cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ovarian carcinoma screening in women at intermediate risk: impact on quality of life and need for invasive follow-up.

BACKGROUND Women with family histories suggestive of an increased risk of ovarian carcinoma who have not had a deleterious BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation identified are commonly suggested to consider ovarian carcinoma screening with transvaginal ultrasound and/or assessment of CA 125 levels. Limited information is available regarding the impact of this approach on either quality of life (QOL) or need for invasive follow-up in this group of women. METHODS From November 1999 to October 2002, 184 women at intermediate risk of ovarian carcinoma were enrolled in a prospective study. Participants were screened with twice yearly transvaginal ultrasound and CA 125 assessments. Impact on QOL was measured using the Mental Component Summary (MCS) score of the Medical Outcomes Studies Short Form-36. Need for invasive follow-up was determined by questionnaire and medical record review. RESULTS In the current study, 135 participants underwent ≥ 1 follow-up assessment. During a mean of 19.8 months of follow-up, 12.9% of ultrasounds and 3.8% of CA 125 assessments were abnormal. The authors reported that 38.5% of participants had ≥ 1 abnormal ovarian screen that required a short interval follow-up. Because of either abnormal bleeding or ultrasound abnormalities, 24% of participants underwent ≥ 1 endometrial sampling. Controlling for a history of breast carcinoma and menopausal status, abnormal ovarian screening results were associated with a decrease in MCS score (P = 0.034), whereas the need for endometrial sampling was not (P = 0.87). CONCLUSIONS Ovarian carcinoma screening in women at intermediate risk was associated with a substantial rate of abnormal screen results, endometrial sampling, and in women with abnormal ovarian screening findings, a decrease in MCS scores. These findings may have important implications for women considering ovarian carcinoma screening and for the design of future ovarian carcinoma screening trials. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Effects of Actinomycin D and Ultraviolet and Ionizing Radiation on Pichinde Virus

Actinomycin D (0.05 mug/ml) suppresses the synthesis of ribosomal RNA of baby hamster kidney (BHK21) cells. The production of infectious Pichinde virus was enhanced in the presence of actinomycin D, although the production of virus particles was not substantially different from cultures inoculated in the absence of the drug. By prelabeling BHK21 cells with (3)H-uridine and then allowing the virus to replicate in the presence of actinomycin D, it was possible to show that ribosomal RNA synthesized prior to infection was incorporated into the virion. A single-hit kinetics of inactivation of Pichinde virus was observed with ultraviolet light, suggesting that the virus contains only a single copy of genome per virion. Comparison of the inactivation kinetics by gamma irradiation of Pichinde virus with Sindbis and rubella virus indicated that the radiosensitive genome of Pichinde virus was about 6 x 10(6) to 8 x 10(6) daltons. This value is greater than the 3.2 x 10(6) daltons which was estimated by biochemical analysis. One possible explanation considered is that the ribosomal RNA of host cell origin is functional and accounts for the differences in genome size estimated by the two methods.
Muon-pair production by cosmic-ray muons

Thirty-three examples of muon pair production by muons were observed in a large cosmic-ray detector comprised of cylindrical spark counters and water Cerenkov counters having an automatic digitized data-handling system. These events were found in the analysis of 2 060 000 incident cosmic-ray muon trajectories recorded for study during 837 hours of running time between March and August 1966. Backgrounds from all sources contribute, at most, three events to this sample. The measured cross-section agrees qualitatively with the theory of Murotaet al. Experimental uncertainties prevent a more accurate comparison of theory and experiment.
Respiratory and cardiovascular modulations in patients with spinal cord injury

Evaluation of autonomic cardiovascular deficits is clinically important to investigate the extent of impairment after spinal cord injury (SCI), and is based on recordings of blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) in response to various conditions including orthostatic stress. Spectral power analyses of BP and HR oscillations during these tests can be used to evaluate sympathetic (0.04-0.15Hz) and parasympathetic (0.15-0.4Hz) regulations of cardiovascular function. These tests don't include the monitoring of respiration with the assumption that amplitude and frequency of these oscillations are regular, and located within the parasympathetic frequency range. However, respiratory insufficiency is common in SCI individuals due to paralysis, muscle weakness and/or spastic contractions of the muscles involved in respiration. We hypothesized that oscillatory respiratory patterns observed in SCI patients have a different autonomic effects compared to those in non-injured. The aim was to investigate in what exten...
Optimum design and control of partial active constrained layer damping treatments

Passive constrained layer damping (PCLD) treatments with visco-elastic cores are augmented with sensing and actuation capabilities to actively control and improve their vibration damping characteristics. The design parameters and control gains of the resulting active constrained layer damping (ACLD) treatments are optimally selected in this paper, for partially-treated beams. The theoretical performance of beams treated with the optimally selected ACLD treatments is determined at different excitation frequencies and compared with optimal PCLD treatments.
Criteria for Global Nuclear Energy Development

Global energy consumption will at least double over the next fifty years due to population growth, increased consumption, and an urgent need to improve the standard of living in under-developed countries. Thirty percent of this growth will be for electricity. At the same time, carbon emissions must be significantly reduced to respond to concerns regarding global warming. The use of nuclear energy to meet this growing electricity demand without carbon emissions is an obvious solution to many observers, however real concerns over economics, safety, waste and proliferation must be adequately addressed. The issue is further complicated by the fact that developing countries, which have the most pressing need for additional electricity generation, have the least capability and infrastructure to deploy nuclear energy. Nevertheless, if the specific needs of developing countries are appropriately considered now as new generation reactors are being developed, and institutional arrangements based upon the fundamental principles of President Eisenhower’s 1953 Atoms For Peace speech are followed, nuclear energy could be deployed in any country. From a technical perspective, reactor safety and accessibility of special nuclear material are primary concerns. Institutionally, plant and fuel ownership and waste management issues must be addressed. International safety and safeguards authority are prerequisites. While the IAEA’s IMPRO program and the United States’ Generation IV programs are focusing on technical solutions, institutional issues, particularly with regard to deployment in developing countries, are not receiving corresponding attention. Full-service, cradle-to-grave, nuclear electricity companies that retain custody and responsibility for the plant and materials, including waste, are one possible solution. Small modular reactors such as the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor could be ideal for such an arrangement. While waste disposal remains a major obstacle, this is already true for numerous nuclear programs even in developed countries with limited geologically suitable formations. Fortunately, several organizations are currently pursuing international solutions to the nuclear waste disposal problem. While the capability to deploy nuclear energy in a specific country may not be desirable for a number of reasons, we should not develop nuclear hardware that can only benefit and serve technically and economically advanced countries. The potential benefits of nuclear energy are global, and we should not unduly limit that potential by inattention today to the requirements necessary for global deployment.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Large smart metering system & security

The application of new energy resources in overall energy distribution media (such as electricity, gas, water, etc.) requires that the technical parameters of distribution networks be managed, particularly in terms of consumption. Progress in communication technology makes it possible to manage energy networks not only at the source of the media, but also at the customer's meter, i.e. the place of final consumption. This procedure belongs to the broader framework called the “Smart Grid”. Massive flows of data are used to manage distribution networks, including the data from meters to a central location, usually the data centre, and the data from the centre to intelligent meters. Appropriate management commands must be passed on in this last direction. This shows that the implementation of such systems must include a comprehensive data protection system. Managing such a system is not a trivial matter. There are hundreds of thousands of sampling points which must be protected. In this presentation we discussed various options for data protection management under SMR (Smart Meter Reading) conditions, i.e., one part of the Smart Grid. This paper will attempt to answer questions such as: “what is the required security infrastructure for operating these systems?” and “how should the general data protection management be performed?”
Antibiotic Degradation During Thermophilic Composting

Residual antibiotics in land-applied manure and biosolids present a potential threat to public and ecological health. It remains important to determine antibiotic degradation efficiencies for manure and biosolids waste management practices and to identify conditions that enhance antibiotic degradation. The fates of the antibiotics florfenicol, sulfadimethoxine, sulfamethazine, and tylosin were studied during pilot-scale static pile thermophilic composting, and the effects of temperature and feedstock particles on antibiotic degradation rates were tested. The antibiotics were spiked into dairy manure solids and wastewater biosolids, and treatments included aerated and non-aerated manure and biosolids/wood-product (1:3 v/v) composting. Results showed no significant differences between aerated and non-aerated treatments; on average, ≥85, ≥93, and ≥95 % antibiotic degradation was observed after 7, 14, and 21 days of composting. Greater antibiotic degradation was observed in manure compost compared to biosolids compost for florfenicol (7, 14, 21, 28 days) and tylosin (14, 28 days); however, there was no significant difference for sulfadimethoxine and sulfamethazine. Peak temperatures were 66–73, and ≥55 °C was maintained for 6–7 days in the biosolids compost and 17–20 days in the manure compost. Bench-scale experiments conducted at 25, 55, and 60 °C showed that lower temperature decreased degradation of the sulfonamides and tylosin in both feedstocks and florfenicol in the biosolids. The presence of compost particles increased antibiotic degradation, with time to 50 % degradation ≤2 days in the presence of solids (60 °C) compared to no degradation in their absence. These results indicate that thermophilic composting effectively degrades parent antibiotic compounds in manure and biosolids.
Interaction of dextrorotatory opioids with phencyclidine recognition sites in rat brain membranes

The potencies of several dextrorotatory opioids, including four pairs of enantiomers, as inhibitors of specific [3H]PCP binding to rat brain synaptic membranes has been determined. Of the compounds tested unlabeled phencyclidine (PCP) was the most potent followed by (−)− cyclazocine > dextrorphan > (+) ketamine > (+) cyclazocine > (+)− SKF10,047 > levorphanol > dextromethorphan > (−) SKF10,047 > (−)− ketamine > (±) pentazocine and > (±) ethylketocyclazocine. The opiate mu receptor ligands, morphine, naloxone and naltrexone were virtually inactive as competitors of specific [3H]PCP binding. Unlike the stereostructural requirements for opiate mu receptors where activity resides predominantly in the levorotatory enantiomers, the present results support the contention that binding to the [3H]PCP labeled recognition site may reside in either the levorotatory or the dextrorotatory enantiomer. The specific binding of [3H]PCP which was defined as total binding minus that occurring in the presence of 10μM dextrorphan was found to be of a high affinity, saturable, reversible and sensitive to thermal degradation. These results suggest that certain dextrorotatory morphian derivatives may prove to be useful probes in further investigations of the molecular characteristics of the [3H]PCP binding site in brain membrane preparations.
Influence of Viscosity on Forced and Spontaneous Spreading: Wilhelmy Fiber Studies Including Practical Methods for Rapid Viscosity Measurement

Abstract The Wilhelmy vertical probe wetting force method was used to determine dynamic contact angles on fibers. Forced wetting under steady state fiber immersion or withdrawal rates was studied over a wide range of contact line velocities (V) and polymer viscosities (η). Both advancing and receding dynamic contact angles showed similar trends independent of fiber diameter and were scaled by cos θ ∼ (ηV/γ)0.7, consistent with the literature. Because of the scaling with η, the method allows one to determine viscosity quickly and over a wide range of η, simultaneous with surface tension measurement. Spontaneous spreading was investigated onstaticvertical fibers or plates by monitoring meniscus relaxation to equilibrium. The power law behavior of the spreading front was characterized by θ ∼t−0.5±0.1for advancing menisci of moderate viscosity polymers on dry small diameter fiber surfaces, this deviates from the well-known Tanner's law exponent of θ ∼t−0.3for flat surfaces. Thet−0.3dependence was verified with our Wilhelmy technique using a vertical plate. The experimental relaxation time of the meniscus on a static fiber was found to vary withd1.0and a near-linear dependence with viscosity (η) for higher viscosities up to ca. 300,000 Poise. It is shown that, with this method, one can rapidly measure viscosity simultaneous with surface tension of high viscosity melts and solutions as a function of temperature.
Obesity and risk of breast cancer mortality in hispanic and non-hispanic white women: The new Mexico women's health study

Obesity is reported to be associated with poorer survival in women with breast cancer, regardless of menopausal status. Our purpose was to determine if the associations of obesity with breast cancer-specific, all-cause, and non-breast cancer mortality differ between Hispanic and non-Hispanic white (NHW) women with breast cancer. Data on lifestyle and medical history were collected for incident primary breast cancer cases (298 NHW, 279 Hispanic) in the New Mexico Women's Health Study. Mortality was ascertained through the National Death Index and New Mexico Tumor Registry over 13 years of follow-up. Adjusted Cox regression models indicated a trend towards increased risk for breast cancer-specific mortality in obese NHW women (hazard ratio [HR] 2.07; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.98-4.35) but not in Hispanic women (HR 1.32; 95% CI 0.64-2.74). Obese NHW women had a statistically significant increased risk for all-cause mortality (HR 2.12; 95% CI 1.15-3.90) while Hispanic women did not (HR 1.23; 95% CI 0.71-2.12). Results were similar for non-breast cancer mortality: NHW (HR 2.65; 95% CI 0.90-7.81); Hispanic (HR 2.18; 95% CI 0.77-6.10). Our results suggest that obesity is associated with increased risk for breast cancer-specific mortality in NHW women; however, this association is attenuated in Hispanic women.
Inter- and intraconfigurational optical transitions of the Pr3+ ion for application in lighting and scintillator technologies

In this paper, a review of the application of the Pr 3+ inter- and intraconfigurational optical transitions in lighting and scintillator technologies is presented. The possibility of generating more than one visible photon for each incident ultraviolet photon can be realized with the Pr 3+ intraconfigurational emission emanating from the Pr 3+ 1 S 0 state. The development of such materials can significantly improve the overall energy conversion of fluorescent lamps. Scintillators based on the intraconfigurational optical transitions emanating from the Pr 3+ 3 P 0 state has lead to the development and commercialization of the Gd 2 O 2 S:Pr 3+ scintillator for application in computed tomography (CT). The development of fast scintillators for positron emission tomography (PET) and security applications can be realized with the efficient Pr 3+ interconfigurational transitions (4f 1 5d 1 →4f 2 ) in a solid.
Differentiation of systemic juvenile rheumatoid arthritis from acute leukemia near the onset of disease

Many children with acute leukemia have musculoskeletal complaints and non-specific hematologic abnormalities. A total of 10 children with acute leukemia and 10 with systemic juvenile rheumatoid arthritis were compared to delineate which early features could differentiate these diagnoses. Attention to evolving hematologic abnormalities and musculoskeletal findings may expedite diagnosis of these diseases.
Acquisition of a jumping avoidance response in hamsters

Hamsters were found to readily acquire a jumping avoidance response, but showed no differential performance as a result of differences in shock intensity or intertrial interval. The performance of rats in an earlier experiment was superior to that of the hamsters in our study.
GPRC6A regulates prostate cancer progression

BACKGROUND GPRC6A is a nutrient sensing GPCR that is activated in vitro by a variety of ligands, including amino acids, calcium, zinc, osteocalcin (OC) and testosterone. The association between nutritional factors and risk of prostate cancer, the finding of increased expression of OC in prostate cancer cells and the association between GPRC6A and risk of prostate cancer in Japanese men implicates a role of GPRC6A in prostate cancer.
Computational Analysis of the Transonic Flow Field of Two-Dimensional Minimum Length Nozzles

The method of characteristics is used to generate supersonic wall contours for two-dimensional, straight sonic line and curved sonic line minimum length nozzles for exil Mach numbers of two, four and six. These contours are combined with subsonic inlets to determine the influence of the inlet geometry on the sonic-line shape, its location, and on the supersonic flow field
Ontogenetic changes in feeding habits of juvenile cutthroat trout

Abstract Laboratory experiments demonstrated an ontogenetic shift in feeding habits of juvenile cutthroat trout Salmo clarki. Fish smaller than 6.0 cm in standard length preferred planktonic prey Daphnia pulex to each of three benthic prey (species of Hyalella, Callibaetis, and Enallagma). Larger fish consumed benthic prey significantly more often. Diet of cutthroat trout reared in a field enclosure also shifted from primarily planktonic prey to more frequent use of benthic prey once fish grew to about 7.0 cm. Changes in feeding habits were not due to differences in ability to capture evasive prey or to handle large prey. Rather, the motivation of cutthroat trout to feed on daphnia seems to be different between small and large fish. Concurrent changes in morphology of the mouth suggest that onset of a new phase of physical development may be responsible for the shift in feeding habits of juvenile cutthroat trout.
Physical look at vacuum fermionic charge.

Using general principles, we present a simple physical derivation of the formula for the induced vacuum charge in 1+1 dimensions, and give some criteria for the dependence of that charge on the details of the background-field configuration. We also clarify some issues concerning the bosonization method, the dependence of the charge on the regularization procedure, and the connection with anomalies, and generalize the above discussions to higher dimensions.
Investigations In The Identification Of Fingerprint Patterns By Machine Methods

For over a decade, there has been an extensive effort by government and university research groups as well as private industry toward the development of machine systems for the "recognition" of machine printed alpha-numeric characters. Other related development efforts have been devoted to systems for the recognition of cursive writing, based on measurements taken of the motion of the stylus during the time the written material is being com-posed. It is only more recently that various organizations, among them IBM, have been investigating machine methods, including those having interaction with human operators for the realization of various functions, for recognizing or identifying fingerprints. There are some common requirements between machine processing of alpha-numeric characters and fingerprint patterns for identification purposes. One point of commonality is the need for scanning the source material, and converting it to a representation suitable for machine processing. Another mutual requirement is that of sufficiently enhancing the source image so that it can be successfully processed, and the features for machine identification extracted. Still another need shared by character recognition and fingerprint identification is the matching of the features of the pattern or image to be identified and similar images available in a library or storage facility.© (1967) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Benchmarking Firm Capabilities for Sustained Financial Performance in the U.S. Restaurant Industry

Abstract This study is designed to present an empirical assessment of important firm capabilities appropriate for benchmarking and on which firm capabilities restaurant firms should focus to achieve sustained financial performance. It also examines the key normative benchmarking theory premise that firm capabilities associated with sustained financial performance can be identified and that a firm's capability gaps, defined herein as the capability gaps between the firm and the selected benchmark firms (e.g., Camp, 1995), explain its financial performance. Lastly, this study shows how to use profile deviation to benchmark firm capabilities and extends this methodology by employing a model that incorporates interdependencies among firm capabilities. Findings offer pragmatic guidelines for restaurateurs to exercise benchmarking to pinpoint and enhance firm capabilities that would lead to sustained competitive advantage.
Cardiac cycle-dependent left atrial dynamics: implications for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.

Background Left atrial (LA) volume determines prognosis and response to therapy for atrial fibrillation. Integration of electroanatomic maps with three-dimensional images rendered from computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to facilitate atrial fibrillation ablation. Objective The purpose of this study was to measure LA volume changes and regional motion during the cardiac cycle that might affect the accuracy of image integration and to determine their relationship to standard LA volume measurements. Methods MRI was performed in 30 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. LA time–volume curves were generated and used to divide LA ejection fraction into pumping ejection fraction and conduit ejection fraction and to determine maximum LA volume (LA max ) and preatrial contraction volume. LA volume was measured using an MRI angiogram and traditional geometric models from echocardiography (area–length model and ellipsoid model). In-plane displacement of the pulmonary veins, anterior left atrium, mitral annulus, and LA appendage was measured. Results LA max was 107 ± 36 mL and occurred at 42% ± 5% of the R-R interval. Preatrial contraction volume was 86 ± 34 mL and occurred at 81% ± 4% of the R-R interval. LA ejection fraction was 45% ± 10%, and pumping ejection fraction was 31% ± 10%. LA volume measurements made from MRI angiogram, area–length model, and ellipsoid model underestimated LA max by 21 ± 25 mL, 16 ± 26 mL, and 35 ± 22 mL, respectively. Anterior LA, mitral annulus, and LA appendage were significantly displaced during the cardiac cycle (8.8 ± 2.0 mm, 13.2 ± 3.8 mm, and 10.2 ± 3.4 mm, respectively); the pulmonary veins were not displaced. Conclusion LA volume changes significantly during the cardiac cycle, and substantial regional variation in LA motion exists. Standard measurements of LA volume significantly underestimate LA max compared to the gold standard measure of three-dimensional volumetrics.
Effective sensing of RDX via instant and selective detection of ketone vapors

Two new luminescent metal–organic frameworks (LMOFs) were synthesized and examined for use as sensory materials. Very fast and effective sensing of RDX was achieved by vapor detection of a cyclic ketone used as a solvent in the production of plastic explosives. The effects of porosity and electronic structure of the LMOFs on their sensing performance were evaluated. We demonstrate that the optimization of these two factors of an LMOF can significantly improve its sensitivity and selectivity. We also elucidate the importance of both electron and energy transfer processes on the fluorescence response of a sensory material.
Relation of Climate Change to the Acidification of Surface Waters by Nitrogen Deposition

Abrupt increases and decreases in mean seasonal and annual stream NO3- concentrations during the period of record (1983−1995) at Biscuit Brook, a headwater stream in the Catskill Mountains of New York, have provided an opportunity to study the biogeochemical processes that control NO3- movement through forested watersheds. The Catskills receive the highest rate of NO3- deposition in the New York and New England region of the United States, and many streams have measurable NO3- concentrations throughout the growing season. Correlations between deposition and stream NO3- concentrations are not statisti cally significant. Stream NO3- concentrations are positively correlated with mean annual air temperature, suggesting that on a year-to-year basis rates of N mineralization and nitrification rather than deposition or vegetation uptake are the primary factors controlling nitrogen leaching from forests where nitrogen in excess of the biological demand is available. Results from nitrification and stable isotope s...
Effects of some antimalarials and related substances on intralysosomal proteolysis.

Abstract The antimalarials primaquine, chloroquine, quinine, and quinacrine and the related substances 6-chloro-9-(3′-dimethylamino-2′-hydroxypropylamino)-2-methoxyacridine and 9-amino acridine inhibited intralysosomal proteolysis at pH 8 in mouse kidney subcellular suspensions containing [ 125 I]-labeled albumin-filled phagolysosomes at concentrations from 5 × 10 −5 (quinacrine) to about 2.5 × 10 −4 M (quinine). All these substances inhibited rat liver cathepsin B 1 but had no effects on cathepsins A, C or D. These inhibitions were greater on the alkaline side of the pH optimum of cathepsin B 1 . The drugs also partially inhibited the stimulatory effect of ATP on intralysosomal proteolysis at pH 8 which we have interpreted previously to reflect an energy-dependent proton pump for maintenance of intralysosomal acidity. Preincubation of [ 125I ]-labeled albumin-filled phagolysosomes for 10 min at pH 8 in media containing 0.1 mM quinacrine or chloroquine or 0.5 mM quinine sulfate, followed by washing to remove these drugs, partially inhibited the stimulatory effect of ATP on further incubation in antimalarial-free media but had no effects on intralysosmal proteolysis. Preincubation in 1 mM chloroquine completely abolished the stimulatory effect of ATP but also partially inhibited proteolysis. Antimalarials also inhibited rat liver lysosomal (tritosomal) membrane ATPase suggesting that this activity may be related to the stimulatory effects of ATP on intralysosomal proteolysis. Quinine was the most effective of the inhibitors tested. These studies suggest that [ 125 I]-labeled albumin-filled mouse kidney phagolysosomes may provide a convenient model system for rapid screening of drugs potentially useful for the treatment of diseases caused by organisms possessing a lysosome-like digestive system.
Sensor location for nonlinear dynamic systems via observability analysis and MAX-DET optimization

Abstract This paper presents an approach for determining the optimal placement of multiple sensors for processes described by a class of nonlinear dynamic systems. This approach is based upon maximizing a criterion, i.e., the determinant, applied to the empirical observability Gramian in order to optimize certain properties of the process state estimates. The determinant directly accounts for redundancy of information for placing multiple sensors via the covariance terms in the observability matrix. However, the resulting optimization problem is nontrivial to solve as it is a mixed integer nonlinear programming problem. In order to address this point, this paper also presents a decomposition of the optimization problem such that the formulated sensor placement problem can be solved quickly and accurately on a desktop PC. Properties of the presented technique are demonstrated and discussed in two case studies, one involving a binary distillation column and the other a packed bed reactor.
Creative Problem Solving in the New Millenium

Abstract In the new millennium the field of nutrition will be challenged to teach students techniques for recognizing and solving problems which can not be predicated today. Equally challenging is the university's responsibility to teach creative techniques typically not utilized in the field of nutrition education. To achieve these two objectives a 4 session educational model was developed for a Foodservice Management course. This was co-taught by faculty from nutrition and architecture one representing problem solving techniques and the other approaches to creativity. The classroom sessions and application of group and individual assignments focused on: 1. Defining and utilizing the three creative techniques represented by classical, logical and arbitrary cognitive patterns. 2. Utilizing a seven step problem solving model and linking creative cognitive patterns through linear, circular, feedback, branching, or natural methods. 3. Developing a survey tool and conducting interviews to determine the key issues that foodservice operations face today. 4. Defining the underlying problem represented by the analysis of the interview and survey data. 5. Developing an action (implementation) plan for one specific issue determined by a group process. This consisted of a goal statement, objectives, implementation for one specific objective and the evaluation component. The students provided valuable input regarding each session and assignment. In anonymous evaluations all of the students stated that at least 75% of the material had never been presented in previous university courses and 100% supported the continuation of this hands-on educational model. As one student wrote. "decision making skills are important to practice, although creativity is hard for us and it is something that all people should work on."
The relationship between parental income and academic performance of medical students.

BACKGROUND Little is known about how internal medicine residents train for and practice telephone management. To address this deficiency, a national survey of program directors at accredited internal medicine training sites was conducted to evaluate residents' training for and practice of telephone medicine. METHOD A 43-item questionnaire was mailed in December 1993 to all program directors at the 416 accredited internal medicine training sites in the United States. A limited questionnaire, regarding the most essential training questions, was mailed to all non-responders. RESULTS The response rate was 60% (250) for the full questionnaire. Only 15 (6%) of the programs offered formal training in telephone management to their residents. This training usually consisted of single lectures (nine programs) or reading materials (seven programs). The respondents felt that formal training in telephone management was very important (155, 62%) and that such training should be a part of every internal medicine curriculum (150, 60%). CONCLUSION Few internal medicine programs offered training in telephone management. When training occurred, it was usually limited and informal. Most program directors felt that training was important and that current training efforts were unsatisfactory, emphasizing the need for curriculum development and implementation in telephone management.
Ablation of Outflow Tract Ventricular Tachycardia

Ventricular tachycardia in patients with structurally normal hearts is most frequently due to adenosine-sensitive, triggered activity. The most common sites of origin are the right and left ventricular outflow tracts. Patients may present with symptoms such as palpitations, or less commonly cardiomyopathy. Treatment options include beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, sodium channel blockers, potassium channel blockers, and catheter ablation. Catheter ablation is highly effective and when performed by a skilled electrophysiologist, can be considered first-line treatment. Knowledge of outflow tract and surrounding anatomy is vital to optimizing results. In this review, we discuss outflow tract anatomy and electrocardiographic morphology, as well as techniques for optimizing ablation outcomes.
Land development and heavy metal distribution in the Florida Everglades

Abstract The Florida Everglades are threatened by land drainage, intensive agricultural use of the drained areas and by heavy metal pollution, mainly from agricultural run-off.
H-2-linked genetic control of the plaque-forming cell response to sheep red blood cells

Abstract The role of genes linked to the H-2 locus in effecting an immune response to SRBC was examined using strains of mice which differ in the classes of antibodies produced following multiple injections with SRBC. While H-2-linked gene action appeared to be at the level of regulating the number of plaque-forming cells (PFC) present in the spleens of different strains following two injections with SRBC, non-H-2-linked immune response genes seemed to determine whether an IgM-IgG switch occurred as well as how much of each antibody class was produced by the number of PFC available as a result of H-2-linked gene intervention. Mapping studies showed that the H-2-linked genetic effects were due to either the requirement for two genes or the presence of genes located between I-B and H-2D.
The new face of poverty in Canada ‐ implications for health care professionals

When major economic indicators in Canada are reviewed, the economy of Canada would appear to be very healthy. However, in spite of these general economic indicators, poverty in Canada is growing. Growing poverty has profound implications for health care providers who must deal with the effect of poverty on the health of individuals. This article describes factors which are affecting poverty in Canada and implications for health care professionals.
Color doppler imaging in predicting the biologic behavior of prostate cancer : Correlation with disease-free survival

Abstract Objectives We investigated the association of transrectal color Doppler imaging (CDI) signal detection in localized prostate cancer with biologic behavior as assessed by tumor Gleason grade, seminal vesicle invasion, capsular and margin status, and actuarial biochemical freedom from relapse. Methods From 1991 to 1996, transrectal ultrasound with CDI and biopsy was performed in 2718 men using a 7.0-MHz probe optimized to detect color-coded blood flow within the gland and along the capsular margin. Color flow was graded on a scale from 0 to 2 + , with 0 and 1 + representing no detectable flow and normal flow, and 2+ indicating increased flow. Color flow maps were constructed in 47 men with clinically localized prostate cancer treated by radical prostatectomy (RP) and compared to their whole mount RP specimen step sections. Results Color flow detected within the index tumor was graded as 2+ in 22 of 47 patients and 0 or 1 + in the remaining 25. Tumors graded 2+ correlated with higher Gleason grade, higher incidence of seminal vesicle invasion, and higher relapse rate, with only 11 of 22 patients disease free based on undetectable prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. In contrast, 24 of 25 patients with tumors graded 0 or 1 + are free of biochemical relapse with a median follow-up of 30.9 months. Patients with increased flow were 10.2 times more likely to relapse even after correction for other prognostic variables. In addition, tumors with 2 + capsular flow correlated with a higher incidence of non-organ-confined disease. Conclusions Color-coded Doppler flow within the tumor and overlying capsule appears to correlate with both tumor grade and stage, respectively. Detection and grading of color-coded flow within biopsy-proven cancers may identify patients with a high likelihood of biochemical relapse.
Optically generated reconfigurable photonic structures of elastic quasiparticles in frustrated cholesteric liquid crystals

We describe laser-induced two-dimensional periodic photonic structures formed by localized particle-like excitations in an untwisted confined cholesteric liquid crystal. The individual particle-like excitations (dubbed "Torons") contain three-dimensional twist of the liquid crystal director matched to the uniform background director field by topological point defects. Using both single-beam-steering and holographic pattern generation approaches, the periodic crystal lattices are tailored by tuning their periodicity, reorienting their crystallographic axes, and introducing defects. Moreover, these lattices can be dynamically reconfigurable: generated, modified, erased and then recreated, depending on the needs of a particular photonic application. This robust control is performed by tightly focused laser beams of power 10-100 mW and by low-frequency electric fields at voltages ~10 V applied to the transparent electrodes.
An origin of complex lifetimes of positrons annihilating in metals

Abstract The second lifetime component for positrons annihilating in Al, Mg, Ni and Cu is found to be absent or greatly reduced if chemical reaction between the source (22Na in HCl solution) and the metal sample is prevented.
Précis---“Linear” Programming with Absolute Value Functionals

Comments about a problem that appeared in George Hadley's text Linear Programming Addison-Wesley, 1962, p. 172.
Nanoparticle-Induced Radial Structural Gradients in Melt-Spun Polypropylene/PPgMA Fibers

The presence of nanoparticles on the evolution of structural hierarchy in both highly anisotropic clay phase and polymer phase in melt-spun PP/PPgMA (maleic anhydride-modified polypropylene) fibers was investigated. The melt stream that exits the die was found to contain orientation gradient in the radial direction that is preserved even after solidification without application of a takeup. This is due to the influence of shearing in the die that results in a band of oriented outer layers where broad surfaces of the clay particles become parallel to the surface of the fibers. The polymer phase trapped between these particles exhibits moderate to high preferrential orientation levels. The interior of the fibers was found to exhibit low levels of preferred orientation in both the clay and the polymer phases. Upon application of takeup, the presence of clay particles substantially enhances the orientation of amorphous and crystalline phases in PP/PPgMA fibers. This is due to the substantial decrease in chain...
Nondestructive leaf area estimation of ‘Niagara’ and ‘DeChaunac’ grapevines

Abstract Leaves were sampled from Vitis labruscana Bailey cv. ‘Niagara’ and the interspecific hybrid ‘DeChaunac’ grapevines several times during a 2-year investigation of leaf area estimation. Linear measurements of leaf length and width were made and correlated with leaf area measurements made with a computerized image processing system. For each cultivar, nine regression equations were derived and compared. Most models resulted in high (R2=0.90) coefficients of determination, but the power model using leaf width provided a high R2 and relatively low standard error of the estimate (‘Niagara’: area=0.637W1.995, R2=0.9821, and S.E.=10.58; ‘DeChaunac’: area=0.672W1.963, R2=0.9632, S.E.=5.67). Use of single-variable equations facilitates simple, rapid, and accurate estimation of ‘Niagara’ and ‘DeChaunac’ leaf area.
Vilfredo Pareto cuts the cake

Abstract By extending the notion of allocation we reduce the classic n -person ‘cake division’ problem to a normal form on the unit simplex in Euclidean n -space, with canonical utility functions (essentially the barycentric coordinates). Using this reduction,we characterize geometrically and analytically all Pareto optimum solutions and interpret them economically. The ideas generalize and simplify earlier results of Weller.
Clinical Psychologists in Departments of Psychiatry: Current Issues and a Look to the Future

The aim of this article is to discuss issues facing psychologists who work in departments of psychiatry. The authors both have experience in such settings and address relationships between psychologists and psychiatrists, the differences in training backgrounds and approaches to understanding and treating mental health disorders, and issues related to productivity. In many departments, clinical psychologists do not have equal standing with psychiatrists when it comes to compensation, competition for resources, and administrative representation. Nevertheless, when calls for increasingly multimodal research and treatment approaches are considered along with the requirement that psychiatry residency training programs require instruction in empirically supported psychological treatments, one recognizes that psychologists will continue to fill important roles in departments of psychiatry for the foreseeable future.
Comparative Validity of Two Measures of Self-Efficacy in Predicting Academic Goals and Performance

Two unexplored issues in goal theory concern (a) the different predictive utility of outcome versus process self-efficacy and (b) the differences in static versus dynamic levels of self-efficacy, personal goals, and performance. This study examined these issues, using repeated measures of outcome versus process self-efficacy, personal goals, and performance over 3 months from 252 management students in an academic achievement setting. After establishing a baseline to replicate past research concerning self-efficacy, personal goal, and performance relationships, determinants of change in these variables were investigated. Outcome self-efficacy results in higher validity for predicting personal goals and performance than process self-efficacy; however, process self-efficacy significantly predicts outcome self-efficacy. Additionally, personal goals directly affect self-efficacy, self-efficacy does not directly affect change in performance, and self-efficacy, personal goals, and performance reciprocally affec...
Mechanical characterization of skeletal muscle myofibrils

A new instrument, based on a technique described previously, is presented for studying mechanics of micron-scale preparations of two to three myofibrils or single myofibrils from muscle. Forces in the nanonewton to micronewton range are measurable with 0.5-ms time resolution. Programmed quick (200-microseconds) steps or ramp length changes are applied to contracting myofibrils to test their mechanical properties. Individual striations can be monitored during force production and shortening. The active isometric force, force-velocity relationship, and force transients after rapid length steps were obtained from bundles of two to three myofibrils from rabbit psoas muscle. Contrary to some earlier reports on myofibrillar mechanics, these properties are generally similar to expectations from studies on intact and skinned muscle fibers. Our experiments provide strong evidence that the mechanical properties of a fiber result from a simple summation of the myofibrillar force and shortening of independently contracting sarcomeres.
Fabrication of tapered air-core defects in 3D photonic crystals for multifunctional scanning-probe NSOM tips

We propose a fabrication method to realize tapered defects in three-dimensional photonic crystals. This process utilizes a combination of electron-beam lithography and ultraviolet interference lithography to create embedded defects within the photonic crystal lattice. We exploit the natural scattering profile of the electron beam within the thick resist film to create conical defects, where the angle of the cone can be tuned by adjusting the electron beam's accelerating voltage. The process begins by exposing a dot with e-beam, which generates a latent cone structure. This is followed by an exposure to an interference pattern formed by four coherent UV laser beam, which generates a 3D lattice surrounding the defects. Upon post-exposure bake, the areas that have received greater than threshold dose are crosslinked, yielding after developer treatment a 3D polymer photonic crystal with conical embedded defect. Subsequently, this structure is used as a template for backfilling with silicon via chemical vapor deposition. Further processing with standard silicon micormachining places the structure at the end of a cantilever that can be used in an instrument similar to an atomic force microscope or scanning probe microscope. We anticipate that these structures will find applications in multifunctional nanoprobe microscopy, because photonic-crystal defects can confine optical modes to smaller regions, with low propagation loss, than is possible with conventional tapered-fiber NSOM tips.
Are recommended spine operations either unnecessary or too complex? Evidence from second opinions.

Background: In 2011, Epstein and Hood documented that 17.2% of 274 patients with cervical/lumbar complaints seen in first or second opinion over one year were told they needed “unnecessary” spine surgery (e.g., defined as for pain alone, without neurological deficits, or significant radiographic abnormalities). Subsequently, in 2012 Gamache found that 69 (44.5%) of the 155 second opinion patients seen over a 14-month period were told by outside spine surgeons that they needed surgery; the second opinion surgeon (Gamache) found those operations to be unnecessary. Increasingly, patients, spine surgeons, hospitals, and insurance carriers should not only be questioning whether spinal operations are “unnecessary”, but also whether they are “wrong” (e.g., overly extensive, anterior vs. posterior operations), or “right” (appropriate).
Effect of penitrem a on mouse liver composition

Abstract A single dose of penitrem A (2·5 mg per kg, i.p.) in propylene glycol caused a 53% decrease in mouse liver DNA. Total liver lipid was increased 178% at 24 hr. A disappearance of free fatty acids concomitant with an increase in liver triacylglycerols also was detected. Total liver glycogen decreased 68% by 6 hr after similar treatment but returned to pretreatment levels by 48 hr. Liver sections from animals given 2·5 mg per kg penitrem A showed slight degranulation of centrolobular hepatocytes. In contrast, liver glycogen in fasted animals was increased 92%, 72 hr after dosing with 2·5 mg per kg penitrem A. Four consecutive daily i.p. administrations, totaling 4·0 mg per kg of penitrem A, resulted in reduced food consumption and a suppression of animal growth. DNA levels were significantly lower, whereas glycogen was significantly elevated in the liver of these animals. Cholesteryl esters in livers obtained from this group of treated animals were the only lipids which were significantly elevated.