Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Performance Budgeting in the U.S. Federal Government: History, Status and Future Implications

Performance budgets emphasize activities performed and their costs, and include various performance measures in the budget to document what is gained from what is spent. These measures usually include unit cost comparisons over time or between jurisdictions. Performance budgeting tends to emphasize measures of efficiency and effectiveness. Broader measures (outcome) are often difficult to define and measure, particularly in human service areas. Nonetheless, performance budget concepts have proven persistent. For the federal government, a key measure that has stimulated increased interest in the topic was passage by Congress of the Government Performance and Results Act in 1993 (GPRA) and subsequently the Government Management and Results Act (GMRA) in 1995. This article notes the long period of experimentation with performance budgeting in the U.S. and identifies some of the lessons learned from this initiative. It also addresses reforms including the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART) as they relate to incentives for budgeting based on performance. Conclusions also touch upon the difficulties faced in attempting budget reform in the midst of a period of fiscal and monetary stress. We conclude that while the expressed interest of the Obama administration in assessing the performance of federal government agencies is evident, there is no evidence to suggest that the administration will attempt to implement performance budgeting per se as a means to accomplish this end. Rather, performance is now reviewed by OMB only as an input to budget decision making, which is perhaps the best that advocates of performance budgeting can hope for in the medium term. What it would take to interest federal government decision makers, particularly members of Congress, to accept performance budgeting is impossible to determine given the present focus of the government on health care reform, job creation, the state of the economy and armed conflicts abroad. Administrative reform, except in the areas of regulation of financial institutions, national security and transportation safety, has not been high on the agenda of the Obama administration or Congress in the period 2008–2010. However, this could change with new initiatives recently announced by the administration and Congress.
Natural working fluids in a historic perspective

Ladies and Gentlemen, you probably know that this historical introduction on the use of natural working fluids should have been given by Professor Steimle, the President of the General Conference of I.I. R. , Unfortunately Professor Steimle has been prevented from being with us for health reasons, and certainly I cannot compete with Professor Steimle's incisive oratory. All of us will miss him today. I am sure you will join me in wishing him a quick recovery.
Polysomnographic Characteristics in Normal Preschool and Early School-Aged Children

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to describe overnight polysomnographic measures in normal children aged 3 to 7 years. We conducted a retrospective analysis of normal polysomnographic evaluations from participants in 2 large community-based studies of sleep-disordered breathing among preschoolers and early school-aged children at Kosair Children’s Hospital Sleep Medicine Research Center at the University of Louisville. Participants included 542 healthy children with ages ranging from 3.2 to 8.6 years. RESULTS. Subjects were excluded from analysis if they had documented snoring during polysomnography, an obstructive apnea-hypopnea index of ≥1.0, or a periodic leg-movement index of ≥5.0. Because the greatest differences in polysomnography occurred between ages 5 and 6 years, analyses were performed for children 3 to 5 years and for ages ≥6. Sleep cyclicity was distinct between age groups, with both showing an initial brief rapid-eye-movement period, which lengthened across the night, but only the older group showing a decrease in cycle length across the night. Average obstructive apnea indices were 0.03 per hour of total sleep time (TST) for 3- to 5-year-old children and 0.05 per hour of TST for ≥6-year-old children, whereas central apnea indices were 0.82 and 0.45 per hour of TST, respectively. Older children spent a greater percentage of sleep time supine, and the apnea-hypopnea index differed according to body position. Twenty percent of all subjects had end tidal carbon dioxide values of >45 mm Hg, and 2.2% had recorded values >50 mm Hg during ≥50% TST. High variance was present on all measures. CONCLUSIONS. Developmental changes occur in several polysomnographic measures among normal children from 3 to 7 years of age, particularly during transition from preschool to early school age. Our findings in a large number of healthy community children comprise the most extensive compilation of normative reference values for laboratory-based pediatric polysomnography to date.
The wireless sensor network system in a reusable rocket with ZigBee operating at 920MHz

This paper demonstrates experimental evaluation results of a wireless sensor network system inside a reusable rocket. Major requirements to realize the reusable rocket for future space development, light weight, low cost, and frequently operation such as planes. Wireless system instead of conventional wired electric system is strongly demanded. To validate effectiveness of a 920-MHz band ZigBee network system, a bread board model of 920-MHz band transceiver is designed and fabricated. Also, PC application is developed for the measurement of the sensor data. Four time slots are utilized for robust communication. Received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and packet error rate (PER) is measured using the reusable vehicle test (RVT).
Lower incisor dentoalveolar compensation and symphysis dimensions among Class I and III malocclusion patients with different facial vertical skeletal patterns.

OBJECTIVE To compare lower incisor dentoalveolar compensation and mandible symphysis morphology among Class I and Class III malocclusion patients with different facial vertical skeletal patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS Lower incisor extrusion and inclination, as well as buccal (LA) and lingual (LP) cortex depth, and mandibular symphysis height (LH) were measured in 107 lateral cephalometric x-rays of adult patients without prior orthodontic treatment. In addition, malocclusion type (Class I or III) and facial vertical skeletal pattern were considered. Through a principal component analysis (PCA) related variables were reduced. Simple regression equation and multivariate analyses of variance were also used. RESULTS Incisor mandibular plane angle (P < .001) and extrusion (P = .03) values showed significant differences between the sagittal malocclusion groups. Variations in the mandibular plane have a negative correlation with LA (Class I P = .03 and Class III P = .01) and a positive correlation with LH (Class I P = .01 and Class III P = .02) in both groups. Within the Class III group, there was a negative correlation between the mandibular plane and LP (P = .02). PCA showed that the tendency toward a long face causes the symphysis to elongate and narrow. In Class III, alveolar narrowing is also found in normal faces. CONCLUSIONS Vertical facial pattern is a significant factor in mandibular symphysis alveolar morphology and lower incisor positioning, both for Class I and Class III patients. Short-faced Class III patients have a widened alveolar bone. However, for long-faced and normal-faced Class III, natural compensation elongates the symphysis and influences lower incisor position.
DNA isolation from teeth by organic extraction and identification of sex of the individual by analyzing the AMEL gene marker using PCR

Background: To identify the sex of the deceased individual from dental hard tissue such as enamel and dentine. Objective: To isolate the DNA from dental hard tissue (enamel and dentin) from teeth extracted for prophylactic purpose, to assess the quality and purity of DNA and to identify the sex using polymerized chain reactor (PCR). Materials and Methods: DNA was extracted following phenol/chloroform (organic) extraction from 20 male and 20 female teeth. The samples that contain the amelogenin gene (amel) were amplified by PCR. The products of the PCR were run on agarose gel with ethidium bromide staining on gel documentation system. Results: The results on the gel showed the presence of X-specific bands at 212 bp and Y-specific bands at 218 bp. Males were distinguished from females by the presence of two bands whereas female samples showed only one, that is, X-specific band on the gel. The gender from the known samples was determined with complete accuracy, and the results were analyzed statistically by the Chi-square test. Conclusion: In our study, the PCR-based method showed 100% specificity and sensitivity.
Genomic Organization of the 3′ Region of the Human Mucin GeneMUC5B *

MUC5B, mapped clustered withMUC6, MUC2, and MUC5AC to chromosome 11p15.5, is a human mucin gene of which the genomic organization is being elucidated. We have recently published the sequence and the peptide organization of its huge central exon, 10,713 base pairs (bp) in length. We present here the genomic organization of its 3′ region, which encompasses 10,690 bp. The genomic sequence has been completely determined. The 3′ region of MUC5B is composed of 18 exons ranging in size from 32 to 781 bp, contrasting thus with the very large central exon. The sizes of the 18 introns range from 114 to 1118 bp. Some repetitive sequences were identified in four introns. The peptide deduced from the sequence of the 18 exons consists of an 808-amino acid peptide. This carboxyl-terminal region exhibits extensive sequence similarity to MUC2, MUC5AC, and von Willebrand factor, particularly the number and the positions of the cysteine residues, suggesting that this domain may be derived from a common ancestral gene. The presence in these components of a cystine knot also found in growth factors such as transforming growth factor-β is of particular interest. Moreover, one part of this peptide is identical to the 196-amino acid sequence deduced from the cDNA clone pSM2-1, which codes for a part of the high molecular weight mucin MG1 isolated from human sublingual gland. Considering the expression pattern of MUC5B and the origin of MG1, we can thus conclude that MUC5B encodes MG1.
Visuospatial perception, construction and memory in alcoholism.

OBJECTIVE To analyze visuospatial cognition in recently detoxified alcoholics from the perspectives of three ways of conceptualizing spatial information processing: egocentric versus allocentric orientation, featural versus configural analysis, and categorical versus coordinate spatial judgements. METHOD Twenty-eight chronic alcoholics (19 men, 9 women) were compared to 20 (10 men, 10 women) controls of comparable age and education on a battery of tests of visuospatial scanning, construction, mental imagery, and anterograde and remote spatial memory. Tests were administered 21-40 days after alcoholics entered treatment. RESULTS Alcoholics displayed impairment in visuospatial scanning, construction, utilizing and manipulating information from visual images and on three tests of anterograde spatial memory, but remote spatial memory was not significantly affected. Their deficits were evident on some measures of allocentric orientation, featural and configural analysis, but consistent deficits on egocentric orientation or categorical or coordinate spatial judgments were not seen. CONCLUSIONS Deficits in spatial cognition exhibited by alcoholics do not seem to arise from dysfunction in any localized brain region. Small but potentially important impairments in fundamental aspects of spatial information processing such as scanning and use of visual imagery were found. The empirical basis and clinical significance of these deficits requires further study.
Persistent Hematuria After Induction of Remission in Wegener Granulomatosis: A Therapeutic Dilemma

Wegener granulomatosis (WG) is a systemic disease that is often associated with an immune-mediated form of glomerulonephritis (GN). Renal disease most often manifests as microscopic hematuria with or without red blood cell or mixed cellular casts, proteinuria, and an elevated serum creatinine concentration. We conducted the current study to determine whether persistent hematuria, in the setting of apparent clinical remission, may reflect glomerular injury and not active renal disease. We performed a retrospective analysis of data from 82 patients with new-onset WG, of whom 25 had GN at presentation. Twenty of 25 patients with GN achieved sustained remissions (>6 consecutive months' duration). During initial periods of active disease the median peak serum creatinine was 1.9 mg/dL (range, 0.6-13.6 mg/dL). The median time to remission was 4 months (range, 2-13 mo). After effective therapy, median creatinine was 1.1 mg/dL (range, 0.4-1.8 mg/dL). Ten of 20 patients had prolonged hematuria over a period of >6 months. Within this subset, 5 subsequently normalized urine over a median period of 11 months and 5 did not achieve normal urine sediment over a median follow-up of 38 months. Thus, 10 of 25 patients with WG and GN had sustained hematuria in spite of apparent prolonged clinical remission. Patients with WG and GN may achieve enduring remissions that allow withdrawal of medications in spite of continued microscopic hematuria with or without red blood cell casts that may persist for months or even years. Continued use of aggressive immunosuppressive therapies in such patients would be ill-advised and could lead to irreversible and even life-threatening side effects from cyclophosphamide or high-dose corticosteroids. Abbreviations: ANCA = antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, BVAS/WG = Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score as modified for Wegener granulomatosis, CS = corticosteroids, GN = glomerulonephritis, RBC = red blood cell, RPGN = rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, WG = Wegener granulomatosis.
Organized Sports and Unstructured Active Play as Physical Activity Sources in Children From Low-Income, Chicago Households.

PURPOSE This study tested associations of organized sports participation and unstructured active play with overall moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in low-income children and examined factors associated with participation frequency. METHOD Research staff visited 88 low-income Chicago households with children ages 6-13 years. MVPA was assessed through 7-day accelerometry. Researchers documented the home availability of physical activity equipment. Caregivers reported on child participation in organized sports and unstructured active play, family support for physical activity, perceived neighborhood safety, and access to neighborhood physical activity venues. RESULTS Despite similar participation in organized sports and unstructured active play, boys accumulated more MVPA than girls. MVPA was predicted by an interaction between gender and unstructured active play. Boys accumulated 23-45 additional minutes of weekday MVPA and 53-62 additional minutes of weekend MVPA through unstructured active play, with no such associations in girls. Higher reported neighborhood safety and family support for physical activity were associated with engagement in unstructured active play for both genders, and with participation in organized sports for girls. CONCLUSION Physical activity interventions for low-income, urban children should emphasize unstructured active play, particularly in boys. Fostering family support for physical activity and safe play environments may be critical intervention components.
Effect of long‐term oral testosterone undecanoate treatment on prostate volume and serum prostate‐specific antigen concentration in eugonadal middle‐aged men

Testosterone undecanoate (160 mg/day) or placebo was given orally in a double‐blind fashion for 8 months to 23 middle‐aged men without urinary tract symptoms. Testosterone was found to increase the mean prostate volume by 12% (P < .012). The treatment suppressed the serum concentrations of sex‐hormone‐binding globulin and follicle stimulating hormone. The observed decrease in the mean serum concentration of luteinizing hormone was not statistically significant. The serum concentrations of prostate‐specific antigen did not change as measured by two different well‐validated immunometric assays. No changes in micturition habits or urine flow charts were reported. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased body fat mass and decreased extracellular fluid volume in adults with growth hormone deficiency

OBJECTIVE Growth hormone deficiency in adults with hypopituitarism has previously received little attention. Recent data, however, suggest that GH deflciency might be essential for the long‐term prognosis of these patients. Earlier studies have documented that GH regulates body composition; in this, body composition in adult patients with hypopituitarism including GH deficiency was studied. DESIGN A follow‐up study of patients with hypopituitarism on routine replacement therapy with l‐thyroxine, cortisone acetate and sex steroids.
Biology and chemistry of low affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilon RII/CD23).

Recent studies have established that the low affinity Fc receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon RII/CD23) is a structurally and functionally unique immunoglobulin receptor. DNA sequence analysis predicts that, in contrast to other FcR, Fc epsilon RII is not a member of the immunoglobulin gene superfamily and, indeed, is inserted into the membrane in opposite orientation from most other membrane proteins. While the Fc epsilon RII of macrophages, eosinophils, and platelets mediate IgE-dependent cytotoxicity and promote phagocytosis of IgE-antigen complexes, the function of Fc epsilon RII on B lymphocytes remains unclear. Much effort has been directed toward establishment of its role in IgE regulation, but the plurality of B cell Fc epsilon RII expression, i.e. greater than 90% of the mu + /delta + B lymphocytes, is incongruous with simply a role in regulating only IgE responses. Hence, the discovery that Fc epsilon RII is identical to the B-cell activation antigen, CD23, together with its novel structural features, suggests an additional more important role for this interesting protein and would explain the disparity between a commonly expressed receptor with apparently limited functions.
The detection of content-based invalid responding: a meta-analysis of the MMPI-2-Restructured Form’s (MMPI-2-RF) over-reporting validity scales

Abstract Objective: This study synthesized research evaluation of the effectiveness of the over-reporting validity scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) for detecting intentionally feigned over-endorsements of symptoms using a moderated meta-analysis. Method: After identifying experimental and quasi-experimental studies for inclusion (k = 25) in which the validity scales of the MMPI-2-RF were compared between groups of respondents, moderated meta-analyses were conducted for each of its five over-reporting scales. These meta-analyses explored the general effectiveness of each scale across studies, as well as the impact that several moderators had on scale performance, including comparison group, study type (i.e. real versus simulation), age, education, sex, and diagnosis. Results: The over-reporting scales of the MMPI-2-RF act as effective general measures for the detection of malingering and over endorsement of symptoms with individual scales ranging in effectiveness from an effect size of 1.08 (Symptom Validity; FBS-r) to 1.43 (Infrequent Pathology; Fp-r), each with different patterns of moderating influence. Conclusions: The MMPI-2-RF validity scales effectively discriminate between groups of respondents presenting in either an honest manner or with patterned exaggeration and over-endorsement of symptoms. The magnitude of difference observed between honest and malingering groups was substantially narrower than might be expected using traditional cut-scores for the validity scales, making interpretation within the evaluation context particularly important. While all over-reporting scales are effective, the FBS-r and RBS scales are those least influenced by common and context specific moderating influences, such as respondent or comparison grouping.
Advances in the understanding of specific metabolic rates of major organs and tissues in humans

Purpose of reviewTo present recent evidence on organ and tissue metabolic rates in humans to explain the variance in resting energy expenditure (REE). Recent findingsIn humans, present knowledge on specific metabolic activities (i.e. ki-values) refers to seven organs and tissues – brain, heart, liver, kidneys, skeletal muscle, adipose tissue and residual mass – with ki-values of 240, 440, 200, 440, 13, 4.5 and 12 kcal/kg/day, provided by Elia in 1992. Detailed body composition data, as derived from whole body MRI together with measurements of whole body REE, were used to validate ki-values in nonobese, healthy and middle-aged adults. There is no sex difference, but minor, that is 2 and 3% deviations are found for age above 55 years and obesity, respectively. By contrast, in adolescents, differences of about 100 kcal/day or 7.3% of measured REE were observed. There is first evidence for changes in ki-values with either weight loss or weight regain after weight loss. Altogether these data suggest that in adolescence and at age above 55 years, in the obese and with weight change, organ and tissue masses differ in cellularity and/or their specific metabolic rates. Presently, direct assessment of specific organ and tissue metabolic rates in humans by either NMR spectroscopy or PET, together with detailed body composition analysis, has not been performed systematically. SummaryWe need to become more skilled in methods and models used for detailed body composition analysis together with detailed assessment of energy expenditure in humans.
Size scaling of extracellular carbonic anhydrase activity in centric marine diatoms

Many microalgae have a surface‐associated extracellular carbonic anhydrase (eCA) that converts HCO3− to CO2 for uptake and subsequent photosynthetic fixation. We investigated eCA activity and assessed its importance for photosynthetic CO2 supply in six centric diatom species spanning nearly the full range of cell sizes for centric diatoms (equivalent spherical radius 3–67 μm). Since larger cells are more susceptible to diffusion limitation, we hypothesized that eCA activity would increase with cell size as would its importance for CO2 supply. eCA activity did increase with cell size, increasing with cell radius by a size‐scaling exponent of 2.6 ± 0.3. The rapid increase in eCA activity with cell radius keeps the absolute CO2 concentration difference between bulk seawater and the cell surface very low (<~0.2 μM) allowing high rates of CO2 uptake even for large diatoms. Although inhibiting eCA did reduce photosynthesis in the diatoms, there was no overall relationship between the extent of inhibition of photosynthesis and cell size. The only indication that eCA may be more important for larger diatoms was that photosynthesis in the smallest diatoms (<4 μm radius) was only affected by eCA inhibition when CO2 concentrations were very low, while photosynthesis in some larger diatoms was affected even at typical seawater CO2 concentrations. eCA is ubiquitous in centric marine diatoms, in contrast to other taxa where its presence is irregularly distributed among different species, and plays an important role in supplying CO2 for photosynthesis across the size spectrum.