cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Machine-Learning-Based Simulation for Estimating Parameters in Portfolio Optimization: Empirical Application to Soybean Variety Selection

Many new seed varieties with traits desirable for different planting environments are developed every year and marketed to farmers. However, farmers lack decision support tools to utilize the vast amount of historical yield performance data to make informed seed variety selection decisions for their individual farms. An informed decision requires accurate estimation of yield performances of seed varieties on the targeted farmland and balancing trade-offs between the expected yield and the risk associated with the seed varieties selected to grow. For that purpose, this paper proposes an analytics framework that integrates machine-learning, simulation, and portfolio optimization to optimally select soybean varieties to grow at the target farm. Using a soybean seed testing dataset collected between 2008 and 2014 by Syngenta, an agribusiness, we choose a machine learning model, which simulates the yield performance of soybean varieties under different plausible weather scenarios at the target farm. The simulated yields are then used to estimate parameters in a portfolio optimization formulation that selects the optimal portfolio of seed varieties to grow at the target farm. Our analysis indicates that an average farmer will gain as much as $177,369 per year in revenue by utilizing the analytics framework. The methodology developed in this research can be applied to variety selection decisions for other crops and influences farming practice positively.
Invasive Streptococcus Pneumoniae Infections in Pediatric Cancer Patients: High Morbidity and Mortality with Several Vaccine Failures.

Invasive pneumococcal infections can be devastating in the setting of immune deficiency. These infections have been seen in pediatric oncology practices, but the outcome has not been reported. With the introduction of routine 7- valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) the rate of pneumococcal infections dramatically decreased in the general pediatric population. It is unclear if a similar reduction in rate would be seen in pediatric oncology patients. A total of 44 pneumococcal infections occurred in 34 oncology patients at Childrens Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota over a 5-year period (5/1/2001 – 4/30/2006). Twenty-five episodes of invasive infection were identified in 24 patients, of which 4 (16.7%) required intensive care admissions and 2 of them died (8.3%). During this period 863 new malignancies were diagnosed, therefore our rate of invasive infection is estimated to be 28 per 1000 oncology patients. This is higher than the reported rate of 3.8 8.1 infections per 1000 stem cell transplantation patients. Fifteen patients (62%) with invasive infections were diagnosed with leukemia, of which 12 had acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The invasive infections occurred a median of 15.2 months (range 0–36) after diagnosis and the median patient age at time of infection was 5.6 years (range 1.5 - 14). The average length of hospitalization for patients was 8.3 days (range 0–38), with six patients receiving outpatient therapy alone. Pneumococcal serotypes were known in 21 of the 25 episodes of invasive pneumococcal infection and in 1 non-invasive infection. Of the 22 serotypes identified, 19 were covered by either PCV7 or the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PS23). Eleven patients who were immunized with either PCV7 or PS23 later developed a pneumococcal strain that should have been covered by the immunization. Three patients who received immunization acquired a strain of streptococcus pneumoniae not included in either vaccine. Invasive pneumococcal infection is a potentially preventable complication with a high morbidity and mortality. Use of PCV7 or PS23 may not prevent the development of pneumococcal infection in pediatric oncology patients with vaccine-susceptible strains. It is unclear whether immunization before and during the immunocompromised period results in protective immunity against streptococcus pneumoniae.
Initial leak pressures of four anastomosis techniques in cooled cadaveric canine jejunum

Objective To compare the effectiveness of four different intestinal anastomosis techniques at preventing leakage after enterectomy. Study design Experimental study. Sample population Grossly normal jejunal segments (N = 70) from three fresh canine cadavers. Methods Eight-centimeter cooled canine cadaveric jejunal segments were randomly assigned to a control group (six segments) and four treatment groups (16 segments each [two segments/anastomotic construct]): (1) handsewn anastomosis (HSA), (2) barbed suture anastomosis (B-HSA), (3) stapled functional end-to-end anastomosis (SFEEA), and (4) stapled functional end-to-end anastomosis with an oversew (SFEEA-O). Control segments and anastomotic constructs were infused intraluminally to the point of leakage. Initial leak pressures were recorded and compared. Results Initial leak pressures (median + range) for jejunal control segments, HSA, B-HSA, SFEEA, and SFEEA-O were 331.88 mmHg (range, 315.34-346.64), 35.17 (20.29-56.24), 24.99 (6.08-38.64), 28.77 (18.80-85.09), and 35.92 (12.05-80.71), respectively. No difference was detected between leak pressures of anastomosed segments (P = .35), all of which were more variable and lower than those of intact segments. Conclusion No difference in initial leak pressures was detected between the four anastomosis techniques tested in cooled canine cadaveric jejunum. Clinical significance All four anastomosis techniques evaluated in this study may be suitable in dogs.
In vivo assessment of foveal geometry and cone photoreceptor density and spacing in children.

The fovea undergoes significant developmental changes from birth into adolescence. However, there is limited data examining cone photoreceptor density, foveal pit shape, and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) size in children. The purpose of this study was to determine whether overall foveal structure differs as a function of age and refractive status in children. Forty-eight healthy children (ages 5.8 to 15.8 years) underwent optical coherence tomography imaging to quantify foveal point thickness and foveal pit diameter, depth, and slope. Adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope (AOSLO) images of foveal capillaries and cone photoreceptors were acquired in a subset of children to quantify FAZ metrics and cone densities at 0.2, 0.3, and 0.5 mm eccentricities. Results show that foveal pit and FAZ metrics were not related to age, axial length, or refractive status. However, linear cone density was lower in myopic versus non-myopic children at eccentricities of 0.2 mm (mean ± SD = 50,022 ± 5,878 cones/mm2 vs 58,989 ± 4,822 cones/mm2, P < 0.001) and 0.3 mm (43,944 ± 5,547 cones/mm2 vs 48,622 ± 3,538 cones/mm2, P < 0.001). These results suggest FAZ and foveal pit metrics do not systematically differ with age in children, while myopic eyes have decreased linear cone density near the foveal center. Significance Statement: The development of the fovea begins prior to birth and continues through the early teenage years until it reaches adult-like properties. Although the majority of changes during childhood are related to the maturation and migration of cone photoreceptors, in vivo data describing cone packing in children is limited. We assessed overall foveal structure in children as young as 5.8 years old by quantifying cone density and spacing, foveal avascular zone size, and foveal pit morphometry to investigate potential structural differences as a function of age and refractive status. While foveal avascular zone and foveal pit metrics did not significantly differ with age, results indicate that myopic children have lower linear cone densities close to the foveal center compared to non-myopic children.
Comment to 'Nelson LT, Paxman RJ, Xu J, et al. Blinded potency comparison of transthyretin kinetic stabilisers by subunit exchange in human plasma'.

We read with great interest the recently published paper by Nelson et al. [1] in Amyloid. As an inventor of AG10 (acoramidis), one of the transthyretin (TTR) stabilisers discussed in that paper, my...
Case report: Hybrid approach in the management of a complete persistent sciatic artery aneurysm.

Abstract Introduction Persistent sciatic artery (PSA) is a rare embryological vascular anomaly with a prevalence between 0.025–0.06%. PSA is frequently associated with aneurysmal degeneration and can result in neuropathy, thrombosis, or rupture, threatening limb and life. Case presentation We present a case of a 72-year-old man with an incidental finding of a right sided 4 cm PSA aneurysm with limited symptoms. The aneurysm was treated successfully with endovascular exclusion and a femoral-popliteal bypass was performed to revascularize the leg. Discussion Treatment of PSA aneurysms involve excluding the aneurysm and revascularizing the involved leg. Improvements in endovascular embolization techniques now offer new solutions in the management of these aneurysms. Conclusion A high degree of clinical suspicion is required to properly diagnose and treat PSA aneurysms. Referral to a center with expertise in both open and endovascular techniques is vital to ensure good outcomes.
Force Plates and Related Technologies

Newton’s three laws of motion are the foundations for classical mechanics; these laws provide evidence of the value of measuring the forces applied to the human body. The transducers available for measuring forces are reviewed, along with their key properties and methods for suitable calibration. In contemporary biomechanics, a common piece of apparatus for the measurement of ground reaction forces is the force plate. The mechanics of a force plate are examined, and the procedures for analyzing the signals arising from these plates are presented. A related topic is also reviewed: the measurement of pressures.
Caches as an Example of Machine-gradable Exam Questions for Complex Engineering Systems

This Innovative Practice Full Paper presents a framework for generating computer-based exams for complex engineering systems (such as cache memories) that can be machine graded while still offering partial credit for students. Complex multi-faceted engineering systems often require long, multi-part problems to fully assess students’ understanding of those systems. Cache memories represent one such system in computer architecture courses. Traditionally, we assessed students’ understanding of caches using comprehensive, multipart questions in a paper-based exam. Grading these exams was time-consuming and relied on subjective grading. To cope with rising enrollment, we sought to address these issues by developing machine administered and gradable exams that did not heavily rely on multiple-choice questions or exact numerical responses. Additionally, this system needed to provide partial credit, a common expectation of our students. We developed a cache simulator to use as a back-end for our questions. We used the simulator to develop exam questions and new homework assignments to help students practice cache memory concepts. To give students access to fair partial credit, we allowed multiple submissions for the exam questions with limited feedback. We also awarded partial credit for answers within certain tolerance of the correct answer. The partial credit awarded reduced as deviation from the correct answer increased. Consequently, students could correct minor mistakes or propagating errors which are common reasons for awarding partial credit. To evaluate the effect of the switch from paper-based to computerized exam, we ported questions from one of our paper-based exams to a computerized exam. We evaluated the differences in student performance on paper-based version and the computerized version of the questions and found mixed results with students performing comparably or better than the paper-based exam on the computer-based exam. We also surveyed students about their experience with the computer-based exam. Students overwhelmingly indicated a preference for the computer-based exam. We believe that ideas from our work can be used to automate generation, administration, and grading of complex multi-part questions in engineering disciplines beyond computer architecture.
A phase III multicenter randomized controlled trial of postsurgical stereotactic radiotherapy versus surgically targeted radiation therapy (STaRT) for the treatment of large (>2.5cm) newly diagnosed brain metastases: Trial in progress.

TPS2067Background: Resection (R) followed by single or multi-fraction stereotactic radiosurgery (SRT) of brain metastases lowers resection bed recurrence compared to R alone. Nevertheless, for larg...
Living Organ Donor Hesitancy about COVID-19 Vaccines: A New Kind of “Source Control Issue”

Vaccines are one of the most important achievements of medicine. Starting with Edward Jenner in 1796, more than 50 years before the germ theory of disease was described by Louis Pasteur in 1861, the ability to eradicate diseases from the population has been a public health goal. Since their inception, many vaccines have been created and utilized to avoid morbidity and mortality related to a plethora of diseases. When a disease is rampant, and the individual is impacted either through direct infection themselves, or infection of a close associate, the benefits of vaccination are clear and far outweigh the risks. However, what is left to remind the individual of the past suffering when the disease is controlled, or eradicated? How do future generations reconcile the risk of a faded memory of suffering with the pain of a needle prick? When the disease itself is less common than the adverse drug event, how do you encourage the individual to comply with vaccination for the greater good? Is resurgence of vaccine preventable disease required to motivate a new generation? Perhaps the emergence of a novel disease will have a similar effect. Severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes the novel betacoronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19), was first reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Disease manifestations varied significantly, ranging from an asymptomatic carrier …
A technical and economical study of implementing a micro-grid system at an educational institution

Micro-grids are among the basic components in the future distributed generation smart grid systems. The transmission efficiency improvements and the utilization of renewable energy sources are some of the key advantages of using micro-grids in power systems. In this paper, the technical and economical study of implementing a micro-grid system at an educational institution is discussed and presented. Multiple types of distributed generators were considered including gas-fired generator units, solar photovoltaic, fuel cell, and bio-power systems. Several simulations were conducted using HOMER and a detailed economic analysis of implementing a micro-grid system is presented including recommended actions.
Scaling of Plane Figures That Assures Faithful Digitization

In this paper we propose a method for obtaining a faithful digitization of certain broad classes of plane figures, so that the original continuous object and its digitization feature analogous geometric properties. The approach is based on an appropriate scaling of a given figure so that the obtained one admits digitization satisfying some desirable conditions. Informally speaking, we show that from certain point on, a continuous object and its digitization are in a sense equivalent. In terms of computational complexity, the scaling factor is easily computable. As a corollary of the presented theory we prove the strong NP-hardness of the problem of obtaining a polyhedron reconstruction in which the facets are trapezoids or triangles.
Advertising Law in the United States and European Union

Nearly 40% of the more than $270 billion spent on advertising throughout the world occurs in the United States and more than 25% more is spent in Europe (Adler 1996). Both the United States and Eur...
Finding all hops k-shortest paths

In this paper, we introduce and investigate a new problem referred to as the all hops k-shortest paths (AHKP) problem. An efficient solution, the all hops k-shortest paths extended Bellman-Ford (AHKPEB) algorithm, is proposed. Especially, when k = 1, AHKPEB is an optimal comparison-based solution to the all hops optimal path (AHOP) problem in terms of the worst-case computational complexity, i.e., it is impossible to find another comparison-based solution to add-AHOP having the worst-case computational complexity lower than that of AHKPEB.
A Limitation with Least Squares Predictions.

Although researchers have documented that some data make larger contributions than others to predictions made with least squares models, it is relatively unknown that some data actually make no contribution to the predictions produced by these models. This article explores such noncontributory data.
Distributed SPARQL over Big RDF Data: A Comparative Analysis Using Presto and MapReduce

The processing of large volumes of RDF data require an efficient storage and query processing engine that can scale well with the volume of data. The initial attempts to address this issue focused on optimizing native RDF stores as well as conventional relational databases management systems. But as the volume of RDF data grew to exponential proportions, the limitations of these systems became apparent and researchers began to focus on using big data analysis tools, most notably Hadoop, to process RDF data. This paper presents a comparative analysis of performance of Presto (distributed SQL query engine) in processing big RDF data against Apache Hive. To evaluate the performance Presto for big RDF data processing, a map-reduce program and a compiler, based on Flex and Bison, were implemented. The map-reduce program loads RDF data into HDFS while the compiler translates SPARQL queries into a subset of SQL that Presto (and Hive) can understand.
A randomized trial of a brief intervention for obesity in college students

What is already known about this subject • Brief motivational interventions have been found to be efficacious for obesity in older adult populations. • Brief motivational interventions including delivery of personalized feedback have been found to be efficacious for reducing college student drinking. What this study adds • First study to test the efficacy of a one-session, brief motivational intervention for obesity among college students. • One session brief motivational interventions may have an impact on the reduction of calorie-dense foods and beverages. • A brief, one-session motivational interview with personalized feedback may not be an intensive enough intervention for obesity treatment among college students. Summary Young adults are at an increased risk for weight gain as they begin college and this has implications for the onset of future health consequences. Brief motivational interventions (BMIs) have been found to be effective with college students for reducing risky health behaviours such as alcohol consumption, but have not been developed and tested with a primary goal of reducing obesity. BMIs have been developed and tested for the treatment of obesity and weight-related health behaviours (WRHB) in other populations, such as adults and adolescents, with promising results. The purpose of the following study was to develop and test the efficacy of a BMI for weight loss among overweight and obese college students. Seventy undergraduate students (85.7% female, 57.1% African–American) completed an assessment about WRHBs and then were randomized to either receive a single 60-min BMI plus a booster phone call or to assessment only. At 3 months post-intervention, effect sizes within the intervention group were twice as large as within the assessment-only group on reductions in high-calorie foods and beverages. However, there were no statistically significant differences between groups on body mass index or WRHBs. The one-session nature of the session might not have been enough to produce significant change in weight.
Floor acquisition multiple access (FAMA) in single-channel wireless networks

The FAMA-NCS protocol is introduced for wireless LANs and ad-hoc networks that are based on a single channel and asynchronous transmissions (i.e., no time slotting). FAMA-NCS (for floor acquisition multiple access with non-persistent carrier sensing) guarantees that a single sender is able to send data packets free of collisions to a given receiver at any given time. FAMA-NCS is based on a three-way handshake between sender and receiver in which the sender uses non-persistent carrier sensing to transmit a request-to-send (RTS) and the receiver sends a clear-to-send (CTS) that lasts much longer than the RTS to serve as a “busy tone” that forces all hidden nodes to back off long enough to allow a collision-free data packet to arrive at the receiver. It is shown that carrier sensing is needed to support collision-free transmissions in the presence of hidden terminals when nodes transmit RTSs asynchronously. The throughput of FAMA-NCS is analyzed for single-channel networks with and without hidden terminals; the analysis shows that FAMA-NCS performs better than ALOHA, CSMA, and all prior proposals based on collision avoidance dialogues (e.g., MACA, MACAW, and IEEE 802.11 DFWMAC) in the presence of hidden terminals. Simulation experiments are used to confirm the analytical results.
Investigation into Gender Perception toward Computing: A Comparison between the U.S. and India

A potential explanation for the decline of female participation in computing-related education and careers in the United States is the perception that computing is for males. In this regard, declining participation limits diversity in the IT workforce. Therefore, this paper investigates the impact of two psychological factors, computer anxiety and computer self-efficacy, on gender perception toward computing between American male and female students. The authors also investigate whether the same relationship is found in India, where, while computing is dominated by males, female participation is rapidly increasing due to global IT outsourcing.
Advantages of N 2 and Ar as reaction gases for measurement of multiple Se isotopes using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry with a collision/reaction cell

Abstract Thirteen collision/reaction gases (CH4, O2, H2, CH3F, C2H6, N2O, NH3, SF6, Xe, Ne, N2, CO and Ar) were investigated to reduce the ArAr+, Ar2H+, Ar2H2+, SeH+, BrH+ and ArCl+ overlaps on Se+ isotopes. N2 and Ar had particular advantages for the measurement of multiple Se isotopes compared to the other gases. Experiments using CH4 and CD4 determined that H-atom transfer from CH4 to Se+ resulted in the formation of SeH+.
Rôle of pathobiology in experimental marine biology and ecology

Abstract The roles that pathobiology may play in the advance of experimental marine science and ecology are diverse. As a multidisciplinary science, pathobiology will permit the investigation of structural and functional phenomena that influence marine systems, particularly in reference to cause-effect relationships. Pathobiology focuses on disease and dysfunction, as natural biological responses and processes, rather than as just clinical syndromes or histopathological endpoints (structural lesion). Many opportunities exist for cooperative investigations among pathobiologists and scientists from other backgrounds in determining health requirements and limits for populations and species of estuarine and marine organisms. Specific topics of research of high present interest are: (1) toxicological pathology of coastal species; (2) pathophysiology of aquatic forms; (3) novel virological studies in marine species; and (4) development of functional and mode-of-action models among estuarine-marine species.
A Soil-on-Agar Method to Evaluate Acid-Soil Resistance in White Clover

White dover (Trifolium repens L.) is adapted to the Appalachian region but is rarely found on strongly add soils. To select for improved add-soil resistance we needed an effective and efficient soil-based procedure. Our objective was to develop a simple, rapid, nondestructive technique that could be used to evaluate add-soil resistance of clover accessions. Our technique uses a thin layer of add, Al-toxic soil on top of solidified water agar. Germinated white dover seed, selected for uniform radical length of about 1 mm, are transplanted into the soil. Root emergence from the soil into the agar is visually observed. We evaluated the technique using non-timed (pH 4.2, Al saturation 70%) and limed (pH 5.0, Al saturation 14%) Porters soil (coarse loamy, mixed, mesic Umbric Dystrochrept) and four white dovers, two larger-leafed (ladino) clovers developed in the USA, and two smaller-leafed cultivars from New Zealand. Root emergence was observed daily for 10 d. Root emergence from the limed and non-limed soil began on day one and on day four, respectively. This delay in emergence indicates that the dover seedlings were responding to toxic factors in the add soil that were alleviated by liming. The larger-leafed cultivars emerged more slowly than the smaller-leafed cultivars in the non-limed soil but were similar to them in the limed soil. The soil-on-agar technique allows easy collection of root growth data, is rapid, nondestructive, and can be used with large populations. The technique should be useful for characterization of acid-oil resistance of white dover and other small-seeded species. We suggest that seedlings whose roots emerge more quickly from add soil are more resistant than those whose roots emerge later and that the technique has promise for selecting resistant and susceptible populations.
Sunburn reduction through parental role modeling and sunscreen vigilance.

Objectives To identify characteristics associated with child sunburn experience and sun protection practices, including parent and child demographics, phenotype, and sun-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Study design A nationally representative telephone survey conducted in 1999 with 651 parents of children 5 to 12 years of age to collect data relating to the sun-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of the parent and child. Results Nearly half of parents (49.%) and children (44%) were sunburnt during the previous summer. Parents who reported that they had been sunburnt were more likely to have children who had been sunburnt (OR = 2.9, 95% Cl = 2.0, 4.2). Conversely, parents with a high level of sun protection behavior were less likely to report being sunburnt (OR = 0.6,, 95% Cl = 0.4, 0.9), and their children were more likely to have a high level of sun protection behavior (OR = 3.05 95% Cl = 2.0, 4.6) and sunscreen vigilance (OR = 2.7, 95% Cl = 1.7, 4.5). High sunscreen vigilance was associated with a 60% reduction in child sunburning. Conclusions The sunburn experience and sun protection practices of children (5-12 years of age) are closely linked to a number of modifiable attitudes and behaviors of their parents. Therefore the inclusion of parents and care givers in interventions targeting children may increase program efficacy.
Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the leading cause of death from infectious diseases in the United States. It accounts for 500,000 hospitalizations and 45,000 deaths each year, and it represents one of the most common causes of ICU admission. The mortality rate due to severe CAP has shown little improvement over the past few years, with rates as high as 58% when patients were admitted to the ICU. Significant interest has focused on the sickest patients who have pneumonia treated in the ICU, regarding identification of need for ICU admission and therapies directed to improve outcomes in patients who have severe CAP. This article reviews epidemiologic, microbiologic, therapeutic, preventive, and outcomes data in patients who have CAP in the ICU.
A model for the wind-blown flame from a line fire

Abstract A one-dimensional model is developed for the structure of the wind-blown, turbulent flame from a line fire in which buoyancy is the principal source of vertical momentum. A one-step, second-order bimolecular reaction between fuel and air is used, with rate proportional to the strain rate of the mean streamlines of the flame fluid flow. Air accretion into the flame fluid flow is assumed to be proportional to incident windspeed. The flame tip is defined to occur at the height at which the mean temperature falls to 500°K. Numerical examples are presented for flames in uniform wind, and approximate expressions are found for flame height, length, and tilt angle. The flame height is found to correspond within ± 30% to the height at which 10 times the stoichiometric requirement of air is incorporated into the flow, and the flame tilt angle is found to be nearly constant with height. The square of the tangent of the flame tilt angle from vertical is found to be 3 2 the Froude number based on flame height, the numerical factor being dependent only on the flame tip temperature. Generally satisfactory agreement is found with experimental work on flame geometries. An additional model is invoked to relate the thermochemical properties, and the rate of generation, of fuel gas released from burning pine needle beds to the moisture content of the pine needles and the fuelbed weight loss rate. These relations permit comparison of predicted and observed flame dimensions for pine needle beds burned in a wind tunnel. The predictions of the model presented here match observed flame dimensions somewhat better than do the predictions of available empirical relations.
Automated system for detailed measurement of respiratory mechanics.

Objective. The mechanical properties of the respiratory system (i.e., elastance and resistance) depend on the frequency, tidal volume, and shape of the flow waveform used for forcing. We developed a system to facilitate accurate measurements of elastance and resistance in laboratory and clinical settings at the frequencies and tidal volumes in the physiologic range of breathing.Methods. A personal computer (PC) is used to drive a common clinically used ventilator while simultaneously collecting measurements of airway flow, airway pressure, and esophageal pressure from the experimental subject or animal at different frequencies and tidal volumes. Analysis analogous to discrete Fourier transform at the fundamental frequency (i.e., ventilator setting) is used to calculate elastances and resistances of the total respiratory system and its components, the lungs and the chest wall. We have shown that this analysis is independent of the high-frequency harmonics that are present in the waveform from clinical ventilators.Results. The system has been used successfully to make measurements in anesthetized/paralyzed dogs and awake or anesthetized human volunteers in the laboratory, and in anesthetized humans in the operating room and intensive care unit. Elastances and resistances obtained with this approach are the same as those obtained during more controlled conditions, e.g., sinusoidal forcing. Conclusions. Accurate, standardized measurements of lung and chest wall properties can be obtained in many settings with relative ease with the system described. These properties, and their frequency and tidal volume dependences in the physiologic range, provide important information to aid in the understanding of changes in respiratory function caused by day-to-day conditions, clinical intervention and pathologies.
Regulation of energy stores and feeding by neuronal and peripheral CREB activity in Drosophila.

The cAMP-responsive transcription factor CREB functions in adipose tissue and liver to regulate glycogen and lipid metabolism in mammals. While Drosophila has a homolog of mammalian CREB, dCREB2, its role in energy metabolism is not fully understood. Using tissue-specific expression of a dominant-negative form of CREB (DN-CREB), we have examined the effect of blocking CREB activity in neurons and in the fat body, the primary energy storage depot with functions of adipose tissue and the liver in flies, on energy balance, stress resistance and feeding behavior. We found that disruption of CREB function in neurons reduced glycogen and lipid stores and increased sensitivity to starvation. Expression of DN-CREB in the fat body also reduced glycogen levels, while it did not affect starvation sensitivity, presumably due to increased lipid levels in these flies. Interestingly, blocking CREB activity in the fat body increased food intake. These flies did not show a significant change in overall body size, suggesting that disruption of CREB activity in the fat body caused an obese-like phenotype. Using a transgenic CRE-luciferase reporter, we further demonstrated that disruption of the adipokinetic hormone receptor, which is functionally related to mammalian glucagon and β-adrenergic signaling, in the fat body reduced CRE-mediated transcription in flies. This study demonstrates that CREB activity in either neuronal or peripheral tissues regulates energy balance in Drosophila, and that the key signaling pathway regulating CREB activity in peripheral tissue is evolutionarily conserved.
The Life History and Biology of the Tree-Toad Chigger, Trombicula Hylæ Ewing.

Records of ectoparasites occuring on amphibians are exceedingly rare, and except for the occasional reports of parasitism of frogs by tropical ticks, are all but nonexistent. However, at least one interesting case of such parasitism has been previously studied. Miss Mary Brown reported in 1922 a case of cutaneous infestation of frogs by the larvae of an acarid which she regarded as a water mite. Although an excellent morphological study was made of the larval instar of the frog-infesting mites, neither nymphs nor adults were obtained, and the biology of the species and its taxonomic affinities remained largely a mystery.
Evidence for an anaphoric mechanism within syntactic processing: some reference relations defy semantic and pragmatic constraints.

In three experiments, we examined an interaction between the pronounthey and syntactic analysis. Experiment 1 demonstrates thatthey can slow reading times tois when this verb is visually presented immediately after a sentence fragment ending with an ambiguous expression such asflying kites. This effect seems to involve a coreference assignment linkingthey and the ambiguous expression that influences the syntactic analysis of the latter. Experiments 2 and 3 show that this effect can operate even when coreference betweenthey and the ambiguous expression is implausible. These results support a modular theory of comprehension that includes structurally oriented reference processes with access to some, but not all, of the listener’s knowledge relevant to coreference.
Medical student training in the performance of diagnostic laboratory procedures.

Summary. A study was conducted to determine what diagnostic laboratory procedures medical students recalled being taught during pre-clerkship training, how well they felt they could perform these procedures on entrance to and exit from their clerkship year, and the estimate of frequency of personal performance during the clerkship year. Surveys were mailed to 223 graduating senior students of a medical school. They were asked to supply data regarding 15 pre-selected procedures. In only seven cases did a majority of students recall being taught a procedure. Higher percentages of students who trained at health science centres and a Veterans Administration hospital recalled being taught procedures compared to students who trained at community hospitals. In general, students who performed their pre-clerkship training at the health science centres rated their ability to perform procedures without assistance on entrance to the clerkship year higher than the other two groups. Students who performed at least one half of their clerkships at a health science centre rated their ability to perform procedures without assistance at the termination of their clerkship year higher than those who performed a majority of clerkships at community hospitals. The former group also reported a higher frequency of performance of the procedures than the community hospital group. Most of the procedures for all groups, however, were performed at a rate of less than one/month.
Zepto-mole detection in microfluidics by novel nonlinear multi-photon laser wave-mixing spectroscopy for biomedical and environmental applications

Laser wave-mixing detectors for microfluidics are presented as compact systems for parts-per-quadrillion-level detection of biomedical and environmental samples. Wave mixing offers unique advantages including absorption-based detection of micrometer-thin samples, generation of coherent laser-like signal beams, and sensitive detection of both fluorescing and non-fluorescing samples. Biomarkers could be detected in their native forms without labels, or if labels are desired, one could use both fluorophores and chromophores as labels. By coupling low-power (mW) solid-state lasers and microfluidics and microarrays, one can design compact optical systems that can be battery powered and used in the field for real-time fingerprinting of chemicals.
A new scale to measure family members' perception of community health care services for persons with Huntington disease.

UNLABELLED RATIONALE, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVES: Huntington disease (HD) is a progressive genetic brain disease leading to disruptive cognitive, behavioural and physical impairments. Persons with the condition and their caregivers need appropriate and accessible health care services to help them manage the disease adequately. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a new scale that measures family members' perception of community health care services (CHCS) for persons with HD. METHODS A methodological design was used to examine the initial reliability and dimensionality of the CHCS scale among 245 family members of persons with a diagnosis of HD. Data analysis consisted of computing Cronbach's alpha coefficients, calculating the 95% confidence interval for alpha and performing item-analysis and exploratory factor analysis. RESULTS Reliability of the scale based on Cronbach's alpha was 0.83. Factor analysis using principal component analysis and varimax rotation suggested that three interpretable factors underlie the scale. Factor 1, HD knowledge, had alpha = 0.82, eigenvalue of 4.67 and explained 33.42% of the variance; factor 2, HD community resources, had alpha = 0.62, eigenvalue of 1.68 and explained 12.02% of the variance; factor 3, individualized HD management, had alpha = 0.77, eigenvalue of 1.45 and explained 10.39% of the variance. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study provide evidence of both construct validity and internal consistency reliability of the CHCS scale. Further psychometric testing of the scale in other samples of family caregivers of persons with HD is warranted.
Three dimensional planning target volumes: A model and a software tool

Purpose Three dimensional (3D) target volumes are an essential component of conformal therapy because the goal is to shape the treatment volume to the target volume. The planning target volume (PTV) is defined by ICRU 50 as the clinical target volume (CTV) plus a margin to ensure that the CTV receives the prescribed dose. The margin must include all interfractional and intrafractional treatment variations. This paper describes a software tool that automatically generates 3D PTVs from CTVs for lung cancers and immobile head and neck cancers. Methods and materials Values for the interfractional and intrafractional treatment variations were determined by a literature review and by targeted interviews with physicians. The software tool is written in Common LISP and conforms to the specifications for shareable software of the Radiotherapy Treatment Planning Tools Collaborative Working Group. Results The tool is a rule-based expert system in which the inputs are the CTV contours, critical structure contours, and qualitative information about the specific patient. The output is PTV contours, which are a cylindrical expansion of the CTV. A model for creating PTVs from CTVs is embedded in the tool. The interfractional variation of setup uncertainty and the intrafractional variations of movement of the CTV (e.g., respiration) and patient motion are included in the model. Measured data for the component variations is consistent with modeling the components as independent samples from 3D Gaussian distributions. The components are combined using multivariate normal statistics to yield the cylindrical expansion factors. Rules are used to represent the values of the components for certain patient conditions (e.g., setup uncertainty for a head and neck patient immobilized in a mask). The tool uses a rule interpreter to combine qualitative information about a specific patient with rules representing the value of the components and to enter the appropriate component values for that patient into the cylindrical expansion formula. Conclusion The portable software tool allows the rapid, consistent, and automatic generation of 3D PTVs from CTVs.
National Patterns and Predictors of β-Blocker Use in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease

Background Prior studies suggest underuse of β-blockers in patients with coronary artery disease, but these studies have been based on selected populations of recently hospitalized patients. Objective To describe national patterns and determinants of β-blocker use in the ambulatory setting. Methods We analyzed 11745 visits by patients with coronary artery disease to randomly selected, office-based physicians in the National Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys for 1980, 1981, 1985, and 1989 through 1996. We used multiple logistic regression to determine the independent effect of sociodemographic and clinical factors on β-blocker use. Outcome Measure β-Blocker use at patient visits. Results β-Blocker use was reported in only 20.9% of office visits by patients with coronary artery disease and no strong contraindications between 1993 and 1996. In multivariate analyses, age younger than 75 years, residence in the Northeast, and visits to cardiologists and internists compared with family and general practitioners predicted greater use of β-blocker therapy. White race and private insurance also were significant predictors of β-blocker use between 1980 and 1996. Longitudinal analyses revealed a significant decline in β-blocker use from 1980 to 1990, followed by a gradual increase in recent years. Conclusions β-Blockers appear to be underused in ambulatory patients with coronary artery disease. Our data suggest that nonclinical factors may influence rates of use, indicating the need for closer scrutiny of variations in physician prescribing practices.
Tailpipe Sound Quality In A Three-Cylinder Engine

Three-cylinder engines are an acoustic challenge, but if the exhaust system is well designed, they can convey a sound image appropriate to a luxury car: generally quiet and without dominating orders. Using simulation processes and test stand testing, Tenneco examined what influences the design of the exhaust manifold, the valve timing and the silencer have on the sound image.
Microbes, herbivory and the evolution of social behavior☆☆☆

Abstract Herbivorous animals that digest plant structural tissues almost invariably depend on the fermentative activity of symbiotic populations of microbes, housed in the digestive tract, to degrade plant fiber. The evolution of microbial fermentation systems entails an intricate coevolution among microbe species, as well as between microbes and herbivores. Beyond some level of biochemical specialization, fermentative microflora cannot survive outside of the host's body, and can only be transferred among herbivores by close contact. Yet in order actually to coevolve with the herbivore species, the microbe populations must be transmitted from one generation of herbivore to the next. In order to evolve the most effective system for utilizing plant materials for food, i.e. dependence on a microbial fermentation system, herbivores must concurrently evolve behavioral adaptations that ensure contact between generations. The evolution of social systems in a variety of animals, from termites to dinosaurs, may be originally associated with their herbivorous habits.
Effects of cholesterol on membrane surfaces as studied by high-pressure fluorescence spectroscopy.

We have studied the effects of cholesterol on membrane surfaces using fluorescence spectroscopy at high pressure. At atmospheric pressure, the dissociation state of a pH-sensitive fluorophore (6-decanylnaphthol or DECNA) incorporated into several types of membranes showed an apparent increase in dissociation with cholesterol content coming somewhat closer to its dissociation state in solution. Previous studies have shown that when DECNA is free in solution, pressure induces proton dissociation due to the volume decrease that occurs when water electrostricts around the ions. But in phosphatidylcholine (PC) bilayers, proton dissociation is inhibited, either due to the inability of the surface to expand and allow for increased hydration, or other changes in lipid structure. The pressure behavior of DECNA in dioleoyl-PC, dioleoylphosphatidic acid and dioleylphosphatidylglycerol bilayers shows that incorporation of 5-10% cholesterol causes DECNA to behave like it is in a more unrestricted environment. This trend is reversed at higher cholesterol concentrations. These data, together with compressibility measurements, support the model of Sankaram and Thompson [M. Sankaram, T.E. Thompson, Biochemistry 29 (1990) 10676.] whereby in the disordered phase, cholesterol can span the two leaflets causing an increase in the area between the head groups; whereas in the ordered phase, no expansion occurs. Thus, the effect of cholesterol on membrane surfaces depends on its phase diagram.
Development and validation of the minnesota borderline personality disorder scale

Although large epidemiological data sets can inform research on the etiology and development of borderline personality disorder (BPD), they rarely include BPD measures. In some cases, however, proxy measures can be constructed using instruments already in these data sets. In this study, the authors developed and validated a self-report measure of BPD from the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ). Items for the new instrument—the Minnesota BPD scale (MBPD) —were identified and refined using three large samples: undergraduates, community adolescent twins, and urban substance users. The authors determined the construct validity of the MBPD scale by examining its association with (a) diagnosed BPD, (b) questionnaire-reported BPD symptoms, and (c) clinical variables associated with BPD: suicidality, trauma, disinhibition, internalizing distress, and substance use. The authors also tested the MBPD scale in two prison inmate samples. Across samples, the MBPD scores correlated with BPD indices and ext...