cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
String-based cohesive zone model: implicit integration scheme and calibration method

The objective of this paper is to develop the implicit integration scheme and calibration method for a recently developed cohesive zone model (CZM), for improved predictive capabilities in interlaminar delamination. The concept of string-based CZM is briefly introduced. An associated implicit integration scheme, which can handle complex separation paths and mixed-mode fracture, is developed, and the implicit CZM is implemented in an implicit solver via a user subroutine, for structural analysis. The constant interface parameters are identified from a thermodynamic perspective, and a systemic method for model calibration is subsequently developed. The present CZM is validated by calibrating its constant parameters via a series of flexural tests. The integration scheme is found to produce improved convergence and accuracy. The calibration method is found to provide a reliable guide to model calibration. The present CZM can be modified to accommodate other types of debonding or fracture.
Multiple Steady States and Nonsmooth Bifurcations in Dry and Vaporless Distillation Columns

Many process systems, such as distillation columns and other equipment with phase change, exhibit multiple modes of physical behavior that can be described by non-differentiable (i.e., nonsmooth) m...
Preoperative Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Relationship With Postoperative Outcomes in Flexible Adult-Acquired Flatfoot Deformity.

Background:Previous studies have demonstrated that procedure-specific thresholds using preoperative patient-reported outcome scores may be used to predict postoperative outcomes. The primary purpos...
Does Early Glasses Wear Improve Visual Outcome in OCA1A

Purpose: Oculocutaneous albinism type 1A (OCA1A), with lifelong absent melanin in skin, hair, and eyes, is the most severe type of albinism with greatest ametropia and poorest vision. We evaluated ...
Rethinking global citizenship education with/for transnational youth

This paper compares state-led approaches to global citizenship education, driven by the concerns of national security, with the kinds of citizenship formation transnational youth acquire through th...
Patellofemoral kinematics in patellofemoral pain syndrome: The influence of demographic factors.

Abstract Due to the multifactorial nature of patellofemoral pain, it is often difficult to identify an individual patient’s exact cause of pain. Understanding how demographic variability influences these various factors will support improved consensus in regards to the etiology of PF pain. Thus, in this retrospective study, we tested the hypothesis that sex, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and age influence the determination of between-groups differences in PF kinematics. We included 41 skeletally mature patients with patellofemoral pain and 79 healthy controls. Three-dimensional patellofemoral kinematics were quantified from dynamic magnet resonance images. We ran multiple regression analyses to determine the influence of demographic covariates (age, sex, height, weight, and BMI) on patellofemoral kinematics. Patellar shift was significantly influenced by weight (p = 0.009) and BMI (p = 0.009). Patellar flexion was influenced by height (p = 0.020) and weight (p = 0.040). Patellar tilt and superior displacement were not influence by demographic variables. Age and sex did not influence kinematics. This study supports the hypothesis that demographic parameters influence PF kinematics. The fact that weight, a modifiable measure, influences both patellar shift and flexion has strong implications for future research and clinical interventions. Clinically, weight loss may have a dual benefit of reducing joint stress and maltracking in patients who are overweight and experiencing patellofemoral pain. The influence of key demographics on patellofemoral kinematics, reinforces the clear need to control for population characteristics in future studies. As such, going forward, improved demographic matching between control and patient cohorts or more advanced statistical techniques that compensate for confounding variables are necessary.
A New Methodology For Emergent System Identification Using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) And The Group Mehtod Data Handling (GMDH)

A new methodology for Emergent System Identification is proposed in this paper. The new method applies the self-organizing Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) functional networks, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and Genetic Programming (GP) that is effective in identifying complex dynamic systems. The focus of the paper will be on how Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is applied within Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) which is used as the modeling framework.
Automatic Torso Engagement for Gesturing Characters

Acting theorists such as Grotowski [1] have argued that full body engagement is a key principle in creating expressive movement. Unfortunately, torso use has received limited attention in virtual character research and torso involvement is often lacking. In procedural gesture animation, the character's gestural movements often begin at the shoulder and the character's torso is left relatively stiff. This reduces both the believability and expressiveness of the resulting motion.
Parameters of normotensive women and women with pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) in Lusaka

This paper reports results of a survey of mean arterial pressures (MAP) in a population of 125 control patients and 30 cases who developed pregnancy induced hypertension. The investigation was carried out to see if MAP would be a useful addition to methods used to screen for PIH. More of the cases had elevated MAP than did the controls, suggesting that use of this easily obtainable information may be helpful in identifying patients at risk for pregnancy--induced hypertension. Addition baseline information on the 155 patients and their pregnancy outcome is also presented.
Indoor Propagation Modeling at 2.4 GHz for IEEE 802.11 Networks

Indoor use of wireless systems poses one of the biggest design challenges. It is difficult to predict the propagation of a radio frequency wave in an indoor environment. To assist in deploying the above systems, characterization of the indoor radio propagation channel is essential. The contributions of this work are two-folds. First, in order to build a model, extensive field strength measurements are carried out inside two different buildings. Then, path loss exponents from log-distance path loss model and standard deviations from log-normal shadowing, which statistically describe the path loss models for a different transmitter receiver separations and scenarios, are determined. The purpose of this study is to characterize the indoor channel for 802.11 wireless local area networks at 2.4 GHz frequency. This thesis presents a channel model based on measurements conducted in commonly found scenarios in buildings. These scenarios include closed corridor, open corridor, classroom, and computer lab. Path loss equations are determined using log-distance path loss model and log-normal shadowing. The chi-square test statistic values for each access point are calculated to prove that the observed fading is a normal distribution at 5% significance level. Finally, the propagation models from the two buildings are compared to validate the generated equations.
A Hard Row to Hoe: Farming on the Brazilian Amazon Frontier under Incomplete Property Rights

Many farmers in the Brazilian Amazon do not have clear titles to their land. Therefore, using an infinite-horizon representative agent model, this paper analyzes how improved property rights influence the farmer’s investment in the land, as well as the farmer’s consumption and debt. Three channels through which property rights affects these variables are identified through the analysis. Two involve the expenditure the farmer incurs to defend the land claim, and the third involves the interest rate premium the farmer faces when borrowing without a clear title to the land. Variants of the model allow for labor to defend the land claim and for endogenous property rights. The findings suggest a need and direction for further, empirical research, particularly with regard to informal institutional arrangements, measures of property rights, and the means by which they are defended.
Examining a First Amendment Court Case to Teach Argument Analysis to Freshman Writers at an Art College

By examining the arguments put forth by plaintiffs and defendants in art censorship cases, students in a freshman writing course become aware that argumentation and analysis play important roles not only in courts of law but also in the art world and in their own everyday lives as artists. This article discusses effective use of published information about a 1999 First Amendment case (Brooklyn Institute of the Arts and Sciences v. City of New York and Rudolph W. Giuliani). Guided by reading and writing assignments and a series of class discussions, students learn to analyze arguments on rights related to freedom of speech, art making and exhibiting.
A Polarization Reconfigurable Low-Profile Ultrawideband VHF/UHF Airborne Array for Fine-Resolution Sounding of Polar Ice Sheets

A polarization-reconfigurable low-profile ultra-wideband VHF/UHF antenna array is presented in this paper. The design is based on resistively loaded planar dipole antenna elements backed with a ground plane. The antenna array has two mechanically field-switchable polarization configurations which are designed to measure the crystal orientation of ice sheets. The nominal operating mode of the array is in the vertically polarized configuration with operating frequency ranges from 150 to 550 MHz. The planar dimension of the array is ${3}.{6}\;\text{m} \times {0}.{8}\;\text{m}$ with a ground plane height of 16 cm ( ${0}.{08}{{\lambda }_{low}},{{\text f}_{low}} = 150\,\text{MHz}$ ). Anechoic chamber measurements show that the array performance is in very good agreement with simulated results, for both VSWR and array radiation pattern. It is also shown that the array is capable of handling 1-kW peak power per transmit channel. The antenna array is housed within a flight-qualified composite S2-glass/epoxy fairing and can readily be mounted on airborne platforms, such as Basler BT-67 and Twin Otter, for radar sounding of polar ice sheets and glaciers.
Comparative Genomic Hybridization on Spotted Oligonucleotide Microarrays

Recent advances in DNA microarray technology have enabled researchers to comprehensively characterize the complex genomes of higher eukaryotic organisms at an unprecedented level of detail. Array-based comparative genomic hybridization (Array-CGH) has been widely used for detecting DNA copy number alterations on a genomic scale, where the mapping resolution is limited only by the number of probes on the DNA microarray. In this chapter, we present a validated protocol utilizing print-tip spotted HEEBO (Human Exonic Evidence Based Oligonucleotide) microarrays for conducting array-CGH using as little as 25 ng of genomic DNA from a wide variety of sources, including cultured cell lines and clinical specimens, with high spatial resolution and array-to-array reproducibility.
Effect of physical training on exercise performance of children following surgical repair of congenital heart disease.

The effect of physical training on the exercise performance of 26 patients following surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot (16 patients) and ventricular septal defect (ten patients) was evaluated. Base line exercise testing was performed on a bicycle ergometer using the technique of Godfrey. Patients were placed on a six-week alternate day submaximal interval home exercise program of varying duration and intensity. Work loads at 50%, 60%, and 70% maximum oxygen consumption were selected to maintain heart rates between 130 and 160 beats per minute. Subjects completed an average of 18 of the possible 21 training sessions (range 11 to 21). A 25% improvement (p less than .001) was noted in maximum work capacity (747 to 935 km). Sixty-five percent of the patients performed at less than expected maximum work capacity prior to training, but only 31% performed at less than expected maximum work capacity after training. Repeat testing at work loads of one-third, one-half, and two-thirds the original maximum work capacity revealed improved aerobic efficiency as manifested by significantly decreased oxygen consumption and heart rate at each level of work. No significant difference was noted in maximum oxygen consumption. It is concluded that physical training can improve the exercise performance of patients after surgical repair, permitting the individuals to function at levels of activity at, or closely approaching, normal.
Blood and urine histamine levels in normal and pathological states as measured by a radiochemical assay

The utility of the enzymatic radiochemical assay of histamine in diagnosing diseases with known abnormalities in histamine production was investigated. Whole blood histamine levels were abnormal only in patients with basophilia, i.e. chronic myelocytic leukemia or polycythemia vera. Histamine was not detectable (less than 1 ng/ml) in normal plasma but was detected in plasma of some patients witheither mastocytosis or chronic myelocytic leukemia. These patients also had symptoms which could be attributed to histamine release as, for example, hyperchlorhydria and hypotension. Urinary histamine excretion was also abnormally high in these diseases compared to normal subjects (range less than 5-42 microgram/24 h, n = 31). Patients with systemic mastocytosis had higher urine values (greater than 150 microgram/24 h) than those with cutaneous mastocytosis (39-88 microgram/24 h), and the urinary histamine excretion appeared to be an index of the severity of the diseases. Studies with L-histidine loading suggest that the kidney is one possible source of urinary histamine.
A Technique of Algorithm Construction on Sequences

A technique is presented which is shown to be useful in designing algorithms which operate on sequences (strings). A generalization of the principle is presented for more general data structure.
Foundation Approaches to Effectiveness: A Typology:

The heterogeneity of foundations is usually captured in terms of classifications based on size or type (community, corporate, independent). This article argues that to capture broader elements of foundation approaches to philanthropy, we also need ways of categorizing foundations that reflect differences in how they approach their work and the underlying philosophies that inform their philanthropy. The article develops one such typology, drawing on research on 1,192 foundations. The typology is proposed as useful for understanding variations among foundations, and for its practical value in helping foundations clarify their own guiding frameworks.
Pluto‐Bound Spacecraft Crosses Orbit of Neptune

NASA's New Horizons spacecraft, which is en route to explore Pluto and its planetary system in 2015, crossed the orbit of Neptune on 25 August, 25 years to the day after NASA's Voyager 2 flew by Neptune.
Minimally invasive versus sternotomy approach for mitral valve surgery: a propensity analysis.

Background Over the past decade, minimally invasive (MI) mitral valve surgery has grown in popularity. The purpose of this study was to compare both short- and long-term outcomes of mitral valve repair and replacement performed through a MI versus traditional sternotomy (ST) incision using a propensity analysis approach to account for differences in baseline risk. Methods From January 2000 to December 2008, a total of 1,121 isolated mitral valve operations were performed at our institution (548 ST, 573 MI). Data were retrospectively collected on all patients, and a logistic regression model was created to predict selection to a MI versus ST approach. Propensity scores were then generated based on the regression model and matched pairs created using 1:1 nearest neighbor matching. There were 382 matched pairs in the analysis for a total sample size of 764, or 68.2% of the original cohort. Major outcomes of interest included cardiopulmonary bypass time, cross-clamp time, hospital length of stay, major in-hospital complications, and both short- and long-term survival. Results Cardiopulmonary bypass time was 117.1 ± 2.0 minutes in the ST group and 139.7 ± 2.6 minutes in the MI group (p Conclusions Although minimally invasive mitral valve surgery required a slightly longer cardiopulmonary bypass time, there was no difference in cross-clamp time, morbidity, or mortality, and hospital length of stay was significantly shorter when compared with matched sternotomy control patients.
Performance bounds for binary testing with arbitrary weights

Binary testing concerns finding good algorithms to solve the class of binary identification problems. A binary identification problem has as input a set of objects, including one regarded as distinguished (e.g., faulty), for each object an a priori estimate that it is the distinguished object, and a set of tests. Output is a testing procedure to isolate the distinguished object. One seeks minimal cost testing procedures where cost is the average cost of isolation, summed over all objects. This is a problem schema for the diagnosis problem: applications occur in medicine, systematic biology, machine fault location, quality control and elsewhere. In this paper we extend work of Garey and Graham to assess the capability of a fast approximation rule, the binary splitting rule, to give near optimal testing procedures when the a priori estimates are arbitrary. We find conditions on the test set such that the approximation error reduces nearly to that of the equally likely a priori estimate case of Garey and Graham and find another upper bound on approximation error for the same test set conditions which works very well under a priori estimate assumptions where the first result is poor.
Ultrasonic vibration-assisted pelleting of wheat straw: a predictive model for pellet density using response surface methodology

Background: Cellulosic biomass can be used as the feedstock for liquid biofuel manufacturing. However, high costs associated with transportation and storage of low-density cellulosic biomass has hindered cost-effective manufacturing of cellulosic liquid biofuels. Pelleting can increase biomass density and reduce transportation and storage costs. Results & discussion: This article reports the development of a predictive model, using response surface methodology, for pellet density in ultrasonic vibration-assisted pelleting of wheat straw. The results show that pellet density increases as ultrasonic power and cylinder pressure increase, and as biomass moisture content and particle size decrease. Conclusion: This model can predict the effects of process parameters on pellet density in ultrasonic vibration-assisted pelleting. The methodology can also be applied to investigations of pellet durability and power consumption.
Like a Virgin…Again?: Secondary Virginity as an Ongoing Gendered Social Construction

Secondary virginity—a sexually-initiated person’s deliberate decision to refrain from intimate encounters for a set period of time and to refer to that decision as a kind of virginity (rather than “mere” abstinence)—has largely eluded sociological scrutiny, despite its increasing popularity as a concept and practice among American youth. This study explores beliefs and experiences regarding secondary virginity, drawing on qualitative interviews with 61 socially diverse women and men, of whom four were avowed secondary virgins, five likened their experiences to a second virginity/virginity loss, and 16 had phenomenologically similar experiences which they did not frame in terms of virginity. Respondents who endorsed the concept of secondary virginity were disproportionately White conservative Christian women born after 1972. Secondary virginity reveals the social construction of gendered sexuality and the heterosexual imaginary as it reinforces privilege along gender, racial, religious, and sexual dimensions.
Access pipes for sampling through thick ice

Access pipes are described which permit water sampling beneath thick ice. The pipes prevent water overflow conditions which are sometimes encountered when sampling arctic lakes. Simple modifications to our design permit broader application to a number of winter sampling conditions.
High molecular weight mucin-like glycoproteins of the bovine interphotoreceptor matrix

Abstract A very high molecular weight mucin-like glycoprotein was isolated by gel filtration of interphotoreceptor matrix (IPM) from fresh bovine eyes and purified to apparent homogeneity by cesium chloride/guanidine hydrochloride (GuHCl) equilibrium density gradient centrifugation. Although a molecular weight in excess of 107 Da is suggested by gel filtration, the presence of SDS or GuHCl did not alter its elution position, indicating that the large size was not simply due to aggregation. Treatment of this material with disulfide reagents, however, led to a decrease in molecular size. On a relative basis, substantially more of this glycoprotein is present in IPM prepared from retina than from retinal pigment epithelium. While the carbohydrate and amino acid composition are not those of a true ‘mucin’, the large size and many other properties are quite ‘mucin-like’. The carbohydrate composition suggests the presence of both N- and O-glycosidically linked sugar chains. The presence of a mucin-type O-glycosidic linkage is indicated by its susceptibility to alkaline cleavage, with concomitant loss of serine and threonine and increase in 240 nm absorbance; production of a fluorescent product upon reaction with cyanoacetamide; lectin binding properties; and production of N-acetylgalactosaminitol upon alkaline borohydride elimination. This glycoprotein was digested by pronase and trypsin, confirming its protein nature, but was resistant to digestion with chondroitin ABC lyase, hyaluronidase and heparinase, as well as RNAase, indicating that these components were not present to any appreciable extent. ELISA for cartilage keratan sulfate was also negative. Centrifugation in CsCl GuHCl gradients indicated a density much lower than that of a proteoglycan or nucleic acid as well. In vitro biosynthetic studies suggest that both retina and retinal pigment epithelium may be major sources of material in the IPM. The elution patterns of radioactivity were strikingly similar to the UV elution patterns of IPM. The medium from retinal incubations contained very high molecular weight material which was resistant to enzymes which hydrolyse glycosaminoglycans, suggesting that retina may be the source of this high molecular weight, mucin-like glycoprotein.
National culture and classical principles of planning

Evaluates the classical theoretical framework of planning and its relevancy in an international context. Additionally, it integrates Hofstede’s model of cultural dimensions into the discussion to provide an exploratory analysis of how national culture characteristics may impact cross‐cultural acceptance and application of classical planning principles.
Allelopathic effect of common weeds on soybean growth and soybean-Bradyrhizobium symbiosis

Water extracts of shoot of common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album), yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus) at 1% level significantly reduced soybean seed germination. Soybean seedlings inoculated with broth culture of nodule bacterium were grown for 25 days in N-free nutrient solution amended with cold water extracts of weed residues at 1 and 2% levels. At both levels extracts from residues of all weeds except that of lambsquarters enhanced growth of soybean. Nodulation was generally stimulated by the extracts of five weeds at 1% level except that of lambsquarters. Extracts from lambsquarters at 2% level completely suppressed and at 1% level reduced nodulation by 60%. Extracts from green foxtail (Setaria viridis), Pennsylvania smartweed (Polygonium pensylvanicum) and sunflower at 2% level reduced and at 1% level enhanced nodulation. The residues of lambsquarters shoot incorporated with soil at 0.5 and 1% levels caused 85 and 96% reduction respectively in seed germination and those of Pennsylvania smartweed and sunflower at 1% reduced seed germination by 40–70% but not at 0.5% level. The residues of foxtail and smartweed at both levels enhanced growth and nodulation. Under similar conditions nutsedge at 1% level stimulated nodulation but not growth. The residues of lambsquarters at both levels were inhibitory to nodulation but stimulated growth at 0.5% level.
A Linear Piezomotor Integrated by a Monolithic Flexural Frame

A novel linear piezomotor is developed for machine tool applications. This paper presents the design strategy for this high stiffness linear piezomotor with nanometer resolution. The linear piezomotor consists of three piezoelectric actuators and one monolithic flexural frame. The design strategy is to reduce the total number of mechanical elements and interfaces and to integrate all the elements into the frame. The finite element method is used in the design process. The design strategy should also be applicable to other positioning systems where a high stiffness and high positioning resolution are required.
Amino acid composition of Clostridium botulinum type B neurotoxin.

To develop reliable data on the amino acid composition of type F botulinum neurotoxin, three batches of the neurotoxin were analyzed. Each batch was isolated from a separate neurotoxin producing bacterial culture. Two batches had inoculum from one source and the other batch one from a different source. Two batches of the neurotoxin were purified by the same method and one was purified by a different method. The neurotoxin preparations were found comparable in purity and similar in amino acid composition. The best estimate of number of amino acid residues per neurotoxin molecule (mol. wt. 155,000) was: Asp218 Thr80 Ser105 Glu128 Pro47 Gly69 Ala47 Val72 CyS9 Met14 Ile128 Leu104 Tyr86 Phe60 Lys90 His13 Arg51 Trp23.
Intense Electron Beam Cyclotron Masers with Microsecond Pulselengths

Experiments are underway to investigate the generation of MW to GW microwave power levels utilizing intense (1-10 kA), relativistic (0.4-1 MV), electron beams with pulselengths from 0.4 to 1 μs. Significant research issues concern the effects of beam voltage fluctuations and space charge on long-pulse microwave emission power and frequency stability. Two prototype masers have been developed utilizing a moderate energy pulseline generator with peak parameters: 0.4 MV, 1.2 kA, and 0.4 μs. Prototype I utilized a nonadiabatic step in the diode magnetic field to impart a large α (V⊥/V11≈1-2) to a relatively low transported current of 30-60A. With a uniform waveguide resonator this maser generated peak microwave power levels of 0.6 MW and pulselengths of 0.3 μs over 85% voltage droop. The emission frequency was close to the relativistic cyclotron frequency. The Prototype II maser employed an improved magnetic field profile which transported 500-1000 A of beam current, but at a lower value of α(0.2 - 0.3). A series of permanent magnet wiggler/kickers were used in preliminary tests. Power levels were achieved in the range of 2 MW in the X-band and at MW levels in the K-band. These emission frequencies apparently correspond to the CRM forward-wave and backward-wave interaction with the TE11n cavity modes. By lowering the magnetic field below a critical value the microwave emission was cut off. Design studies have been performed for a long-pulse MW-GW cyclotron maser on the MELBA accelerator with parameters: 0.8 - 1 MV, 1 - 10 kA, and 1 - 1.5 μs.
Preventing Peanut Allergy through Early Consumption — Ready for Prime Time?

Kids can't take peanut butter to school. Some airlines no longer serve peanuts because of fear of anaphylaxis among passengers. These developments are just the tip of the iceberg as the prevalence of peanut allergy among children continues to increase worldwide, especially in westernized countries. In the United States alone, the prevalence has more than quadrupled in the past 13 years, growing from 0.4% in 1997 to 1.4% in 20081 to more than 2% in 2010.2 Peanut allergy has become the leading cause of anaphylaxis and death related to food allergy in the United States.3 In 2000, largely in response . . .
A biomechanical investigation of the human hip

Abstract This paper describes a biomechanical investigation of the human hip during level walking, while climbing and descending stairs, and when rising from a sitting position. Triads of flashing, light-emitting diodes attached to the pelvis, thigh, shank, and foot are photographed by a biplanar technique to generate kinematic data. Kinetic data is collected using a piezoelectric force platform. The inverse dynamics problem associated with the three lower extremity segments is solved for the time variations of the intersegmental force and moment resultants at the hip, knee, and ankle. An optimization technique is used to distribute these resultants to the load-carrying structures in the neighborhood of the hip, and to the two-joint muscles that flex and extend the knee and ankle. Typical results for a group of normal volunteers are presented and discussed.
A Comparison of Pure Tone Auditory Thresholds in Human Infants and Adults.

Pure tone auditory thresholds for frequencies from.250 to 8.0 kHz were obtained from 27 7-to-11-month-old human infants and nine adults using a go-no-go operant head-turning technique combined with an adaptive staircase (tracking) discrimination procedure. New methods were devised for maintaining infants under stimulus control during threshold testing through the use of randomly interleaved “probe” and “catch” trials. Reliable threshold data were obtained from every infant studied, and identical threshold criteria were applied to infants and adults alike. Although infant thresholds were 17–27 dB higher than those of adults, infant inter-subject variability was no greater than that of adults. Adult audiograms were nearly flat between frequencies of.500 and 8.0 kHz with sensitivity ranging between 7 and 14 dB SPL. Infant audiograms were flat between frequencies of.500 and 4.0 kHz, with sensitivity ranging between 30 and 36 dB SPL. The most sensitive frequency for infants was 8.0 kHz (25 dB SPL).
Staging of lung cancer: The new international system

Abstract New recommendations for staging lung cancer using the TNM system for description of the primary tumor (T), the regional lymph nodes (N), and distant metastases (M) have been adopted by the American Joint Committee on Cancer and the Union Internationale Contre le Cancer. Revisions in TNM definitions and stage grouping rules were made in response to the needs of investigators throughout the world for staging that is consistent in meaning among all specialities and among all countries. The new international system has five stage groups, O, I, II, IIIa, IIIb and IV, that provide for classification of six levels of disease extent. A number of elements used in prior staging recommendations have been retained; however, new descriptors for the degree of progression in tumors with extrapulmonary extension and for the levels of regional lymph node metastasis have been structured. The new system allows for specific definition of ‘limited’ and ‘extensive’ disease categories that can be reproduced and compared. It meets the goal of providing an internationally acceptable staging system for lung cancer that is useful for estimating prognosis, reporting end results and selection of appropriate treatment. A new system for staging lung cancer has been accepted by international groups concerned with uniform classification of the extent of disease in cancer patients1. These new recommendations meet the need of treatment specialists for staging that is responsive to the requirements of contemporary therapeutic planning. Differences in the two most widely used systems, those of the International Union Against Cancer (UICC)2–3 and the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC)4–6 have been resolved and we now have recommendations for TNM classification and staging of lung cancer that are acceptable to the international scientific community. American Joint Committee on Cancer, Hawn Foundation of Texas, Herman Neel Hipp Fund for Research in Thoracic Surgery, Kelsey-Seybold Foundation grant 996, National Cancer Institute Division of Cancer Treatment (contract CA34503 Reference Center for Anatomic and Pathologic Classification of Lung Cancer of the Lung Cancer Study Group), Private Donors Fund for Research in Thoracic Surgery (Department of Thoracic Surgery, University of Texas System Cancer Center, M.D. Anderson Hospital).
Recent advances in the biochemical and molecular biological basis of cystinuria

AbstractPurpose: We reviewed the literature describing recent advances in the understanding of the nature of the transport proteins involved in the renal transport of cystine, properties of the solute carrier family 3, member 1 (SLC3A1) gene, which is involved in renal cystine transport, and the mutations reported in this gene, which have been shown to be the causative factor in approximately half of the cases of type I cystinuria studied.Materials and Methods: The MEDLINE data base from 1966 to date and the internet online mendelian inheritance in man were searched using cystinuria, cystine crossed with biological transporters and cystine transporter as key words. Selected citations within these references were also reviewed.Results: The SLC3A1 gene has been shown to code for a protein that, when expressed in Xenopus oocytes, confers on these cells the ability to transport cystine, arginine, lysine and ornithine. To date 21 different mutations and 9 polymorphisms have been reported in the SLC3A1 gene iso...
The Effects of Observational Session Length, Method of Recording, and Frequency of Teacher Behavior on Reliability and Accuracy of Observational Data

An increased concern for the accuracy of observational data has stimulated research assessing the effects of various parameters on the accuracy and reliability of observational data. Some research has investigated the effects of time sampling procedures on the accuracy of obtained data (Powell, Martindale, & Kulp, 1975; Powell, Martindale, Kulp, Martindale, & Bauman, 1977). This research indicated that different methods of scoring behavior in various lengths of intervals produced discrepancies in the obtained rates. The partial interval method of scoring behavior was found to overestimate the rate of behavior when compared with a continuous measure while the whole interval method underestimated behavior across interval length (Powell et al., 1977). The implications for observational data collection were that experimental effects could possibly be masked by increased levels of measurement error. Reliability and accuracy are two related but possibly separate issues (Kazdin, 1977). In addition to the necessity for empirical research on the effects of different features of observational instruments on accuracy of data, observer reliability should be investigated as a concurrent issue. The possibility of differential effects on the observers' ability to use the observation code efficiently would have important implications for the collection of behavioral data. Additionally, the relationship between accuracy of data and observer reliability could be more closely explored.
Nonuniform transport of phosphorus from single roots to the leaves of Zea mays

The postulate that single roots of Zea mays transport their absorbed phosphorus nonuniformly to the leaves was tested. Plants were grown under growth chamber conditions for three to four weeks in nutrient solution. At this stage of growth a series of plants was placed into a system in which two roots on each plant were allowed to absorb either 33P or 32P from uptake solutions for time intervals of up to 24 hours. Plants subsequently were harvested such that each leaf was partitioned into samples containing tissue from one side or the other of the midrib. All samples were assayed for 33P and 32P and the results were expressed as the amount of total P transported into different plant parts from a single root. Nonuniform P accumulation in the leaves occurred and different patterns of accumulation, dependent on the type of root chosen for uptake were observed. Nearly uniform P accumulation occurred between one side and the other of a given leaf when transport was from radicle roots. In marked contrast, transport from adventitious roots resulted in an alternating pattern of accumulation between one side and the other of each successive leaf up the stem. The seminal root system supplied more P to the older leaves than did the adventitious root system. The nature of these nonuniform P transport patterns is attributed to the vascular organization between roots and leaves.
Spondyloarthritis: Update on pathogenesis and management

A great deal of progress has occurred in the past few years in elucidating the causes and designing new treatments for ankylosing spondylitis and other types of spondyloarthritis. In addition to the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 and other major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes, chromosomal regions and genes elsewhere in the genome are being implicated both in disease susceptibility and severity. The various ways HLA-B27 may function in causing spondyloarthritis now are better understood to encompass not only antigen presentation but also other mechanisms, possibly all being operative in pathogenesis (misfolding of the HLA-B27 molecule, impaired intracellular killing of bacteria, and HLA-B27 itself serving as an autoantigen). Specific enteric and sexually acquired infections can trigger reactive arthritis, though no specific microbe has been identified in other forms of spondyloarthritis. Intestinal inflammation with impairment of the gut:blood barrier may be operative in driving ankylosing spondylitis and enteropathic arthritis. A number of treatments have been tried in spondyloarthritis, including older agents such as methotrexate and sulfasalazine but also newer drugs such as pamindronate. The recent introduction of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers in the treatment of spondyloarthritis has offered the most hope in not only relieving symptoms and signs of both peripheral arthritis and enthesitis but also spinal disease, which often has been refractory to other agents. Their high cost and considerable side effect profile, however, have necessitated the establishment of guidelines for their use in these diseases in order to target the patient in whom they are likely to have the most benefit.
A review of the rheo-optical properties of linear high polymers

Some principles ans laws, expressing the mechanical and optical behavior of linear viscoelastic materials, are reviewed. The mechanical properties of the polymers in the transition region may be represented by a condensed general method containing Ferry's modulus or compliance-reduction scheme, the time-temperature superposition principle and the Gauss error integral representation. The optical behavior of high polymers is expressed by the stress- and strain-optical coefficients in creep or relaxation, which relate birefringence to stresses or strains. It was recently shown experimentally that, instead of a pair of independent linear differential operator relations, which characterize the mechanical properties of the viscoelastic materials, only one operator relation is needed and the initial value of another at the glassy or rubbery state. Then, a single test is sufficient for the complete determination of the mechanical and optical viscoelastic behavior, provided the value of another elastic constant at the glassy or rubbery state is also determined and the variation of birefringence with time is simultaneously measured with the mechanical-characteristic quantities of the material.
Effect of ischemic preconditioning on the expression of putative neuroprotective genes in the rat brain.

Previous studies have demonstrated that sublethal ischemic insults protect from subsequent ischemia in the intact brain. There are two windows for the induction of tolerance by ischemic preconditioning (IPC). One occurs within 1 h following IPC, and the other one develops from 1 to 3 days after IPC. The goal of this study was to determine whether IPC neuroprotection may be mediated by expression of known neuroprotective genes and to characterize the temporal and spatial expression patterns of these genes. IPC was produced by bilateral carotid artery occlusions and hypotension (50 mmHg) for 2 min. After various survival times, the expression of MAP-2, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), c-jun, c-fos, nerve growth factor (NGF) and HSP70 was assessed by in situ hybridization of coronal brain sections with 35S labeled probes. BDNF, NGF, and c-jun were significantly upregulated in the hippocampus. c-fos was detected in the hippocampus, cortex and striatum. HSP70 mRNA was induced in the cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and thalamus. MAP-2 showed no change in expression, confirming previous studies that no cell death occurs following IPC. The increase in expression of these stress-related, neurotrophic and immediate early genes in response to a mild preconditioning insult may help mediate the protection of vulnerable neurons to subsequent lethal ischemic insults.
Conformal field theory and elliptic cohomology

Abstract In this paper, we use conformal field theory to construct a generalized cohomology theory which has some properties of elliptic cohomology theory which was some properties of elliptic cohomology. A part of our presentation is a rigorous definition of conformal field theory following Segal's axioms, and some examples, such as lattice theories associated with a unimodular even lattice. We also include certain examples and formulate conjectures on modular forms and Monstrous Moonshine related to the present work.
Optimum tariff and its optimum revenue distribution

Abstract This paper examines the problem of optimum distribution of tariff revenues and the associated optimum tariff rate. It derives the first- and second-best tariff formulas and also the conditions for the latter to reduce to the former.
How Do High School Students Structure an Important Life Decision? A Short-Term Longitudinal Study of the College Decision-Making Process.

This study details the processes students use and the information they consider as they confront what is likely to be their first major life decision. Over the course of a year, 322 college-bound high school students participated in up to three survey sessions in which they described their thinking about college decisions. At each session, students rated the frequency with which they had consulted various sources of information or engaged in different decision-making activities. They also listed and rated the importance of the criteria they were using, and listed the schools they were actively considering. Responses were analyzed as a function of time of survey, level of parental education, academic ability, and gender. Throughout the year, students considered roughly the same number and type of criteria. There were expected shifts in the kinds of information sought and activities undertaken. Higher-ability students listed significantly more criteria and slightly (but nonsignificantly) more schools than did students of other ability levels, especially early in the process. A variety of gender differences emerged in the information sought and the criteria used to make this decision.
The preparation and infra-red absorption spectra of several complexes of bis-(2-ethylhexyl)-phosphoric acid☆

Abstract The bis-(2-ethylhexyl)-phosphates of Li(I), Na(I), K(I), Co(NH 3 ) 6 (III), Co(en) 3 (III), Sc(III), Zr(IV), Hf(IV), Th(IV), and U(VI) have been prepared. The mixed nitrate-bis-(2-ethylhexyl)-phosphates of Zr(IV), Hf(IV), Ce(IV), Ce(IV), and Th(IV) were also prepared. The infra-red absorption spectra of all these compounds were obtained, and the antisymmetric POO − stretching vibrations were compared. The POO − stretching vibration frequencies of the bis-(2-ethylhexyl)-phosphates of Sc(III) and Th(IV) were found to be similar to those found for the alkali metal salts and cobaltic salts, indicating high ionic character of the metal to oxygen bond of the phosphate. The bonding to the phosphate of the Hf(IV) and Zr(IV) complexes appears to be of a more covalent character. It is concluded that the nitrate in the mixed compounds is co-ordinated to the metal atom and that the metal-to-nitrate bond is essentially covalent. The bonding to the phosphate in the mixed compounds appears to be different from that in the pure phosphates. Recently the organophosphoric acids have been demonstrated to have interesting solvent properties for various inorganic salts. In particular HDEHP (1–6) has been the subject of several studies in this laboratory and others. The present study involves the extraction from neutral aqueous solutions of the chlorides and nitrates of Sc(III), Zr(IV), Hf(IV), Th(IV), Ce(IV) and U(VI) by HDEHP. The complexes formed in the saturated solutions were determined, and their infra-red spectra were investigated. For comparison, the salts of HDEHP with Li(I), Na(I), K(I), Co(en) 3 (III) and Co (NH 3 ) 6 (III) were also prepared and their infra-red spectra obtained.
Regulation of cellular signalling by fatty acid acylation and prenylation of signal transduction proteins.

Abstract Covalent modification by fatty acylation and prenylation occurs on a wide variety of cellular signalling proteins. The enzymes that catalyze attachment of these lipophilic moieties to proteins have recently been identified and characterized. Each lipophilic group confers unique properties to the modified protein, resulting in alterations in protein/protein interactions, membrane binding and targeting, and intracellular signalling. The biochemistry and cell biology of protein myristoylation, palmitoylation, farnesylation and geranylgeranylation is reviewed here, with emphasis on the Src family of tyrosine kinases, Ras proteins and G protein coupled signalling systems.
Uncertain future, non-numeric preferences, and the fertility transition: A case study of rural Mozambique.

In many high-fertility countries, and especially in sub-Saharan Africa, substantial proportions of women give non-numeric responses when asked about desired family size. Demographic transition theory has interpreted responses of “don’t know” or “up to God” as evidence of fatalistic attitudes toward childbearing. Alternatively, these responses can be understood as meaningful reactions to uncertainty about the future. Following this latter approach, we use data from rural Mozambique to test the hypothesis that non-numeric responses are more common when uncertainty about the future is greater. We expand on previous research linking child mortality and non-numeric fertility preferences by testing the predictive power of economic conditions, marital instability, and adult mortality. Results show that uncertainty related to adult and child mortality and to economic conditions predicts non-numeric responses, while marital stability is less strongly related.
Parallel recognition and decomposition of two terminal series parallel graphs

Abstract In this paper, we develop a parallel recognition and decomposition algorithm for two-terminal series parallel (TTSP) graphs. Given a directed acyclic graph G in edge list form, the algorithm determines whether G is a TTSP graph. If G is a TTSP graph, the algorithm constructs a decomposition tree for G . Some interesting properties of the TTSp graphs are derived in order to facilitate fast parallel processing. The algorithm runs in O (log 2 n + log m ) time with O ( n + m ) processors on an exclusive read exclusive write PRAM where n ( m ) is the number of vertices (edges) in G . This algorithm is within a polylogrithmic factor of optimal.