cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Poetry and Habits of Imagination

This chapter explores how poetry engages our imagination in a manner that can facilitate caring. The argument here is that poetry may help some people develop habits of imagination that can be used to offer more effective and responsive caring action. The chapter’s journey begins with an exploration of what we mean by imagination and how it relates to the previous chapter on knowledge as well as how it connects to the concept of “play” and “playfulness.” We then address the role of imagination in care ethics with an emphasis on empathy and our selection of caring actions. Next, we discuss the role of imagination in poetry. The conclusion explores how poetry contributes to habits of identification, sustained uncertainty, and playfulness that altogether can lead to caring tact as the improvisational skill of responding to needs in new and varied circumstances.
High-Gain Persistent Nonlinear Conductivity in High-Voltage Gallium Nitride Photoconductive Switches

Wide-bandgap GaN optically-controlled switches have the potential for driving down the cost and size and improving the efficiency and capabilities of high voltage pulsed-power applications. Key to these applications is the understanding of the high-field photo-conductive properties of this material to determine if it will operate in a high-gain and/or sub-bandgap triggering mode, such as has been observed in GaAs. Photoconductive semiconductor switches (PCSS) were fabricated and tested from GaN wafers from Kyma Technologies and Ammono. With relatively low voltages applied the switch, linear photoconductive currents are measured in response to exposure to laser pulses of sub-bandgap wavelength (532 nm). Above a threshold voltage applied to the PCSS, persistent conductivity is measured that lasts well beyond the duration of the laser pulse and discharges the charged transmission line in the system. The sustaining field for this switching mode is approximately 3kV/cm. Another known distinguishing characteristic of high-gain switching is the formation of filamentary current channels that can be imaged due to the emission of recombination radiation from the plasma within the filaments. These filaments have been also observed in the GaN switches. High-gain switching has been initiated in GaN devices with as little as 2.5 μJ laser energy. This persistent photoconductivity is a distinguishing characteristic of what is known as "lock-on" effect most notably known in GaAs-based photoconductive switches, and is the basis for highly-efficient photoconductive switching requiring relatively little laser energy.
Firm Customer Bases

Using consumer transaction data, this paper demonstrates that it is possible to construct accurate pictures of firm revenue, growth, geographic dispersion, and customer base characteristics. We develop two new measures which characterize firms’ customer bases: the rate of churn in a firm’s customer base and a metric of the pairwise similarity between firms’ customer bases. We show that these measures provide important insights into the behavior of both real firm decisions and firm asset prices. Rates of customer churn affect the level and volatility of firm-level investment, markups, and profits. Churn also affects how quickly firms respond to shocks in the value of their growth options (i.e. Tobin’s Q). Moreover, high churn firms tended to face steeper declines in consumer spending during the recent COVID-19 outbreak. Similarity between firms’ customer bases highlights one under-explored type of predictability among stock returns – we demonstrate that significant alpha can be generated using a trading strategy that exploits our index of customer base similarity across firms.
A Dry Lift-off Method for Patterning Perovskites

In this paper, we demonstrate a new method to pattern perovskites using a dry lift-off process. By utilizing parylene-C as a sacrificial layer, patterns with <12 um features and multicolor patterns can be achieved.
On-farm evaluation of planter downforce in varying soil textures within grower fields

Maintaining adequate planter downforce is critical for achieving timely and uniform crop emergence across the field. On-farm research studies were conducted in different regions across South Georgia, USA to investigate the effect of planter downforce in varying soil textures. Six fields were planted in cotton with four different growers from 2017 to 2019. Soil electrical conductivity (EC) was mapped in each field to characterize areas of varying soil textures into low, medium and high soil EC zones. For each field, the downforce treatments consisted of a grower-preferred downforce along with a relatively lower and higher downforce dependent on prevalent field conditions and the downforce system available on the grower’s planter. Results varied from field to field depending on soil texture variability or the type of downforce system. In three out of six fields, emergence was delayed and reduced in areas of high soil EC (heavy textured soils) whereas soil EC or downforce did not affect crop emergence in two fields. In one field, increasing planter downforce from the grower preferred value of 555 N to 1110 N improved crop emergence in heavy textured soils. In some cases, it was noted that even the highest downforce (1110 N) was not sufficient to place seeds at the desired seeding depth in the heavy textured soils. More on-farm studies are required to thoroughly understand planter downforce response in varying field conditions that exist during planting. Future studies should consider better quantification of in-field soil variability and changes in planter downforce during field operation.
Kármán–Howarth theorem for the Lagrangian-averaged Navier–Stokes–alpha model of turbulence

The Lagrangian averaged Navier–Stokes–alpha (LANS-α) model of turbulence is found to possess a Karman–Howarth (KH) theorem for the dynamics of its second-order autocorrelation functions in homogeneous isotropic turbulence. This KH result implies that alpha-filtering in the LANS-α model of turbulence does not affect the exact Navier–Stokes relation between second and third moments at separation distances large compared to the model's length scale α. Moreover, at separations r that are smaller than α, the KH scaling between energy dissipation rate and longitudinal third-order autocorrelation changes to match the scaling found in two-dimensional incompressible flow. This is consistent with the corresponding change in scaling of the kinetic energy spectrum from k−5/3 for larger scales with kα 1, as discovered in Foias, Holm & Titi (2001).
Introduction to this special section: Geothermal energy

Abstract Geothermal energy is a global renewable resource that has the potential to provide a significant portion of baseload energy in many regions. In the United States, it has the potential to p...
Tampering of Viruses and Bacteria with Host DNA Repair: Implications for Cellular Transformation

A reduced ability to properly repair DNA is linked to a variety of human diseases, which in almost all cases is associated with an increased probability of the development of cellular transformation and cancer. DNA damage, that ultimately can lead to mutations and genomic instability, is due to many factors, such as oxidative stress, metabolic disorders, viral and microbial pathogens, excess cellular proliferation and chemical factors. In this review, we examine the evidence connecting DNA damage and the mechanisms that viruses and bacteria have evolved to hamper the pathways dedicated to maintaining the integrity of genetic information, thus affecting the ability of their hosts to repair the damage(s). Uncovering new links between these important aspects of cancer biology might lead to the development of new targeted therapies in DNA-repair deficient cancers and improving the efficacy of existing therapies. Here we provide a comprehensive summary detailing the major mechanisms that viruses and bacteria associated with cancer employ to interfere with mechanisms of DNA repair. Comparing these mechanisms could ultimately help provide a common framework to better understand how certain microorganisms are involved in cellular transformation.
Comparative efficacy of spray-dried plasma and bacitracin methylene disalicylate in reducing cecal colonization by Salmonella Enteritidis in broiler chickens.

Spray-dried plasma (SDP) contains immunoglobulins and glycoproteins that possess antibacterial properties. Two floor-pen trials were conducted to determine the efficacy of dietary SDP and bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD) antibiotic in reducing intestinal colonization by Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) in broiler chickens. Experiment 1 was a 2-wk, 3 × 2 factorial design consisting of 6 treatments. Treatment CON consisted of chicks fed unmedicated corn-soybean meal (SBM) basal without SDP. Treatment BMD consisted of chicks given unmedicated corn-SBM basal into which BMD was added at 0.055g/kg diet. Treatment SDP consisted of chicks given unmedicated corn-SBM basal into which SDP was added at 30g/kg diet. Treatments CON-SE, BMD-SE, and SDP-SE consisted of chicks that were given diets similar to CON, BMD, and SDP, respectively, and were each inoculated with 7.46 × 108 CFU SE /mL at 1 day of age. Experiment 2 was a 42-day trial that was similar to Experiment 1 in design, except that chicks were placed on fresh clean litter. On d 3, 7, 14, and 28 post-challenge (PC), ceca SE concentration was enumerated on xylose lysine tergitol-4 (XLT4) agar. Body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were also recorded. Results for d 3 showed that BMD- and SDP-fed chicks had similar (P > 0.05) cecal SE (3.39 log 10 CFU / g and 3.58 log 10 CFU / g, respectively), but these levels were lower (P < 0.05) than that of CON-fed chicks (5.68 log 10 CFU / g). A similar trend was observed on d 7 and 14 PC. The BMD- and SDP-fed chicks also had higher BWG and FCR (P < 0.05) when compared with CON-fed chicks up to d 14. Thereafter, only BMD treatment sustained this growth-promoting effect till d 42 in SE-challenged birds. In conclusion, BMD and SDP showed similar efficacy in reducing cecal Salmonella and in mitigating consequent growth-depressing effect(s) in broiler chicks up to 2 wk of age.
Nuclear translocation of tagged endogenous ERK/MPK-1 MAP Kinase denotes a subset of activation events in C. elegans development

The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) MAP kinase is utilized downstream of Ras>Raf>MEK signaling to control activation of a wide array of targets. Activation of ERK is elevated in Ras-driven tumors and RASopathies, and is thus a target for pharmacological inhibition. Regulatory mechanisms of ERK activation has been studied extensively in vitro and in cultured cells but little in living animals. We used CRISPR to tag the 3 end of the C. elegans ERK-encoding gene, mpk-1. Endogenous MPK-1 protein is ubiquitously expressed with elevated expression in certain tissues. We detected cytosol-to-nuclear translocation of MPK-1 in maturing oocytes and hence validated nuclear translocation as a reporter of some activation events. During developmental patterning of the six vulval precursor cells, MPK-1 is necessary and sufficient for the central cell, P6.p, to assume 1{degrees} fate. We observed MPK-1 to be recruited to the nuclei of all six VPCs in a temporal and concentration gradient centered on P6.p. This observation contrasts with previous results using the ERK-nKTR reporter of substrate activation, raising questions about mechanisms and indicators of MPK-1 activation. This system and reagent promise to provide critical insights into regulation of MPK-1 activation within a complex intercellular signaling network.
caAtlas: An immunopeptidome atlas of human cancer.

Summary Comprehensive characterization of tumor antigens is essential for the design of cancer immunotherapies, and mass spectrometry (MS)-based immunopeptidomics enables high-throughput identification of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-bound peptide antigens in vivo. Here we construct an immunopeptidome atlas of human cancer through an extensive collection of 43 published immunopeptidomic datasets and standardized analysis of 81.6 million MS/MS spectra using an open search engine. Our analysis greatly expands the current knowledge of MHC-bound antigens, including an unprecedented characterization of post-translationally modified antigens and their cancer-association. We also perform systematic analysis of cancer-testis antigens, cancer-associated antigens, and neoantigens. We make all these data together with annotated MS/MS spectra supporting identification of each antigen in an easily browsable web portal named cancer antigen atlas (caAtlas). caAtlas provides a central resource for the selection and prioritization of MHC-bound peptides for in vitro HLA binding assay and immunogenicity testing, which will pave the way to eventual development of cancer immunotherapies.
Andragogy around the World in K-20 Education: It is All about Trust

The author’s research in andragogy started in the late 1960s. More serious in-depth attempts were launched in 1997, just after Malcolm S. Knowles died—the author wanted to honor his legacy since he and his work in andragogy were influential in the author’s life. The author’s research yielded an instrument with the strongest factor being “teacher trust of learners”—a belief that applies all the way through K-20 Education. This is found to be so in doctoral dissertations, overarching trust behaviors, and threaded through the literature surrounding trust. Trust is found to be congruent between the author’s scholarship and practice. The foundation of this trust is rooted and reflected in the wisdom literature (Proverbs) of the Biblical Scriptures.
Ascend: an object-oriented computer environment for modeling and analysis

Abstract: "ASCEND (Advance System for Computations in ENgineeing Design) is a new rapid model building environment for complex models comprising large sets of simultaneous nonlinear algebraic equations. In ASCEND the definition of a model is separated from the solving of it. This paper presents the ASCEND modeling language; a companion paper will describe the tools available to aid in debugging and solving models. The ASCEND language is a type definition that uses and extends object-oriented concepts, including refinement hierarchies, generalized arrays, part/whole modeling, partial and complete merging, deferred binding, and universal types. Dimensional consistence is required among all the equations.This paper discusses the need for a modeling environment like ASCEND to aid the design process, comparing its functional requirements to earlier approaches. It then presents an informal definition of the syntax and associated semantics for the language. An example for solving mixed sets of ordinary differential and algebraic equations using a two point boundary value approach illustrates the modeling power of the language."
Free Molecule Flow over Non-Convex Surfaces

The problem of free molecule flow over non-convex surfaces is investigated for a gas at extreme high rarefaction, and the fundamental integral equations for the particular case of an infinitely long cylindrical surface with a longitudinal slit arc obtained. In taking into account the effect of interreflection, and for purely diffuse surfaces, it is shown that the total number flux of particles at any point on the sur­face is given by a Fredholm type integral equation of the second kind. The mo­mentum exchange is then formulated assuming that all recoil particles are re-emitted at the temperature of the wall. Also, an energy flux integral equation is obtained which deals with the cases of both partial and perfect surface accom­modation.
Strong electrostatic adsorption for the preparation of Pt/Co/C and Pd/Co/C bimetallic electrocatalysts

Abstract The method of “strong electrostatic adsorption” (SEA) can be extended to the rational synthesis of bimetallic catalysts. In this study it is demonstrated that cationic ammine complexes of palladium or platinum selectively adsorb onto the cobalt oxide particles of a cobalt oxide/carbon surface. This done at an equilibrium pH of 11, where the carbon surface is negligibly charged and the cobalt oxide surface is deprotonoated and negatively charged. Reduction at high temperature leads to homogeneously alloyed particles while lower temperature reduction leads to core-shell morphologies with a core of cobalt.
Technology and Change: Preservice Perceptions on Agency

(1996). Technology and Change: Preservice Perceptions on Agency. Teaching Education: Vol. 8, No. 2, pp. 15-22.
Removal of Selenium from Agricultural Drainage Water Through Soil Microbial Transformations

Recent developments in biological deselenification of contaminated soils and water are supporting a new approach in remediation of selenium-enriched matrices. Laboratory research has shown that soil micro-organisms can detoxify seleniferous sediments by transforming soluble selenium compounds into a volatile form, dimethylselenide, that is nonhazardous to rats. The authors have discovered that under optimum conditions this naturally occurring bioremediation technique can be accelerated to the point where there is a significant decline in the original soil selenium inventory. This chapter focuses on the optimization and characterization of this microbial transformation with emphasis on onfarm applications, process operation, environmental regulations pertaining to selenium bioremediation, and a feasibility analysis.
Aging dynamics across a dynamic crossover line in the three-dimensional short-range Ising spin-glass Cu 0.5 Co 0.5 Cl 2 − Fe Cl 3 graphite bi-intercalation compound

${\mathrm{Cu}}_{0.5}{\mathrm{Co}}_{0.5}{\mathrm{Cl}}_{2}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{Fe}{\mathrm{Cl}}_{3}$ graphite bi-intercalation compound is a three-dimensional short-range Ising spin glass with a spin freezing temperature ${T}_{c}(=3.92\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.11\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K})$. The stability of the spin glass phase in the presence of a magnetic field $H$ is examined from (i) the spin freezing temperature ${T}_{f}(\ensuremath{\omega},H)$ at which the differential field-cooled (FC) susceptibility $\ensuremath{\partial}{M}_{\mathit{FC}}(T,H)∕\ensuremath{\partial}H$ coincides with the dispersion ${\ensuremath{\chi}}^{\ensuremath{'}}(\ensuremath{\omega},T,H=0)$ with the angular frequency $\ensuremath{\omega}$, and (ii) the time dependence of zero-field-cooled (ZFC) susceptibility ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{\mathit{ZFC}}$ after a ZFC aging protocol with a wait time ${t}_{W}(=1.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{4})$. The relaxation rate $S(t)(=d{\ensuremath{\chi}}_{\mathit{ZFC}}∕d\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\mathrm{ln}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}t)$ exhibits a local maximum at a characteristic time ${t}_{\mathit{cr}}$, reflecting nonequilibrium aging dynamics. The peak time ${t}_{\mathrm{cr}}(T,H)$ decreases with increasing $H$ at the fixed temperature $T(2.9\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}\ensuremath{\leqslant}Tl{T}_{c})$. The spin freezing temperature ${T}_{f}(\ensuremath{\omega},H)$ provides evidence for the instability of the spin glass phase in thermal equilibrium in a finite magnetic field. Both ${t}_{\mathit{cr}}(T,H)$ and ${T}_{f}(\ensuremath{\omega},H)$ exhibit certain scaling behavior predicted from the droplet picture.
Initial features and prognosis in 363 children with acute lymphocytic leukemia

The relationship of a variety of initial features and the outcome of therapy was analyzed for 363 children with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). All had entered "total therapy" studies between 1962 and 1971. The standard for comparing outcome of therapy was whether patients with a given feature attained or exceeded the median duration of complete remission, hematologic remission or survival for the group. The results showed that, in general, the more massive or extensive the disease at diagnosis, the poorer the outcome. Factors associated with a significantly poorer prognosis included: initial leukocyte count above 100,000/mm; spleen enlargement greater than 5 cm; mediastinal involvement and early CNS involvement. Children over 10 years old at diagnosis and Negro children also had a poor prognosis. From another viewpoint features were examined for patients who attained at least 3 years of continuous complete remission. This confirmed some earlier findings and, in addition, showed that children under 2 years of age at diagnosis or with hepatomegaly over 5 cm were less likely to attain this goal. With the exception of early CNS involvement, however, patients with excellent responses to therapy were found with each factor of poor prognosis. Two major factors were not analyzed because their relationship to prognosis is generally accepted: therapeutic differences and acute nonlymphocytic leukemia.
Common modes of drug action on Na+ channels: local anesthetics, antiarrhythmics and anticonvulsants

Abstract The development of agents useful in local anesthesia, therapy of cardiac arrhythmias, and prevention of epileptic seizures has proceeded along independent pathways with use of appropriate pharmacological models for drug testing. William Catterall reviews recent studies of the mechanism of action of these agents in peripheral nerve, cardiac muscle cells and central neurons. These have focused on a common array of effects on voltage-sensitive Na + channels which may underly much of their therapeutic utility. Na + channels are found to be inhibited at therapeutic concentrations of these agents in a voltage- and frequency-dependent manner that selectively blocks excitability of abnormally firing cells while leaving normally functioning cells relatively unaffected. An allosteric or ‘modulated receptor' model of drug action is sufficient to describe the major features of the voltage- and frequency-dependent action of all three classes of drugs.
Markets: Gift Cards

The Mobil Oil Company introduced the first retail gift card that recorded value on a magnetic strip in 1995. In under a decade, such gift cards replaced apparel as the number one item sold during the Christmas season. This study will discuss the reasons for the strong surge in the gift card market. It will then consider the value of gift cards as an intermediate option between two alternatives: purchasing a physical gift, which could possibly be returned or exchanged, versus giving cash. Empirical data on the resale price of gift cards from an Internet auction website provide information on the value that recipients place on gift cards suggesting that the difference between the cost of a gift card to the giver and its value to the recipient is substantial, although perhaps not quite as large as the parallel gap involved in physical gifts.
Consideration of 24-hr Volumes in Selection of Traffic Signal Control Strategies for Isolated Intersections

Selection of the most appropriate traffic signal control strategy for isolated intersections is a difficult and complicated process. TRAFNETSIM was used to evaluate the operational performance of an isolated intersection under pretimed, semiactuated, and actuated control for continuous 24-hr traffic volumes. Guidelines were developed for selecting the most effective control strategy. Findings include the following: either pretimed or actuated control is the most effective strategy for isolated intersections without flashing for the 24-hr and peak 8-hr traffic volumes. The conventional three-dial pretimed controller is still a valuable control strategy and should not be eliminated from consideration. The most effective strategy for the peak 8-hr operation of an isolated intersection is probably the most effective one for overall 24-hr operation, as well. The combined control strategy (which consists of one or more of the pretimed, actuated, and semiactuated controls dependent on the hourly volumes) without...
Action research as a reflective tool: a multiple case study of eight rural educators’ understandings of instructional practice

Given today’s educational context, educators are rarely viewed as knowledgeable decision makers, especially in rural contexts where there are few resources for professional development. However, action research has long been characterized as a way to engage in reflective practice while providing a forum for educators to share their knowledge of effective, research-based instruction. Therefore, this paper seeks to explore the ways in which eight rural educators understand their roles and knowledge gained from conducting year-long action research projects. Findings demonstrate that participants reported a shift in their roles as educators, an increased understanding of the benefit of incorporating a researcher lens, and an enhanced sense of responsibility for meeting the unique needs of their students and rural communities. In particular, the paper highlights the need in today’s educational climate for teachers to engage in reflection, which can be supported through action research.
Design and Performance Evaluation of a Hatchery Water-Heating System That Incorporates a Two-Stage Water Source Heat Pump

Abstract A 320,000-Btu/h (93.8 kWh) two-stage, water source heat pump was custom-built and incorporated into the design of a multifunctional aquaculture research hatchery. The unit was evaluated while it was used to heat water supplied to rearing units for blue tilapia (Tilapia aurea) during a 30-d sex-reversal procedure. Warm wastewater from the thirty-eight 75-L aquaria was cycled through the evaporative side of the heat pump, which raised the temperature of incoming well water from 21 to 30°C. Water temperature readings were taken twice daily at random time intervals from the aquaria and key locations within the water supply and drainage systems. Water flow was set at the beginning of the procedure and averaged 48.3 L/min over the entire rearing period. The heat pump used 5,810 kWh of electricity at a cost of US$407 ($0.07/kWh). This represents a savings of $389 (49%) over the estimated cost of operation for a high-efficiency (90% efficiency rating) propane boiler in the same water-heating application.
Bioremediation: A Competitive Alternative for the Cleanup of Contaminated MGP Sites

Abstract Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are characteristically highly carcinogenic, microbial recalcitrant, and accumulate easily in soil and groundwater. This contributes to the increasing environmental concern of contamination from PAHs. PAH contamination occurs primarily from leaking underground storage tanks and manufactured gas plant (MGP) sites. In this work, contaminated soil was analyzed for feasibility of cleanup via bioremediation, and selection criteria for the microorganisms were developed for the specificity of a MGP site. The bioremediation process was compared with the ex-situ processes of coal agloflotation, solvent extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction.
Stimulus control and auditory discrimination learning sets in the bottlenose dolphin.

Abstract The learning efficiency of an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin was evaluated using auditory discrimination learning-set tasks. Efficiency, as measured by the probability of a correct response on Trial 2 of a new discrete-trial, two-choice auditory discrimination problem, reached levels comparable to those attained by advanced species of nonhuman primates. Runs of errorless problems in some cases rivaled those reported for individual rhesus monkeys in visual discrimination learning-set tasks. This level of stimulus control of responses to new auditory discriminanda was attained through (a) the development of a sequential within-trial method for presentation of a pair of auditory discriminanda; (b) the extensive use of fading methods to train initial discriminations, followed by the fadeout of the use of fading; (c) the development of listening behavior through control of the animal's responses during projection of the auditory discriminanda; and (d) the use of highly discriminable auditory stimuli, by applying results of a parametric evaluation of discriminability of selected acoustic variables. Learning efficiency was tested using a cueing method on Trial 1 of each new discrimination, to allow the animal to identify the positive stimulus before its response. Efficiency was also tested with the more common blind baiting method, in which the Trial 1 response was reinforced on only a random half of the problems. Efficiency was high for both methods. The overall results were generally in keeping with exceptations of learning capacity based on the large size and high degree of cortical complexity of the brain of the bottlenose dolphin.
Health-related quality of life before and after a breast cancer diagnosis

While many reports describe health-related quality of life (QOL) among breast cancer survivors, few compare QOL before and after diagnosis and whether changes in QOL substantially differ from changes experienced by all women during aging. QOL was examined in a cohort of female residents of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, aged 43–86 years at the time of a 1988–1990 baseline examination (N = 2,762; 83% of eligible). Participants were re-contacted four times through 2002 to ascertain QOL using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). QOL data for 114 incident breast cancer cases identified by data linkage with the statewide cancer registry were compared with data for 2,527 women without breast cancer. Women with breast cancer averaged 4.5 (95% CI: 1.6, 7.3) points lower than control women on the SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) scale, regardless of time since diagnosis (up to 13 years). Women with breast cancer also reported lower scores on the SF-36 Mental Component Summary (MCS) scale within two years after diagnosis, but not at more distant times. In longitudinal analyses, 26 women who completed the SF-36 before and after breast cancer diagnosis experienced larger declines than age-matched controls in seven of the eight SF-36 health domains (all but role-emotional) and reported relative declines of −7.0 (95% CI: −11.5, −2.6) and −2.9 (95% CI: −6.3, 0.6) on the PCS and MCS scales, respectively. These results suggest that breast cancer survivors experience relative declines in health-related QOL across a broad spectrum of domains, even many years after diagnosis.
Behavioral hearing range of the chinchilla

The audiograms of three chinchillas were determined using pure tones ranging from 32 Hz to 45 kHz. The animals were tested with a conditioned avoidance procedure in which their heads were fixed within the sound field by requiring them to place their mouths on a water spout. At a level of 60 dB SPL the average hearing range extended from 50 Hz to 33 kHz with none of the animals able to hear 45 kHz at 89 dB. Overall, the audiogram of the chinchilla appears to resemble the human audiogram more closely than do other rodent audiograms. An analysis of ten published chinchilla audiograms indicates that those procedures which do not fix an animal within the sound field may overestimate their sensitivity.
The influence of biogeochemical conditions and level of model complexity when simulating cometabolic biodegradation in sorbent-water systems

Abstract Eighteen models with different levels of complexity for representing sorption, mass transfer, and biodegradation are used to simulate the biodegradation of toluene (primary substrate) and TCE (cometabolic substrate). The simulations are conducted for hypothetical completely mixed systems of various scenarios with regard to sorbent, microbial composition, and solute concentrations. The purpose of the suite of simulations is to investigate the sensitivity of different modeling approaches in simulating the bio-attenuation of co-existing solutes in sorbent-water systems. The sensitivity of results to the modeling approach depends on the biogeochemical conditions of the system. For example, the results are insensitive to the type of sorption model in systems with low sorption strength and slow biodegradation rates, and insensitive to the biodegradation rate model if mass transfer controlled. Differences among model results are generally greater when evaluated in terms of total mass removal rather than aqueous phase concentration reduction. The fate of the cometabolite is more sensitive to the proper consideration of co-solute effects than is the fate of the primary substrate. For a given system, graphical comparison of a characteristic mass transfer rate coefficient ( α mt ) versus a characteristic biodegradation rate coefficient ( α bio ) provides an indication of how sensitivity to the different processes may be expected to change with time and can guide the selection of an appropriate level of model complexity.
Engineering Criteria for Biomaterials: Some Thoughts on in Situ Measurements

Several non-destructive techniques now exist which show promise of providing information about implant performance in situ. Surface wave ultrasonics have been used successfully in the laboratory to measure the anisotropic properties of bone. It has also been used clinically to assess rates of fracture healing. Acoustic emission has been used experimentally to investigate bone abnormalities such as microfracture and osteoporosis in vitro. Application of these techniques to clinical studies depends upon the establishment of the appropriate parameters for bone and the various biomaterials used as implants. Surface wave ultrasound may also provide information about tissue ingrowth into porous systems. Acoustic emission can be especially significant in the early detection of implant failure.
Atomic intermixing and electronic interaction at the Pd-Si(111) interface

We present a theoretical study of electronic properties of the Pd-Si(111) interface in the early stages of interaction. Three models are considered: a chemisorbed Pd layer on Si, an epitaxial ${\mathrm{Pd}}_{2}$Si layer on Si, and a near-surface Si layer containing interstitial Pd atoms. By comparing the results of our calculations with the spectroscopic data, we find that the model of mixing interstitial Pd atoms in Si is the most appropriate one. This suggests an interpretation of the interfacial reaction in terms of a precursor state of formation of Pd silicide.
Folding and faulting of strain-hardening sedimentary rocks

Abstract The question of whether single- or multi-layers of sedimentary rocks will fault or fold when subjected to layer-parallel shortening is investigated by means of the theory of elastic-plastic, strain-hardening materials, which should closely describe the properties of sedimentary rocks at high levels in the Earth's crust. The most attractive feature of the theory is that folding and faulting, intimately related in nature, are different responses of the same idealized material to different conditions. When single-layers of sedimentary rock behave much as strain-hardening materials they are unlikely to fold, rather they tend to fault, because contrasts in elasticity and strength properties of sedimentary rocks are low. Amplifications of folds in such materials are negligible whether contacts between layer and media are bonded or free to slip for single layers of dolomite, limestone, sandstone, or siltstone in media of shale. Multilayers of these same rocks fault rather than fold if contacts are bonded, but they fold readily if contacts between layers are frictionless, or have low yield strengths, for example due to high pore-water pressure. Faults may accompany the folds, occurring where compression is increased in cores of folds. Where there is predominant reverse faulting in sedimentary sequences, there probably were few structural units.
Radiative-Capture Studies of the Giant Dipole Resonance Gamma-ray yields from capture of protons and α-particles give finer details than studies of γ-ray absorption

The data on radiative capture through the giant resonance have led to a model in which the capture is pictured as proceeding through a single broad (and therefore short-lived) state that can be called the giant-resonance state. This state is the one formed directly upon capture of a proton, and hence most of the capture radiation is emitted quickly in the direct-interaction mode. Some of the energy that is contained in the giant-resonance state is shared with the more-complicated states of the compound nucleus (that is, with states having many excited nucleons). This sharing, in turn, gives rise to the fine structure that is observed within the giant-resonance envelope. The constant angular distributions that are observed throughout the giant-resonance region support the single-state picture of the giant resonance.
Medication Can Induce Severe Ulcerations

Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs can cause oral ulcers. In this case, discontinuing piroxicam, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and starting a palliative treatment plan helped resolve a patient's ulcers.
Therapeutic potential of curcumin in prostate cancer--V: Interference with the osteomimetic properties of hormone refractory C4-2B prostate cancer cells.

BACKGROUND There is increasing evidence that the stringent selective pressure imposed by androgen ablation therapy on the residual prostate cancer cells may actually accelerate the development of the hormone refractory and bone metastatic phenotype. The propensity of prostate cancer to establish osseous metastases is very likely mediated by the osteomimetic properties of the prostate cancer cells. Prostate cancer cells acquire these “bone-like” properties in order to survive in the bony microenvironment. This process is facilitated by common growth factor trophisms between the bone stromal cells, osteoblasts, and the prostate cancer cells wherein a number of growth factors and their receptors are involved. Thus, a general inhibition of the tyrosine kinase signaling pathways may have a therapeutic advantage in interfering with the metastatic potential of these prostate cancer cells. This study focuses on the potential of curcumin, a plant based non-toxic tyrosine kinase inhibitor in interfering with the development of bone like properties of C4-2B, a highly metastatic derivative of LNCaP prostate cancer cell line. METHODS C4-2B prostate cancer cells were analyzed for their constitutive expression and ligand inducible activation of growth factor receptors such as EGF-R and CSF1-R. Expression of bone-specific transcription factors such as Cbfa-1 and the production of PTHRP were followed. The ability of the C4-2B cells to mineralize under specific conditions was analyzed. The activation status of the transcription factor NF-κB was also followed. RESULTS Curcumin inhibited the ligand-stimulated autophosphorylation of EGF-R and CSF1-R that were crucially involved in the development of osteomimetic properties of C4-2B cells. When C4-2B cells were grown under promineralization conditions, curcumin prevented the formation of the mineralized nodules. It also inhibited the expression of the core-binding factor a-1 in C4-2B cells which was responsible for the expression of several bone-specific proteins. The IKK activity was severely impaired, showing marked NF-κB inhibition. The experiments indicate that curcumin can also interfere with the development of the osteoblast and the osteoclast-like properties by these prostate cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS The highly metastatic C4-2B prostate cancer cell line is already “programmed” to exhibit the bone-like properties that would at least in part explain its affinity to set up osseous metastases. Curcumin is able to interfere with the osteoblastic component as well as the osteoclastic component of this phenotype, by interfering with the growth factor receptor pathways and by inhibiting the NF-κB activation process. It is concluded that curcumin may inhibit the growth factor collaboration between the prostate cancer cells and the osteoblast/stromal cells, thus exhibiting a potential to prevent the establishment of bony metastases. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Individual growth curve standards for fetal head and abdominal circumferences: effect of the type of measurement on growth prediction

Head and abdominal circumferences (HC, AC) can be measured directly or estimated from diameters. Accurate prediction of circumference growth after 26 weeks depends on growth model specification and the quality of the circumference measurement method used. To evaluate the effect of the method of measurement, direct and estimated HC and AC values from 20 normal fetuses, obtained between 15 and 38 weeks, were used to determine two pairs of functions for specifying HC and AC growth models. The two HC and AC data sets and pairs of model specification functions were used in various combinations to determine HC and AC growth models, to predict growth after 26 weeks, and to compare predicted values to actual measurements. Systematic and random prediction errors were determined for each combination. For HC no differences in either type of error were found. Similar results were obtained for AC with one exception, a statistically significant difference in systematic error between the directly measured circumferences - model specification based on estimated values combination and the estimated circumferences - model specification based on directly measured values combination. These results indicate that the prediction of future HC and AC growth is not significantly affected by the type of circumference measurement procedure used except in extreme cases where circumference measurements are made on parts of the body that can be easily distorted.
Start Talking About Risks: development of a Motivational Interviewing-based safer sex program for people living with HIV.

The epidemiology of HIV infection in the US in general, and in the southeast, in particular, has shifted dramatically over the past two decades, increasingly affecting women and minorities. The site for our intervention was an infectious diseases clinic based at a university hospital serving over 1,300 HIV-infected patients in North Carolina. Our patient population is diverse and reflects the trends seen more broadly in the epidemic in the southeast and in North Carolina. Practicing safer sex is a complex behavior with multiple determinants that vary by individual and social context. A comprehensive intervention that is client-centered and can be tailored to each individual’s circumstances is more likely to be effective at reducing risky behaviors among clients such as ours than are more confrontational or standardized prevention messages. One potential approach to improving safer sex practices among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is Motivational Interviewing (MI), a non-judgmental, client-centered but directive counseling style. Below, we describe: (1) the development of the Start Talking About Risks (STAR) MI-based safer sex counseling program for PLWHA at our clinic site; (2) the intervention itself; and (3) lessons learned from implementing the intervention.
Algorithms for deriving crystallographic space-group information. II: Treatment of special positions

Algorithms for the treatment of special positions in three-dimensional crystallographic space groups are presented. These include an algorithm for the determination of the site-symmetry group given the coordinates of a point, an algorithm for the determination of the exact location of the nearest special position, an algorithm for the assignment of a Wyckoff letter given the site-symmetry group, and an alternative algorithm for the assignment of a Wyckoff letter given the coordinates of a point directly. All algorithms are implemented in ISO C++ and are integrated into the Computational Crystallography Toolbox. The source code is freely available.
Interplanetary disturbances in the solar wind produced by density, temperature, or velocity pulses at 0.08 AU

Time-dependent solutions of a one-fluid model of the interplanetary medium are investigated. This set of unsteady hydrodynamic equations has been written in conservation form in order to apply the Lax-Wendroff method for the solution of this problem. The initial disturbance is specified by a pulse at 0.08 AU (astronomical units). Physically, this pulse can be interpreted as having been caused by a solar flare, surge, or any other solar disturbance. The equilibrium condition is determined to be the steady solution of the governing equations and represents the quiet solar wind. The results are presented in terms of density, temperature, and velocity profiles of the interplanetary gas flow at heliocentric distances up to 6 AU at several times. Also, the trajectories of disturbances for various initial pulses are shown. Finally, we have used some June 1972 interplanetary observational data to compare with these theoretical calculations. On the basis of these results, the effects of solar disturbances on the interplanetary environment (such as the generation of large non-linear wave trains in the shocks' wakes) can be inferred.
High Prevalence of Ultrasound Detected Carotid Atherosclerosis in Subjects with Low Framingham Risk Score: Potential Implications for Screening for Subclinical Atherosclerosis

Background The cardiovascular (CV) risk assigned by the Framingham risk score (FRS) misses many subjects destined for CV events. Coronary artery calcification (CAC) as measured by computed tomography and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and plaque assessment using B-mode ultrasound can identify subclinical atherosclerosis. The comparative relation of CAC and CIMT and carotid plaque after integration into the FRS is not established. The aim of this study was to develop a CV screening approach incorporating FRS, CAC, and CIMT. Methods The prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis, defined as CAC score > 0, CIMT ≥ 75th percentile, or plaque ≥ 1.5 mm, was determined in the groups with low, intermediate, and high FRS among 136 asymptomatic subjects. The CIMT and CAC values were used to determine "vascular age" and "coronary calcium" age, respectively, with established nomograms. Results In the 103 low-risk (FRS 0, CIMT ≥ 75th percentile, plaque ≥ 1.5 mm, and CIMT ≥ 75th percentile or plaque ≥ 1.5 mm, respectively. In the 33 subjects with intermediate (n = 14) or high (n = 19) FRS, 70%, 81%, 87%, and 87% had CAC scores > 0, CIMT ≥ 75th percentile, plaque ≥ 1.5 mm, and CIMT ≥ 75th percentile or plaque ≥ 1.5 mm, respectively. Fifty-two percent of subjects with coronary calcium scores of zero had carotid plaque. Adjusted for FRS, body mass index was an independent predictor of abnormal CIMT in the low-FRS group, but not of abnormal CAC. Mean vascular CIMT age was significantly higher than coronary calcium age (61.6 ± 11.4 vs 58.3 ± 11.1 years, P = .001), and both were significantly higher than chronologic age (56.9 ± 10.1 years) ( P P 5% in more cases than CAC (42% vs 17%). Conclusion In asymptomatic patients without CV disease, CIMT and plaque assessment are more likely to revise FRS than CAC. Body mass index predicts increased CIMT in low-FRS subjects. These findings may have broad implications for screening in low-FRS subjects.
Platelet factor 4: an inhibitor of collagenase

Human platelet factor 4 (PF4) is known to bind to heparin and inhibit its anticoagulant effect. This factor also inhibits the enzyme collagenase derived from cultured human skin and collagenase extracted from human granulocytes. The addition of heparin to the PF4-collagenase assay system has no effect on the observed inhibition of collagenase. Thus PF4 inhibits collagenase, in addition to neutralizing heparin.
Remote sensing with infra-red heterodyne radiometers

The narrow spectral bandwidth capability of heterodyne radiometers can be utilized to construct highly selective pollutant sensing instruments. The infra-red spectral region is favourable due to the availability of pollutant absorption lines and the wavelength dependence of heterodyne sensitivity. We review the types of sensing systems which can make use of heterodyne techniques, including comments about the type of lasers which can serve as local oscillators. Sensitivity calculations of passive heterodyne radiometers to NO, CO2, and SO2 are then presented. Our concluding discussion involves the use of a heterodyne receiver in an active NO sensing system which is based on infra-red fluorescence.