cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU-E-J-06: Additional Imaging Guidance Dose to Patient Organs Resulting From X-Ray Tubes Used in CyberKnife Image Guidance System

Purpose: The use of image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) has become increasingly common, but the additional radiation exposure resulting from repeated image guidance procedures raises concerns. Although there are many studies reporting imaging dose from different image guidance devices, imaging dose for the CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery System is not available. This study provides estimated organ doses resulting from image guidance procedures on the CyberKnife system. Methods: Commercially available Monte Carlo software, PCXMC, was used to calculate average organ doses resulting from x-ray tubes used in the CyberKnife system. There are seven imaging protocols with kVp ranging from 60 – 120 kV and 15 mAs for treatment sites in the Cranium, Head and Neck, Thorax, and Abdomen. The output of each image protocol was measured at treatment isocenter. For each site and protocol, Adult body sizes ranging from anorexic to extremely obese were simulated since organ dose depends on patient size. Doses for all organs within the imaging field-of-view of each site were calculated for a single image acquisition from both of the orthogonal x-ray tubes. Results: Average organ doses were <1.0 mGy for every treatment site and imaging protocol. For a given organ, dose increases as kV increases or body size decreases. Higher doses are typically reported for skeletal components, such as the skull, ribs, or clavicles, than for softtissue organs. Typical organ doses due to a single exposure are estimated as 0.23 mGy to the brain, 0.29 mGy to the heart, 0.08 mGy to the kidneys, etc., depending on the imaging protocol and site. Conclusion: The organ doses vary with treatment site, imaging protocol and patient size. Although the organ dose from a single image acquisition resulting from two orthogonal beams is generally insignificant, the sum of repeated image acquisitions (>100) could reach 10–20 cGy for a typical treatment fraction.
Analytic and Numeric Integration for Quadrilaterals

Two-dimensional finite element analysis uses linear edge arbitrary quadrilaterals with hyperbolic paraboloid shape functions as an important element. To obtain the element stiffness matrix, such a procedure leads to evaluation of integrals involving irrational polynomials and analytic evaluation of such expressions presents considerable difficulty. Almost without exception, the evaluation of integrals has either been done or suggested by using a numerical quadrature of the Legendre-Gauss type. However, what is clearly lacking is quantitative information pertaining to the order of the quadrature formula to be used for various degrees of artibrariness in a quadrilateral. In the subsequent development, it is shown how the equations can be manipulated to yield a simple compact form amenable to closed-form solution, yielding simple programmable expressions, and how they compare with the quadrature formula.
The Psychology of a Successful Mediation

Why is mediation effective in resolving disputes? The answer may be found in psychology. According to a leading mediation scholar, issues of self-identity and self-esteem play a crucial role in Mediation. Self-identity is the awareness of one's unique self. Self-esteem is generalized evaluative attitude toward the self that influences both moods and behavior and that exerts a powerful effect on a range of personal and social behaviors. Peacemaking is central to a successful mediation. It is clear that a successful mediator must not only be a peacemaker but also practice and maintain an inner peace. Many conclude that peacemaking is the highest calling in the legal profession and one of the highest callings in life.
Sparse Dictionary Learning of Resting State fMRI Networks

Research in resting state fMRI (rsfMRI) has revealed the presence of stable, anti-correlated functional sub-networks in the brain. Task-positive networks are active during a cognitive process and are anti-correlated with task-negative networks, which are active during rest. In this paper, based on the assumption that the structure of the resting state functional brain connectivity is sparse, we utilize sparse dictionary modeling to identify distinct functional sub-networks. We propose two ways of formulating the sparse functional network learning problem that characterize the underlying functional connectivity from different perspectives. Our results show that the whole-brain functional connectivity can be concisely represented with highly modular, overlapping task-positive/negative pairs of sub-networks.
African Americans and Teen Dating Violence

This literature review focuses on the prevalence rates of teen dating violence in the United States, emergence of dating violence research, reasons of teen dating violence in the African American community, consequences of it regarding physical and mental health, and the impact of it on psychological and physical health. The research shows a trickledown effect of racism, low socio-economic status, and growing up in poor neighborhoods leading to domestic violence in African American families, which then gets reinforced with messages received from peers and the media.
Income inequality and structures of international trade

The effects of trade openness on within-country income inequality in developing countries are found to be inconclusive in existing literature. This study proposes a “threshold effect” to address this issue. We argue that when exports benefit a large portion of population, it is more likely to decrease income inequality within a country; otherwise, increasing exports will likely increase the income inequality. Using a data-set of 55 developing countries from 1981 to 2005, we find that if the employment share of manufacturing industry is above (below) a threshold, the increase in the share of manufactures exports reduces (increases) the within-country income inequality.
Critical thickness of single crystal fcc iron on diamond

Abstract The growth of (100) diamond/iron/copper multilayer structures has been examined by reflection high energy electron diffraction, extended X-ray absorption fine structure, and scanning electron microscopy in an effort to determine the thickness limit for metastable face-centered-cubic Fe on (100) diamond. Both copper films deposited on iron layers with thicknesses below 1.4 nm and the iron layers themselves were found to be face-centered cubic single crystal, while films grown on iron that was 2.0 nm and thicker and the iron itself were found to be polycrystalline. This critical thickness range of 1.4–2.0 nm compares well with the theoretically calculated value of 1.8 nm. This value was determined using the mechanical equilibrium theories (Matthews-Blakeslee and van der Merwe) with a lattice parameter for face-centered cubic iron that was derived by estimating the functional form of the linear thermal expansion coefficient and extrapolating the Poisson's ratio for austenitic stainless steel to the temperature of interest. The shear modulus, and intrinsic stacking fault energy for fcc Fe from ∼ 1350°C down to below room temperature have also been estimated. A more likely room temperature lattice parameter for fcc Fe than is usually assumed was estimated to be 0.3579 nm. The measured in-plane lattice parameter of strained fcc Fe on diamond was 3.54 ± 0.1 A .
An implicit multi-time step integration method for structural dynamics problems

A multi-time step integration algorithm is developed based on the trapezoidal rule time integration method for finite element equations of motion. This algorithm uses nodal groups to partition the mesh into subdomains that are updated with different time steps. A␣stability analysis of the method shows that the scheme retains the unconditionally stable behavior of the trapezoidal rule and conserves the same pseudo energy as the parent algorithm. Several numerical examples are used to verify the stability of the method and to investigate the accuracy of the scheme.
Activation of Platelets in Platelet-Rich Plasma by Rotablation Is Speed-Dependent and Can Be Inhibited by Abciximab (c7E3 Fab; ReoPro)

Background—Rotational atherectomy with the Rotablator catheter has improved percutaneous treatment of certain coronary atherosclerotic lesions, but the “no-reflow” phenomenon remains a serious complication. Because platelet activation by rotablation may contribute to the no-reflow phenomenon, we developed an in vitro system to test the effect of rotablation on platelets in the absence or presence of platelet GP IIb/IIIa receptor blockade with abciximab. Methods and Results—Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was prepared from 28 healthy human volunteers. PRP was divided into 4 samples: (1) no treatment, (2) 6D1 (anti–GP Ib), (3) c7E3 Fab (anti–GP IIb/IIIa+αvβ3), and (4) c7E3 Fab+6D1. Samples were pumped through a flow chamber containing a 2.5-mm burr rotating at various speeds and then placed in an aggregometer. PRP samples tested in the absence of antibody underwent more rapid and extensive aggregation when rotablated at 150 000 and 180 000 rpm compared with 0 rpm (P<0.001 at both speeds). Preincubation of platel...
Ecdysteroid Regulation and DNA Binding Properties of Drosophila Nuclear Hormone Receptor Superfamily Members

Pulses of the steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) trigger the larval-to-adult metamorphosis of Drosophila by reprogramming gene expression throughout the organism. 20E directly induces a small set of early regulatory genes that repress their own expression and induce a large set of late secondary-response genes. We show here that two members of the Drosophila nuclear hormone receptor superfamily, DHR3 and DHR39, are rapidly induced by 20E, in parallel with the early regulatory genes. Both genes also require protein synthesis at high 20E concentrations for their maximal induction by the hormone. Developmental Northern blot analysis reveals that DHR39 is induced in mid third instar larvae and expressed throughout most of third instar larval and prepupal development, while DHR3 is briefly expressed in late third instar larvae and early prepupae. The 20E-induction and temporal patterns of DHR3 and DHR39 transcription strongly suggest that these genes function together with the early regulatory genes to coordinate the complex gene networks that direct the early stages of Drosophila metamorphosis. In an initial effort to understand how these two orphan receptors might function during development, we examined their DNA binding properties and compared them with the known Drosophila nuclear receptor superfamily members that are involved in the ecdysteroid response: EcR, Usp, E75A, E78A, and beta FTZ-F1. Upon testing all pairwise combinations of these seven proteins on a panel of seven oligonucleotides, only EcR and Usp bound DNA as a heterodimer, indicating that this interaction is highly specific. With the exception of E78A, which did not bind any sequence tested, each of the remaining proteins is able to bind to a single consensus AGGTCA half-site; however, each displayed different specificities depending on the flanking nucleotide sequence. These observations suggest that the 20E-regulated orphan receptors function as monomers to control the expression of their target genes.
Experimental in vivo canine model for gastric prolapse of laparoscopic adjustable gastric band system.

Abstract Background The most prevalent long-term complications in patients undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) surgery are symmetric pouch dilation and gastric prolapse (slippage). However, no published data or a reliable model are available to evaluate the actual mechanism of band slippage or how to prevent it. The objective of the present study was to construct an animal model of anterior gastric band prolapse and to use this model to evaluate the effectiveness of various arrangements of gastrogastric sutures and gastric wraps in preventing prolapse. Methods The esophagus of male mongrel dogs was accessed through the left chest, and a pressure transducer and an insufflation catheter were introduced. An AP-S Lap-Band (Allergan, Irvine, CA) filled to 10 cm 3 was placed using the pars flaccida technique. A standardized cut of meat was placed into the esophagus to simulate food impaction at a tight LAGB. After the placement of multiple different gastrogastric suture configurations, air was insufflated into the gastric pouch by way of the esophagus. Results Prolapse, identical to that seen in clinical practice, was reliably reproduced in this model by increased esophageal pressure acting on a LAGB outlet obstruction. In addition, prolapse was reproduced with all gastrogastric configurations that did not secure the anterior gastric wall to within 1.5 cm of the lesser curve. Conclusion The results of the present study support the theory that prolapse is caused by esophageal peristalsis against an occlusion at the level of the LAGB. In this canine model, gastrogastric sutures encompassing the anterior gastric wall were integral to preventing prolapse.
Development of a Counter Rotating Vortex Pair (CVP) Mixer for Aerospace Applications

Swirling motions induced by a counter-rotating vortex pair (CVP) provides a mechanism to entrain fluid from the periphery of this structure and mix surrounding fluids with those within the vortex structure. Eventually, the vortices act upon each other transporting molecularly mixed fluid into the core flow. This mechanism has potential to increase efficiency with more complete mixing. Therefore, a mixer is proposed which directly induces counter rotating vortices by a three dimensional geometry. The proposed swirl mixer is designed to induce counter rotating vortices based on the potential flow theory, Milne-Thomson’s Circle Theorem and Rankine vortex. Twelve test models are developed during the optimization process. Design factors were examined using a seven-hole pressure probe to investigate velocity vector fields produced by the test models, thereby obtaining an optimum CVP mixer that maximized tangential velocity with uniform axial flow.
Education and Freedom of Choice: Evidence from Arranged Marriages in Vietnam

Using household data from Vietnam, we provide evidence on the causal effects of education on freedom of spouse choice. We use war disruptions and spatial indicators of schooling supply as instruments. The point estimates indicate that a year of additional schooling reduces the probability of an arranged marriage by about 14 percentage points for an individual with 8 years of schooling. We also estimate bounds that do not rely on the exact exclusion restrictions (lower bound is 6-7 percentage points). The impact of education is strong for women, but much weaker for men.
ASSEMBLY AND INTERACTIONS OF COTJ-ENCODED PROTEINS, CONSTITUENTS OF THE INNER LAYERS OF THE BACILLUS SUBTILIS SPORE COAT

During Bacillus subtilis endospore formation, a complex protein coat is assembled around the maturing spore. The coat is made up of more than two dozen proteins that form an outer layer, which provides chemical resistance, and an inner layer, which may play a role in the activation of germination. A third, amorphous layer of the coat occupies the space between the inner coat and the cortex, and is referred to as the undercoat. Although several coat proteins have been characterized, little is known about their interactions during assembly of the coat. We show here that at least two open reading frames of the cotJ operon (cotJA and cotJC) encode spore coat proteins. We suggest that CotJC is a component of the undercoat, since we found that its assembly onto the forespore is not prevented by mutations that block both inner and outer coat assembly, and because CotJC is more accessible to antibody staining in spores lacking both of these coat layers. Assembly of CotJC into the coat is dependent upon expression of cotJA. Conversely, CotJA is not detected in the coats of a cotJC insertional mutant. Co-immunoprecipitation was used to demonstrate the formation of complexes containing CotJA and CotJC 6 h after the onset of sporulation. Experiments with the yeast two-hybrid system indicate that CotJC may interact with itself and with CotJA. We suggest that interaction of CotJA with CotJC is required for the assembly of both CotJA and CotJC into the spore coat.
Trends and clinical implications of preoperative breast MRI in Medicare beneficiaries with breast cancer

While there has been increasing interest in the use of preoperative breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for women with breast cancer, little is known about trends in MRI use, or the association of MRI with surgical approach among older women. Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results–Medicare database, we identified a cohort of women diagnosed with breast cancer from 2000 to 2009 who underwent surgery. We used Medicare claims to identify preoperative breast MRI and surgical approach. We evaluated temporal trends in MRI use according to age and type of surgery, and identified factors associated with MRI. We assessed the association between MRI and surgical approach: breast-conserving surgery (BCS) versus mastectomy, bilateral versus unilateral mastectomy, and use of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy. Among the 72,461 women in our cohort, 10.1 % underwent breast MRI. Preoperative MRI use increased from 0.8 % in 2000–2001 to 25.2 % in 2008–2009 (p < 0.001). Overall, 43.3 % received mastectomy and 56.7 % received BCS. After adjustment for clinical and demographic factors, MRI was associated with an increased likelihood of having a mastectomy compared to BCS (adjusted odds ratio = 1.21, 95 % CI 1.14–1.28). Among women who underwent mastectomy, MRI was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of having bilateral cancer diagnosed (9.7 %) and undergoing bilateral mastectomy (12.5 %) compared to women without MRI (3.7 and 4.1 %, respectively, p < 0.001 for both). In conclusion, the use of preoperative breast MRI has increased substantially among older women with breast cancer and is associated with an increased likelihood of being diagnosed with bilateral cancer, and more invasive surgery.
The 2011 Benjamin Franklin medal in Earth and Environmental Science presented to Jillian F. Banfield

Abstract The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, awards the 2011 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Earth and Environmental Science to Professor Jillian F. Banfield for her pioneering work in the fields of geochemistry and environmental microbiology, in particular her discoveries of the underlying principles of mineral formation and alteration by microbes and her efforts to advance the understanding of the form, composition, and distribution of minerals in the presence of living organisms.
How Human Nature Can Inform Human Enhancement: a Commentary on Tim Lewens's Human Nature: the Very Idea

In this commentary on Lewens (2012), I argue that although his criticisms of Machery's (2008) conception of human nature are sound, I disagree with his conclusion that human nature cannot inform us regarding issues of human enhancement. I introduce a framework for understanding human nature, the “life history trait cluster account,” which aligns the concept of human nature with the human sciences and allows human nature to inform questions of human enhancement.
Parameter estimation for resin transfer molding

A simplified approach for estimating weld lines, vent locations and fill times for resin transfer molding applications in non‐planar geometry is presented. The molding parts are treated as polyhedral spaces for which the concept of Voronoi diagram and shortest paths is utilized to predict the formation of weld lines, location of vents and filling times. The approach is based purely on geometrical considerations and on previously established observations that it is possible to treat the resin flow inside the mold as partly radial and partly channel‐like. The proposed procedure is geared towards software implementation, but it enables one to gain more insight into the process before detailed and time‐consuming calculations are attempted.
The role of free-surface turbulence and surfactants in air–water gas transfer

Abstract Laboratory measurements of gas-transfer velocity and free-surface hydrodynamics were made for oscillating grid-stirred turbulence. Air–water gas-transfer velocities were determined from the waterside dissolved oxygen mass balance, and an innovative digital particle image velocimetry technique was used to measure the two-dimensional free-surface flow field. The impact of adventitious and purposely introduced surfactant films on free-surface turbulence and gas-transfer rates was explored quantitatively. As expected, bulk turbulence was unable to provide a unique relationship for the gas-transfer rates observed, owing predominantly to surfactant effects. However, the surface divergence computed from the free-surface velocity field was capable of reconciling the gas-transfer data. This is possible evidence confirming that the free-surface divergence is an important process involved in interfacial gas transport. A relationship for the gas-transfer velocity in terms of the surface divergence and the surface pressure is presented that successfully relates the interactions between surface renewal, surfactants, and gas transfer.
Interferometry with atoms and molecules: a tutorial

Since the first interferometers for atoms and molecules were demonstrated in 1991, they have already been applied to measure atomic and molecular properties, to investigate fundamental aspects of quantum mechanics, and to measure inertial motion. This tutorial is designed to introduce those with a vague understanding of optical interferometers to atom interferometry. We outline the basic theory needed to calculate the observed phase shift, indicate how this phase shift is experimentally determined, and then describe how the phase shift is found in two particular cases: phase shifts caused by application of a uniform electric field to atoms on one side of the interferometer, and phase shift arising from the presence of a gaseous medium through which the atom wave on one side of the interferometer must propagate. We illustrate this presentation with a description of our three grating interferometer, including data taken with it.
Joint Forecasts of U.S. Marital Fertility, Nuptiality, Births, and Marriages Using Time Series Models

Abstract This article presents a new approach to forecasting U.S. marital fertility, nuptiality, births, and marriages. The analysis represents a wedding of demographic and statistical time series in models amenable to Box-Jenkins techniques of model identification, estimation, diagnosis, and forecasting. The models demonstrate the advantages in this approach in forecasting both rates and events as opposed to the common practice of simply forecasting events. Using the best models of indexes of fertility and nuptiality, forecasts of births and first marriages are made for the U.S. for the years 1983–2000. Analyses of these forecasts are made with discussions of their demographic realism in terms of their forecast confidence intervals.
Class and mobility in schizophrenic outcome

This paper was addressed to the relationships between social class and outcome, and social mobility and outcome, among schizophrenic males. It was found that outcome, as measured by time spent in hospital, was significantly related to both of these variables. In addition, evidence was presented indicating that these relationships were independent of the effects of differing severities of pathology.
The spindle observation and its relationship with fertilization after intracytoplasmic sperm injection in living human oocytes.

Abstract Objective: To image spindles in living human oocytes and to examine the relation between spindles and fertilization after ICSI. Design: The LC polscope was used to examine spindles in an observational study of living oocytes. Setting: Academic IVF clinic. Patient(s): Women being treated for infertility. Intervention(s): Oocytes retrieved from patients for infertility treatment were examined before ICSI. Aged, unfertilized oocytes after IVF or ICSI were examined with polscope and confocal microscopes to compare the two methods. Main Outcome Measure(s): Spindle structure in living oocytes and fertilization after ICSI. Result(s): Spindles could be imaged in 61.4% of oocytes. More oocytes with spindles than oocytes without spindles fertilized normally after ICSI (61.8% vs. 44.2%). Spindles in most aged oocytes were partially or completely disassembled, and only a few microtubules around the chromosomes or dispersed microtubules in the cytoplasm were observed. Confocal images of immunostained spindles were almost identical to polscope images of spindle birefringence. Conclusion(s): Spindles in living human oocytes can be imaged by using the polscope. A birefringent spindle in human oocytes may clinically predict the quality and age of oocytes. This method also can be used to monitor spindle position during ICSI.
Inhibition of CCI4 metabolism by oxygen varies between isoenzymes of cytochrome P-450

Oxygen inhibition of CCl4 metabolism by different isoenzymes of cytochrome P-450 was assessed by studying liver microsomes isolated from control rats and rats treated with phenobarbital or isoniazid. Rates of CCl4 metabolism were similar for all microsomes under a nitrogen atmosphere. An air atmosphere inhibited metabolism by microsomes from control rats to 12% of the value under nitrogen and metabolism by microsomes from rats treated with phenobarbital to 5%. It inhibited metabolism by microsomes from rats treated with isoniazid only to 32%. Rats treated with phenobarbital, which increases hepatic cytochrome P-450 content, or isoniazid, which does not increase hepatic cytochrome P-450 content, both metabolized more CCl4 than control rats as indicated by exhalation of greater quantities of CCl4 metabolites and by an increase in CCl4 toxicity. These results indicate that some isoenzymes of cytochrome P-450 are more effective than others in metabolizing CCl4 when oxygen is present.
A Classical Realization of Quantum Algebras

We construct a realization of a deformation of the Lie algebra of a group in terms of the generators of the classical Lie algebra of the group. The construction works for arbitrary (odd) deforming functions and, as a special case, it reproduces the standard quantum deformation of the algebra. For all these functions it gives a co-multiplication, that is, a group homomorphism, and provides an antipode and a co-unit. It therefore promotes any arbitrary deformation into a Hopf algebra.
Application of electrical analogs to metabolic control analysis: Linear pathways with multiple feedback

Abstract 1. 1. Using electrical analogs, we have presented a systematic procedure for calculating the flux control coefficients of linear metabolic pathways with multiple feedback loops. 2. 2. In this method, an electrical analog circuit is constructed first for the unregulated pathway. 3. 3. This circuit is subsequently modified in a step-by-step fashion to take into account the effect of each feedback loop in the pathway. 4. 4. An analog circuit consists of resistances which are connected in series (or parallel) with a voltage (or current) source. 5. 5. The flux control coefficients of the enzymes are represented by voltages across (or currents through) the resistances and are determined by an application of Ohm's law. 6. 6. We have investigated the possible patterns in linear pathways with two feedback loops. 7. 7. This is followed by an analysis of a linear pathway with an arbitrary pattern of feedback inhibition.
Immigration and Women's Empowerment Salvadorans in Los Angeles

Recent discoveries that immigrant women often evaluate their experience more positively than men do have led to speculation that women view their public- and domestic-sphere status and power as having increased as a result of postimmigration employment outside of the home. This study, based on in-depth interviews with 25 Salvadoran women who migrated to Southern California in the 1970s and 1980s, challenges a unilinear, integrationist view that sees immigrant women's status and roles as changing along a traditional-modern continuum. Immigrant women's experiences and their perceptions of their experiences are quite diverse and complex. For many, paid employment outside of the home is not a new experience, and the household gender division of labor did not significantly change after migrating to the United States. However, women did report a sense of empowerment, newfound freedom, and selfconfidence as they negotiated traditional gender roles in a new social and cultural context.
Are LNG Exports in the Public Interest

The United States has seen an enormous increase in the natural gas supply in the last three years. Several proposals to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) have been submitted and are currently under review at the Department of Energy/Office of Fossil Energy (DOE/FE). The Natural Gas Act requires the DOE/FE to consider whether the LNG exports are in the public interest before licensing export terminals. Although exporting to Free Trade Agreement member countries is de facto in the public interest, LNG exports to nonmember countries remains a hotly disputed and politically relevant question.
A note on changes in age at marriage of females and their effect on the birth rate in India.

This article provides additional support to Basavarajappas (1968) contention that the decrease in the Indian birthrate will not be appreciable if the minimum age at marriage of females is raised to age 20. A new methodology is suggested which is sufficiently flexible to permit relaxing some of the stronger conditions assumed by Basavarajappa and Belvalgidad (1967). The effect on the Indian female birthrate is worked out under 9 assumptions: 1) the Indian female population is stable; 2) the Indian female population will remain stable after the minimum age at marriage is raised to 20 years; 3) marriage is universal; 4) every female will be able to find a spouse; 5) all births are legitimate; 6) the age-specific marital birthrates for the age groups 20-24 25-29... 40-44 will remain the same as before while there will be no births in the age group 15-19; 7) the sex ratio at birth is 105 male births to 100 female births; 8) there is no mortality differential with respect to marital status; and 9) mortality level remains the same for the population during the period under consideration. The age-specific birthrates and the age specific marital birthrates used for this exercise are presented in tabular form. It becomes clear that the percent reduction in the female birthrate will not exceed 14% in the course of a generation i.e. within 28-29 years. If the daughter generation has a greater expectation of life at birth than the mother generation the decline in the intrinsic rate and hence in the birthrate will be reduced.
The Obvious Relationship Between Hindi and Shorthand

(1975). The Obvious Relationship Between Hindi and Shorthand. The Journal of Business Education: Vol. 51, No. 1, pp. 33-34.
Discordance rates between preliminary and final radiology reports on cross-sectional imaging studies at a level 1 trauma center.

Rationale and Objectives The goal was to determine discordance rates between preliminary radiology reports provided by on-call radiology house staff and final reports from attending radiologists on cross-sectional imaging studies requested by emergency department staff after hours. Materials and Methods A triplicate carbon copy reporting form was developed to provide permanent records of preliminary radiology reports and to facilitate communication of discrepant results to the emergency department. Data were collected over 21 weeks to determine the number of discordant readings. Patients' medical records were reviewed to show whether discrepancies were significant or insignificant and to assess their impact on subsequent management and patient outcome. Results The emergency department requested 2830 cross-sectional imaging studies after hours and 2311 (82%) had a copy of the triplicate form stored in radiology archives. Discrepancies between the preliminary and final report were recorded in 47 (2.0%), with 37 (1.6%) considered significant: 14 patients needed no change, 13 needed a minor change, and 10 needed a major change in subsequent management. Ten (0.43%) of the discordant scans were considered insignificant. A random sample of 104 (20%) of the 519 scans without a paper triplicate form was examined. Seventy-one (68%) did have a scanned copy of the triplicate form in the electronic record, with a discrepancy recorded in 3 (4.2%), which was not statistically different from the main cohort (P = .18). Conclusion Our study suggests a high level of concordance between preliminary reports from on-call radiology house staff and final reports by attending subspecialty radiologists on cross-sectional imaging studies requested by the emergency department.
QT interval effects of normal QRS variation

Abstract QRS duration significantly affects QT measurement, even within the normal range of QRS. Baseline QRS of 100 ms permits less slack than QRS of 70 ms before showing the QT effect of QT-prolonging influences, strengthening the case for substituting JT for QT interval.
Two cooperatively social populations of the theridiid spider Anelosimus studiosus in a temperate region

Abstract Social spiders are typically found only in the tropics. In laboratory tests and field observations, adult femaleA. studiosusin two populations in Tennessee, U.S.A., a temperate region, showed inter-attraction (grouping behaviour caused by the presence of conspecifics), greater tolerance towards conspecifics, and cooperation during prey capture and brood care. These are the three classical conditions considered typical of social spiders. The populations also had female-biased sex ratios and limited dispersal.Anelosimus studiosuscan thus be regarded as a quasi-social or cooperative spider species. These populations ofA. studiosusare the first social spiders to be described from typically temperate regions.
A computational model that predicts reverse growth in response to mechanical unloading

Ventricular growth is widely considered to be an important feature in the adverse progression of heart diseases, whereas reverse ventricular growth (or reverse remodeling) is often considered to be a favorable response to clinical intervention. In recent years, a number of theoretical models have been proposed to model the process of ventricular growth while little has been done to model its reverse. Based on the framework of volumetric strain-driven finite growth with a homeostatic equilibrium range for the elastic myofiber stretch, we propose here a reversible growth model capable of describing both ventricular growth and its reversal. We used this model to construct a semi-analytical solution based on an idealized cylindrical tube model, as well as numerical solutions based on a truncated ellipsoidal model and a human left ventricular model that was reconstructed from magnetic resonance images. We show that our model is able to predict key features in the end-diastolic pressure–volume relationship that were observed experimentally and clinically during ventricular growth and reverse growth. We also show that the residual stress fields generated as a result of differential growth in the cylindrical tube model are similar to those in other nonidentical models utilizing the same geometry.
A COMPUTER ASSISTED ANALYSIS OF THE RELATIONSHIPS OF THE HIGHER CATEGORIES OF TURTLES

— A character matrix of 39 characters for 14 supregeneric categories of living and extinct turtles was examined using PAUP 2.41 and 3.0L. The Branch and Bound algorithm found a single most parsimonious cladogram of 55 steps, consistency index of 0.709, retention index of 0.848 and a rescaled consistency index of 0.601. The cladogram is identical to that proposed by Gaffney and Meylan (1988). The Pleurodira and Cryptodira are each shown to be monophyletic and are supported by synapomorphies involving complex structures of the basicranium and adductor musculature. These synapomorphies are judged to be relatively well-tested homologies. A paraphyletic Cryptodira occurs in 18% of 38 equally parsimonious trees 57 steps in length, but these trees are based on characters, such as absence of pterygoid teeth, that are susceptible to homoplasy in amniotes. We re-iterate the notion that it is better to choose fewer, well-analysed characters than large numbers of poorly analysed characters.
Correlation of Analyte Structures with Biosensor Responses Using the Detection of Phenolic Estrogens as a Model

The apparent increase in hormone-induced cancers and disorders of the reproductive tract in wildlife and humans has led to a search for an accurate and reliable method for monitoring endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). This study presents a generic approach that may allow researchers to establish screening procedures for potential EDCs by correlating the analyte structures with biosensor responses and explain possible reaction mechanisms. A simple amperometric tyrosinase-based biosensor (Tyr-CPE) has been developed for the detection of phenolic EDCs. The investigation of the enzymatic oxidation of selected phenolic estrogens was first carried out using UV-vis spectroscopy. The result was used to correlate sensor responses to enzymatic activity. Natural phytoestrogen polyphenols, including resveratrol (RES), genistein (GEN), and quercetin (QRC), were compared with synthetic estrogens, for example, bisphenol A (BPhA), nonylphenol (NPh), and diethylstilbestrol (DES). The Tyr-CPE biosensor resulted in rapid, simple, and accurate measurement of phenolic estrogens with varying degrees of sensitivity, selectivity, and response times. The sensor responses have been evaluated for the detection of binary and tertiary mixtures of EDCs and natural estrogens. The results showed that BPhA could be successfully discriminated in a composite mixture containing NPh and DES at various ratios. In the case of natural phenolic estrogens GEN, RES, and QRC, the sensor allows the determination of a total phenolic content. The sensor was also validated for the detection of BPhA in a real environmental water sample, and the results was compared with standard ASTM method 9065. Mechanistically, our results indicated that the number of OH groups, the nature and the position of aryl ring substituents, or both could affect the detection limit and the biosensor sensitivity.
The knive-edge tendency in mandibular residual ridges in women

To investigate the bone resorption pattern of the residual alveolar bone, the morphologic change that occurred in mandibles was analyzed with standardized lateral cephalographs of 30 edentulous patients (15 women and 15 men). The longitudinal morphologic changes were measured at the sagittal sections of the mandibular bony contour at the symphysis area on superimposed cephalographic tracings. To quantify the morphologic change, a knife-edge index (KEI) was developed as the area change divided by the height change. Geometrically, the higher value of KEI represents the greater tendency to become a narrow residual ridge. The KEI values were statistically higher in the women than in the men (p less than 0.002). In addition, the value of KEI seems to correlate with osteopenic change at the center point of the body of the second vertebra (p less than 0.01). The continuous bone resorption activity in the edentulous mandible of women seems to be emphasized at the labial and lingual surfaces of the residual alveolar bone, resulting in a knife-edge type of residual ridge.
Behavioral interaction of adenosine and diazepam in mice.

Abstract Mice were implanted with chronic indwelling cannulae in the lateral cerebral ventricle. The behavioral interaction of intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of diazepam with intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.t.) injections of adenosine or 5′-N-ethylcar☐amidoadenosine (NECA) was examined on spontaneous locomotor activity. Concurrent injections of i.c.v.t. adenosine and i.p. diazepam, at doses which had no significant effect on locomotor activity when given alone, acted synergistically to produce a marked depression of locomotor activity. In contrast, i.p. injections of diazepam did not potentiate the locomotor depressant effects of i.c.v.t. injections of NECA, an uptake resistant analog of adenosine. These findings support the possibility of specific benzodiazepine-adenosine interactions in the central nervous system.
Use of the nonrefluxing native ureter for urinary diversion

In the Mitrofanoff technique the implanted appendix or ureter has been used for cutaneous diversion. We report on the use of the in situ ureter to take advantage of the native nonrefluxing ureterovesical junction. CASE REPORT A 70-year-old white man underwent right radical nephrectomy elsewhere for renal cell carcinoma in 1994. Postoperatively, he had several episodes of urinary tract infection with fever and chills. Obstructive bladder outlet symptoms developed. Endoscopy revealed urethral stricture, which was dilated on several occasions. A periurethral abscess was managed by incision, drainage and insertion of a suprapubic tube. Despite vigorous treatment Fournier’s gangrene developed,
The logic of scientific puzzles

Puzzle-solving, like several other everyday activities, appears in a more sophisticated and ramified form in the realm of natural science. Improving on Thomas Kuhn's rudimentary account of puzzles in science, this paper formulates logical and functional criteria for the occurrence of scientific puzzles, and examines the two-fold nature of their solutions. Then, with the aid of erotetic logic, puzzle-posing questions are identified, their presuppositional relations to scientific theory and explanations are explored, and a new tool for history of science research (sub-puzzle analysis) is developed.
The Effect of Alternative Biology-Chemistry Course Sequences on ACT Performance of College-Bound Students.

AbstractThis study was conducted to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of varying the biology-chemistry sequence for students in college-preparatory high schools. Two schools, one in which students scheduled biology before chemistry, and the other chemistry before biology, furnished students (N = 514) for the study. The curricula of the two schools were compared and found to be similar, with the exception of the biology-chemistry sequence. The student groups were compared and found to be similar in entering ability. The measuring instrument used in the evaluation was the ACT Natural Sciences Reading Test. All subjects took the test on the same testing date. Separate comparisons were made for the graduating years of 1980, 1981, and 1982. The general conclusion of the study was that varying the sequence for the two courses produces no sizeable effect on test performance.
Role of illness perceptions and medication beliefs on medication compliance of elderly hypertensive cohorts.

Background:Poor compliance with antihypertensive medications is one possible reason why its success in clinical trials has not been translated into everyday practice. In addition, medication noncompliance in elderly leads to increased hospitalizations, physician visits, and higher health care costs.Objective:The study assessed influence of illness perceptions and medications beliefs on medication compliance of elderly hypertensive cohorts.Method:A cross-sectional survey research design, utilizing self-administered health surveys, was adapted to address key study objectives. Conceptualized associations among the study variables were explored to assess their individual as well as their collective impact on the medication compliance.Result:A total of 78 (66%) study samples were found to be noncompliant with their medications. Analysis revealed that perceptions about illness and beliefs about medication jointly played a significant role in the prediction of medication compliance (F = 5.966, P < .05; R2 = .212...
Investigation of the superconducting SDW and CDW instabilities of YBa2Cu3O7-x using a first principles k-space many body Hamiltonian

Abstract We investigate the superconducting instability for YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7- x numerically by diagonalizing a Hamiltonian constructed from basis states that consist of Slater determinants of first principles band structure eigenfunctions over a mesh of points in k -space. Superconducting fluctuations are stronger than charge fluctuations with spin fluctuations being even weaker. The strong superconducting fluctuations result from the attractive exchange interaction that is larger than the repulsive direct interaction for YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 . Thus the net bare interaction that is not mediated by any intermediate boson is already attractive. This effect is absent for La 2- x Sr x CuO 4 . The large exchange term induces a strong tendency towards triplet pairing in YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7- x contrary to similar calculation for La 2- x Sr x CuO 4 .
Numerical Simulations of an Electron-Exciton System

Abstract Using fermion Monte Carlo techniques we have studied the properties of a one-dimensional electron-exciton system. The zero frequency wave vector charge-density, spin-density and pairing susceptibilities were evaluated for a variety of band fillings and interaction parameters. We find that retardation and band filling are essential in determining which correlations are dominant at low temperature. While for a single chain it is possible in the strong coupling regime to have pairing correlations diverge more rapidly than charge density wave correlations, we argue that interchain couplings will lead to a 3-D charge density wave phase.
A New Measurement of the Electron Density in the Local Interstellar Medium

Using the echelle-A grating of the Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph, we have observed the C II λλ1335, 1336 emission lines of the nearby (d = 13.3 pc) star system Capella (G8 III + G1 III). Interstellar C II absorption features are detected within both stellar emission lines. The ground-state and excited-state C II column densities derived from these absorption lines imply an electron density of ne = 0.11+ 0.12−0.06 cm-3 in the local interstellar medium (LISM). Unlike previous derivations of ne from Mg II/Mg I ratios, the density suggested by the C II lines is independent of assumptions about ionization equilibrium. Current estimates of the H I density in the LISM are in the range 0.1-0.2 cm-3. The He I/H I ratio toward the white dwarf G191-B2B, which is only 7° from Capella, has been measured to be He I/H I = 0.068-0.082 from the Extreme-Ultraviolet Explorer data. These results indicate hydrogen and helium ionization fractions toward Capella of X(H) = 0.45 ± 0.25 and X(He) = 0.57 ± 0.23, respectively, confirming that hydrogen and helium are substantially ionized in the LISM.