cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical subtypes of cone-rod dystrophy.

• Objective. —To determine possible distinct phenotypic subtypes of cone-rod dystrophy. Patients. —Thirty-three patients with cone-rod dystrophy (from 25 families) were assessed prospectively on electroretinography, visual field testing, psychophysical threshold profiles, and fundus features. The clinical records of an additional 150 patients with cone-rod dystrophy were examined retrospectively in terms of the classification schema derived from the prospective study. Results. —Based on electroretinographic recordings, two major types of cone-rod dystrophy were differentiated. In type 1, cone amplitudes were reduced to a greater degree than were rod amplitudes on electroretinography, while in type 2, cone and rod electroretinographic amplitudes were reduced in equal proportion. These two types were further subdivided on the basis of patterns of visual field loss and threshold elevation. In type 1a, there was a central or paracentral scotoma, and cone thresholds were more elevated centrally than peripherally. In type 1b, there was no central scotoma, and cone thresholds were more elevated peripherally than centrally. In type 2a, there was a central scotoma, cone thresholds were more elevated centrally than peripherally, and rod thresholds were more elevated peripherally than centrally. In type 2b, a partial or complete ring scotoma was present, cone thresholds were more elevated peripherally than centrally, and rod thresholds were more elevated in the midperipheral than in either the central or far peripheral region of the retina. Of the 150 additional patients with cone-rod dystrophy, data sufficient for classification were available for 95 patients, and all but two had findings that were consistent with classification into one of these four subtypes. Conclusion. —Our results identify four functionally distinct subtypes of cone-rod dystrophy that may be useful for patient counseling and future molecular genetic studies.
Masculinization of the female fetus associated with norethindrone-mestranol therapy during pregnancy

Summary Two female siblings whose mother received long-term norethindrone-mestranol (Ortho-Novum) therapy during pregnancy, because of threatened abortion, were born with partial masculinization of their external genitalia. Avoidance of synthetic progesterone-estrogen combinations with androgenic activity is recommended whenever pregnancy is suspected, because these compounds cross the placental barrier and may be associated with masculinization of the female fetus and advancement of bone age.
Enhancing rural connectivity with software defined networks

Software-defined networks (SDNs) have simplified management of complex data center and enterprise networks. We argue that SDNs can play a similar role in rural wireless networks, especially those in developing regions. Operating a rural network in the developing world means coping with unpredictability, low profit margins, and resource constraints; the increased flexibility and simplified management that software-defined networks provide are a major benefit in this context. Network virtualization, also enabled by SDN, could allow rural networks to operate as infrastructure providers to existing ISPs, thus enabling cooperation rather than competition with powerful incumbent providers.
Monitoring and Management of Immunosuppression in Paediatric Transplant Patients

There is substantial evidence for a heightened immune response in paediatric transplant recipients when compared with adults. This is most important in very young children, who have a larger number of functional T cells, stronger mixed lymphocyte reactivity and increases in expression of some cytokines. Although corticosteroids have been a mainstay of immunosuppressive protocols for decades, many paediatric transplant programmes are attempting steroid withdrawal in order to minimise adverse effects and maximise growth. Induction with polyclonal or monoclonal [muromonab-CD3 (OKT3)] anti-lymphocyte antibody therapy has been associated with improved survival and decreased rejection in many paediatric studies, especially in renal transplant recipients. Individualised dosages of antilymphocyte antibody are required in many instances for children in order to overcome increased numbers of lymphocytes. In addition, particular attention to xenosensitisation, infection and malignancy is required in paediatric transplant recipients receiving antilymphocyte therapy. The introduction of cyclosporin has improved patient and graft survival in children receiving transplants. However, because of pharmacokinetic differences, increased dosages and more frequent administration have been advocated, especially in young children. It has been suggested that a new microemulsion form of cyclosporin may have more consistent oral absorption and pharmacokinetic predictability associated with its use. This would be particularly beneficial in paediatric transplant recipients. Tacrolimus is similar to cyclosporin in its mechanism of action, and is very appealing for use in children due to its potential steroid-sparing effects. Considerations for tacrolimus administration parallel those for cyclosporin, in that children frequently require increased dosages compared with adults. Finally, new agents in development need to be studied in detail in children to ascertain appropriate dosage strategies and to identify possible unique adverse effects.
Managing the boundary spanner--Customer turnover connection.

Abstract Service-providing boundary spanners are becoming increasingly important in modern organizations. Minimizing the turnover of effective boundary spanners is clearly important, but since some turnover is inevitable, organizations must deal with turnover's consequences as well as its causes. In this article we propose a model for examining and managing one of the most important of those consequences: the increased risk of losing customers as a result of the loss of a boundary spanner who dealt with that customer. In some cases the customer actually follows the boundary spanner to a new organization, in others the loss of the boundary spanner simply prompts the customer to begin searching for alternative service providers. Our model is based on a distinction between customer perceptions of the non-imitability of a firm and the non-imitability of an individual boundary spanner. We present several suggestions as to how two levels of HR managers—the HR executive and the operating level HR manager—can work together to manage the problem.
Age-Related Degradation of βA3/A1-Crystallin in Human Lenses

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine age-related degradation of βA3/A1-crystallin in human lenses. The βA3/A1-crystallin fragments were identified by Western blot analysis using two site-specific anti-βA3/A1-crystallin antibodies. The first antibody was raised against a N-terminal region (residues 35-66), and the second to the C-terminal (residues 203-214) region of the crystallin. During the analyses, either preparative SDS-PAGE-separated fragments from βH-crystallin fraction or water-soluble (WS) protein fractions from lenses of different aged donors were used. In lenses from 27- to 30-year-old donors, four major crystallin fragments of about 5, 16, 17, and 18 kDa immunoreacted with the anti-βA3/A1-N-terminal antibody, suggesting their intact N-terminus but cleaved C-terminus. A similar analysis with the anti-βA3/A1-C-terminal antibody identified 15-, 18-, 19-, and 20-kDa species and also five species between 4 and 11 kDa that had intact C-terminus but cleaved N-terminus. In lenses from a 5-year-old donor only two crystallin species, a major 15-kDa and a minor 18-kDa species, showed an intact N-terminus and cleaved C-terminus, whereas, eight species with Mr's between 4 and 19 kDa exhibited intact C-terminus but cleaved N-terminus. Upon two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of a βH-crystallin fraction from the lenses of a 70-year-old donor, a degradation profile almost similar to the crystallin mentioned above was observed. However, the existence of multiple spots with identical Mr's of truncated βA3/A1-crystallin species on the 2D-gel suggests their existence as isoforms (identical size species with different charges) because of post-translational modifications. Five species of 4, 6, 11, 15, and 18 kDa showed an identical partial N-terminal sequence of N-F-Q-G, suggesting cleavage at the E39-N40bond during their production. Together, the data suggest that the majority of age-related cleavages in βA3/A1-crystallin occur at the N-terminal region, with a major cleavage site at the E39-N40bond generating some of these fragments.
The micromorphology of the Cecropia wing following pupation, during diapause, following injury, and at the onset of adult development

Abstract The micromorphology of the epidermal cells of the wings of Cecropia changes during the development of the wing. Immediately following pupation the membranous organelles show a definite polarization in terms of their localization within the cell. At this time, cells which were actively secreting cuticle have a thick plasma fringe, numerous microbodies, elongated mitochondria, and abundant endoplasmic reticulum. No profound alteration in ultrastructure occurs in the first 3 days following the moult. The cells of the diapausing pupa show no internal polarization of organelles. The mitochondria are predominantly ellipsoid and the endoplasmic reticulum generally vesicular. Following integumental injury to a diapausing pupa, the epidermal cells develop a polarity of organelles. The endoplasmic reticulum proliferates and the mitochondria become ‘swollen’. Immediately following the onset of adult development the morphology resembles that of injured animals. Changes then occur which are characteristic of developing individuals. Lipid globules are found in association with glycogen, the vesicular endoplasmic reticulum coalesces into organized tubules, and the mitochondria become elongated. The plasma fringe disappears. The changes observed in the ultrastructure are considered in relation to the alteration in cytochrome activity, and to the state of differentiation of the wing. It is concluded that the morphology of organelles reflects the developmental stage of the cell as well as cytochrome activity per se.
The Anatomy of Market Failure

What is it we mean by “market failure”? Typically, at least in allocation theory, we mean the failure of a more or less idealized system of price-market institutions to sustain “desirable” activities or to estop “undesirable” activites.1 The desirability of an activity, in turn, is evaluated relative to the solution values of some explicit or implied maximum-welfare problem.
Pressures and Temperatures of Ultrahigh-Pressure Metamorphism: Implications for UHP Tectonics and H2O in Subducting Slabs

Kyanite-phengite eclogites can yield robust P-T equilibration conditions that do not depend on the ferrous/ferric ratios of the constituent minerals. Even rocks lacking kyanite or phengite—for whic...
Model-based estimation of the attributable risk: A loglinear approach

This paper considers model-based methods for estimation of the adjusted attributable risk (AR) in both case-control and cohort studies. An earlier review discussed approaches for both types of studies, using the standard logistic regression model for case-control studies, and for cohort studies proposing the equivalent Poisson model in order to account for the additional variability in estimating the distribution of exposures and covariates from the data. In this paper, we revisit case-control studies, arguing for the equivalent Poisson model in this case as well. Using the delta method with the Poisson model, we provide general expressions for the asymptotic variance of the AR for both types of studies. This includes the generalized AR, which extends the original idea of attributable risk to the case where the exposure is not completely eliminated. These variance expressions can be easily programmed in any statistical package that includes Poisson regression and has capabilities for simple matrix algebra. In addition, we discuss computation of standard errors and confidence limits using bootstrap resampling. For cohort studies, use of the bootstrap allows binary regression models with link functions other than the logit.
Morphology and dielectric properties of Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 thin films on annealed (100) MgO

Abstract Thin films of Ba 0.5 Sr 0.5 TiO 3 (BST) have been deposited by off-axis sputtering on high temperature annealed (1 0 0) MgO substrates. The MgO substrates were annealed in air for 5 h each at different temperatures in the range of 950–1280°C. Steps on the MgO surface were first observed for annealing temperatures at 1000°C. Additionally, outgrowths from the surface were observed which contributed to the measured rms surface roughness. The maximum step height and rms surface roughness occurred in the vicinity of 1140°C. The BST films were deposited at 550°C on the annealed MgO substrates and post annealed in oxygen at 780°C for 8 h. X-ray diffractometry showed the BST grain structure to be predominantly (1 1 0) and the lattice parameter relatively independent on the MgO annealing temperature. The grain size observed from atomic force microscopy was 100–150 nm. The relative dielectric constant and tuning increased in magnitude for BST deposited on MgO annealed at or above 1145°C.
A method for determining the coefficient of friction in punch stretching of sheet metals

Abstract Punch-to-sheet friction plays an important role in determining the success or failure of many sheet metal stamping operations. Although some measurements of friction under the conditions of drawing have been made, this work is the first known attempt to experimentally determine the coefficient of friction for the case of stretching sheets over a hemispherical steel punch, without relying upon material properties. From measured plots of load vs punch displacement in a purely stretching operation, and using a condition of maximum normal pressure, an average value of the coefficient of friction is calculated for a number of materials under various conditions of lubrication. Ranking of different lubricants according to their coefficient of friction is given.
Evaluation sensitivity and physical sensations of stress as components of public speaking state anxiety

According to Gray's (1991) reinforcement sensitivity theory, state anxiety is triggered by situations involving threat or punishment and involves sensations in the body often described as discomfort in the chest or stomach. In this study, physical sensations of speaker discomfort experienced during public speaking and a measure of punishment sensitivity (fear of negative evaluation) served as predictors of state anxiety during speaking. Participants presented five‐minute informative speeches to classmates. Immediately following these presentations, speakers completed the Spielberger STAI (A‐State) and the Body Sensations Questionnaire. Fear of negative evaluation and symptoms of physical discomfort accounted for 57% of the variance in public speaking state anxiety. These findings are consistent with the reinforcement sensitivity model of state anxiety. Suggestions for future research and pedagogical implications are presented.
PROMOTING ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH IN NATIONAL PARKS BY INVESTING IN THE NEXT GENERATION OF SCIENTISTS

mission, NPS must become systematic not only in encouraging the acquisition of large volumes of information but also in actively accreting and integrating information into a functional understanding-one that is refined, applied, and tested in the academic, civic, and legal arenas. Because parks are stable fixtures on the landscape, these models can be refined year after year until they become valuable not only to parks but to science and to regional decision makers. This requires investment in staff scientists who are integrators, modelers, and systems thinkers. A sufficient array of highly trained park scientists with salaries based on research achievements, site fidelity, and professional excellence must be available to assemble all the avail-
Programmed evolution for optimization of orthogonal metabolic output in bacteria.

Current use of microbes for metabolic engineering suffers from loss of metabolic output due to natural selection. Rather than combat the evolution of bacterial populations, we chose to embrace what makes biological engineering unique among engineering fields – evolving materials. We harnessed bacteria to compute solutions to the biological problem of metabolic pathway optimization. Our approach is called Programmed Evolution to capture two concepts. First, a population of cells is programmed with DNA code to enable it to compute solutions to a chosen optimization problem. As analog computers, bacteria process known and unknown inputs and direct the output of their biochemical hardware. Second, the system employs the evolution of bacteria toward an optimal metabolic solution by imposing fitness defined by metabolic output. The current study is a proof-of-concept for Programmed Evolution applied to the optimization of a metabolic pathway for the conversion of caffeine to theophylline in E. coli. Introduced genotype variations included strength of the promoter and ribosome binding site, plasmid copy number, and chaperone proteins. We constructed 24 strains using all combinations of the genetic variables. We used a theophylline riboswitch and a tetracycline resistance gene to link theophylline production to fitness. After subjecting the mixed population to selection, we measured a change in the distribution of genotypes in the population and an increased conversion of caffeine to theophylline among the most fit strains, demonstrating Programmed Evolution. Programmed Evolution inverts the standard paradigm in metabolic engineering by harnessing evolution instead of fighting it. Our modular system enables researchers to program bacteria and use evolution to determine the combination of genetic control elements that optimizes catabolic or anabolic output and to maintain it in a population of cells. Programmed Evolution could be used for applications in energy, pharmaceuticals, chemical commodities, biomining, and bioremediation.
At last--worldwide agreement on the staging of cancer

The current TNM system for classification and staging of cancer approved by both the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and the Union Internationale Contre le Cancer/TNM Committee (UICC/TNMC) is designed primarily for patient care and, in this context, is equally applicable to patients in clinical research, community hospitals, and developing countries. Flexibility in its use has been accomplished with a telescoping format where applicable, permitting the use of only major headings with fewer cases and ramification of the major headings to smaller subsets with larger numbers of cases, allowing for comparison of both types of data from anywhere in the world. TNM HISTORICAL NOTES Many of you in the audience have participated in the development of this system and can appreciate the value of worldwide agreement in staging as well as the problems inherent in reaching agreement. It has been a long process involving a legion of two generations
An evaluation of scheduling policies in a dual resource constrained assembly shop

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to evaluate scheduling policies for the production of assembled products in an assembly shop. The scheduling policies examined include duedate assignment, labor assignment and item sequencing rules. The sensitivity of these rules to product structure is also considered. The data for analysis is generated by a SLAM II simulation model of a hypothetical dual constrained assembly shop operation. The 2·3·3·3 complete factorial experiment is analyzed by an ANOVA procedure to statistically determine whether job structure, duedate assignment rule, labor assignment rule and item sequencing rule or their interaction significantly affect the root mean square of tardiness of jobs completed by the assembly shop. Further analysis to identify where significant differences in performance occurs is conducted via Tukey multiple comparison tests and general linear contrasts.
Consistency and Change in Rabbinic Literature as Reflected in the Terms Rain and Dew

Dans la litterature rabbinique les mots «pluie» et «rosee» sont employes generalement dans un contexte agricole mais aussi parfois sous une acception plus large a caractere eschatologique. Les deux termes etaient consideres par les rabbins comme des instruments que Dieu utilisait pour proceder a la resurrection des morts
Ten Years of Progress In the Superfund Program

Superfund celebrated its tenth anniversary in December 1990. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)—popularly known as Superfund—was passed into law in December 1980 in the wake of such incidents as Love Canal and the Valley of the Drums. The program was designed to clean up uncontrolled hazardous waste sites and, during the past ten years, thousands of actions have been taken to protect human health and the environment from the hazards posed by those sites. The trials and successes of the evolving Superfund program are described in this article.
Evidence that one subset of anaplastic thyroid carcinomas are derived from papillary carcinomas due to BRAF and p53 mutations

BACKGROUND Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is the most lethal form of thyroid neoplasia and represents the end stage of thyroid tumor progression. In the current study, genetic alterations in a panel of ATC were profiled to determine the origins of ATC. METHODS Eight ATC were analyzed for BRAF mutation at codon 599 by using mutant-allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing of the PCR-amplified exon 15. RAS mutation (HRAS, KRAS, and NRAS) at codons 12, 13, and 61 was analyzed by direct sequencing of PCR-amplified exons 1 and 2 of the RAS gene. RET/PTC rearrangements and p53 mutation were monitored by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining by anti-RET antibodies and an anti-p53 mAb, respectively. RESULTS BRAF was mutated in 5 of the 8 ATCs tested. Histologic examination revealed that 4 of these 5 BRAF-mutated ATCs contained a PTC component, suggesting that they may be derived from BRAF-mutated PTC. Of the 3 ATCs with wild-type BRAF, 2 had spindle cell features; one had follicular neoplastic characteristics mixed with papillary structures. Analysis of RAS mutation revealed only an HRAS mutation at codon 11, due to the transversion of GCC to TCC in one ATC with wild-type BRAF. This leads to the substitution of valine to serine. IHC analysis of RET/PTC rearrangements revealed no positive staining of RET in any of 8 ATCs, suggesting that these ATCs are not derived from RET/PTC- rearranged PTC. In contrast, IHC analysis of p53 mutation revealed that p53 was detected in the nuclei of 5 of 5 BRAF-mutated ATCs and 2 of 3 ATCs with wild-type BRAF. p53 staining was present only in anaplastic thyroid tumor cells but not in neighboring papillary thyroid tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that many ATCs with papillary components are derived from BRAF-mutated PTC, because of the addition of p53 mutation. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Relativistic Combination of Internal and Spin Symmetries in S-Matrix Formulation

The relativistic combination of internal and spin symmetries is considered as a restriction on the scattering operator. A physical principle for the statement of symmetries other than space-time is formulated. In the simplest case, the intuitive idea that interactions do not depend on some observables is expressed by the statement that the $S$ operator belongs to a subring of the ring of observables. This principle leads to the usual results for purely internal symmetries, for spin independence of forces, and also for their combinations as in Wigner's supermultiplet theory. The combination of Poincar\'e group, spin independence, and internal symmetry leads to a group which is not a (finite-dimensional) Lie group and not locally compact. Nevertheless, simple homomorphic representations of the little group exist and suffice for physical applications. The nonrelativistic $\mathrm{SU}(6)$ multiplet structure and the selection rules are unchanged in the relativistic case. In addition to the deficiencies of the nonrelativistic model, the relativistic $S$ operator has highly unrealistic properties, although it is not trivial ($S\ensuremath{\ne}1$). A scheme for symmetry breaking is described which may be expected to remedy these deficiencies.
The changes in basal corticosterone secretion in rats blinded at birth

Nachweis, dass sich bei postnatal geblendeten Ratten ein Tagesrhythmus entwickelt, der allerdings spater als bei den Kontrolltieren auftritt. Der Rhythmus scheint umgekehrt zu sein.
Optimal road capacity with a suboptimal congestion toll

Abstract In this paper we extend J. Wilson's (J. Urban Econom. 13, 337–357, 1983) capacity with unpriced congestion. We show that whether second-best capacity is larger or smaller than first-best capacity depends on the “demand” and “cost” effects of the congestion toll. This in turn depends on two key parameters—the price elasticity of demand for travel and the elasticity of substitution of consumers' travel time for highway capacity in the production of trips.
Ascending aorta flow derangement is a marker of outflow obstruction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Background Alterations in systolic blood flow are a characteristic finding in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Echocardiography is the gold standard for hemodynamic assessment in HCM, but this technique is generally limited to measurement of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) pressure gradient and may not provide a complete description of the hemodynamic impact of the disease. In this study, we sought to employ time-resolved, three-dimensional phase contrast (4D flow) MRI to visualize and quantify 3D blood flow patterns in the LVOT and ascending aorta (AAo) in patients with obstructive and nonobstructive HCM. Methods Obstructive (n = 12) and non-obstructive (n = 18) HCM patients as well as 10 normal volunteers were included in this IRB-approved study. Obstruction was defined as LVOT pressure gradient > 30 mmHg on patients’ most recent echocardiography study (ΔPecho). Septal thickness, LVOT diameter and septum/free wall ratio were measured on SSFP cine MRI. 4D flow MRI data analysis included correction for eddy currents and velocity aliasing, followed by flow visualization and quantification in dedicated software (EnSight, CEI, Apex, NC). 3D blood flow patterns within the LVOT and AAo were graded for the presence of helical flow (absent = 0, mild/moderate = 1, severe = 2) by two observers blinded to diagnosis, and the results were averaged. MRI-measured pressure gradient (ΔPMRI) was calculated from the peak systolic 3D blood velocity profile within the LVOT using the simplified Bernoulli equation. (Figure 1) The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare groups and Spearman’ s( rS) or Pearson’s (r) correlations were used as appropriate. Results
Development of chemical sensors using polymer optical waveguides fabricated with DNA

A number of studies are currently focused on using polymers derived from salmon DNA as the primary ingredient in the design of optical waveguide devices. Although the long term goal is to develop optical devices for rapid chemical and biosensing, this work was aimed specifically at studying the response of a planar DNA waveguide to ammonia in nitrogen and air with controlled amounts of humidity at ambient temperatures. This follows the work of S. S. Sarkisov et al. who used PMMA and other polymer films doped with the indicator dye bromocresol purple (BCP). These devices are characterized by absorption sensitivities of the order 0.1 dB attenuation of the transmitted light signal per 100 ppm change in the NH3 concentration with response times of better than 1 ms and can be recycled with no loss of sensitivity. The performances of waveguide devices using films fabricated with high and low molecular weight DNA with BCP are compared to BCP-doped PMMA devices.
From "S" to "J": A Theoretical Technology Adoption Rate Model

This article proposes a hypothetical model for determining rate of diffusion of an innovation in a system. The model modifies Everett Rogersâ€™ S-curve using an index created from Gartnerâ€™s hype cycle phases. Rogersâ€™ model for technology innovation adoption demonstrates that cumulative technology diffusion in a system from zero through the late majority adoptersâ€™ phase forms a curve resembling the letter â€œSâ€ . Hype cycles analyze the five emotional stages technology adopters go through from over-enthusiasm (hype) though disappointment until it plateaus (beginning of mainstream adoption). When numbers assigned to the phases of adoption from the hype cycle are used as multipliers and applied to the cumulative adoption data of an innovation (Rogersâ€™ S-curve), the â€œSâ€ becomes a â€œJâ€ . With the J-curve you can determine the rate of innovation diffusion in an organization.
Neonatology has always been a bargain--even when we weren't very good at it!

Objective: We wondered whether Neonatal Intensive Care Unit resources for Extremely Low Birth Weight infants have always been disproportionately devoted to survivors, even when ELBW infants were very likely to die. Methods: We documented survival and length of stay (LOS) for 2354 ELBW infants (BW 450–1000 g) admitted to the NICU at the University of Chicago between 1978 and 2003. NICU bed-days were a proxy for medical expenses. Results: Over the past 25 years, ELBW admissions have risen four-fold from 25 to 100/year, and ELBW bed-days have risen ten-fold, from 700 to 7000/year. In 1978, when ELBW mortality was 80%, only 30% of ELBW bed-days were expended on non-survivors. Currently, the percentage of ELBW non-survivor bed days (NSBD) is below 10%. Even more striking, as soon as there were any survivors with BW 450—750 g, the NSBD index fell below 30%, and settled quickly around 10%. Conclusions: It is almost self-evident that there are no credible distributive justice arguments to deflect NICU care for ELBW infants now, when survival is so good. But, surprisingly, even when NICU survival was much worse, there have never been credible distributive justice arguments against NICU care for infants with BW <1000 g, whether dollars spent on survivors or ‘intact survivors’ is the outcome measure.
Grading of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Modification of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Scale on the Basis of Data for a Large Series of Patients.

Objective The goals of this study were to use a large, prospectively collected, multicenter database for patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) who were treated between 1991 and 1997 to determine the prognostic significance of clinical and radiological factors for outcomes and to use those factors to develop a grading scale to predict outcomes. Methods A total of 3567 patients with SAH who were entered into four randomized clinical trials of tirilazad were studied. Outcomes were assessed 3 months after SAH, with the Glasgow Outcome Scale. Twenty clinical and radiological factors were entered into univariate and multivariate analyses, to determine factors prognostic for outcomes. Grading scales based on the most powerful prognostic parameters were statistically derived and validated and were compared with the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grading scale. Results Factors predictive of outcomes included age, WFNS grade, history of hypertension, systolic blood pressure at admission, ruptured aneurysm location and size, blood clot thickness on computed tomographic scans, and angiographic vasospasm at admission. A grading scale using these factors could be derived; it predicted outcomes more accurately than did the WFNS scale, although it would be more complex to use. Conclusion Outcome prediction after SAH can be improved by adding additional clinical and radiological factors to the WFNS scale, albeit with added complexity.
Shortened pubic bones in bladder exstrophy: a congenital or acquired phenomenon?

Abstract Objective It is accepted that the length of the anterior segment of the pelvis in classic bladder exstrophy is shorter than that of controls. However, studies performed involve children with a wide range of ages. By studying children with classic bladder exstrophy under the age of 1 year, the authors aim to ascertain if there is a congenital pubic bone length discrepancy associated with bladder exstrophy. Material and methods Fourteen classic bladder exstrophy patients under 1 year of age and 14 age-matched controls were identified. Three-dimensional (3D) computerized tomography was used to measure the length of the superior pubic ramus bilaterally. In the exstrophy group, scans were performed before bladder closure. The Mann–Whitney U test was used and p Results There was no significant difference (p = 0.76) in the median age in cases (72 days) and controls (64 days). The median superior pubic ramus length was 19.1 mm in the exstrophy group and 20 mm in the control group (p = 0.99). Conclusions Superior pubic ramus length in children under 1 year of age with classic bladder exstrophy is not statistically different from that in control subjects. Therefore, the authors hypothesize that the previously described shortening of the pubic bones is an acquired phenomenon, which may develop after the first year of life.
Digital Electronic Control of Automatic Ventilators

We have developed a digital system for use in ventilator control. The basic principle of this system is that every respiratory cycle is divided into a fixed number of counts. The control of the ratio of inspiration time to expiration time is accomplished by selecting a variable time out of the fixed time interval and designating it inspiration time. The remaining counts become expiration time. Respiratory rate is adjusted by varying the total time interval, and the ratio is adjusted by selecting a different inspiration time. The output of a digital-to-analog converter driven by the counters is adjustable and proportional to tidal volume. By inserting read only memories between the ratio scalars and the digital-to-analog converter input, a large number of different inspiration waveforms are generated.
Dissension in the Face of the Holocaust: The 1941 American Debate over Antisemitism

In 1941, the Council for Democracy sponsored a debate on the causes and appropriate responses to antisemitism. The Council consisted of intellectuals and community leaders representing a spectrum of disciplinary and religious backgrounds. Divided in their assessment of the problem and the most effective way to explain it to the American public, Council members ultimately agreed not to emphasize the role of antisemitism in Nazi ideology. Their concern was to avoid the impression that, in a war against Germany, Americans would be fighting for the sake of "Jewish" interests. Thus, the Council's publications and broadcasts characterized antisemitism as a foreign import and as part of Nazi Germany's broader threat to democracy, Christianity, and Western civilization.
Calling and texting (too much): Mobile maintenance expectations, (over)dependence, entrapment, and friendship satisfaction

This article uses dialectical theory to examine how mobile phone use in close friendships affects relational expectations, the experiences of dependence, overdependence, and entrapment, and how those experiences affect relational satisfaction. Results suggest that increased mobile phone use for the purpose of relational maintenance has contradictory consequences for close friendships. Using mobile phones in close relationships increased expectations of relationship maintenance through mobile phones. Increased mobile maintenance expectations positively predicted dependence, which increased satisfaction, and positively predicted overdependence, which decreased satisfaction. Additionally, entrapment, the guilt and pressure to respond to mobile phone contact, uniquely predicted dissatisfaction. The results are interpreted in relation to the interdependent dialectical tensions of friendship, media entrapment, and the logic of perpetual contact.
Estrone sulfatase activity in patients with advanced ovarian cancer.

Abstract Introduction We sought to identify whether the sulfatase pathway was present in ovarian cancer specimens and then to determine whether a clinical correlation existed between sulfatase activity and survival. Materials and methods Enzymatic activity was assessed in advanced ovarian cancer specimens via thin layer chromatography and standardized against total protein. All enzyme activities are reported in pmol/mg protein/30 min. Kaplan Meier curves of progression-free and overall survival were constructed to compare outcomes between patients with low sulfatase activity and high sulfatase activity. Median survival rates were compared using the log-rank test for survival curves. Differences in proportions between patients with low sulfatase activity versus high sulfatase activity were compared with the z -test or chi-square analysis as appropriate. Results 37 specimens from patients with advanced stage ovarian cancer were analyzed. Enzymatic activity was detected in all specimens except one. Median progression-free survival was 23.5 months for patients with low sulfatase activity compared to 6.9 months for patients with high sulfatase activity ( p =0.008). Median overall survival favored the low sulfatase group (50.8 vs. 30.6 months respectively), though statistical difference was not detected ( p =0.16). No other difference in clinical characteristics between patients with high or low sulfatase activity was detected. Conclusions Sulfatase activity is widely present in ovarian cancer specimens. Increased sulfatase activity is associated with worse progression-free survival in patients with advanced stage ovarian cancer. The sulfatase pathway is a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Scale-Dependent/Invariant Local 3D Shape Descriptors for Fully Automatic Registration of Multiple Sets of Range Images

Despite the ubiquitous use of range images in various computer vision applications, little has been investigated about the size variation of the local geometric structures captured in the range images. In this paper, we show that, through canonical geometric scale-space analysis, this geometric scale-variability embedded in a range image can be exploited as a rich source of discriminative information regarding the captured geometry. We extend previous work on geometric scale-space analysis of 3D models to analyze the scale-variability of a range image and to detect scale-dependent 3D features --- geometric features with their inherent scales. We derive novel local 3D shape descriptors that encode the local shape information within the inherent support region of each feature. We show that the resulting set of scale-dependent local shape descriptors can be used in an efficient hierarchical registration algorithm for aligning range images with the same global scale. We also show that local 3D shape descriptors invariant to the scale variation can be derived and used to align range images with significantly different global scales. Finally, we demonstrate that the scale-dependent/invariant local 3D shape descriptors can even be used to fully automatically register multiple sets of range images with varying global scales corresponding to multiple objects.
Interconnection with copper pillar bumps : Process and applications

Flipchip technologies have been evolved to grab the major portion of the high and medium performance markets, where the bump interconnections are required. Bumps can be diverse in their contents, that is, binary, ternary, etc.. The most popular alloy is SnPb (eutectic), while the environmental importance pushes the market to adapt the green solution where SnAg or SnCu can be one of the choice. Considering the electrical performance including electro-migration effect and simplicity of the process, Cu bumps is chosen to be an alternative. In this presentation, the Cu pillar bump will be introduced embracing the fine pitch (less than 50 um) process and applications.
Sustainability in chemical engineering education: Identifying a core body of knowledge

Introduction The quality of modern life depends on the availability of vast amounts of energy and an array of products provided by the chemical industry. Chemical processes provide products and materials used in health care, consumer products, transportation, agriculture, food processing, electronic materials, and construction. Highly energetic, globally transportable fuels are an essential element of global transportation and distribution systems. Yet, these same chemical processes and fuel systems that provide products essential for modern economies, like all engineered systems, consume resources and have environmental impacts. Growing demand for energy, food and materials have put increasing pressure on air and water, arable land, and raw materials. Concern over the ability of natural resources and environmental systems to support the needs and wants of global populations, now and in the future, is part of an emerging awareness of the concept of sustainability.
Genitourinary Imaging With Noncontrast Computerized Tomography—Are We Missing Duplex Ureters?

Purpose: Noncontrast computerized tomography has replaced excretory urography as the first line diagnostic tool for evaluating nephrolithiasis at many centers. We evaluated the ability of noncontrast computerized tomography to detect ureteral duplication to determine how frequently these anomalies are under diagnosed.Materials and Methods: Computerized tomography images of 14 patients with known ureteral duplication who had previously undergone noncontrast and contrast enhanced computerized tomography and 5 control patients with normal ureteral anatomy were interpreted by 2 blinded radiologists who specialize in genitourinary imaging.Results: The sensitivity of axial computerized tomography with contrast material, axial computerized tomography without contrast material and coronal computerized tomography without contrast material was 96%, 59% and 65%, respectively. The negative predictive value of axial computerized tomography with contrast material, axial computerized tomography without contrast material...
Niche expansion of a cryptic primate, Callimico goeldii, while in mixed species troops.

We examined the effects of polyspecific associations on the behavior of one group of Callimico goeldii in northwestern Bolivia. Data were collected for 1 year using focal animal sampling at 5-min intervals, for a total of 1,375 observation hours. In total, C. goeldii formed mixed species troops with five groups of Saguinus fuscicollis and six groups of S. labiatus, and these were maintained during 81% of observations. C. goeldii rested more and traveled less while alone than while associated, but neither vigilance behavior in the understory nor habitat use were affected by association status. The composition of the group's diet was different while alone (higher in structural carbohydrates [fungi] and lower in simple sugars [ripe fruits] and protein [insects]) than while associated (fungi 65 vs. 37%; fruits 13 vs. 32%; insects 5 vs. 15%). We propose therefore, that C. goeldii has a lower quality and more narrowly based diet while alone as compared to while associated. The factors that allow for this dietary expansion while in mixed species troops require further investigation. Am. J. Primatol. 69:1340–1353, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Characterization of visual pigments, oil droplets, lens and cornea in the whooping crane Grus americana

Vision has been investigated in many species of birds, but few studies have considered the visual systems of large birds and the particular implications of large eyes and long-life spans on visual system capabilities. To address these issues we investigated the visual system of the whooping crane Grus americana (Gruiformes, Gruidae), which is one of only two North American crane species. It is a large, long-lived bird in which UV sensitivity might be reduced by chromatic aberration and entrance of UV radiation into the eye could be detrimental to retinal tissues. To investigate the whooping crane visual system we used microspectrophotometry to determine the absorbance spectra of retinal oil droplets and to investigate whether the ocular media (i.e. the lens and cornea) absorb UV radiation. In vitro expression and reconstitution was used to determine the absorbance spectra of rod and cone visual pigments. The rod visual pigments had wavelengths of peak absorbance (λmax) at 500 nm, whereas the cone visual pigment λmax values were determined to be 404 nm (SWS1), 450 nm (SWS2), 499 nm (RH2) and 561 nm (LWS), similar to other characterized bird visual pigment absorbance values. The oil droplet cut-off wavelength (λcut) values similarly fell within ranges recorded in other avian species: 576 nm (R-type), 522 nm (Y-type), 506 nm (P-type) and 448 nm (C-type). We confirm that G. americana has a violet-sensitive visual system; however, as a consequence of the λmax of the SWS1 visual pigment (404 nm), it might also have some UV sensitivity.
Decision fusion rules in multi-hop wireless sensor networks

The decision fusion problem for a wireless sensor network (WSN) operating in a fading environment is considered. In particular, we develop channel-aware decision fusion rules for resource-constrained WSNs where binary decisions from local sensors may need to be relayed through multi-hop transmission in order to reach a fusion center. Each relay node employs a binary relay scheme whereby the relay output is inferred from the channel impaired observation received from its source node. This estimated binary decision is subsequently transmitted to the next node until it reaches the fusion center. Under a flat fading channel model, we derive the optimum fusion rules at the fusion center for two cases. In the first case, we assume that the fusion center has knowledge of the fading channel gains at all hops. In the second case, we assume a Rayleigh fading model, and derive fusion rules utilizing only the fading channel statistics. We show that likelihood ratio (LR) based optimum decision fusion statistics for both cases reduce to respective simple linear test statistics in the low channel signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) regime. These suboptimum detectors are easy to implement and require little a priori information. Performance evaluation, including a study of the robustness of the fusion statistics with respect to unknown system parameters, is conducted through simulations.
Gender, language, and influence

Mixed- and same-sex dyads were observed to examine effects of gender composition on language and of language on gender differences in influence. Ss discussed a topic on which they disagreed. Women were more tentative than men, but only in mixed-sex dyads. Women who spoke tentatively were more influential with men and less influential with women. Language had no effect on how influential men were. In a second study, 120 Ss listened to an audiotape of identical persuasive messages presented either by a man or a woman, half of whom spoke tentatively. Female speakers who spoke tentatively were more influential with male Ss and less influential with female Ss than those who spoke assertively. Male speakers were equally influential in each condition.