cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distribution of primary immunodeficiency diseases diagnosed in a pediatric tertiary hospital.

Background Advances in immunologic techniques in recent years have led to increased recognition of primary immunodeficiency disorders, with IgA deficiency the most common phenotype reported by most registries. There have also been reports of increased associated incidence of autoimmunity, allergy, and other diseases. Objectives We wished to determine the percentage of different primary immunodeficiency disorders seen in a pediatric tertiary hospital and to determine the association of primary immunodeficiency disorders with other diseases that are not part of classic immunodeficiency disorders. Methods We performed a retrospective review of the patients referred to our allergy/immunology clinic for immunologic evaluation of recurrent infections during an 8-year period. We also reviewed pathology reports with postmortem diagnosis of immunodeficiencies not identified while patients were alive. Results Of the 91 patients with primary immunodeficiency disorders evaluated, the majority had predominantly antibody deficiencies (67%). The most common phenotype was specific antibody deficiency with normal immunoglobulins (23.1%), defined as inability to mount an adequate response to pneumococcal polysaccharides followed by IgG2 subclass deficiency (17.6%). These two phenotypes were diagnosed mostly in the last 2 years of the survey. Associated diseases, found in 40% of patients, were mostly allergic conditions followed by syndromic/chromosomal disorders. Conclusion The study reveals that specific antibody deficiency with normal immunoglobulins followed by IgG2 subclass deficiency was the most frequently diagnosed primary immunodeficiency disorder in our patient population. It also indicates that immunodeficiency disorders should be considered in patients with other abnormalities like allergic and syndromic/chromosomal disorders that present with recurrent infections.
Effect of electrostatic spray on human pulmonary epithelial cells

Abstract Aerosolization techniques for delivery of gene therapies to the lungs decrease activity of these treatments. The low transfection is attributed to loss in molecular integrity. Electrosprays can aerosolize DNA without structural loss. Electrospray affects on human pulmonary cells are unknown. This study is to assess toxicity, inflammatory response, and transfection of DNA mixtures delivered via electrospray to human pulmonary cells. EpiAirway™ cells are cultured on air–liquid interfaces and simulate in vivo . All conditions examined (except PEI/DNA 10:1) showed no toxic or inflammation response. Transfection was not observed. In vitro results indicate that electrosprays have potential for administering DNA therapeutics pulmonarily.
Azide photoresists for projection photolithography

The spectral sensitivity of bisazide sensitized rubbers has been extended to 5000A by the addition of p-azidocinnamylidene derivatives of cyclohexanone. The photoresists were suitable for projection exposure at 4050 and 4350 Hg lines. The photospeed of the compositions is enhanced by increasing the unsaturation of the polymer component. Speed increase could also be obtained by exposure of the films at elevated temperatures.
A comparison of periphyton community structural and functional responses to heavy metals

This study evaluates the effectiveness of community production and respiration measurements as monitoring tools for environmental impact evaluations and compares these data to community structural data.
Storytelling in the creation and maintenance of organizational tension and stratification

This qualitative field study describes the organizational storytelling in naturally occurring contexts at a harness racetrack. It explores how three organizational tensions—administration vs. horsemen, “chemists” vs. honest horsemen, and men vs. women—are produced and reproduced through storytelling. The author argues that storytelling creates and sustains symbolic oppositions that enable members to position themselves and others in the organization. Thus storytelling serves to stratify the organization along lines of power and authority, gender, and ethics.
A randomized controlled trial of N-acetylcysteine to prevent contrast nephropathy in cardiac angiography

A randomized controlled trial of N-acetylcysteine to prevent contrast nephropathy in cardiac angiography. Background Contrast nephropathy (CN) is a common cause of renal dysfunction after cardiac angiography. Recently, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been found to reduce the risk of CN after CT imaging with contrast enhancement. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy of NAC for the prevention of CN in the setting of cardiac angiography. Methods Eligible patients were those undergoing cardiac angiography with serum creatinine>1.7 mg/dL. Patients were randomized to one of two groups: Group 1, IV hydration and NAC, 1200 mg one hour before angiography, and a second dose 3 hours after; Group 2, IV hydration and placebo. CN was defined as an increase of 0.5 mg/dL in serum creatinine. Results Seventy-nine patients completed the study. There were no significant differences between the groups in baseline characteristics, duration of angiography, mean volume of dye infused or mean IV hydration. Contrast nephropathy developed in 24.0% of subjects, 26.3% NAC, and 22.0% placebo ( P = NS). Among subjects with diabetes mellitus, there was no significant difference in the rate of CN between the groups (42.1% NAC, 27.8% placebo; P = 0.09). The independent predictors of CN risk were diabetes mellitus and preexisting chronic renal insufficiency. Conclusions NAC was not effective for the prevention of CN after cardiac angiography.
Phase III study comparing vincristine, doxorubicin (Adriamycin), and dexamethasone (VAD) chemotherapy with VAD plus recombinant interferon alfa-2 in refractory or relapsed multiple myeloma. An Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group study.

Purpose This clinical trial was designed to compare the effectiveness of vincristine, doxorubicin (Adriamycin), and dexamethasone (VAD) with VAD plus interferon alfa-2 in patients with refractory or relapsed multiple myeloma. Patients and methods Between January 1990 and May 1992, 47 eligible patients with multiple myeloma who had failed one prior chemotherapeutic regimen were accrued to a multiinstitutional prospective randomized clinical trial. The trial was halted early because of poor accrual. Results After a minimum follow-up of 13 months, the objective overall response rate was 28% (25% in the VAD group, 30% in the VAD plus interferon group). The response duration and overall survival were similar for the two treatment groups, with medians of 3.6 and 8.3 months, respectively. Life-threatening or lethal nonhematologic toxicity was seen in 27%. Interferon did not appear to increase the frequency of toxic responses. Conclusion This study shows no advantage to the use of interferon combined with VAD in refractory or relapsing myeloma. However, the small sample size decreased the statistical power to recognize small differences if present. Moreover, the survival data do not suggest a clear advantage to the administration of vincristine or doxorubicin as a 96-hour infusion compared with results of studies using bolus administration combined with high-dose corticosteroids.
Subspeciality training in hematology and oncology, 2003: results of a survey of training program directors conducted by the American Society of Hematology

A survey of directors of adult and pediatric hematology/oncology subspecialty training programs in the United States and Canada was conducted to assess the environment in which recruitment and training is conducted in these medical disciplines. A total of 107 program directors responded to the survey, representing 66% of internal medicine and 47% of pediatric subspecialty programs in hematology or hematology/oncology. Specific areas covered in the web-based questionnaire included the type and demographics of the training program, profile of the training program director, characteristics of the applicant pool and existing trainee recruits, characteristics of the training program environment and curricula, research productivity of trainees, and the career pathways taken by recent training program graduates (including dominant areas of clinical interest). The results of this survey show considerable heterogeneity in the recruiting practices and the environment in which subspecialty training occurs, leading the authors to recommend improvements in or a heightened attention to issues, including recruitment of minority trainees, flexibility to recruit international medical school graduates, timing of trainee acceptance, maintaining the financial support of Medicare graduation medical education (GME), training of physician scientists, organization of the continuity clinic experience, visibility of nonmalignant hematology as a career path, and level of training program director support.
Treating Poly(3-hexylthiophene) with Dimethylsulfate Improves Its Photoelectrical Properties

Poly(3-hexylthiophene) is reacted with the methylating agent dimethylsulfate. This increases the hole mobility, almost doubles the exciton diffusion length, and substantially enhances the photochemical stability of the polymer in air. The reaction may involve neutralization of anionic defects via addition of a methyl cation to the polymer backbone.
Social organization in Leptothorax longispinosus Mayr

Abstract The ethogram of L. longispinosus worker ants was similar to that of the closely related L. curvispinosus. A division of labour among L. longispinosus workers was demonstrated by investigating relationships among behaviours listed in the ethogram and among worker sizes. A matrix of transition probabilities between behaviours was constructed and inspected for non-random sequences of acts. We found that workers performed four roles and belonged to three behavioural castes. Moreover, there was a significant relationship between a worker's size and her behavioural caste. Thus polymorphism underlies polyethism even in acutely monomorphic species.
Performance of RC and FRC Wall Panels Reinforced with Mild Steel and GFRP Composites in Blast Events

Abstract The structural integrity of reinforced concrete structures in blast events is important for critical facilities. This paper presents experimental data generated for calibrating detailed finite element models that predict the performance of reinforced concrete wall panels with a wide range of construction details under blast loading. The test specimens were 1.2 m square wall panels constructed using Normal Weight Concrete (NWC) or Fiber Reinforced Concrete (FRC). FRC consists of macro-synthetic fibers dispersed in NWC. Five types of panels were tested: NWC panels with steel bar reinforcement (Type A); FRC panels without additional reinforcement (Type B); FRC panels with steel bar reinforcement (Type C); NWC panels with glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) bar reinforcement (Type D); and NWC panels reinforced with steel bar reinforcement and external bidirectional GFRP overlays on both faces (Type E). Three additional Type D panels were used as control specimens (CON). Each panel type was constructed with three thicknesses: 152 mm, 254 mm, and 356 mm. The panels were instrumented with strain gauges, and accelerometers; in addition, pressure sensors and high speed video were employed during the blast events. Panel types C and E had the best performance, whereas panel type B did not perform well. Preliminary dynamic simulations show crack patterns similar to the experimental results.
Cardiac chemical power: 1. Derivation of the chemical power equation and determination of equation constants.

A model has been developed which relates the power generated by the chemical reactions of the ventricular myocardium to the mechanical work performed. To accomplish this, the crossbridges of heart muscle are modelled as linear energy converters, and analysed using irreversible thermodynamics. The final equation relates the chemical power consumed to the muscle force and shortening velocity of the muscle. Three model constants are required and the values are estimated from available experimental data. Previous investigators have considered myocardial energetics only during the isovolumic phase of systole. The analysis presented in this study is general in that it relates chemical power consumed to mechanical performance throughout the entire cardiac cycle.
Evaluation of the Pulmonary Toxicity of a Fume Generated from a Nickel-, Copper-Based Electrode to be Used as a Substitute in Stainless Steel Welding.

Epidemiology has indicated a possible increase in lung cancer among stainless steel welders. Chromium (Cr) is a primary component of stainless steel welding fume. There is an initiative to develop alternative welding consumables [nickel (Ni)- and copper (Cu)-based alloys] that do not contain Cr. No study has been performed to evaluate the toxicity of fumes generated from Ni- and Cu-based consumables. Dose–response and time-course effects on lung toxicity of a Ni- and Cu-based welding fume (Ni–Cu WF) were examined using an in vivo and in vitro bioassay, and compared with two other well-characterized welding fumes. Even though only trace amounts of Cr were present, a persistent increase in lung injury and inflammation was observed for the Ni–Cu WF compared to the other fumes. The difference in response appears to be due to a direct cytotoxic effect by the Ni–Cu WF sample on lung macrophages as opposed to an elevated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Diffusional deposition from a fluid flowing radially between concentric, parallel, circular plates

Abstract We have made a theoretical study of the diffusional losses of particles from a fluid flowing radially inward between concentric, parallel, circular plates of radius, Ro. The relative number of particles remaining in the fluid at a distance, r, from the axis of the plates is N N 0 =0·9104 e −2·8278γ +0·0153 e −32·147γ +0·0153 e −93·475γ +0·0068 e 186·805γ +… where γ = 4πD (Ro2 − r2)/3Qh, D is the diffusion coefficient of the particles, Q is the volumetric flow rate, and 2h is the separation between the plates. The practical application of the system is discussed. The same equation applies to parallel flow through a duct of rectangular cross-section if γ = 4DBl/3Qh, where B and l are respectively the duct width and length. It is more accurate than equations now in use to describe this process.
R-curve behaviour of friction stir welds in aluminium-lithium alloy 2195

The fracture resistance of friction stir welds in 2195-T8 is described in this paper. R-curves were produced for several crack planes, parallel to the welding direction and situated at varying distances from the weld centreline. The friction stir weld was also characterized by hardness and tensile testing. Fracture resistance of the friction stir weld is compared to the base metal and to a variable polarity plasma arc weld. Results show that the material in and around the friction stir weld is tougher than the base metal and the variable polarity plasma arc weld. The friction stir weld fracture performance is discussed in the light of the observed hardness and fractographic data presented.
Laparoscopic Retroperitoneal Extirpative and Reconstructive Renal Surgery

Retroperitoneal laparoscopy for renal surgery is a viable and versatile alternative to transperitoneal access. Location of the kidneys in the retroperitoneum makes it an attractive approach. The development of both approaches paralleled during the last two decades; however, retroperitoneal laparoscopy witnessed a steep learning curve because of the constraint of working space, lack of obvious landmarks, and appropriate instrumentations. This approach has several advantages and is currently being used for extirpative and reconstructive procedures for various renal pathologic conditions. After creation of retroperitoneal space, the techniques can be tailored to the desired indication for successful culmination. The learning curve can be shortened by adequate training; subsequently, with experience, this can be used proficiently.
THE SPACE–TIME ATTRIBUTE OF MATTER

We propose that space–time is fundamentally a property of matter, inseparable from it. This leads us to suggest that all properties of matter must be elevated to the same status as that of space–time in quantum field theories of matter. We suggest a specific method for extending field theories to accommodate this, and point out how this leads to the evolution of fields through channels other than the space–time channel.
Withdrawal from Cocaine Self-Administration Alters NMDA Receptor-Mediated Ca2+ Entry in Nucleus Accumbens Dendritic Spines

We previously showed that the time-dependent intensification (“incubation”) of cue-induced cocaine seeking after withdrawal from extended-access cocaine self-administration is accompanied by accumulation of Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors (CP-AMPARs) in the rat nucleus accumbens (NAc). These results suggest an enduring change in Ca2+ signaling in NAc dendritic spines. The purpose of the present study was to determine if Ca2+ signaling via NMDA receptors (NMDARs) is also altered after incubation. Rats self-administered cocaine or saline for 10 days (6 h/day). After 45–47 days of withdrawal, NMDAR-mediated Ca2+ entry elicited by glutamate uncaging was monitored in individual NAc dendritic spines. NMDAR currents were simultaneously recorded using whole cell patch clamp recordings. We also measured NMDAR subunit levels in a postsynaptic density (PSD) fraction prepared from the NAc of identically treated rats. NMDAR currents did not differ between groups, but a smaller percentage of spines in the cocaine group responded to glutamate uncaging with NMDAR-mediated Ca2+ entry. No significant group differences in NMDAR subunit protein levels were found. The decrease in the proportion of spines showing NMDAR-mediated Ca2+ entry suggests that NAc neurons in the cocaine group contain more spines which lack NMDARs (non-responding spines). The fact that cocaine and saline groups did not differ in NMDAR currents or NMDAR subunit levels suggests that the number of NMDARs on responding spines is not significantly altered by cocaine exposure. These findings are discussed in light of increases in dendritic spine density in the NAc observed after withdrawal from repeated cocaine exposure.
Information retrieval by constrained spreading activation in semantic networks

Abstract GRANT is an expert system for finding sources of funding given research proposals. Its search method-constrained spreading activation—makes inferences about the goals of the user and thus finds information that the user did not explicitly request but that is likely to be useful. The architecture of GRANT and the implementation of constrained spreading activation are described, and grant's performance is evaluated.
Ends of the Universal: The League of Nations and Chinese Fascism on the Eve of World War II*

Fascist Italy's 1935 invasion of Ethiopia and the League of Nations’ handling of the crisis resonated strongly in Nationalist China, where it recalled the League's failure to thwart Japan's claims to Manchuria in 1931. As these two crises unfolded, the League became a nexus around which Nationalist Party debates about the position of colonized and semi-colonized countries within the extant world order crystallized. Party adherents reflected on China's and Ethiopia's positions as independent nation states with limited territorial integrity or juridical autonomy, and assessed this situation in light of their respective League memberships. While party liberals continued to view the League as a flawed but worthwhile experiment in global governance, newly-emerged fascist activists within the party denounced it as an instrument for curtailing the sovereignty of weak nations. From these conflicting views of the League, it can be discerned how Nationalist disunity was partially grounded in disagreements over the nature and ideal structure of the global order, and how Chinese fascists agitated to escape from modern structures of imperialist domination while reiterating the latter's racial and civilizational exclusions.
Beliefs about evidence-based practices in addiction treatment: A survey of Veterans Administration program leaders

The purpose of this study was to determine Veterans Administration addiction treatment program leaders' familiarity with evidence-based practices, understanding of and attitudes toward existing VA treatment guidelines, the extent to which specific practices should be implemented, and perceived barriers to implementation. Two hundred and twenty surveys were mailed to program leaders between November 1999 and May 2000. One hundred and seventy-four (79%) were completed, representing 135 out of 162 (83%) facilities. Program leaders saw guidelines as educational tools that improved quality of care and could be implemented into existing programs. However, they also perceived staff resistance to implementation. The most strongly cited barriers to implementation were lack of administrative support, insufficient staff time, and lack of skills or knowledge. Several treatments were seen as strongly evidentiary, but were not widely implemented, suggesting possible foci for future translation studies.
Compositional Analysis of Oil Samples Implicated in the Spanish Toxic Oil Syndrome

A selected group of 195 oils from the Spanish “Toxic Oil” Syndrome (TOS) epidemic including 29 high-probability “case” and 64 “control” oils were examined to investigate the relationship between oil composition and the risk of TOS. As indicated by fatty acid and sterol patterns, the presence of rapeseed oil was significantly more prevalent in the case than in the control oils, but fatty acid anilides were the most useful markers of case-related samples. Anilides were detected in 62% of case oils and at lower concentrations in 23% of the control samples. The ratios of individual anilides were quite constant in these oils and most consistent with their formation in the original (undiluted) rapeseed oil.
Dinitrogen Reduction by Tm(II), Dy(II), and Nd(II) with Simple Amide and Aryloxide Ligands

Dinitrogen can be reduced to the planar M2(μ-η2:η2-N2) structure without employing cyclopentadienyl or complicated polydentate ligands using the recently discovered divalent oxidation states of Tm(II), Dy(II), and Nd(II). Complexes of these ions with common monodentate amide and aryloxide ligands can effect N2 reduction. THF solutions of LnI2 (Ln = Tm, Dy) in the presence of 2 equiv of NaN(SiMe3)2 reduce dinitrogen to form {[(Me3Si)2N]2(THF)Ln}2(μ-η2:η2-N2) complexes that have planar Ln2N2 units and 1.264(7) and 1.305(6) A NN bonds consistent with (N2)2- moieties. With the stronger reductant Nd(II), aryloxides are sufficient ancillary ligands: the NdI2/2KOC6H3tBu2-2,6 (KOAr) system forms [(ArO)2(THF)2Nd]2(μ-η2:η2-N2), which has a 1.242(7) A NN bond.
Lasers, Clocks and Combs

Summary form only given. On the origin and success of optical precision frequency measurements. The symposium on frequency combs will be opened with scientific and personal reminiscences.
Experiments in Tactile and Visual Reading

The tactile sense is an important modality that can be used to present information to the blind. The experiments reported compared reading efficiencies of the tactile and visual senses. The tactile stimuli were administered with pneumatically operated poke probes or with a stenotype machine operated in reverse.
Ultrasonic attenuation in a quadrupolar solid

A general expression for the high-temperature ultrasonic attenuation in a quadrupolar solid is derived. The four-point correlation function occurring in this expression is then factored into products of two-point functions so that the attenuation is proportional to the convolution of two of the usual two-point angular momentum correlation functions. Using first-principles results for these functions, which were previously obtained for solid ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$, the field-dependent or resonant part of the ultrasonic attenuation is then calculated as a function of ortho-${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ concentration $c$. The result of this calculation indicates that the resonant attenuation for solid ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ has a magnitude such that it could be observable by current techniques. A new kind of ultrasonic magnetic resonance is thus predicted.
New challenges in the design of electromagnetic communication systems

Summary form only given. Space exploration is an exciting scientific endeavor, and it has recently engendered considerable recent interest because of the success of the Mars mission, among others. We have been intrigued by the prospect of communicating with life in other planets, or at least finding their existence, even if in the form of microbes not visible to the naked eye. Although we have not really had any success in locating such life to-date, many scientists believe the chances are good that we will at least find living organisms, if not ET and his friends, sometime in not too distant a future. Thus our search for life in other planets and distant galaxies continues unabated. The success in this endeavor will depend squarely on our ability to meet the challenges of designing the sensors, and antennas which relay the information gathered by the sensors back down to earth, where they can be processed by astro-biophysicists, for instance. Of course we need to communicate not only in, and from, outer space, but also down on earth. There is no denying of the fact that today's children are growing up in the world of video games, twitter, Facebook and this, in turn, is fueling the need for data transfer, e.g., videos, at a very high data rate. An intriguing idea--that is not as far-fetched as one might think--is to communicate to the PlayStation on the computer, not in the usual way by manipulating the controller with our hands, but by using brain waves instead. Given this background, the talk will take a quick look at what is happening in this challenging world of communication with machines but not in the old-fashioned way like your parents did. Finally, it is evident that the world of communication today is exploding in more new directions that we ever even imagined a few years ago, when we were only communicating the “usual" ways. This is because the scope of communication is growing rapidly, and new applications such as sensing and relaying of information in the context of healthcare and patient monitoring are coming into vogue. The talk will present some examples of new concepts in RF and Optical Communication, including those that might have a substantial impact on the exciting world of cyber communications of the future.
Pairing symmetry of Tl-2201 from measurements of temperature and magnetic field dependencies of the anisotropic penetration depth

Abstract We report a complete set of measurements of the anisotropic penetration depth of single crystals of Tl-2201 at varying doping levels (and corresponding critical temperatures). Using low field (below H c 1 ) dc magnetization data, we solve the London equation for the anisotropic specimen geometry and obtain both λ ab and λ c as a function of temperature and magnetic field. Values of the penetration depth were calculated by a self-consistent condition, and we have found that both temperature and field dependences are linear for samples with 20 K≦ T c ≦70 K. These dependencies give strong evidence for d-wave pairing with nodes in the superconducting gap, a not-surprising finding for this simplest of HTSC tetragonal cuprates. The data for optimally doped crystals with T c =90 K show, however, a quadratic temperature dependence. This latter feature is difficult to reconcile with known theories of s- or d-wave pairing, and this issue poses a central question yet to be answered.
Presence and characteristics of medical home and health services utilization among children with asthma.

Abstract Introduction Having a medical home is advocated by the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and others, yet there is limited research that documents desired health benefits. We examine the presence of medical home characteristics and describe relationships between medical home and health services utilization in a national sample that includes children with asthma. Method Medical home is represented by: (a) the presence of a usual source of care (USC), (b) identification of a named person as USC, and (c) a 10-item index of other medical home characteristics. Health services utilization over a calendar year is measured by (a) emergency department visits for asthma, (b) wellness examination, and (c) rescue bronchodilator fill/refill. Analyses include chi-square and logistic regression. Results A USC was reported for 95% of participants. Children with a USC were more likely to have a wellness examination (odds ratio, 2.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-3.81). Overall, 51% reported the USC to be a facility versus a named person. Identifying a person as the USC was related to higher scores on the 10-item medical home index but not to other outcomes. Discussion Most parents were satisfied with the USC. Benefits of having a USC, but not necessarily a named person, appear in preventive actions.
Lesions of the anterior forebrain song control pathway in female canaries affect song perception in an operant task

We tested whether the avian anterior forebrain pathway functions in song perception in female canaries, and whether it is specialized for conspecific song perception or functions more generally in auditory perception. Using operant conditioning methods, we trained female canaries to discriminate among synthetic sound stimuli, canary songs, and song sparrow songs. We also trained each bird to discriminate among visual stimuli to test for general effects of lesions on performance. When canaries had learned the discrimination tasks, bilateral electrolytic lesions of the lateral portion of the magnocellular nucleus of the anterior neostriatum (lMAN) were made. The lesioned birds were then tested on the previously learned discrimination tasks. Lesions that destroyed most or all of lMAN decreased the ability of female canaries to discriminate between previously learned pairs of acoustic stimuli of all types, while visual discrimination was unaffected. These results suggest that the female canary anterior forebrain pathway contributes to the perception of acoustic stimuli, with this contribution including heterospecific song and other acoustic stimuli as well as canary song.
Fabrication and Characterization of Flexible, Microfabricated Neural Electrode Arrays Made from Liquid Crystal Polymer and Polynorbornene

This paper reports the development of flexible, neural electrode arrays made from liquid crystal polymer (LCP) and a polynorbornene (PNB) known by its trade name AvatrelTM. Each array consists of a single flexible, polymeric structure composed of an 8 mm-wide pad supporting eight Pt contacts connected to an ASIC mounting pad by a 5 cm-long, 2 mm-wide shaft carrying eight, 50 μm-wide Pt interconnect lines. The Pt conductors sit atop a 50 μm-thick base layer and are isolated from the environment except at the contacts by a capping layer of the same material as the base. In both cases, the devices were fabricated using conventional microfabrication techniques adapted for the particular polymeric material. In the case of LCP, the base structure was fabricated on 50 μm-thick sheets that were laminated and etched into the final structure. In contrast to LCP, PNB is spin castable and photodefinable, which enabled conventional photolithographic patterning techniques to be employed in a straightforward manner. The PNB-based devices could readily be fabricated, however issues related to LCP etching necessitated the development of a multi-step etch process to form the vias that expose the contacts. Electrodes made from both polymers could support electrical loads typical of stimulation applications without failing. A simple cell culture test suggests that Avatrel™ may be biocompatible, at least for short term applications.
Southwestern Internal Medicine Conference: Management of Thyroid Nodules

This review describes the frequency of solitary thyroid nodules and their relationship to thyroid cancer. The importance of selecting patients appropriately for surgical excision is stressed. The factors predisposing to nodule formation and to a nodule being malignant are reviewed with emphasis that prior radiation exposure does not appear to increase the likelihood that a given nodule harbors a malignancy. In considering the laboratory evaluation of thyroid nodules, the limitations of isotope scans and ultrasonography are noted. Fine needle aspiration biopsy is described as revolutionizing the management of thyroid nodules and decreasing unnecessary operations. In the context of the natural history of differentiated thyroid cancer, the application of a decision analysis model to management options is described in some detail, and a cost-effective management regimen is recommended with fine needle aspiration biopsy as the initial procedure.
Sequence Distribution in Copolymers

The physical properties of copolymers are determined by their compostions and by the distribution of monomeric sequences in their chains. In some cases, sequence distributions can be determined from or correlated with physical properties observed for copolymers. Such determinations or correlations are relatively simple when calculations are based on run numbers.
Disclosure versus recognition: the case of expensing stock options

The SFAS 123R comment process generated over 6,500 comment letters, most of which were against the standard’s enactment. This outpouring of emotion indicates that many believe that disclosure versus recognition matters. Our paper provides evidence for the debate whether managers’ discretion, motivation, and accuracy of stock option estimates differ under the recognition and disclosure reporting regimes. We compare firms that are mandatorily forced to recognize stock options expense with those voluntarily choosing to do so. First we find that mandatory firms (versus voluntary) with more intensive stock option granting tend to understate option estimates, especially in the post SFAS123R period. Our results suggest that a higher recognition cost motivates firms for doing so. Second, we find that mandatory firms with lower future operating risk have better accuracy in the post SFAS123R period, as compared to themselves in the pre SFAS123R period and voluntary firms in the post SFAS123 period. Our results support the notion that the informativeness of option estimates explains the level of accuracy. The findings of this paper add to the debate on the benefits of recognizing stock option expenses.
Safety profile of decellularized, cryopreserved pulmonary allografts when used in the aortic position for neonatal arch reconstruction

Cryopreserved pulmonary allograft is frequently used to reconstruct the hypoplastic aortic arch. A decellularized graft preparation is available as an alternative reconstructive material. This case series profiles our experience using this material for neonatal aortic arch reconstruction. Data from 14 patients who received decellularized pulmonary allograft (DCPA) from 2001 to 2003 included the following: diagnosis; age at implantation; perioperative complications (graft bleeding or dehiscence); intermediate-term results, including infection, recurrent arch gradient (>10 mmHg), graft calcification, or aneurysm; need for graft removal; and cause of death. Eleven (79%) patients survived their initial procedure. Median follow-up was 26 (range: 1–110) months. No early graft dehiscence was reported. No child developed aortic arch obstruction or graft calcification. Twelve patients (86%) underwent postoperative cardiac catheterizations with no measurable arch gradient. No intermediate-term aneurysm, dehiscence, or graft removal occurred. Three early deaths were due to arrhythmia, non-shunt-related hypoxia, and renal failure, and one, intermediate-term death was respiratory syncytial virus related. This series found that DCPA reconstructed arches have a low adverse event profile. No complications occurred. Because this graft material, which may be less immunogenic, has important implications for this subgroup, who are at increased future transplant risk, larger trials evaluating longer-term safety and immunogenicity are warranted.
A novel role for lbx1 in Xenopus hypaxial myogenesis.

We have examined lbx1 expression in early X. laevis tadpoles. In contrast to amniotes, lbx1 is expressed in all of the myoblasts that contribute to the body wall musculature, as well as in a group of cells that migrate into the head. Despite this different expression, the function of lbx1 appears to be conserved. Morpholino (MO) knockdown of lbx1 causes a specific reduction of body wall muscles and hypoglossal muscles originating from the somites. Although myoblast migratory defects are observed in antisense MO injected tadpoles targeting lbx1 , this results at least in part from a lack of myoblast proliferation in the hypaxial muscle domain. Conversely, overexpression of lbx1 mRNA results in enlarged somites, an increase in cell proliferation, but a lack of differentiated muscle. The control of cell proliferation is linked to a strong downregulation of myoD expression in gain-of-function experiments. Co-injection of myoD mRNA with lbx1 mRNA eliminates the overproliferation phenotype observed when lbx1 is injected alone. The results indicate that a primary function of lbx1 in hypaxial muscle development is to repress myoD , allowing myoblasts to proliferate before the eventual onset of terminal differentiation.
Explosive sensing using multiple-excitation-wavelength resonance-Raman scattering

We have developed a new technique that uses Raman spectra obtained from multiple DUV excitation wavelengths for explosive detection. The strong dependence on excitation wavelength of the Raman signal provides a unique signature, improving specificity.
Application of tool science techniques to improve tool efficiency for a dry etch cluster tool

Semiconductor manufacturing is a capital-intensive industry. How to utilize billions of dollars of equipment as efficiently as possible is a critical factor for a semiconductor manufacturer to succeed in stiff competition. Unlike operations management techniques, like planning and scheduling, which are proven to improve tool performance by controlling WIP (work--in-process) movement, tool science techniques focus on tool architecture, components and operations inside the tool. In this paper, we first studied process time behavior of a cluster tool and fixed inefficient process sequence. A Petri Net model was then created to determine the internal bottleneck component of the tool. Results indicated that tool science techniques helped improve tool efficiency and resulted in significant cost savings.
Fibrosis reduces severity of acute-on-chronic pancreatitis in humans.

Background & Aims Acute pancreatitis (AP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) share etiologies, but AP can be more severe and is associated with a higher rate of mortality. We investigated features of CP that protect against severe disease. The amount of intrapancreatic fat (IPF) is increased in obese patients and fibrosis is increased in patients with CP, so we studied whether fibrosis or fat regulate severity of AP attacks in patients with CP. Methods We reviewed records from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center/Presbyterian Hospital Autopsy Database (1998–2008) for patients with a diagnosis of AP (n = 23), CP (n = 35), or both (AP-on-CP; n = 15). Pancreatic histology samples from these patients and 50 randomly selected controls (no pancreatic disease) were analyzed, and IPF data were correlated with computed tomography data. An adipocyte and acinar cell Transwell coculture system, with or without collagen type I, was used to study the effects of fibrosis on acinar-adipocyte interactions. We studied the effects of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) and adipokines on acinar cells in culture. Results Levels of IPF were significantly higher in nonobese patients with CP than in nonobese controls. In patients with CP or AP-on-CP, areas of IPF were surrounded by significantly more fibrosis than in controls or patients with AP. Fat necrosis–associated peri-fat acinar necrosis (PFAN, indicated by NEFA spillage) contributed to most of the necrosis observed in samples from patients with AP; however, findings of peri-fat acinar necrosis and total necrosis were significantly lower in samples from patients with CP or AP-on-CP. Fibrosis appeared to wall off the fat necrosis and limit peri-fat acinar necrosis, reducing acinar necrosis. In vitro, collagen I limited the lipolytic flux between acinar cells and adipocytes and prevented increases in adipokines in the acinar compartment. This was associated with reduced acinar cell necrosis. However, NEFAs, but not adipokines, caused acinar cell necrosis. Conclusions Based on analysis of pancreatic samples from patients with CP, AP, or AP-on-CP and in vitro studies, fibrosis reduces the severity of acute exacerbations of CP by reducing lipolytic flux between adipocytes and acinar cells.
Structure of Full-Length cDNA Coding for Sulfatide Activator, a Co-β-Glucosidase and Two Other Homologous Proteins: Two Alternate Forms of the Sulfatide Activator

Full-length cDNA clones have been isolated for an mRNA which codes for four different but homologous proteins--a sulfatide activator protein, a co-beta-clucosidase, and two other proteins of similar structures. The primary structure as deduced from the nucleotide sequence is highly homologous to the precursor of the rat Sertoli cell sulfated glycoprotein 1. The full-length clone was 2,734-bp long, starting from 8 bases above the initiator ATG and terminating with a poly A tail. The nucleotide sequence confirmed an earlier prediction based on the amino acid sequence that a previously published sequence contained errors. On the other hand, the amino acid sequence now closely agrees with the recent revised sequence published by the same group except for several amino acids near the N-terminus. Two alternate forms of the sulfatide activator were detected, differing from each other by the presence or absence of 3-amino acid insertion.
Distributed Control of the Center of Mass of a Modular Robot

We present a distributed controller for the center of mass of a modular robot. This is useful for locomotion of a modular robot over uneven and unknown terrain. By controlling the center of mass, a robot can prevent itself from falling over. We present a distributed and decentralized algorithm that computes the mass properties of the robot. Additionally, each module also computes the mass properties of the modules that are directly or indirectly connected to each of its connectors. With this information, each module can independently steer the center of mass towards a desired position by adjusting its joint positions. We present simulation results that show the feasibility of the approach.
A comparison of multi-switch bang-bang and Time-Optimal Zero-Vibration commands for rest-to-rest moves of a floating oscillator

This paper compares two methods for creating multi-switch bang-bang commands to produce rest-to-rest command inputs for a floating oscillator system. The proposed multi-switch, bang-bang commands (MSBB) have constant switching intervals and satisfy zero-vibration (at the end of the maneuver), maximum acceleration, and move distance constraints. The MSBB commands are compared to the Time-Optimal, Zero-Vibration (TO-ZV) commands that produce a vibration-free move for a floating oscillator system. Simulation results show that the proposed MSBB commands are a valid alternative to the TO-ZV command due to the simplicity of the MSBB design procedure, the comparable move times and robustness, and the avoidance of very short switching intervals.
No justice, no teachers: Theorizing less-unjust teacher firings in Los Angeles Unified

This article combines original interviews, secondary policy analysis, and non-ideal theory to determine the ‘least unjust’ approach to budget-driven ‘Reduction in Force’ teacher firings in Los Angeles. Building from the a priori claim that schools should serve children’s interests, this article addresses the following questions: To whom is justice owed in this case? What does justice demand for each set of claimants? How should conflicts be resolved? The authors conclude that the least unjust way to fire teachers in response to budgetary constraints is to use a holistic assessment combining student evaluations, administrative evaluations, value-added measures, and seniority, modified by school stability considerations. Unexpectedly, justice toward students and justice toward teachers turn out to be substantially coextensive when determining budget-driven teacher layoffs. Teachers and students are mutual allies, not antagonistic claimants. Furthermore, to the extent that teachers’ and students’ justice cla...
Incomplete and Unreported: Failure to Report Results of Incomplete Studies Results in Publication Bias

Background: Clinical research that is incomplete and unreported can lead to bias in health care decisions. Selective reporting of outcomes in clinical research overestimates the benefits and safety of treatments and threatens the integrity of systematic reviews of health care interventions. The Common Rule does not require that results be made available from clinical studies to research subjects and the scientific community. Methods: We analyzed all closed studies (i.e., no longer recruiting) registered in the online database ClinicalTrials.gov as of May 2010 to identify the number, length, and characteristics of complete and incomplete (terminated, suspended, or withdrawn) studies. Random samples of terminated studies, which were defined as studies in which the recruitment or enrollment of participants has been halted prematurely and will not resume, were analyzed to identify the reasons for termination and availability of the results in ClinicalTrials.gov or in published articles. Results: We identified...
Intentional Action in Folk Psychology: An Experimental Investigation

Four experiments examined people's folk-psychological concept of intentional action. The chief question was whether or not evaluative considerations--considerations of good and bad, right and wrong, praise and blame--played any role in that concept. The results indicated that the moral qualities of a behavior strongly influence people's judgments as to whether or not that behavior should be considered "intentional." After eliminating a number of alternative explanations, the author concludes that this effect is best explained by the hypothesis that evaluative considerations do play some role in people's concept of intentional action.