cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design of the prospective observational study of spinal metastasis treatment (POST).

Abstract BACKGROUND CONTEXT There are several prognostic scores available that intend to inform decision-making for patients with spinal metastases. Many of these have not been found to reliably predict survival across the continuum of care. Recently, our group developed the New England Spinal Metastasis Score (NESMS). While the NESMS demonstrated many of the necessary attributes of a useful prediction tool, it has yet to be validated prospectively. PURPOSE To describe the prospective observational study of spinal metastasis treatment (POST). This investigation examined the performance of the NESMS, compared its predictive capacity with other scoring systems and determined its ability to identify patients who benefit the most from surgery. STUDY DESIGN Prospective observational study at two medical centers. PATIENT SAMPLE Patients age 18 and older with spinal metastases involving the spine. OUTCOME MEASURES Survival, post-treatment morbidity and health-related quality of life outcomes. METHODS The POST study assessed patients at baseline and at 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month time-points. During the baseline assessment patient demographics, past medical history and assessment of co-morbidities, surgical history, primary tumor histology, and ambulatory status were recorded along with the designated treatment strategy (eg, operative or nonoperative). The NESMS and other predictive scores for each patient were calculated based on baseline data. Study-specific surveys administered at all time-points consisted of the EuroQuol 5-Dimension and Short-Form (SF)-12, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, and PROMIS assessment of global health. RESULTS Two hundred patients were enrolled in POST from 2017 to 2019. Patients were followed to one of the two predetermined study end-points (ie, mortality, or completion of the 12-month follow-up). Survival was considered the principle dependent variable. Post-treatment morbidity and health-related quality of life outcomes were considered secondarily. Analyses, by aim, relied on Cox proportional hazards regression, repeated measures logistic regression, propensity score matching and multivariable logistic regression. CONCLUSION The POST's findings are anticipated to provide evidence regarding the prognostic capabilities of the NESMS as well as that of other popular grading schemes for survival, post-treatment complications and physical as well as mental function.
Male Pelvic Multi-Organ Segmentation Aided by CBCT-based Synthetic MRI

To develop an automated cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) multi-organ segmentation method for potential CBCT-guided adaptive radiation therapy workflow. The proposed method combines the deep leaning-based image synthesis method, which generates magnetic resonance images (MRIs) with superior soft-tissue contrast from on-board setup CBCT images to aid CBCT segmentation, with a deep attention strategy, which focuses on learning discriminative features for differentiating organ margins. The whole segmentation method consists of 3 major steps. First, a cycle-consistent adversarial network (CycleGAN) was used to estimate a synthetic MRI (sMRI) from CBCT images. Second, a deep attention network was trained based on sMRI and its corresponding manual contours. Third, the segmented contours for a query patient was obtained by feeding the patient's CBCT images into the trained sMRI estimation and segmentation model. In our retrospective study, we included 100 prostate cancer patients, each of whom has CBCT acquired with prostate, bladder and rectum contoured by physicians with MRI guidance as ground truth. We trained and tested our model with separate datasets among these patients. The resulting segmentations were compared with physicians' manual contours. The Dice similarity coefficient and mean surface distance indices between our segmented and physicians' manual contours (bladder, prostate, and rectum) were 0.95 ± 0.02, 0.44 ± 0.22 mm, 0.86 ± 0.06, 0.73 ± 0.37 mm, and 0.91 ± 0.04, 0.72 ± 0.65 mm, respectively. We have proposed a novel CBCT-only pelvic multi-organ segmentation strategy using CBCT-based sMRI and validated its accuracy against manual contours. This technique could provide accurate organ volume for treatment planning without requiring MR images acquisition, greatly facilitating routine clinical workflow.
Clinical application of thrombus aspiration catheters during percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary angiography in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Objective To observe the safety and efficiency of DIVER thrombus aspiration catheter application during percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI) in patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI)and to evaluate its impacts on the myocardial reperfusion,cardiac function and in-stent restenosis after 9months.Methods A total of 86 cases of ST-segment elevation patients of AMI treated with PCI and confirmed complete occlusion lesion by angiography from November 2008 to December 2010 were randomly divided into two groups:aspiration group(n =43)with DIVER thrombus aspiration cathetcrs were used,and non-aspiration group (n =43).ST-segment recovery within two hours,TIMI grade,the in-hospital adverse major cardiac events,the levels of Pro-BNP,coronary function determined by ultrasound heartbeat graph and the results of coronary angiography after PCI for 9 months were compared between two groups.Results There was significant difference on ST-segment recovery within two hours between these two groups[95.35％(41/43)vs 79.02％(34/43),x2 =11.862,P =0.0006].The incidence of TIMI 3 grade flow was significantly higher,the incidence of TIMI 2(slow flow)and TIMI 0-1(no-reflow)grade flow were much lower in aspiration group than those in non-aspiration group immediately after PCI[TIMI 3:93.02％(40/43) vs 81.40％(35/43),x2 =6.06,P =0.0335 ; TIMI 2:6.98％(3/43) vs 13.95 ％(6/43),x2 =3.12,P =0.0495 ; TIMI 0-1:0 vs 6.98 ％(3/43),x2 =5.29,P =0.0352].There was no difference on LVEF[(0.420±0.054) ％ vs(0.408±0.052)％,t =1.0496,P =0.766and LVEDD(56.5±4.5)mm vs(57.6±4.4)mm,t =1.0419,P =0.7832]between these two groups one day after PCL LVEF was significandy higher in aspiration group than that in non-aspiration group one and nine months after PCI[(0.452±0.050) ％ vs(0.432±0.049) ％,t =3.3957,P =0.0482 ;(0.469±0.053) ％ vs (0.413±0.052)％,t =4.9457,P =0.0336].LVEDD was significantly smaller in aspiration group than that in non-aspiration group one and nine months after PCI[(49.6±5.1) mm vs(53.4±4.6) mm,t =3.4548,P =0.0473 ;(46.5±4.4) mm vs(50.2±4.8) mm,t =3.7260,P =0.0421].There were no cardiovascular events (angina,myocardial infarction,heart failure,cardiac death)in both groups during 9 months follow-up.The coronary angiography results showed that the occurrence rate of in-stent restenosis in aspiration group was significantly lower than that in non-aspiration group(2.33％ vs 6.98％,x2 =4.4351,P =0.0463).Conclusion The application of DIVER thrombus aspiration catheters during PCI in all patients with AMI was safe and effective,it can improve the myocardial tissue perfusion and the post-operative cardiac function and can lower the occurrence rate of in-stent restenosis. Key words: Acute myocardial infarction; Amino terminal pro-B-type natfiuretic peptide; Percutaneous coronary intervention; Thrombus aspiration; Myocardial tissue perfusion; ST-segment recovery
Knowledge gaps in the understanding of fertility among non-medical graduate students.

Abstract Objective To assess knowledge of female and male fertility among students enrolled in a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. Design Web based cross-sectional survey. Setting Academic setting. Patients Not applicable. Intervention None. Main outcome measures Knowledge of how female and male age impacts reproduction, fecundability, and success rates with in vitro fertilization (IVF). Results One hundred thirty-three female and male MBA students completed the survey. Nearly 10% of participants were not aware that women are born with a fixed number of oocytes and that oocyte quantity and quality decline with age. More than 30% of participants overestimated fecundability in females aged 35 and older, and over 50% overestimated IVF success rates in women older than 40. Fifteen percent of participants did not know that men have stem cells in the testes, and over one quarter were not aware that men experience a decrease in sperm concentration and quality with age. Nearly 30% believed that a man’s age never impacts reproductive outcomes. Less than 30% of participants correctly estimated fecundability and IVF success rates based on male age. Conclusions These data highlight important knowledge gaps in a highly-educated group of MBA students, most whom desire future childbearing. Specifically, there is a lack of understanding of both male and female reproductive aging and an overestimation of treatment success. As delayed childbearing continues, particularly amongst those with high educational attainment, attention should be focused on introducing broad fertility education at a younger age to improve future reproductive success.
Abstract A09: Photoimmunotherapy (PIT) for treatment of bladder cancer

Introduction: The use of light as a means of therapy for bladder cancer (BC) has a long history but has been hampered by a lack of tumor specificity and therefore, damage to the normal bladder mucosa. Here, we describe a targeted form of phototherapy called photoimmunotherapy (PIT). To begin with, anti-EGFR antibody panitumumab (pan) was labeled with the photo-absorber (PA), IRDye 700Dx (IR700), to create pan IR700, an antibody-PA conjugate that is activated by near-infrared radiation (NIR). However, PIT may be less effective when a tumor lacks “overwhelming” expression of a single target such as EGFR. Hence, a combinatorial PIT approach for targeting BC expressing EGFR and HER2, using PA-labeled pan and trastuzumab (tra), respectively. Methods: Human BC tissue microarray (TMAs) and BC cell lines were analyzed for expression of EGFR and HER2. Mechanism of PIT-induced cell death was studied using proliferation assays, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and production of reactive and singlet oxygen species (ROS/SOS). Finally, efficacy of PA-labeled antibodies singly and in combination was analyzed in vitro and in vivo. Results: Most BC tissues have some expression of EGFR, but squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of bladder has maximum EGFR expression. About 45% of BC tissues stain for both EGFR and HER2. Pan IR700 activated by NIR light rapidly killed UMUC-5 cells, a bladder SCC line. Pan alone, pan IR700 without NIR, or NIR alone had no effect on cells. TEM demonstrated that cell death is due to necrosis. Singlet oxygen species (SOS) had a substantially larger contribution towards cell death than reactive oxygen species (ROS). NIR-PIT with pan IR700 demonstrated reduced growth compared to only pan IR700-treated UMUC-5 xenograft tumors. In non-SCC BCs we used a combinatorial PIT approach using pan IR700 and tra IR700 to target EGFR and HER2, respectively. In vitro, PIT in the presence of combination pan IR700 and tra IR700 was more efficacious than either agent alone with lethal dose 50 (LD50) of 28.66 J/cm2 for combination PIT compared to 71.55 J/cm2 for the PanIR700 alone. In vivo, tumor xenografts treated with combination PIT showed significant tumor growth retardation compared to single-agent therapy. Conclusion: PIT is a new targeted treatment for BC. Our data demonstrate that pan IR700-induced PIT selectively kills EGFR-expressing bladder cancer. Combination PIT is a promising approach for treating BC by selectively inducing death in BC cells with low/moderate expression of surface receptors. Citation Format: Reema Railkar, Mohammad Rashid Siddiqui, Thomas Sanford, Hisataka Kobayashi, Peter L. Choyke, Piyush K. Agarwal. Photoimmunotherapy (PIT) for treatment of bladder cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Bladder Cancer: Transforming the Field; 2019 May 18-21; Denver, CO. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(15_Suppl):Abstract nr A09.
A Mixed Methods Examination of Health Care Provider Behaviors That Build Patients' Trust.

Abstract Objective Patient trust in health care providers is associated with better health behaviors and utilization, yet provider trust has not been consistently conceptualized. This study uses qualitative methods to identify the key health provider behaviors that patients report build their trust, and data from a national U.S. survey of adults to test the robustness of the qualitative findings. Methods In this mixed methods study, we conducted 40 semi-structured interviews with a diverse sample to identify the provider behaviors that build trust. We then analyzed a nationally representative survey (n = 6,517) to examine the relationship between respondents’ trust in their usual provider and the key trust-related behaviors identified in the qualitative interviews. Results Interviewees reported that health providers build trust by communicating effectively (listening and providing detailed explanations), caring about their patients (treating them as individuals, valuing their experience, and showing commitment to solving their health issues), and demonstrating competence (being knowledgeable, thorough, and solving their health issues). Trust in one’s provider was highly correlated with all eight survey items measuring communication, caring, and competence. Conclusions To build trust with patients, health providers should actively listen, provide detailed explanations, show caring for patients, and demonstrate their knowledge.
Resolving Electron–Electron Scattering in Plasmonic Nanorod Ensembles Using Two-Dimensional Electronic Spectroscopy

The use of two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy (2DES) to study electron–electron scattering dynamics in plasmonic gold nanorods is described. The 2DES resolved the time-dependent plasmon homoge...
The degree of embryonic development influenced some eggshell characteristics of wild Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis borealis)

The influence of embryonic development on eggshell characteristics of wild birds, particularly raptors, is not well studied. Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis borealis (Gmelin, 1788)) eggs (n = 66...
Microfluidic fabrication of imageable and resorbable polyethylene glycol microspheres for catheter embolization.

Radiopaque and degradable hydrogel microspheres have a range of potential uses in medicine including proper placement of embolic material during occlusion procedures, acting as inherently embolic materials, and serving as drug carriers that can be located after injection. Current methods for creating radiopaque microspheres are either unable to fully and homogeneously incorporate radiopaque material throughout the microspheres for optimal imaging capabilities, do not result in degradable or fully compressible microspheres, or require elaborate, time-consuming preparation. We used a simple one-step microfluidic method to fabricate imageable, degradable polyethylene glycol (PEG) microspheres of varying sizes with homogenous dispersion of barium sulfate-a biocompatible, high-radiopacity contrast agent. The imageability of the microspheres was characterized using optical microscopy and microcomputed tomography as a function of barium sulfate loading. Microspheres with 20% wt/vol barium sulfate had a mean CT attenuation value of 1,510 HU, similar to that of cortical bone, which should enable visualization with soft tissue. Compared with unloaded microspheres, barium sulfate-loaded ones saw an increase in gelation and degradation times and storage modulus and decrease in swelling. Imageable microspheres retained compressibility and were injectable via catheter. The developed radiopaque, degradable PEG microspheres have various potential uses for interventional radiologists and imaging laboratories.
Sequential Choice Behavior

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on sequential choice behavior. Hypothesis complexity and memory play a major role in sequential choice behavior. The chapter begins by discussing several representative results that illustrate the major difficulties posed for simple conditioning models by sequential choice data. Next the chapter presents several models of the role of the run structure. These models include Restle's model and the generalization model. The generalization model falls within the conditioning framework and it incorporates several processes that were neglected in stimulus sampling models. Finally, the chapter discusses the type of model that might best describe the processes underlying sequential choice behavior. Constrained sequences and completely learnable sequences provide a better means of studying the processes in sequential choice behavior.
Rheologic controls on slab dynamics

Several models have been proposed to relate slab geometry to parameters such as plate velocity or plate age. However, studies on the observed relationships between slab geometry and a wide range of subduction parameters show that there is not a simple global relationship between slab geometry and any one of these other subduction parameters for all subduction zones. Numerical and laboratory models of subduction provide a method to explore the relative importance of different physical processes in determining subduction dynamics. Employing 2-D numerical models with a viscosity structure constrained by laboratory experiments for the deformation of olivine, we show that the observed range in slab dip and the observed trends between slab dip and convergence velocity, subducting plate age, and subduction duration can be reproduced without trench motion (i.e., slab roll-back) for locations away from slab edges. Successful models include a stiff slab that is 100–1000 times more viscous than previous estimates from models of plate bending, the geoid, and global plate motions. We find that slab dip in the upper mantle depends primarily on slab strength and plate boundary coupling, with a small dependence on subducting plate age. Once the slab sinks into the lower mantle the primary processes controlling slab evolution are (1) the ability of the stiff slab to transmit stresses up dip, (2) resistance to slab descent into the higher-viscosity lower mantle, and (3) subduction-induced flow in the mantle-wedge corner.
Predicting the Importance of Freedom of Speech and the Perceived Harm of Hate Speech

Although freedom of speech is a fundamental value in the United States, individuals vary in the importance they place on it. The purpose of this study was to examine personality and attitudinal factors that may influence an individual's judgments of the importance of freedom of speech and, secondarily, the harm of hate speech. As expected, the importance of freedom of speech was positively related to intellect, individualism, separate knowing, and negatively related to right-wing authoritarianism. Men rated freedom of speech more important than did women. The perceived harm of hate speech was positively related to intellect and liberalism, and women perceived a greater harm of hate speech than did men.
Ancient voices and cyberspace: exploring the past to reshape the future

Explores the aesthetics of narrative, visual images, music and action in primitive oral cultures as a foundation for new forms of human-computer interaction in electronic communication. Primitive cultures throughout the world use storytelling, visual designs, music and ceremonial rituals to define personal and social identities as well as to define position and navigation in the physical world. In primitive cultures, communication is defined by time-based structures, not fixed structures. These communicative structures are always in flux, always in the state of becoming. This paper illustrates the parallels between the temporal forms of communication in primitive cultures and the time-based structures in interactive electronic communication. The paper examines how the aesthetics of primitive designs and music can form the foundation for new computer interfaces that build perceptual bridges between cultures.
Software Performance Evaluation

The sections in this article are 1 Components of Software Performance Evaluation 2 Classification of Software Performance Evaluation 3 Applications of Software Performance Evaluation 4 Methods for Software Performance Evaluation 5 Average Case Performance Analysis 6 Extreme Case Performance Analysis 7 Further Details on Modeling 8 Software Power Evaluation 9 Components of Software Power Evaluation 10 Applications of Software Power Evaluation 11 Power and Energy 12 Methods for Software Power Evaluation 13 Instructional Level Power Models 14 Software Power Estimating Methodology 15 Future Directions
Delta dnaK52 mutants of Escherichia coli have defects in chromosome segregation and plasmid maintenance at normal growth temperatures.

Major heat shock proteins, such as the Escherichia coli DnaK protein, not only are required for cell growth after heat shock but seem to possess important functions in cellular metabolism at normal growth temperatures as well. E. coli delta dnaK52 mutants have severe cellular defects at 30 degrees C, one of which is in cell division (B. Bukau and G. C. Walker, J. Bacteriol, 171:2337-2346, 1989). Here we show that at 30 degrees C, delta dnaK52 mutants have defects in chromosome segregation and in maintenance of low-copy-number plasmids. Fluorescence microscopic analysis revealed that chromosomes were frequently lacking at peripheries of cell filaments of delta dnaK52 mutants and clustered at other locations. In other parts of the cell filaments, chromosomes were apparently normally distributed and they were also present in most of the small cells found in populations of delta dnaK52 cells. These defects might be at the level of DNA replication, since delta dnaK52 mutants have a threshold lower rate of DNA synthesis than wild-type cells. Chromosome segregation defects of delta dnaK52 mutants were also observed in an rnh dnaA mutant background, in which initiation of DNA replication is DnaA-oriC independent. We also found that low-copy-number P1 miniplasmids could not be stably maintained in delta dnaK52 mutants at 30 degrees C. delta par P1 miniplasmids that carry the P1-encoded rep functions required for their replication but lack the P1-encoded par functions required for faithful partitioning of the plasmids during cell division were also unstable in delta dnaK52 mutants. Taken together, our results indicate important, although not absolutely essential, functions for DnaK at 30 degrees C in one or more processes necessary for correct replication and/or partitioning of chromosomes and P1 miniplasmids. Furthermore, we found that P1 miniplasmids were also highly unstable in dnaJ259 mutants, indicating a role for the DnaJ heat shock protein in maintenance of these plasmids. Images
186 EFFECT OF ATRIAL PACING ON ECHO-DERIVED LEFT VENTRICULAR DIMENSIONS IN CHILDREN

The effects of atrial pacing on M-mode echocardiographic (ME) estimates of left ventricular (LV) dimensions were studied in 19 children during cardiac catheterization. Pacing was in increments of 20 beats/minute up to 160 bpm maximum. Over wide range of heart rate (HR), LV dimensions at Q wave and at peak of R wave were similar for end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) (r = .99) or wall thickness (WT) (r = .98). LV measurements were related to HR by regression analysis. With increasing HR up to 140 bpm, LVEDD diminished (r = −.77) (from resting HR to 120 bpm, P < .005); from 120 bpm to 140 bpm, P < .001; from 140 bpm to 160 bpm, P = NS). However, LV end-systolic diameter (LVESD) correlated poorly with HR (r = −.35). Because of greater reduction in LVEDD than in LVESD, minor axis shortening decreased with HR (r = −.60). Estimated LV mass did not change significantly; however, WT/LVEDD or mass/volume ratio increased with HR (r = .48). LV diameters obtained sequentially at 20 msec intervals were analyzed for dD/dt during systole (dD/dt - s) and during diastole (dD/dt - d). From resting HR to 120 bpm pacing, borderline reduction of peak dD/dt - s was observed (P < .05); by contrast, significant increase of peak dD/dt - d occurred (P < .005) suggesting greater sensitivity of ventricular filling to HR change. ME-derived LV size/function in children must be interpreted taking into consideration not only age and body size but HR as well.
Manuals for socialization: Examples from Girl Scout handbooks 1913–1984

Although using content analysis to examine texts and other artifacts as indicators of societal expectations is not a new idea, youth organization handbooks have been largely overlooked as a rich and innovative source of data. Using examples from Girl Scout handbooks, this article shows how content analysis of these manuals of socialization can yield insights concerning societal expectations for family, career, gender roles, sexual behavior, social stratification, and other aspects of life of interest to sociologists.
Bounds for minimum semidefinite rank from superpositions and cutsets

Abstract The real (complex) minimum semidefinite rank of a graph is the minimum rank among all real symmetric (complex Hermitian) positive semidefinite matrices that are naturally associated via their zero-nonzero pattern to the given graph. In this paper we give an upper bound on the minimum semidefinite rank of a graph when the graph is modified from the superposition of two graphs by cancelling some number of edges. We also provide a lower bound for the minimum semidefinite rank of a graph determined by a given cutset. When the complement of the cutset is a star forest these lower and upper bounds coincide and we can compute the minimum semidefinite rank in terms of smaller graphs. This result encompasses the previously known case in which the cut set has order two or smaller. Next we provide results for when the cut set has order three. Using these results we provide an example where the positive semidefinite zero forcing number is strictly greater than the maximum positive semidefinite nullity.
Alpha-adrenergic-induced changes in hamster (Mesocricetus) brown adipocyte respiration and membrane potential.

Abstract 1. Respiratory rates of brown adipocytes were stimulated by 10 μM phenylephrine, the magnitude of this stimulation being about only one-third that evoked by 1 μM isoproterenol, or norepinephrine. 2. The smaller thermogenic response to phenylephrine did not reflect limited substrate availability as shown by the finding that respiration with phenylephrine plus butyrate was not greater than that with phenylephrine or butyrate alone. 3. These data also imply that the thermogenic response to the α-agonist does not involve a significant degree of mitochondrial uncoupling. 4. Examination of in vivo changes in brown adipocyte membrane potentials indicated that phenylephrine and isoproterenol can each elicit multiphasic responses (i.e. depolarization followed by hyperpolarization and a second depolarization), although the magnitude and duration of each phase differed for the two agonists. 5. The initial depolarization occurring within seconds after norepinephrine injection appears to result primarily from activation of α-adrenergic receptors, with a small contribution from the β -pathway. 6. Similarly, the subsequent hyperpolarization and second depolarization primarily reflect events associated with the activated β-adrenergic pathway, with a modest contribution from α-mediated events.
Lower Participant Power: Toward a Conceptual Integration

A model of lower-level-participant power, grounded in a strategic contingencies theory of intraorganizational power, provides the conceptual basis for deriving a series of hypotheses concerning lower-level-participant power. Organizational power is related to access (to persons, information, instrumentalities), expertise, and effort. Generally speaking, the more contingencies that can be controlled by the lower-level participant (LP), the more power the LP has within the organization.
An example of comprehensive program evaluation in school psychology

The rationale for and a description of formative evaluation is presented for a nondoctoral training program in school psychology. It is suggested that the evaluation model used is appropriate for both training and service programs and can be used as an educational strategy for those involved in it.
Effects of Microstructures, Porosity and External Pressure on the Phase Transition of Ferroelectric Ceramics Upon Cooling

A micromechanics-based thermodynamics model is developed to predict the effects of internal stress, microstructures, porosity, and external hydrostatic pressure, on the phase transition of ferroelectric ceramics, with a special reference to the cubic→tetragonal transformation. The development makes use of the 3-D randomly oriented ellipsoidal inclusions containing an eigenstrain and eigen-polarization to represent the morphology of the transformed domains in the polycrystalline ceramic. The change of Gibbs free energy under a thermo-electro-mechanical loading is then derived at a finite volume concentration of new domains fp and porosity fv. This free energy serves to determine the thermodynamic driving force for domain growth, and, together with the resistance force associated with the energy dissipation due to domain wall motion, a kinetic equation is established. This kinetic equation provides the evolution of the tetragonal domains as the temperature passes through the Curie point. The build-up of internal stress in the parent phase is then calculated, and found to increase linearly at the initial stage but becomes nonlinear at the end. This internal stress plays a significant role in hindering the domain growth process. Consistent with some experimental observations, porosity is found to raise the transition temperature, but for BaTiO3 ceramic external pressure is found to lower it. Applications of the theory to a BaTiO3 single crystal for the evolution of overall polarization is found to give results that are in good accord with the test data.
On the amphiphilic behavior of the hydrated proton: an ab initio molecular dynamics study

Abstract The ab initio atom-centered density matrix propagation (ADMP) method has been employed to study the dynamics of protonated water clusters of various sizes. An interesting result that hints at the possible amphiphilicity of the hydronium ion is detected. The hydrated proton tends to reside on the surface of the water clusters studied, with the lone pair on the protonated oxygen pointing “outwards” from the cluster. It is also noted that the hopping rate and average bonding topology in the local vicinity of the protonated species show a pronounced difference when treated with B3LYP and BLYP functionals. This is proposed to be on account of the potential for greater electronic exchange interactions in the vicinity of the positive charge.
Diagnosis of coronary artery atheroembolism by right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy

A case of coronary artery atheroembolism in a 54-yearold man, presenting as worsening congestive heart failure 2 months after mitral valve repair, left ventricular aneurysmectomy, and coronary artery bypass grafting, is reported. The diagnosis was made by right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy. The authors believe this to be the first such account in the literature.
Estimation of Columbia River virgin flow: 1879 to 1928

The Columbia River is a major source of and conduit for Pacific Northwest economic activity, and is one of the more heavily modified rivers in North America. Understanding human and climate-induced changes in its hydrologic properties is, therefore, vital. Long streamflow records are essential to determining how runoff has changed over time, and Columbia River daily streamflow record at The Dalles began in 1878. To understand and separate anthropogenic and climate effects, however, it is also necessary to have a basin-scale estimate of virgin or naturalized flow. The United States Geological Survey has calculated a monthly averaged adjusted river flow at The Dalles for 1879–1999 that accounts for the effects of flow regulation. The Bonneville Power Administration has estimated the monthly averaged virgin flow at The Dalles, i.e. the flow in the absence of both flow regulation and irrigation depletion for 1929–89. We have estimated the monthly virgin flow of the Columbia River at The Dalles from records of irrigated area for the missing early years, i.e. for the period 1879–1928. In addition, to allow hindcasting of a virgin flow sediment transport for the system, a daily virgin flow index with realistic higher moments and spectral properties has been calculated. Examination of the virgin flow record shows that climate change since the late 19th century has decreased annual average flow volume by > 7%; irrigation depletion has reduced the flow by another ∼7%. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genome-wide association study of swine farrowing traits. Part I: genetic and genomic parameter estimates

The primary objective of this study was to determine genetic and genomic parameters among swine (Sus scrofa) farrowing traits. Genetic parameters were obtained using MTDFREML. Genomic parameters were obtained using GENSEL. Genetic and residual variances obtained from MTDFREML were used as priors for the Bayes C analysis of GENSEL. Farrowing traits included total number born (TNB), number born alive (NBA), number born dead (NBD), number stillborn (NSB), number of mummies (MUM), litter birth weight (LBW), and average piglet birth weight (ABW). Statistically significant heritabilities included TNB (0.09, P = 0.048), NBA (0.09, P = 0.041), LBW (0.20, P = 0.002), and ABW (0.26, P < 0.0001). Statistically significant genetic correlations included TNB-NBA (0.97, P < 0.0001), TNB-LBW (0.74, P < 0.0001), NBA-LBW (0.56, P < 0.0017), NSB-LBW (0.87, P < 0.0395), and LBW-ABW (0.63, P < 0.0002). Genetic parameters are similar to others found in the literature. The proportion of phenotypic variance explained by genomic markers (GP) generated by GENSEL was TNB (0.04), NBA (0.06), NBD (0.00), NSB (0.01), MUM (0.00), LBW (0.11), and ABW (0.31). Limited information is available in the literature about genomic parameters. Only the GP estimate for NSB is significantly lower than what has been published. The GP estimate for ABW is greater than the estimate for heritability found in this study. Other traits with significant heritability had GP estimates half the value of heritability. This research indicates that significant genetic markers will be found for TNB, NBA, LBW, and ABW that will have either immediate use in industry or provide a roadmap to further research with fine mapping or sequencing of areas of significance. Furthermore, these results indicate that genomic selection implemented at an early age would have similar annual progress as traditional selection, and could be incorporated along with traditional selection procedures to improve genetic progress of litter traits.
Hematopoietic bone marrow in the adult knee: spin-echo and opposed-phase gradient-echo MR imaging.

Hematopoietic bone marrow in the distal femur of the adult may be mistaken for a pathologic marrow process in magnetic resonance imaging of the knee. We investigated the incidence of hematopoietic marrow in the distal femur in a series of 51 adult patients and compared spin-echo (TR/TE in ms: 500/35, 2000/80) and opposed-phase gradient-echo (0.35 T, TR/TE in ms: 1000/30, theta = 75 degrees) magnetic resonance images. Zones with intermediate to low signal intensity on T1-weighted spin-echo and opposed-phase gradient-echo sequences representing hematopoietic marrow within high signal intensity fatty marrow were observed in 18 of the 51 patients. Five patterns of marrow signal reduction were identified; type 0: uniform high signal, i.e., no signal change; type I, focal signal loss; type II, multifocal signal loss without confluence; type III, confluent signal loss; and type IV, complete homogeneous reduction in marrow signal. Opposed-phase gradient-echo sequences demonstrated markedly greater red-yellow marrow contrast than conventional spin-echo sequences. Follow-up studies in three patients using a gradient-echo sequence with TE varying from 10 to 21 ms at 1-ms increments showed a cyclic increase and decrease in red and yellow marrow signal intensity depending on the TE. The contribution of intravoxel chemical shift effects on red-yellow marrow contrast in opposed-phase gradient-echo images was verified by almost complete cancellation of the TE-dependent marrow signal oscillation with use of a chemically selective pulse presaturating the water protons. Hematopoietic marrow in the adult distal femur in the absence of hematologic abnormalities is found primarily in women of menstruating age.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The effect of disinfectants on the properties of dental gypsum: 1. Mechanical properties

Purpose This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of selected disinfectants incorporated in the liquid of dental stones on material strength properties with the aim of developing a material with acceptable mechanical properties. Materials and Methods Two types of dental stone (types III and V) were mixed with aqueous solutions of 0.525% sodium hypochlorite, 0.1% and 10% povidone-iodine, and 2% glutaraldehyde, and with water as a control. The liquid/powder ratios recommended by the manufacturer were used. These materials were subjected to further modification by adding a mixture of 1.0% gum arabic and 0.132% calcium hydroxide to the hemihydrate powders before mixing with the disinfectant solutions at 2 different liquid/powder ratios for each. Both the regular and the modified materials were tested for compressive and diametral tensile strength after 1 hour and 1 week from the start of the mix. The structure of set materials was determined by scanning electron microscopy examination of fracture surfaces. Results The disinfectants often reduced the strength of both types of dental stone. However, using either 0.1% povidone-iodine or 0.525% sodium hypochlorite resulted in strength values comparable with that of the control. The addition of gum arabic and calcium hydroxide helped reduce the mixing liquid/powder ratios, improving the strength properties of the disinfected materials. Conclusions Chemical disinfectants reduce the strength of dental gypsum when used as mixing water substitutes. Gum arabic and calcium hydroxide additives permit a lower liquid/powder ratio and can help offset this weakening.
The social class-related experiences of men: Integrating theory and practice.

When a man loses the ability to be the "breadwinner," what types of conflicts does he experience? More important, how can counselors understand the full depth of his concerns if social class is not explored? However, the extant literature on social class and counseling applications is meager. Hence, the author explains the social class worldview model and modern classism theory as frameworks to understand subjective social class experiences. Although the models are theoretical, the author provides case vignettes to illustrate how clinicians can gather and interpret social class information and integrate it into client profiles and treatment.
Hot electron scattering processes in metal films and at metal-semiconductor interfaces.

Ballistic electron emission spectroscopy is used to investigate current attenuations in thin films of Pd/Si, from which the elastic and inelastic mean free paths are uniquely determined. The observed equality of transmission across Pd/Si(100) and Si(111) interfaces is attributed to interface scattering, on the basis of which a current transport model is developed that gives unprecedented agreement with experiment over a wide energy range.
Fluoroscopically positioned radiographs of total shoulder arthroplasty.

Between January 1990 and January 1991, 87 patients (100 shoulder arthroplasties) were radiographically examined with both standard and fluoroscopically positioned views. The sets of radiographs were compared and assessed for acceptability (the ability to interpret the interfaces), presence or absence of radiolucent zones, and differences between size and location of radiolucent zones. Fifty-six of the standard radiographs were unacceptable because of obliquity of the x-ray beam protection; only three localized views were unacceptable (p
High order models for the nonlinear shallow water wave equations on the equatorial beta-plane with application to Kelvin wave frontogenesis

Abstract We describe two new numerical models for solving the nonlinear shallow water wave equations on the equatorial beta-plane. The finite difference code is eighth order in space and 4th order in time. The second model is a four-mode Hermite–Galerkin scheme in latitude combined with a Fourier pseudospectral algorithm in longitude and 4th order time-marching. As a first application, we test the Boyd–Ripa theory for Kelvin wave frontogenesis. The zeroth order strained coordinates approximation is good even for waves of nondimensional unit amplitude. The first order corrections grow. Even so, for small amplitude, the first order analytical approximations encapsulate most of the difference between the zeroth order approximation and the numerical solution if the longitudinal derivatives are interpreted as x -derivatives rather than as derivatives with respect to the strained coordinate ξ . The main discrepancy is that for moderate and large amplitude, the front curves westward with increasing latitude.
A Developmental Model of Critical Thinking

The critical thinking movement, it is suggested, has much to gain from conceptualizing its subject matter in a developmental framework. Most instructional programs designed to teach critical thinking do not draw on contemporary empirical research in cognitive development as a potential resource. The developmental model of critical thinking outlined here derives from contemporary empirical research on directions and processes of intellectual development in children and adolescents. It identifies three forms of second-order cognition (meta-knowing)—metacognitive, metastrategic, and epistemological—that constitute an essential part of what develops cognitively to make critical thinking possible.
Normal Tissue Development, Homeostasis, Senescence, and the Sensitivity to Radiation Injury Across the Age Spectrum

Late effects in normal tissues following radiotherapy vary across the age spectrum. It seems that sensitivity to radiation injury is a function of the developmental dynamics and status of the organ, its regenerative potential, and ultimately the extent to which it has begun to senesce. For instance, organ maturational processes in children can be impaired or even disabled by radiation therapy, leading to a spectrum of effects that differ from those in adults, in which the capacity and means for tissues to repair damage are the predominant predictor for chronic injury. Thus, radiation-induced impairment of growth and maturation is unique to children, whereas organ damage, with tissue-specific dysfunction in repair processes, is common to both children and adults. Finally, the susceptibility to late effects in the elderly seems to involve not only a decline in their ability to repair damage, but also cell attrition, all intertwined with effects of comorbid illness that are frequent in this age group. The challenge for clinicians is to understand these differences in the sensitivity to radiation damage with respect to age to formulate a basis for modulating therapy that can rationally minimize late effects and maximize a survivor's quality of life.
Dissociation constants of the transplutonium element chelates of diethylenetriaminepenta-acetic acid (DTPA) and the application of DTPA chelates to solvent extraction separations of transplutonium elements from the lanthanide elements

Abstract The dissociation constants of the DTPA complexes with Am, Cm, Bk, Cf, Es and Fm have been determined by an ion exchange technique, and the values obtained are: Americium 10 −22·92 , Curium 10 −22·99 , Berkelium 10 −22·79 , Californium 10 −22·57 , Einsteinium 10 −22·62 and Fermium 10 −22·70 . A solvent extraction system has been developed to completely separated the transplutonium elements from the lanthanide fission products by extracting the lanthanide elements into an organophosphonate from a carboxylic acid-buffered solution of DTPA. The separation factor between americium and the lanthanide elements is about fifty.
Effects of Diabetes on Matrix Protein Expression and Response to Cyclic Strain by Cardiac Fibroblasts

Overcoming the effects of hyperglycemic conditions on matrix remodeling by cardiac fibroblasts represents a novel therapeutic approach to stimulate regeneration of cardiac tissue in the context of diabetes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of diabetic conditions on the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein expression and biomechanical response of cardiac fibroblasts. Two types of diabetic conditions were used: in vivo using rat model of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), or in vitro using high glucose culture medium. A commercially available Flexcell system was used to apply uniaxial stretch to rat cardiac fibroblasts, and cell response was assessed, including MMP-2 (ECM remodeling), collagen I (ECM deposition), and vascular endothelial growth factor (cell migration stimulus) expression as well as fibroblast morphology, orientation, proliferation and apoptosis. The results demonstrate differential cell responses to the two models of diabetic condition. Cardiac fibroblasts from the in vivo rat model of DCM exhibited an overall reduced synthetic activity and proliferation, while high glucose conditions lead to apparent increases in cell responses. In the in vivo rat model, exposure to cyclic strain appeared to act toward restoration of cell proliferation and collagen I expression that were decreased with diabetes.
Free-energy dependence of the rate of electron transfer to the primary quinone in beta-type reaction centers

Abstract Reaction centers of the beta-type mutants, (M)L214H and (M)L214H/(L)E104V, which contain a bacteriochlorophyll (denoted β) in place of the photoactive bacteriopheophytin, have been depleted of the native ubiquinone and reconstituted with a number of quinones. This system has allowed investigation of the rate versus free-energy relationship for electron transfer to the primary quinone in the activationless and inverted regions. The dependence of the rate on driving force is found to be much weaker in both mutants than in wild-type RCs. Analysis of the data using electron transfer theory shows that the essentially flat dependence of rate on free energy for the quinone-reconstituted beta-type mutants cannot be explained simply on the basis of increased driving force, but additionally requires a decrease in the reorganization energy. A decreased reorganization energy most likely derives from a change in the nature of the intermediary electron carrier in the mutants compared to wild-type RCs, in particular the involvement of the accessory bacteriochlorophyll molecule BChl L . The weak free-energy and temperature dependence of the electron transfer process are consistent with coupling to a range of high- to low-frequency vibrational modes of the cofactors and protein.