cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gastrointestinal symptoms are associated with trajectories of chemotherapy-induced nausea

Between 19 and 58% of oncology patients experience chemotherapy-induced nausea (CIN). In a sample of outpatients with breast, gastrointestinal (GI), gynecological, and lung cancer, the study purposes were to evaluate for inter-individual differences in the severity of CIN over two cycles of chemotherapy (CTX) and to determine which demographic and clinical characteristics and GI symptoms were associated with higher initial levels as well as with the trajectories of CIN severity. Patients completed study questionnaires at six time points over two cycles of CTX. These questionnaires provided information on demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as the occurrence of twelve GI symptoms. Hierarchical linear modeling based on full maximum likelihood estimation was performed. Of the 1251 patients, 47.2% reported CIN. Across two cycles of CTX, lower functional status scores and higher levels of comorbidity were associated with higher initial levels of CIN. Younger age and emetogenicity of the CTX regimen were associated with higher initial levels as well as worse trajectories of CIN. The occurrence of five GI symptoms (i.e., vomiting, lack of appetite, constipation, feeling bloated, and difficulty swallowing) was associated with higher initial levels of CIN. The occurrence of mouth sores was associated with higher initial levels as well as with worst trajectories of CIN. This study is the first to identify distinct demographic, clinical, and GI symptom characteristics associated with CIN severity. These findings suggest that the etiology of CIN is complex and may warrant interventions beyond standard antiemetics.
How powerful is the female gaze? The implication of using male celebrities for promoting female cosmetics in China:

In some East Asian countries like Japan, South Korea, and recently, China, there is a popular trend of having male celebrities as brand ambassadors or spokespeople for female cosmetics. This study ...
Meniscus repair failure risk does not differ by sex: a systematic review

Importance Meniscus tears are common knee pathologies that are frequently treated with meniscus repair with a variety of techniques. Regardless of technique and implant choice, it is critical to understand and consider patient factors, including patient sex, which can influence outcome. Objective We sought to determine if there is an effect of sex on failure risk following meniscus repair. Evidence review A systematic review of the literature was undertaken to identify studies that reported failure risk independently for male and female patients. Meta-analyses were performed to identify the effect of patient sex on meniscus repair failure risk. Differences in patient-reported outcomes by sex were reported qualitatively. Findings A total of 886 patients analysed were included in the 11 identified studies, including 556 males and 330 females. Meniscus repair failure was reported in 192 patients (21.7%). The failure risk was 21.1% in males and 21.5% in females. Meta-analyses demonstrated no significant difference in meniscus repair failure risk based on sex in neither the three studies that assessed repair success arthroscopically (p=0.66) nor the eight studies in which failure was defined with clinical assessment or as the need for repeat surgery (p=0.92). Conclusions and relevance There are no significant differences in meniscus repair failure risk in male versus female patients in the existing literature. More published data are needed to evaluate patient-reported outcomes of meniscus repair based on sex. Level of evidence IV, systematic review.
Depressed individuals' reasons for and against trying to get better

To understand reasons individuals with high depressive symptoms offer for trying to improve their state or for not doing so.Participants (N = 227) in an online depression intervention study were as...
COX2 inhibits TGFβ signaling through GSK3β mediated Smad3 inhibition

5111 Introduction: Cycloxygenase 2 (COX2) expression is often increased in breast cancer and is regulated by Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ), whose tumor suppressing function typically becomes deregulated in cancer progression. Normal Murine Mammary Gland (NMuMG) epithelial cells do not express COX2, while metastatic murine breast cancer (4T1) cells express high levels of COX2 and are highly tumorigenic. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of COX2 overexpression on TGFβ mediated signaling, and to determine whether targeting COX2 effectors could restore the tumor suppressing properties of TGFβ. Experimental procedures: Transient and stable expression of COX2, GSK3β, and Smad3 cDNA constructs were performed in NMuMG and 4T1 cells. Assessment of TGFβ function and alter gene expression was measured using luciferase reporter and real time PCR analyses. PGE2 production was determined by ELISA analysis. Altered protein expression and activation of GSK3β and MAP kinase signaling was determined by western blot analyses. Results: Upon induction of EMT by TGFβ, NMuMG cells significantly increased their expression of COX2 mRNA and protein as measured by COX2 promoter driven luciferase reporter (5.21±0.48 fold increase), real time PCR (66±30 relative copy numbers), and western blot analyses. Coupled with this EMT driven change was a 5 fold increase in protaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. Overexpression of COX2 inhibited TGFβ signaling in NMuMG cells, as measured by Smad3 driven luciferase reporter activity (20±10% of control). Likewise, treatment of NMuMG cells with PGE2 activated GSK3β and Erk1/2 MAP kinase, and inhibited Smad3 driven luciferase reporter activity. Treatment of 4T1 cells with the GSK3β inhibitor XIII (50nM) significantly increased TGFβ mediated Smad3 driven luciferase activity. Expression of constitutively active GSK3β in NMuMG cells and dominant negative GSK3β in 4T1 cells confirmed the inhibitory activity of GSK3β on Smad3 activity. Expression of a T66A Smad3 mutant, which contains a mutation of a potential phosphorylation site, only altered Smad3 signaling in metastatic 4T1 cells, not in normal NMuMG cells. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the loss of tumor suppression mediated by TGFβ can be attributed to the overexpression of COX2 and its consequential production of PGE2, which activates GSK3β. Therefore pharmacological targeting COX2 and/or GSK3β may help in restoring the tumor suppressing properties of TGFβ in malignant, metastatic breast cancer cells.
General Education Teachers' Contribution to the Identification of Children With Language Disorders

Purpose The estimated prevalence of language disorders in early elementary school-age children is 7%–12%. Despite its prevalence, only 18% of children are identified and receive treatment. Children...
Recent progress in electrochemical reduction of CO2 by oxide-derived copper catalysts

Abstract Oxide-derived copper (Cu) catalysts often show significantly improved performance for carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction reactions compared with metallic Cu. In this article, we summarize the recently reported methods for preparing oxide-derived Cu catalysts and discuss the current understanding of the reaction mechanisms, including the role of mixed oxidation states of copper, subsurface oxygen, local pH, and electrolyte. Finally, we share our thoughts about the current challenges for oxide-derived Cu catalysts and the potential solutions.
Laparoscopic Appendectomy: Four Surgical Techniques for the Gynecologic Surgeon

Study Objective To demonstrate four surgical techniques for laparoscopic appendectomy including a novel approach to transvaginal appendectomy and considerations for use of each technique. Design A surgical video. Setting An academic medical center. Patients or Participants Four patients who underwent elective appendectomy. Interventions Outpatient laparoscopic or robotic-assisted appendectomy in 2019 or 2020. Measurements and Main Results In this surgical video, we present four techniques to perform a laparoscopic elective appendectomy. The first two techniques demonstrate variations of laparoscopic appendectomy performed with endoloop sutures. The third technique presented utilizes a laparoscopic stapler. The fourth technique presented is a novel approach to laparoscopic appendectomy utilizing an abdominal linear stapler through a transvaginal approach at time of hysterectomy. Additionally, we review considerations for use of each technique which include abdominal incision size, surgical instrument cost, operative time, and concomitant procedures performed. Conclusion Laparoscopic appendectomy at time of gynecologic surgery can be performed utilizing several different surgical techniques depending on surgeon preference. Understanding of anatomy, knowledge of the steps of the procedure, and good surgical technique are key for gynecologic surgeons to safely perform laparoscopic appendectomy.
Comparing alternative cholera vaccination strategies in Maela refugee camp using a transmission model

Background: Cholera remains a major public health concern, particularly in refugee camps, which may contend with overcrowding and scarcity of resources. Maela, the largest long-standing refugee camp in Thailand, experienced four cholera outbreaks between 2005 and 2010. In 2013, a cholera vaccine campaign was implemented in the camp. To assist in the evaluation of the campaign and planning for subsequent campaigns, we developed a mathematical model of cholera in Maela. Methods: We formulated a Susceptible-Infectious-Water-Recovered-based cholera transmission model and estimated parameters using incidence data from 2010. We next evaluated the reduction in cases conferred by several immunization strategies, varying timing, effectiveness, and resources (i.e., vaccine availability). Finally, we generated post-campaign case forecasts, to determine whether a booster campaign was needed. Results: We found that preexposure vaccination can substantially reduce the risk of cholera even when the 50% of the population is given the full two-dose series. Additionally, the preferred number of doses per person should be considered in the context of one vs. two dose effectiveness and vaccine availability. For reactive vaccination, a trade-off between timing and effectiveness was revealed, indicating that it may be beneficial to give one dose to more people rather than two doses to fewer people, given that a two-dose schedule would incur a delay in administration of the second dose. Forecasting using realistic coverage levels predicted that there was no need for a booster campaign in 2014 (consistent with our predictions, there was not a cholera epidemic in the 2014 season). Conclusions: Our analyses suggest that vaccination in conjunction with ongoing water sanitation and hygiene efforts provides an effective strategy for cholera outbreaks in refugee camps. Effective preexposure vaccination depends on timing and effectiveness. If a camp is facing an outbreak, delayed distribution of vaccines can substantially alter the effectiveness of reactive vaccination, suggesting that quick distribution of vaccines may be more important than ensuring every individual receives both vaccine doses.
Human myoelectric spatial patterns differ among lower limb muscles and locomotion speeds.

The spatial distribution of myoelectric activity within lower limb muscles is often nonuniform and can change during different stationary tasks. Recent studies using high-density electromyography (EMG) have suggested that spatial muscle activity may also differ among muscles during locomotion, but contrasting electrode array sizes and experimental designs have limited cross-study comparisons. Here, we sought to determine if spatial EMG patterns differ among lower limb muscles and locomotion speeds. We recorded high-density EMG from the vastus medialis, tibialis anterior, biceps femoris, medial gastrocnemius, and lateral gastrocnemius muscles of 11 healthy subjects while they walked (1.2 and 1.6 m/s) and ran (2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 m/s) on a treadmill. To overcome the detrimental effects of cable, electrode, and soft tissue movements on high-density EMG signal quality during locomotion, we applied multivariate signal cleaning methods. From these data, we computed the spatial entropy and center of gravity from the total myoelectric activity within each recording array during the stance or swing phases of the gait cycle. We found heterogeneous spatial EMG patterns evidenced by contrasting spatial entropy among lower limb muscles. As locomotion speed increased, mean entropy values decreased in four of the five recorded muscles, indicating that EMG signal amplitudes were more spatially heterogeneous, or localized, at faster speeds. The EMG center of gravity location also shifted in multiple muscles as locomotion speed increased. Contrasting myoelectric spatial distributions among muscles likely reflect differences in muscle architecture, but increasingly localized activity and spatial shifts in the center of gravity location at faster locomotion speeds could be influenced by preferential recruitment of faster motor units under greater loads.
Is the Shrink's Role Shrinking? The Ambiguity of Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 12.2 Concerning Government Psychiatric Testimony in Negativing Cases

Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 12.2 requires a defendant to notify the government and the court if she intends to use expert testimony about her mental condition as it relates to the issue of guilt. The rule is ambiguous, and courts vary in their interpretation, as to whether, in negativing cases, the trial court may compel the defendant to undergo examination by a government psychiatrist, as is the case with respect to defendants pleading insanity. Compelling a criminal defendant who offers either an insanity or a negativing defense to undergo a government psychiatric examination raises significant constitutional and practical concerns, including the possibility that the government could use the information garnered from the examination improperly. After examining the various United States courts' of appeal interpretations of FRCP 12.2, as well as the relevant constitutional issues and the practical implications of the courts' conflicting interpretations of the rule, this comment concludes that the rule should be revised such that it explicitly would allow the government to perform a psychiatric examination of negativing defendants with appropriate constitutional safeguards. This comment further offers a revision of Rule 12.2 that attempts to maximize the defendant's constitutional protections as well as the State's interest in prosecuting the case.
Spatiotemporal assessment of land use/land cover change and associated carbon emissions and uptake in the Mekong River Basin

Abstract Land use and land cover (LULC) change caused by human activities is a major source of anthropogenic carbon emissions and a driver of climate change. The Mekong Region is highly dynamic, experiencing extensive LULC change in recent decades. This study provides a spatially and temporally continuous estimate of LULC change for the Mekong River Basin for 2001–2019 using time series analysis of MODIS data coupled with a spatiotemporal carbon bookkeeping model to track carbon losses and recovery. The LULC change product has an overall accuracy of 74.4 ± 1.9% (82.1 ± 1.7% after consolidating tree-dominated classes), including an increase of 5.6% after combining with existing MODIS products (referred to as the M-CCDC process). Two of the largest components of LULC change in the region are the establishment of plantations and agricultural expansion, which were estimated to be 33,617 ± 7342 km2 and 14,915 ± 4682 km2 between 2003 and 2014. We found that 82% of the deforested area was converted to tree plantations. Among all the newly added plantations, 86% replaced natural forests and 12% replaced agricultural land. In addition, existing maps of annual tree canopy cover (TCC) were used to assess forest disturbances that do not result in LULC conversions. The M-CCDC results combined with the forest disturbances derived from TCC maps were coupled to a spatiotemporal carbon bookkeeping model to estimate carbon emissions and uptake. Carbon emissions were 72.9 ± 6.2 Tg C yr−1 during 2001–2017; emissions increase to 102.8 ± 8.6 Tg C yr−1 if including carbon not yet released to the atmosphere in the form of decomposing slash and wood products. Carbon uptake for the same period was −35.5 ± 4.9 Tg C yr−1, with carbon uptake from new plantations offsetting almost half of the emissions from deforestation in this area. Assessment of post-deforestation land use is crucial for quantifying the short- and longer- term carbon consequences of LULC change.
A comparison of microbial and bioelectrochemical approaches for biogas upgrade through carbon dioxide conversion to methane

Abstract This study compares microbial and bioelectrochemical methods of biogas upgrade via CO2 conversion to CH4. First, an in situ approach for CO2 conversion is investigated in an anaerobic reactor with a continuous supply of exogenous H2. This approach increased CH4 content of the biogas to 80–85%, yet also increased the effluent acetate concentration to 5,000–6,000 mg L−1 due to homoacetogenic activity. In a second approach, an anaerobic biofilter was continuously fed with biogas and an exogenous supply of H2, resulting in a CH4 content of 85–90% and a H2 consumption of 4.2–4.5 mol per mol of CO2 removed. Finally, biogas upgrade via CO2 to CH4 conversion was demonstrated in the cathode compartment of a membraneless microbial electrosynthesis cell. This test resulted in a CH4 purity of 85 – 90% and an energy consumption (per L of treated biogas) of 3.1 ± 1.6 Wh L−1.
Green Supply Chain Formation Through By-Product Synergies

Many firms across the world are discovering and benefiting from the ability to identify, recover, and reuse industrial by-products from other firms in traditionally unrelated industries. We examine how the formation of a by-product synergy between two firms, in different industries, and its environmental impact, are influenced by factors such as the by-product trading price, the fixed costs of synergy formation (e.g., innovation cost), and the distinct characteristics of the two markets in which potential partners operate. We show that an incentive compatible region, which ensures a profit increase for both firms, can be characterized by an interior region of the by-product trading price, and the incentive compatible region may enlarge or shrink with the firms share of the fixed cost. Second, we find that when the firms are willing to share the synergy formation cost, higher volatility of either market could better incentivize the formation of the by-product synergy. Third, we find conditions when there exists a set of prices that are both incentive compatible and environmentally efficient.
Thoroughbred stallion fertility is significantly associated with FKBP6 genotype but not with inbreeding or the contribution of a leading sire

This is a follow-up study to validate the previously detected association of the FKBP6 gene with stallion subfertility. Using a select cohort of 150 Thoroughbred stallions with detailed breeding records, we confirm significant association (P A and chr13:11 353 436A>C in FKBP6 exon 5. We also show that stallion subfertility and the combined genotype A/A-A/A are not associated with the level of genetic diversity based on 12 autosomal microsatellite markers, or with pedigree-based inbreeding rate, or the extent of contribution of a leading Thoroughbred sire, Northern Dancer, in a stallion's pedigree. We develop a TaqMan allelic discrimination assay for the two SNPs to facilitate accurate and high-throughput genotyping. We determine allele, genotype and combined genotype frequencies of FKBP6 exon 5 SNPs in a global cohort of 518 Thoroughbreds (76% stallions or geldings and 24% mares) and show that the frequency of the A/A-A/A genotype is 4%. Because there is no similar association between the FKBP6 exon 5 genotype and stallion subfertility in Hanoverians, we suggest that the two SNPs are not causative but rather tagging a breed-specific haplotype with genetic variants unique to Thoroughbreds. Further WGS-based research is needed to identify the molecular causes underlying the observed genotype-phenotype association in Thoroughbred stallions.
Genome Wide Association Studies

In this chapter we will discuss genome wide association studies (GWAS) using SNP. GWAS present some challenges for biostatistics and bioinformatics—the sheer dimensionality of the data can create storage/retrieval and analysis problems. Quality control and data preprocessing are also important steps in GWAS. We will initially discuss basic database usage for data storage and handling and the main metrics for evaluating the quality of genotypes followed by how to perform a GWAS, multiple testing issues and how to visualize results.
Local Politics and Administration: A Commentary

The symposium brings together an impressive depth of experience, and a refreshing diversity of perspective. Five political scientists and an anthropologist conduct a valuable inquest into the state of social science in confronting the rural world in Africa, and the constraints of its development. Two of the six, Fred Burke and David Brokensha, began their labors on micro-political processes well before independence. Three others, Alvin Magid, Nelson Kasfir, and Rodger Yeager, have all carried out major post-independence studies. Walter Bowring, who comments on the administrative aspects of the other five papers, has combined eighteen years of administrative service and university teaching in East Africa. All offer illuminating reflections stimulated both by a scrutiny of the extant research, and their own experience in relating local processes to broader social theories.
The Central Path

In this chapter, we begin our study of an alternative to the simplex method for solving linear programming problems. The algorithm we are going to introduce is called a path-following method. It belongs to a class of methods called interior-point methods. The path-following method seems to be the simplest and most natural of all the methods in this class, so in this book we focus primarily on it. Before we can introduce this method, we must define the path that appears in the name of the method. This path is called the central path and is the subject of this chapter. Before discussing the central path, we must lay some groundwork by analyzing a nonlinear problem, called the barrier problem, associated with the linear programming problem that we wish to solve.
Analyzing Roadside Safety Implications of Future Vehicle Designs

To meet new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, future vehicles are expected to be more environmentally friendly and fuel efficient. In addition to introducing innovative manufacturing methods and structural modifications, automobile manufacturers are primarily adopting lightweighting technologies to meet the demands for more fuel efficient vehicles. It is seen from prior research that by focusing on lightweight (LW) designs alone, the average new vehicle could weigh 28% less in 2016 than it does today. Using LW designs is not without its challenges though. These designs represent significantly different dynamic characteristics and crashworthiness response when compared against original designs. Accordingly, it is necessary to evaluate the safety implications of these LW vehicles under impact scenarios with various roadside infrastructures. It is also necessary to ensure that the existing infrastructure can satisfy required safety standards in protecting the occupants under different crash conditions.In this paper, we adopt Finite Element Method (FEM) for modeling and simulating different crash scenarios in order to evaluate the safety implications of future LW vehicle designs. Baseline (BL) models for three vehicles — Toyota Yaris, Ford Taurus and Chevy Silverado are appropriately LW modeled with 15% (LW15) and 25% (LW25) reduction in weight, whilst maintaining structural stiffness and Center of Gravity. Numerical simulations are then performed for a 25° impact angle against three common roadside infrastructures — Concrete median barrier, Strong post W-beam guardrail and W-beam transition barrier at three different speeds — 50, 70 and 100 km/hr. The goal is to conduct a matrix of simulations in order to provide comprehensive and relative safety assessment. Barrier performance is then gauged in accordance to the MASH (Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware) [1] criteria wherein the metrics take into account evaluation factors such as structural adequacy and occupant risk.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Predictive knowledge management using mirror worlds

Much of knowledge management has been aimed at capturing, converting and connecting information and knowledge as it is generated in an organization. As a result, knowledge management is focused on the past and present, providing decision makers information and knowledge. Decision makers are then responsible for using that knowledge to anticipate the future. As a result, knowledge management systems generally do not have a capability to anticipate the future. Thus, there is interest in understanding how knowledge management systems will be able to accommodate anticipation of the future at the systems level. One approach is the use of so-called "mirror worlds." The concept of a mirror world is based on a bold assertion: "You will look into a computer screen and see reality." With mirror worlds, managers could be proactive, anticipating what might happen and acting accordingly, instead of waiting till events happen and then reacting. Using transaction and other data, information and knowledge, mirror worlds of companies could be built in order to anticipate the future. This paper compares mirror worlds to other virtual worlds, evaluates the state of mirror worlds and examines potential limitations of such constructs for predictive knowledge management.
Toward continuous underwater acoustic communications

The paper addresses the technical challenges and approaches for semi-continuous underwater acoustic communications, i.e., transmission of long packets under different environmental conditions without periodic training. The packet length is normally constrained by the channel coherence time for a given bandwidth, beyond which channel tracking using an adaptive decision feedback equalizer becomes difficult. But if the channel is known for each block of coherence time, communications can proceed in principle continuously without time limitation. Using the iterative correlation-based equalizer where decision symbols are assumed to be the true symbols to estimate the channel condition, it is shown based on at-sea data that long packets of data can be transmitted with minimal errors even in harsh environments where the channel coherence time is very short (a fraction of the packet length).
Resistance Based Modeling of Collaborative Design

This study presents a new model for collaborative design that is analogous to electrical circuits with current (rate of design artifact synthesis and analysis), voltage (knowledge that drives the design process), and resistance (barriers to the exchange of design information). An electric analogy is used to capture the flow of information throughout the design process, it maps well to existing models of collaboration, and it provides a mechanism to capture resistances to flow. Specifically, the resistances are identified from a collaborative design taxonomy. Currently, these resistances are qualitatively captured based upon empirical evidence, but they may in the future be calibrated with additional experimental investigations. The model is illustrated through a simple example. Extensions and an assessment of the model are provided.
Management of infections and infestations in the elderly.

This survey includes discussion on: 1) the physiological and pathological characteristics of the elderly, particularly regarding their reactions to infections; 2) how the required specificity of antimicrobial therapy is achieved in cases of infection; 3) how antimicrobial therapy has affected mortality rates; 4) adverse drug reactions in the aged, 5) general principles of chemotherapy, and 6) the limitations of use for prophylaxis. The guiding principle for the therapeutic use of antibiotics and antibacterials is that the drug should be specific, i.e., chosen on the basis of its effect on the pathogens in susceptibility tests. A close watch should be kept for adverse effects.
Applications of confocal microscopy to the study of myelin development and neuron structure

Confocal laser scanning microscopy has been used to study the localization of myelin basic proteins expressed in nonglial cells, and to probe the three-dimensional structure of central auditory neurons in the lateral superior olive. The paper focuses on the techniques used to obtain the results. The key roles of confocal microscopy and computer image processing of the images obtained are emphasized as they relate to the discovery of essential structural information about these specimens.
An integrated 3D log processing optimization system for hardwood sawmills in central Appalachia, USA

An integrated 3D log processing optimization system was developed to perform 3D log generation, opening face determination, headrig log sawing simulation, flitch edging and trimming simulation, cant resawing, and lumber grading. A circular cross-section model together with 3D modeling techniques were used to reconstruct 3D virtual logs. Internal log defects (knots) were depicted using a cone model with apex at the central axis of the log. Heuristic and dynamic programming (DP) algorithms were developed to determine the best opening face, primary log sawing, edging and trimming, and cant resawing optimization. The National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) grading rules were computerized and incorporated into the system for lumber grading. Sawing methods considered in the system include live sawing, cant sawing, grade sawing, and multiple-thickness sawing. The system was tested using field data collected at two central Appalachian hardwood sawmills. Results showed that using the optimization system can significantly improve lumber value recovery. The optimization system can assist mill managers and operators in efficiently utilizing raw materials and increasing their overall competitiveness in the ever-changing forest products market.
Is it beneficial to selectively boost high-risk tumor subvolumes? A comparison of selectively boosting high-risk tumor subvolumes versus homogeneous dose escalation of the entire tumor based on equivalent EUD plans.

Purpose. To quantify and compare expected local tumor control and expected normal tissue toxicities between selective boosting IMRT and homogeneous dose escalation IMRT for the case of prostate cancer. Methods. Four different selective boosting scenarios and three different high-risk tumor subvolume geometries were designed to compare selective boosting and homogeneous dose escalation IMRT plans delivering the same equivalent uniform dose (EUD) to the entire PTV. For each scenario, differences in tumor control probability between both boosting strategies were calculated for the high-risk tumor subvolume and remaining low-risk PTV, and were visualized using voxel based iso-TCP maps. Differences in expected rectal and bladder complications were quantified using radiobiological indices (generalized EUD (gEUD) and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP)) as well as %-volumes. Results. For all investigated scenarios and high-risk tumor subvolume geometries, selective boosting IMRT improves expected TCP c...
Development and factor analysis of the Coaching and Athletic Training Questionnaire.

Summary To explore athletes' perceptions related to coaching and athletic training care, the Coaching and Athletic Training Questionnaire was developed. A 10-item version was administered to 708 varsity athletes from three Division I universities in the National Collegiate Athletic Association. 341 women and 344 men completed questionnaires. Data from half of the sample of 685 were used for an exploratory factor analysis using principal components analysis with oblique rotation and the second half for a confirmatory factor analysis. Analyses yielded three interpretable factors, accounting for 68% of the variance, which were labeled Comfort with Athletic Trainer or Coach, Sex Influence on Quality of Care, and Athletic Trainer Preference. Multivariate analysis of variance indicated that factor scores of women and men differed significantly, and at followup women and men differed significantly on Comfort with Athletic Trainer or Coach, but the small effect size minimizes its meaningfulness. No significant di...
Differential distribution of locus coeruleus projections to the hippocampal formation: anatomical and biochemical evidence

Locus coeruleus (LC) fibers in the fornix mainly innervate the septal pole of the dentate gyrus, whereas the cingulum projects to the ventral hippocampal formation to provide LC input to the dentate gyrus. LC fibers in the ventral amygdaloid bundle have a wide-spread distribution, innervating the entire hippocampal gyrus, as well as the mid-septotemporal and temporal regions of the dentate gyrus. The LC fibers of the fornix and ventral amygdaloid bundle do not appear to overlap significantly in the septal pole of the dentate gyrus.
Ethics and Map Design: Six Strategies for Confronting the Traditional One-Map Solution

Traditional, positivist approaches to map design usually yield a single map. These one-map solutions foster a highly selective, authored view reflecting consciously manipulative or ill-conceived design decisions about many factors, such as map scale, geographic scope, feature content, map title, classification of data, and the crispness or fuzziness of symbols representing uncertain features. As a result, the rightfully skeptical map viewer ought to question whether (a) an ulterior motive led to a biased view of reality favoring the author's philosophical or political biases or economic goals, or (b) a lazy map author failed to explore designs offering a more coherent or complete picture of reality. Technology has aggravated the problem of one-map solutions by placing powerful mapping software at the disposal of amateur cartographers who can generate convincing-looking graphics with little or no understanding of their data or the principles of mapping. And technology also allows devious map makers to perfect designs that support their points. But technology can also foster greater openness and more complete understanding of maps and their meaning, and thereby provide a more ethical approach to cartographic analysis and communication. After discussing the problem of single cartographic views, I present six strategies for a more open and overtly critical cartography in which one-map solutions are both rare and suspect.
A Theoretical Study of Carbon Chemisorption on Ni(111) and Co(0001) Surfaces

Abstract Atomic carbon is a key intermediate which interacts with the surface during hydrocarbon growth reactions over transition metal surfaces. However, experimental data are scarce, available only for carbon–metal binding energies on nickel (111) and (100) single crystal surfaces. Therefore, to deepen our understanding of the chemisorption of carbon and to quantify its role in the catalytic formation of hydrocarbons, we have calculated the binding energy of atomic carbon on Ni(111) and Co(0001) surfaces using density-functional theory within the generalized gradient approximation and the full-potential linear augmented planewave (FP-LAPW) method. The results presented are in excellent agreement with known experimental values and substantially expand the database of geometric and energetic parameters describing adsorption of carbon on nickel and cobalt surfaces as a function of surface coverage and the adsorption site. The surface coverage dependence of the binding energy will be discussed and is used to interpret the tendency of the different surfaces toward molecular weight growth and their intrinsic reactivities.
Effects of Fluorination on Methylene Insertion Reactions

The potential energy surfaces for the insertion reactions of methylene and fluorinated methylenes into the H2, HF, and F2 molecules were studied by density functional, many body perturbation, and coupled-cluster theories. These methods predict the barrier for the CF2 insertion into the hydrogen molecule to be about 33 kcal/mol, that is, significantly lower than previous estimates. A new transition state was found in this system for the reaction path which leads to CHF + HF. However the transition state for this metathesis channel is about 25 kcal/mol higher than that of the insertion channel. For the fluoromethylene insertion into H2 the predicted activation energy is about 8 kcal/mol. The CH2 insertion into F2 proceeds without a barrier. The peculiarity of the insertion reactions between carbenes and HF involves formation of a hydrogen-bonded complex. The CH2···HF complex is bound by about 10 kcal/mol relative to CH2 + HF. Coupled-cluster methods predict a small (ca. 3 kcal/mol) barrier for transformatio...
A Comprehensive Needs Assessment To Facilitate Prevention of School Drop Out and Violence.

The present study addresses school violence and school drop out and proposes that the underlying factor of school connectedness/school climate should guide preventive and intervention efforts. Data were gathered from five schools in a small city school district in north Georgia. Group and individual interviews served as the basis for constructing a 78-item district-wide survey administered to 304 school employees. Data are presented on individual items from the survey. Principal components analysis revealed five distinct factors: school connectedness/positive school climate, causes of violence, causes of school drop out, interventions for drop out, and interventions for violence. The principal components analysis was the basis for construction of a revised scale. Differences between revised scale scores were noted as a function of whether respondents were from central office, elementary or secondary schools. The five revised scales had correlation ranging from .31 to .59. Implications for research and practice are discussed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Female sexual arousal in amphibians

Rather than being a static, species specific trait, reproductive behavior in female amphibians is variable within an individual during the breeding season when females are capable of reproductive activity. Changes in receptivity coincide with changes in circulating estrogen. Estrogen is highest at the point when females are ready to choose a male and lay eggs. At this time female receptivity (her probability of responding to a male vocal signal) is highest and her selectivity among conspecific calls (measured by her probability of responding to a degraded or otherwise usually unattractive male signal) is lowest. These changes occur even though females retain the ability to discriminate different acoustic characteristics of various conspecific calls. After releasing her eggs, female amphibians quickly become less receptive and more choosy in terms of their responses to male sexual advertisement signals. Male vocal signals stimulate both behavior and estrogen changes in amphibian females making mating more probable. The changes in female reproductive behavior are the same as those generally accepted as indicative of a change in female sexual arousal leading to copulation. They are situationally triggered, gated by interactions with males, and decline with the consummation of sexual reproduction with a chosen male. The changes can be triggered by either internal physiological state or by the presence of stimuli presented by males, and the same stimuli change both behavior and physiological (endocrine) state in such a way as to make acceptance of a male more likely. Thus amphibian females demonstrate many of the same general characteristics of changing female sexual state that in mammals indicate sexual arousal.
Characterization of two Drosophila melanogaster cylochrome c genes and their transcripts

Analysis of total Drosophila melanogaster DNA by genomic blot hybridization indicates that two cytochrome c-like sequences exist in the Drosophila genome. These two sequences, DC3 and DC4, have been isolated from a Charon 4A-D. melanogaster genomic library. DC3 and DC4 are located within a 4 kb region of DNA, at position 36A 10-11, on the left arm of chromosome 2. The nucleotide sequence of these two clones has been determined. Both DC3 and DC4 can encode functional cytochrome c proteins. The polypeptide sequences predicted by these two genes, however, differ at 32 amino acid residues. DC4 is expressed at varying, but relatively high levels throughout Drosophila development. In contrast, DC3 is expressed at constant, but relatively low levels throughout development.
Domain-independent values of the J-integral for cracks in three-dimensional residual stress bearing bodies

This paper describes an approach for computing domain-independent values of the J-integral in the finite element context for three-dimensional bodies containing residual stress. In the analysis of cracked bodies containing residual stress, the usual domain integral formulation results in domain-dependent values of J, and this paper discusses modifications that yield domain independence. Two correction terms are defined. The first of these relates to the spatial gradients of non-mechanical strains in the crack-driving direction, and the second accounts for plastic dissipation included in the material state, but unrelated to fracture. The paper further presents results for two examples recently discussed in the literature. Application of the corrections in these two cases demonstrates the ability of the approach to obtain path-independent domain integral results in residual stress bearing bodies.
Leiomyosarcoma of bone. A ciinicopathologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural study of five cases

The authors identified five leiomyosarcomas (LMS) in a review of 13 nonmatrix-producing spindle cell sarcomas of bone. Only two were initially recognized as LMS; the others had been diagnosed as malignant fibrous histiocytoma (two) and fibrosarcoma (one). The patients, four of whom were women, ranged in age from 32 to 70 years. Sites included proximal humerus (two), distal femur (two), and rib (one). All tumors presented with clinical and radiographic features consistent with a diagnosis of primary bone neoplasms, although one probably represented a solitary metastasis from a primary uterine LMS. Radiographs showed lytic bone destruction with a moth-eaten appearance, and three cases had soft tissue extension. Histologically, all tumors showed broad, interlacing fascicles of spindle cells with pleomorphic nuclei, frequent mitoses, and necrosis. Two cases had a focal storiform pattern and bizarre multinucleated cells, and two other cases had focally prominent osteoclast-like giant cells. Extensive immunoreactivity for muscle actin was seen in all cases and for desmin in three. In each case, electron microscopy showed definite smooth muscle differentiation including cytoplasmic filaments with densities. At this writing, two patients are free of disease (including the patient with a presumed metastasis), one is alive with locally recurrent disease, and two are dead of disease. Experience suggests that LMS of bone is a distinct clinicopathologic entity that may be more common than previously recognized. Application of immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy to nonmatrix-producing bone sarcomas should facilitate diagnosis of additional cases.
Fundamental theoretical considerations for an air-suspension vortex flow incinerator system

Abstract The basic fluid dynamic and combustion, theory underlying an air-suspension vortex flow incinerator system is presented, and the times required for drying, pyrolysis, and char burn-out of the fuel particles are derived. Preliminary estimates for volumetric rates of productions of gas and heat are also deduced from the theory.
Ultrasonic wave propagation in temperature gradients

Ultrasonic methods are being developed for sensing and control of high temperature material processes such as welding and solidification. One of the problems in these methods is the distortion of the sound field caused by the change in material properties due to temperature gradients. This paper describes a ray-tracing method for calculating the effects of temperature on ultrasonic propagation in such systems. In the ray-tracing method, the material is conceptually divided into a number of plane layers. The refraction at each layer boundary is calculated from Snell's law using the sound speeds determined from the temperatures of the adjacent layers. The time required for an ultrasonic pulse to traverse each layer is also calculated, allowing the determination of the total time along a particular path. The method is applied to calculating the time of arrival of echoes from various interfaces around a molten weld pool.
Effects of ozone upon macrophage-interferon interactions.

Abstract Lung cell populations may be directly exposed to environmental airborne toxicants such as ozone (O 3 ). Since pulmonary macrophages (Mo) play a pivotal role in host pulmonary immunocompetence, their function in this regard may be compromised by pollutant exposure thereby giving rise to an increased incidence of pulmonary disease. The current in vitro study was designed to provide some insight into possible mechanisms by which O 3 induces decreased host pulmonary resistance against microbial pathogens. Specifically, this study investigated the impact of an acute O 3 exposure upon the ability of a cultured mouse Mo cell line (WEHI-3) to interact with, and respond to, the major Mo-activating cytokine, interferon-γ (IFN γ ). The results of this study indicate that WEHI-3 exposure to 1 ppm O 3 for 4 h reduced both the binding of, and responsivity to, IFN γ . Among the functional parameters affected by this inability to properly bind/respond to IFN γ were: reactive oxygen intermediate production, phagocytic activity, and cellular calcium ion elevation; IFN γ -enhanced expression of surface histocompatibility antigens was unaffected by O 3 exposure. The reduced activity of any one of these critical Mo functions could provide a basis for previously-documented increases in microbial pathogen survival in the lungs, and overall compromise of host health following O 3 exposure.
Co-localization of proenkephalin mRNA using cRNA probes and a cell-type-specific immunocytochemical marker for intact astrocytes in vitro.

Abstract To determine whether cultured astrocytes express opioid gene mRNA, a method was developed for co-localizing a cell-type specific immunocytochemical marker for astrocytes, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and proenkephalin mRNA in situ hybridization signal using high affinity cRNA probes. GFAP immunoreactivity and proenkephalin mRNA hybridization reaction were examined in intact glial cell preparations from neonatal mice that were cultured for 4–6 days prior to fixation. The double labelling method described herein permits the unambiguous identification of mRNA expression in specific populations of intact cultured cells using cell type-specific markers.
Platelet FcIgG receptior: Increased expression in female platelets

Abstract Platelet serotonin release, stimulated by heat-aggregated IgG was compared using washed platelets from normal female and male donors. There was significantly more serotonin released from female platelets at each concentration of aggregated IgG tested than from male platelets. Thrombin-induced platelet release of serotonin was identical in both sexes. These results suggest that female platelets bear increased FcIgG receptors or that they are more sensitive to FcIgG receptor-induced platelet stimulation. This finding may be of importance in the pathogenesis of certain immune-complex-associated diseases which predominantly affect the female population.