrective counterrotation, with curves that are horizontal lines in the upper two quadrants of the template. Group 2 (n = 7) patients had reduction of the C 1 C 2 separation angle with forced correction, but C 1 could not be made to cross C 2 . Their curves slope downward from right to left in the upper quadrants but never traverse the x axis. Group 3 (n = 9) patients showed C 1 C 2 crossover, but only when the head was cranked far to the opposite side. Their motion curves traverse the x axis left of C, = -20 degrees. Groups 1, 2, and 3 motion dynamics are respectively classified as Types I, II, and III AARF in descending degree of pathological stickiness, which is in essence a resistance against closure of the C 1 C 2 angle to counterrotation. Group 4 (n = 14) patients had normal dynamics, and Group 5 (n = 5) patients showed motion curve features between normal and Type III AARF, designated as belonging to the diagnostic gray zone, an uncertain group that may or may not revert to normal dynamics with only comfort measures. CONCLUSION: AARF can be reliably diagnosed with a simple and practical CT protocol and construction of a three-point motion curve superimposed on a reusable normal template. The type of AARF, reflective of the severity of pathological stickiness of rotation, can be identified readily by the shape of the motion curve. This system of classification is useful in selecting the best regimen of management.
Blood component therapy.

Blood loss in orthopaedic injuries or procedures may be substantial, and more than 23 million units of blood components are transfused each year. The most frequent components used include whole blood, packed red blood cells, platelets, plasma derivatives, leukocytes, and clotting factors. This article will discuss blood classification systems, transfusion components, administration and potential complications of transfusion therapy, and nursing implications. Orthopaedic injuries and procedures may lead to substantial blood loss. There is a potential to lose up to 805 cc for a cemented unilateral total knee repair and up to 2665 cc for a revision total hip arthroplasty. Intraoperative blood losses for a spinal fusion may be as much as 821 cc (Pellino et al., 1998). Hemorrhage from a fractured humerus may cause a 500–1500 cc blood loss, an ankle fracture may cause 250–1000 cc loss, and a pelvic fracture may cause up to 6,000 cc blood loss (Strange & Kelly, 1993). More than 23 million units of blood components are transfused each year (American Association of Blood Banks [AABB], 1999). A review of blood replacement modalities and nursing implications will be discussed in this article.
Vacor neuropathy: ultrastructural and axonal transport studies.

Distal axonal degeneration has been correlated with abnormalities of fast axonal transport in several toxic neuropathies. We have investigated axonal transport in experimental PNU (N-3-pyridylmethyl-N′-p-nitrophenylurea; Vacor) neuropathy, because of the rapid and synchronous degeneration of many terminal axons after a single dose of PNU. Almost all axon terminals at neuromuscular junctions in hindfoot muscles degenerated by 24 hours after the administration of PNU. Fewer affected axons were found in intramuscular nerve twigs, and fewer still in the posterior tibial nerves. No abnormal myelinated axons were found in the sciatic nerve in the thigh. Fast axonal transport in the sciatic nerve remained normal to the mid-thigh, but a reduced amount of labeled transported material reached the posterior tibial nerve at the ankle (27% reduction). Autoradiography showed that nearly no transported material reached the intramuscular nerves and neuromuscular junctions of the hindfeet. These results suggest that toxic impairment of fast anterograde axonal transport may contribute to the axonal degeneration produced by PNU.
Phonon-assisted bandtail anti-stokes photoluminescence of GaN: Novel mechanism for laser cooling

Anti-Stokes photoluminescence (ASPL) of n-type GaN is observed at room temperature. By studying behaviors of ASPL, the mechanism is identified as phonon-assisted bandtail photoluminescence. Such a process results in laser cooling.
Long-term physical and neurologic development in newborn infants with isolated single umbilical artery.

Objective This study compared birth parameters and the longitudinal course in physical and neurologic development between children with 2 and 3 vessel umbilical cords. Study Design Our study of the Collaborative Perinatal Project included singletons of at least 24 weeks' gestation with single umbilical artery at birth and no identifiable congenital anomalies. Demographics that were collected included maternal age, race, smoking status, and socioeconomic index. Delivery data included gestational age, birthweight, Apgar scores, placental weight, and umbilical cord insertion and length. Growth and neurodevelopmental parameters were collected at various intervals from birth to 7 years. Results There were 263 infants with isolated single umbilical artery and 41,415 infants with 3 vessel cords. A random effect model that controlled for potential confounders did not show clinically significant differences in the physical and neurodevelopment measures between these groups. Conclusion Our study shows no evidence of differential longitudinal physical growth or neurologic outcomes between infants with 2 or 3 vessel cords.
Anger Is Associated with Increased IL-6 Stress Reactivity in Women, But Only Among Those Low in Social Support

Background Social connections moderate the effects of high negative affect on health. Affective states (anger, fear, and anxiety) predict interleukin-6 (IL-6) reactivity to acute stress; in turn, this reactivity predicts risk of cardiovascular disease progression.
Renal basement membrane components

Renal basement membrane components. Basement membranes are specialized extracellular matrices found throughout the body. They surround all epithelia, endothelia, peripheral nerves, muscle cells, and fat cells. They play particularly important roles in the kidney, as demonstrated by the fact that defects in renal basement membranes are associated with kidney malfunction. The major components of all basement membranes are laminin, collagen IV, entactin/nidogen, and sulfated proteoglycans. Each of these describes a family of related proteins that assemble with each other in the extracellular space to form the basement membrane. Over the last few years, new basement membrane components that are expressed in the kidney have been discovered. Here, the major components and their localization in mature and developing renal basement membranes are described. In addition, the phenotypes of basement membrane component gene mutations, both naturally occurring and experimental, are discussed, as is the aberrant deposition of basement membrane proteins in the extracellular matrix in several renal diseases.
Deciding which chemical mixtures risk assessment methods work best for what mixtures

The most commonly used chemical mixtures risk assessment methods involve simple notions of additivity and toxicological similarity. Newer methods are emerging in response to the complexities of chemical mixture exposures and effects. Factors based on both science and policy drive decisions regarding whether to conduct a chemical mixtures risk assessment and, if so, which methods to employ. Scientific considerations are based on positive evidence of joint toxic action, elevated human exposure conditions or the potential for significant impacts on human health. Policy issues include legislative drivers that may mandate action even though adequate toxicity data on a specific mixture may not be available and risk assessment goals that impact the choice of risk assessment method to obtain the amount of health protection desired. This paper discusses three important concepts used to choose among available approaches for conducting a chemical mixtures risk assessment: (1) additive joint toxic action of mixture components; (2) toxicological interactions of mixture components; and (3) chemical composition of complex mixtures. It is proposed that scientific support for basic assumptions used in chemical mixtures risk assessment should be developed by expert panels, risk assessment methods experts, and laboratory toxicologists. This is imperative to further develop and refine quantitative methods and provide guidance on their appropriate applications. Risk assessors need scientific support for chemical mixtures risk assessment methods in the form of toxicological data on joint toxic action for high priority mixtures, statistical methods for analyzing dose-response for mixtures, and toxicological and statistical criteria for determining sufficient similarity of complex mixtures.
Population genetics and biochemical systematics of marsh flies in the Sepedon fuscipennis group (Diptera: Sciomyzidae)

Abstract An isozyme comparison of 23 loci among two subspecies of the Sepedon fuscipennis Loew group and a population of S. fuscipennis “intermediate specimens” indicated that six loci were monomorphic in all three populations. The F -statistics showed moderate differentiation among the populations ( F ST -0.127) with high values for AK and 6-PGD only. Neis index (1978) of genetic identity for the three populations ranged from 0.923 to 0.990, indicating a high degree of similarity among all populations. Mean heterozygosity ranged from 0.135 to 0.201 with an average of 0.163 across the three populations. Our genetic data, as well as previously described morphological data, suggest that this is a single species showing geographic cline in several character states, rather than well-defined subspecies.
About probability-like measures for entire theories

It is discursively argued that a much closer rapport between the methodologies implicitly taught in Economic Theory and in Statistics is required and that the necessary interdisciplinary bridge can be provided, and clarification attained, through the study of logical measure functions of theKemeny-Carnap type. It is also argued that subjectivistic axiom systems of probability, while valuable in their own right and as bases for behavior theories, cannot by themselves render the study of logical measure functions superfluous.
Oyster Wars and the Public Trust: Property, Law, and Ecology in New Jersey History

Oyster Wars and the Public Trust: Property, Law, and Ecology in New Jersey History. Bonnie J. McCay. Tucson: University of Arizona Press, 1998. xxxi. 246 pp., illustrations, notes, references, index.
Dark Field Raman Microscopy

Confocal Raman microscopy is often used for optical sectioning but is problematic when the sample plane of interest has a weak Raman cross-section/signal relative to areas that are out-of-focus. This is especially true for clinical samples in pathology, which consist of a thin tissue (∼5 μm) sample placed on a thick glass slide. Here, we recognize that the problem is the result of the extent of the illumination at the confocal plane being larger than the size of the sample and propose a dark field illumination scheme to efficiently reject substrate signals. The ability of several optical configurations in rejecting out-of-plane signal is investigated for two model systems: SU-8 photo resist over Teflon and SU-8 photo resist over polystyrene. The proposed reflective dark field approach, in which excitation converged to a focal point slightly above the focal plane of the collection optics, was found to be most effective in recording data from the sample. The proposed approach is validated by the rejection o...
Response to H1N1 Influenza Outbreak in a Pediatric Children's Hospital: Challenges Faced and Lessons Learned

In April 2009, media reports indicated an outbreak of swine flu (H1N1) resulting from several students from a local high school having been in Mexico. Over the next 6 weeks, the demand for the services of the children's hospital strained available resources, requiring innovative measures to care for more than 3,200 pediatric patients and their families with influenza-like illness. The purpose of this analysis is to provide an overview of the established emergency response to disasters for hospitals, describe the chronology of events of this disaster and the planning improvisations needed for management, and discuss the lessons learned and challenges for the future.
Population size, social behaviour, and dispersal in house mice: A quantitative investigation

Abstract An experimental study was conduced to examine some relationships between population size, social behaviour, and dispersal utilizing wild genotype Mus musculus in seminatural enclosures. Groups of male and female mice were used to simulate natural populations. The results indicate that male territoriality occurred significantly more often in populations of greater size but equal density, and these groups demonstrated a significantly greater rate of agonistic interactions per animal when compared to smaller populations. No significant differences were observed for other categories of social interaction. The percentage of animals emigrating and the population density following emigration were the same in small and large groups.
Experiential Learning: Pharmacy Practice in England Through an American Student's Eyes

ABSTRACTPurdue University's Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE) Program requires second professional year pharmacy students to work or volunteer in a pharmacy practice setting. After introducing the program criteria, students are encouraged to create their own practice experiences. One Purdue student completed her IPPE requirement in a small community pharmacy in Swadlincote, England. Upon conclusion of the experience, the student discovered a number of interesting differences between pharmacy practice in England and the United States, including manufacturer packaging, pharmaceutical law, dispensing procedures, insurance and government programs, and pharmacist's educational requirements. Experiences, such as the ones described here, help students learn about the practice of pharmacy in other countries, as well as provide valuable insights and an opportunity to improve practice in the United States.
Securing a future for chimpanzees

Fifty years after setting foot in Gombe, Jane Goodall calls for urgent action to save our closest living relatives from extinction in the wild. Conservationists and local people must collaborate, she and Lilian Pintea conclude.
Activity associated ultrastructural changes in peripheral nodes of Ranvier are independent of fixation.

Abstract We recently reported structural changes in nodes of Ranvier of frog dorsal roots that are associated with activation at 20 or 50 Hz for 15 min. The structural effects co-occur with alterations in the latency, amplitude, and waveform of the compound action potential. The alterations in nodal morphology include formation of large extracellular vacuoles separating myelin terminal lammelae of the paranodal apparatus. Vacuolization was not apparent when the nerve was allowed to recover for 30 min prior to fixation and processing for transmission electron microscopy, indicating that it is a transient phenomenon. We first observed this effect in axons from nerve roots fixed with aldehydes and processed conventionally for TEM. The possibility that the changes noted actually occur later during tissue processing, reflecting differences in sensitivity to fixation or dehydration, remained. To address this concern we examined activated frog nodes processed by three different methods: (i) rapid freezing/freeze-substitution, (ii) direct osmication, and (iii) primary fixation in a mixture of aldehydes and osmium. Under these conditions paranodal vacuolization is still quite evident, but there are subtle differences, primarily in the appearance of the vacuoles. Also the nonstimulated control nodes fixed by direct osmication and by mixed aldehydeosmium tended to have more vacuolized paranodes than did either the conventionally fixed or freeze-substituted preparations. Regardless, the changes are similar to those seen previously and very likely reflect changes occurring in situ. We interpret these results in the context of a functional model involving accumulation of potassium in the interstices of the compact myelin during impulse propagation. During periods of extended activity this system may be overloaded promoting focal edema and mechanical disruption of some paranodal structures. These changes could then bias subsequent nodal functions such as activation threshold, firing patterns, and conduction velocity.
Reasons for not adhering to cervical cancer screening guidelines and HPV knowledge among HIV indeterminate midlife women (50-64 years old) whose last Pap test was >6 years ago

Reasons for not adhering to cervical cancer screening guidelines and HPV knowledge among HIV indeterminate midlife women (50-64 years old) whose last Pap test was >6 years ago Lisa T Wigfall, Heather M Brandt, Donna L Richter, Wayne A Duffus, Saundra H Glover From 12 International Conference on Malignancies in AIDS and Other Acquired Immunodeficiencies (ICMAOI) Bethesda, MD, USA. 26-27 April, 2010
Surface of Venus: Evidence of Diverse Landforms from Radar Observations

Radar images seem to indicate that some regions of Venus have remained little altered since a period of intense bombardment similar to that recorded by the many large impact craters on the moon. On the other hand, there is evidence in other regions that Venus has been a geologically active planet, forming diverse landforms, and perhaps rivaling the earth in the breadth of features portrayed on its surface
The changing of the guard

It has been my privilege to serve as assistant editor and editor of your journal for the last 18 years. We have focused on helping our readership improve health care in children by presenting a diverse array of manuscripts, minisymposia and supplements that cover vital and, at times, controversial material (ALARA and child abuse to name two). In editorials and commentaries, we have prodded you to be more involved in patient care and consultative services [1–4]. We advocate for children! We have tried to be inclusive, working with our interventional colleagues to use the journal as their own and having nonimaging pediatric health care providers as reviewers and authors. With Steve Chapman and Guy Sebag, we have made this one journal, as opposed to an American (North American) and a European (rest of the world) edition. We have strived to overcome geographical prejudices and take a global view of improving children’s health care. I have used the term “we” many times in this editorial, because the “we” has made this a most gratifying experience. I have had four of the best assistant editors—Don Frush, Brian Coley, Peter Strouse, Cynthia Rigsby—whose expertise and dedication and above all friendship I will always treasure. All of us know that despite how hard we work, the person who really “makes the journal” is the assistant to the editor, Pat Vario. Pat has helped the publishers, authors and readers get through innumerable problems. She really is everyone’s “best friend.” I am indebted to Pat and cannot ever thank her enough. I believe that we communicate best not by email, but on the phone or, whenever possible, face to face. My goal was to make every author better—even if the article was rejected, the author should learn how to improve the paper for future submissions. As my term as editor comes to a close, I want to emphasize that, although the editorial team can set the tone, the journal is never better than its authors, reviewers and editorial board. I thank all of you who have become involved in Pediatric Radiology and, through your involvement, made it richer. I congratulate Peter Strouse on his selection as Editor of the Americas. It is well deserved. I urge the continuing advocacy and involvement of the journal in improving children’s health and will always be involved at whatever level the editors deem fit.
Histopathology of foot bones from ulcerated and cutaneous erythematous sites

Foot ulcers contiguous with bone and marked cutaneous erythema are common in patients with diabetes mellitus, vascular disease, and peripheral neuropathy. Although some pedal ulcers present exposed bone, a frequent dilemma for the pathologist is the absence of the classic histologic features of osteomyelitis. Because clinical observations and histologic findings can influence surgical treatment, we investigated the microscopic changes of foot bones contiguous with ulcerated and cutaneous erythematous regions and compared them with control sites. Tissue sections of foot bones contiguous with pedal ulcers or marked cutaneous erythema were sampled from above-knee, below-knee, transmetatarsal, and isolated toe specimens and evaluated by light microscopy. Except in cases of frank osteomyelitis, bone from regions of ulcerated skin and/or marked cutaneous erythema presented similar microscopic findings to control sites. Therefore, prior to surgical intervention, clinicians may need to perform further imaging studies and bone biopsies from regions distal to ulcerative and erythematous sites.
Fluorescence labeling and computational analysis of the strut of myosin's 50 kDa cleft.

In order to understand the structural changes in myosin S1, fluorescence polarization and computational dynamics simulations were used. Dynamics simulations on the S1 motor domain indicated that significant flexibility was present throughout the molecular model. The constrained opening versus closing of the 50 kDa cleft appeared to induce opposite directions of movement in the lever arm. A sequence called the "strut" which traverses the 50 kDa cleft and may play an important role in positioning the actomyosin binding interface during actin binding is thought to be intimately linked to distant structural changes in the myosin's nucleotide cleft and neck regions. To study the dynamics of the strut region, a method of fluorescent labeling of the strut was discovered using the dye CY3. CY3 served as a hydrophobic tag for purification by hydrophobic interaction chromatography which enabled the separation of labeled and unlabeled species of S1 including a fraction labeled specifically at the strut sequence. The high specificity of labeling was verified by proteolytic digestions, gel electrophoresis, and mass spectroscopy. Analysis of the labeled S1 by collisional quenching, fluorescence polarization, and actin-activated ATPase activity were consistent with predictions from structural models of the probe's location. Although the fluorescent intensity of the CY3 was insensitive to actin binding, its fluorescence polarization was notably affected. Intriguingly, the mobility of the probe increases upon S1 binding to actin suggesting that the CY3 becomes displaced from interactions with the surface of S1 and is consistent with a structural change in the strut due to cleft motions. Labeling the strut reduced the affinity of S1 for actin but did not prevent actin-activated ATPase activity which makes it a potentially useful probe of the actomyosin interface. The different conformations of myosin S1 indicated that the strut is not as flexible as several other key regions of myosin as determined by the application of force constraints to elastic portions of the myosin structure.
Patterns and regulation of ribosomal RNA transcription in Borrelia burgdorferi

Borrelia burgdorferi contains one 16S and two tandem sets of 23S-5S ribosomal (r) RNA genes whose patterns of transcription and regulation are unknown but are likely to be critical for survival and persistence in its hosts. RT-PCR of B. burgdorferi N40 and B31 revealed three rRNA region transcripts: 16S rRNA-alanine transfer RNA (tRNAAla); tRNAIle; and both sets of 23S-5S rRNA. At 34°C, there were no differences in growth rate or in accumulation of total protein, DNA and RNA in B31 cultured in Barbour-Stoenner-Kelly (BSK)-H whether rabbit serum was present or not. At 23°C, B31 grew more slowly in serum-containing BSK-H than at 34°C. DNA per cell was higher in cells in exponential as compared to stationary phase at either temperature; protein per cell was similar at both temperatures in both phases. Similar amounts of rRNA were produced in exponential phase at both temperatures, and rRNA was down-regulated in stationary phase at either temperature. Interestingly, a rel Bbu deletion mutant unable to generate (p)ppGpp did not down-regulate rRNA at transition to stationary phase in serum-containing BSK-H at 34°C, similar to the relaxed phenotype of E. coli relA mutants. We conclude that rRNA transcription in B. burgdorferi is complex and regulated both by growth phase and by the stringent response but not by temperature-modulated growth rate.
The ATPase Reaction of S. cerevisiae RFC Reveals a Finely Choreographed Mechanism for Loading PCNA Clamps on DNA

Circular clamp proteins enhance the processivity of DNA replication and participate in numerous other DNA metabolic and cellular processes. Replication factor C (RFC) loads PCNA clamps onto DNA, and our analysis of S. cerevisiae RFC ATPase kinetics reveals new information on the mechanism whereby energy from ATP binding and hydrolysis applied to this task. We find that ATP binding drives a slow, rate-limiting change in RFC conformation that is necessary for DNA binding, which in turn causes rapid ATP hydrolysis, DNA dissociation and catalytic turnover. PCNA accelerates this slow step, leading to formation of an RFC-ATP-PCNA(open) intermediate that allows DNA entry into the clamp. Thus, the conformational change serves as a checkpoint in favor of PCNA binding and opening, before DNA binds RFC and triggers ATP hydrolysis to end the reaction. The data showcase the remarkable choreography of the reaction components that results in circular clamps linked topologically to DNA.
On nonlinear baroclinic trapped waves over abrupt topography

Abstract Nonlinear properties of baroclinic trapped topographic waves are examined analytically and numerically. Confined topography of finite amplitude that is intersected by an isopycnal surface is considered. A weakly nonlinear theory originally developed by Dewar and Leonov [2004. Variability on steep, confined topography. Deep-Sea Research II 51, 2973–2993] is extended here to include a term neglected in the original study. The analysis shows that the waves should break backward (pseudo-eastward) and that the steepening is stronger for off-shelf initial disturbances. A modified quasigeostrophic (QG) numerical model that allows finite-amplitude topography is developed. The model is first applied to initial disturbances of moderate steepness; the results are compared with the frontal theory predictions and reasonable agreement is demonstrated, which simultaneously justifies the extended theory and verifies the new numerical procedure. The numerical model is also applied to disturbances of stronger steepness, a case where the weakly nonlinear analysis is not applicable. Further, on-shelf/off-shelf asymmetry in steepening results in different structures produced by breaking of initial disturbances of different signs: an on-shelf initial disturbance results in a filamentation of the on-shelf fluid into the off-shelf regime, whereas an off-shelf disturbance produces anticyclones, which detach and transport off-shelf fluid onto the shelf.
The Transit Characterization Explorer (TRACER)

The Transit Characterization Explorer (Tracer) is Small Explorer (SMEX) class mission that would characterize the properties of exoplanets that transit their parent star. Tracer will measure the physical conditions, chemistry dynamics and cloud properties of exoplanet atmospheres. Tracer will detect unseen terrestrial planets by observing them directly in transit or by detecting them via perturbations of transit timings. Tracer will return transit light curves that provide robust radii estimates, and can detect planetary rings and/or satellites. Tracer is an ideal SMEX mission presenting the opportunity for timely exploitation of discoveries from the rapid growth of ground-based surveys for transiting systems and providing the ideal complement to missions such as JWST.
Burkina Faso - Policies to Protect the Poor from the Impact of Food and Energy Price Increases

This paper assesses the effectiveness of policies taken by the Burkinabe authorities to protect the poor from the adverse impact of a combined food and oil price shock in 2008. Estimates of the impact based on household survey data and a price pass-through model suggest that these policies were not well-targeted, benefiting the wealthier groups of the population rather than the poor. More effective policy measures, such as a conditional cash transfer system, which is already being implemented on a pilot basis in urban areas, are discussed as an alternative policy option.
Recombinant human growth hormone therapy does not increase microalbuminuria in children with short stature.

Summary OBJECTIVE Concerns have been raised about possible adverse effects of growth hormone on renal function. We measured microalbuminuria as a sensitive index of early glomerular damage in children being treated with recombinant human growth hormone. DESIGN AND PATIENTS Microalbuminuria was measured in a group of 17 children with short stature being treated with recombinant human growth hormone and in a group of 13 patients with idiopathic short stature not receiving therapy. MEASUREMENTS Microalbuminuria was measured by a commercially available ELISA and urinary creatinines were determined using a Beckman creatinine analyser. RESULTS The level of microalbuminuria was 0 484 ± 0 275 g albumin/mol creatinine (mean ± SD) in the patients receiving growth hormone and 0 681 ±0 574 g albumin/mol creatinine in the untreated controls. There was no statistically significant difference between these values. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with recombinant human growth hormone does not cause an increase in microalbuminuria in children with normal renal function. This supports the safety of this medication in growth hormone deficient children with normal renal function.
Mononuclear cell phenotypes and immunoglobulin gene rearrangements in lacrimal gland biopsies from patients with Sjögren's syndrome.

Abstract Immunocytochemical studies of lacrimal gland biopsies obtained from eight patients with Sjogren's syndrome revealed the major component of the mononuclear cell infiltrates to be comprised of B cells and Leu-3 + T-helper cells, which were present well in excess of control glands. Three of seven cases that were tested harbored cells that stained with monoclonal antibodies against different components of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV); one of the biopsies also contained cells that bore cytomegalovirus antigens. Immunoglobulin-gene rearrangements, but not T-cell receptor rearrangements, were demonstrated in one of two Sjoren's lacrimal gland biopsies tested. The authors conclude that the destruction of the tubuloacinar architecture of lacrimal gland tissue in Sjogren's syndrome appears secondary to lymphoproliferation of B cells and T-helper cells, probably derived from primary lymphoid follicles. Productive infection of lacrimal gland tissue with EBV may play a role in the pathogenesis of the syndrome in selective cases.
Class E2 resonant DC/DC power convertor

A new high-frequency high-efficiency resonant DC/DC convertor is introduced. It is composed of a Class E inverter and a Class E rectifier. The convertor operates with load resistances ranging from a full load to infinity. It can regulate the output voltage by varying the switching frequency over a narrow range, owing to a high value of the loaded quality factor QL (≥5). The measured relative bandwidth was δf/fmin = 14.39% as the load resistance was increased from 20 ω to an open circuit. Zero-voltage switching was maintained for both the controlled switch and the rectifier diode over the entire load range. The output voltage was varied from 10 to 30 V at an input voltage of 20 V. The measured DC/DC conversion efficiency was 80.3%.
Arabinogalactan from Western larch, Part III: alkaline degradation revisited, with novel conclusions on molecular structure

Abstract Alkaline degradation of larch arabinogalactan (AG) involves rapid peeling of the (1→3)-galactan main chain from the reducing end. The products are the original side chains attached to galactometasaccharinic (GalMS) acids derived from main-chain residues. These products have been separated by GPC and studied by compositional, methylation and NMR analyses. Results confirm that in a typical AG molecule most main-chain residues carry a side chain on C-6. About half of these side chains are β-(1→6)-linked Gal p dimers, and about a quarter are single Gal p residues. The rest contain three or more residues and include most of the Ara (arabinose) found in the polysaccharide. About one-fifth of the original Ara is consumed by the peeling reaction, and Ara groups at the non-reducing end of the main chain are proposed, predominantly as arabinobiosyl groups [β- l -Ara p -(1→3)-L-Ara f -(1→.. In general for the larger side chains abundance decreases with size, while branching and Ara content increase with size. Most terminal Ara f residues occur in three- and four-residue side chains, while most arabinobiosyl groups are found in side chains of more than three residues. The Ara probably occurs only as these monomeric or dimeric groups, and since no Ara is found in side chains smaller than three residues, this implies that there are no Ara branches attached directly to the main chain.
The use of discretion on the shop floor

An analysis hag been made of the amount of discretion available to the employees on the shop floor of a medium batch production factory. Four different levels of discretion wore identified. The amount of discretion which employees possess was shown to be closely related to the satisfaction of the employees' personal economic objectives.
Mentioning race at the beginning of clinical case presentations: a survey of US medical schools.

Objectives Medical students and doctors in the USA frequently mention the patient’s race at the beginning of oral or written clinical case presentations. However, this practice is controversial. We aimed to determine whether US medical schools explicitly teach students to mention race at the beginning of case presentations, and to collect additional information on the schools’ perspectives on this practice. Methods An Internet-based questionnaire was submitted to directors of courses on history taking and physical examination at all US medical schools. Results The response rate was 85%. Students are taught to mention race routinely at 11% of schools and selectively at 63% of schools; this practice is discouraged at 9% of schools and not addressed at 18% of schools. Most respondents noted that resident doctors at their institutions routinely mention race at the beginning of case presentations. Even at schools in which mentioning race is discouraged or not addressed, students tend to include race during their clinical rotations. Respondents were divided on whether a standardised approach to inclusion of race should exist at US schools. Conclusions Teaching about inclusion or exclusion of race in the opening statement of clinical case presentations varies across US medical schools. This variation presents an opportunity for medical educators to discuss tensions between stereotyping and cultural competence in medical education.
Development of size constancy in children: a test of the metacognitive theory

Two studies investigated children's abilities to estimate the sizes of distant objects. Each included a size estimation task and a size-distance knowledge test, which assessed children's understanding of the effects of distance on objects' image sizes and perceived sizes. In Study 1 (N = 79, age range = 5-10 years), high-knowledge children (those with above-median size-distance knowledge scores) made nearly accurate size estimates from a distance of 61 m and often reported using deliberate strategies to estimate size, whereas low-knowledge children underestimated size at this distance and typically reported no strategy use. In Study 2 (N = 60, age range = 6-11 years), high-knowledge children made nearly accurate size estimates from 61 m when given objective-size instructions and underestimated size when given apparent-size instructions. Low-knowledge children underestimated size in response to both instruction sets. The results suggest that age-related changes in size estimation accuracy result from the development of cognitive abilities necessary for using deliberate strategies to supplement perception.
Impedance/dielectric spectroscopy of electroceramics-part 2 : Grain shape effects and local properties of polycrystalline ceramics

The reduction of grain size from the microcrystalline regime into the nanocrystalline regime is known to produce significant changes in the transport properties of polycrystalline ceramics. Part 1 of this series [1] described the development of a pixel-based finite-difference “nested-cube model” (NCM), which was used to evaluate existing composite models for the electrical/dielectric properties of polycrystalline ceramics over the entire range of grain core vs. grain boundary volume fractions, from the nanocrystalline regime to the microcrystalline regime. Part 2 addresses grain shape and periodicity effects in such composite modeling, and the extraction of local materials properties (conductivity, dielectric constant) from experimental impedance/dielectric spectroscopy data.
Bound-Polaron Hopping in NiO

We report observation of bound-polaron hopping in pure NiO single crystals. The observed activation energy is $\ensuremath{\approx}0.7$ eV, the bandwidth $J\ensuremath{\approx}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ eV, and the binding center is suggested to be the ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{+2}$ vacancy.
The impact of an early Ibuprofen treatment protocol on the incidence of surgical ligation of the ductus arteriosus.

This study sought to determine whether early treatment of premature infants with ibuprofen would result in a reduced incidence of surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus. Secondary outcomes included duration of hospitalization, assisted ventilation and supplemental oxygen, mortality rate, persistent patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), hypotension, intraventricular hemorrhage, and intestinal perforation. Outcomes among 105 very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants managed by clinical use of indomethacin were compared with outcomes of 80 infants treated under a standardized protocol for ibuprofen therapy on the first day of life among infants <25 weeks estimated gestational age (EGA) and among infants of 25 to 28 weeks EGA with respiratory distress syndrome or history of antenatal steroids. The incidence of PDA ligation was significantly lower among the early ibuprofen group than among the clinical indomethacin group (0/80 versus 9/105, P = 0.0056). No differences were found in secondary outcomes. The effect persisted ( P = 0.0100 to 0.0153) when corrected for birth weight, EGA, gender, Apgar scores, initial pH and base deficit, transport from another hospital, surfactant treatment, and need for assisted ventilation. In our neonatal intensive care unit, the incidence of PDA ligation among VLBW infants decreased after adoption of an early ibuprofen treatment protocol.
Gas transport in homogeneous multicomponent polymers

Abstract Mixing rules which relate gas permeation in homogeneous multicomponent polymer materials to that in the pure component polymers have been developed from both the activated state and free volume theories of transport. Experimental data for gas permeation in miscible polymer blends and random copolymers are compared to these predictions and discussed.
Quality Indicators for Multidisciplinary Team Functioning in Community-Based Children’s Mental Health Services

The current study examined the organizational social context in 21 community-based programs serving youth at-risk for out-of-home care due to emotional or behavioral disorders and their families and program performance on five quality indicators of team functioning in teams that included a family support specialist. Results indicate that programs with higher performance on structures to facilitate teamwork, informal communication mechanisms among team members, and the ability to integrate family support specialists as equal members of the team showed more positive organizational functioning. Implications for the role of quality indicators in health care reform efforts are discussed.
Osmotic Concentration and Dilution in the Mammalian Nephron

The micropuncture evidence relating to the location and the mechanism for concentration and dilution of the urine is reviewed. As required by the countercurrent hypothesis for urine concentration, these data demonstrate that in the presence of antidiuretic hormone, the tubular urine is first concentrated in the descending limb of the loop of Henle and then diluted in the ascending limb of the loop before its final concentration in the collecting ducts. The loop of Henle is believed to function as a countercurrent multiplier system, and the vasa recta as countercurrent diffusion exchangers. Additional data are required during water diuresis before the course of events in this condition is established.
OVER-ALL LIST FACILITATION AND THE VON RESTORFF EFFECT WITH NONNOXIOUS ISOLATION STIMULI

To demonstrate list facilitation with nonnoxious stimuli, this study used 5 unique nonnoxious stimuli as isolates randomly distributed in a paired-associate list. Lists of 20 identical low-association word-pairs were presented in 3 groups: (1) Control—all 20 pairs in standard format, (2) Control—all 20 in changed format, and (3) Experimental—5 pairs in changed format randomly distributed among 20. 18 male college students (6 per group) received 4 standard PA acquisition trials. Statistically significant findings were: (1) experimental exceeded controls in total list performance, (2) format-changed items (isolates) exceeded control counterparts, (3) standard stimuli in experimental lists exceeded control counterparts, and (4) items immediately preceding and following isolates exceeded others (spread-of-isolation effect). The results were interpreted in terms of OR theory.
2 A Case Study of Zeolite Synthesis

Zeolite synthesis occurs by a hydrothermal process with reagents being a silica source, an alumina source, a mineralizing agent such as OH or F , and, for higher Si/Al ratio zeolites, organic molecules as structure-directing agents. The role of inorganic metal cations, such as Na or K, is quite profound. A schematic of the zeolite growth process is shown in Fig. 1 (1). The complexity of the process, including the presence of numerous soluble species, an amorphous phase, polymerization and depolymerization reactions, makes the synthesis susceptible to physical effects such as stirring, aging, and order of reagent addition (2). Several independent processes are occurring in the medium, including nucleation of various structures, crystallization as well as dissolution of metastable phases. It is commonly observed that the conversion of the composition (gel or solution) to crystals is quite rapid once the crystallization process gets started. This suggests that nucleation is the rate-limiting step and is consistent with studies that report addition of seed crystals decrease the induction time (2). Tezak suggested several decades ago that rather than viewing the synthesis process as nucleation and crystallization, at least four subsystems be considered: (a) formation of simple and polymeric
Burner Wake Stabilized Gas Jet Flames in Cross-Flow

ABSTRACT An experimental study of the stability and structure of a propane gas jet flame in cross-flow at jet to cross-flow momentum flux ratio less than unity is presented. When this ratio is 0.17 the flame structure is characterized by three distinct zones (Type II flame). A planar recirculation vortex attached to the burner tube in its wake forms the first zone. A second axisymmetric flame follows the first zone downstream. The junction of the two zones is characterized by a third zone with an intense mixing of jet and cross-flow streams. When the jet to cross-flow momentum flux ratio is 0.02 the axisymmetric part of the flame is extinguished (Type I flame). Temperature and composition profiles at different regions of these flames indicate that much of the Type II flame is akin to a premixed flame and the Type I flame is diffusion controlled.
Elevation of creatine kinase in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Serum creatine kinase (CK) levels were recorded in 100 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). CK concentrations were elevated in 43% of the patients, with a mean level of 240 U/liter and a range of 59–1,327 U/liter (male normal <95 U/liter, female normal <59 U/liter). All patients with elevated CK had muscle weakness. Seven patients were initially misdiagnosed as having polymyositis and given high dose corticosteroids without clinical benefit, prior to the diagnosis of ALS. Such diagnostic confusion can be avoided by an awareness that CK levels cannot be used to reliably differentiate between ALS and primary muscle disease such as polymyositis.
Hawaiian marine fungi, including two new genera of Ascomycotina

An annotated checklist of higher marine fungi from the major Hawaiian Islands (Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, Oahu) includes 39 Ascomycotina, 1 Basidiomycotina and 7 anamorphic fungi. New taxa from intertidal wood are Arenariomyces majusculus sp. nov., Etheirophora bijubata gen. et sp. nov., E. unijubata sp. nov., E. blepharospora comb. nov. (syn. Keissleriella blepharospora ), and Moana turbinulata gen. et sp. nov. New records for Hawaii are A. parvulus, Carbosphaerella leptosphaerioides, Corollospora fusca, Halosarpheia marina and Lanspora coronata .
Real-time cartoon rendering of smoke

We render amorphous shapes like smoke, clouds, and fluids with two-tone shading, self-shadowing, and silhouettes, in the style of a cartoon. Our method operates directly on a particle system without ever forming a surface mesh. It renders only five polygons per particle and executes primarily on the GPU. It can be extended to isosurfaces and volume data sets, and has applications in games, animation, and visualization. Our implementation renders thousands of particles at 30 fps and never reads the frame buffer.