Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
20th annual Frank Costenbader Lecture--adult strabismus.

BACKGROUND A retrospective analysis of adults with strabismus was done to examine the potential risks and the possible benefits of surgical treatment and to describe the types of adult strabismus. METHODS Eight hundred ninety-two patients were analyzed. Age at time of surgery ranged from 9 years to 89 years. The average follow up was 34 months. Major types of strabismus were grouped by their original diagnoses. The group of patients with horizontal strabismus, which usually had an onset before 9, was termed the before visual maturity (BVM) group. The group of patients with paretic or restrictive strabismus usually had the onset of strabismus after age 9 and was termed the after visual maturity (AVM) group. RESULTS Patients with adult strabismus can gain restoration of alignment, as well as binocular function. At the last postoperative visit, 74% of the BVM group were aligned within 15 prism diopters. Not only was restoration of alignment accomplished, many of them gained some degree of sensory fusion as measured by the Worth 4-Dot (W4D) or Titmus stereoacuity. Twenty-nine percent of patients with congenital esotropia had some sensory fusion. The other subtypes in the BVM group had even higher percentages of patients with postoperative stereoacuity. In the AVM group, 92% had fusion at the last postoperative visit. CONCLUSIONS The outcomes of adult strabismics in our study show that certain benefits can be gained from correction of ocular alignment. Restoration of alignment, elimination of diplopia and sensory fusion are functional benefits that can be obtained through strabismus surgery in the adult patient. It is clear that adult strabismus is more than just a cosmetic problem and treatment is worthwhile.
Association between Metformin Use and Risk of Lactic Acidosis or Elevated Lactate Concentration in Type 2 Diabetes

Purpose Metformin can reduce diabetes-related complications and mortality. However, its use is limited because of potential lactic acidosis-associated adverse effects, particularly in renal impairment patients. We aimed to investigate the association of metformin use with lactic acidosis and hyperlactatemia in patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods This was a cross-sectional study from a tertiary university-affiliated medical center. A total of 1954 type 2 diabetes patients were recruited in 2007–2011, and stratified according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate of 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Lactic acidosis was defined as plasma lactate levels >5 mmol/L and arterial pH <7.35. Results Metformin was used in 61.4% of the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Plasma lactate levels were not different in the patients with and without metformin use. There was no difference in prevalence of hyperlactatemia and lactic acidosis between the patients with and without metformin use (18.9% vs. 18.7%, p=0.905 for hyperlactatemia and 2.8% vs. 3.3%, p=0.544 for lactic acidosis). Similar results were observed in the patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Most patients with lactic acidosis had at least one condition related to hypoxia or poor tissue perfusion. Multiple regression analysis indicated no association between metformin use and lactic acidosis, whereas tissue hypoxia was an independent risk factor for lactic acidosis [odds ratio 4.603 (95% confidence interval, 1.327–15.965)]. Conclusion Metformin use was not associated with hyperlactatemia or lactic acidosis in patients with type 2 diabetes.
High frequency of activated K‐ras codon 15 mutant in colorectal carcinomas from Taiwanese patients

Colorectal carcinogenesis is regarded as a multistep process resulting from accumulation of genetic alterations, including activation of protooncogenes and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes via signal transduction trigger the stage‐wise progression to malignancy. The reported incidence of K‐ras mutation detected in general tissue samples ranges from 21–60% in primary colorectal cancers (CRC). To assess the prevalence and spectrum of K‐ras mutations in Taiwanese patients with CRC, we analyzed 65 CRC patients by polymerase chain reaction‐single strand conformation polymorphism analysis, followed by direct sequencing. K‐ras mutations were detected in 43.1% (28 of 65) of the tumors. The mutational hot spots were located at codons 12, 13, 15 and 20, especially with the highest frequency at codon 15. To understand whether the codon 15 mutations in CRC were associated with activation of K‐ras oncogene and the alterations of its biocharacteristics, mutant K‐ras genes were cloned from tumor tissues and then inserted into expression vector pBKCMV to construct the prokaryotic expression plasmid pK15MCMV. Mutant K‐ras genes were expressed at high levels in E. coli and the mutant K‐ras proteins were shown to be functional with respect to their well‐known specific, high‐affinity, GDP/GTP binding. The purified K‐ras protein from E. coli was then measured for its intrinsic GTPase activity and the extrinsic GTPase activity in the presence of GTPase‐activating protein for ras. We found that the extrinsic GTPase activity of the codon 15 mutant K‐ras proteins (p21K‐ras15M) in the presence of GAP is much lower than that of the wild‐type K‐ras protein (p21 BN), whereas the intrinsic GTPase activity is nearly the same as that of the wild‐type K‐ras protein. The results indicated that mutation at the codon 15 of K‐ras gene indeed decreased GTPase activity in CRC, however, its association with tumorigenesis of CRC needs be clarified by further studies. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A two-stage decorrelating detector for DS/CDMA systems

This paper presents an improved two-stage decorrelating detection scheme for direct-sequence code-division multiple-access (DS-CDMA) systems. Decorrelator outputs corresponding to each user are tested to determine whether or not a final decision can be made with high reliability. For users with high reliability, a hard decision is made at this stage. For the remaining users, a conditional quantization algorithm is employed before a decision is made. Results indicate that significant performance enhancement can be achieved at the expense of a modest increase in computational complexity. The algorithm is also applied to synchronous as well as asynchronous multipath channels with excellent results. We also extend the two-stage decorrelating detection scheme to time-variant communication scenarios and present an adaptive version of the two-stage decorrelator.
Beamforming for Millimeter Wave Communications: An Inclusive Survey

The remarkable growth of wireless data traffic in recent times has driven the need to explore suitable regions in the radio spectrum to meet the projected requirements. In pursuance of this, millimeter wave communications have received considerable attention in the research fraternity. Due to the high path and penetration losses at millimeter wavelengths, antenna beamforming assumes a pivotal role in establishing and maintaining a robust communication link. Beamforming for millimeter wave communications poses a multitude of diverse challenges due to the large channel bandwidth, unique channel characteristics, and hardware constraints. In this paper, we track the evolution and advancements in antenna beamforming for millimeter wave communications in the context of the distinct requirements for indoor and outdoor communication scenarios. We expand the scope of discussion by including the developments in radio frequency system design and implementation for millimeter wave beamforming. We explore the suitability of millimeter wave beamforming methods, both, existing and proposed till midyear 2015, and identify the exciting new prospects unfolding in this domain.
Stable age pattern supports role of development in unintentional childhood poisoning

Objective: To investigate if child development has a role in unintentional poisoning, by describing the pattern of hospitalization due to unintentional poisoning in children aged 0–4 years in New South Wales by single year of age and then assessing the stability of the age-specific pattern found when analyzed by sex, remoteness of residence, and socioeconomic status. Design: Retrospective descriptive study. Setting: New South Wales hospitals from 1994 to 2005. Participants: Children aged 0–4 years in the New South Wales Department of Health Inpatient Statistics Collection. Main exposure: Hospitalization due to unintentional poisoning. Main outcome measures: Hospitalization rates by single year of age and single year of age by three covariates: sex, remoteness of residence, and socioeconomic status. Results: Children aged 1–3 years had the highest rates of hospitalization due to unintentional poisoning, and this pattern persisted over time. The same age-specific pattern was seen for both boys and girls, but rates were significantly higher for boys than girls at age 3 years (RR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.31 to 1.62). The age-specific pattern persisted when the covariates remoteness of residence and socioeconomic status were controlled for. Conclusion: The age-specific pattern of hospitalization for unintentional poisoning by single year of age was found to be stable when analyzed over time and by sex, remoteness of residence, and socioeconomic status. This finding provides strong evidence for the role of a child’s development in an unintentional poisoning event.
Reduced IL‐2 expression in NOD mice leads to a temporal increase in CD62LloFoxP3+CD4+ T cells with limited suppressor activity

IL‐2 plays a critical role in the induction and maintenance of FoxP3‐expressing regulatory T cells (FoxP3+Tregs). Reduced expression of IL‐2 is linked to T‐cell‐mediated autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes (T1D), in which an imbalance between FoxP3+Tregs and pathogenic T effectors exists. We investigated the contribution of IL‐2 to dysregulation of FoxP3+Tregs by comparing wildtype NOD mice with animals congenic for a C57BL/6‐derived disease‐resistant Il2 allele and in which T‐cell secretion of IL‐2 is increased (NOD.B6Idd3). Although NOD mice exhibited a progressive decline in the frequency of CD62LhiFoxP3+Tregs due to an increase in CD62LloFoxP3+Tregs, CD62LhiFoxP3+Tregs were maintained in the pancreatic lymph nodes and islets of NOD.B6Idd3 mice. Notably, the frequency of proliferating CD62LhiFoxP3+Tregs was elevated in the islets of NOD.B6Idd3 versus NOD mice. Increasing levels of IL‐2 in vivo also resulted in larger numbers of CD62LhiFoxP3+Tregs in NOD mice. These results demonstrate that IL‐2 influences the suppressor activity of the FoxP3+Tregs pool by regulating the balance between CD62Llo and CD62Lhi FoxP3+Tregs. In NOD mice, reduced IL‐2 expression leads to an increase in nonsuppressive CD62LloFoxP3+Tregs, which in turn correlates with a pool of CD62LhiFoxP3+Tregs with limited proliferation.
Clinical evaluation of the safety and efficacy of lumbar cerebrospinal fluid drainage for the treatment of refractory increased intracranial pressure.

OBJECT Several approaches have been established for the treatment of intracranial hypertension; however, a considerable number of patients remain unresponsive to even aggressive therapeutic strategies. Lumbar CSF drainage has been contraindicated in the setting of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) because of possible cerebral herniation. The authors of this study investigated the efficacy and safety of controlled lumbar CSF drainage in patients suffering from intracranial hypertension following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) or aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). METHODS The authors prospectively evaluated 100 patients-45 with TBI and 55 with SAH-having a mean age of 43.7 +/- 15.7 years (mean +/- SD) and suffering from refractory intracranial hypertension (ICP > 20 mm Hg). Intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) before and after the initiation of lumbar CSF drainage as well as related complications were documented. Patient outcomes were assessed 6 months after injury. RESULTS The application of lumbar CSF drainage led to a significant reduction in ICP from 32.7 +/- 10.9 to 13.4 +/- 5.9 mm Hg (p < 0.05) and an increase in CPP from 70.6 +/- 18.2 to 86.2 +/- 15.4 mm Hg (p < 0.05). Cerebral herniation with a lethal outcome occurred in 6% of patients. Thirty-six patients had a favorable outcome, 12 were severely disabled, 7 remained in a persistent vegetative state, and 45 died. CONCLUSIONS Lumbar drainage of CSF led to a significant and clinically relevant reduction in ICP. The risk of cerebral herniation can be minimized by performing lumbar drainage only in cases with discernible basal cisterns.
Excess mortality attributable to hip fracture in white women aged 70 years and older.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to estimate the excess mortality attributable to hip fracture. METHODS The 6-year survival rate of community-dwelling White female hip fracture patients aged 70 years and older entering one of seven hospitals from 1984 to 1986 (n = 578) was compared with that of White female respondents aged 70 years and older interviewed in 1984 for the Longitudinal Study on Aging (n = 3773). RESULTS After age, education, comorbidity, and functional impairment were controlled, the mortality differential between the two groups accumulated to an excess among hip fracture patients of 9 deaths per 100 women 5 years postfracture. Among those with three or more functional impairments or one or more comorbidities, the excess was 7 deaths per 100: the effect of the fracture had disappeared in these groups by 4 years. In contrast, those with two or fewer impairments and those with no comorbidities had a continuing trend of increased mortality, with an excess of 14 deaths per 100 by 5 years. CONCLUSIONS There is an immediate increase in mortality following a hip fracture in medically ill and functionally impaired patients, whereas among those with no comorbidities and few impairments, there is a gradual increase in mortality that continues for 5 years postfracture.
Neonatal Low- and High-Dose Exposure to Estradiol Benzoate in the Male Rat: I. Effects on the Prostate Gland1

Abstract Brief exposure of rats to high doses of natural estrogens early in life results in permanent alterations of the prostate gland, which include differentiation defects, altered gene expression, and dysplasia with aging. Whether low-dose treatments can cause similar effects in the developing prostate remains controversial. The current project was designed to determine the dose-response relationship of the prostate gland to estradiol exposure during the developmentally critical neonatal period in the rat. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were treated on Days 1, 3, and 5 of life by s.c. injections of a 7-log range of doses (0.015 μg/kg to 15.0 mg/kg) of β-estradiol-3-benzoate (EB) in 25 μl of peanut oil (Arachis) as vehicle. In a separate block, neonatal Fisher 344 (F344) rats received 0.15, 15.0, or 1500.0 μg EB/kg. Rats were killed on Postnatal Day (PND) 35 or 90, and the prostates were microdissected, weighed, and frozen for immunohistochemistry. Preputial separation and hepatic testosterone hydroxlase activities were monitored and measured to determine the onset of puberty. On PND 35, there was an increase in prostate weights of SD rats treated with low doses of EB and a decrease in prostate weights of SD rats treated with high doses. The low-dose effect was entirely abolished by PND 90, and only high-dose suppression of organ sizes was found. The transient nature of the effect in low-dose animals suggests an advancement of puberty as the cause for increased reproductive organ weights on PND 35. F344 rats were more sensitive than SD rats to the suppressive effects of high doses of neonatal EB on PND 90. Despite this heightened responsiveness in the F344 rats, a low-dose estrogenic effect on adult prostate weights was not observed. Thus, in the rat model a sustained effect at low doses of natural estrogens is not present in the prostate glands.
Climate change and game theory

This paper examines the problem of achieving global cooperation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Contributions to this problem are reviewed from noncooperative game theory, cooperative game theory, and implementation theory. We examine the solutions to games where players have a continuous choice about how much to pollute, as well as games where players make decisions about treaty participation. The implications of linking cooperation on climate change with cooperation on other issues, such as trade, are also examined. Cooperative and noncooperative approaches to coalition formation are investigated in order to examine the behavior of coalitions cooperating on climate change. One way to achieve cooperation is to design a game, known as a mechanism, whose equilibrium corresponds to an optimal outcome. This paper examines some mechanisms that are based on conditional commitments, and their policy implications. These mechanisms could make cooperation on climate change mitigation more likely.
Are serum concentrations of nitric oxide metabolites useful for predicting the clinical outcome of severe ulcerative colitis?

OBJECTIVE To determine serum concentrations of nitric oxide metabolites (NOX) in patients with severe ulcerative colitis and to assess whether these concentrations predict clinical outcome. PATIENTS Twenty-six patients (16 men and 10 women, mean age 46 years) with severe ulcerative colitis requiring hospitalization for parenteral steroid therapy. Thirteen patients had a complete clinical response and symptoms resolved after 5 days of parenteral steroid administration; 13 made an incomplete recovery and needed further treatment (six cyclosporin, seven colectomy). METHODS Serum concentrations of NOX and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured daily for 3 days in all patients and as clinically indicated thereafter. The normal range for NOX was established by measuring the concentration in 25 healthy controls. RESULTS Mean serum NOX and CRP concentrations were significantly elevated in both the patients with a complete and those with an incomplete response compared with controls (P < 0.001) on day 1 and fell during the first 3 days of therapy. On day 3, mean serum concentrations of NOX and CRP were lower in the patients with a complete response, but only the difference in CRP attained statistical significance (P = 0.02). There was no correlation between NOX and CRP concentrations. CONCLUSIONS In the majority of patients with severe ulcerative colitis, circulating concentrations of NOX are increased at presentation and fall promptly during parenteral steroid therapy, irrespective of clinical outcome. However, in a small number of patients NOX concentrations do not fall during steroid treatment and such patients will probably require additional medical therapy or surgery.
Facing the Challenge: Integrating Early Childhood and Primary Education Practices

The current policy to create closer ties between the early childhood and primary sectors is the culmination of a process that dates back two decades. I outline the steps leading to the current situation and then explore the practicalities of implementing the government's policy in terms of curriculum approaches, pedagogy, pre-service training and teacher's work. I ask who has set this agenda? What are the implications for early childhood? What should our role be?
Novel X-Linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis Mutation in Very Early-Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease Child Successfully Treated with HLA-Haploidentical Hemapoietic Stem Cells Transplant after Removal of αβ+ T and B Cells

Monogenic defects in genes related to primary immunodeficiencies can be responsible for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Mutations in the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) gene have been described in several patients suffering from IBD and, in particular, with very early-onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEOIBD) features. We report a VEOIBD child with a novel XIAP gene mutation characterized by a complicated disease course, which is unresponsive to several medical treatment options. A next-generation sequencing was performed and revealed a de novo hemizygous mutation in XIAP gene: c.565T>C p.L189P. After mutation discovery, we investigated the XIAP protein expression and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain protein 2 (NOD2) signaling by western blotting. Flow-cytometry was used to analyze intracellular protein expression in different cell subsets and T cell apoptosis. We observed reduced protein expression in lymphocytes, granulocytes, monocytes, an Epstein–Barr virus-immortalized B cell line as well as increased apoptosis, and impairment in NOD2 signaling. The child was successfully treated with HLA-haploidentical hemapoietic stem cells transplant, acquired from his mother, after ex vivo elimination of α/β T cells and CD19 B cells. One year after the transplant, we repeated the analysis to appreciate the changes in his impairments. The recovery of XIAP protein expression, function, and normalization of apoptosis were observed. Our report emphasizes the important role of genetic analysis in the diagnosis of VEOIBD, illustrates the complete immunological and gastrointestinal recovery after transplant, and shows one of the few successful transplant cases of XIAP patients.
Separation of Metallic from Semiconducting Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

We have developed a method to separate metallic from semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes from suspension using alternating current dielectrophoresis. Our method takes advantage of the difference of the relative dielectric constants of the two species with respect to the solvent, resulting in an opposite movement of metallic and semiconducting tubes along the electric field gradient. Metallic tubes are attracted toward a microelectrode array, leaving semiconducting tubes in the solvent. Proof of the effectiveness of separation is given by a comparative Raman spectroscopy study on the dielectrophoretically deposited tubes and on a reference sample.
The Effect Of Forecast Redundancy On Judgments Of A Consensus Forecasts Expected Accuracy - Discussion

Maines explores the impact of data characteristics on judgments of consensus forecasts' accuracy. The data features studied are the accuracy and redundancy of the individual forecasts being combined. Although Maines' experimental work focuses on sales and EPS forecasting tasks, the impact of data characteristics on the use of data in judgment and decision making is an important issue in many accounting and managerial contexts. Thus, the implications of this study go beyond the particular contexts chosen for illustration. Conference discussion revolved primarily around the issues of hypothesis development, external validity, research design, and interpretation of results. My discussion is also organized around these issues.