cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Communication effects of prenatal alcohol exposure.

Abstract This paper surveys the literature on prenatal alcohol exposure. The focus is on studies of speech, language, and communication skills evidenced by children diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effects. Concommitant physical, behavioral, intellectual, and learning patterns are reviewed. Symptoms presented by alcohol-exposed children are compared to those seen in other developmentally delayed children. Future needs in areas of identification, assessment, and treatment are discussed.
Caring for Ivan Ilyich

For over a century, Leo Tolstoy’s The Death of Ivan Ilych has been one of the most influential examinations of how we come to terms with our own mortality. Of the many who care for Ivan Ilych, only the uneducated peasant, Gerasim, is able to help him find meaning and resolution before death. An excerpt that describes Gerasim’s key interaction with Ivan Ilych is provided. Analysis of the text reveals how cultural values may hinder a patient’s ability to confront mortality and how unique social barriers inhibit different caretakers’ ability to care for a dying patient.
RGK Proteins Inhibit slow, Depolarization-Dependent CA2+ Entry into Cultured Myotubes

Three physiological functions have been described for the skeletal muscle 1,4-dihydropyridine receptor (CaV1.1): 1) voltage-sensor for excitation-contraction (EC) coupling, 2) L-type Ca2+ channel, and 3) voltage-sensor for slow, depolarization-dependent Ca2+ entry. Members of the RGK (Rad, Rem, Rem2, Gem/Kir) family of monomeric GTP-binding proteins are potent inhibitors of the former two functions of CaV1.1. However, it is not known whether the latter function that has been attributed to CaV1.1 is subject to modulation by RGK proteins. The purpose of this study was to determine whether Rad, Gem and/or Rem inhibit the slowly activating, persistent Ca2+ entry that is dependent on the voltage-sensing capability of CaV1.1. To investigate this possibility, Venus fluorescent protein-fused RGK proteins (V-Rad, V-Rem and V-Gem) were overexpressed in otherwise normal mouse myotubes and the abilities of each of these V-RGK proteins to inhibit EC coupling, L-type Ca2+ current and depolarization-dependent Ca2+ entry in myotubes were assessed using electrical field stimulation, whole-cell voltage-clamp and Ca2+ imaging, respectively. As shown previously for YFP-Rem, both EC coupling and L-type current density were substantially attenuated in developing myotubes expressing either V-Rad or V-Gem. The reductions in L-type current and EC coupling were paralleled by reductions in depolarization-induced Ca2+ entry (89%, 99% and 91% for V-Rad, V-Rem and V-Gem, respectively, relative to control). Thus, we provide the first evidence of modulation of this enigmatic type of Ca2+ entry peculiar to skeletal muscle. Moreover, the similar inhibitory effects of RGK proteins on both L-type current amplitude and slow Ca2+ entry provide further evidence that both modes of Ca2+ flux utilize a common pathway. Supported by AG038778 (to RAB).
Dispersion and Gibbs phenomenon associated with difference approximations to initial boundary-value problems for hyperbolic equations☆

Abstract In this paper, we analyze the problem of the semidiscretized approximation for the initial boundary-value problem of the wave equation. Point-wise convergence properties for the propagation of discontinuities are investigated via a uniformly valid asymptotic expansion. An approximate error analysis using matched asymptotic expansions is constructed and compared with the asymptotic expansion of the exact solution.
Effect of deep hypothermia and circulatory arrest on cerebral blood flow and metabolism

The primary goal of monitoring cerebral blood flow and metabolism is to improve our understanding of the association with cardiopulmonary bypass and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest so that effective brain protection strategies can be developed and employed. A review of our cerebral blood flow/cardiopulmonary bypass database, presently totaling 275 neonates and infants, for the purposes of this publication, reveals certain trends and some conclusions that can be drawn. Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest continues to be a factor in the delayed recovery of cerebral blood flow and metabolism in these patients. Examining flow and metabolism serially in the postoperative period shows that in the majority of patients, flow, metabolism and autoregulation return to normal within 24 hours after operation. Some patients' cerebral oxygen metabolism is unable to exert a protective response of increasing extraction in the setting of low cerebral blood flow. We have also observed that in the setting of low cardiac output after cardiac repair, cerebral blood flow is low. It is therefore likely that low cardiac output and pressure-passive cerebral blood flow potentiate brain ischemia after cardiopulmonary bypass and operation in some patients. We have also examined in our series of 275 patients selective neuroprotection strategies for their potential for improving recovery of cerebral blood flow and cerebral metabolism. Duration of cooling on cardiopulmonary bypass correlates directly with suppression of metabolism due to hypothermia. Low-flow cardiopulmonary bypass instead of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, and topical brain cooling with ice during deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, improve cerebral blood flow and cerebral metabolic recovery.
Collagen-Dependent Neurite Outgrowth and Response to Dynamic Deformation in Three-Dimensional Neuronal Cultures

In vitro models of brain injury that use thick 3-D cultures and control extracellular matrix constituents allow evaluation of cell–matrix interactions in a more physiologically relevant configuration than traditional 2-D cultures. We have developed a 3-D cell culture system consisting of primary rat cortical neurons distributed throughout thick (>500 μm) gels consisting of type IV collagen (Col) conjugated to agarose. Neuronal viability and neurite outgrowth were examined for a range of agarose (AG) percentages (1.0–3.0%) and initial collagen concentrations ([Col]i; 0–600 μg/mL). In unmodified AG, 1.5% gels supported viable cultures with significant neurite outgrowth, which was not found at lower (≤1.0%) concentrations. Varying [Col]i in 1.25% AG revealed the formation of dense, 3-D neurite networks at [Col]i of 300 μg/mL, while neurons in unmodified AG and at higher [Col]i (600 μg/mL) exhibited significantly less neurite outgrowth; although, neuronal survival did not vary with [Col]i. The effect of [Col]i on acute neuronal response following high magnitude, high rate shear deformation (0.50 strain, 30 s−1 strain rate) was evaluated in 1.5% AG for [Col]i of 30, 150, and 300 μg/mL, which supported cultures with similar baseline viability and neurite outgrowth. Conjugation of Col to AG also increased the complex modulus of the hydrogel. Following high rate deformation, neuronal viability significantly decreased with increasing [Col]i, implicating cell–matrix adhesions in acute mechanotransduction events associated with traumatic loading. These results suggest interrelated roles for matrix mechanical properties and receptor-mediated cell–matrix interactions in neuronal viability, neurite outgrowth, and transduction of high rate deformation. This model system may be further exploited for the elucidation of mechanotransduction mechanisms and cellular pathology following mechanical insult.
Double-stranded ribonucleic acid decreases c6 rat glioma cell proliferation in part by activating protein kinase R and decreasing insulin-like growth factor I levels.

We previously reported that reduction of autocrine IGF-I by polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly(IC)] was permissive for the poly(IC)-mediated decrease in C6 rat glioma cell number. We now report that poly(IC) caused a block in G1 to S transition in confluent C6 cultures, whereas in subconfluent cultures, poly(IC) decreased the percentage of cells in the G2/M phase. Addition of IGF-I to poly(IC)-treated cells decreased the percentage of cells in G0/G1 phase and increased the percentage of cells in G2/M phase in confluent and subconfluent C6 cultures, indicating the reversal of cell cycle blocks. Inhibition of protein kinase R (PKR) activation partially prevented the poly(IC)-mediated cytostasis of C6 cells. Poly(IC) induced interferon-α in C6 cells. Both IGF-I and a blocking antibody against type I interferon (IFN) prevented the increase in PKR levels and the decrease in cell proliferation caused by poly(IC). We conclude that poly(IC) induces IFN, which mediates the cytostatic effect of poly(IC) on C6 ce...
Charge exchange as a recombination mechanism in high-temperature plasmas

Charge exchange with neutral hydrogen is examined as a recombination mechanism for multi-charged impurity ions present in high-temperature fusion plasmas. At sufficiently low electron densities, fluxes of atomic hydrogen produced by either the injection of neutral heating beams or the background of thermal neutrals can yield an important or even dominant recombination process for such ions. Equilibrium results are given for selected impurity elements showing the altered ionization balance and radiative cooling rate produced by the presence of various neutral populations. A notable result is that the stripping of impurities to relatively non-radiative ionization states with increasing electron temperature can be postponed or entirely prevented by the application of intense neutral beam heating power. A time dependent calculation modelling the behavior of iron in recent PLT tokamak high power neutral beam heating experiments is also presented.
HIGH-FREQUENCY JET VENTILATION (HFJV) IN INFANTS WITH DECREASED CHEST WALL COMPLIANCE. 1526

HIGH-FREQUENCY JET VENTILATION (HFJV) IN INFANTS WITH DECREASED CHEST WALL COMPLIANCE. 1526
Intervention as Nation-building: Illusion or Possibility?

This article analyzes whether nation-building-style interventions can work. Rather than seeking to debate the propriety of intervention in theory, it asks more practically whether the strategy has any hope of succeeding. History shows that intervention can indeed serve power interests, but holds fewer examples demonstrating the success of nation-building attempts, particularly in enforcement contexts. The article addresses this question by examining the most comprehensive and long-lasting nation-building attempt to date, the NATO and OSCE effort in Bosnia. By posing four questions which can be used to assess progress, the article attempts to determine the value of nation-building as an international strategy by assessing the political, social, and economic efforts to rebuild the country. Finally, it seeks to define the lessons learned by six years in Bosnia in terms of both constructing more effective operations in the future and informing world publics more adequately about their length and complexity.
Optical space-to-ground link availability assessment and diversity requirements

The application of optical space-to-ground links (SGLs) for high speed data distribution from geosynchronous and low earth orbiting satellites (e.g., sensor data from the planned Earth Observing System), for lunar and Mars links, and for links from interplanetary probes has been a topic of considerable recent interest. These optical SGLs could conceivably represent the system's operational baseline, or could represent backup links in the event of a GEO relay terminal failure. In this paper the availability of optical SGLs for various system/orbit configurations is considered. Single CONUS sites are assessed for their probability of cloud free line of sight (PCFLOS), and cloud free field of view (PCFFOV). PCFLOS represents an availability metric for geosynchronous platforms, while PCFFOV is a relevant performance metric for non-geostationary platforms (e.g., low earth orbiting satellites). Additionally, the availability of multiple ground terminals utilized in a diversity configuration is considered. Availability statistics vs. the number of diversity sites are derived from climatological data bases for CONUS sites.
Cancer of the Endometrium

Cancer of the endometrium is the most common and curable gynecologic malignancy. It has a most easily recognizable symptom in its usual presentation as postmenopausal bleeding. Treatment may vary considerably based on prognostic factors and may include surgery, radiotherapy, hormonal manipulation, or cytotoxic chemotherapy. Rehabilitation is the focus of nursing intervention and is initiated at the time of the cancer diagnosis. The continued effort by investigators to define intermediate and high-risk populations and, thus, appropriate adjuvant treatment will continue to reduce mortality from endometrial carcinoma.
The central effects of moxonidine on intraocular pressure and its antagonism by L-659, 066 and L-657, 743 in the rabbit.

Abstract 1. 1) The imidazoline, moxonidine (MOX), injected icvt into the anterior lateral ventricle of NZW rabbits induced ocular hypotension (> 7.0 mmHg) that persisted for two hrs. 2. 2) L-659,066 injected i.v. or icvt inhibited MOX-induced ocular hypotension, significantly. 3. 3) L-657,743, injected icvt at 100-fold lower concentration than icvt L-659, 066, significantly inhibited MOX-induced ocular hypotension. 4. 4) Alpha-2-adrenoceptors, located in the CNS, play a role in MOX-induced ocular hypotension, as evidenced by the ability of the relatively selective alpha-2 antagonists, L-659,066 and L-657,743 to inhibit icvt MOX-induced ocular hypotension.
Recruitment of Hispanics into an observational study of chronic kidney disease: The Hispanic Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort Study experience

Despite the large burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Hispanics, this population has been underrepresented in research studies. We describe the recruitment strategies employed by the Hispanic Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort Study, which led to the successful enrollment of a large population of Hispanic adults with CKD into a prospective observational cohort study. Recruitment efforts by bilingual staff focused on community clinics with Hispanic providers in high-density Hispanic neighborhoods in Chicago, academic medical centers, and private nephrology practices. Methods of publicizing the study included church meetings, local Hispanic print media, Spanish television and radio stations, and local health fairs. From October 2005 to July 2008, we recruited 327 Hispanics aged 21–74 years with mild-to-moderate CKD as determined by age-specific estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Of 716 individuals completing a screening visit, 49% did not meet eGFR inclusion criteria and 46% completed a baseline visit. The mean age at enrollment was 57.1 and 67.1% of participants were male. Approximately 75% of enrolled individuals were Mexican American, 15% Puerto Rican, and 10% had other Latin American ancestry. Eighty two percent of participants were Spanish-speakers. Community-based and academic primary care clinics yielded the highest percentage of participants screened (45.9% and 22.4%) and enrolled (38.2% and 24.5%). However, academic and community-based specialty clinics achieved the highest enrollment yield from individuals screened (61.9% to 71.4%). A strategy focused on primary care and nephrology clinics and the use of bilingual recruiters allowed us to overcome barriers to the recruitment of Hispanics with CKD.
The nonlinear optical coefficient, phasematching, and optical damage in the chalcopyrite AgGaSe2

Abstract We have made a direct measurement of the absolute nonlinear coefficient for AgGaSe 2 by phasematched second harmonic generation. The measured value is d 36 = (3.24 ± 0.50) × 10 −11 m/V. For CO and Co 2 lasers the observed phasematching angles for second harmonic generation and frequency mixing are within one degree of the values calculated by fitting the reported index of refraction data to Sellmeier equations. At 1.06 μm the optical damage threshold depends on the number of incident laser pulses. For 1000 pulses damage occurs at 11 MW/cm 2 . The samples were cut from crack-free single crystal boules with absorption coefficient smaller than 0.1 cm − at 10.6 μm.
Dual control based on approximate a posteriori density functions

The problem of control of a nonlinear time discrete stochastic system is considered. The control function is obtained with the help of approximate a posteriori density functions from a set of measurable functions defined on all past controls and measurements. Approximations are chosen to retain the dual (estimator-controller) nature of the truly optimal control The controls obtained from this method can have considerably different structure from those obtained by the more usual use of linearization and application of the "separation theorem" that is invalid for this problem. The possible use of this method to discover the proper structure of an optimal control that may then be implemented in a much simpler fashion for real-time applications is discussed.
Measurement of the Lowest-Order Nonlinear Susceptibility in III—V Semiconductors by Second-Harmonic Generation with a C O 2 Laser

Both the magnitude and sign of the nonlinear susceptibility $d_{14}^{}{}_{}{}^{\mathrm{NL}}(\ensuremath{-}2\ensuremath{\omega},\ensuremath{\omega},\ensuremath{\omega})$ describing second-harmonic generation at 10.6 \ensuremath{\mu} have been measured in wedge-shaped semiconducting samples using a $Q$-switched C${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ laser. The results are (in units of ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$ esu): ${d}_{14}=+1.0$ for InAs, +0.45 for GaAs, +0.26 for GaP, and +1.5 for GaSb. The limits of error are discussed, and the results are compared with previous experimental data and with several recent theoretical calculations. The effect of uniaxial compression on the coherence length for second-harmonic generation is also measured.
Distal-third clavicle fracture fixation: a biomechanical evaluation of fixation.

Background Approximately 25% of distal clavicle fractures are unstable. Unstable patterns have longer times to union and higher nonunion rates. Stable restoration of the distal clavicle is important in decreasing the nonunion rate in distal clavicle fractures. The purpose of this study was to biomechanically compare operative constructs for the treatment of unstable, comminuted distal-third clavicle fractures in a cadaveric model using a locking plate and coracoclavicular reconstruction. We hypothesized that the combination of coracoclavicular reconstruction and a distal clavicle locking plate is biomechanically superior to either construct used individually. Materials and methods An unstable distal clavicle fracture was created in 21 thawed fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens. The 21 specimens were divided into 3 treatment groups of 7: distal-third locking plate, acromioclavicular (AC) TightRope (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA), and distal-third locking plate and AC TightRope together. After fixation, each specimen was cyclically tested with recording of displacement to determine the stiffness and stability of each construct, followed by load-to-failure testing in tension and compression to determine the maximum load. Results The combined construct of the locking distal clavicle plate and coracoclavicular reconstruction resulted in increased stiffness, maximum resistance to compression, and decreased displacement compared with either construct alone. Conclusion Greater fracture stability was achieved with the combination of the AC TightRope and locking clavicle plate construct than with either alone, suggesting a possibility for increased fracture-healing rates.
Retrieval of Green's function in the radiative transfer regime.

The field–field correlation function of an imperfectly diffuse acoustic field is shown to equal the (time derivative of) Green's function times the specific intensity of the noise at the position of the pseudo-source directed toward the pseudo-receiver. The identity is established in a high frequency limit in which stations are separated by distances large compared to a wavelength and in which equal-time correlations vary smoothly in space. The specific intensity is governed by a radiative transport equation. This observation permits interpretation of correlation amplitudes and promises to facilitate the retrieval of attenuation, site amplification factors, and scattering strengths from noise correlations.
Primacy in preschoolers' short-term memory: The effects or repeated tests and shift-trials

Abstract Several experiments investigated whether preschoolers' short-term memory was affected by the number of tests administered within a session and by the type of test-trial. The retention of all four serial list positions, as measured by the probe method, declined as a function of repeated tests when a limited picture pool was used but not when different picture lists were employed over trials. Primacy was produced by shifting to a new list after repeated trials on a small item pool, and was shown on an initial test-trial when the children had received previous practice as subjects. The results were discussed in reference to interference and familiarity effects.
Automatic code stylizing

Coding style is an important aspect of software development. We present a system that uses machine learning to deduce the coding style from a corpus of code and then applies this knowledge to convert arbitrary code to the learned style. We use a broad definition of coding style that includes spacing, indentation, naming, ordering, and equivalent programming constructs. The result provides a more flexible and powerful approach to code stylizing than current techniques.
A quantitative comparison of the commonly used methods for extracting carotenoids from avian plasma

Interest in animal carotenoids, especially in birds, has exploded in recent years, and so too have the methods employed to investigate the nature and function of these pigments. Perhaps the most easily and commonly performed procedure in this work has been the determination of carotenoid concentration from avian plasma. Over the past 20 years of research on avian carotenoids, numerous methods have been used to extract carotenoids from bird plasma, all of which have differed in several important parameters (e.g., number and types of solvents used, degree of mixing/centrifugation). However, to date, no study has systematically compared these methods to determine if any of them are more effective than others for recovering any or all types of carotenoids present. We undertook such an investigation on plasma samples from two bird species (house finch, Carpodacus mexicanus, and mallard, Anas platyrhynchos) using five of the most commonly employed methods for extracting carotenoids from avian plasma: (1) acetone-only, (2) methanol-only, (3) ethanol-only, (4) ethanol + hexane, and (5) ethanol + tert butyl methyl ether. We also manipulated the amount of time that extracts were centrifuged, which has varied tremendously in previous studies, to evaluate its importance on carotenoid recovery. We found that all methods equally recovered the polar xanthophylls (lutein and zeaxanthin), but that the methanol-only procedure poorly recovered non-polar carotenoids (less β-carotene in both species and less β-cryptoxanthin in house finches) compared to the other methods. These results suggest that the data accumulated to date on xanthophyll plasma carotenoids in birds should be comparable across studies and species despite the different chemical extraction methods used. However, care should be taken to use relatively strong organic solvents for fully recovering non-polar carotenoids. We also found no effect of centrifugation duration (1 vs. 10 min at 10,000 rpm) on carotenoid recoveries, demonstrating that researchers can save considerable time by centrifuging for a much shorter time period than is typically used.
A heuristic procedure for solving the dynamic probabilistic project expediting problem

Because of activity duration uncertainties, large-scale projects can often be modeled most realistically as probabilistic activity networks. The complex interactions among activities with uncertain durations virtually assures a low probability that these projects will be completed before predetermined due dates. As a result, it is often necessary to expedite individual activities in these projects to improve due date performance. This research introduces a dynamically applied matrix simulation approach for selecting expediting options in order to control the probability of successful project completion before predefined due dates. Experiments are conducted to demonstrate the ability of this new approach to generate quality alternatives and efficiently evaluate large-scale projects.
Layer-by-layer characterization of ultrathin films with secondary ion mass spectrometry

Abstract We demonstrate the capability of cluster secondary ion mass spectrometry on characterization of multi-layer ultrathin films assembled by electrostatic adsorption of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes. The samples consisting of layers of polyethylenimine, PEI, and polystyrene sulfonate, PSS, were bombarded with 19 keV (CsI)Cs+ and 21 keV Au3+ projectiles with secondary ions identified by time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The data show the high sensitivity of cluster SIMS to the physico-chemical characteristics of the two topmost layers.
Photoemission and oxygen K -edge absorption studies of Ba(Pb,Bi) O 3

Photoemission and oxygen K-edge absorption measurements of ${\mathrm{BaPb}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Bi}}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ have been studied. The valence band of this system is dominated by oxygen 2p states and the density of states at the Fermi level is very low. The O 1s core-level spectrum shows a peak at 529 eV binding energy which is sharper than that in ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$. Valence-band and core-level features are not significantly changed by Bi substitution in ${\mathrm{BaPbO}}_{3}$, although ${T}_{c}$ increases initially from zero for x=0.0 to 12 K for x+0.25 and then drops to zero in the vicinity of x=0.35. Oxygen 2p holes are observed from O K-edge absorption spectra in the Bi-substituted samples, and these spectra are discussed along with those of the copper oxide superconductors. The density of holes is not reduced by further Bi substitution up to x=0.50 while ${T}_{c}$ is suppressed completely. This behavior is similar to that seen for the Zn-doped ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ compounds.
Evidence against diquarks from baryon resonance decays

Abstract The matrix elements for decay of a baryon resonance are sensitive to the spatial configuration of the quarks. For a number of resonances found in πN partial-wave analyses, diquark clusters would lead to predicted πN partial widths significantly larger than the observed values.
Elementary teachers' pedagogical content knowledge for teaching the nature of science

Although teacher educators have achieved some success in improving teachers' understanding of the nature of science (NOS), helping teachers teach NOS has proved a much greater challenge. Currently, there are few examples in the literature of teachers who effectively teach NOS, and fewer still that rely on student outcomes as a measure of teachers' effectiveness. Much remains to be understood regarding the sources, nature, and development of teachers' pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) in regard to NOS. Using S. Magnusson, J. Krajcik, and H. Borko's (1999) framework, we examined the PCK for NOS of three elementary teachers who have been successful in improving their students' understanding of NOS. We relied on interviews, questionnaires, classroom observations, and classroom artifacts collected over a 3-year period to characterize their PCK for NOS. Although each had robust knowledge of instructional strategies for teaching NOS, teachers lacked the requisite knowledge of assessment that would provide a feedback loop to support continued development of their knowledge of learners and lead to improvement in their teaching of NOS. Our findings highlight a need for professional development that focuses on developing aspects of PCK for NOS such as teachers' knowledge of assessment as well as educative curriculum materials to support continued development of teachers' PCK for NOS in practice. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed95: 145–167, 2011
Role of staging bone marrow examination in children with Hodgkin disease

Purpose. To determine the value of bone marrow trephine biopsy as part of the clinical staging for children presenting with Hodgkin disease. Patients and Methods, A retrospective study of pre-treatment bone marrow examinations was undertaken to examine the value of bone marrow staging in children with Hodgkin dis ease. The records of 122 children, diagnosed with Hodgkin disease at Texas Children's Hospital between February 1960 and July 1996, were reviewed. Age, sex, complete blood counts (CBC), pathology, and clinical and pathological staging results were tabulated. Results, Information was complete for analysis in 110 patients. Bone marrow trephine biopsies identified Hodgkin disease in 2/110 patients (1.8%). The patients with bone marrow disease had clinical stage IIIB disease prebiopsy. Positive bone marrow biopsy results did not effect a change in therapy, and the small number of positive cases do not allow any prediction as to prognosis. Conclusion. There is no role for bone marrow trephine examination in children with clinical stage I-IIIA Hodgkin disease. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Fracture toughness of ULE, Zerodur, Astrosital and Corning 9600

Using Vickers indentations and applying the Evans model, the fracture toughness of ULE was found to be 1.43 MPa m1/2. Astrosital, Zerodur and Corning 9600 exhibited similar values: 1.34, 1.33 and 1.32 MPa m1/2 respectively.
Automated construction of genetic linkage maps using an expert system (MultiMap): a human genome linkage map.

High–resolution genetic linkage maps are indispensable for positional cloning of disease genes Current procedures for map construction, although aided considerably by many existing computer programs, require extensive user–intervention at each of many repetitive steps This is time consuming, labour intensive and increases the chance of error. We have developed an expert system computer program, MultiMap, which automates this step–by–step procedure. MultiMap is based on a novel map construction algorithm and allows investigator control of marker locus characteristics, such as informativeness, scorability or distance to nearest neighbours. We used MultiMap to construct a human genetic map at an average resolution of 6 cM, using published genotypes at 1266 microsatelhto markers, and further extended this map by adding 397 VNTR and polymorphic gene markers.
A New Interpretation of Alternative Pairwise. Comparisons for a Generalization of SMART

A new mathematical interpretation of alternative pairwise comparisons for a recently developed model of single-stage multiattribute decisionmaking and trade-off weight determination under uncertainty is presented. This model includes the following key features: 1) parameter values, i.e., lowest level attribute utility scores and trade-off weights, are described by set membership, and 2) use is made of directly expressed preferences among pairs of alternatives. The original mathematical interpretation of pairwise comparisons produced the following undesirable result: more precise lowest level attribute utility scores produce a more imprecise description of the trade-off weights. The new more conservative interpretation guarantees that more precise lowest level attribute utility scores will not increase the imprecision of the trade-off weights.
How schools use talent search scores for gifted adolescents

Two hundred fourteen school officials who had students participate in an academic talent search through the Center for Talent Development of Northwestern University responded to a survey regarding how they use off‐level test scores for students’ talent development in school. Data showed that generally talent search is perceived by schools as a means of providing access to outside‐of‐school academic opportunities such as summer and distance learning courses. Few schools use talent search scores to design school‐based educational programs or to determine eligibility for in‐school gifted programs. Other findings included that schools learned about talent search mainly through mailings from the talent search center, gifted coordinators primarily administered talent search in their schools and participation was encouraged via letters to families, students were selected for talent search participation based on achievement test scores at the 95th percentile or above and follow‐up on talent search scores typicall...
Quantum beam collapse in a self-focusing medium

Abstract A qualitative theory of quantum beam collapse is given for an input coherent state whose mean power equals the critical power for self-focusing. The probability for beam collapse is shown to be 0.5, and the probability density for the axial position of the self-focusing singularity is derived.
Near Miss Maternal Mortality in a Multiethnic Population

Purpose To determine the impact of ethnicity on "near miss"/severe obstetric morbidity in a multi-ethnic, tertiary care population. Methods We carried out a cross-sectional analysis using birth data for 12,774 women with Medicaid who gave birth between January 1994 and January 2005 at Duke University. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to compare ethnic groups and risk factors for severe obstetric morbidity and mortality using codes for conditions corresponding to the WHO definitions of near miss maternal morbidities. Results African-American women experienced significantly more pregnancy complications (25.4%) compared to White (21.7%) and Hispanic (18.8%) women. The presence of medical comorbidities was highest among African-Americans (9.1%) compared to Whites (8.1%) and Hispanics (2.6%). Near miss mortality, however, was significantly higher in Hispanic women (5.9%) compared to African-Americans (4.6%), and Whites (4.1%). Hispanic women had 45% greater risk of near miss mortality compared to Whites (relative risk [RR] = 1.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14-1.84) whereas differences were non-significant for African-American women. In multivariate regression, near misses remained highest for Hispanic women (RR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.27-2.17). Conclusions The increase in near miss maternal mortality for Hispanic women suggests a more complex interaction between ethnicity, socioeconomic status and health than traditional birth outcome measures capture.
Response of bone mineral density to once-weekly administration of risedronate.

Objective: To evaluate the changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and the tolerability associated with treatment with risedronate, 30 mg once weekly. Methods: Risedronate, 30 mg, was administered on...
Effective local environment model for vibrational states in pure amorphous germanium and silicon

Abstract A detailed comparison between the measured infrared absorption (IR) spectra of pure amorphous germanium and silicon and the calculated density of vibrational states (DVS) and IR spectra for several models shows the need for an improved model of this system. A small (17 atom) crystalline cluster model is proposed, in which the imbedding of the cluster in the bulk amorphous medium is simulated by nearest-neighbor forces on the surface atoms of the cluster. The surface force constants are adjustable parameters of the model. A DVS is obtained which has the distinct three-peaked form of the measured IR, and systematic variation of the surface parameters show the range in which these may be adjusted to achieve precise agreement with the peak frequencies of the observed IR.
Anomalous proton-spin–lattice relaxation at high temperatures in zirconium dihydrides

Measurements of the proton-spin\char21{}lattice relaxation rate ${\mathit{R}}_{1}$ are reported for zirconium dihydrides, ${\mathrm{ZrH}}_{\mathit{x}}$ (1.58\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}1.98), with emphasis on the behavior of ${\mathit{R}}_{1}$ at high temperatures (to 1300 K). An anomalously sharp increase in ${\mathit{R}}_{1}$ is found at all hydrogen concentrations at temperatures above \ensuremath{\sim}900 K. At the onset temperature ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ for anomalous ${\mathit{R}}_{1}$ behavior, defined as that of the intermediate ${\mathit{R}}_{1}$ minimum, the hydrogen hopping rate ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathit{c}}$\ensuremath{\simeq}${10}^{9}$\char21{}${10}^{10}$ ${\mathrm{s}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$, decreasing with increasing hydrogen concentration x. The anomalous behavior depends only weakly on resonance frequency and shows no correlation with the pronounced peak in the electronic density of states at x\ensuremath{\simeq}1.80. No differences were found in the behavior of pure and impurity-doped (Cr, Mn, Fe) samples. The anomalous contribution to ${\mathit{R}}_{1}$ is described by ${\mathit{R}}_{1\mathit{x}}$=A' exp(-U/${\mathit{k}}_{\mathit{B}}$T), with U\ensuremath{\simeq}0.4\char21{}1.0 eV/atom.
The development of a MEMS gyroscope for absolute angle measurement

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) gyroscopes are typically designed to measure angular rate of rotation. A measurement of the angle itself is useful in many applications but cannot be obtained by integrating the angular rate due to the presence of bias errors which cause a drift. This paper presents an innovative design for a vibrating gyroscope that can directly measure both angle and angular rate. The design is based on the principle of measuring the angle of free vibration of a suspended mass with respect to the casing of the gyroscope. Several critical challenges have to be handled before the theoretical sensing concept can be converted into a reliable practical sensor. These include compensating for the presence of dissipative forces, mismatched springs, cross-axis stiffness and transmission of rotary torque. These challenges are addressed by the development of a composite nonlinear feedback control system that compensates for each of the above effects and ensures that the mass continues to behave as a freely vibrating structure. Theoretical analysis and simulation results presented in the paper show that the gyroscope can accurately measure both angle and angular rate for low-bandwidth applications.
Agile wireless systems: Design trends, technologies, and challenges

This talk will discuss Design Trends, Technologies, and Challenges in the context of some key applications and domains. In particular, we will focus on aspects of Agile wireless systems that amalgamate the attributes of Software Defined Radios (SDRs) and cognitive radios. Wireless systems and subsystems will continue to be a major market driver, since they are a critical component in the context of several verticals, such as communications, health care, energy, and consumer devices/applications. These systems will increasingly incorporate on-chip broadband antennas, RFMEMS/filters, and High speed RF/Mixed mode circuits, as well as a more traditional assortment of networks, heterogeneous multi-cores and memories. Design techniques, tools and platforms are necessary to assist in the architectural exploration of components and systems operating in the envisioned environment. We will discuss examples of configurable rapid prototyping platforms that have proven very useful in these contexts, and are also being leveraged for simulating the next generation of highly parallel systems. We will highlight several challenges that need to be addressed; these include programming paradigms and compilation tools for parallel heterogeneous systems, computational models that accommodate error-resiliency, and a design technology framework for complex heterogeneous systems.
Stepping across borders into the future of telepathology

The description of the design and implementation of interstate telepathology services between the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) and St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital (Indianapolis, Indiana) in the article “Inter-Institutional and Interstate Teleneuropathology”[1] provides a veritable “how-to” guide for other practices desiring to broaden the range and immediacy of their subspecialists’ expertise. For those acquainted with the installation of telepathology within an institution, some of the barriers that had to be surmounted will come as no surprise. However, the added legal, administrative, and medical complexity of crossing institutional credentialing systems as well as state jurisdictions of medical practice provided some additional challenges, the solutions for which are detailed in the article. Interstate telepathology practice is not a new phenomenon as previous reports of telepathology between individual Veterans Health Administration medical centers can be found as far back as 1997,[2] but this may be one of the first reports of interstate telepathology practice between administratively and financially independent health care entities. As such, new questions arose regarding case ownership, medical malpractice and correlation between the telepathologic frozen section diagnosis and the final diagnosis. As with many forward leaps in medical practice, the lag in the development of corresponding accreditation standards, laws, and regulations left some of those questions unanswered, and the innovators were left with making their best conservative guesses. This commentary describes the implications for telepathology practice as it moves forward from this point and highlights the need for guidelines for its safe and effective use.
Root apical organization in Arabidopsis thaliana ecotype 'WS' and a comment on root cap structure

Arabidopsis thaliana roots have closed apical organization with three initial tiers. The dermatogen/calyptrogen tier consists of two parts - the central initials form the columella root cap, and the peripheral initial cells form the protoderm (epidermis) and the peripheral root cap. These peripheral initials divide in a sequence to form a root cap consisting of interconnected cones. The periblem initial tier forms the ground meristem (cortex). For the first week after germination the periblem consists of one layer of initial cells. The peripheral cells of the tier divide periclinally and then anticlinally (a T-division) to form the two-layered cortex (outer cortex and endodermis). After about one week, all the peripheral cells have divided periclinally forming two initials; the outermost produces the outer cortex while the inner initial produces the endodermis and middle cortex layer. The latter two cells arise via a periclinal division. During this time, other cells within the tier divide periclinally to form a two-layered tier. The plerome forms the cells of the procambium (vascular cylinder) by simple anticlinal divisions followed by longitudinal divisions to fill out the cell files of the vascular cylinder. A survey (27 dicot species in 17 families) of roots with closed apical organization revealed that there are three different types of root cap - concentric cylinders of cells (e.g. Linum), interconnecting cones (e.g. Arabidopsis) or overlapping arcs (e.g. Gossypium).
Failures, faults and changes in dependability measurement

Abstract Measurement is essential to any programme of quality improvement. The manufacturer of a system must be able to measure its dependability. This comprises attributes such as reliability, safety and security, which are external attributes of the system and are measured indirectly by analysis of direct measurements extracted from raw data. An essential part of the collection of raw data is the measurement of failures during system trial and operation. Some will be due to the physical failure of hardware components, others to design faults in hardware, software, or the user interface. Where a design fault is diagnosed, a corrective change is usually made to remove it, and improve dependability. Measurement of dependability requires that the basic entities failure, fault, and change, are measured in a rigorous, consistent, yet practical way. The paper applies principles of scientific measurement to these entities, and defines a set of attributes measured on orthogonal scales, so that measurements of different attributes may be made independently. The proposed scheme is completely general, but can be adapted to any real measurement programme.
Subfascial endoscopic perforator vein surgery: who benefits?

The advent of minimally invasive endoscopic surgery has rekindled interest in perforator vein ligation. Subfascial endoscopic perforator vein surgery (SEPS) utilizes techniques to interrupt incompetent perforators under direct vision using an endoscopic videocamera and instrumentation placed through small ports remote from the active ulcer or area of diseased skin. The safety and early efficacy of SEPS has been established in several studies, and it yields lower wound complication rates than observed with open surgical techniques such as the Linton procedure. Available results confirm the superiority of SEPS over open perforator ligation, but do not address the its role in the surgical treatment of advanced chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and venous ulceration. Ablation of superficial reflux by high ligation and stripping of the greater saphenous vein with avulsion of branch varicosities is concomitantly performed in the majority of patients undergoing SEPS. The clinical and hemodynamic improvements attributable to SEPS thus are difficult to ascertain. As with open perforator ligation, clinical and hemodynamic results are better in patients with primary valvular incompetence (PVI) than in those with the postthrombotic (PT) syndrome. Until prospective, randomized, multicenter clinical trials are carried out to answer lingering questions regarding the efficacy of SEPS, the procedure is recommended in patients with advanced CVl secondary to PVI of superficial and perforating veins, with or without deep venous incompetence. The performance of SEPS in patients with PT syndrome remains controversial.
Beyond the Random Coil: Stochastic Conformational Switching in Intrinsically Disordered Proteins

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) participate in critical cellular functions that exploit the flexibility and rapid conformational fluctuations of their native state. Limited information about the native state of IDPs can be gained by the averaging over many heterogeneous molecules that is unavoidable in ensemble approaches. We used single molecule fluorescence to characterize native state conformational dynamics in five synaptic proteins confirmed to be disordered by other techniques. For three of the proteins, SNAP-25, synaptobrevin and complexin, their conformational dynamics could be described with a simple semiflexible polymer model. Surprisingly, two proteins, neuroligin and the NMDAR-2B glutamate receptor, were observed to stochastically switch among distinct conformational states despite the fact that they appeared intrinsically disordered by other measures. The hop-like intramolecular diffusion found in these proteins is suggested to define a class of functionality previously unrecognized for IDPs.