cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relationship of neonatal body composition to maternal glucose control in women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Objective: To determine whether neonatal fat mass, which may be a better estimate of fetal overgrowth, is correlated with maternal fasting, preprandial and/or postprandial glucose values in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Study Design: Women with GDM and no other medical or obstetric problems, and their infants, were the subjects of this study. Portable reflectance meters were used by all participants for self-monitoring of blood glucose levels. Average fasting, preprandial, 2-h postprandial and bedtime glucose values were determined for each subject. Neonatal body composition was obtained by total body electric conductivity and/or anthropometric measurements within 48 h after delivery. Results: Eighteen women with their infants participated in this study. The age (mean ± SD) of the mothers was 28.0 ± 5.7 years. Nine were treated with diet and nine with diet and insulin. An average of 40 fasting (84 ± 13 mg/dl), 50 preprandial (87 ± 14 mg/dl), 80 2-h postprandial (106 ± 19 mg/dl) and 17 be...
Loyalists and Revolutionaries: Political Elites in Comparative Perspective

This paper identifies a series of similarities and differences involving two matched lists of loyalist and revolutionary leaders, building towards two complementary sets of results. The delineation of the similarities highlights a single leadership group that transcends the loyalist-revolutionary distinction and focuses on leadership characteristics in general. The elaboration of the differences yields a small cluster of key variables that effectively separates two leadership types and makes possible probabilistic statements about leaders who are likely to turn to loyalist or revolutionary politics. The paper draws on its main findings to outline an "interactional" theory of political leadership. Over the last decade the research efforts of the present writers have focused upon cross-temporal and cross-national comparisons of a relatively large number of political leaders (see Rejai and Phillips, 1979, 1983, and forthcoming'). Our current work centers on a comparative analysis of two distinct elite populations: (1) a group of loyalist leaders who sought to operate within their respective sociopolitical systems; and (2) a group of revolutionary leaders who sought to overthrow those systems. Do the two groups differ in social-background attributes, politicization patterns, situational encounters, and psychological dynamics-and if so, in what ways? Are there social, psychological, or situational patterns that cut across the two groups-and if so, what are they? First, a note on cases, data, and method.
Algorithm 853: An efficient algorithm for solving rank-deficient least squares problems

Existing routines, such as xGELSY or xGELSD in LAPACK, for solving rank-deficient least squares problems require O(mn2) operations to solve min Vb − AxV where A is an m by n matrix. We present a modification of the LAPACK routine xGELSY that requires O(mnk) operations where k is the effective numerical rank of the matrix A. For low rank matrices the modification is an order of magnitude faster than the LAPACK code.
Epidemiological Characteristics of Noncompliant Patients with Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia in Underserved Areas

Objective. Our aim was to determine the epidemiological variables of underserved patients in whom cervical dysplasia was diagnosed on screening Papanicolaou smear and who were noncompliant with recommended follow-up. Methods. We undertook a retrospective evaluation of patients who had Papanicolaou smear evidence of cervical dysplasia and attended a multisite community-based clinic serving indigent women in west Los Angeles County. Results. During the study period, 170 patients with cytological evidence of dysplasia were identified. Of those, 43 (25.3%) were noncompliant with recommended follow-up. A comparison of noncompliant and compliant patients revealed no significant differences in age, parity, presence of a phone in domicile, distance from the clinic, homelessness, education, and drug or tobacco use. A significant difference was noted in regard to the proportion of individuals who listed English as their preferred language (46.5% in the noncompliant group versus 28.3% in the compliant segment; p = .04). Trends toward significance were noted in proportion of non-Hispanic patients (32.5% versus 19%; p = .09), married patients (34.9% versus 48.8%; p = .16), and unemployment rate (27.9% versus 15.0%; p = .07). Conclusion. In this population, the use of English as the preferred language had an inverted effect on compliance from that anticipated and previously reported.
Filtering and aliasing of muscle activity in EEG frequency analysis

Muscle artifact contains activity at frequencies more than half the usual data acquisition rates for spectral EEG that may contribute power at conventional EEG frequencies by aliasing. In spectral analysis work, excessive EMG activity is usually rejected by visual inspection, but significant amounts may still remain and special steep low-pass filters are usually used to inhibit aliasing. A 24 dB/octave variable filter was used in various combinations with conventional EEG amplifier filters to study aliasing of EMG activity. Aliased EMG activity entered as noise across all frequencies. With the usual amount of EMG activity that is present in EEG undergoing frequency analysis, a 6 dB/octave 35 Hz low-pass filter is equivalent to the 24 dB/octave 35 Hz low-pass filter in preventing aliasing using a sampling rate at least 128 Hz.
Trait and State Anxiety in People Who Stutter and People Who Do Not Stutter

Abstract Previous research suggests that people who stutter (PWS) tend to have heightened general anxiety (i.e., trait anxiety) and situational anxiety (i.e., state anxiety) compared to people who do not stutter (PWDS). Most research with anxiety and stuttering utilizes self-perception scales; however, few studies have looked at anxiety over time. The current study examined self-reported state and trait anxiety in PWS and PWDS over six weeks, along with an investigation of the effects of audio-recording on anxiety. Results indicated no significant group differences in trait (general) anxiety over six weeks; however trends indicated that PWS may have increased trait anxiety compared to PWDS. Furthermore, for both groups, state (situational) anxiety was lower after a recording session compared to before.
Symmetric linear collision operators in kinetic theory

We consider a class of equilibrium time correlation functions, in fluids, between local physical quantities. We investigate whether the symmetry these correlation functions display with respect to these quantities on theN-particle level also exists on the one-particle (kinetic) level. In this context we derive a new symmetric kinetic operator for a dense, hard sphere fluid.
The reactivity to angiotensin of rabbit aorta strips after either alterations of external sodium environment or direct addition of benzydroflumethiazide.

Abstract Studies employing spiral strips of rabbit aorta bathed in Krebs' bicarbonate media resulted in the following observations: (1) The responsiveness of single strips of rabbit aorta to repeated similar doses of angiotensin was reproducible. (2) An acute reduction of the external sodium ion concentration with a probable decrease in the NaONaI gradient enhanced the response of the strips of aorta to angiotensin. (3) An acute increase in the external sodium ion concentration with a probable increase in the NaONaI gradient lessened the response of the strips of aorta to angiotensin. (4) A benzothiadiazine derivative exerted no local specific inhibitory effect on the response of the strips of aorta to angiotensin. These results have been discussed with respect to the mechanism of action of diuretic agents in the therapy of hypertension.
Computation fluid dynamics analysis of the Reactor Cavity Cooling System for Very High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors

Abstract The design of passive heat removal systems is one of the main characteristics of the modular Very High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors (VHTR) vessel cavity. The Reactor Cavity Cooling System (RCCS) is a key heat removal system during normal and off normal conditions. The design and validation of the RCCS is necessary to demonstrate that VHTRs can survive the postulated accidents. The commercial Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) STAR-CCM+/V5.02.009 code was used for three-dimensional system modeling and analysis of the RCCS. Different RCCS geometries and configurations were investigated to analyze heat exchange in the VHTR cavity. Sensitivity analyses over the RCCS cavity height and cooling panel location with respect to the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) wall were performed. The objective of the present work was to use CFD tools for addressing the behavior of the RCCS following accident conditions. Heat removal from the RPV through the RCCS system during normal and off normal conditions is accomplished through radiation, convection and conduction heat transfer modes. The interaction of all three heat exchange mechanisms makes it very challenging to have an accurate description of the RCCS heat transfer dynamics during normal and transient conditions. A systematic analysis of the cavity layout was performed to address the influence of different geometrical parameters on the balance of heat transfer across the RCCS cavity. Mesh convergence was achieved with an intensive parametric study of the different geometrical configurations and boundary conditions selected. Based on the results of previous studies, the Realizable k–e turbulence model with Two-Layer all y + wall treatment was used for the analyses discussed in the present work. The numerical results demonstrated that the CFD analyses can resemble the behavior of the full RCCS system from an integral effect point of view, with the main physical phenomena accurately reproduced by the CFD model.
Coping and Psychosocial Adjustment in Mothers of Young Children With Type 1 Diabetes

This study examined symptoms of anxiety and depression in mothers of young children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in relation to mothers' fears of hypoglycemia, perceptions of coping, and children's metabolic control. Sixty-seven mothers of children less than 8 years of age diagnosed with T1D completed self-report measures, and children's metabolic control was measured with glycosolated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Twenty-one percent of mothers reported clinically significant levels of symptoms of anxiety, and twenty-four percent reported clinically significant levels of depression. Lower income level and finding it more upsetting to cope with diabetes-related stress accounted for higher symptoms of anxiety and depression in mothers. Mothers' symptoms were not related to children's metabolic control. Recommendations are made for screening mothers and providing supportive interventions to alleviate their distress.
The equity context

Abstract Two exploratory studies, using a role-playing format, demonstrated that preferences for forms of equity are sensitive to context effects. Context effects attributable to variations in residual stimuli appear to influence the importance of comparisons with the co-worker and to make salient either the input or outcome portion of one's own equity ratio. Context effects attributable to changes in background stimuli seem to have less effect on equity preferences. A set of five context-sensitive propositions summarized into two decision rules are shown to predict both absolute and relative equity preferences for American and Dutch respondents. The linkage between the Dutch context and Dutch equity preferences suggests that portions of equity theory may be culture-specific but, more importantly, that potential situations of equity can be perceived in a much more varied manner than we might have anticipated based solely on studies with American subjects.
On the design of more secure software-intensive systems by use of attack patterns

Retrofitting security implementations to a released software-intensive system or to a system under development may require significant architectural or coding changes. These late changes can be difficult and more costly than if performed early in the software process. We have created regular expression-based attack patterns that show the sequential events that occur during an attack. By performing a Security Analysis for Existing Threats (SAFE-T), software engineers can match the symbols of a regular expression to their system design. An architectural analysis that identifies security vulnerabilities early in the software process can prepare software engineers for which security implementations are necessary when coding starts. A case study involving students in an upper-level undergraduate security course suggests that SAFE-T can be performed by relatively inexperienced engineers who are not experts in security. Data from the case study also suggest that the attack patterns do not restrict themselves to vulnerabilities in specific environments.
Myeloid disorders with deletion of 5q as the sole karyotypic abnormality: the clinical and pathologic spectrum.

The 5q-syndrome has been recognized as a distinct subtype of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with characteristic clinical and pathologic features. Nevertheless, the definition of this syndrome is imprecise. To better understand how the 5q-syndrome is related to other "5q- only" myeloid disorders, we searched our conventional cytogenetics file for cases with 5q- as the sole karyotypic abnormality. 31 cases of "5q- only" myeloid disorders were found, and they were refractory anemia (n = 16), refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB) (n = 5), RAEB in transformation (n = 1), chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (n = 1) and acute myeloid leukemia (n = 8). They included 15 men and 16 women, with a median age of 67 years (range, 40-84 years). The marrow blast count was or = 25% in the remaining nine cases. The following morphologic features were common in the marrow: megakaryocytic hypolobation (30/31, 97%), erythroid hypoplasia (26/31, 84%), basophilia (19/31, 62%) and eosinophilia (16/31, 52%). Of those with < or = 11% blasts, 7/22 cases met the criteria of the 5q-syndrome, as defined by high mean corpuscle volume (MCV), normal/high platelet counts, and megakaryocytic hypolobation. Except for the two defining parameters for the 5q-syndrome (MCV and platelet count), there was no significant difference in hematologic parameters between the 5q-syndrome and other cases with < or = 11% blasts. Furthermore, no significant difference in the chromosomal breakpoints or survival was found between these two groups. We conclude that "5q- only" MDS show consistent morphologic features, suggesting a common pathogenesis related to their similar cytogenetic abnormality. In "5q- only" MDS with < or = 11% marrow blasts, strict application of the conventional criteria of the 5q-syndrome may not be necessary in predicting the overall prognosis.
Running-Related Toenail Abnormality

A 33-year-old man presented with a keratotic plaque on his distal second toe. The plaque had been present for several months, and he also reported nail discoloration. The patient had no other related complaints. There was no family history of a similar eruption.
Stimulation of Derepressed Enzyme Synthesis in Bacteria by Growth on Sublethal Concentrations of Chloramphenicol

Culturing of Salmonella typhimurium or Escherichia coli cells in the presence of low concentrations (</=1 mug/ml) of chloramphenicol (CAP) permitted exponential growth, but at doubling times up to twice those of controls. When such cultures were subsequently starved for uracil or arginine, derepression of aspartate transcarbamylase (ATCase) or ornithine transcarbamylase, respectively, was enhanced three- to 10-fold as compared to cultures not exposed to CAP. Enhancement of beta-galactosidase synthesis by prior exposure to CAP was also observed in uracil-starved E. coli cultures. Stimulation of enzyme synthesis appeared to be a specific effect of CAP; low levels of erythromycin, puromycin, sparsomycin, tetracycline, and rifampin did not show such effects. Derepression of ATCase synthesis in exponentially growing cells in the presence of CAP did not result in stimulation of enzyme synthesis by CAP. A prior history of growth of a culture in the presence of CAP was shown to be necessary for enhancement of enzyme synthesis by CAP; furthermore, continued presence of CAP in the medium during starvation was not necessary for enhanced enzyme synthesis and inhibited it in some instances. Enhanced enzyme synthesis in starving, CAP-treated cultures could be blocked by rifampin, which suggested that CAP treatment allows prolonged or more extensive messenger ribonucleic acid synthesis.
Heat capacity and thermodynamic properties of anisotropic crystals: PbI2, ZnCl2, and AsI3at temperatures from 5 K to 350 K

Abstract Heat capacities of PbI 2 , ZnCl 2 , and AsI 3 have been determined by adiabatic shield calorimetry from T =5 K to T =350 K. No anomalous regions were found in the heat capacity of PbI 2 and ZnCl 2 . Two anomalous regions were found in the heat capacity of AsI 3 : one small sharp peak at T =161 K, and the other, a broad region from about T =225 K to T =290 K. The thermodynamic properties have been evaluated and the values of molar heat capacity, entropy, and enthalpy at T =298.15 K were found to be: C p , m °/ R Δ S m °/ R Δ H m °/( R K)@h8 PbI 2 9.3221.052347.4 ZnCl 2 8.5813.411810.3 AsI 3 12.7425.653005.9
Anisotropic neutron transport without legendre expansions

A technique to obtain the energy group-to-group transfer cross sections for neutron elastic scattering is presented. This method, which avoids the traditional Legendre polynomial expansions, can be used directly in a discrete ordinates formulation of the transport equation to give accurate numerical results for those situations in which the group-to-group transfer is highly anisotropic. 1 table, 2 figures. (auth)
Fever in critically ill patients

Abstract Fever and other types of temperature elevation in critically ill pediatric patients are reviewed. In caring for the critically ill child with an elevated body temperature, distinguishing between fever and heat illness is important. The former is a controlled response to inflammation coordinated through the preoptic region of the anterior hypothalamus, whereas the latter is an uncontrolled elevation of body temperature independent of hypothalamic regulation. Fever responds to antipyretic drugs such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen; heat illness does not respond to these agents and requires external cooling. Recognizing that not all cases of elevated temperature represent fever is important. An elevated body temperature caused by loss of neurological control of temperature or by drugs such as furosimide is not uncommon in the critically ill patient. Accurate measurement of body temperature is needed. Occasionally, in the poorly perfused patient, even rectal temperature may not actively reflect core temperature. Treating fever in the critically ill patient so as to minimize stress on the cardiopulmonary system is important. Data suggest that fever may potentiate brain injury, and patients with acute brain injury should be kept euthermic. Copyright © 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company
Effect of acute changes in serum digoxin concentration on renal digoxin clearance

The effect of acute alterations of serum digoxin concentration (S DIG) on the renal clearance of digoxin (C DIG) was studied in six normal subjects undergoing water diuresis. Digoxin in a 5% dextrose and water solution was infused at a rate of 0.01 microgram/kg/min (low dose). One hour after the infusion began, three 20-min urine samples for clearance determination were taken. The digoxin infusion rate was then increased to 0.05 microgram/kg/min (high dose) and three additional urine samples were taken an hour later. With low doses of digoxin, the S DIG was (means +/- SD) 0.63 +/- 0.08 ng/ml, C DIG was 252.3 +/- 65.1 ml/min, inulin clearance (C IN) was 96.8 +/- 15.7 ml/min, the ratio C DIG/C IN was 2.59 +/- 0.38, and renal blood flow (C PAH) was 516 +/- 90 ml/min. With the high-dose infusion, S DIG rose to 3.23 +/- 0.44 ng/ml; C IN, C DIG, C DIG/C IN, and C PAH remained stable. C DIG correlated strongly with both C IN and C PAH. We conclude that in normal subjects undergoing water diuresis, C DIG/C IN is not altered by acutely increasing S DIG, digoxin is extensively secreted by the nephron, and C DIG is linearly related to renal plasma flow.
Selective Administration of Prophylactic Octreotide During Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Clinical and Cost-Benefit Analysis in Low- and High-Risk Glands

Background The efficacy of prophylactic octreotide after pancreaticoduodenectomy has been rigorously scrutinized, yet few studies have specifically illustrated its impact in patients at high risk for pancreatic fistula. Applying a previously validated clinical classification scheme (International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula) for postoperative pancreatic fistula severity, we examined whether prophylactic octreotide could effectuate a clinical or fiscal benefit, or both, after pancreatic resection. Study Design There were 227 consecutive patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy from October 2001 to January 2007. At the surgeon's discretion, prophylactic octreotide was administered intraoperatively and continued postoperatively. Clinically relevant fistulas, requiring therapeutic interventions or resulting in severe clinical sequelae, were identified, as were other complications. Through multivariate analysis, risk factors for fistula were defined as soft gland texture; small duct size; ampullary, duodenal, cystic, or islet cell pathology; and increased blood loss. Beyond a traditional review of clinical outcomes, a novel economic cost-benefit analysis of octreotide prophylaxis was performed, with concentration of impact on high-risk glands (one or more risk factors). Results Overall, 55% of patients had at least one risk factor. Clinically relevant fistulas were present in 14.9% of all patients. High-risk glands resulted in significantly worse clinical and economic outcomes compared with low-risk glands (no risk factors present). Prophylactic octreotide in low-risk glands was neither clinically effective nor cost efficient after pancreaticoduodenectomy, contributing to $781 in overspending per patient—approximately equivalent to a 7-day postoperative course of octreotide. But in patients with high-risk glands, octreotide prophylaxis was associated with a decreased incidence (20% versus 35%) and morbidity of clinically relevant fistulas. These improved clinical outcomes were associated with reduced resource use, translating to considerable cost savings ($11,849) per high-risk patient. Conclusions Octreotide prophylaxis is an effective approach to mitigate the negative impact of pancreatic fistulas, but to obtain maximal clinical value and cost benefit, octreotide should be administered exclusively to patients with high-risk glands.
Inundicola Bravo, Isler, and Brumfield 2013 is a junior synonym of Akletos Dunajewski 1948 (Aves: Passeriformes: Thamnophilidae)

In examining the history of generic names given to species in the polytypic genus Myrmeciza (Isler et al. 2013), we did not uncover the genus Akletos. This name had been applied by Dunajewski (1948) to a new species, Akletos peruvianus, represented by a single specimen collected by Fiedler on 16 March 1934 at what is now Cumaria, Ucayali, Peru, and deposited in the Museum and Institute of Zoology of the Polish Academy of Sciences (MIZ 34107). The species was said to be similar to Attila Lesson, which at the time was placed in the family Cotingidae. The holotype was later identified as Myrmeciza melanoceps by Stresemann (Mayr 1956) as reported by Mlikovský (2009) who also confirmed the identification. To provide further confirmation and documentation, Dominika Mierzwa of the Museum and Institute of Zoology of the Polish Academy of Sciences provided digital photographs of the type, clearly a female, an example of which is included herein. Thus, the generic name Inundicola Bravo, Isler, and Brumfield 2013 is a junior synonym of Akletos Dunajewski 1948. The generic descriptions provided in Isler et al. 2013 are amended as follows.
Robust TSV via-middle and via-reveal process integration accomplished through characterization and management of sources of variation

An overview is given of developments in unit-process and process-integration technology enabling the realization of through-silicon vias (TSVs) for 3D chip stacking. TSVs are expected to increase interconnect bandwidth, reduce wire delay due to shorter vertical signal path, and improve power efficiency [1–3]. The fabrication sequences for forming TSVs in the middle of the line (via-middle approach) and for revealing them from the backside in the far back end of the line are described with detailed attention to major unit processes of etch, dielectric deposition, barrier and seed deposition, electrochemical deposition, and chemical-mechanical planarization. Unit-process advances are described in relation to the structural and functional requirements of the TSVs, and examples are given of co-optimization among the interdependent steps of the integrated sequence. Emphasis is given to copper vias of diameter 4 to 10μm with aspect ratio between 8 and 12. For both the viaformation and via-reveal sequence, it is shown how integration problems were overcome by a comprehensive approach.
Cost issues surrounding the use of computerized telemedicine for obstetric ultrasonography.

Objective The purpose of this study was to describe the cost implications of converting an established videotape review network for obstetric ultrasonography to one based on telemedicine technology. Design Retrospective review of fixed and non-fixed costs associated with interpreting obstetric ultrasound examinations using both videotape and telemedicine transmission. Subjects A network of three community offices transmitting 600 obstetric ultrasound examinations per month to a central tertiary level facility. Methods Sonographers at the community offices record ultrasound examinations onto videotape, which are then sent by courier to a central facility for interpretation. At the completion of this videotaped examination, sonographers repeat the ultrasound scan while transmitting real-time images over a telemedicine link to the central facility. Costs associated with the videotape review technique that can be avoided by converting to telemedicine interpretation were derived and compared with the fixed and non-fixed costs associated with establishing the telemedicine network. Results For this network, the fixed costs for establishing telemedicine are $101 750. Monthly non-fixed cost savings by eliminating videotape review include $1620 to $2700 for printing still images, $1200 for courier charges and $7000 for fewer repeat ultrasound examinations. Monthly non-fixed costs for the telemedicine network are $2415. Net monthly savings in non-fixed costs for a telemedicine network are therefore $7405 to $8585, which may pay for the initial fixed costs in 12 to 14 months. Conclusions The high cost of a telemedicine network may be offset by possible savings in non-fixed costs compared with alternative systems for interpreting obstetric ultrasonography. Copyright © 1998 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dispersion-managed breathing-mode semiconductor mode-locked ring laser: experimental and numerical study

A novel dispersion-managed breathing-mode mode-locked semiconductor ring laser is studied. The working regime and pulse evolution at the key cavity points are experimentally characterized and numerically simulated. Linearly chirped, asymmetric exponential pulses are generated, suitable for external amplification and compression. The pulses are externally compressed to duration as short as 274 fs, which is within 10% of the bandwidth limit. The close agreement between the simulated and the measured results verifies our ability to control the physical mechanisms involved in pulse formation and shaping within the ring cavity.© (2004) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Analysis of the Near Field in a Plasma-Actuator-Controlled Supersonic Jet

Simulations are employed to examine the near field of aMach 1.3 jet subjected to eight plasma actuators mounted on the periphery of the nozzle exit. The simulations are validated by comparing several quantities with experiments, including mean and fluctuating streamwise velocities, as well as visualizations of coherent features. The generation, evolution, and breakdown of coherent structures with first (m 1), second (m 2), and third (m 3) azimuthal mode excitation are described and set in the context of previous simulations with axisymmetric and mixed modes at themost amplified jet columnmode (Strouhal number 0.3). Hair-pin-like vortices, observed in instantaneous, as well as phase-averaged data, are noted as key building blocks in the evolution process. The tips/heads arise in the outer region of the jet shear layer and legs extend forward, slightly inclined in the direction of the jet axis where the velocity is higher. The interaction of these structures through self and mutual induction with those generated by adjacent actuators, or later by the same actuator, yields a rich variety of features depending on excitationmode. In the second part of the paper, the effect of Strouhal number on the near field is explored with m 0 and m 1 excitation. The results show that, at higher frequencies, large structure formation is inhibited and peak sound pressure level amplitudes diminish in a manner consistent with experimental results.
Gender Gaps in Human Capital in Developing Countries: An Empirical Assessment

This paper examines the impact of various determinants on gender gaps in human capital in developing countries. We find that female primary completion is dependent on per capita GDP growth, female employment in agriculture, in industry, and in services, and the interactions between per capita GDP growth and female employment in industry and in services. We are also able to show that the ratio of girls to boys’ enrollments in primary and secondary schools is a function of the poverty rate, the fraction of the population with access to an improved water source, and maternal mortality. In addition, we observe that girls’ mortality is dependent upon the fraction of the population having access to improved sanitation and water services, and ethnic fractionalization. Finally, we find that maternal mortality is a function of the fraction of the population with access to improved water services, the fraction of births attended by skilled staff, the fraction of women receiving prenatal care, and ethnic fractionalization. These statistical results can assist developing countries identify areas that need to be improved upon in order to reduce gender gaps in human capital—specifically those concerning female mortality and education.
TH-D-332-06: A Generalized Method for Achieving Realistic Deformable Image Registration (DIR) Using the Inverse Consistency Constraint

Purpose: To present a novel methodology for improving the performance of existing deformable image registration (DIR) algorithms by imposing an inverse consistency constraint (ICC), and achieving physiologically more realistic and robust DIR. Method and Materials: The proposed approach combines forward and reverse mappings of a registration algorithm by an inverse consistency constraint based on fixed point theory. Unlikely most ICC‐DIR algorithms, our method does not require explicitly computing inverse transformations, thus reducing both potential numerical errors and required computations. Here we applied the methodology to the Demons algorithm: inverse consistency Demons (iDemons). However the method is generalized to be applied to many current algorithms, such as accelerated demons and energy minimization methods. The validation and comparison of the iDemons and Demons was carried out on 4DCT clinical lungimaging based on: 1) cross‐correlation; 2) inverse consistency errors (ICE); 3) visual verification; 4) robustness. Results: The registration performance of iDemons was superior to Demons. While both methods achieved similar level of correlation coefficient after 200 iterations, 0.9908 for iDemons and 0.9891 for Demons, the average ICE is reduced by 91%: 0.17mm (iDemons) vs. 1.86mm (Demons), resulting in up to 3mm difference in corresponding contours. Since ICE mostly occurred around organ boundaries, minimizing ICE would improve clinical efficacy of DIR based auto‐contouring. Moreover, the iDemons algorithm was shown to be more robustness and less sensitive to parameter selection, which is significant if DIR is to be utilized clinically on routine basis by non‐specialists. Conclusion: The proposed methodology achieves physiologically more realistic DIR. iDemons achieved significant reduction of ICE compared to Demons, which was significant for organ boundaries. Registration results for iDemons were less sensitive to parameter selection, an important consideration for clinical implementation. This novel inverse consistency constraint represents a generalized formalism, which can be applied to other registration algorithms.
The rationale for cardiomyocyte resuscitation in myocardial salvage

Clinical heart failure results from the cumulative loss of functioning myocardium from any cause. At the cellular level, cardiac myocytes die from three causes, individually or in combination: Necrosis occurs when external conditions are not sufficient to sustain minimal cellular functions, as with ischemia, and there is a general and unorganized breakdown of cell organelles, engendering an inflammatory response that may have harmful collateral tissue effects. Apoptosis, or cell suicide, occurs when specific external or internal conditions provoke a highly structured sequence of events to shut down cellular functions and remove the cell, with minimal consequences to surrounding tissue. Autophagy is a normal response to cell starvation that is induced under conditions of chronic metabolic or other stress. Current therapeutics, such as early myocardial revascularization after myocardial infarction, are focused exclusively upon minimizing cardiac myocyte necrosis and may even contribute to secondary apoptosis and autophagy. This review explores possible approaches to bring cardiac myocytes that are destined to die, back to life, i.e., cellular resuscitation. Two pro-apoptotic proteins in particular, Bnip3 and Nix, are transcriptionally upregulated specifically in response to myocardial ischemia and pathological hypertrophy and have been examined as therapeutic targets. In Bnip3 and Nix genetic mouse models, prevention of cardiac myocyte apoptosis in ischemic and hemodynamically overloaded hearts salvaged myocardium, minimized late ventricular remodeling, and enhanced ventricular performance. Cardiomyocyte resuscitation by preventing programmed cell death shows promise as an additive approach to minimizing necrosis for long-term prevention of heart failure.
Applying the TOC thinking process in manufacturing: A case study

A case study is presented to illustrate the application of the Theory of Constraints thinking process logic tools in a manufacturing environment. The study firm performs design activities related to meeting future product requirements while concurrently meeting existing production schedules for the current design of the product. Current approaches to managing the firm's limited productive capacity do not allow for both design and production activities to occur simultaneously while meeting the customer's current product delivery schedule. Thus, despite their desire to satisfy their customer's future design requirements, management uses the majority of its production capacity to meet its customer's current product delivery schedule. This case study demonstrates how a team of employees used thinking process logic diagrams to document reality, identify a core conflict and problem, develop proposed changes to address the core problem, and create several detailed action plans to implement changes within the stu...
Quantitative study of the lymphatic tissue and germinal centres in the spleen in infants dying from expected and unexpected causes (cot deaths)

The amount of malpighian body lymphatic tissue and germinal centre tissue in the spleens of infants dying in hospital and dying unexpectedly at home have been examined in 471 cases. The total weight of the spleens in children dying at home unexpectedly do not differ significantly from children dying from expected causes. There is an increase in both the amount of lymphatic tissue and in the amount of germinal centre tissue in the children found unexpectedly dead. It is concluded that these children do not show any evidence of cellular immunological deficiency but that they have probably been subjected to recurrent or to a greater amount of antigenic stimulation during their brief post-natal existence.
Multisensor Data Fusion Of Laser Radar And Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) For Target Segmentation And Enhancement

The synergistic combination of laser radar and infrared sensors segments the man made objects out of cluttered back-ground and enhances the the distinguishing features of those objects. The gradients extracted from laser radar and infrared sensors provide the basic tools. The nearest neighbors' patterns aide in determining the actual location, size and boundary of the targets. The combination of processed laser radar and infrared data through multiple masking presents information that is not visible in either of the sensors by itself. This paper will discuss the gradient based methods of target segmentation and enhancement and present some characteristic results.
Theory of data stream computing: where to go

Computing power has been growing steadily, just as communication rate and memory size. Simultaneously our ability to create data has been growing phenomenally and therefore the need to analyze it. We now have examples of massive data streams that are created in far higher rate than we can capture and store in memory economically, gathered in far more quantity than can be transported to central databases without overwhelming the communication infrastructure, and arrives far faster than we can compute with them in a sophisticated way.This phenomenon has challenged how we store, communicate and compute with data. Theories developed over past 50 years have relied on full capture, storage and communication of data. Instead, what we need for managing modern massive data streams are new methods built around working with less. The past 10 years have seen new theories emerge in computing (data stream algorithms), communication (compressed sensing), databases (data stream management systems) and other areas to address the challenges of massive data streams. Still, lot remains open and new applications of massive data streams have emerged recently. We present an overview of these challenges.
Coupled heuristic and simulation scheduling in a highly variable environment

The topic of this paper is workforce scheduling in a highly variable environment -- check proofing and encoding in a bank -- where uncertainties include both volume and arrival pattern of the work. A shop floor simulation model and a heuristic algorithm for workforce scheduling using simulation to estimate objective function are presented. The proposed approach results in a robust workforce schedule that can be easily adjusted in real time in response to environmental changes, such as volume and throughput fluctuations. A planning and scheduling framework within which the simulation is implemented is briefly discussed.
Weekend admission and treatment of patients with renal colic: a case of avoidable variation?

OBJECTIVES To determine whether, for symptomatic urolithiasis, the thresholds to intervene and the nature of the intervention might be susceptible to practice style differences that vary by day of presentation. Weekend hospital admission is associated with different and poorer quality care in certain clinical settings. METHODS Using the Florida State Inpatient Database for 2005, we identified admissions (n = 8589) for symptomatic urolithiasis using the "International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision" diagnosis codes. A multiple logistic regression model was fit, measuring the association between weekend admission and surgical intervention, controlling for patient differences. Among the surgically treated patients, the relationship between weekend admission and the likelihood of having definitive (vs temporizing) surgery was measured. RESULTS Weekend admission was associated with a lower likelihood of surgery (odds ratio 0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.80-0.97). Patients with complicating factors, such as fever, were more likely to undergo surgery than those without such characteristics (adjusted odds ratio 1.28, 95% confidence interval 1.16-1.41). However, when surgery was performed, the use of definitive surgery was similar between the patients admitted on the weekend and those admitted on weekdays (adjusted odds ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval 0.90-1.17). CONCLUSIONS Patients with symptomatic urolithiasis who are admitted on the weekend are less likely to undergo surgery than those admitted during the week. However, the likelihood of intervention was similar among the patients with complicating factors. Physicians appear to treat the sickest patients the same, regardless of weekend admission; more elective surgical care may occur during the week.
Normative Sexuality Development in Adolescence: A Decade in Review, 2000–2009

This review details a key innovation across the field of adolescent sexuality research over the last decade—conceptualizing sexuality as a normative aspect of adolescent development. Anchored in a growing articulation of adolescent sexuality as having positive qualities and consequences, we provide an organizing framework for understanding sexuality as normative and developmentally expected. Using this framework, we report on 3 specific areas of research that have developed “critical mass” over the past decade: new views on sexual behavior, sexual selfhood, and sexual socialization in the 21st century. We conclude by suggesting that the next step in the field of adolescent sexuality development is the explicit integration of “positive” dimensions of sexuality with risk management dimensions. Rather than navigating a binary between positive and risky, we propose characterizing the “both/and” quality of adolescent sexuality development as normative. This framework, we argue, encourages empirical research that assumes a wide range of strategies through which adolescents learn about themselves, their bodies, intimate partners, and relationships within contexts where they are required to both manage risks and develop positive patterns for adulthood sexuality. We conclude with considerations for future research and public policy.
Initiation of V(D)J recombination in a cell-free system

Cells performing V(D)J recombination make specific cuts in DNA at recombination signal sequences. Here, we show that nuclear extracts of pre-B cell lines carry out this specific cleavage. The products of cleavage are the same as found previously in thymocytes: full-length, blunt, 5'-phosphorylated signal ends, and covalently sealed (hairpin) coding ends. A complete signal sequence is required. Recombinant RAG1 protein greatly increases activity and complements an inactive extract from a RAG1 (-/-) pre-B cell line. When the extracts are fractionated, cleavage activity correlates with the presence of RAG2 protein. These results suggest that RAG1 and RAG2 are components of the V(D)J recombinase.
Hydra metalloproteinase 1: a secreted astacin metalloproteinase whose apical axis expression is differentially regulated during head regeneration.

The newly emerging astacin metalloproteinase family comprises multiple members with diverse functions. Most recently, the development-related functions have been attributed to both (1) proteolytic cleavage and subsequent release of active TGF-b-like growth factors from latent inhibitory complexes and (2) modification of extracellular matrix (ECM) assembly and composition. We previously identified and purified hydra metalloproteinase 1 (HMP-1), a developmentally important astacin proteinase that functions in head regeneration and transdifferentiation of tentacle battery cells (L. Yan et al., 1995, Development 121, 1591‐1602). In the present study, further cloning revealed that HMP-1 is produced as a secreted zymogen with a conserved hydrophobic signal sequence and a putative propeptide. The processed HMP-1 is composed of a characteristic astacin proteinase domain and a unique Cys-rich C-terminus. With this simple domain structure, HMP-1 represents an ancestral astacin proteinase. Consistent with its role in head regeneration, HMP-1 mRNA is expressed at highest levels by endodermal cells at the apical pole of the body column just inferior to the base of tentacles, the region of active cell differentiation or transdifferentiation. A modified immunocytochemical procedure demonstrated that HMP-1 protein can be localized not only to ECM of tentacles as we previously reported, but also to endodermal cells of the body column in a pattern similar to its mRNA distribution. The localization of HMP-1 protein in tentacles was confirmed using an enzymatic approach. A translocation of HMP-1 protein from cells in the body column to the extracellular milieu in tentacles further suggests that HMP-1 is a secreted protein. HMP-1 expression undergoes extensive regulation at the transcriptional level both temporally and spatially during head regeneration. The involvement of HMP-1 in this morphogenetic process is further supported by the blockage of head regeneration with localized antisense treatment. Taken together, these results suggest that HMP-1 is a secreted astacin metalloproteinase that has an important role in regulating hydra head morphogenesis potentially through its differential expression along the body axis. © 2000 Academic Press
Integrating entrapped mixed microbial cell (EMMC) process for biological removal of carbon and nitrogen from dilute swine wastewater

Abstract An entrapped mixed microbial cells (EMMC) process was used to investigate the simultaneous removal of carbon and nitrogen from dilute swine wastewater. Cellulose triacetate was used as the matrix for entrapping the mixed microbial cells. The EMMC process was tested with various oxygen supply conditions (ratios of aeration to non-aeration times) and two types of carrier sizes (large and medium). Also, various pre-treatments with chemical coagulation, screen separation and ammonium crystallization prior to the EMMC process, and post-treatment after the EMMC process were investigated. It was found that at a hydraulic retention time of 30 h and one hour of aeration and one hour of non-aeration, the EMMC process packed with medium carriers after the pre-treatment of ammonium crystallization, exhibited the best total nitrogen removal efficiency of 95.1±1.0% when compared to the other two pre-treatment methods. The total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD) and soluble chemical oxygen demand removal efficiencies were 83.5±2.2% and 84.1±1.1%, respectively. Lime post-treatment provided TCOD and total phosphorus removal efficiencies of 59.6±2.7% and 98.0±0.5%, respectively. Thus, a cost analysis for ammonium crystallization pre-treatment, EMMC process, and post-treatment with lime was conducted. The unit cost for a 2000 pig operation is ≈$4.91/pig/year. For the application of the EMMC process with the proposed pre- and post-treatments, a suitable farm size needs to be greater than a 2000 pig operation. Because of the high efficiency and the simple operation of simultaneous carbon and nitrogen removal, the EMMC process has the potential for treatment of dilute swine wastewater in a land-limited area and can be manufactured as pre-fabricated wastewater treatment units.