cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Activity-dependent K+ accumulation in the developing rat optic nerve

Potassium-sensitive microelectrodes were used to study activity-dependent changes of extracellular potassium ion concentration ([K+]o) in rat optic nerves of different postnatal ages (1 day to adulthood). The maximum level to which [K+]o rose with optimal frequencies of stimulation depended on age: mean maximum evoked [K+]o was 17.2 microM in 1- to 3-day-old optic nerves and 9.8 microM in adult nerves. The ceiling [K+]o seen in immature optic nerves, which is uniquely large for a mammalian central nervous system structure, may result from a relatively enhanced rate of evoked K+ release.
Characterization of metal-matrix composites fabricated by vacuum infiltration of a liquid metal under an inert gas pressure

Silicon carbide whisker-reinforced aluminium was fabricated by vacuum infiltration of liquid aluminium into a porous whisker preform under an argon gas pressure, using an infiltration temperature of 665 °C. The volume fraction of whiskers ranged from 11% to 37%. No whisker pull-out was observed on the fracture surface for an infiltration temperature of 665 °C, but some whisker pull-out was observed for an infiltration temperature of 720 °C. Both the tensile strength and ductility decreased with increasing infiltration temperature above 665 °C. Tensile test results from room temperature to 300 °C are reported. They showed that the quality of these composites was comparable to that of composites made by powder metallurgy or squeeze casting. The coefficient of thermal expansion at 100–150 °C was decreased by 45% by the addition of 37 vol % whiskers.
Anterior Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Injury Following Femoral Artery Reconstructive Surgery

Two cases are presented exhibiting symptoms and signs of bilateral anterior femoral cutaneous nerve injury, clinically sparing femoral nerve branches to the saphenous nerve and quadriceps muscles. This occurred following surgical dissection in the femoral triangles associated with femoral artery reconstructive surgery. Anterior femoral cutaneous nerve injury should be considered when anterior medial thigh pain and numbness occur following aortofemoral bypass graft surgery and other types of femoral artery reconstructive surgery.
Effects of a towaway reporting threshold on crash analysis results

The effects on future data analysis capabilities and results should states convert to a towaway and above crash-reporting threshold are quantified. The results from the four states used in the analysis (Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and North Carolina) revealed that only 51.7 percent of the crash data would be included using a towaway threshold. Only 33.7 percent would be included using an injury threshold. In general, a towaway threshold would exclude more crashes on urban streets than on rural roads. For most road classes, 40 to 60 percent of crashes would be excluded. A towaway threshold would result in greatly underestimating the occurrence of certain crash types, particularly rear-end, sideswipe, parking, and animal crashes. Run-off-road and angle/turning crashes would also be affected considerably. Using a towaway criterion will seriously affect researchers' ability to conduct meaningful evaluations of roadside appurtenances, such as guardrail, breakaway signs and poles, crash cushions, and various...
Removable singularities for analytic or subharmonic functions

In this paper, results on removable singularities for analytic functions, harmonic functions and subharmonic functions by Besicovitch, Carleson, and Shapiro are extended. In each theorem, we need not assume thatf has the global property at any point, so we are able to allow dense sets of singularities. We do not state our results in terms of exceptional sets, but each one leads to a series of results implying that certain sets are removable for appropriate classes of functions.
Least‐squares finite element method and preconditioned conjugate gradient solution

A least-squares variational procedure for first-order systems of differential equations and an approximate formulation based on finite elements are developed. Error estimates, a condition number bound and analysis of weighting factors are given. Steepest descent and conjugate gradient solution procedures are examined, and an appropriate preconditioner constructed which is demonstrated to yield rapid convergence and to be insensitive to problem size. Numerical studies of rates of convergence for a test problem are given.
Engine system diagnosis using vibration data

Abstract This paper presents a fault diagnostic system which enables the identification of engine malfunctions using the vibration data of crank systems with experimentation on one sample engine. In this system, the equations governing system characteristics are determined by a Time-domain Modal Analysis (TMA) technique. The frequencies, damping factors and mode shapres are used in a hormonic synthesis process to result in zero end torques and stresses in each crank shaft span. Two physical simulation cases were illustrated. In the first testing case, the abnormal excursion of the bearing support system was detected. The replacement of appropriate bearings is suggested. In the second testing case, the combined stresses of the fillet of the crankpin and journal units were found exceeded the allowable fatigue limit. The modification of both elements was suggested.
Comparison of serum prolactin and thyrotropin responses to thyrotropin-releasing hormone in patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy.

ABSTRACT To obtain further information on the mechanism of abnormal serum thyrotropin (TSH) responses to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) reported recently in patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy, we compared the serum prolactin (PRL) and TSH responses to TRH, 200 fig iv in 13 such patients, 9 of whom were euthyroid and 4 hyperthyroid on the basis of serum free T3 and free T4. Among the 7 patients who demonstrated subnormal serum TSH response to TRH (Group I), 3 were hyperthyroid (Group IA) and 4 euthyroid (Group IB). The net 2-hr PRL secretion response of 401,508 and 321 ng-min in the 3 Group IA patients, respectively, was below the normal range (696–7914). However, the mean (±se) PRL secretion response of the 4 Group IB patients, 1400 ± 221 ng-min, did not differ significantly from the corresponding normal value, 2392 ± 760. Similarly, 1 hyperthyroid (Group IIA) and 5 euthyroid (Group IIB) patients who had supranormal serum TSH responses to TRH demonstrated a clearly normal serum PRL response (2786 ±...
Convective Heat Transfer With Nanofluids in a Single 1.02-mm Tube

Nanofluids are heat transfer liquids which contain small volume fractions of suspended nanoparticles, with sizes smaller than 100 nm, in colloidal solutions. Numerous experiments on the static thermal conductivity of these fluids have revealed a greater-than-expected effective thermal conductivity, and thus there is interest in utilizing nanofluids for heat transfer applications. The nanofluid thermal performance under convective heat transfer conditions is of even greater interest. Therefore, we report here our initial convection experiments with nanofluids. Our experimental test section consists of a single millimeter-size, stainless steel tube subjected to constant wall heat flux. The cooling nanofluids, flowed through the test tube, consist of Al2 O3 nanoparticles and deionized water. Both wall temperature and fluid temperature are measured. Compared with base fluid, the Nu of 20-nm Al2 O3 -deionized water nanofluids had 8% enhancement for φ = 1 vol% but only 3% for φ = 0.5 vol% at Re = 270. Based on the results, the utility of convective heat sinks containing nanofluids are evaluated for contemporary uses.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
The effects of differential hippocampal lesions on a shock versus shock conflict

Abstract Rats with hippocampal damage, neocortical damage, sham lesions, or no damage (unoperated controls) were first trained to actively avoid shock in a one-way avoidance apparatus, then trained to inhibit this response (i.e., passively avoid) after one shock trial in the previously safe goal area. Damage to the hippocampus was induced by either aspiration (large) or electrolytic (small) techniques. Rats with large hippocampal lesions were deficient on both the active and passive avoidance measures as compared to the other four groups tested, none of which significantly differed from each other. The results are discussed in terms of massing versus distribution of training experience, as well as size of lesion.
Self-care practices in women with diastolic heart failure

Background For many patients with heart failure (HF), performing self-care is complicated by the complex medication regimen, symptom monitoring, and required decision-making. Women with HF are typically older and more physically debilitated, have more comorbidities, and may be at higher risk for poor self-care practices. Previous studies have largely excluded patients with diastolic heart failure (DHF), however, so little is known about their self-care practices. Objectives The purposes of the study were to describe the (a) performance of self-care behaviors and (b) demographic and clinical characteristics that affected self-care practices in women with DHF. Methods Thirty-two women who were 50 years of age or older and diagnosed with DHF were recruited through cardiologist referral from an outpatient HF clinic in an academic health care setting. Data were collected using a semistructured interview guide. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze participant demographic and clinical characteristics. The responses were tabulated in order of frequency and then coded into categories. Results The mean age of the women was 68 ± 11 years; 81% had annual incomes at or below the poverty level, 41% lived alone, and the majority had three or more comorbidities. Although most perceived their HF knowledge to be fair to good, and 62% had received HF educational information, only six (19%) weighed daily, few followed the recommended sodium restrictions, and 91% were sedentary at the time of the interview. The only self-care behavior that was consistently practiced (72%) was taking prescribed medications. Exertional intolerance often interfered with household chores and was cited most often as the reason for poorer quality of life. Decision-making about self-care activities such as taking diuretics was typically based on daily plans and social outings. Medical attention was sought only when acute or life-threatening symptoms occurred. Few women actively participated in ongoing symptom monitoring, and confusion over symptom recognition was a recurrent problem. Conclusions Lower socioeconomic status and advancing age increase vulnerability for poor self-care and negative clinical outcomes in women with DHF. Recommendations to improve self-care practices among economically disadvantaged women with HF such as prescribing routine activities as exercise, screening for depression, and home visits to increase socialization are discussed along with areas for future research.
Clinical review of attenuation-corrected cardiac SPECT

Rather than the introduction of a heralded technologic advancement in cardiac SPECT imaging challenging the accuracy of PET perfusion imaging, the commercial introduction of attenuation correction, has been met with at least as many negative as positive reports. Some studies have reported significant improvements in specificity or specificity and sensitivity, especially for high-risk patterns of coronary artery disease; others have reported no improvement or a decrease in accuracy resulting from the introduction of troublesome artifacts. Although this review has attempted to emphasize the positive aspects of attenuation-corrected cardiac SPECT perfusion imaging and the potential for improved patient care it may provide, several negative reports continue to appear.68,69,108,109 Still there has been sufficient positive data reported to suggest that with fully developed, accurate, and robust correction methods, significant gains in SPECT assessments, of the presence and extent of CHD, patient risk, and myocardial viability can be anticipated. Ultimately attenuation correction for cardiac SPECT should have a positive impact on the management of patients with coronary artery disease with important savings in lives and health care dollars.
Preliminary validation of a self-efficacy scale for child functioning despite chronic pain (child and parent versions)

Despite frequent targeting of health beliefs in pediatric chronic pain treatment interventions, there are currently no reliable and valid self-efficacy measures for children with chronic pain and their parents. The current study examined the psychometric properties of parent and child versions of a self-efficacy measure related to the child functioning normally when in pain. Pediatric pain patients, 9-18 years of age, and a caregiver completed questionnaires before an initial tertiary care clinic appointment. The 67 patients in our sample had an average of 1.7 pain locations, including abdominal pain (43.3%), headaches (50.7%), body pain (25.4%), back pain (23.9%), limb pain (20.9%), and/or chest pain (9.0%). Reliability for the new measures was excellent; the Cronbach's alpha was .89 for the 7 child items and .90 for the 7 parent items. Strong evidence for construct validity was also obtained as 23 of the 27 hypothesized correlations were confirmed. As predicted, parent and child ratings of increased self-efficacy for the child functioning normally when in pain were significantly correlated with each other, and to parent reports of fewer problems functioning due to physical or emotional problems; parent reports of fewer somatic, behavioral or emotional symptoms; parent reports of increased self-esteem, and unrelated to child pain, age and gender. Additionally, child ratings of increased self-efficacy were significantly correlated with child reports of increased self-esteem and fewer somatic symptoms. Replication with a larger sample size, more complex modeling, and prospective studies are indicated.
Sponsors and the Urban Poor: Resources or Restrictions?

Recent studies have discussed changes within the politics of the urban poor in Latin America. One perspective finds such politics limited to local material needs petitioning by isolated groups. By contrast, I found a community organization in urban Mexico that was sponsored by another group, and brought into national political efforts and debates by that sponsor. Sponsorship, as a form of relationship between allies, is linked to the grievances felt by Mexican citizens, and these grievances are analyzed as affecting the political opportunity structure of the Mexican urban popular movement. The sponsor brought substantial benefits to the community organization, but the latter organization also suffered from the relationship. The examination of sponsorship between the urban poor and the middle-class allies reveals both benefits and pitfalls.
Serum fetuin-A concentration predicts glycaemic outcomes in people with prediabetes: a prospective study from eastern India

Aim To evaluate the role of fetuin-A levels in predicting glycaemic outcomes (progression to diabetes or reversion to normoglycaemia) in people with prediabetes. Methods A total of 2119 people were screened, of whom 144 people with prediabetes, 50 people with normoglycaemia and 66 people with newly diagnosed diabetes underwent estimation of fasting insulin, fetuin-A, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, tumour necrosis factor-α, lipid and 25-hydroxyvitamin-D levels and assessment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease using ultrasonography and the fatty liver index. People with prediabetes were followed and analysed according to glycaemic outcome and quartile of fetuin-A level. Results Fetuin-A, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-α and triglyceride levels and presence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease increased across the glycaemic spectrum and were highest in people with diabetes. A total of 32 people with prediabetes reverted to normoglycaemia, 23 progressed to diabetes and 65 remained with prediabetes over a mean ± sd follow-up of 32.12 ± 8.4 months. People progressing to diabetes had higher baseline glycaemia rates, fetuin-A levels, interleukin-1β levels, fatty liver index scores and prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and lower 25-hydroxyvitamin-D levels. People with prediabetes in the highest fetuin-A quartile had the highest risk of progression to diabetes (relative risk 2.68, 95% CI 0.95–7.55; P = 0.06) and the lowest rate of reversion to normoglycaemia (relative risk 0.27, 95% CI 0.08–0.85; P = 0.03). Fetuin-A levels correlated with interleukin-1β levels (r = 0.420; P < 0.001), interleukin-6 levels (r = 0.231; P = 0.022) and fatty liver index scores (r = 0.319; P < 0.001). Cox regression showed that higher fetuin-A levels and higher BMI and lower 25-hydroxyvitamin-D levels were predictive of lower rates of reversion to normoglycaemia. Age, triglyceride levels, and interleukin-6 and interleukin-1β levels were predictive of progression to diabetes. Conclusions Increased fetuin-A level has an adverse impact on glycaemic outcomes in prediabetes. This study highlights the importance of fetuin-A as a predictor of glycaemic outcomes in prediabetes.
Luminometric Quantitation of Photinus pyralis Firefly Luciferase and Escherichia coli β-Galactosidase in Blood-Contaminated Organ Lysates

Firefly luciferase and Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase chemiluminescent reporter gene assays are rapid and sensitive means of detecting reporter enzyme activities in cell lysates of both eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems. In these assays, expression vectors containing the luciferase or beta-galactosidase genes are transferred to cells in culture or animal tissues in vivo. Crude cell or organ lysates are then prepared and submitted to enzyme assays. The level of enzyme activity is proportional to the efficiency of gene delivery and expression. When used with modified substrates that emit light when cleaved by the appropriate enzyme, luciferase and beta-galactosidase activity can be detected luminometrically. Attempts to apply these assays to cell lysates contaminated with blood, as from any whole organ lysate, have had questionable results thus far because of light absorption by hemoglobin in the ranges of light emission by both of these assays. We have made several adjustments to standard chemiluminescent reporter gene assay protocols to minimize errors in quantitation contributed by hemoglobin. To this end, we have developed a method for quantitating the protein due to blood and due to the organ itself in a blood-contaminated organ lysate. We have also found that the use of a colorimetric protein assay that is unaffected by hemoglobin absorbance is preferred for protein quantitation. In conclusion, luciferase and beta-galactosidase assays can be applied to blood-contaminated organ lysates; however, the luciferase assay proved to be superior due to minimal endogenous activity and lower absorption by hemoglobin of light emitted by the enzyme product.
Carbamate and pyrethroid resistance in the leafminer parasitoid Diglyphus begini (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae).

Populations of Dlglyphus begini (Ashmead), a parasitoid of Lirlomyza spp. leafminers, showed resistance to oxamyl, methomyl, fenvalerate, and permethrin in laboratory bioassays. Relative to a susceptible strain from California, maximum resistance ratios for these pesticides were 20, 21, 17, and 13, respectively. Three populations that had been treated frequently with insecticides were significantly more resistant to all four insecticides compared with an untreated Hawaii population and a California population with an unknown spray history. Parasitoids from a heavily sprayed tomato greenhouse on the island of Hawaii had LC50’s for permethrin and fenvalerate that were 10 and 29 times higher than the field rate, respectively. Populations resistant to oxamyl and methomyl had LC50’s two- and sixfold below the field rate, respectively. D. begini is one of the few parasitoids resistant to pyrethroids, with LC50’s exceeding field application rates. Resistant D. begini may be useful for controlling leaf miners in management programs that integrate biological and chemical controls.
User-centric multi-criteria information retrieval

Information retrieval models usually represent content only, and not other considerations, such as authority, cost, and recency. How could multiple criteria be utilized in information retrieval, and how would it effect the results? In our experiments, using multiple user-centric criteria always produced better results than a single criteria.
Determination of secretory rates of estrogens in pregnant and nonpregnant women from the specific activities of urinary metabolites.

ABSTRACT. Estradiol-17β-6,7-H3 has been administered intravenously to 2 women at the time of ovulation, and to 6 pregnant women. Estrone (E1), estradiol-17β (E2) and estriol (E3), isolated from urine after enzymatic hydrolysis of their glucuronosides, were purified to constant specific activity. In the 2 nonpregnant females, the specific activities of these urinary products were essentially identical and the secretory rates of estradiol calculated from them were 0.2 and 0.5 mg/day. By contrast, in all pregnant women the specific activities of urinary estriol were much lower than those of estrone and estradiol, which were nearly equal. A 2-compartment model representing the situation that prevails in pregnancy has been analyzed mathematically. The fate of the injected and endogenous hormone has been evaluated in relation to the rates of transfer of the hormone between the maternal and fetal compartments and the metabolism in each of these compartments. It has been concluded that in pregnancy the secretory ...
Why Game (Culture) Studies Now

Games are an extremely valuable context for the study of cognition as inter(action) in the social and material world. They provide a representational trace of both individual and collective activity and how it changes over time, enabling the researcher to unpack the bidirectional influence of self and society. As both designed object and emergent culture, g/Games (a) consist of overlapping well-defined problems enveloped in ill-defined problems that render their solutions meaningful; (b) function as naturally occurring, selfsustaining, indigenous versions of online learning communities; and (c) simultaneously function as both culture and cultural object—as microcosms for studying the emergence, maintenance, transformation, and even collapse of online affinity groups and as talkaboutable objects that function as tokens in public conversations of broader societal issues within contemporary offline society. In this article, the author unpacks each of these claims in the context of the massively multiplayer o...
The stomach's response to unappetizing food: cephalic-vagal effects on gastric myoelectric activity.

The aim of this investigation was to determine the effects of sham feeding food that was perceived as unappetizing on the cephalic–vagal reflex as measured by changes in gastric myoelectric activity. Thirty-eight healthy human participants experienced one of two conditions: (i) an appetizing sham feeding condition in which participants chewed and expectorated two cooked frankfurters, and (ii) an unappetizing sham-feeding condition in which participants chewed and expectorated two cold tofu frankfurters. All participants were asked to chew each mouth-full of food 6–7 times and to be very careful not to swallow any of the food. Electrogastrograms (EGGs) were recorded for 10 min prior to, during, and for 15 min after sham feeding. A questionnaire was given to each participant after the procedure as a manipulation check and to assess food palatability. Results from the questionnaire showed, as expected, that the cooked frankfurters were significantly more appetizing than the cold tofu frankfurters (P < 0.01). In the group sham fed appetizing food, 3 cycles per minute (cpm) power increased during sham feeding, but the change was not significant; however, 3 cpm power decreased in the group sham fed unappetizing food. This difference was significant (P < 0.05). In conclusion, we have demonstrated that the cephalic–vagal reflex, as measured by power in the 3 cpm frequency region of the EGG, is sensitive to the subjective palatability of the food.
Improved projection for CAD's of R3

This paper presents an improved projection operator for the construction of CAD's of R3. It is shown that, typically, it suffices to include in projection only leading coefficients (along with discriminants and resultants) rather than all coefficients. Cases in which the leading coefficient alone does not suffice can be dealt with, in a sense, even more efficiently. Generalizing the improved projection operator to dimension greater than three is a topic of ongoing research.
Moments of order statistics from one truncation parameter densities

Analogs of some classical recurrence relations for moments of order statistics for a one truncation parameter densities are derived. These relate the kthorder moment of the rthorder statistic Xr:nto the kthorder moment of Xl:ior Xr:rvia an integral operator. Similar results are obtained for product moments. An application is also given.
Determination of hydraulic conductivity and porosity logs in wells with a disturbed annulus

Abstract A method is developed to determine the hydraulic conductivity and porosity of the formation surrounding a well as a function of depth. An electrically anomalous fluid is injected into a fully screened well and the radius of invasion is determined by induction logging. The radius of invasion is determined at several times so that the rate of invasion as a function of depth can be calculated. Using the knowledge of the rate of invasion and the hydraulic head required to inject the tracer, a hydraulic conductivity log can be calculated. A porosity log can be obtained using Archie's rule and a model of formation electrical conductivity that accounts for the influence of the electrical conductivity of the formation matrix. The logs calculated by this method are insensitive to near-hole drilling disturbances. Field trials demonstrate that the results of this method agree well with other methods.
Treatment of acute retinal necrosis syndrome with oral antiviral medications.

Objective Acute retinal necrosis (ARN) is a distinct ocular viral syndrome traditionally treated with intravenous acyclovir followed by oral acyclovir. We investigated the use of the oral antiviral medications valacyclovir and famciclovir as the sole treatment for patients with newly diagnosed ARN syndrome. Design Retrospective, uncontrolled, interventional case series. Participants Eight consecutive patients with newly diagnosed ARN treated solely with oral antiviral medications. Intervention All patients received famciclovir or valacyclovir without antecedent intravenous therapy. One patient with bilateral ARN treated with famciclovir received a single intravitreal injection of foscarnet in the more severely involved eye. Main Outcome Measures Clinically and photographically documented complete resolution of retinitis and best-corrected visual acuity on final follow-up. Results Active retinitis resolved completely in 10/10 (100%) affected eyes. Initial response to treatment was seen as early as 4 days (in 5 eyes), with a median time to complete resolution of 14 days. At the last examination, visual acuity was improved (≥ 2 Snellen lines) in 6 (60%) eyes, stable in 2 (20%) eyes, and worse in 2 (20%) eyes. Over a mean follow-up of 36 weeks (range, 7–72 weeks), 3 eyes developed rhegmatogenous retinal detachment that was successfully repaired with 1 vitrectomy surgery. No patient with initially unilateral involvement developed disease in the contralateral eye. Conclusions In this pilot study, the use of the oral drugs valacyclovir and famciclovir resulted in complete regression of herpetic necrotizing retinitis. Additional studies are necessary to evaluate the role of these antiherpetic medications in the treatment of the ARN syndrome.
Implementation of 24/7 radiology services in an academic medical centre level 1 trauma centre: impact on trauma resuscitation unit length of stay and economic benefit analysis.

Abstract Study objective To evaluate the impact of 24/7 radiology services on trauma resuscitation unit (TRU) length of stay (LOS) for patients with minor trauma and to analyse the economic benefits of such an impact from trauma centre perspective. Methods The study was HIPAA compliant and had IRB approval. Data were extracted from hospital and radiology information systems. Inclusion criteria specified patients: (a) with minor trauma (i.e., Injury Severity Score Results Totals of 1087 and 1323 patients for 2006 and 2007, respectively, met our selection criteria. Mean TRU LOS decreased from 11.19 to 8.25 h (26%; P P Conclusion The economic benefits of 24/7 radiology services are related to LOS, which can be shortened by limiting patient discharge delays resulting from report unavailability. This can be a cost-saving replacement for conventional radiology practice when the trauma centre makes appropriate use of vacant TRU beds to realise its opportunity cost.
Transportable agents support worldwide applications

Worldwide applications exist in an environment that is inherently distributed, dynamic, heterogeneous, insecure, unreliable, and unpredictable. In particular, the latency and bandwidth of network connections varies tremendously from place to place and time to time, particularly when considering wireless networks, mobile devices, and satellite connections. Applications in this environment must be able to adapt to different and changing conditions. We believe that transportable autonomous agents provide an excellent mechanism for the construction of such applications. We describe our prototype transportable-agent system and several applications.
Biliary Carcinoembryonic Antigen Levels Are a Marker for Cholangiocarcinoma

Background Cholangiocarcinoma develops in 5% to 15% of patients with choledochal cysts, sclerosing cholangitis, and intrahepatic stones. The detection of cholangiocarcinoma in patients with premalignant biliary conditions has been difficult. Serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) have been neither sensitive nor specific for the diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma. However, CEA has been shown to be present in cholangiocarcinomas by immunohistochemical staining. Therefore, we measured the level of CEA excreted in bile in patients with benign strictures, premalignant biliary diseases, and cholangiocarcinoma. Patients and methods Bile was obtained from transhepatic stents in patients with benign biliary strictures (34), choledochal cysts (5), primary sclerosing cholangitis (6), intrahepatic cholelithiasis (5), and perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (25). Samples were analyzed for CEA using a solid phase, two-site immunoenzymetric assay. Results Biliary CEA levels were significantly elevated ( P P P Conclusions Increased levels of CEA can be detected in the bile of patients with chlolanglocarcinoma. Monitoring these levels may have a role in the management of cholangiocarcinoma as well as premalignant biliary conditions such as choledochal cysts and sclerosing cholangitis.
Models, computers and policies: Fifty years of Psychometrika

Mathematical models have been represented inPsychometrika first in biophysics, then in stochastic models of behavior, and later in computer simulations of behavior. Other specialized journals now attract many articles in these areas, butPsychometrika's policy of broad interest in all aspects of quantitative psychology remains sound. This paper reviewsPsychometrika's coverage of mathematical models and computation, and discusses some matters of editorial policy.
Hepatitis B therapy

The goal of hepatitis B treatment is to prevent cirrhosis, liver decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma. In clinical practice, treatment response is determined by suppression of serum HBV DNA levels, hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion to hepatitis B e antibody, hepatitis B surface antigen loss, normalization of alanine aminotransferase levels and improvement in liver histology. Patients with life-threatening liver disease, and those with high levels of HBV replication and active or advanced liver disease, should be treated. Other patients should be monitored so that treatment can be initiated when indicated. Currently, seven medications are approved for the treatment of hepatitis B: two formulations of interferon and five nucleos(t)ide analogues. Interferon is administered for a finite duration while nucleos(t)ide analogues are usually administered for many years. Antiviral drug resistance is a major limiting factor to the success of nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment; therefore, treatment should be initiated with drugs that have a high genetic barrier to resistance (that is, a low potential for drug resistance). In addition, treatment response should be closely monitored to detect virologic breakthroughs, and the importance of medication adherence should be emphasized. Management of patients with treatment failure should be tailored according to the type of treatment failure (lack of initial response versus virologic breakthrough), the treatment that the patient is receiving, history of prior treatment, and the pretreatment characteristics of both the patient and the disease.
Site Choice among Minnesota Walleye Anglers: The Influence of Resource Conditions, Regulations and Catch Orientation on Lake Preference

Abstract Understanding angler site choice preferences is important in the management of recreational fisheries to forecast angling demand and effort. This study investigated lake choice by recreational anglers fishing for walleye Sander vitreus in Minnesota and examined how choices were influenced by lake characteristics, angler demographics, and angler catch orientation. We collected data through a stated choice preference experiment using a survey administered to a sample of Minnesota resident (n = 1096) and nonresident (n = 535) anglers. Multinomial probit choice models were used to estimate preferences in lake choice. Lake characteristics included walleye abundance, walleye size, bag limit, slot limit, and distance from primary residence. Models included (1) lake characteristics only, (2) lake characteristics and angler demographics, and (3) lake characteristics with angler demographics and catch orientation factors. The coefficients of lake attributes had expected signs with greater preference for hi...
SU‐FF‐J‐92: A Dosimetric Study of the Potential for Margin Reduction in Prostate IMRT Using Image‐Guided Target Localization

Purpose: To evaluate the potential for planning target volume margin reduction using image‐guided target localization for patients receiving IMRT for prostate cancer using on‐line CBCTimaging.Method and Materials: Eight patients being treated with IMRT were included in the study. Planning was performed with a conventional planning CT using an 8 mm planning margin everywhere except 6 mm posteriorly. Patient setup was performed by first aligning to skin markers and subsequently shifting to the actual treatment position determined using kV imaging of implanted fiducial markers in the prostate. Both setup positions were recorded for each fraction. CBCTimages were obtained weekly of the patients in the treatment position at the time of treatment. The prostate and organs‐at‐risk (OARs) were contoured on each image by a physician and retrospective dose calculations were performed on each CTimage by applying the original treatment plan to the image using the isocenters obtained via skin marker and image‐guided localization. To study the effects of margin reduction, IMRTtreatment fields were replanned for each patient with two reduced margins and applied to the CBCTimages for dose calculation using both the skin marker and image‐guided isocenters. Results: The endpoint of the study was V98, the percentage of prostate volume that received 98% of the prescribed dose. This was calculated for each CBCTimage of each patient. With image‐guided localization V98 exceeded 98% for all treatments based on the actual treatment plan, 97% for plans based on a 6 mm margin (4 mm posteriorly), and 95% for plans based on 4 mm margin (3 mm posteriorly). Conclusion:Image‐guided localization may facilitate margin reduction without significant loss of dose coverage to the prostate. Conflict of interest: This research is partially supported by a Varian research grant.
Reactive ion etching of Si1−xGex alloy with hydrogen bromide

Abstract Epitaxial Si1−xGex x≦0.25 films were reactive ion etched in hydrogen bromide (HBr) plasma. The etch characteristics are similar to single-crystal Si. For understanding SiGe etching characteristics in HBr reactive ion etching (RIE), the etch parameters, such as Ge-content, pressure, and rf power have been studied. The etch rate of SiGe is investigated as the trench depth etching varies with time. It is not only induces the etch rate of SiGe to increase seven times but also keeps the good trench profile increasing the rf power from 50 to 550 W.
Superfluid density as a function of temperature and pressure near the lambda line

Abstract We report new results for the superfluid density in the region close to the lambda line at pressures up to 25 bars. The data were obtained from second sound velocity measurements made to within 0.9 μK of the transition by a resonance technique. A superconducting pressure gauge was used to allow the measurements to be performed along a constant pressure path. From these data the temperature and pressure dependence of the superfluid density can be derived to test for critical exponent universality. We also report the temperature and pressure dependence of the resonator quality factor.
An Extracellular Protease of Streptococcus gordonii Hydrolyzes Type IV Collagen and Collagen Analogues

Streptococcus gordonii is a frequent cause of infective bacterial endocarditis, but its mechanisms of virulence are not well defined. In this study, streptococcal proteases were recovered from spent chemically defined medium (CDM) and fractionated by ammonium sulfate precipitation and by ion-exchange and gel filtration column chromatography. Three proteases were distinguished by their different solubilities in ammonium sulfate and their specificities for synthetic peptides. One of the enzymes cleaved collagen analogs Gly-Pro 4-methoxy-beta-naphthylamide, 2-furanacryloyl-Leu-Gly-Pro-Ala (FALGPA), and p-phenylazobenzyloxycarbonyl-Pro-Leu-Gly-Pro-Arg (pZ-peptide) and was released from the streptococci while complexed to peptidoglycan fragments. Treatment of this protease with mutanolysin reduced its 180- to 200-kDa mass to 98 kDa without loss of enzymatic activity. The purified protease cleaved bovine gelatin, human placental type IV collagen, and the Aalpha chain of fibrinogen but not albumin, fibronectin, laminin, or myosin. Enzyme activity was inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, indicating that it is a serine-type protease. Maximum production of the 98-kDa protease occurred during growth of S. gordonii CH1 in CDM containing 0.075% total amino acids at pH 7.0 with minimal aeration. Higher initial concentrations of amino acids prevented the release of the protease without reducing cell-associated enzyme levels, and the addition of an amino acid mixture to an actively secreting culture stopped further enzyme release. The purified protease was stored frozen at -20 degreesC for several months or heated at 50 degreesC for 10 min without loss of activity. These data indicate that S. gordonii produces an extracellular gelatinase/type IV collagenase during growth in medium containing minimal concentrations of free amino acids. Thus, the extracellular enzyme is a potential virulence factor in the amino acid-stringent, thrombotic, valvular lesions of bacterial endocarditis.
Minimal force-frequency modulation of inotropy and relaxation of in situ murine heart

1 The normal influence of heart rate (HR) on cardiac contraction and relaxation in the mouse remains uncertain despite its importance in interpreting many genetically engineered models. Prior in vivo data have repeatedly shown positive effects only at subphysiological heart rates, yet depressed basal conditions and use of load-dependent parameters probably have an impact on these results. 2 Open-chest mice of various strains (n = 16, etomidate/urethane anaesthesia) were instrumented with a miniaturized pressure-volume catheter employing absolute left ventricular (LV) volume calibration. HR was slowed (< 400 beats min−1) using ULFS-49, and atrial or ventricular pacing was achieved via an intra-oesophageal catheter. Pressure-volume data yielded cardiac-specific contractile indexes minimally altered by vascular load. 3 At a resting HR of 600 beats min−1, peak pressure-rise rate (dP/dtmax) was 16 871 ± 2941 mmHg s−1 (mean ±s.d.) and the relaxation time constant was 3.9 ± 0.8 ms, similar to values in conscious animals. Within the broad physiological range (500-850 beats min−1), load-insensitive contractile indexes and relaxation rate varied minimally, whereas dP/dtmax peaked at 600 ± 25 beats min−1 and decreased at higher rates due to preload sensitivity. Contraction and relaxation were enhanced modestly (13-15 %) at HRs of between 400 and 500 beats min−1. 4 The minimal force-frequency dependence was explained by rapid calcium cycling kinetics, with a mechanical restitution time constant of 9 ± 2.7 ms, and by dominant sarcoplasmic reticular buffering (recirculation fraction of 93 ± 1 %). 5 The mouse normally has a very limited force-frequency reserve at physiological HRs, unlike larger mammals and man. This is important to consider when studying disease evolution and survival of genetic models that alter calcium homeostasis and SR function.
On the Design and Implementation of a Cache-Aware Multicore Real-Time Scheduler

Multicore architectures, which have multiple processing units on a single chip, have been adopted by most chip manufacturers. Most such chips contain on-chip caches that are shared by some or all of the cores on the chip. Prior work has presented methods for improving the performance of such caches when scheduling soft real-time workloads. Given these methods, two additional research issues arise: (1) how to automatically profile the cache behavior of real-time tasks within the scheduler; and (2) how to implement scheduling methods efficiently, so that scheduling overheads do not offset any cache-related performance gains. This paper addresses these two issues in an implementation of a cache-aware soft real-time scheduler within Linux, and shows that the use of this scheduler can result in performance improvements that directly result from a decrease in shared cache miss rates.
Male and Female Broiler Responses to Low and Adequate Dietary Threonine on Nitrogen and Energy Balance

Abstract This study evaluated nitrogen and energy utilization by male and female broilers that were at 46 and 54 d of age fed diets deficient or adequate in threonine. Birds were reared in floor pens of an open-sided house and were provided diets that met NRC (1994) nutrient recommendations from placement until 6 wk of age. At 42 d, 48 birds (24 per sex) were selected and individually penned in Petersime batteries and were given feeds that were formulated to contain 0.52 or 0.74% total threonine having 18% CP and 3,200 kcal ME/kg. Two 24-h excreta collection periods were conducted on Days 46 and 54 to assess nitrogen and energy recovery. Males receiving adequate threonine had an advantage in retention of nitrogen and recovery of AMEn over males consuming the low threonine diet. Utilization of nitrogen by females was similar at both threonine concentrations, and AMEn corresponded to the concentration recovered by males when threonine was adequate. Inadequate threonine appears to create conditions that reduce recovery of energy by male broilers.
Missing signposts on the roadmap to quality: a call to improve medication adherence indicators in data collection for population research.

Purpose: Poor adherence to prescribed medicines is associated with increased rates of poor outcomes, including hospitalization, serious adverse events, and death, and is also associated with increased healthcare costs. However, current approaches to evaluation of medication adherence using real-world electronic health records (EHRs) or claims data may miss critical opportunities for data capture and fall short in modeling and representing the full complexity of the healthcare environment. We sought to explore a framework for understanding and improving data capture for medication adherence in a population-based intervention in four U.S. counties. Approach: We posited that application of a data model and a process matrix when designing data collection for medication adherence would improve identification of variables and data accessibility, and could support future research on medication-taking behaviors. We then constructed a use case in which data related to medication adherence would be leveraged to support improved healthcare quality, clinical outcomes, and efficiency of healthcare delivery in a population-based intervention for persons with diabetes. Because EHRs in use at participating sites were deemed incapable of supplying the needed data, we applied a taxonomic approach to identify and define variables of interest. We then applied a process matrix methodology, in which we identified key research goals and chose optimal data domains and their respective data elements, to instantiate the resulting data model. Conclusions: Combining a taxonomic approach with a process matrix methodology may afford significant benefits when designing data collection for clinical and population-based research in the arena of medication adherence. Such an approach can effectively depict complex real-world concepts and domains by “mapping” the relationships between disparate contributors to medication adherence and describing their relative contributions to improved outcomes.
Exposure of Soil and Groundwater to Spills of Hazardous Materials Transported by Rail: A Geographic Information System Analysis

The environmental impact of a hazardous material spill is a complex function of the material's physical and chemical characteristics and the local environmental conditions in which it is spilled. This study develops a geographical probability distribution for two important environmental parameters affecting this impact: soil type and groundwater depth. The paper assesses the probability of exposure of various soil types and groundwater depth regions to hazardous material spills from railroad tank car accidents. The State Soil Geographic database (STATSGO), a geographic information system (GIS) database from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, was used to analyze soils, and real-time ground-water data from the U.S. Geological Survey were used to analyze groundwater. The "rail2m" GIS database available from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics was used to conduct overlay analyses with the soil GIS data to obtain the probability of occurrence of various soil types under rail lines. The same method could n...
Influence of patient financial account status on orthodontic appointment attendance.

Abstract Objective: To test the null hypothesis that the financial status of a patient's orthodontic contract and other patient and appointment characteristics have no influence on appointment attendance. Materials and Methods: During a 6-week period, the last appointment of each active, non-Medicaid patient (n = 538) was recorded as either kept or missed. The financial status of the patient's contract, age, sex, method by which the appointment was made, and the type of appointment scheduled were recorded. Associations between each of these factors and appointment attendance were evaluated using χ2 analysis. In the case of patients who missed their appointment, attendance at the subsequent reappointment was also evaluated. Results: The overall appointment failure rate was 12.3%. Males (16.2%) were significantly more likely than females (9.5%) to miss appointments (P = .02). Also, appointments made by postcard (28.2%) were more likely to be missed than those made in person (11.8%) or by phone (6.5%) (P = ....