cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Strangeness in paradise: The strange quark as a probe of QCD

I review the arguments for considering the strange quark as a probe of changes in the QCD vacuum, and of the formation of a quark-gluon plasma, in particular. I survey existing data showing enhanced production of strange hadrons in relativistic heavy ion collisions and analyse their implications in the context of thermal and microscopic reaction models. My lecture closes with some remarks on strange quark matter and hypernuclei.
Effect of Bortezomib Desensitization Therapy on Levels of AT1R Antibody

Purpose Increased levels of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) antibody have been shown to be associated with antibody mediated rejection (AMR), cell mediated rejection (CMR), and early onset of microvasculopathy at one year post heart transplant. MCS patients with the saturated levels of AT1R antibody also trend lower survival. The presence of AT1R antibody pretransplant increases risk of development of de novo donor specific antibodies posttransplant in lung transplantation. Bortezomib, a protease inhibitor, has been used for desensitization or for treatment of AMR. This study aims to determine if Bortezomib treatment can decrease the level of AT1R antibody. Methods 25 heart transplant candidates who were highly sensitized were desensitized with the Bortezomib therapy. Levels of AT1R antibody were evaluated pre-therapy, 1 month and 6 months post-therapy. Results Out of 25 patients who were treated with Bortezomib, 22 patients who were tested for AT1R antibody at all three-time points were evaluated. 8 patients had AT1R levels 17 U). Of these 14 patients, the levels of AT1R antibody decreased below 17 U in 5 patients 1 month post Bortezomib treatment. Of note, 2 patients who had the saturated levels of AT1R antibody (>40 U) remained negative ( Conclusion The Bortezomib therapy can reduce the level of AT1R antibody in some heart transplant patients. Of interest, 2 patients who were still negative for AT1R antibodies 6 month post therapy were implanted with LVAD.
Efficient Nonconvex Empirical Risk Minimization via Adaptive Sample Size Methods

In this paper, we are interested in finding a local minimizer of an empirical risk minimization (ERM) problem where the loss associated with each sample is possibly a nonconvex function. Unlike traditional deterministic and stochastic algorithms that attempt to solve the ERM problem for the full training set, we propose an adaptive sample size scheme to reduce the overall computational complexity of finding a local minimum. To be more precise, we first find an approximate local minimum of the ERM problem corresponding to a small number of samples and use the uniform convergence theory to show that if the population risk is a Morse function, by properly increasing the size of training set the iterates generated by the proposed procedure always stay close to a local minimum of the corresponding ERM problem. Therefore, eventually, the proposed procedure finds a local minimum of the ERM corresponding to the full training set which happens to also be close to a local minimum of the expected risk minimization problem with high probability. We formally state the conditions on the size of the initial sample set and characterize the required accuracy for obtaining an approximate local minimum to ensure that the iterates always stay in a neighborhood of a local minimum and do not get attracted to saddle points.
Perceived Diversity and Multi-Culturalism Content in HBSE Courses: An Integrative Methodological Survey of African American MSW Graduates from Predominantly White Institutions

Abstract A purposive sample of African American MSW graduates (N = 89) from predominantly White institutions were investigated to quantitatively and qualitatively assess the extent of diversity and multiculturalism (DMC) content in their HBSE courses. The mean age was 47 years, 72% were females, and they attended graduate social work programs in 23 states, primarily in the Midwestern and Northeastern United States. DMC content was found to be seriously lacking in HBSE courses, and significant correlations were found between perceived curricular relevance to minority populations and sensitivity to minority student concerns by faculty (r = .433, p < .01, 2-tailed test) and administration (r = .386, p < .01, 2-tailed test). Thematic analysis of written comments identified major problems with DMC integration in courses, perceived racism, non-minority student resistance, and non-supportive learning environments. Subjects developed support groups that collectively assured DMC discussion in classes. Recommendati...
Effects of Dietary Fish Oil and Corn Oil on Protein Kinase C Distribution in the Colon

The role of dietary fat in colorectal cancer causation has been problematic. Though cross cultural epidemiologic studies have shown a high correlation between quantity of fat consumption and national cancer rates, within population epidemiologic studies have been far less consistent. Only 7 case control studies have shown a positive correlation between fat consumption and colorectal cancer risk, 10 have not. None of the 4 prospective cohort studies, the strongest epidemiologic tool, have shown a positive correlation. Amongst the strongest epidemiologic evidence for fat as a risk factor is the study of Japanese migrants to Hawaii, where cancer risk in the migrant population has been shown to be associated with increased fat consumption, when compared to low risk Japanese still residing in the same region in Japan. Yet a cohort of that population of Japanese migrants residing in Hawaii followed prospectively has increased their colorectal cancer risk well beyond resident whites, while still consuming almost 25% less fat. For some anatomic sites, the risk of cancer was inversely proportional to fat intake. (1)
Cognitive-Motor Dual Task Interference Effects on Declarative Memory: A Theory-Based Review

Bouts of exercise performed either prior to or immediately following study periods enhance encoding and learning. Empirical evidence supporting the benefits of interventions that simultaneously pair physical activity with material to be learned is not conclusive, however. A narrative, theory-based review of dual-task experiments evaluated studies in terms of arousal theories, attention theories, cognitive-energetic theories, and entrainment theories. The pattern of the results of these studies suggests that cognitive-motor interference can either impair or enhance memory of semantic information and the manner in which physical activity impacts working memory within executive processing appears to explain disparate outcomes. The integration and timing of physical movements in concert with the type of information to be encoded and remembered appears to be a critical requirement for learning. These observations have implications for the role of physical activity in education, rehabilitation, and gerontological settings.
Follicular Lymphoma: Therapeutics and Management

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the second most common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and the most common indolent lymphoma. In the modern era, prognosis is often favorable with many patients achieving long-term disease control. Management depends on disease stage, symptoms, and overall disease burden. Patients with limited-stage disease can often be cured with involved-site radiation. Upfront therapy is indicated in patients with advanced stage disease, including anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody monotherapy, combination chemoimmunotherapy, or radioimmunotherapy. Maintenance therapy may be beneficial as well. Relapsed or refractory FL is treated with similar chemoimmunotherapy regimens or with a number of novel agents. Hematopoietic stem cell transplant is an option in appropriately selected patients with high-risk disease. The treatment strategies presented pertain to patients with histologic grade 1, 2, or 3a FL; patients with grade 3b FL are best treated according to guidelines for aggressive B-cell lymphomas.
The effect of socioeconomic status on age at diagnosis and overall survival in patients with intracranial meningioma

Intracranial meningiomas are the most common primary tumors of the central nervous system. How socioeconomic status (SES) impacts treatment access and outcomes for brain tumor subtypes is an emergi...
Evaluation of Cd2+, Cu2+, Pb2+, and Zn2+ Removal by Cow Manure and Corn Stover Biochar with the Emphasis on the Solubility-Normalized Dubinin–Radushkevich Approach for the Computation of the Adsorption Potential (ε)

AbstractA study on the adsorption capacity and mechanisms on cow manure (CM400-5) and corn stover (CS700-2) biochar to remove typical heavy ions from water has been performed. The Cd2+, Cu2+, Pb2+,...
Can You Hear Me Now? Augmentative Communication, Methodological Empowerment, and the Life Story of Jon Feucht

Keywords augmentative communication, disability, biography, methodology Abstract Feminist social research and disability studies converge in arguing for a research methodology undertaken on behalf of and to empower research participants. Our research, an ongoing life history project with Jon Feucht, has been undertaken in this tradition. Throughout much of his life, Jon struggled with a severe speech disability due to cerebral palsy that significantly impaired his ability to communicate verbally with others. After acquiring a sophisticated augmentative communication device, Jon's life changed for the better. In this paper we describe the nature of augmentative communication, share some of Jon's thoughts about augmentative communication and people with disabilities, and explore some of the challenges and opportunities facing researchers collaborating on research projects with individuals who use augmentative communication to speak.
Marriage Bars: Discrimination Against Married Women Workers, 1920AS to 1950AS

Modern personnel practices, social consensus, and the Depression acted in concert to delay the emergence of married women in the American economy through an institution known as the "marriage bar." Marriage bars were policies adopted by firms and local school boards, from about the early 1900's to 1950, to fire single women when they married and not to hire married women. I explore their determinants using firm-level data from 1931 and 1940 and find they are associated with promotion from within, tenure-based salaries, and other modern personnel practices. The marriage bar, which had at its height affected 751 of all local school boards and more than 50% of all office workers, was virtually abandoned in the 1950's when the cost of limiting labor supply greatly increased.
This is Your Sword: How Damaging are Prior Convictions to Plaintiffs in Civil Trials?

The conventional wisdom in law is that a prior conviction is one of the most powerful and damaging pieces of evidence that can be offered against a witness or party. In the legal lore, prior convictions seriously undercut the credibility of the witness and can derail the outcome of a trial. This paper suggests that may not always be true.This paper details the results of an empirical study of juror decision-making that challenges the conventional wisdom about prior convictions. In our study, the prior conviction evidence did not have a direct impact on the outcome of the civil trial or the credibility of the witness with the conviction. Moreover, we tested prior conviction evidence with a white witness and an African-American witness and saw no difference in results.The prior conviction evidence did, however, change the trial in a substantial, but indirect, way. Rather than the direct effect on outcome that we might have expected, the introduction of the prior conviction evidence changed the mental decision-making process of the jurors. Specifically, the evidence seemed to subconsciously lead the jurors to conclude that to decide liability, they had to believe one party over the other. The prior conviction evidence thus turned the trial into a zero sum credibility contest in which believing the plaintiff’s story meant disbelieving the defendant’s (and vice versa). This “zero sum” effect did not appear in the control version of the trial.In sum, the results of our experiment suggest that while prior convictions are highly noticeable and powerful pieces of evidence, they may not always be the bane that lawyers think they are. Nevertheless, the introduction of this evidence has the potential to change a civil trial by changing the juror decision-making process.
Balancing Control and Complexity in Field Studies of Neonicotinoids and Honey Bee Health.

Amidst ongoing declines in honey bee health, the contributory role of the newer systemic insecticides continues to be intensely debated. Scores of toxicological field experiments, which bee scientists and regulators in the United States have looked to for definitive causal evidence, indicate a lack of support. This paper analyzes the methodological norms that shape the design and interpretation of field toxicological studies. I argue that contemporary field studies of honey bees and pesticides are underpinned by a “control-oriented” approach, which precludes a serious investigation of the indirect and multifactorial ways in which pesticides could drive declines in honey bee health. I trace the historical rise to prominence of this approach in honey bee toxicology to the development of entomology as a science of insecticide development in the United States. Drawing on “complexity-oriented” knowledge practices in ecology, epidemiology, beekeeping and sociology, I suggest an alternative socio-ecological systems approach, which would entail in situ studies that are less concerned with isolating individual factors and more attentive to the interactive and place-based mix of factors affecting honey bee health.
Deep Brain Stimulation for Medically Intractable Cluster Headache

Cluster headache (CH) is the most severe of the primary headache disorders. It affects approximately 1 in 1000 persons, and 20% of patients are significantly disabled in spite of optimal medical therapy (1). Peripheral nerve ablation procedures have been performed for CH, with little benefit. Positron emission tomography (PET) using H2 150 as the tracer has shown a focal increase in cerebral blood flow in the ipsilateral posterior hypothalamic region during a CH attack (2, 3). Based on this finding, in 2000 a promising new surgical procedure for severe CH was introduced in Milan, Italy: chronic deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the posterior hypothalamic region (4). Three open-label case series have been published, two from European centers and a third from our own (5, 6, 7). Additional scattered case reports are beginning to emerge (8, 9). In the three case series, most patients received major benefit, but approximately 25% of patients were nonresponders.
The Effects of Juror Anonymity on Jury Verdicts

This study examined the effects of anonymity on jurors' verdicts and on jurors' feelings of accountability for their jury's verdicts. Twenty four-person anonymous juries and 20 four-person nonanonymous juries rendered individual and group verdicts for three student defendants charged with selling drugs on a school campus. When unanimous guilty verdicts were reached, juries imposed one of five punishments. Finally, jurors completed postdeliberation opinion and accountability questionnaires. As predicted, anonymous juries showed a higher rate of conviction (70%) than did nonanonymous juries (40%) when the evidence against the defendant was strong, supporting the hypothesis that anonymity would have a greater effect for situations in which there was relatively strong evidence of the defendant's guilt. Anonymous juries imposed the harshest punishment (expulsion) significantly more often than did nonanonymous juries. Contrary to predictions from differential self-awareness theory, anonymous juries did not report feeling less accountable than did nonanonymous juries. However, anonymous juries did see the process as significantly more fair than did identifiable juries.
Phagocytic response of planarian reticular cells to heat-killed bacteria

The defence mechanism of the planarian Dugesia dorotocephala (Woodworth) against invasion of foreign material was studied by inserting heat-killed bacteria into an incision and then examining the tissues around the incision by light and electron microscopy. The incision was made behind the right eye of each planarian, and a small aggregate of heat-killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra was inserted into it using a fine needle. Samples of tissues were collected at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, and 48 h after insertion of bacteria. As early as 10 h after insertion, bacteria were found in phagosomes of reticular cells, which are mesenchymal cells similar to fixed parenchymal cells and known previously to phagocytize degenerate tissues. By 12 h, aggregates of bacteria were found encapsulated in extensions of reticular cells, and by 24 h encapsulated bacteria were found between epithelial cells of the intestinal wall. These findings indicate that foreign material can be phagocytized or encapsulated by reticular cells and expelled into the intestinal cavity; it is thus conceivable that reticular cells could act as an immune surveillance system against foreign invaders.
Towards Secure Metering Data Analysis via Distributed Differential Privacy

The future electrical grid, i.e., smart grid, will utilize appliance-level control to provide sustainable power usage and flexible energy utilization. However, load trace monitoring for appliance-level control poses privacy concerns with inferring private information. In this paper, we introduce a privacy-preserving and fine-grained power load data analysis mechanism for appliance-level peak-time load balance control in the smart grid. The proposed technique provides rigorous provable privacy and an accuracy guarantee based on distributed differential privacy. We simulate the scheme as privacy modules in the smart meter and the concentrator, and evaluate its performance under a real-world power usage dataset, which validates the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed scheme.
Design and analysis of the ESVEM trial

Inadequate understanding of the design and statistical approach of a clinical trial and the failure to recognize subjective aspects of the analysis often result in misinterpretation of trial results. This is exacerbated by the push to shorten publications and the wish for a simple message that summarizes the outcome of the trial. The purpose of this review is to critically review the design and statistical analyses of the results, to evaluate the assumptions underlying the statistical tests, and to examine the results of exploratory analysis on the interpretation of major findings of the Electrophysiologic Study Versus Electrocardiographic Monitoring (ESVEM) trial. The trial was unusual because its primary objective was to compare testing methods instead of treatments. This necessitated using a subset of the original randomized groups for sensible analysis of the clinical question. Nevertheless, the two groups appeared to be well balanced. The absence of a difference in outcome could be verified by several analyses. In addition, confidence intervals were narrow, indicating the high precision and reliability of the findings. However, the comparison of antiarrhythmic drugs is problematic because the trial was not designed to address this issue. There were differences in the distribution of clinical characteristics between the groups who received different antiarrhythmic drugs. Nevertheless, using both univariate analyses and a variety of adjustments for important prognostic variables, treatment with sotalol appeared to be a significant predictor of reduced arrhythmia recurrence, and sotalol was consistently associated with a trend for nearly a 50% reduction in sudden death and all-cause mortality as compared with the other drugs administered in the trial. In conclusion, the ESVEM trial raises a number of interesting and instructive issues about clinical trial design and analysis.
Nano-Flares: Probes for Transfection and mRNA Detection in Living Cells

We demonstrate that novel oligonucleotide-modified gold nanoparticle probes hybridized to fluorophore-labeled complements can be used as both transfection agents and cellular “nano-flares” for detecting mRNA in living cells. Nano-flares take advantage of the highly efficient fluorescence quenching properties of gold, cellular uptake of oligonucleotide nanoparticle conjugates without the use of transfection agents, and the enzymatic stability of such conjugates, thus overcoming many of the challenges to creating sensitive and effective intracellular probes. Nano-flares exhibit high signaling, have low background fluorescence, and are sensitive to changes in the number of RNA transcripts present in cells.
Determination of age at death in human skeletal remains: A comparison of two techniques

Reliable palaeodemographic reconstruction is dependent upon accurate determination of age at death in human skeletal remains. Two methods, Todd (Todd, 1920, 1921) and Suchey-Brooks (Katz & Suchey, 1986), which use morphological changes of theos pubis as an indicator of age at death, were applied to a sample of Central California Indians. Life tables were constructed and the two data sets were compared. Differences between the two data sets were evident when life expectancies, mean ages, and survivorship curves were compared. Because both methods were developed using male samples, only the male data were considered valid. In a comparison between the two male data sets it became apparent that the differences lie in the upper decades depending upon which method was used. In an attempt to rectify the difference in age ranges between the two methods, a conversion of Todd phases into equivalent Suchey-Brooks phases (Katz & Suchey, 1986) was employed. Applications and limitations of both methods are discussed and it is suggested that the Suchey-Brooks method is to be perferred.
Repository for model driven development (ReMoDD)

The Repository for MDD (ReMoDD) project is concerned with developing a repository that will contain artifacts that support research and education in model-driven development (MDD). The ReMoDD platform will also provide interfaces and interchange mechanisms that will enable a variety of tools to retrieve artifacts from the repository and submit candidate artifacts to the repository. ReMoDD artifacts will include documented MDD case studies, examples of models reflecting good and bad modeling practices, reference models (including metamodels) that can be used as the basis for comparing and evaluating MDD techniques, generic models and transformation reflecting reusable modeling experience, descriptions of modeling techniques, practices and experiences, and modeling exercises and problems that can be used to develop classroom assignments and projects. In this paper we outline plans for developing ReMoDD.
GIS Use in Community Planning: A Multidimensional Analysis of Empowerment

A growing body of research examining the social and political implications of geographic information systems (GIS) considers the extent to which the use of this technology may empower or disempower different actors and institutions. However, these studies have tended not to articulate a clear conceptualization of empowerment. Thus, in this paper, I develop a multidimensional conceptual framework for assessing empowerment (and disempowerment), and employ it in examining the impacts of GIS use by community-based organizations engaged in urban planning and neighborhood revitalization. Drawing on a case study conducted with a Minneapolis, Minnesota, neighborhood organization, I show how this multidimensional framework fosters a more complete analysis of empowerment, and therefore, development of a more detailed explanation of the impacts of this new technology.
A software architecture-based framework for highly distributed and data intensive scientific applications

Modern scientific research is increasingly conducted by virtual communities of scientists distributed around the world. The data volumes created by these communities are extremely large, and growing rapidly. The management of the resulting highly distributed, virtual data systems is a complex task, characterized by a number of formidable technical challenges, many of which are of a software engineering nature. In this paper we describe our experience over the past seven years in constructing and deploying OODT, a software framework that supports large, distributed, virtual scientific communities. We outline the key software engineering challenges that we faced, and addressed, along the way. We argue that a major contributor to the success of OODT was its explicit focus on software architecture. We describe several large-scale, real-world deployments of OODT, and the manner in which OODT helped us to address the domain-specific challenges induced by each deployment.
The first TDDFT and MCD studies of free base triarylcorroles: A closer look into solvent-dependent UV-visible absorption

Absorption spectra of several free base triarylcorroles were investigated by MCD spectroscopy. The MCD spectra exhibit unusual sign-reverse (positive-to-negative intensities in ascending energy) features in the Soret- and Q-type band regions, suggesting a rare ΔHOMO < ΔLUMO relationship between π and π* MOs in the corrole core.
Diphosphene and Phosphoranylidenephosphine Formation from a Terminal Phosphinidene Complex

The zirconium phosphinidene complexes [Cp2Zr=PDmp(PR3)] (Dmp = 2,6-Mes2C6H3; R = Me: 1a; R = Bu: 1b) form the diphosphene DmpP=PDmp, [Cp2ZrCl2], and the phosphoranylidenephosphines DmpP=PR3 (3a, 3b) upon reaction with DmpPCl2.
Increasing learning and decreasing costs in a computer fluency course

This paper presents the results of a redesign of a large enrollment computer fluency course for non computer science majors. The goals of the redesign were to increase learning and to decrease costs using technology. The paper discusses the motivations and the components of the course redesign. The results show that costs did decrease and that learning did increase in the redesigned course.
Linear dependence of the postsunset equatorial anomaly electron density on solar flux and its relation to the maximum prereversal E × B drift velocity through its dependence on solar flux

[1] The postsunset equatorial ionization anomaly, with maximum F layer electron density, Nemax, occurring near 2100 LT, has been found during solar maximum to be a linear function of the maximum prereversal E × B drift velocity (E × B drift). In order to examine this relation at all levels of solar flux, Nemax is measured during 13 years of an entire solar cycle by eight ionospheric sounders located in the anomaly in both north and south dip latitudes and in eastern Asia, the Pacific, and South America. At each location the monthly median Nemax increases linearly with the monthly average solar flux, Sa, over the range from 70 to 285 sfu. The linear function varies markedly with location and by month at each location. The relation to E × B drift, which is also a linear function of Sa, is determined using measurements of Nemax versus Sa measured at Bogota in the anomaly plotted as a function of E × B versus Sa measured at Jicamarca at the dip equator. The result is that Nemax is a linear function of E × B, which is in agreement with that found previously during solar maximum. Accordingly, the Nemax versus E × B relation is independent of Sa. The fact that Nemax is linear in Sa at each site implies Nemax is linear in E × B at each but with a functional dependence that varies with latitude and longitude.
Profiling primitives of networked embedded automation

Recent advances in wireless technologies allow us to deeply embed novel sensors, actuators, computation, and communication devices to enhance automation systems. It is important to understand predictability and safety issues that are inherent in these enhanced systems. We propose a set of primitives that are suitable for developing composable automation systems that are regulated by embedded devices interacting over wireless links. We present an architecture and design that helps to realize these primitives. Using a robust platform called FireFly, we profile the performance of these primitives. Preliminary experimental results demonstrate that the latency and jitter associated with these primitives are promising and useful for a class of automation systems. In the future, this work can be extended to larger scale systems with tighter temporal constraints.
The impact of the iPLEDGE program on isotretinoin fetal exposure in an integrated health care system.

Background Preventing fetal exposure to isotretinoin is widely acknowledged as an important safety issue. The iPLEDGE program is the latest in a series of Food and Drug Administration–mandated risk management programs designed to prevent pregnancies in female patients of childbearing potential (FCBP) taking isotretinoin. Objective We sought to evaluate the effect of iPLEDGE relative to the prior risk management program (system to manage Accutane-related teratogenicity [SMART]) on the risk of isotretinoin fetal exposure in FCBP in a managed care setting. Methods All FCBP at Kaiser Permanente Southern and Northern California who filled at least one prescription for isotretinoin during a 4-year period (March 1, 2004, to February 29, 2008) were included in this retrospective cohort study (n = 8344). Chart review was performed to confirm fetal exposures and outcomes. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the hazard ratio and 95% confidence intervals. Results There were a total of 29 fetal exposures and 9912 isotretinoin treatment courses. After iPLEDGE was implemented, the unadjusted rate of fetal exposure decreased from 3.11 to 2.67 per 1000 treatment courses ( P = .69). The hazard ratio = 0.76 (95% confidence interval 0.36-1.61) for fetal exposures to isotretinoin during treatment courses filled after iPLEDGE implementation compared with SMART. Limitations Limitations include limited generalizability of results, small sample size (n = 29 total documented fetal exposures), and potential uncontrolled confounders. Conclusion Evaluating the impact of iPLEDGE on isotretinoin fetal exposures is important in understanding the full risks and benefits of isotretinoin treatment. We found no evidence that iPLEDGE significantly decreased the risk of fetal exposure in FCBP compared to the SMART program.
Rhythmic Tasks: A New Task Model with Continually Varying Periods for Cyber-Physical Systems

Traditional mechanical subsystems in automobiles are being replaced by electronically controlled systems, often with no mechanical backup. This trend towards "drive-by-wire" systems is becoming increasingly popular. In these cyber-physical systems, a critical task not meeting its timing deadline can lead to a safety violation and damage to life and/or property. Classical real-time scheduling techniques such as RMS and EDF can be used to guarantee the schedulability of periodic tasks. However, certain critical tasks like the engine control task are activated by engine events such as pulses generated by sensors at the engine crankshaft. The periods of these engine tasks vary continually and even dramatically depending on the engine speed. The conventional periodic task model is inadequate for handling such tasks in cyber-physical systems due to its pessimism when combined with common schedulability analyses. In this paper, we define a new task model called Rhythmic Tasks for tasks having periods that vary due to external physical events. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first model that considers continually varying periods for fixed-priority scheduling in dynamic operating environments. We formally define the rhythmic task model and study its scheduling properties. In the context of rhythmic engine control tasks, we offer schedulability tests for determining the maximum possible utilization under the steady state, which is related to the physical engine speed. We also investigate the range of possible engine acceleration and deceleration rates. We show that excessive acceleration and deceleration can make the system unschedulable. We provide algorithms to find the appropriate ranges for acceleration and deceleration rates. We use a specific case study of engine control to illustrate our analysis.
Absorption of electrolytic hydrogen and deuterium by Pd: the effect of cyanide adsorption

Abstract The absorption of hydrogen and deuterium in Pd, at potentials positive to hydrogen evolution, was studied by cyclic voltammetry. Results in 0.1 M NaOH, LiOH and LiOD were compared. In LiOH hydrogen ingress into Pd is faster than in NaOH. However, hydrogen egress is inhibited. In LiOD all processes are slower than those in LiOH. Addition of 10−3 M CN− to these electrolytes resulted in several major effects. The formation of the oxide and the ingress of hydrogen and deuterium were inhibited. Egress of hydrogen and deuterium from Pd was essentially completely inhibited until the adsorbed cyanide was displaced by oxide at positive potentials. Hydrogen permeation measurements through Pd membranes were made in 0.1 M NaOH and in 0.1 M NaOH + 10−3 M NaCN. Cyanide adsorption decreased the permeation rate and had large effects on the permeation decay transients. The permeation transients show evidence of either trapping of hydrogen or a concentration dependence of the diffusivity.
Axillary lymph node metastases of bronchogenic carcinoma

Background. Metastasis of bronchogenic carcinoma to axillary lymph nodes is rare. The pathways and possible significance of axillary lymph node metastasis from bronchogenic carcinoma were investigated. Methods. Seventeen patients with probable axillary lymph node metastases from bronchogenic carcinoma were identified by computed tomography. There were 15 nonsmall cell lung cancers and 2 small cell lung cancers. Axillary lymph node metastasis was proven by biopsy in six cases. Metastases were presumed because of an increase in the size of axillary lymph nodes compared with prior studies in six patients and enlarged axillary lymph nodes associated with biopsy-proven ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node metastasis in five patients. Results. Four of 10 right-sided lung cancers had ipsilateral and six had contralateral axillary lymph node metastases. Six of seven left-sided cancers had ipsilateral and one had contralateral axillary lymph node metastases. Patients with ipsilateral lymph node disease had chest wall involvement and/or supraclavicular and mediastinal lymph node metastases. All seven patients with contralateral axillary lymph node metastases had supraclavicular and/or mediastinal lymph node metastases. Conclusion. Bronchogenic carcinoma may involve ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes via either chest wall invasion or retrograde spread from supraclavicular lymph nodes. Contralateral axillary lymph node involvement requires involvement of contralateral mediastinal and supraclavicular lymph nodes with retrograde spread to the axillary lymph nodes.
Nutrition Training for Medical and Surgical Residents

Abstract It is well-documented that malnutrition during hospitalization frequently adds unnecessary costs to patient care and even lengthens hospitalization. In order to prevent these avoidable expenses, physicians need to recognize nutrition problems in the patient and to administer appropriate treatments. To that end, the Nutrition Committee at this 907-bed tertiary care teaching hospital directed the incorporation of clinical nutrition training into the medical education program in the 1994–95 academic year. The training is offered to both the medicine and surgery departments through which 230 residents and fellows rotate each year. Four class sessions are presented to each of the two groups. Major subject areas covered in the curriculum include: nutrition assessment, specialized diets, enteral and parenteral nutrition and current topics in nutrition research. The classes are taught by a multi-disciplinary team of endocrinologists, intensivists, nutrition support staff and dietitians, with the latter providing the major portion of the presentations. Case studies are presented at the end of each session to enable immediate application of information learned. The response to the curriculum has been overwhelming. Over 90% of the residents have rated the classes as being extremely useful to their practice. They also stated that their knowledge of nutrition assessment and therapy was significantly enhanced by the classes. Furthermore, a 5 to 10% increase in physician requests for nutrition consults was noted after each training session.
157. Absence of relation between mental well-being and red blood cell distribution width in a racially and socioeconomically diverse sample

Research on mechanisms underlying relations of depressive symptoms to cardiovascular disease (CVD) has identified red blood cell distribution width (RDW), an red blood cell volume variation index, as a potential pathophysiological link. We examined whether mental well-being was associated with RDW and if these relations differed as a function of socio-demographic characteristics. Participants were 2,063 socio-economically diverse African Americans and Whites (average age = 47.9, 56.6% female) enrolled in the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Lifespan (HANDLS) study who completed the Center for Epidemiological Studies – Depression scale (CES-D) and the SF-12 Mental Component Score (MSC) and provided blood samples. Separate sex, race, and poverty status stratified multiple regressions investigated whether CES-D and MSC (entered separately) were associated with RDW controlling for age, sex, race, poverty status, CVD diagnosis, metabolic conditions, hypertension, smoking status, body mass index, white blood cell count, c-reactive protein, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, and food security. Results indicated having a CVD diagnosis was associated with increased RDW ( p = .02) but neither CES-D nor MSC were associated with RDW in any subgroup. In a diverse community sample we replicated associations between RDW and CVD but failed to find an association between RDW and mental well-being measures. An absence of inflammatory activation for Blacks and whites in poverty in the presence of depression symptomatology may account for these findings.
Predicting obesity reduction in behavioral and nonbehavioral therapy from client characteristics: The self-evaluation measure

The predictive power of a self-evaluation measure and 10 other client characteristics was contrasted in behavioral and nonbehavioral obesity treatments. The self-evaluation measure (self-evaluation of accuracy of time interval estimates) was positively related to weight reduction in behavioral groups ( r =.53, n =24) and negatively related to weight reduction in nonbehavioral groups ( r =−.61, n =24). Subjects above the mean of the self-evaluation measure lost more weight in behavioral than in nonbehavioral therapy, but subjects below the mean of the self-evaluation measure lost equivalent amounts in both therapies. None of the other measures correlated strongly with the self-evaluation measure. Weight reduction at the end of the 9-week treatments was not related to most other measures, including actual accuracy of time estimates, age of obesity onset, and a variety of self-monitoring and self-management measures obtained before random assignment to treatments. Multiple regression analyses using the two best predictors for each type of therapy suggested that weight reduction at the end of treatment can be predicted moderately well in behavioral ( R =.64) and nonbehavioral ( R =.70) obesity treatment.
Radioactive of a heavy ion cyclotron central region

Abstract Radioactivation of the K-500 Michigan State University superconducting cyclotron central region has been detected and is attributed to stripped particles from the accelerated heavy ion beam. This radioactivation can pose a radiation hazard to personnel since the activated ion source is recycled after each run. Equations defining an energy band, where central region activation can occur, have been derived for a uniform magnetic field and verified by computed orbits in the actual magnetic field. The results indicate that the K-500 cyclotron at Michigan State University is the first heavy ion cyclotron to operate extensively within the energy band for this process where many accelerated ion charge states can activate the central region. Corrective options to minimize the radiation dose to personnel are reviewed.
End-of-Season Corn Stalk Test for Excess Nitrogen in Silage Corn

The concentration of nitrate in the lower portion of corn stalks 1 to 3 wk after physiological maturity is a reliable tissue test for detecting optimal or above-optimal supplies of available N for corn (Zea mays L.) grown for grain. This test, the end-of-season corn stalk test, has not been evaluated for silage corn. The test would be especially valuable for silage corn because this crop is frequently grown on manured fields where assessing the N status is difficult due to unquantified rates of N application and variable mineralization of organic N. This study reports nitrate concentrations in lower corn stalks shortly before harvest of silage and evaluates their use as an end-of-season corn stalk test for silage corn. Also explored is the possibility of collecting corn stalks up to 24 h after a field is harvested. Lower corn stalk samples were collected from a total of 19 N-response trials on corn fields with a history of manure applications in Connecticut in 1994 and 1995. In 1996, corn stalk samples were collected at harvest and 24 h after harvest from 20 farmers' fields. Three commonly used methods for defining a critical nitrate concentration, the quadratic-plateau model, the linear-plateau model, and the Cate-Nelson method were used to describe the relationship between relative yield and stalk nitrate concentrations. Three different critical concentrations were calculated by the three methods, which suggests that an optimal range of 500 to 1000 ppm nitrate N is appropriate for this test. There was no significant change in the nitrate concentration of stalk samples collected at harvest and 24 h after harvest. These results suggest that the end-of-season corn stalk test can be used as a convenient method to define excess N availability and to improve N fertilizer recommendations for silage corn fields.
Complications of radical soft-tissue mobilization procedure as a primary closure of exstrophy.

Abstract Purpose The radical soft-tissue mobilization procedure was developed as a component of the staged closure of classical bladder exstrophy to improve continency rates without having to perform pelvic osteotomies. The authors describe complications following this procedure and discuss possible etiologies and subsequent management. Materials and methods We extracted from an institutionally approved exstrophy database the records of patients evaluated for complications following radical soft-tissue mobilization repair from 1999 to 2002. Results Four patients were referred to our institution following closure of exstrophy with the radical soft-tissue mobilization technique; two boys and two girls. Complications included ischemic penile injuries in both males, failed exstrophy closure in one female, incontinence with need for bladder neck transection and diversion in two patients, and upper tract deterioration in two patients of whom one required cystectomy and incontinent diversion. Conclusions Omission of osteotomies when employing the radical soft-tissue mobilization repair appears to result in complications that could otherwise be prevented. Additionally, the complex dissection of the pelvic musculature, innervation and vasculature performed during radical mobilization has great potential to injure the pelvic structures and genitalia, as has been seen with the cases presented herein.
Prevalence of arthritis in India and Pakistan: a review

Recent studies of rheumatoid arthritis worldwide suggest that prevalence of arthritis is higher in Europe and North America than in developing countries. Prevalence data for major arthritis disorders have been compiled in West for several decades, but figures from the third world are just emerging. A coordinated effort by WHO and ILAR (International League Against Rheumatism) has resulted in collecting data for countries like Philippines, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and rural South Africa but the information about prevalence of arthritis in India and Pakistan is scarce. Since both countries, i.e., India and Pakistan, share some ethnic identity, we reviewed published literature to examine the prevalence of arthritis in these countries. Medline and Pubmed were searched for suitable articles about arthritis from 1980 and onwards. Findings from these articles were reviewed and summarized. The prevalence, clinical features, and laboratory findings of rheumatoid arthritis are compiled for both India and Pakistan. Data collected from these two countries were compared with each other, and some of the characteristics of the disease were compared with Europe and North America. It is found to be quite similar to developed countries. Additionally, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is of different variety than reported in West. It is more of polyarticular onset type while in West pauciarticular predominates. Additionally, in systemic onset, JRA uveitis and ANA are common finding in developed countries; on the other hand, they are hardly seen in this region. Although the prevalence of arthritis in Pakistan and India is similar to Western countries, there are inherent differences (clinical features, laboratory findings) in the presentation of disease. The major strength of the study is that it is the first to pool reports to provide an estimate of the disease in the Indian subcontinent. Scarcity of data is one of the major limitations. This study helps to understand the pattern of disease in this part of country that can be stepping-stone for policy makers to draft policies that can affect target population more appropriately.
Neo-Elitist Theory in Light of Democratic Transformation and Ukrainian Realities

The elitist tradition is one of the oldest in sociopolitical thought. It rightfully holds a worthy place in the classical legacy of sociology. But during the late twentieth-century democratic transformations, elitist ideas acquired a new momentum and attracted new followers. Attempts were made to use such ideas to neutralize the negative consequences of "too much democracy" and the crises of the transitional period.
Oil Debates: Reducing American Dependence on Oil

There is now widespread agreement that the United States must do something about the amount of oil it consumes. But all proposals are a trade-off between the good and the bad. In a useful, even-handed analysis, the authors analyze several widely discussed solutions and present the pros and cons of each of them.
Thinking Outside the Master's House: New Knowledge Movements and the Emergence of Academic Disciplines

This paper proposes a theoretical framework for understanding emergent disciplines as knowledge-focused social movement phenomena called New Knowledge Movements, or NKMs. The proposed theoretical framework is developed through a synthesis of new social movement theory and Frickel and Gross's Scientific/Intellectual Movements (SIMs) model. In contrast to the SIMs model, this paper argues that many new disciplines emerge through contentious collective action on the part of political and intellectual outsiders rather than through the action of intellectual elites. The framework is examined through historical narratives of two disciplines, women's studies and Asian American studies, in the USA. This framework will be useful to scholars studying the emergence of other disciplines and their related social movement dynamics, particularly those disciplines connected to deeply held personal identities or belief systems.