cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Maturation of cochlear glutathione-S-transferases correlates with the end of the sensitive period for ototoxicity.

The developing mammalian cochlea is especially sensitive to chemical toxins. In rats, the period of increased sensitivity falls roughly between postnatal days (P) 8 and 28. One unexplored hypothesis for this ‘sensitive period’ is that young cochleas may have immature complements of detoxification enzymes. Glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) are a family of detoxification enzymes which catalyze the conjugation of many xenobiotics to glutathione. Using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), we measured the concentrations of soluble GST isoforms in cochleas of developing Fischer 344 rats. At P1, the concentration of isoform rGSTP1 was 9 pmol/mg protein. That of the remaining isoforms studied was low, <2 pmol/mg protein, and, except for rGSTA3, remained so throughout the period of study. At P2, immunolabelling visualized rGSTP1 in the stria vascularis, Reissner’s membrane, spiral limbus and organ of Corti. From P1 to P28, rGSTP1 increased to 15 pmol/mg protein and was detected additionally in satellite cells of the spiral ganglion and in the spiral ligament. From P7 to P28, rGSTA3 increased 8-fold (3–24 pmol/mg protein), became the predominant isoform in the adult organ and localized to pillar cells, the limbus and the spiral ligament. In the vestibule, rGSTP1 predominated, although rGSTA3 increased slightly over time. These observations suggest that biochemical immaturity in detoxification enzymes in the cochlea may contribute to the increased sensitivity to ototoxins during development and that differences in detoxification enzymes between cells in the cochlea and between inner ear organs may underlie differences in susceptibility to ototoxins.
Influence of treatment to sacrifice time and the presence of BrdUrd on chemically-induced aberration rates in mouse marrow cells

4 chemicals, with various modes of clastogenic action were used to evaluate induced chromosomal aberrations in mouse bone marrow at different times after intraperitoneal injection. Aberration frequencies induced by mitomycin C, cyclophosphamide and dimethylbenz[a]anthracene increased with increasing time between treatment and sampling until those time points (approximately 18 h) when significant proportions of second-division metaphases were among the cells being scored; this increase was not obvious following treatment with 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide. When BrdUrd tablets were implanted prior to treatment and scoring was restricted to first-division metaphases, aberration rates continued to increase for as long as 24 h post-treatment. The presence of BrdUrd did not affect significantly the rate of aberration induction by the chemicals. Our data indicate that the sensitivity of the in vivo mouse marrow assay for clastogenic chemicals can be greatly increased by utilizing BrdUrd to insure the scoring of only first-division metaphases at post-treatment times of approx. 18 h.
Formulation and structure of more complex/realistic routing and scheduling problems

We classify the features that seem to be encountered in real vehicle routing problems. Given these features, we try to indicate which features cause the greatest difficulty and which modeling approaches allow us to represent the greatest range of practical considerations or features.
Nature of the molecular defect in phenylketonuria and hyperphenylalaninaemia.

Two forms of phenylketonuria (PKU) have been described at the biochemical level: (1) classical PKU in which no hepatic phenylalanine hydroxylase activity has been found1–4, and (2) a typical PKU or hyperphenylalaninaemia in which about 5% of the normal hydroxylase activity is present5. * Whereas it seems most probable that classical PKU results from a structural gene mutation, the hyperphenylalaninaemic syndrome could result from either a structural or a regulatory gene mutation.
Enhanced mixing in laminar flows using ultrahydrophobic surfaces.

Under laminar, microscale flow conditions, rapid mixing can be difficult to achieve. In these low Reynolds number flows, mixing rates are governed by molecular diffusion, and in the absence of enhanced mixing techniques, mixing lengths and residence times can be much longer than most applications will allow. A number of active mixing techniques have been developed to improve mixing; however, they can be complex to implement and expensive to fabricate. In this paper, we describe a passive mixing method that utilizes a series of ultrahydrophobic surfaces. Our previous experiments have demonstrated that a shear-free air-water interface supported between hydrophobic microridges results in large slip velocities along these ultrahydrophobic surfaces, and significant drag reduction. By aligning the microridges and therefore the air-water interface at an oblique angle to the flow direction, a secondary flow is generated, which is shown to efficiently stretch and fold the fluid elements and reduce the mixing length by more than an order of magnitude compared to that of a smooth microchannel. The designs of the ultrahydrophobic surfaces were optimized through experiments and numerical simulations. A Y-shaped channel was used to bring two streams of water together, one tagged with a fluorescent dye. A confocal microscope was used to measure fluorescence intensity and dye concentration. Quantitative agreement between the experiments and the numerical simulations was achieved for both the flow patterns and degree of mixing. Increasing the angle of the microridges was found to reduce the mixing length up to a critical angle of about 60°, beyond which the mixing length was found to increase with further increases to the angle of the microridge. The mixing enhancement was found to be much less sensitive to changes in microridge width or separation.
SU‐FF‐J‐81: A Feasibility Study for Real‐Time Tomosynthesis‐Guided Rapid Arc Therapy

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of real‐time mis‐alignment correction in Rapid Arc treatment and design a corresponding tomosynthesis acquisition protocol. Method and Materials: A CTimage set of an anthropomorphic pelvic phantom was used in the study. Simulated projection images were produced to resemble a simultaneous kV fluoro in Rapid Arc treatment. A modified Feldkamp algorithm was used to reconstruct the tomosynthesisimages. Various combinations of imagingreconstruction parameters including scan angle, angular interval, and slice thickness (mm) were tested: 1) 60°, 6°, 2.4; 2) 60°, 6°, 0.8; 3) 60°, 3°, 2.4; and 4) 30°, 3°, 2.4. A predefined 5 mm displacement in all three orthogonal directions modeled patient motion during treatment. After each successive tomosynthesis acquisition, registrations were performed between current reconstructions and reference images. The phantom position was corrected accordingly by shifting the treatment couch. Residual errors and their root mean square (RMS) values were recorded for evaluation. Results: The residual errors (L‐R, A‐P and S‐I directions in mm) for the 4 schemes after the first tomosynthesis acquisition were (1.2, 2.5, −0.2), (−1.2, 1.1, 0.0), (1.1, 1.9, 0.0) and (−1.2, 3.1, 0.0), and the corresponding RMSs were 1.6, 0.9, 1.3 and 1.9 respectively. The RMSs after a full arc delivery were 0.7, 0.5, 0.5 and 0.7. All schemes tested accurately corrected displacement in the SI direction after first acquisition. Scheme 2 performed better than scheme 1 at the expense of more computation time. By doubling projection numbers in scheme 1, scheme 3 improved correction ability in the L‐R direction. With a smaller 30° scan angle, scheme 4 was acceptable and will be improved after several acquisitions. Conclusions:Tomosynthesis scans can be used for real‐time mis‐alignment correction in Arc therapy after 30° gantry rotation.
Fifty Years of Supercavitating Flow Research in the United States: Personal RecoIlections

History of development of researches on supercavitation in the United States of America is stated in the article in the form of personal recollections. The review embraces fifty year period from creation of the linearizedtheory of supercavitating flows to appearance of designs of high-speed vehicles of the 21-st century. Besides the research chronology, technical problems of shipbuilding industry and aviation, which stimulated the development of researches on supercavitation, are described by the author. References of foreign works on supercavitation including works fulfilled in Germany and USSR and exerted important influence on development of investigations on supercavitation in the USA are contained in this article.
Survival in sentinel lymph node–positive pediatric melanoma

Abstract Background Sentinel lymph node (SLN) status is the strongest predictor of survival in adult melanoma. However, the prognostic value of SLN status in children and adolescents with melanoma is unknown. Methods Records of 327 patients aged 12 to 86 years undergoing SLN biopsy for melanoma or other melanocytic lesions were reviewed. A literature search identified additional patients younger than 21 years undergoing SLN biopsy for the same indications and these patients were combined with our series for meta-analysis. Results Sentinel lymph node metastases were found in 8 (40%) of 20 patients aged 12 to 20 years compared with 55 (18%) of 307 adults ( P Conclusion Pediatric patients have a higher incidence of SLN metastases than adults yet have a lower incidence of recurrence. Sentinel lymph node status does not predict early recurrence in pediatric patients with melanoma or atypical Spitz nevi.
Use of data from patients in assessing interlaboratory proficiency and for quality control.

Summary 1. The use of patients' data in evaluating laboratory proficiency and for laboratory quality control was examined. 2. Twenty laboratories undertook to provide, semi-monthly, for ten months, 100 results of routine determinations each of glucose, urea nitrogen, and uric acid on sera from unselected patients. Concurrently, these same determinations were made on six check samples. 3. We conclude that patients' data are not sufficiently sensitive for proficiency evaluation, but that they are potentially an extremely powerful tool for internal laboratory quality control.
The range of two-parameter random walk in space

Let {X ij; i>0, j>0} be a double sequence of i.i.d. random variables taking values in the d-dimensional integer lattice E d . Also let $$S_{mn} = \sum\limits_{i = 1}^m {\sum\limits_{j = 1}^n {X_{ij} } } $$ . Then the range of random walk {S mn: m>0, n>0} up to time (m, n), denoted by R mn , is the cardinality of the set {S pq: 0<p≦m, 0<q≦n}, i.e., the number of distinct points visited by the random walk up to time (m, n). In this paper a sufficient condition in terms of the characteristic function of X 11 is given so that $$\lim \frac{{R_{mn} }}{{ER_{mn} }} = 1$$ a.s. as either (m, n) or m(n) tends to infinity.
THE VIRTUAL SUFFIX TREE

We introduce the VST (virtual suffix tree), an efficient data structure for suffix trees and suffix arrays. Starting from the suffix array, we construct the suffix tree, from which we derive the virtual suffix tree. Later, we remove the intermediate step of suffix tree construction, and build the VST directly from the suffix array. The VST provides the same functionality as the suffix tree, including suffix links, but at a much smaller space requirement. It has the same linear time construction even for large alphabets, Σ, requires O(n) space to store (n is the string length), and allows searching for a pattern of length m to be performed in O(m log |Σ|) time, the same time needed for a suffix tree. Given the VST, we show an algorithm that computes all the suffix links in linear time, independent of Σ. The VST requires less space than other recently proposed data structures for suffix trees and suffix arrays, such as the enhanced suffix array [1], and the linearized suffix tree [17]. On average, the space requirement (including that for suffix arrays and suffix links) is 13.8n bytes for the regular VST, and 12.05n bytes in its compact form.
SU‐FF‐T‐114: Commissioning of the Pinnacle3 Electron Beam MC Dose Calculation Algorithm for Patient‐Specific Treatment Planning

Purpose: To report on the commissioning of the Pinnacle3Monte Carlo(MC) electron dose algorithm and to compare MC and pencil beam (PB) dose calculations for complex electron beam clinical treatment plans. Method and Materials: The Pinnacle3 (Philips Radiation Oncology Systems) MCdose algorithm consists of primary electron and contaminantphoton sources which parameterize particle transport through the jaws and electron applicator. Five electron applicators ranging in size from 5×5 to 25×25 were modeled for a 9 MeV electron beam from a Siemens (Primus) linac. A combination of auto‐modeling scripts and iterative adjustment were used to modify various parameters in the model in order to produce the best agreement with measured depth and profile doses. Parameters included the electron spectrum, the contribution from contamination photons and the in‐air scattering beyond the applicators. The commissioned MC beam model was subsequently used to calculate dose distributions for two patients treated with superficial lesions in highly irregular anatomies involving the ear and face. Results: The agreement between MC calculations and measurements was on average within 2%/2 mm for all applicator sizes. Larger differences were noted for the 25×25 applicator particularly in the beam horns; similar discrepancies were found for the PB beam model. Significant dose differences (particularly above the 90% dose level) were observed between MC and PB calculations in one plan. Relative to MC, the PB algorithm over‐estimated monitor units by 6% and 3% for the two cases. Timing values were 6.0 and 76.3 minutes for the 9 MeV, 5×5 and 15×15 applicator plans respectively for 1.0% uncertainty averaged over 4 mm cubic voxels with dose>50%dosemax. Conclusion: The large differences between MC and PB dose algorithms in complex, electron‐only patient treatment plans provide justification for the need for well‐commissioned MCelectron beam algorithms in routine treatment planning. Acknowledgement: NIH‐R01CA106770.
The Effects of Errors in the Estimation of the Gradient on the Frank-Wolfe Algorithm, with Implications for Interactive Programming

This paper presents an investigation of the effects of errors in the estimation of the gradient of the objective function on the Frank-Wolfe nonlinear programming algorithm. The investigation was motivated by a desire to reconcile the use of interactive programming approaches to the solution of the multiple-criteria problem with utility models that allow for intransitive statements of indifference and preference. Results are provided regarding the ultimate convergence of the algorithm, and its initial convergence rate.
Cell Proliferation and Epidermal Growth Factor Signaling in Non-small Cell Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines Are Dependent on Rin1

Rin1 is a Rab5 guanine nucleotide exchange factor that plays an important role in Ras-activated endocytosis and growth factor receptor trafficking in fibroblasts. In this study, we show that Rin1 is expressed at high levels in a large number of non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma cell lines, including Hop62, H650, HCC4006, HCC827, EKVX, HCC2935, and A549. Rin1 depletion from A549 cells resulted in a decrease in cell proliferation that was correlated to a decrease in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling. Expression of wild type Rin1 but not the Rab5 guanine nucleotide exchange factor-deficient Rin1 (Rin1Δ) complemented the Rin1 depletion effects, and overexpression of Rin1Δ had a dominant negative effect on cell proliferation. Rin1 depletion stabilized the cell surface levels of EGFR, suggesting that internalization was necessary for robust signaling in A549 cells. In support of this conclusion, introduction of either dominant negative Rab5 or dominant negative dynamin decreased A549 proliferation and EGFR signaling. These data demonstrate that proper internalization and endocytic trafficking are critical for EGFR-mediated signaling in A549 cells and suggest that up-regulation of Rin1 in A549 cell lines may contribute to their proliferative nature.
Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta)-induced modulation of the hypothalamic IL-1beta system, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and transforming growth factor-beta1 mRNAs in obese (fa/fa) and lean (Fa/Fa) Zucker rats: implications to IL-1beta feedback systems and cytokine-cytokine interactions.

Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) induces anorexia, fever, sleep changes, and neuroendocrine alterations when administered into the brain. Here, we investigated the regulation of the IL-1beta system (ligand, receptors, receptor accessory protein, and receptor antagonist), tumor necrosis factor-alpoha (TNF-alpha), transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, and TGF-alpha mRNAs in the hypothalamus of obese (fa/fa) and lean (Fa/Fa) Zucker rats in response to the intracerebroventricular microinfusion of IL-1beta (8.0 ng/24 hr for 72 hr, a dose that yields estimated pathophysiological concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid). IL-1beta increased IL-1beta, IL-1 receptor types I and II (IL-1RI and IL-1RII), IL-1 receptor accessory protein soluble form (IL-1R AcP II), IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), TNF-alpha, and TGF-beta1 mRNAs in the hypothalamus from obese and lean rats. IL-1beta-induced IL-1beta system and ligand (IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and TGF-beta1) mRNA profiles were highly intercorrelated in the same samples. Levels of membrane-bound IL-1R AcP and TGF-alpha mRNAs did not change. Heat-inactivated IL-1beta had no effect. The data suggest 1) the operation of an IL-1beta feedback system (IL-1beta/IL-1RI/IL-1R Acp II/IL-1RII/IL-1Ra) and 2) potential cytokine-cytokine interactions with positive (IL-1beta TNF-alpha) and negative (TGF-beta1 --> IL-1beta/TNF-alpha) feedback. Dysregulation of the IL-1beta feedback system and the TGF-beta1/IL-1beta-TNF-alpha balance may have implications for neurological disorders associated with high levels of IL-1beta in the brain.
Role of a phenolic pool in the conversion of m-cresol to aromatics over HY and HZSM-5 zeolites

Abstract The conversion of m -cresol over two acidic zeolites has been studied on a micro-pulse reaction system in the temperature range of 400–600 °C. The zeolites were HZSM-5 and HY and had the same Si/Al ratio of 40. At 400 °C both zeolites were found to be highly efficient in trapping irreversibly the phenolic reactant. As the temperature increased, the extent of phenolic trapping was lower, resulting in a reduced amount of carbonaceous deposits, while the coke became more graphitic. While m -cresol only produced isomerization and transalkylation vapor phenolic products, the vast majority of the amount of injected m -cresol resulted in condensed products on the surface that lead to the formation of a phenolic pool. Therefore, the aromatic hydrocarbons that dominate the reactor output originate from the cracking of the surface pool. At low reaction temperature, toluene is the major pool cracking product, but at higher temperatures the selectivity to benzene increases. Independent measurements of toluene and xylene conversion, under the same conditions, indicate that these changes in selectivity are not due to secondary reactions of toluene to benzene, but rather a change in the cracking pattern of the surface pool.
Testis Cancer: A 20-Year Epidemiological Review of the Experience at a Regional Military Medical Facility

Purpose: Testis cancer is the most common solid malignancy in the young adult population and the incidence in this population is increasing. We present a 20-year epidemiological review of testis cancers treated at our institution.Materials and Methods: The records of testis cancer cases diagnosed between January 1988 and June 2007 were reviewed. Patient demographics, cancer histology and stage, adjuvant therapy, temporal trends and survival data are presented. Our experience was compared to trends published in the SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results) database and the National Cancer Database.Results: A total of 338 testis cancers (330 germ cell tumors) were diagnosed during the study period. Median patient age at diagnosis was 26.6 years vs 34 in the SEER database. We observed a temporal increase in stage I tumors (57% to 75%) and a decrease in the proportion of seminomas (52% to 43%) during the study period. In terms of adjuvant therapy for stage I seminoma the use of radiotherapy decreased ...
Relationship of elevated osteoprotegerin with insulin resistance, CRP, and TNF-α levels in men with type 2 diabetes

Abstract Aim: Our objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between plasma osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels in type 2 diabetes and its relationship with the insulin resistance, HbA1c, CRP, and TNF-α levels. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, levels of OPG were determined in 50 subjects with type 2 diabetes and 59 control subjects without diabetes. The OPG levels between the groups were compared and their correlation with insulin resistance, glycemia and inflammatory markers CRP and TNF-α was determined. Results: OPG levels were elevated in subjects with diabetes (6.8 ± 0.27 pmol/l), compared to control subjects (5.7 ± 0.26 pmol/l). OPG levels significantly correlate with insulin, insulin resistance, CRP, and TNF-α. Conclusion: OPG levels are significantly correlated with insulin resistance and may reflect the proinflammatory state in type 2 diabetes.
Self-recognition in profoundly retarded males

Two studies are reported on the capacity of profoundly mentally retarded adults to recognize self. Study A reflects a partial replication of Gallop’s (1970) study of self-recognition in chimpanzees, while Study B employed a criterion task suggested by the psychoanalytic conception of primary narcissism. Results of both studies indicate no unequivocal support that the profoundly retarded can recognize self, and they appear less capable than chimpanzees or normal human infants of 7 months. Failure to install self-recognition subsequent to mirror training is discussed and suggestions for further research are offered.
Congenital Aneurysms of the Aortic Sinuses with Cardioaortic Fistula

In 1839, James Hope in “A Treatise on Diseases of the Heart and Great Vessels” described the first recorded case of a congenital aneurysm of the aortic sinuses (sinuses of Valsalva) with rupture into the right side of the heart.’ The patient, “on lifting a sack of flour, felt a creak in the heart” and died shortly thereafter. In 1840, Thurnam’ reported Hope’s case in more detail and added five more cases of aortic sinus aneurysms, none of which had ruptured at time of autopsy. The number of congenital aortic sinus aneurysms described in the literature mounted slowly. Maude Abbott was able to accumulate nine cases in 1919,’ only 12 by 1936.� With the advent of the last decade, however, cases began to be reported with an ever increasing frequency. In 1949, Morgan Jones and Langley collected 25 cases from the literature. By 1957, Sawyers, Adams, and Scott8 had accumulated 45 autopsied cases and two living patients whose lesions had been verified by clinical and roentgenologic methods. Late in 1957, Lillehei, Stanley, and Varco7 reported successful surgical closure of ruptured congenital aortic sinus aneurysms in three patients, all of whom demonstrated complete clinical recovery with disappearance of symptoms. The fact that this lesion is now susceptible to curative surgical correction argues for an analysis of the pathogenesis of the lesion and the clinical findings which may aid in its detection.
A Multibody/Finite Element Non-Linear Formulation of a Two-Ligament Knee Joint

The focus of this investigation is to study the mechanics of the human knee using a new method that integrates multi-body system and large deformation finite element algorithms. The major bones in the knee joint consisting of the femur, tibia, fibula are modeled as rigid bodies. The ligaments structures are modeled using the large deformation finite element Absolute Nodal Coordinate Formulation (ANCF) with an implementation of a Neo-Hookean constitutive model that allows for large deformations as experienced in knee flexation and rotation. The Neo-Hookean strain energy function used in this study takes into consideration the near incompressibility of the ligaments. The ANCF is used in the formulation of the algebraic equations that define the ligament/bone rigid connection. A unique feature of the ANCF is that it allows for the deformation of the ligament cross-section. At the ligament/bone connection, the ANCF is used to define a fully constrained joint. This aspect of the model reflects the actual structural mechanics of the knee. In addition, this model will reflect the fact that the geometry, placement and attachment of the two collateral ligaments (the LCL and MCL), are significantly different from what has been used in most knee models developed in previous investigations. The approach described in this paper will provide a more realistic model of the knee and thus more applicable to future research studies. The obtained preliminary results of other applications show that the ANCF can be an effective tool for modeling very flexible structures like ligaments subjected to large deformations. In the future, the ANCF models could assist in examining the mechanics of the knee to study knee injuries and possible prevention means, as well as an improved understanding of the role of each individual ligament in the diagnosis and assessment of disease states, aging and potential therapies.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Experience with Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scans in Patients with Ovarian Cancer

Our first year of experience in the use of PET scanning in the management of nine patients with ovarian cancer leads us to conclude that this promising new technique may be more sensitive than either serum CA-125 determinations or computed tomography for the detection and demonstration of residual or recurrent abdominal and pelvic tumor. Seven of these patients underwent second-look laparotomy which confirmed our impressions from preoperative PET scans in six patients, and the one other scan showed a focus of metabolic uptake coinciding with residual tumor in our retrospective review. The clinical courses of two other patients who did not undergo laparotomy confirmed the impressions gained from PET scans.
Self-Efficacy Change as a Mediator of Associations between Therapeutic Bond and One-Year Outcomes in Treatments for Alcohol Dependence

Empirically-supported treatments for alcohol dependence exist, yet understanding of influences contributing to the intended behavior change is limited. The current study, a secondary analysis of the recent multi-site COMBINE trial (The COMBINE Study Research Group, 2003), tested a mediational model wherein change in client self-efficacy for abstinence was examined as a potential mediator of associations between client-report of the therapeutic bond and one-year outcomes of drinking frequency, drinking consequences, and psychiatric functioning. For analyses, the 1383 COMBINE trial participants were grouped as follows: 1) those receiving study medications (Naltrexone, Acamprosate, Naltrexone + Acamprosate, Placebo) and enrolled in medication management (MM) only (n=607), 2) those receiving study medications/MM and also enrolled in a combination behavioral intervention (CBI) as well (n=619), and 3) those enrolled in CBI only (n=157). Mediation analyses using the product-of-coefficients approach indicated self-efficacy change during treatment significantly mediated associations between the therapeutic bond with the CBI therapist and each of the three one-year outcomes among those exclusively receiving CBI, but failed to do so among those receiving pills/MM (with or without CBI). Effect sizes were small, but indicated that variance in bond-outcome associations was partially mediated by self-efficacy change for trial participants. Findings advance understanding of proximal client change processes during delivery of treatments for alcohol dependence.
Accuracy of the AvoSure PT Pro System Compared with a Hospital Laboratory Standard

OBJECTIVE:To compare international normalized ratio (INR) values obtained using the AvoSure PT Pro point-of-care (POC) system with those obtained using a standard laboratory method.METHODS:Forty-one INR values obtained from the POC system were compared with those obtained from a standard laboratory method. The POC method was evaluated for both laboratory and clinical agreement. To evaluate laboratory agreement, various analyses were used, including mean-squared prediction error (MSE) and mean prediction error (ME), Bland—Altman analysis, correlation, and paired t-test comparing group INR means. For clinical accuracy, discrepant pairs were identified and evaluated to determine whether dosage adjustments would have been needed based on values obtained.RESULTS:The POC system demonstrated modest precision (MSE = 0.147, 95% CI 0.065 to 0.228) and relatively little bias (ME = 0.090, 95% CI–0.025 to 0.205). Bland—Altman analysis also suggested good agreement at average INRs from 2.0 to 3.0. At average INR values...
PERSONNEL NEEDS IN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY: A 10-YEAR FOLLOW-UP STUDY ON PREDICTED PERSONNEL SHORTAGES

Concerns regarding whether a sufficient supply of school psychologists exists have been evident for decades. Studies have predicted that school psychology would face a critical personnel shortage that would peak in 2010, but continue into the foreseeable future. The current study is a 10-year follow-up investigation based on previously published personnel shortage projections. Data derived from the National Association of School Psychologists 2009–2010 national study were used to examine current personnel shortages as well as to project the extent to which personnel shortages are likely to continue. Findings indicate that the field of school psychology continues to experience a personnel shortage that will continue through 2025. Additionally, greater rates of retirements are projected for the field for school psychologists who are males, who possess a doctoral degree, and for university faculty. Analyses based on the U.S. Census Regions indicate that notable differences are likely to occur in the match between the supply of and demand for school psychologists based on geographical location. Implications are discussed relating to the recruitment and retention of school psychologists and to the services they deliver.
Control of gain and amplification in random lasers

We have studied the competition between the 4F3/2→4I11/2 and 4F3/2→4I13/2 gain channels in the Nd:Ba5(PO4)3F random laser. The strength of stimulated emission transitions was influenced by adding to the Nd-doped powder the powder of Cr4+:Y3Al5O12, absorbing light at λ=1.06 μm, and the 1.32 μm mirror, which provided an extra stimulated emission feedback. We have demonstrated a robustness of the Nd random laser to contamination. A much better control of the spectrum of the stimulated emission can be obtained by means of wavelength-selective external mirrors.
Risk stratification using cytomorphologic features in endoscopic ultrasonographic-guided fine-needle aspiration diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Background Endoscopic ultrasonographic-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is the procedure of choice for the investigation of pancreatic lesions. It shows good sensitivity and excellent specificity. Diagnostic criteria have been published but not statistically validated for the diagnosis of malignancy and stratification of risk for malignancy. Methods A training set of 57 EUS-FNAs and the validation set of 107 EUS-FNAs were selected. Slides were independently evaluated by three pathologists. Sixteen morphologic features were evaluated in the training set. Average absolute agreement, kappa scores, and association with malignancy were statistically evaluated. Recursive partitioning and multivariant analyses were performed on the features tested in the training set. Agreement data, univariate-odds ratios, and discriminatory power were calculated for the diagnostic features selected from the training set. The selected morphologic features formed a scoring rule that was then applied to the validation set. Results The average absolute agreement in the training set was 72%. Anisonucleosis, nuclear crowding, macro nucleoli, single atypical epithelial cells, and intracytoplasmic mucin showed the highest interrater reliability. Anisonucleosis, macronucleoli, single atypical epithelial cells, and intracytoplasmic mucin were most predictive of malignancy. A simple scoring rule was developed combining these morphologic features and applied to the validation set. Analysis of the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve confirmed the statistical validity of the scoring rule. Conclusion A scoring system utilizing the presence or absence of anisonucleosis, macronucleoli, single atypical epithelial cells, and mucinous metaplasia yielded good discriminatory power (area under ROC curve = 0.87). Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:613–621. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Public expectations of survival following cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Abstract: Previous studies have demonstrated that the public maintains unrealistic expectations of the potential for successful recovery following administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Others have attributed this phenomenon to misrepresentation of CPR outcomes on television and other sources of public information. Objectives: To determine public expectations of CPR and correlate these expectations with various sources of information regarding CPR, including age, television, personal medical training, public programs, friends/family with medical training, and personal experience with CPR. Methods: A written survey was randomly distributed to local church congregations and completed on a voluntary basis. Results: Ninety-six percent of the respondents expected CPR to be unrealistically effective. Those factors found to increase predicted CPR survival rate were as follows: 1) being under 50 years of age, 2) use of television as a source of information regarding CPR, 3) personal medical training, and 4) use of public programs about CPR. Neither exposure to friends or family with medical training nor personal experience with CPR resulted in increased CPR survival predictions. Conclusions: Regardless of the source, the public is not accurately informed about the effectiveness of CPR. This creates a situation in which people may elect CPR for themselves or for family members when survival, not to mention recovery, is unlikely. Without dissemination of realistic statistics regarding survival and recovery following CPR, the public will maintain unrealistic expectations of CPR, and be unable to make well-informed decisions concerning its use.
Local obstacle avoidance for mobile robots based on the method of artificial potentials

In the method of artificial potentials, the robot behaves like a charged particle that is attracted by the goal position and repelled by the obstacles. An overview of the method is presented which describes the common variations in a unified framework, compares the performances of the different algorithms, and corrects some common misunderstandings. It is shown that force control algorithms with generalized potentials (which depend on velocity as well as position) offer advantages over other alternatives. Also discussed are the problems of stability and convergence. >
Tremor caused by trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in a patient with AIDS

Adverse reactions frequently occur in patients with AIDS who are treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). Intolerance to sulfonamides is 10 times more common in HIV-infected patients than in the general population. [1] Dermatologic (rash, urticaria), gastrointestinal (nausea, vomiting, anorexia), and hematologic (leukopenia) side effects are most common. However, numerous adverse neurologic effects can occur, including headache, aseptic meningitis, ataxia, peripheral neuritis, seizures, hallucinations, and tremor. [2] All are potentially reversible with cessation of TMP/SMX or, in some cases, with only a dose reduction. I report a patient with AIDS treated with TMP/SMX for PCP who developed a marked postural and kinetic tremor without other stigmata of TMP/SMX-induced reactions, which resolved with its discontinuation. A 46-year-old man with a 6-year history of AIDS was evaluated for "shakes." He was on day 13 of TMP/SMX treatment (320 mg of trimethoprim and 1,600 mg of sulfamethoxazole three times daily) for PCP and had experienced increasing tremulousness over the preceding 10 days. His other medications included paroxetine, didanosine (ddI), prednisone, leucovorin, clotrimazole, and diazepam, none of which had been started recently. The tremor involved his head and all extremities, and he had noticed a precipitous …
Effects of gonadal steroids upon brain 5-hydroxytryptamine levels in the neonatal rat.

Transient sex differences of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT, serotonin) concentrations were found in the combined forebrain and midbrain of the neonatal rat. 1) Levels of 5HT in the female brain were significantly higher than those in the male on postnatal days 10, 12, and 14, though not on days 2, 4, and 8 or on days 16 and 25. 2) Castration of males on day 1 resulted in a nonsignificant elevation of brain 5HT on day 12 compared to intact males. 3) Ovariectomy of females on day 1 resulted in a significant reduction of brain 5HT on day 12 compared to intact females. 4) Injection of androgens in females on day 1 resulted in reduced brain 5HT measured on day 12 and day 14. 5) Injections of estrogens on day 1 elevated brain 5HT measured on days 8, 12, and 14 in females, and measured on days 8 and 12 in males. 6) When administered on day 11, these hormones had other effects: estrogen did not increase male brain serotonin measured on day 14, but did increase 5HT levels in the female brain; testosterone did not lower...
Development: Theories, Research Designs, and Empirical Measures

This paper is a report of ongoing work at the Fernand Braudel Center for the Study of Economics, Historical Systems, and Civilizations. The premises of our research were published in “Research Proposal: Patterns of Development of the Modern World-System.” These premises can be stated briefly as follows.
Race and Ethnicity and Breast Cancer Outcomes in an Underinsured Population

BACKGROUND: The disparity in breast cancer mortality between African American women and non-Hispanic white women has been the subject of increased scrutiny. Few studies have addressed these differences in the setting of equal access to health care. We compared the breast cancer outcomes of underinsured African American and non-Hispanic white patients who were treated at a single institution. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of medical records for breast cancer patients who were treated at Wishard Memorial Hospital from January 1, 1997, to February 28, 2006. A total of 574 patients (259 non-Hispanic whites and 315 African Americans) were evaluated. A Cox proportional hazards regression analysis for competing risks was performed. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS: Sociodemographic characteristics were similar in the two groups, and both racial groups were equally unlikely to have undergone screening mammography during the 2 years before diagnosis. Most (84%) of the patients were underinsured. The median time from diagnosis to operation, receipt of adequate surgery, and use of all types of adjuvant therapy were similar in the two groups. Median follow-up was 80.3 months for non-Hispanic whites and 77.9 months for African Americans. After accounting for the effect of comorbidities, African American race was statistically significantly associated with breast cancer-specific mortality (African Americans vs non-Hispanic whites: 26.0% vs 17.5%, P = .028; hazard ratio [HR] of death = 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06 to 2.55). Adjustment for age at diagnosis, clinical stage, and hormone receptor status attenuated the effect, and the effect of race on breast cancer-specific survival was no longer statistically significant (HR of death from breast cancer = 1.43, 95% CI = 0.89 to 2.30). After adjustment for sociodemographic factors, the hazard ratio for race was further attenuated (HR = 1.26; 95% CI = 0.79 to 2.00). CONCLUSIONS: In this underinsured population, African American patients had poorer breast cancer-specific survival than non-Hispanic white patients. After adjustment for clinical and sociodemographic factors, the effect of race on survival was no longer statistically significant.
Chronic left ventricular support with a vented electric assist device

Based on the success of the pneumatically powered HeartMate (Thermo Cardiosystems Inc, Woburn, MA) left ventricular assist device, researchers at the Texas Heart Institute have begun conducting clinical studies of the vented electric model in bridge-to-transplantation procedures. Like the pneumatic device, the electric device is implanted intraperitoneally, but the blood pump is powered through a percutaneous lead that is connected to two rechargeable batteries. The batteries are worn in a shoulder holster; thus, patients are not tethered to a control console and are fully mobile. Two patients are currently undergoing left ventricular support with the vented electric HeartMate (duration of support, 315 days and 112 days) as they await cardiac transplantation, and they seem to be medically fit for outpatient care and follow-up. This technology may eventually allow selected patients to receive long-term support as a substitute for cardiac transplantation.
Structuralism and Legal Semiotics

Structuralism, although widely neglected in many philosophy encyclopedias, is one of the major foundations for semiotics and has in that context the same importance as phenomenology or analytical philosophy. Structuralism focuses on elements of structures within which the relationships of individuals can function in the boundaries of the structural order created and can be understood only within these structured inter-relationships. Emphasis is on the fact that “everything there is”—also one of Peirce’s points of departure—“is structured in- and of itself”.
Taking the Low Road to Sino-American Relations: “Open Door” Expansionists and the Two China Markets

Why do historians of Sino-American relations study missionaries but not prostitutes? If contemporary reports from early-twentieth-century treaty port China are to be believed, female United States nationals operating and staffing brothels in Shanghai and Tientsin (Tianjin) enjoyed greater proximity to indigenous elites than did most missionaries. According to a 1908 account, American female bawdy house owners in Shanghai "had their fingers in all the concerns of the city" and "were on terms of closest intimacy with Shanghai's men of affairs, foreign as well as native," certainly an accomplishment eluding all but a few missionaries. So too, some of these women found greater personal success in the China market than did many American businessmen. By this same account, they led "extravagantly prodigal lives" and could be seen during the afternoon riding hour parading their success down Bubbling Well Road, the main street in the American area of Shanghai, seated "in crest-emblazoned carriages, heralded by runners and drawn by blooded horses with jingling, silver-mounted harness."' Images of American madams flaunting their entrepreneurial success in late imperial China should stir historians to look beyond the conventional narrative of the rise of an "Open Door coalition" of "big policy" advocates, who were driven by the turmoil, social distress, and labor unrest of the 1890s into the pursuit of commercial
Helping Students Crack Annuity, Perpetuity, Bond, and Stock Valuation Formulas

Mainstream finance textbooks present valuation formulas of annuities, perpetuities, stocks, and bonds, but the texts seldom explain the story behind them, leaving students in the dark about why these formulas work. The aim of this paper is to illuminate the black box of these formulas, thus helping finance instructors and students truly understand them. Starting from the basic valuation principle, we can reach each of these seemingly daunting formulas via a few simple algebraic steps. When students reach their “Ah-ha” moment at the end of each derivation, it motivates them and subsequently boosts their interest and confidence in learning Finance.
Extra Teeth in a Hare

Among dental anomalies in the leporids, malformation of the incisors has been mentioned in the literature relatively often (Christiansen, Skand. Vet. Tidskr., 34: 449–466, 1944, abstract by J. Egehoj in Biol. Abst., 20:156, abstract no. 1284, 1946; Gregory, Jour. Mamm., 34: 393–394, 1953; McIntosh, Trans. Roy. Soc. Edinb., 56: 333–407, 1930), but the reported occurrence of extra teeth is less common. Darwin (the variation of animals and plants under domestication. Vol. 1: 150, 1868) reported the case of a rabbit of the domestic lopeared variety in which one extra cheek tooth was present “on each side of the upper jaw between the molars and premolars; but these two teeth did not correspond in size.” Some other instances of extra teeth, either incisors or cheek-teeth, have been recorded (Major, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1: 416–417, 1904). To these reports, I add an instance of extra cheek-teeth in a wild hare, …
Interferometric synthetic aperture microscopy: Asymptotics and corrections

ISAM is computed tomography based in broadband, interferometric detection with depth of imaging limited only by signal-to-noise. The theory relies on an asymptotic analysis for which corrections are presented.
148 IMMUNIZATION STATUS OF PATIENTS WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS AT THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF NEW ORLEANS

Purpose of Study Repeated transfusions in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) pose a risk for increased exposure to hepatitis B with its subsequent problems of chronic liver disease. These patients are also susceptible to infections caused by encapsulated bacteria, especially pneumococcus. Prevention of these potentially serious infections depends, in large part, on vaccination programs against hepatitis and pneumococcus. Diminished antibody response to hepatitis B immunization has been reported in children with SCD. We wished to assess the immunization status of our population of children with SCD. Method We conducted a retrospective chart review of seventy-five patients with this disease, ages 2 to 19 years. Results Seventy patients (93.3%) were vaccinated with pneumococcal vaccine, while one patient (1.3%) did not receive the vaccine. The status in the remaining 4 patients (5.3%) was unknown. Fifty-five (73.3%) were vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine while two patients (2.3%) did not receive the vaccine and the status of the remaining patients (24.3%) was unknown. Antibody titers for hepatitis were available in 29 of the 55 patients known to have received the vaccine. Nineteen patients (65%) had evidence of seroconversion (titer greater than 10 IU/L); 10 patients (35%), however, despite having been vaccinated against hepatitis, had no antibody present. Genotype seemed to play no role in determining who responded to the vaccine. Analysis of additional patients is under way and concomitant antipneumococcal titer data will be collected. Conclusion Compliance in patients with SCD remains an issue of concern. Seroconversion against hepatitis B may not occur despite immunization efforts and retesting of antibody titers, and possibly revaccination may be necessary.
Archaeological Investigations at Promontory Pointe at Stone Oak II, Bexar County, Texas

The Center for Archaeological Research of The University of Texas at San Antonio conducted a pedestrian survey and subsurface testing for cultural resources at the proposed Promontory Pointe at Stone Oak II planned unit development, in northern Bexar County. The project was conducted under contract with Great America Companies on October 23 and 25, 1996. Upon completion of the survey and 11 subsurface tests, CAR determined that a light scatter of chipped stone debris was present, but no cultural resources would be impacted along the easements planned for trenching for sewer pipe installation.