cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
G e Hong and the Darkness

Debates about xuan, its meaning and significance, dominated much of Chinese philosophy between the Han and Tang dynasties. While the term seems especially associated with the philosophical trend named Xuanxue, it was in fact significant to a far wider philosophical and religious audience. This chapter focuses on the analysis of xuan in the work of Ge Hong, also known as Master Embracing the Unhewn. Ge Hong’s major works, the eponymous Inner and Outer Chapters of Baopuzi and the Traditions of Divine Transcendents, have all been studied extensively and translated into English, thus making him among the best known of medieval Chinese authors. Ge Hong discusses xuan in “Penetrating the Dark,” the opening chapter of the Inner Chapters, that constitutes the philosophical basis for the following chapters and their numerous methods for seeking immortality.
A rigorous derivation of the defocusing cubic nonlinear Schrödinger equation on T3 from the dynamics of many-body quantum systems

Abstract In this paper, we will obtain a rigorous derivation of the defocusing cubic nonlinear Schrodinger equation on the three-dimensional torus T 3 from the many-body limit of interacting bosonic systems. This type of result was previously obtained on R 3 in the work of Erdős, Schlein, and Yau [54] , [55] , [56] , [57] , and on T 2 and R 2 in the work of Kirkpatrick, Schlein, and Staffilani [78] . Our proof relies on an unconditional uniqueness result for the Gross–Pitaevskii hierarchy at the level of regularity α = 1 , which is proved by using a modification of the techniques from the work of T. Chen, Hainzl, Pavlovic and Seiringer [20] to the periodic setting. These techniques are based on the Quantum de Finetti theorem in the formulation of Ammari and Nier [6] , [7] and Lewin, Nam, and Rougerie [83] . In order to apply this approach in the periodic setting, we need to recall multilinear estimates obtained by Herr, Tataru, and Tzvetkov [74] . Having proved the unconditional uniqueness result at the level of regularity α = 1 , we will apply it in order to finish the derivation of the defocusing cubic nonlinear Schrodinger equation on T 3 , which was started in the work of Elgart, Erdős, Schlein, and Yau [50] . In the latter work, the authors obtain all the steps of Spohn's strategy for the derivation of the NLS [108] , except for the final step of uniqueness. Additional arguments are necessary to show that the objects constructed in [50] satisfy the assumptions of the unconditional uniqueness theorem. Once we achieve this, we are able to prove the derivation result. In particular, we show Propagation of Chaos for the defocusing Gross–Pitaevskii hierarchy on T 3 for suitably chosen initial data.
Differential Effect of Client-based and Non-client-based Projects on Marketing Students’ Course Performance and Evaluations

This research investigates the effectiveness of incorporating a client-based project in an undergraduate course by comparing it with a non-client-based project. This study utilizes quantitative (i....
What Satisfies Parents of Pediatric Patients in China: A Grounded Theory Building Analysis of Online Physician Reviews.

Patient satisfaction is an important intermediate outcome of patient-provider encounters, linking face-to-face interactions between patients and medical professionals with patients’ well-being afte...
Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Atypical Imaging Features: Review of the Morphologic Hepatocellular Carcinoma Subtypes With Radiology-Pathology Correlation.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fastest growing cause of cancer death in the United States with the incidence rate more than doubling in 20 years. HCC is unique since a noninvasive diagnosis can be achieved with imaging alone when specific clinical criteria and imaging characteristics are met, obviating the need for tissue sampling. However, HCC is a highly heterogeneous neoplasm. Atypical HCC subtypes vary significantly in their morphology, which can be attributed to specific histologic and molecular features, and can cause deviations from the classic imaging characteristics. The different morphologic subtypes of HCC frequently present a diagnostic challenge for radiologists and pathologists since their imaging and pathologic features can overlap with those of non-HCC malignancies. Identifying an atypical subtype can have important clinical implications. Liver transplant, albeit a scarce and limited resource, is the optimal treatment for conventional HCC, potentially curing both the tumor and the underlying pre-malignant condition. Some HCC subtypes as well as mimickers are associated with unacceptably high recurrence and poor outcome after transplant, and there remains limited data on the role and prognosis of liver transplantation for treatment of rare HCC subtypes. Other subtypes tend to recur later than classic HCC, potentially requiring a different follow-up scheme. This review will discuss the appearance of different HCC subtypes in relation to their histopathologic features. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3.
The Strategic Value of Unilateral Abatement in Games of Climate Change Policy

Unilateral abatement of greenhouse gas emissions is not often explicitly considered in game-theoretic models of climate policy adoption and in reality is often justified on grounds of non-climatic benefits. We develop one non-cooperative static game and two non-cooperative dynamic games that show how allowing players to respond to commitments to unilaterally abate emissions expands the range of parameter values that support joint abatement. Importantly, joint abatement occurs only via initial unilateral abatement whenever the parameter values support joint abatement in the two dynamic games but not in the static game. The dynamic games also show that if unilateral abatement lowers costs for later abaters, then still more states of the world support joint abatement. When assessing the climatic benefits of unilateral abatement, we should consider not only the direct reductions in the abater's emissions but also the effect on other emitters' future adoption of climate policies. Unilateral abaters may want to design their climate policy instruments so as to encourage future abatement by others, which could mean focusing on the promotion of technological innovation and diffusion and on providing policy models that others could adapt to their own contexts.
Endoscopic Lung Volume Reduction Surgery: Anesthetic Challenges

Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with emphysema is a progressive, debilitating disease. Medical management of this condition can prevent exacerbations but doesn’t often reverse the progressive nature of the disease. Endoscopic Lung Volume Reduction (ELVR) is a non-invasive procedure that offers improvement of pulmonary function and quality of life. Most often accomplished by delivery of Endobronchial Valve, ELVR is conducted via fiberoptic bronchoscope, often in a remote location such as an endoscopy suite. Similar to other broncoscopy procedures, ELVR can be completed under GA or MAC anesthesia. Patient factors, such as poor respiratory function and risk of bronchospasm and COPD exacerbation must be considered when making an anesthetic plan. The risk prolonged mechanical ventilation must be weighed against the benefit of controlling mechanical ventilation and creating ideal procedure conditions. Pneumothorax, hemoptysis, and COPD exacerbation are relatively common complications. Valve migration is a rare but devastating complication. Patients require vigilant monitoring in the postoperative period including chest x-ray for any change in clinical status during the entire first week after the procedure. This chapter reviews specifics of ELVR procedure, anesthetic considerations, and common complications.
How Likely are Ride-share Drivers to Earn a Living Wage? Large-scale Spatio-temporal Density Smoothing with the Graph-fused Elastic Net

Ride-sourcing or transportation network companies (TNCs) provide on-demand transportation service for compensation, connecting drivers of personal vehicles with passengers through smartphone applications. In this study, we consider the problem of estimating a spatiotemporally varying probability distribution for the productivity of a TNC driver, using data on more than 1.2 million TNC trips in Austin, Texas. We propose a graph-based smoothing approach that allows for distinct spatial and temporal dynamics, including different degrees of smoothness, spatio-temporal interactions, and interpolation in regions with little or no data. For such a goal, we introduce the Graph-fused Elastic Net (GFEN) and use it in combination with a dyadic tree decomposition for density estimation. In addition, we present an optimization-driven approach for fast point estimates scalable to massive graphs. Bayesian inference and uncertainty quantification with MCMC are also illustrated. The main results demonstrate that the optimization strategy is an effective exploration tool for selecting adequate regularization schemes using Bayesian optimization of the cross-validation loss. Two key empirical findings made possible by our method include: 1) the probability that a TNC driver can expect to earn a living wage in Austin exhibits high variability in space and time, from as low as 25% to as high as 85%; and 2) some drivers suffer considerable "tail risk", with the bottom 10% of the earnings distribution falling below $10 per hour -- grossly below a living wage in Austin for a single adult -- for specific times and locations. All code and data for the paper are publicly available, as a Shiny app for visualizing the results and a software package in Julia for implementing the GFEN.
Queering Forensic Psychology: What Intimate Partner Violence and Sex Trafficking Can Tell Us About Inclusivity

Despite forensic psychology’s early progressive history with race and gender, contemporary forensic psychology remains largely blind to race, gender, and sexuality with little inquiry into how culture, identity, and intersectionality impacts those in the criminal justice system. This chapter utilizes a psycho-legal case study to illuminate current limitations in the field of forensic psychology. Through a case of intimate partner violence and sex trafficking, the role of systemic oppression, heterosexism, and homophobia are explored in relation to dominant forensic questions (e.g., those of malingering and psychopathy). Alternative questions and considerations are offered as ways to begin the deconstruction of existing forensic norms and activate new research, theory, and approaches in order to expand inclusivity in forensic psychology, specifically for queer populations.
Was ist Streß, und wie kann man mit ihm umgehen?

Der Tag begann wie jeder andere Schultag — nur etwas dusterer. Ich war zu spat dran. Ich hatte namlich verschlafen, weil ich meinen Radiowekker versehentlich auf 7 Uhr abends anstatt 7 Uhr morgens eingestellt hatte (zweifellos eine Freudsche Fehlleistung!). Trotzdem war ich noch mude, hatte nicht gut geschlafen und mir die ganze Nacht uber meine Beforderung Gedanken gemacht: Heute sollte die Entscheidung daruber durch die Fakultat bekanntgegeben werden. Wenn je jemand seine Beforderung verdient hatte, so war ich das, und zwar einfach aufgrund des Mases an Anstrengung, Eifer und Einsatz, das ich uber die reine Pflichterfullung hinaus an den Tag gelegt hatte. Aber vielleicht sahen das die anderen nicht so.
Bohuslav Martinů: A Research and Information Guide

1. Life and Works 2. Writings of Martinu 3. Correspondence 4. General Studies 5. Topical Studies 6. Genre Studies 7. Studies of Individual Works 8. Martinu in Related Studies 9. Inspirations Appendices Indices
The New Mexican Federal Labor Law: An Analysis

1. Work Shifts. The new law, Article 58, adopts the following definition: "The work shift is the period of time during which the employee is at the disposal of the employer to render services." Even though this provision is in accord with judicial precedents and current doctrine, it is contrary to the practice followed in Mexico, as set forth in union contracts and internal employment regulations. In effect, the common practice is to consider the work shift as beginning at the time the employee actually begins his task at the place where he renders his services.
Floorplan area optimization using network analogous approach

In this paper, we propose a new approach to solve a general floorplan area optimization problem. By using the analogy between a floorplan and a resistive network, we have shown that a class of zero wasted area floorplan can be achieved under the shape constraint of continuous aspect ratio. However, in many practical designs, each module may have constraints on its dimensions such as minimum length or width. In this paper, we define the floorplan area minimization problem under the constrained aspect ratio and give necessary conditions for the realization of zero wasted area floorplan under the shape constraints. A set of optimization methods is developed to minimize the wasted area if no zero wasted area floorplan is achievable. Examples are given to demonstrate the approach.
Optical and optoelectronic computing

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the fundamentals of optical computing and discusses the elements of optical computers—such as memories, logic arrays, and input/output devices. The different types of optical processors are also discussed. The basic mathematical operations for optical computing include addition, subtraction, and multiplication. In optical systems, the input functions (either one- or two-dimensional) are entered by spatial light modulators (SLMs). Holography is a technique for storing the whole information about an object. After the hologram is recorded and developed, it can be used to reconstruct an image of the object. Holographic memories do not use the 3-D display characteristic of holography. The hologram that is most suitable for data storage is the Fourier hologram. The hybrid processors combine the advantages of analog optics with those of digital electronics. These processors have applications in both laboratory and industry and are promising architectures for computationally intensive problems—such as solving large sets of linear or nonlinear equations.
A state-of-the-art CS undergraduate lab

This paper describes the development of a high-quality laboratory for computer science majors over the last decade and plans for its continued development. We start with the historical background and then describe the current situation that involves moving the introductory programming course to Unix workstations. This decision has resulted in many benefits and a few unanticipated problems. Finally, we speculate about future development and describe two possible scenarios: one evolutionary, based on continued adaptation of the original lab concept, and the other revolutionary, based on rethinking the underlying goals of the introductory CS curriculum.
Awareness of government seasonal and 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccination recommendations among targeted US adults: The role of provider interactions

We present nationally representative estimates regarding awareness of government vaccination recommendations for seasonal and 2009 H1N1 influenza among US adults for whom such vaccinations are specifically recommended. We also show how awareness varies based on interactions with health care providers. Despite comprehensive media coverage of the H1N1 pandemic, awareness of government influenza vaccination recommendations among adults is low. Provider-based vaccination counseling may help increase adults' awareness of federal vaccination recommendations.
Differential treatment responses of TMD patients as a function of psychological characteristics

A number of studies have reported that psychological factors play a significant role in TMD. Several studies have identified subgroups of patients based on their responses to psychological assessments; however, none of these studies have reported on the clinical utility of classifications of TMD patients on these various measures. In this study, the differential response of 133 TMD patients classified within 3 psychosocial-behaviorally based subgroups to a conservative, standardized treatment was examined. The treatment consisted of the combination of an intra-oral appliance, biofeedback, and stress management. Follow-up assessments were conducted 6 months after treatment termination. The results demonstrated that overall as a group patients significantly improved and maintained improvements on physical, psychosocial, and behavioral measures (P < 0.0001). Comparisons across patient subgroups, however, revealed differential patterns of improvement on the outcome measures. Most notably, reliable change indices demonstrated that the patients classified into a subgroup characterized by the greatest degree of psychological distress (Dysfunctional) demonstrated significantly greater improvements on measures of pain intensity (P < 0.001), perceived impact of TMD symptoms on their lives (P < 0.001), depression (P < 0.01), and negative thoughts (P < 0.001), compared with groups characterized by greater interpersonal problems (Interpersonally Distressed) and those patients who appeared to be the least disabled by TMD (Adaptive Copers). These data provide support for the clinical utility of a psychosocial-behavioral classification system and suggest that in future research individualizing treatments and outcome measures based on patient characteristics may improve treatment efficacy and outcome evaluation.
Use of Magnesium Alloys as Pigments in Magnesium-Rich Primers for Protecting Aluminum Alloys

Abstract As an alternative to toxic chromate coating, Mg-rich primers have been designed to protect Al alloys (in particular AA2024-T3 [UNSA92024]) and developed in analogy to Zn-rich primers for s...
A Glimpse into Urban Middle Schools on Probation for “Persistently Dangerous” Status: Identifying Malleable Predictors of Fighting

The No Child Left Behind Act requires state boards of education to identify schools that are unsafe. Schools that are identified by measures such as suspension and expulsion rates are subsequently labeled “persistently dangerous.” To our knowledge there is no published research that attempts to characterize fighting behavior among youths who may attend schools designated as persistently dangerous. Two hundred thirteen sixth-grade African American boys and girls attending two urban middle schools on probation for persistently dangerous status were examined to investigate differences in demographic characteristics of gender and age and predictor factors of nonparental adult mentorship (NPAM), parental acceptance of fighting behavior, and peer fighting. These analyses suggest a relationship between being more likely to fight and number of peers who fight, youths who believed their parents endorse fighting, and youths without nonparental adult mentorship. This study also indicates that regardless of school st...
Multi-scale modelling of heterogeneous materials with fixed and evolving microstructures

Many engineering and scientific problems require a full understanding of physical phenomena that span a wide spectrum of spatial length scales. These multi-scale problems cannot be analysed readily under the classical continuum mechanics framework. While classical methods have been proposed to study the physical phenomena on smaller scales and the resulting information has been transferred by homogenization techniques onto larger scales, effective methods to explicitly couple information at multiple length scales are still lacking. Passing information between physical models at different length scales requires mathematically consistent and physically meaningful formulation and numerical techniques. This paper presents a class of multi-scale mathematical and computational formulations as well as homogenization and localization numerical procedures for multi-scale modelling of (1) materials with fixed microstructures, and (2) problems with evolving microstructures such as stressed grain growth processes in polycrystalline materials. Wavelet-based computational methods are introduced for multi-scale modelling and homogenization of materials with fixed microstructures. Two wavelet-based methods, the wavelet Galerkin method and wavelet projection method, are presented. For problems with evolving microstructures, a multi-scale variational formulation based on an asymptotic expansion method and a double-grid numerical method is proposed.
The Fundamental Basis for Cyclopolymerization. II. The Relation of In-Plane-Deformation Vibrations of Terminal Methylene Groups of 1,6-Heptadienes to Polymerizability

Abstract A number of 4-substituted 1,6-heptadienes have been prepared and their infrared absorption characteristics compared with their polymerizability. This group of compounds included several N,N-diallylamides, diallylcyanamide, diallyl-(tricyanovinyl)-amine, diallylammonium bromide, diallylmethylphosphine oxide, diallylphenylphosphine oxide, diallylmethylphenylphosphonium bromide, and dimethyl-4-penteneamine. The frequencies of the in-plane-deformation vibration of the terminal methylene groups varied from 1411 to 1437 cm−1. The higher frequencies were attributed to the electron withdrawal effect of the substituent in the 4 position. Those compounds having higher absorption frequencies also undergo polymerization more readily than those in the lower-frequency range. These correlations are presented as substantiating evidence for an intramolecular interaction in the monomers which can in part explain the facile but highly improbable cyclopolymerization mechanism.
Critical Theory and the Hermeneutical Circle

This paper examines the debate between Gadamer and Habermas concerning the relationship between hermeneutics and critical theory. Formulating the hermeneutical circle in terms of relationship between understanding and interpretation, this paper examines three positions on the circle held by positivism, critical theory and hermeneutics, respectively. A commitment to method and procedure on the part of Habermas is offered as the basis for critical theory's limited acceptance of the hermeneutical circle. This is shown through an analysis of Knowledge and Human Interests as indicative of Habermas's implicit objectivism and his methodical, as opposed to hermeneutical, model of reasoning for social inquiry. The best definition for hermeneutics is: to let what is alienated by the character of the written word or by the character of being distantiated by cultural or historical distances speak again. This is hermeneutics: to let what seems to be far and alienated speak again (Gadamer, 1980a:83).
A computer-aided design procedure for flyback step-up DC-to-DC converters

A flyback step-up dc-to-dc power converter is modeled utilizing a linear magnetic core, transistor switch, diode, filter capacitance, and load resistance. Assuming constant voltage drops across the semiconductor elements when conducting, the circuit is analyzed to obtain an equation for the required number of turns, subject to the constraints of specified output voltage, operating frequency, maximum winding factor, maximum and minimum input voltage, output power, and flux density. Using an interpretive language, a program has been written to run on a minicomputer which searches a data base of magnetic core characteristics obtained from commercial core catalogs and prints a list of windable cores. In an evaluation section of the program, a core from the windable core list is selected by the designer and the losses in the various elements, along with maximum and minimum transistor current are computed. Another program is used to display on a computer graphics device the loci of maximum and minimum flux density in a selected core as functions of input voltage and output power in a perspective plot. Converter circuits derived from this computer-aided design procedure when tested in the laboratory have yielded data in close agreement with that predicted by the program.
A biochemical basis for resistance of L1210 mouse leukemia to 6-thioguanine.

Abstract Enzyme preparations from ascites cell lines of L1210 mouse leukemia were examined for pyrophosphorylase activity. The synthesis of inosinic, guanylic, azaguanylic, and thioguanylic acids from the corresponding purine bases and 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate was significantly less when the reactions were catalyzed by enzyme preparations from 6-thioguanine-resistant and 8-azaguanine-resistant lines than by similar preparations from the sensitive parent line. Experiments in vivo showed that there was also a pronounced decrease in the incorporation of radioactivity from thioguanine-35S into the nucleic acids of thioguanine-resistant L1210 cells as compared with those of the sensitive line.
On the use of thin wafers to study dynamic properties of metals

Abstract Many different impact test arrangements have been utilized to investigate the dynamic properties of metals. This paper discusses the applications and limitations of a one-dimensional theory of bar impact, particularly as it relates to a specific experimental configuration known as the ‘thin wafer’ or ‘split Hopkinson pressure-bar’ technique. An analysis of this experiment, which utilized a bilinear approximation for the stress-strain curve of the aluminium being tested, led previous investigators to demand the incorporation of strain rate effects in the constitutive relation of metals. However, the present nonlinear analysis of the same test demonstrates that the experimental data for this particular metal can be predicted from a strain rate independent theory. This new analysis indicates the influence of assumptions which neglect certain stress wave propagation phenomena. These mechanical effects are shown to be an important contribution to dynamic observations which had been attributed only to intrinsic material properties , such as strain rate dependence.
Aging in silicone rubber used for outdoor insulation

A hypothesis for aging produced by dry band arcing in silicone rubber material used for outdoor insulation is presented and experimentally proven. Aging is indicated by permanent changes. The analytical techniques used to study the permanent changes are Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and surface roughness measurement. The authors highlight the fact that there are permanent changes occurring in the material that lead to progressive degradation in the long run, even though there can be a complete recovery of surface hydrophobicity in a short time. >
Glycosylated Hemoglobin, Cardiovascular, and Renal Outcomes in a Pharmacist-Managed Clinic

BACKGROUNDPharmacists' responsibilities in caring for patients with diabetes mellitus are expanding. However, few data are available to support pharmacists optimizing therapy and improving outcomes in these patients.OBJECTIVETo determine the effect of a clinical pharmacist—directed diabetes management clinic on glycemic control and cardiovascular and renal parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes.METHODSA nonrandomized, prospective study was conducted in 70 Veterans Affairs patients. Patients met with the pharmacist every 6–8 weeks for approximately 30 minutes for education, medication counseling, monitoring, and management. The primary endpoint was the impact of 9–12 months of participation in the clinic on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C). Secondarily, we evaluated body weight, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and level of microalbuminuria. All comparisons were made using a paired...
The dependence of the induced effect on orientation and a hypothesis concerning disparity computations in general

Abstract The induced size effect is an apparent rotation about a vertical axis that results from binocularly viewing a target in which one half-image is vertically magnified. A previous paper (Arditiet al., 1981,Vision Res.21, 755–764) described a theory of this effect in terms ofhorizontal disparities that exist between vertically magnified images of oblique features and their unmagnified counterparts. The present studies test two aspects of that theory: the requirement of oblique features in stimuli eliciting the induced effect, and the assumption that binocular associations (inputs to disparity computations) are made across horizontal meridians. The former aspect was confirmed in a stereo discrimination experiment in which the direction of rotation (tilt) for crossed line patterns of varying orientation was judged, for a fixed vertical magnification of one half-image. The latter aspect was rejected on the basis of the results of that experiment, and of two experiments in which observers matched the apparent tilt of the lines with a horizontal adjustment line which could be stereoscopically rotated in depth. The data and some associated demonstrations suggest that stereoacuity and apparent depth of oblique lines vertically magnified in one half-image are determined by the horizontal separation between binocular points which arenearest in a fixed binocular coordinate map, rather than by purely horizontal point-matchings. This “nearest neighbor hypothesis” seems to be operative in classic measures of stereoacuity as well as in the induced effect.
Constraints on the origin and interior structure of the major planets

Fitting models to the external gravity field of the major planets (Uranus, Neptune, Jupiter, and Saturn), it is found that certain interior characteristics may be common to all four. For Uranus and Neptune, a model with a central iron-silicate core of approximately four earth masses, an 'ice' layer of H2O, CH4, and NH3 in solar proportions of about 10 earth masses, and an H2-He atmosphere of about 1-2 earth masses gives a good fit to available constraints, including heat flow measurements. Models of Jupiter and Saturn have cores very similar to those of Uranus and Neptune; the H2-He layer, however, is markedly more extensive. Modes of origin that are consistent with these features are discussed. Models of this type predict a considerable enrichment of deuterium relative to primordial solar abundances in Uranus and Neptune. Such enrichment is not observed in Uranus; implications are discussed for interior structure and origin.
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition: The doorway to metastasis in human lung cancers

Lung cancer remains a disease characterized by early metastasis and poor 5-year survival. Lung cancers are almost exclusively derived from epithelial tissues, and most tumor cells retain epithelial characteristics even as the tumor progresses. Small numbers of cells, however, are thought to undergo a process of epithelial to mesenchymal transition in which the malignant cells acquire a fibroblastlike morphology, lose intracellular adhesions, and become mobile. This process represents a crucial event in cancer invasion and metastasis. These mesenchymal cells may subsequently revert to an epithelial phenotype, allowing clinically relevant growth of metastases. Ongoing studies are required to determine ways in which the process of epithelial to mesenchymal transition can be exploited in patients with lung cancer for screening, diagnostic studies, and therapeutic options. Lung cancer remains the most common cause of malignancy-related death among both men and women in America with more people dying of lung cancer than of melanoma, colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers combined. The overall 5-year survival among patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a dismal 15%, primarily from development of distant metastatic disease. Despite the expectation that curative surgical resection of early stage NSCLC leaves patients disease free, 40% to 60% of these patients still have metastases develop and die of lung cancer. Efficacy of the best available chemotherapeutic agents to control metastasis has reached a plateau, and further advancement of cytotoxic therapy is unlikely. More recently, targeted agents have attracted interest after the introduction of antibodies and small molecule inhibitors of epithelial growth factor receptor and vascular endothelial growth factor. Novel agents delivered against these receptors provide survival benefits only among select patients, however, and the application of targeted agents to the overall population of patients with lung cancer provides only modest benefits. Recently, the concept of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been proposed as a putative mechanism for
Racial differences in respiratory-related neonatal mortality among very low birth weight infants.

Objective: To examine racial differences in the secular trends in respiratory-related neonatal mortality among very low birth weight (VLBW) infants in the United States, temporally associated with surfactant availability. Design: Comparison of time trends in African American and non-Hispanic white (NHW) VLBW infants of cause-specific neonatal mortality and neonatal and infant mortality for 2 consecutive 3-year periods. Results: From 1985 to 1988 there was no racial difference in the rate of decline of each mortality outcome. From 1988 to 1991 rates of decline in neonatal mortality caused by respiratory distress syndrome and by all respiratory causes were significantly greater for NHWs compared with African Americans. However, the rate of decline in nonrespiratory neonatal mortality was similar for African Americans and NHWs. Compared with African American VLBW infants, NHWs had a greater rate of decline in both neonatal (31% vs 20%; P <.01) and infant mortality (32% vs 21%; P <.01) during this period. Conclusions: Between 1988 and 1991, declines in neonatal mortality risks caused by respiratory distress syndrome and all respiratory causes were greater for NHW infants than for African American VLBW infants. The decline in nonrespiratory mortality risk showed no racial differences. These findings suggest possible racial disparities in timely access or racial differences in the efficacy of respiratory treatments for VLBW infants. (J Pediatr 2000;136:454-59)
Extension of Usable Workspace of Rotational Axes in Robot Planning

Singularity of a robot manipulator is one of the obstacles that influences its capabilities. This paper discusses constrained and allowable rotational motion resulting from lost translational freedom when the robot is singular. A convenient method and simple and clear expression to determine the allowable rotational axes and the subspace that they form, under Jacobian singularity, is analyzed and presented. Different configurations, reciprocal screws, and subspaces of allowable-rotational-axes are derived in a case study involving a classic robot. The result is useful in applications involving robot path planning in task space as it extends the usable workspace of rotational axes.
Sense organs on the antennae of two species of collembola (insecta).

The antennae of Folsomia candida and Hypogastrura copiosa are provided with tactile hairs on all four segments and, in addition, with chemoreceptors on segments three and four. The cuticle of the thin-walled chemo-receptors of Folsomia, as in most other insects, is penetrated by many small pores uniformly distributed over the surface. In contrast, the cuticle of the thin-walled chemoreceptors of Hypogastrura is unusual in that a band of cuticle without perforations spirals around, or partly around, the hair. The cuticle between the spirals is very thin, and has extremely small openings in it. The tip of the antenna of Folsomia is thin, permeable to dyes in aqueous solution and apparently glandular. The antennal tip of Hypogastrura is definitely glandular.
Interactive grid generation and NURBS applications

Abstract This paper addresses recent developments of grid generation techniques employing nonuniform rational B-spline formulations (NURBS). Grid refinement algorithms for arbitrary curves and surfaces with NURBS maintain high fidelity of the geometry, and allow time-efficient interactive grid generation. Bezier curve formulations are utilized to subdivide surface patches to accomplish a smooth and near orthogonal zonal grid. A CAD/Grid interface code based on NURBS formulations has been developed which converts CAD data from IGES files into the format accepted by the structured grid system. Two interactive grid generation codes, a general-purpose code and a customized one for turbomachinery configurations, have been developed on the basis of NURBS' definition.
Quantitative Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Effervescent Systems II: Stability Monitoring by Reactivity and Porosity Measurements

The stability of selected effervescent tablet systems was monitored by means of mercury intrusion porosimetry and by a cantilever beam/proximity transducer balance. The porosity measurements proved to be useful in elucidating tablet pore structure changes over time. The measured parameter, percent pores greater than the experimental range, was a useful measure of porosity for statistical evaluations. The study showed that compression pressure and manufacturing conditions are not significant factors in the stability of an effervescent tablet system when nonhygroscopic materials are used.
Sodium butyrate induced alterations in lysosomal enzyme activity

Treatment of cultured HeLa cells with 5 mM sodium butyrate causes an inhibition of growth as well as extensive chemical and morphological differentiation. Lysosomal enzyme activity changes have been associated with both normal and neoplastic growth as well as many aspects of the neoplastic process. The comparative ultrastructural results show that the butyrate-treated cells have a more extensive internal membraneous system than the untreated cells, whereas other organelles seem unaffected by the butyrate treatment. Methods for the histochemical localization of lysosomal acid phosphatase show a twofold increase in particulate reaction product in the butyrate-treated HeLa cells. Isolation of lysosomes followed by a comparative enzyme analysis shows a two to three fold increase in acid phosphatase activity per cell after 24 h of butyrate treatment, as well as three to four fold increase in β-glucuronidase activity. These increases reverse within 24 h of removal of the butyrate from the culture medium. These results as interpreted suggest that butyrate treatment may be preventing sublethal autolysis by arresting the leakage of the lysosomal enzymes from the lysosome into the cytosol and thus allowing the cell to chemically and morphologically differentiate.
Stream Execution on Embedded Wide-Issue Clustered VLIW Architectures

Very long instruction word- (VLIW-) based processors have become widely adopted as a basic building block in modern System-on-Chip designs. Advances in clustered VLIW architectures have extended the scalability of the VLIW architecture paradigm to a large number of functional units and very-wide-issue widths. A central challenge with wide-issue clustered VLIW architecture is the availability of programming and automated compiler methods that can fully utilize the available computational resources. Existing compilation approaches for clustered-VLIW architectures are based on extensions of previously developed scheduling algorithms that primarily focus on the maximization of instruction-level parallelism (ILP). However, many applications do not have sufficient ILP to fully utilize a large number of functional units. On the other hand, many applications in digital communications and multimedia processing exhibit enormous amounts of data-level parallelism (DLP). For these applications, the streaming programming paradigm has been developed to explicitly expose coarse-grained data-level parallelism as well as the locality of communication between coarse-grained computation kernels. In this paper, we investigate the mapping of stream programs to wide-issue clustered VLIW processors. Our work enables designers to leverage their existing investments in VLIW-based architecture platforms to harness the advantages of the stream programming paradigm.
Quality of care for testis cancer

This article explores the delivery of high quality care in patients with testicular cancer. Critical issues relate to an individualized, risk-stratified, and multidisciplinary approach to patient care at centers of excellence and subsequent close patient follow-up. The necessary integration of multiple therapeutic modalities makes testis cancer outcomes highly susceptible to variations in quality of care, which deserves further investigation in well designed population-based studies.
The Human Subjects Review Procedure: An Exercise in Critical Thinking for Undergraduate Experimental Psychology Students

Undergraduate psychology curricula almost always have one or more experimental courses and laboratories that majors are required to take. This article describes the use of the human subjects review process as a method of stimulating critical thinking in such classes. Questions posed by the review process are considered within the framework of critical-thinking exercises, and classroom applications are discussed.
Risk assessment for aflatoxin: an evaluation based on the multistage model.

Lifetime cancer potency of aflatoxin was assessed based on the Yeh et al. study from China in which both aflatoxin exposure and hepatitis B prevalence were measured. This study provides the best available information for estimating the carcinogenic risk posed by aflatoxin to the U.S. population. Cancer potency of aflatoxin was estimated using a biologically motivated risk assessment model. The best estimate of aflatoxin potency was 9 (mg/kg/day)-1 for individuals negative for hepatitis B and 230 (mg/kg/day)-1 for individuals positive for hepatitis B.
Modulation of Integrin-Extracellular Matrix Adhesions by RhoA and Src

RhoA and Src are considered potential modulators of the mechanical signaling that promotes actin polymerization and focal adhesion formation. Here, we performed adhesion force spectroscopy measurements on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) expressing RhoA or Src (wild type, constitutively active or dominant negative mutants) using an atomic force microscope (AFM) tip functionalized with fibronectin. Integrin alpha5beta1-fibronectin adhesion force, local cell stiffness at the point of contact, and adhesion probability were determined. The results show that the mechanical properties of the VSMC as well as integrin-fibronectin adhesion force are modulated by RhoA and Src. Inhibition of RhoA activity induces low cytoskeletal tension and decreased integrin-fibronectin adhesion force. Also, VSMC expressing RhoA or Src dominant negative constructs were found to be the softest. Conversely, RhoA and Src activation increased alpha5beta1 integrin-fibronectin adhesion force and cell stiffness. To independently verify the effect of RhoA and Src on cytoskeletal changes, fluorescence imaging experiments were performed to quantify actin fibers (confocal imaging of cells co-expressing RhoA-GFP and actin-mRFP) or protein phosphorylation at focal adhesions (total internal reflection fluorescence imaging of cells co-expressing Src-mCherry and dSH2-YFP), respectively. Consistent with the AFM measurements, we observed an increase in actin fibers, and in protein phosphorylation at focal adhesion sites in cells expressing constitutively active RhoA and Src, respectively. In addition, these two proteins were maximally decreased by expression of dominant negative RhoA and Src. Taken together, these results show that RhoA and Src are critical modulators of the mechanical signaling cross-talk between the cell and the extracellular matrix.
N7: a novel multi-modality therapy of high risk neuroblastoma (NB) in children diagnosed over 1 year of age.

Background The N7 protocol for poor-risk neuroblastoma uses dose-intensive chemotherapy (as in N6 protocol [Kushner et al.: J Clin Oncol 12:2607–2613, 1994] but with lower dosing of vincristine) for induction, surgical resection and 2100 cGy hyperfractionated radiotherapy for local control, and for consolidation, targeted radioimmunotherapy with 131I-labeled anti-GD2 3F8 monoclonal antibody and immunotherapy with unlabeled/unmodified 3F8 (400 mg/m2). Procedure The chemotherapy consists of: cyclophosphamide 70 mg/kg/d × 2 and a 72-hr infusion of doxorubicin 75 mg/m2 plus vincristine 2 mg/m2, for courses 1, 2, 4, and 6; and cisplatin 50 mg/m2/d × 4 and etoposide 200 mg/m2/d × 3, for courses 3, 5, and 7. 131I-3F8 is dosed at 20 mCi/kg, which is myeloablative and therefore necessitates stem-cell support. Results Of the first 24 consecutive previously untreated patients more than 1 year old at diagnosis, 22 were stage 4 and two were unresectable stage 3 with MYCN amplification. Chemotherapy achieved CR/VGPR in 21 of 24 patients. Twenty patients to date have completed treatment with 131I-3F8, and 15 patients have completed all treatment. With a median follow-up of 19 months, 18 of 24 patients remain progression-free. Conclusions Major toxicities were grade 4 myelosuppression and mucositis during chemotherapy, and self-limited pain and urticaria during antibody treatment. Late effects include hearing deficits and hypothyroidism. Med. Pediatr. Oncol. 36:227–230, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Surface modification of aluminium by plasma immersion ion implantation

Abstract Nitrogen plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) into pure aluminium was performed at voltages of −10 to −30 kV. Different temperatures, from 250 to 500°C and incident fluences of 1.2–3.6×10 18 nitrogen atoms/cm 2 were used to investigate the diffusion behaviour and AlN phase formation. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) shows the formation of cubic AlN at temperatures below 300°C, whereas hexagonal AlN appears beyond 390°C. No observable diffusion was measured, using ion beam techniques, at temperatures below 300°C, limiting the retained dose to approximately 10% of the incident ion flux. At higher temperatures, thermally activated diffusion with an activation energy of approximately 1 eV leads to an inward diffusion, albeit not the formation of thick stoichiometric AlN layers. The retained dose is increased to approximately 35% for 500°C and a fluence of 1.2×10 18 nitrogen atoms/cm 2 . A long diffusion tail of nitrogen, below the solubility limit is detectable with SIMS, correlated with a lattice expansion of the native Al by approximately 0.7%.
The Role of Water Boards in Water Safety Plan Implementation in South Africa

Water boards act as water services providers to water services authorities (local authorities) in most of the major metropolitan areas in South Africa. These water boards manage a significant portion of the water supply chain and influence both up and downstream activities in this chain. It thus stands to reason that these agencies play a pivotal role in the development and implementation of appropriate water management plans aligned to universally accepted practice. As a leader in the water industry in South Africa, Rand Water is well advanced in implementing a “customised” water safety plan in its area of operation, and has been requested by various stakeholders in the industry to assist with a similar process in other regions. During the development of the organisations9 water safety plan it became evident that certain support systems had to be put in place to ensure successful implementation of such a plan. As a result, an additional procedure (procedure 11) was included in the water safety plan to address support activities such as communication, training/education and consumer relations. These support systems have been developed to address specific requirements of internal and external stakeholders/customers and cover the entire supply chain to ensure a sound understanding of all aspects influencing water supply.