cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A New Channel Routing Algorithm

This paper presents a new algorithm for solving the two-layer channel routing problem with doglegging. Based on a set of intuitive and reasonable heuristics, the algorithm tries to obtain a channel routing configuration with a minimum number of tracks. For every benchmark problem tested, the algorithm gives a routing configuration with the smallest number of tracks reported in the literature.
Electrophoretic Characterization of Pregastric Esterase from the Calf

Summary This investigation was conducted primarily to determine whether pregastric esterase from the calf is a single enzyme or a group of enzymes. Accordingly, sham-fed water and extracts of various alimentary and related tissues were subjected to electrophoresis in starch gel, which was stained histochemically to locate individual esterases. The results indicate that pregastric esterase is composed of at least six different enzymes. Resolution of these esterases was obtained in gel containing 8g of starch per 100ml of buffer, but not in that containing 15g per 100ml. Thus, the components of pregastric esterase are believed to be of high molecular weight. Moreover, these esterases precipitate at a slightly acid pH, thereby providing a means of separating pregastric esterase from nonsecretory esterases that are present also in tissue extracts.
Towards model-based gesture recognition

We propose a new technique for gesture recognition that involves both physical and control models of gesture performance, and describe preliminary experiments done to validate the approach. The technique incorporates underlying dynamics and control models are used to augment a set of Kalman-filter-based recognizer modules so that each filters the input data under the a priori assumption that one of the gestures is being performed. The recognized gesture is the filter output that most closely matches the output of an unaugmented Kalman filter. In our preliminary experiments, we treated gestures made with simple motions of the right arm, done while tracking only hand position. We modeled the path that the hand traverses while performing a gesture as a point-mass moving through air. The control model for each specific gesture was simply an experimentally determined sequence of applied forces plus a proportional control based on spatial position. Our experiments showed that even using such a simple set of models we were able to obtain results reasonably comparable with a carefully hand-constructed feature-based discriminator on a limited set of spatially-distinct planar gestures.
Numerical method for modeling nonspherical aerosol modulation transfer functions

Aerosol scattering produces image degradation effects which can be characterized by the MTF. This paper describes a technique for calculating MTFs for atmospheres containing nonspherical particles. The approach uses the extended boundary condition method and a Monte Carlo simulation to model a scattering atmosphere. Model MTF results for 8.0 and 9.2 microns are presented for media containing spheroidal particles.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Investigating groundwater systems at regional and national scales

There is an acute need for assessment of the groundwater resources of the United States at regional and national scales. This is the principal finding of a National Research Council (NRC) report titled “Investigating Groundwater Systems on Regional and National Scales” published in December 2000. While groundwater knows no political boundaries, groundwater studies, unfortunately do. In the United States, most regional-scale groundwater studies are conducted either by state geological surveys or by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Most groundwater studies conducted by the USGS, with the exception of those of the National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program, are done under the Federal-State Cooperative Water (Co-op) Program. Co-op studies only occasionally cross county lines, much less state lines. This is because they must be funded at least 50% by a local partner.
Courtroom Questioning as a Culturally Situated Persuasive Genre of Talk

Questioning takes on culture-specific forms and has culturespecific functions. The purpose of questioning in Chinese criminal courtrooms is not to obtain information; rather it is to persuade. Five patterns of questioning, invoking Chinese cultural notions of shame and morality, are used to extract confessions and remorse from defendants: (i) repeating key questions, (ii) invalidating excuses or accounts, (iii) asking unanswerable questions, (iv) supplying answers, and (v) paraphrasing or restating defendants’ responses. The persuasive power of the questioning discourse structure and the deterrent function of criminal trials in China are also discussed.
A review of the mitochondrial and glycolytic metabolism in human platelets and leukocytes: Implications for their use as bioenergetic biomarkers

The assessment of metabolic function in cells isolated from human blood for treatment and diagnosis of disease is a new and important area of translational research. It is now becoming clear that a broad range of pathologies which present clinically with symptoms predominantly in one organ, such as the brain or kidney, also modulate mitochondrial energetics in platelets and leukocytes allowing these cells to serve as “the canary in the coal mine” for bioenergetic dysfunction. This opens up the possibility that circulating platelets and leukocytes can sense metabolic stress in patients and serve as biomarkers of mitochondrial dysfunction in human pathologies such as diabetes, neurodegeneration and cardiovascular disease. In this overview we will describe how the utilization of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation differs in platelets and leukocytes and discuss how they can be used in patient populations. Since it is clear that the metabolic programs between leukocytes and platelets are fundamentally distinct the measurement of mitochondrial function in distinct cell populations is necessary for translational research.
Bi-reforming of methane from any source with steam and carbon dioxide exclusively to metgas (CO-2H2) for methanol and hydrocarbon synthesis.

A catalyst based on nickel oxide on magnesium oxide (NiO/MgO) thermally activated under hydrogen is effective for the bi-reforming with steam and CO2 (combined steam and dry reforming) of methane as well as natural gas in a tubular flow reactor at elevated pressures (5–30 atm) and temperatures (800–950 °C). By adjusting the CO2-to-steam ratio in the gas feed, the H2/CO ratio in the produced syn-gas could be easily adjusted in a single step to the desired value of 2 for methanol and hydrocarbon synthesis.
Effects of temperature and light on the stability of bilirubin in plasma samples

Abstract Background Although it is known that bilirubin is photo-sensitive, detailed effects of both temperature and artificial light exposure on bilirubin stability in plasma have not been well investigated. We determined the impact of temperature and artificial light on bilirubin stability in plasma. Methods Plasma total and direct bilirubin were analyzed using a diazo method. The aliquots of 38 samples were stored at 3 °C and 22 °C with light protection for 2, 4, 8, and 24 h respectively before analysis. The aliquots of 20 samples with normal bilirubin and additional 20 with elevated bilirubin were exposed to artificial light for 2, 4, 8, 24, and 48 h at 22 °C, and total and direct bilirubin were measured. The differences between the baselines and subsequent measurements were analyzed with analysis of variance. Results The baseline total bilirubin was 9.6 ± 8.1 mg/dl (mean ± SD) and the concentrations were 9.6 ± 8.2, 9.0 ± 7.4, 9.0 ± 7.5, and 8.8 ± 7.5 mg/dl at 3 °C and 9.5 ± 8.1, 9.0 ± 7.4, 9.6 ± 8.1, and 9.5 ± 8.0 mg/dl at 22 °C after 2, 4, 8, and 24 h ( p > 0.05, n = 38). The baseline direct bilirubin was 1.3 ± 1.2 mg/dl and the concentrations after 2, 4, 8, and 24 h were 1.4 ± 1.2, 1.4 ± 1.2, 1.5 ± 1.2, and 1.3 ± 1.1 mg/dl at 3 °C and 1.4 ± 1.1, 1.3 ± 1.1, 1.3 ± 1.1, and 1.3 ± 1.0 mg/dl at 22 °C ( p > 0.05, n = 19). In samples with elevated bilirubin exposed to light at 22 °C, the baseline total and direct bilirubin concentrations were 10.2 ± 1.7 mg/dl and 5.0 ± 1.9 mg/dl, respectively. After 2, 4, 8, 24, and 48 h, total bilirubin concentrations were 10.1 ± 1.8, 10.0 ± 1.8, 10.0 ± 1.8, 9.3 ± 2.0 ( p > 0.05, n = 20), and 8.4 ± 2.3 ( p n = 20) mg/dl and direct bilirubin concentrations were 4.9 ± 1.8, 4.9 ± 1.9, 4.8 ± 1.8, 4.2 ± 1.6 ( p > 0.05, n = 20), and 3.5 ± 1.5 ( p n = 20) mg/dl. For samples with normal bilirubin levels under the same conditions, the average baseline total and direct bilirubin concentrations were 0.7 ± 0.1 mg/dl and below the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ), respectively. After 2, 4, 8, 24, and 48 h, the average total bilirubin concentrations were 0.7 ± 0.1, 0.6 ± 0.1, 0.6 ± 0.1 ( p > 0.05, n = 20), 0.5 ± 0.1, and 0.4 ± 0.1 mg/dl ( p n = 20) and direct bilirubin concentrations were still below LLOQ. Conclusions Bilirubin in plasma is stable in refrigerator or at room temperature without light exposure for at least 24 h. In normal laboratory environment, a delay of up to 8 h in the measurement of bilirubin left unprotected from light at room temperature does not significantly affect the results. Under these conditions, the changes in bilirubin concentration are not clinically significant until 24 h (direct bilirubin) and after 48 h (total bilirubin).
A phase-field model for deformation twinning

We propose a phase-field model for modeling microstructure evolution during deformation twinning. The order parameters are proportional to the shear strains defined in terms of twin plane orientations and twinning directions. Using a face-centered cubic Al as an example, the deformation energy as a function of shear strain is obtained using first-principle calculations. The gradient energy coefficients are fitted to the twin boundary energies along the twinning planes and to the dislocation core energies along the directions that are perpendicular to the twinning planes. The elastic strain energy of a twinned structure is included using the Khachaturyan's elastic theory. We simulated the twinning process and microstructure evolution under a number of fixed deformations and predicted the twinning plane orientations and microstructures.
Real-time fault detection in manufacturing environments using face recognition techniques

New image processing techniques as well digital image capture equipment provide an opportunity for fast detection and diagnosis of quality problems in manufacturing environments compared with traditional dimensional measurement techniques. This paper proposes a new use of image processing to detect in real-time quality faults using images traditionally obtained to guide manufacturing processes. The proposed method utilizes face recognition tools to eliminate the need of specific feature detection on determining out-of-specification parts. The focus of the proposed methodology is on computational efficiency to ensure that the algorithm runs in real time in high volume manufacturing environments. The algorithm is trained with previously classified images. New images are then classified into two groups, healthy and unhealthy. This paper proposes a method that combines Discrete Cosine Transform with Fisher's Linear Discriminant Analysis to detect faults, such as cracks, directly from aluminum stamped parts.
Word Processing and Effects of Variability in Type Fonts

Current models for reading words often assume the existence of features or shape characteristics for distinguishing one letter from another. However, the form of these features need not be invarian...
Fatores de risco associados à ocorrência de sarna sarcóptica e prevalência em suínos nas fases de crescimento e terminação, na região Sul do Brasil

An observational epidemiological research was carried out in 64 swine herds in the South region of Brazil. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and also to identify the set of risk factors that best explain the occurrence of mange during the growing and finishing phases in swine operations. A protocol was applied enclosing variable of the ecosystem in intensive swine operation. The data were analyzed by multiple correspondence analyses identifying ten variables associated with the occurrence of mange: area less then 0.85m2/pig; air volume less then 3.0m3/pig, handling of building in the continuous system; air humidity less then 60% or greater then 70%; use of mashed meal and offered "add libitum" with use of ration with composition is different of the recommendations techniques; excess of flies in building and occurrence of other illness presented in the group of pigs. These variables are shown in a map allowing to visualize the factors associated with group of pigs of low, average and high prevalence of mange. Of the 3.948 pigs examined in the slaughter plant, 16.64% had presented erythematous papules dermatitis in the skin indicative of mange.
Coupled Zero-Dimensional/One-Dimensional Model for Hybrid Heat Transfer Measurements

This paper covers the application of an improved model to address errors associated with transient heat transfer experiments, which also include the application of lumped capacitance. Using transient thermochromic liquid crystals techniques, and applying thermochromic liquid crystals underneath lumpable features, it is possible to calculate the heat transfer using a lumped heat capacitance approach. In previous studies using the classical lumped capacitance model, the heat loss into the surface underneath the lumped features was not accounted for. In this paper, an exact, closed-form analytical solution to the enhanced lumped capacitance model is derived for discrete bodies for the case of perfect thermal contact. To validate the model and its exact solution, the transient heat conduction in a representative two-dimensional ribbed surface is simulated numerically using the finite volume method. The modeled behavior of the coupled zero-dimensional/one-dimensional model has reasonable agreement with the num...
Traveling hole solutions of the complex Ginzburg–Landau equation: a review

Abstract This paper reviews recent works on localized solutions of the one-dimensional complex Ginzburg–Landau (CGL) equation known as traveling holes. Such coherent structures seem to play an important role in the disordered dynamics displayed by CGL at a finite distance past the Benjamin–Feir instability threshold. We discuss these objects in the broader context of weak turbulence and summarize some of their properties.
Flow-injection analysis of catecholamine secretion from bovine adrenal medulla cells on microbeads.

Abstract Bovine adrenal medullary cells have been cultured on microbeads which are placed in a lowvolume flow system for measurements of stimulation-response parameters. Electronically controlled stream switching allows stimulation of cells with pulse lengths from 1 s to many minutes; pulses may be repeated indefinitely. Catecholamines secreted are detected by an electrochemical detector downstream from the cells. This flow-injection analysis technique provides a new level of sensitivity and precision for measurement of kinetic parameters of secretion. A manual injection valve allows stimulation by higher levels of stimulant in the presence of constant low levels of stimulant. Such experiments show interesting differences between the effects of K + and acetylcholine on cells partially desensitized to acetylcholine.
Maternal Smoking, Xenobiotic Metabolizing Enzyme Gene Variants, and Gastroschisis Risk

Maternal smoking during pregnancy is one proposed risk factor for gastroschisis, but reported associations have been modest, suggesting that differences in genetic susceptibility might play a role. We included 108 non-Hispanic white and 62 Hispanic families who had infants with gastroschisis, and 1,147 non-Hispanic white and 337 Hispanic families who had liveborn infants with no major structural birth defects (controls) in these analyses. DNA was extracted from buccal cells collected from infants and mothers, and information on periconceptional smoking history was obtained from maternal interviews, as part of the National Birth Defects Prevention Study. We analyzed five polymorphisms in three genes that code for enzymes involved in metabolism of some cigarette smoke constituents (CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and NAT2). Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) independently for maternal smoking and maternal and infant gene variants, and to assess joint associations of maternal smoking and maternal or infant gene variants with gastroschisis. In analyses adjusted for maternal age at delivery and stratified by maternal race-ethnicity, we identified three suggestive associations among 30 potential associations with sufficient numbers to calculate ORs: CYP1A1*2A for non-Hispanic white mothers who smoked periconceptionally (aOR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.15–0.98), and NAT2*6 for Hispanic non-smoking mothers (aOR = 2.17, 95% CI 1.12–4.19) and their infants (aOR = 2.11, 95% CI 1.00–4.48). This analysis does not support the occurrence of effect modification between periconceptional maternal smoking and most of the xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme gene variants assessed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Implementation of a novel web-based objective structured clinical evaluation.

Background This study was performed to identify factors that impact student performance on a web-based objective structured clinical evaluation (OSCE) that was developed to improve the evaluation process of students who complete a fourth-year surgical clerkship in trauma-critical care. Methods We created a multiple-choice OSCE with commercially available software. Clinical cases were developed for incorporation into 7 quizzes that were assembled to appear as 1 examination. Students used intensive care unit flow sheets to review data, to develop a systems-based problem list and differential diagnoses, and to produce treatment recommendations. Results No difference was noted in a comparison of the mean scores that were achieved by students on a previous paper (essay format) OSCE and the new web OSCE. There was a correlation of student performance on the web OSCE to the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) subject examination that had been completed the previous year ( r = 0.60; P P Conclusion Implementation of a web OSCE resulted in similar performance of the class as compared with performance on the previous paper OSCE. Correlation of student achievement on the web OSCE to the NBME subject examination supported the construct validity of this institutional examination beyond the areas of face and content validity in which OSCEs may excel.
Large precision muon detector for ATLAS

Abstract The ATLAS muon spectrometer is designed to exploit the full physics discovery potential at the Large Hadron Collider in a stand-alone mode. The precision muon detector is made of monitored drift tubes with tracking precision better than 50 μm to measure the muon track sagitta in the toroidal magnetic field. A world-wide intensive construction work of the ATLAS muon detector is under way. We report the precision muon detector mass production experience, including the R&D results on the long tube operation stability and the impact on the momentum resolution due to wire sag. The quality control data in mass production are presented. Cosmic ray test results show that the MDT chambers have tracking efficiency close to 100% and single wire resolution is better than 80 μm .
Effects of Glucocorticoids and Cyclosporine on IL‐2 and IκBα mRNA Expression in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

To evaluate molecular mechanisms that might account for the heterogeneity in the in vitro responsiveness of individual subjects' peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to immunosuppressive drugs, the authors quantitated in normal human cells the suppressive effects of the glucocorticoids prednisolone and methylprednisolone and of cyclosporine on interleukin-2 (IL-2) mRNA expression and IL-2 production, as well as the stimulatory effect of these drugs on IkappaBalpha mRNA expression. As expected, cyclosporine was significantly more suppressive than either glucocorticoid of IL-2 mRNA expression and IL-2 production by mitogen-stimulated PBMC, with variable degrees of inhibition in cells from individual subjects. The authors confirmed in human PBMC the stimulation of IkappaBalphamRNA expression by the glucocorticoid reported by others in HeLa and transfected Jurkat cell lines. In addition, the authors observed a stimulatory effect on IkappaBalpha mRNA expression by cyclosporine as well in 8 of 10 PBMC preparations studied, suggesting a possible role of calcineurin in the regulation of IkappaBalpha production. Interindividual variability in the intracellular mechanisms of action, possibly based on molecular polymorphisms, might be one factor contributing to differences among patients in their clinical responses to treatment with such drugs.
Feedback seeking in groups: A theoretical perspective.

The concept of feedback seeking proposed by Ashford & Cummings (1983) is extended by considering the process of feedback seeking when people work in groups. Three issues are considered. First, motives that underlie feedback seeking in groups are identified. Second, the impact of each motive on the level of feedback sought (individual or group); the decision to seek feedback from other group members, people outside the group or from a non-human source; and the decision to seek information publicly or privately are described. Third, implications of feedback seeking for group effectiveness are discussed.
Response to Comments on "Tumor Response to Radiotherapy Regulated by Endothelial Cell Apoptosis"

Our recent publications ([ 1 ][1], [ 2 ][2]) have challenged the generally accepted notion that tissue stem cells and clonogens are the sole determinant targets in normal and tumor tissue responses to ionizing radiation, with the host microenvironment providing modulating though not mandatory
Preparation of silicon carbide-silicon nitride fibers by the pyrolysis of polycarbosilazane precursors - a review

The development of silicon carbide-silicon nitride fibers (SiC-Si3N4) by the pyrolysis of polycarbosilazane precursors is reviewed. Precursor resin, which was prepared by heating tris(N-methylamino)methylsilane or tris(N-methylamino)phenylsilane to about 520 C, was drawn into fibers from the melt and then made unmeltable by humidity conditioning at 100 C and 95 percent relative humidity. The humidity treated precursor fibers were pyrolyzed to ceramic fibers with good mechanical properties and electrical resistivity. For example, SiC-Si3N4 fibers derived from tris(N-methylamino)methylsilane had a tensile rupture modulus of 29 million psi and electrical resistivity of 6.9 x ten to the 8th power omega-cm, which is ten to the twelfth power times greater than that obtained for graphite fibers.
Measurement and alteration of the capacity of the distended biliary tree in the rat.

Abstract A retrograde-push-back (RPB) technique was developed to estimate capacity of the biliary tree in the distended state. The technique involves establishing a relatively constant rate of [3H]mannitol excretion in bile, retrogradely infusing saline into the biliary tree to clear the biliary system of mannitol an estimating capacity as the volume of biliary fluid recollected to the point where excretion of mannitol was reestablished to one-half of the original rate. In male Sprague-Dawley rats, distended capacity was 37.3 ± 4.4 μl (mean ± SE) for animals with a mean liver weight of 10 g. Distended capacity should be measured by allowing free flow of bile to occur within 5 sec of completion of the retrograde saline infusion. Significant reentry of [3H]mannitol into the biliary tree takes place if the occlusion is maintained for longer periods. These facets of the method were investigated by measuring intrabiliary pressures in relation to distended capacities. Even though a linear relationship existed between the liver and rat body weights, a linear relationship could not be established between liver weights and distended capacities. Thus, it seems inappropriate at this time to express distended capacities on a microliters per gram of liver basis. In another group of rats, treatment with sodium taurolithocholate (12.5 μmol/kg, iv) reduced the distended capacity to 25.2 ± 2.8 μl from a control value of 32.9 ± 1.0 μl. In rats treated with phenobarbital sodium (75 mg/kg, ip, once daily) for 4 days, the increase in liver wet weight was not accompanied by an increase in distended biliary tree capacity. In the hamster (liver weight, 4.4 g) and rabbit (liver weight, 82.6 g), the distended capacities were 18.9 ± 1.8 and 849 ± 86 μl, respectively. In the guinea pig, RPB with [3H]mannitol produced an overshooting effect above the steady state excretion values. With [14C]erythritol this overshooting effect was not obtained and a distended capacity estimate of 111 ± 8 μl was obtained for livers weighing 22 g.
Inhibition of Glycoprotein Synthesis in L5178Y Mouse Leukaemic Cells by L-Asparaginase in vitro

L-ASPARAGINASE (EC 3.5.1.1), which hydrolyses the amide group of asparagine, inhibits certain neoplasms1–4 and is used for treating human acute leukaemias5,6. Although asparaginase sequentially inhibits protein, RNA and DNA synthesis7, its cellular action is undefined. We have investigated the effects of asparaginase on the synthesis of carbohydrate–amino-acid linkages in glycoproteins which involve the amide group of asparagine and N-acetyl-glucosamine residues8. Our preparation of L-asparaginase (from Escherichia coli, 321–363 U/mg protein) was free of contaminating enzymatic activity, although it was slightly active (2.1 per cent of the activity towards asparagine) with glutamine as substrate. The preparation was free of glycosidase and proteolytic activities9,10.
"The Coast" is Complicated: A Model to Consistently Describe the Nation's Coastal Population

Our nation's coast is a complicated management area where no single delineation provides all of the demo- graphic statistics needed to address the full range of policy and management issues. As a result, several different coastal delineations are currently being used, yielding a variety of US coastal population statistics. This paper proposes a sim- ple model for generating and applying coastal population statistics at the national and regional level to increase con- sistency in coastal policy discussions and improve public understanding of coastal issues. The model includes two major components. The first component is "the population that most directly affects the coast," represented by the permanent US population that resides in a standard suite of Coastal Watershed Counties, where land use and water quality changes most directly impact coastal ecosystems. The second component is "the population most directly affected by the coast," represented by the permanent US population that resides in a standard suite of Coastal Shore- line Counties that are directly adjacent to the open ocean, major estuaries, and the Great Lakes, which due to their proximity to these waters, bear a great proportion of the full range of effects from coastal hazards and host the majority of economic production associated with coastal and ocean resources.
A climatic classification of plant hardiness in the United States and Canada

Abstract A classification scheme is proposed as an improvement to the widely used U.S. Department of Agriculture and Arnold Arboretum plant hardiness maps using maximum and minimum air temperature, precipitation, wind speed, sunshine, relative humidity, growing season length, temperature extremes, growth units and elevation. For this analysis, the U.S.A. and Canada were divided into 1234 grid boxes for which monthly averages of each of the climatological variables were calculated. To reduce the size of the original 136 variable data set and eliminate the intercorrelation which existed among these variables, principal component analysis was used and resulted in the formation of a three-component data set. These components were subjected to the flexible clustering technique to isolate regions which, based on the components, were similar, with respect to winter plant hardiness and survival. Twenty-three distinct hardiness clusters with sound climatological and horticultural bases were produced by the clustering procedure. The clusters defined regions with similar vegetative distributions and ecological significance. In the east, clusters were oriented latitudinally and resembled the USDA zones. A distinct cluster encompassing the southern Appalachian Mountains was also formed. In the central U.S.A., the orientation of the clusters was influenced by both temperature and precipitation. The clusters were irregular in mountainous regions and became longitudinally oriented along the Pacific coast. Several of the western clusters encompassed such climatically unique regions as the desert southwest, Great Basin and Rocky Mountains.
Effects of high dietary methionine on activities of selected enzymes in the liver of kittens (felis domesticus)

Abstract 1. 1. Growing male kittens were fed an 18% casein diet supplemented with 2, 3, or 4% l -methionine (MET) for 6 weeks. 2. 2. Free MET concentration in liver increased 30-fold and cystathionine two- to three-fold; the activity of adenosyl-MET transferase and cystathionase also increased but remained lower than previously found in rats. 3. 3. Taurine concentration in liver decreased in cats fed excess MET and appeared to depend on taurine intake. 4. 4. Alanine aminotransferase activity was high in all groups while serine dehydratase activity was very low. 5. 5. Pyruvate kinase and malic enzyme activities which are normally low in cat liver increased after excess MET. Also, glucose 6-phosphate and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenases increased. 6. 6. Cat liver metabolism showed limited adaptation to an excess dietary intake of methionine compared to that found in rats.
Breast disease programs in obstetrics and gynecology: A plea for training in mammography

Obstetrics and gynecology residency programs have started to integrate structured breast disease teaching programs into the curricula. I suggest that mammography training should be the cornerstone of programs on the diagnosis of breast diseases. The implementation of such a program into a teaching department is described in an attempt to facilitate similar efforts elsewhere.
The continuum Potts model and continuum percolation

Abstract Recently, integral equations have been developed for continuum percolation models by relating them to the one-state limit of a continuum Potts model (CPM). In this paper, we use the CPM formalism to develop series expansions for the main quantities of continuum percolation theory. This provides necessary background for the work with integral equations and also sheds light on the basic structure of percolation theory. We develop virial series for the mean number of clusters 〈nc〉 and the mean cluster size S( ρ ). A basic relation between these series is developed using a correlation function new to percolation theory which we denote h′(x). We develop the virial theorem for continuum percolation, which relates the mean number of clusters to the two-point blocking function. A geometric interpretation of this theorem is offered in the case of random sphere percolation. For a general, correlated percolation model, the virial theorem involves our new correlation function h′(x). We use the CPM formalism to give computationally efficient expressions for the general coefficient in the virial expansion of all of these quantities. The combinatorial weighting factors that appear in these expansions are discussed in detail. For completeness, we prove the equivalence of our formulas to the others that have appeared in the literature. We do this in the hope of providing a useful reference for further work in continuum percolation.
Surgical Site Infections after Free Flap Breast Reconstruction: An Analysis of 2,899 Patients from the ACS-NSQIP Datasets.

Background Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a costly complication, resulting in lower patient satisfaction and higher health care expenditures. Incidence varies widely in the literature by surgery type, yet few studies focus exclusively on autologous breast reconstruction, an increasingly common surgery. The aim of this study is to identify risk factors for SSIs in free flap breast reconstruction using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database (NSQIP). Methods Patients undergoing breast reconstruction with any flap type were identified by Current Procedural Terminology codes in the NSQIP database. Patients with superficial or deep SSIs within 30 days of surgery were compared with controls by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression across various characteristics. Results Overall, 2,899 patients undergoing autologous reconstruction were identified. Of these, 143 (4.9%) patients developed SSIs. Those who developed wound complications were more likely smokers (18.2 vs. 8.4%, p Conclusions This study demonstrates that patients who are active smokers or have hypertension are at the highest risk for SSIs. Preoperative identification and tailored postoperative management of these patients may decrease the incidence of this complication.
The importance of monitoring adverse events in statin, and other, clinical trials

Expected absolute mortality benefits of statins are generally modest, even in those who reap them. This amplifies the importance of understanding statins’ adverse effects (AEs). Once AEs occur, the tradeoff considerations alter: the reality of the adverse issue, against a hypothetical, generally low absolute likelihood of future morbidity/mortality benefit. Additionally, prospects for cardiac benefits with statins may be attenuated – conceivably reversed – in those with statin AEs. Particularly where mortality is neutral, or likelihood of benefit small, AEs are vital to understand. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have historically been poor at AE identifi­ cation. Serious AEs (SAEs) must be (re­)defined to reflect all­cause serious morbid­ ity: requiring SAE reporting only for events deemed ‘unexpected’ or attributable to the drug, presumes the study outcome. Active inquiry and analyses attending to effect modifiers – and aggregation of them – can improve RCT utility for AE detec­ tion. AE monitoring benefits study balance and cost–effectiveness, and is central to ethical performance of RCTs.
Unresolved issues of self-representation

The seven papers included in this volume converge in many of their assumptions about the representation of the self, yet a number of issues remain unresolved. These issues, including the structure and functioning of self-representations, and the role of negativity, affect, and the “other” in the self-system, are discussed here.
Predictors of Service Utilization Among Youth Diagnosed with Mood Disorders

In this study, I investigated patterns and predictors of service utilization for children with mood disorders. The Behavioral Model for Health Care Utilization was used as an organizing framework for identifying predictors of the number and quality of services utilized. Hierarchical regression was used in secondary data analyses of the Multi-Family Psychoeducational Psychotherapy study (MF-PEP), a randomized controlled trial of 165 children aged 8–12 with mood disorders. The children were using an average of two services, with pharmacotherapy and school services as most frequent. Children with bipolar disorders used significantly more and higher quality services than children with depressive disorders. Parent knowledge of mood disorders, area of residence, and perceived need for treatment were all related to the number of services families were utilizing. Parent knowledge of mood disorders and treatment, child’s age, and mood symptom severity were all predictors of the quality of services being utilized. Findings highlight the impact of non-need factors on service utilization and the potential to decrease disparities caused by these factors. For example, increasing efforts to educate both the general public and individual families coming in for treatment about children’s mental health may improve service utilization patterns in this population.
Against the grain: the genetic transformation of global agriculture

Earthscan, £15.99, pp 173 ISBN 1 85383 576 5 Rating: ![Graphic][1] ![Graphic][2] ![Graphic][3] In the debate about the desirability of the introduction of genetically modified foods “those against” are often portrayed as modern day Luddites who threaten the potential growth of the biotechnology industries and, incidentally, their opportunity to make lots of money. Marc Lappe and Britt Bailey set out their case against genetically modified foods logically. They write from a US perspective, where the range of genetically modified crops introduced and the areas sown with them have … [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif [2]: /embed/inline-graphic-2.gif [3]: /embed/inline-graphic-3.gif
Creation of vortices in a superconducting film by ferromagnetic dots

We study the interaction between superconducting vortices and ferromagnetic dots with in-plane magnetization assuming that the proximity effect is suppressed. If the size of a ferromagnetic dot is large enough, the spontaneous vortices appear easily at the boundary of the dot. For a circular ferromagnetic dot with the diameter close to the lattice constant, the number of appearing vortices is necessarily even. We argue that the system of vortices has the same symmetry as the original array of ferromagnetic dots, whereas the symmetry may be broken spontaneously if the magnetization of the dots is perpendicular to the superconducting film. We calculate the phase diagrams of different vortex phases for the square array of circular and square dots.
Quantitation of transplanted hepatic mass necessary to cure the gunn rat model of hyperbilirubinemia

Abstract The minimal hepatic mass necessary to reverse the metabolic defect of unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in the rat model of Crigler-Najjar type I deficiency was determined using heterotopic (auxiliary) partial liver transplantation (HLT) and orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). In HLT, the donor graft consisted of the right upper and/or right lower hepatic lobe(s) depending on the final mass of liver tissue desired for transplantation. The mass of the donor graft ranged from 12% to 23% of the whole organ (n = 12). The serum unconjugated bilirubin levels decreased quickly after HLT from a preoperative value of 8.98 ± 0.34 mg/dL to 0.63 ± 0.11 mg/dL in 24 hours, which was similar to OLT in which the levels decreased from a preoperative value of 8.20 ± 0.44 mg/dL to 0.24 ± 0.07 mg/dL in 24 hours. Conjugated bilirubin was excreted from the graft liver shortly after OLT and also from both the host and graft livers after HLT. This study demonstrates that using as little as 12% of the whole liver mass in HLT reduces serum bilirubin significantly in 24 hours in a fashion similar to whole-organ OLT. The clinical application of alternative therapies to whole-organ OLT such as HLT or hepatocyte transplantation may provide sufficient replacement therapy in metabolic disease.
Teaching a service course in software engineering

The development of stand-alone software engineering curricula has spawned the need for a reevaluation of the survey courses designed to introduce software engineering to the non-software engineer (e.g. computer engineers or computer scientists). The Guidelines for Undergraduate Degree Programs in Software Engineering (SE2004) and the Software Engineering Body of Knowledge (SWEBOK) are two widely accepted guidelines for knowledge areas within software engineering. This paper will examine the recommendations in these guidelines and suggest an appropriate subset of course topic areas and depth of coverage for a software engineering service course. The syllabus for senior-level 4-credit quarter-long service course in software engineering for computer engineers will be presented along with anecdotal evidence of its success as the course is taught at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). Recent curriculum changes in computer engineering at MSOE have shifted the software engineering service course from 4-credits in the senior year to 3-credits in the sophomore year and the proposed syllabus for this new course will be presented as well.
Complications of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Insertion in Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Study

Dysphagia, with associated malnutrition is a common feature in up to 64 % of patients with cancers of the head and neck region, the oesophagus and the gastro-oesophageal junction (Donaldson and Lenon Cancer 43(Suppl 5):2036–52, 1979). These patients usually require alternate routes of feeding during treatment. However, these methods of feeding are not without associated complications. This study was carried out to assess the complications associated with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube insertion, the commonest means of providing nutrition in this patient group. Two hundred and sixty patients with successful percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube insertion were retrospectively reviewed to assess the complications of the procedure. The overall complication rate was 25 % (65 patients). Fifty-five patients (21 %) patients had minor complications. Ten patients (3.8 %) suffered a major complication, including peritonitis and major peri-PEG infection each in three patients (1.2 %), while oesophageal perforation, collection around the PEG insertion site requiring operative drainage, bleeding from the PEG insertion site and tumour seeding at the gastrostomy site were each seen in one (0.4 %) patient. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube insertion is a useful means of providing enteral nutrition to patients with swallowing problems. Patients with head and neck cancer who are likely to develop dysphagia should be assessed promptly for PEG tube insertion before the start of radiation. Early recognition and prompt treatment of serious complications can avoid potential fatality associated with PEG tubes.
Destruction of noradrenergic innervation to the paraventricular nucleus: Deficits in food intake, macronutrient selection, and compensatory eating after food deprivation

Abstract Norepinephrine (NE) injected into the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) has a stimulatory effect on feeding behavior and is found to selectively enhance preference for carbohydrate in the rat. The present experiments were conducted to assess the impact of chronic depletion of NE within the PVN on food intake and appetite regulation. The catecholamine (CA) neurotoxin, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), when administered into the PVN, produced a significant depletion of PVN NE in association with a variety of behavioral changes. The immediate consequence of the neurotoxin lesion was a dramatic increase in 24-hr food intake, attributed predominantly to a preferential increase in carbohydrate and fat consumption. The long-term effects related to CA depletion were a deficit in daily food consumption, particularly of carbohydrate (−42%). Although animals with diminished PVN NE maintained a normal diurnal feeding pattern, they failed to exhibit the increased ingestion of an enery-rich carbohydrate diet which rats normally show during the dark period of the diurnal cycle. Rats injected with 6-OHDA directly into the PVN exhibited a normal response to glucoprivic challenge, but demonstrated a deficit in their ability to produce compensatory feeding, particularly of carbohydrate and fat, in response to food deprivation. These findings suggest a specific function for PVN noradrenergic mechanisms in normal energy repletion when body energy stores are reduced.
Effects of chymotrypsin and trypsin on rat peritoneal mast cells

Abstract Alpha-chymotrypsin was demonstrated to release histamine from rat peritoneal mast cells. Release of histamine was shown by electron microscopy not to be cytotoxic. Release was temperature dependent, required Ca 2+ and cell ATP for optimal effect, and involved the direct action of α-chymotrypsin on the mast cells. Trypsin was far less active in releasing histamine, but exposure of the cells to trypsin inhibited the subsequent release of histamine by chymotrypsin. The relationship between the action of exogenous α-chymotrypsin and an endogenous “activatable” esterase could not be established from this set of experiments because the release of histamine by polymyxin B was only slightly inhibitable by the esterase inhibitor, dusopropylfluorophosphate, and, therefore, did not apparently require the participation of the endogenous esterase.
Vasculogenic mimicry: how convincing, how novel, and how significant?

In a recent publication, Maniotis et al 1 report that blood vessels of malignant eye tumors known as uveal melanomas are formed by tumor cells instead of endothelial cells. The authors use the term vasculogenic mimicry to describe this phenomenon and consider it a novel concept in the biology of tumor vascularization. The paper has received widespread attention and apparent validation through two commentaries, one published along with the paper in The American Journal of Pathology 2 and another published concurrently in Science. 3 Despite the paper’s impact the evidence is, in our view, unconvincing. The problems are, however, not easily detected by readers unfamiliar with the background or pitfalls of this specialized topic. Although it is intriguing and worthy of further study, the evidence presented in Maniotis et al for a functionally significant contribution of tumor cell-lined blood vessels to vascularization and blood flow in uveal melanomas is neither persuasive nor novel. The purpose of this commentary is to examine the evidence for vasculogenic mimicry and the reasons for our assessment. (Note: This commentary does not address the in vitro or microarray data presented by Maniotis et al, because the interpretation of these results is dependent on the histological, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic evidence that is the focus of our remarks. Also, this commentary does not question the validity of the relationship between the periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining pattern of uveal melanomas and clinical outcome, as reported by Folberg et al in several publications. 4,5 This correlation may be clinically useful even if the PAS staining pattern does not faithfully represent the microvascular architecture. Neither does our commentary question the usefulness of microvascular density as a prognostic factor for survival in uveal melanomas. 6,7 Indeed, PAS staining pattern and microvascular density may offer complementary indices of the lethality of these tumors. 6-9 )
Brain penetration and intracerebral haemorrhage following Jackson-Pratt drain insertion.

A case of brain penetration with resulting intracerebral haemorrhage following Jackson-Pratt drain insertion is reported. The advantages of drain placement are discussed. The dangers of this type of drain because of its sharp terminal edges are pointed out.
Thermal Chemistry of Allyl Bromide Adsorbed on Pt(111)

Allyl bromide, CH2CHCH2Br, adsorbs both molecularly and dissociatively on Pt(111) at 95 K. The multilayer desorbs at 130 K and the monolayer at 156 K. At exposures >0.63 monolayers (ML), a broad hi...
Minimum-hamming-distance decoding of single-generator binary convolutional codes

Several structural and distance properties of the class of codes are derived and utilized in developing a decoding algorithm. Thresholds are determined from distance properties of the codes. Further properties of the codes, under the conditions of the algorithm, are utilized to reduce the number of path comparisons required to ensure minimum distance decoding. Simulation results show that the choice of generator sequence has a marked effect on the ability of the decoder to recover after an error is made.