cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Long-term outcomes of incidental prostate cancer at radical cystectomy.

Abstract Objective We evaluated the natural history and long-term outcomes of incidentally detected prostate cancer (PCa) at radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer (BCa). Patients and Methods We identified 1,640 male patients who underwent RC between 1992 and 2012. Patients were stratified as clinically insignificant and clinically significant PCa, based on Grade Group (GG) 1 and ≥2, respectively. Survival was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results There were 329 (20%) patients with incidentally detected PCa at RC: 245 (15%) GG1, 52 (3.2%) GG2, 20 (1.2%) GG3, 6 (0.4%) GG4, and 6 (0.4%) GG5. Median follow-up among survivors was 9.6 years (interquartile range 7.5–13.3), during which time 253 patients died, of whom 127 died of BCa and 1 died of PCa. Nine patients experienced biochemical recurrence (BCR), 4 underwent salvage PCa therapies, and 2 developed PCa metastases. Patients with clinically significant PCa were significantly more likely to experience BCR (6% vs. 1.6%; P = 0.04) and had shorter median time to BCR (1.8 vs. 10.4 years; P = 0.01) than those with clinically insignificant PCa. No patients with BCR had greater than pT2N0 BCa or positive BCa margins. Ten-year PCa-specific survival, BCa-specific survival, other cause-specific survival, and overall survival were 99%, 57%, 63%, and 35%, respectively. Conclusions In a large RC series, we note a 20% rate of incidental PCa, the majority of which are clinically insignificant. On long-term follow-up, we determined that BCR and PCa mortality are extremely rare events among these patients. Pending validation, future guidelines may consider omission of PCa surveillance for some patients with incidental PCa at RC.
Prediction-Based GNSS Spoofing Attack Detection for Autonomous Vehicles.

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) provides Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services for autonomous vehicles (AVs) using satellites and radio communications. Due to the lack of encryption, open-access of the coarse acquisition (C/A) codes, and low strength of the signal, GNSS is vulnerable to spoofing attacks compromising the navigational capability of the AV. A spoofed attack is difficult to detect as a spoofer (attacker who performs spoofing attack) can mimic the GNSS signal and transmit inaccurate location coordinates to an AV. In this study, we have developed a prediction-based spoofing attack detection strategy using the long short-term memory (LSTM) model, a recurrent neural network model. The LSTM model is used to predict the distance traveled between two consecutive locations of an autonomous vehicle. In order to develop the LSTM prediction model, we have used a publicly available real-world comma2k19 driving dataset. The training dataset contains different features (i.e., acceleration, steering wheel angle, speed, and distance traveled between two consecutive locations) extracted from the controlled area network (CAN), GNSS, and inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors of AVs. Based on the predicted distance traveled between the current location and the immediate future location of an autonomous vehicle, a threshold value is established using the positioning error of the GNSS device and prediction error (i.e., maximum absolute error) related to distance traveled between the current location and the immediate future location. Our analysis revealed that the prediction-based spoofed attack detection strategy can successfully detect the attack in real-time.
Photonic crystal slab Laplace operator for image differentiation

Spatial differentiation is important in image-processing applications such as image sharpening and edge-based segmentation. In these applications, of particular importance is the Laplacian, the simplest isotropic derivative operator in two dimensions. Spatial differentiation can be implemented electronically. However, in applications requiring real-time and high-throughput image differentiation, conventional digital computations become challenging. Optical analog computing may overcome this challenge by offering high-throughput low-energy-consumption operations using compact devices. However, previous works on spatial differentiation with nanophotonic structures are restricted to either one-dimensional differentiation or reflection mode, whereas operating in the transmission mode is important because it is directly compatible with standard image processing/recognition systems. Here, we show that the Laplacian can be implemented in the transmission mode by a photonic crystal slab device. We theoretically derive the criteria for realizing the Laplacian using the guided resonances in a photonic crystal slab. Guided by these criteria, we show that the Laplacian can be implemented using a carefully designed photonic crystal slab with a non-trivial isotropic band structure near the Γ point. Our work points to new opportunities in optical analog computing as provided by nanophotonic structures.
Governing by Executive Order During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Preliminary Observations Concerning the Proper Balance Between Executive Orders and More Formal Rule Making

As the United States entered 2021, almost all fifty states were still operating under a state of emergency due to COVID-19 more than nine months later. Governors using emergency powers provided to them under their respective emergency disaster statutes and state constitutions continued to govern their state by executive order. These executive orders have had significant impacts on citizens’ everyday lives including stay-at-home orders, limits on non-essential gatherings, non-essential business closures and moratoriums on evictions. And these emergency orders have been opposed at almost every turn from citizens gathering in public protest shouting “Liberate Michigan,” to constitutional legal challenges to these orders. Even with three promising vaccines receiving emergency authorization at the time of this article’s submission, it will be months or longer before life returns to normal. Therefore, it becomes incumbent to ask the question whether governors should continue to wield this emergency power or whether state legislatures and/or state agencies should take on more responsibility. In answer to this question, this article concludes that governors should use executive orders in some measure as long as COVID-19 is being transmitted in their communities but not for all areas. Since COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease and is difficult to contain, governors need to be able to quickly and nimbly issue orders to curb transmission as long as there is a reasonable check on their power to do so. However, state legislatures and/or state agencies should enact emergency statutes or regulations following the more formal rule making process in areas that do not require immediate action such as requiring facial coverings in public spaces. This article draws its conclusion by examining three key areas. First, most governors have a meaningful check on their emergency powers from both the judiciary and the state legislature. Second, governors and litigants can learn from prior cases to ensure executive orders do not single out a group or unnecessarily burden another. Third, since some states have had success in enacting emergency regulations, statutes or guidelines concerning COVID-19, more states should follow suit.
A New Meal Absorption Model for Artificial Pancreas Systems.

Background:Artificial pancreas (AP) systems reduce the treatment burden of Type 1 Diabetes by automatically regulating blood glucose (BG) levels. While many disturbances stand in the way of fully c...
Insight into Application Performance Using Application-Dependent Characteristics

Carefully crafted performance characterization can provide significant insight into application performance and can be beneficial to computer designers, compiler and application developers, and end users. To achieve all the benefits of performance characterization, the characterization must incorporate a comprehensive set of characteristics that affect performance and can be measured with minimal perturbation from the underlying micro-architecture. To this end, we advocate the use of application-dependent characteristics that allow general conclusions to be drawn about the application itself rather than its observed performance on a specific architecture. In our prior work [7], we introduced a set of application-dependent characteristics and showed that they are consistent across architectures. In this work, we present an efficient characterization methodology that incorporates a more comprehensive set of application-dependent characteristics. We also explain in detail how these characteristics can be used to reason about and gain insight into application performance. Finally, we report characterization results on SPEC MPI2007 and Mantevo benchmarks. To our knowledge, this is the first work to present application-dependent characterization results for SPEC MPI2007 and some of the new Mantevo benchmarks.
Anisotropic Solution Adaptive Unstructured Grid Generation Using Aflr

An existing volume grid generation procedure, AFLR3, was successfully modified to generate anisotropic tetrahedral elements using a directional metric transformation defined at source nodes. The procedure can be coupled with a solver and an error estimator as part of an overall anisotropic solution adaptation methodology. It is suitable for use with an error estimator based on an adjoint, optimization, sensitivity derivative, or related approach. This offers many advantages, including more efficient point placement along with robust and efficient error estimation. It also serves as a framework for true grid optimization wherein error estimation and computational resources can be used as cost functions to determine the optimal point distribution. Within AFLR3 the metric transformation is implemented using a set of transformation vectors and associated aspect ratios. The modified overall procedure is presented along with details of the anisotropic transformation implementation. Multiple two-and three-dimensional examples are also presented that demonstrate the capability of the modified AFLR procedure to generate anisotropic elements using a set of source nodes with anisotropic transformation metrics. The example cases presented use moderate levels of anisotropy and result in usable element quality. Future testing with various flow solvers and methods for obtaining transformation metric information is needed to determine practical limits and evaluate the efficacy of the overall approach.
Electronic Structures, (d-p)p Conjugation Effects, and Spectroscopic Properties of Polyoxometalates: M6O192- (M=Cr, Mo, W)

The electronic structures and bonding of isopoly oxometalates M6O19 2− (M=Cr, Mo, W) have been investigated by using ab initio and relativistic density functional methods. We have discussed the role of the central oxygen atom and the (d-p)π conjugation interactions between the metal and bridging oxygen atoms. It is found that there exist 12 three-centered two-electron (d-p-d)π bonds for the three M4(μ-O)4 planar rings in M6O19 2− ions and these hexametalates are considered to have quasi-aromaticity. The (d-p)π conjugation effects play essential role in stabilizing these cluster compounds, and the reduced (d-p)π conjugation effects account for the instability of the isopoly oxochromate ion, Cr6O19 2−. The vibrational spectra and electronic spectra of M6O19 2− ions are evaluated and assigned theoretically and the calculated spectra are in fairly good agreement with the measured experimental results.
Medicare for All

This article makes an economist's case for extending Medicare to cover all Americans. First, Medicare for All would achieve universal coverage and portability. Second, Medicare for All would elimin...
Urinary Tract Infection

Primary goals in the diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI) and the subsequent evaluation of underlying factors predisposing to UTI: 1. Reduce recurrent UTI. 2. Prevent acquired renal damage.
Groups and geometric analysis

Geometric Fourier analysis on spaces of constant curvature Integral geometry and Radon transforms Invariant differential operators Invariants and harmonic polynomials Spherical functions and spherical transforms Analysis on compact symmetric spaces Appendix Some details Bibliography Symbols frequently used Index Errata.
Fred Evans: The Multivoiced Body: Society and Communication in the Age of Diversity

In his latest book, The Multivoiced Body: Society and Communication in the Age of Diversity , Fred Evans proposes a novel philosophical framework for interpreting human communication within a 21st-century political milieu of pluralism and difference. Evans' "multivoiced body" is, as the term suggests, a hybrid theory of society that engages writings as diverse as Chomskyan linguistics to postcolonial critiques of the Zapatista rebellion. Throughout the text, Evans skillfully places his conception of the social body in dialogue with numerous philosophical and literary theories of communication with the aim of articulating a new approach to contemporary questions of globalization, justice, and democracy. In response to what he calls "the dilemma of diversity," Evans' multivoiced body is an interpretation of the social body as a mutual interplay of subjectivities, cultures, and histories, which relies on the continual recognition of the interdependency of meaning. The dilemma that Evans intends to avoid is that a notion of plurality must either reduce the social whole to a mere collection of disparate parts thereby lacking any unified notion of "the good" or to a monological collective unit wherein one belief system dominates and represses other dissenting forms of thought and practice (pp. 3-4). To avoid these two horns, Evans establishes a dialogic account of meaning and social cohesion. This account of the dialogical nature of social bodies then lays the groundwork for his concluding critiques of capitalistic globalization and various views that fetishize social consensus and nihilism.
Transcriptional modulation of coproporphyrinogen oxidase by CCAAT enhancer binding proteins (C/EBPs) and their isoforms: A possible mechanism for enhanced ALA-photodynamic therapy

4620 Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an emerging binary treatment for a number of epithelial cancers of skin and prostate. Aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-mediated PDT (ALA-PDT) involves the administration of a precursor photosensitizer i.e. ALA, which is selectively accumulated and metabolized in target cells to form protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) followed by a local irradiation with visible light to induce cell death. We previously observed that cellular differentiation can lead to enhanced ALA-PDT. In differentiated cells increased production of PpIX results from increased expression of coproporphyrinogen oxidase (CPO), a heme-synthetic enzyme. A strong correlation between increases in differentiation and expression of CCAAT enhancer binding proteins (C/EBPs), as well as between differentiation and levels of CPO mRNA, indicates the possibility of transcriptional regulation of CPO by C/EBPs. Sequence analysis of the CPO promoter 1 kb upstream to the transcription start site of the human and mouse CPO genes revealed several consensus C/EBP motifs. Nuclear extracts from COS-7 cells overexpressing C/EBPs [C/EBPα, C/EBPβ (three isoforms LIP, LAP, LAP*), C/EBPδ and CHOP/gadd153] formed specific complexes with radiolabeled oligonucleotides on electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Competition, mutation and supershift assays defined the specificity of these complexes. A functional analysis was done by cloning 1 kb of the CPO promoter region upstream of the luciferase (luc) gene, followed by transient transfection and reporter assays in LNCaP prostate cancer cells. Co-transfection of the luc-reporter with vectors expressing each of the C/EBPs resulted in up to 7-fold induction of the reporter. Despite variation in CPO promoter induction by the different members of the C/EBP family, maximum induction was achieved by CHOP. Agents such as vitamin D can induce differentiation and selective expression of C/EBPs and increased PpIX production in LNCaP cells and keratinocytes. We utilized an organotypic culture model of rat epidermal keratinocytes (REKs) grown for 4 days at the air-liquid interface with different concentrations of vitamin D and 4 h of 1 mM ALA prior to harvest. Confocal images from frozen sections revealed increased PpIX in response to low-dose vitamin D (sub-nanomolar range) and increased cell killing in samples irradiated with blue light (395 nm). Vitamin D selectively increased C/EBPδ protein levels in LNCaP cells. These results suggest that use of differentiating agents that increase C/EBP transcription factors may be useful to increase CPO expression and PpIX prior to PDT, thus enhancing ALA-PDT efficacy.
Learning and prediction of nuclear radioactive properties with artificial neural networks

In this paper artificial neural networks (ANNs) are trained with nuclear radioactive properties using backpropagation (BP) as the learning paradigm. These properties are the radioactive decay modes and decay-gamma energies. The trained networks are used for predicting these properties for nuclei not included in the training set. The results obtained by prediction on test sets are compared with the actual values. This comparison leads to the conclusion that ANNs may be used for predicting radioactive properties of novel nuclei whose properties may be extremely difficult to calculate theoretically or measure experimentally.
Magnetostrictive characterization of notches in steel pipes

The magnetostrictive sensor technique was used to generate and detect elastic guided waves in a steel pipe for ultrasonic pipe inspection. A notch with a fixed length but varied depths was made on the pipe to simulate a crack, and the reflection coefficients of the guided waves was used to characterize the notch depth. The group velocity of the guided wave propagating in the pipe measured by the magnetostrictive sensor was found to fit the calculated group velocity well. The frequency content of the guided waves in the pipe depends upon the center frequency of the electric pulse applied to the magnetostrictive sensor. For the center frequencies between 10 and 80 kHz, the reflection coefficient was found to have a minimal value when the notch area was 10 percent of the total cross-sectional area; but for the center frequencies between 100 and 200 kHz, the reflection coefficient was found to be a nearly linear function of the notch area.
The loss of the negative morpheme, ne, in Parisian French

Abstract Data from a corpus of upper-middle class Parisian French demonstrate that the omission of ne in negative structures is most frequent among certain demographic segments of the population. This finding, together with historical evidence, suggests that the optional deletion of ne represents a continuing linguistic change, presaging theeventual total loss of ne . This change is most advanced in certain syntactic and phonetic contexts and in informal style.
Image texture analysis of crushed wheat kernels

The development of new approaches for wheat hardness assessment may impact the grain industry in marketing, milling, and breeding. This study used image texture features for wheat hardness evaluation. Application of digital imaging to grain for grading purposes is principally based on morphometrical (shape and size) characteristics of the kernels. A composite sample of 320 kernels for 17 wheat varieties were collected after testing and crushing with a single kernel hardness characterization meter. Six wheat classes where represented: HRW, HRS, SRW, SWW, Durum, and Club. In this study, parameters which characterize texture or spatial distribution of gray levels of an image were determined and used to classify images of crushed wheat kernels. The texture parameters of crushed wheat kernel images were different depending on class, hardness and variety of the wheat. Image texture analysis of crushed wheat kernels showed promise for use in class, hardness, milling quality, and variety discrimination.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Theoretical and experimental examination of the intermediate-band concept for strain-balanced (In,Ga)As/Ga(As,P) quantum dot solar cells

The intermediate-band solar cell (IBSC) concept has been recently proposed to enhance the current gain from the solar spectrum whilst maintaining a large open-circuit voltage. Its main idea is to introduce a partially occupied intermediate band (IB) between the valence band (VB) and conduction band (CB) of the semiconductor absorber, thereby increasing the photocurrent by the additional $\text{VB}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\text{IB}$ and $\text{IB}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\text{CB}$ absorptions. The confined electron levels of self-assembled quantum dots (QDs) were proposed as potential candidates for the implementation of such an IB. Here we report experimental and theoretical investigations on ${\text{In}}_{y}{\text{Ga}}_{1\ensuremath{-}y}\text{As}$ dots in a ${\text{GaAs}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\text{P}}_{x}$ matrix, examining its suitability for acting as IBSCs. The system has the advantage of allowing strain symmetrization within the structure, thus enabling the growth of a large number of defect-free QD layers, despite the significant size mismatch between the dot material and the surrounding matrix. We examine the various conditions related to the optimum functionality of the IBSC, in particular those connected to the optical and electronic properties of the system. We find that the intensity of absorption between QD-confined electron states and host CB is weak because of their localized-to-delocalized character. Regarding the position of the IB within the matrix band gap, we find that, whereas strain symmetrization can indeed permit growth of multiple dot layers, the current repertoire of ${\text{GaAs}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\text{P}}_{x}$ barrier materials, as well as ${\text{In}}_{y}{\text{Ga}}_{1\ensuremath{-}y}\text{As}$ dot materials, does not satisfy the ideal energetic locations for the IB. We conclude that other QD systems must be considered for QD-IBSC implementations.
Hepatic arterial infusion of recombinant platelet factor-4 suppresses metastases to the lungs from tumors implanted into the livers of rabbits

Background. This study evaluated the toxicity (Part I) and antitumor effects (Part II) associated with hepatic arterial infusion of recombinant platelet factor-4 (rPF4), an antiangiogenic protein. Methods. Healthy rabbits (Part I) and rabbits with tumors implanted in their livers (Part II) received saline or rPF4 via hepatic arterial infusion. Three saline-receiving and four rPF4-receiving animals died 2-3 days postinfusion from gastroduodenal thromboembolism. The remaining animals were necropsied 3, 7,10, or 14 days post-infusion. Blood analyses and hepatic angiography were performed before infusion and at the time of sacrifice. Results. In Part I, focal coagulation necrosis of the hepatic parenchyma was observed in 1 of 11 rabbits that received saline and in 6 of 10 that received rPF4. In Part II, hepatic arterial infusion of rPF4 had no effect on growth of the implanted liver tumors. However, the protein significantly reduced the incidence of lung metastasis. Conclusions. Intraarterial infusion of rPF4 significantly reduced the incidence of lung metastasis. Nonheparin systemic anticoagulation may be needed during catheterization and infusion procedures to prevent thromboemboli. Cancer 1995 ;75 :2435-41.
Adaptive solution techniques for simulating underwater explosions and implosions

Adaptive solution techniques are presented for simulating underwater explosions and implosions. The liquid is assumed to be an adiabatic fluid and the solution in the gas is assumed to be uniform in space. The solution in water is integrated in time using a semi-implicit time discretization of the adiabatic Euler equations. Results are presented either using a non-conservative semi-implicit algorithm or a conservative semi-implicit algorithm. A semi-implicit algorithm allows one to compute with relatively large time steps compared to an explicit method. The interface solver is based on the coupled level set and volume-of-fluid method (CLSVOF) M. Sussman, A second order coupled level set and volume-of-fluid method for computing growth and collapse of vapor bubbles, J. Comput. Phys. 187 (2003) 110-136; M. Sussman, E.G. Puckett, A coupled level set and volume-of-fluid method for computing 3D and axisymmetric incompressible two-phase flows, J. Comput. Phys. 162 (2000) 301-337]. Several underwater explosion and implosion test cases are presented to show the performances of our proposed techniques.
Acoustic propagation in nearly annular ducts

The propagation of acoustic waves in a duct of nearly annular cross-section is investigated. A method, based on a perturbation technique, is developed for calculating the wavenumbers of the propagating modes. Numerical results are presented for the case of (1) an annular duct having an elliptical outer boundary and a circular inner boundary, and (2) a cylindrical duct having an elliptical boundary. The results of the latter case compare favorably with those previously published, for eccentricities up to 0·6. Major advantages of the present method, as compared with previously used methods, are its generality and the relative ease of the computation involved, provided the boundaries do not deviate drastically from circles.
An exterior product identity for Schur functions

Let A be a matrix in Matn(k), where k is a commutative ring. Let ΛnMatn(k) be the nth exterior power of Matn(k) as an n2-dimensional free k-module. We present a coordinate-free characterisation of the Schur functions of (eigenvalues of) A, sλ(A), with λ = (λ1,…, λn) ϵ Zn: Aλ1 + n − 1 Λ … Λ Aλn + n − n = sλ(A)An − 1 Λ … Λ A Λ I. This becomes the usual definition of the Schur functions when A = diag(x1,…,xn). A coordinate version of this identity was found earlier by A. Kilikauskas. We show how the “master identity” above may be used to derive new identities, and simplify the proofs of old identities involving Schur functions and linear recurrent sequences. We also discuss its place in algebra and Lie theory.
Synchronized scanning of the first and second mass spectrometers on tandem double-focusing mass spectrometers

A method is described to synchronize the scans of the first and second double-focusing mass spectrometers of a tandem double-focusing mass spectrometer. The scans are synchronized by scanning the first mass spectrometer with voltages instead of the magnetic field. The method is demonstrated with scans that provide all of the precursor ions that produce a selected product ion (precursor ion scan). These precursor ion scans are compared to the previous method of obtaining precursor ion scans on a tandem double-focusing mass spectrometer. The precursor ion scans using the synchronized scanning allow for the use of high-energy collisions on any tandem double-focusing mass spectrometer, while limiting the mass range possible in a single scan. The limited mass range may be corrected by obtaining several spectra with different magnetic fields on the first mass spectrometer.
Atrial gland induction of the egg-laying response inAplysia californica

The atrial gland of the large hermaphroditic duct of the reproductive tract ofAplysia californica contains a substance that will cause egg laying when injected into sexually mature recipient animals. Preliminary chemical characterization of the atrial gland factor indicates that it is quite similar to the egg-laying hormone synthesized and secreted by the bag cell neuroendocrine organs of the central nervous system. In view of the apparent identity of its effects with those of the egg-laying hormone on presumed neural and reproductive system targets, it is possible that the atrial gland factor plays an hitherto unsuspected role in reproductive regulation. Moreover, the molecular similarity between the atrial gland factor and the egg-laying hormone suggests the possibility that the same humorally active species may be elaborated by two distinct tissue types.
The new theatre and the mysteries: Some provocative parallels

Experiencing performances by important avant‐garde theatre groups indicates parallel characteristics of the “New Theatre.” Upon closer inspection these qualities seem similar to some traits of medieval religious drama. These parallels are explored through a conjectural reconstruction of key sequences of a mystery cycle in order to illuminate the old and new ritual theatres.
Planning for war: The red army and the catastrophe of 1941

(1995). Planning for war: The red army and the catastrophe of 1941. Europe-Asia Studies: Vol. 47, No. 8, pp. 1293-1326.
Environmental Factors, Locus of Control, and Adolescent Suicide Risk

This exploratory study seeks to better understand possible relationships between environmental factors, locus of control, and suicide risk among adolescents. The data derive from in-school surveys of eight-grade students conducted in 1998 and 1999 in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Wyoming. Results revealed higher levels of suicide risk were associated with a more external locus of control orientation. Relationships between suicide risk and several environmental factors and preferences also were found. Potential links between locus of control, environment, and suicide risk are discussed, as are implications for intervention efforts and future research.
Pathologic analysis of mink mortality in New England mink.

The underlying cause of death of a group of New England mink, which died in 1969 to 1970 was explored. PCB and chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticide levels were measured. Aroclor 1254 levels in these mink were elevated 73 fold over levels in healthy mink in 1974. DDT levels were elevated 5 times and DDE 3 times over those control animals. Gross pathology revealed lesions of the lungs, liver and kidneys. These lesions were confirmed microscopically. The lungs of the New England mink showed inflammation and congestion. Areas of inflammation were also present in the liver. Massive areas of necrosis were seen in the kidneys, both in the medullary and cortical areas. Kidney involvement was greater than any other organ. P.A.S. positive material was seen in each of these organs with the kidneys showing largest amounts of this material. Since the New England mink did not show lesions of the G.I. tract, did not exhibit fatty degeneration of the liver, which PCB toxicity is known to induce in mink and because they showed areas of congestion, inflammation and positive P.A.S. material, PCB's were not considered the toxic agent. However, fungus or bacterial infection might be the causative agent.
Anomalous Behavior of Polystyrene Blends Using Thermally Induced Surface Wrinkling

The wrinkling of a 50:50 blend of a high molecular mass (Mn = 990 kg/mol) and low molecular mass (Mn = 1.3 kg/mol) polystyrene (PS) film is studied as a function of annealing temperature and film thickness. Both thermal and mechanical wrinkling are utilized to elucidate the apparent modulus of these PS blend films. The PS blend shows a modulus comparable to the high molecular weight PS, ≈ 3.2 GPa for mechanical wrinkling at ambient and thermal wrinkling for T ≤ 50 °C. A sharp decrease in the apparent modulus of the film occurs when thermal wrinkling occurs at 60 °C or higher. The calculated modulus in this case is 0.5 GPa, which is significantly below the modulus determined the neat PS for either Mn when thermally wrinkled at T > 60 °C. This behavior is attributed to a combination of surface segregation of the low molecular weight PS as well as the large difference in bulk glass transition temperature (Tg) of each component. During thermal wrinkling, the high Mn PS vitrifies first, while the surface containing primarily low Mn PS is rubbery; this leads to only the underlayer of PS wrinkling initially and selection of a shorter wavelength due to the effective thickness. The increased thermally induced stresses during cooling when the low Mn PS is vitrified do not change the selected wavelength and instead only leads to an increase in the wrinkle amplitude. These results illustrate a potential method to modulate the wrinkle wavelength without changing the overlayer, which could be useful for patterning applications.
Comparative metabolic clearance rates of β-endorphin and β-lipotropin in humans

Abstract In normal human subjects under basal conditions, we have reported that molar concentrations of immunoreactive β-lipotropin (IR-β-LPH) are approximately threefold greater than those of IR-β-endorphin (β-Ep). Following acute stimulation, there is a further two- to threefold disproportionate rise in plasma concentrations of IR-β-LPH as compared to those of IR-β-Ep. To begin to assess the possible factors involved in such altered IR-β-LPH/IR-β-Ep ratios in plasma, the metabolic clearance rate (MCR), volume of distribution (Vd), fractional rate of disappearance (Kd), and half-life ( t 1 2 ) of these peptides were determined by means of bolus injection of highly purified human β-LPH and synthetic human β-Ep in normal human subjects. β-Ep was found to have an MCR and a Kd greater than that of β-LPH, and a shorter t 1 2 . These differences, however, although they may in part be contributory, cannot solely account for the greater ratio of IR-β-LPH to IR-β-Ep in plasma, or for the disproportionate rise in plasma concentrations of these peptides after acute stimulation.
A Comparison of Pronouns and Anaphors in Italian and English Acquisition

This study compares four experiments on the acquisition of binding, two conducted with Italian-speaking children and two with English-speaking children. The task used in these experiments was the truth value judgment task, which I argue permits fairly direct access to children's syntactic competence. The results from these experiments suggest that Italian-speaking children do abide by Binding Conditions A and B. But some explanation must be given for the finding that English-speaking children's mastery of pronominal binding lags behind their mastery of binding for anaphors and R-expressions, Emphasizing that the explanation must (at least be able to) account for such cross-linguistic differences, I argue against appeals to maturation or to the learning of pragmatic constraints. I also consider proposals that can accommodate the cross-linguistic differences, namely a lexical misclassification proposal and Varela's (1989) suggestion about children's early hypotheses of governing category.
Space science: Lunar star

Roger D. Launius is perplexed by a biography of Neil Armstrong that profiles the missions, not the man.
Dual-Earner Couples in the Sandwiched Generation: Effects of Coping Strategies Over Time

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of work and family coping strategies used by dual-earner couples caring both for children and for aging parents on well-being over time among a national sample of 234 couples (468 individuals). Specifically, the effects of three types of coping strategies—those that decrease social involvement (behavioral), those that increase emotional resources (emotional), and those that involve increased prioritizing (cognitive)—were examined over a two-year period on sandwiched-generation husbands' and wives' life satisfaction, depression, affect balance, work-family conflict, and positive work-family spillover. These coping strategies were based on a model that was theoretically and empirically derived by Neal and Hammer (2007). In terms of “what works and what doesn't work” for sandwiched-generation couples over time, in general, coping strategies that increase emotional resources and coping strategies that involve prioritization have beneficial effects on well-b...
Research and Simulation on Genetic Ant Colony Routing in Wireless Sensor Network

In the routing design of the wireless sensor networks, how to balance the energy consumption of the entire network to extend the life span throughout the network is a key issue. Based on the genetic ant colony algorithm, this paper proposed a design of the energy-saving, clustered routing protocol. Considering of the energy situations of the nodes, their relative positions and the energy load balancing of the whole network, this protocol makes overall clustering of the network, utilizes the distributed computing and the global path optimization of the genetic ant algorithm to realize the minimum energy consumption and the extending of the network survival time.
Is privacy still an issue in the era of big data? — Location disclosure in spatial footprints

Geospatial data that were once difficult to obtain are now readily available to the public with the development of geospatial technologies. The ubiquitous use of social networking and location-based services enables easy sharing of personal stories among many people. With or without awareness of location disclosure, some users reveal a considerable amount of geopersonal information to the general public. Privacy issues have been raised again in the GIScience community. This study shows that home and work places may be inferred from georeferenced tweets of heavy Twitter users. Is privacy still an issue in the era of big data when people freely share blogs, photos, videos, and spatial footprints over the Internet? Or do people willingly decide to give out location information in order to gain benefits from the disclosure? After a discussion on possible reasons for people to share spatial footprints, this paper invites more research on perception of geoprivacy.
Technical Note-Maximal Funnel-Node Flow in an Undirected Network

This note formulates, examines, and solves a funnel-node maximal-flow problem for an undirected network. The solution procedure requires only applications of the single-commodity flow algorithm, and is therefore extremely efficient. Several applications are presented.
Classifying retrieval strategies as a function of working memory

Strategy selection may help explain performance differences between individuals with high working memory capacity (HWMs) and low working memory capacity (LWMs) (Budd, Whitney, & Turley, (Memory & Cognition, 23, 735-748 1995); Cokely, Kelley, & Gilchrist, (Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 13, 991-997 2006). We compared the independent and spontaneous strategy use of HWMs and LWMs during a category fluency (retrieval) task that required participants to retrieve animal names. HWMs were more successful at the fluency task under normal conditions, but under increased cognitive load, there were no WM-related performance differences. One strategy (i.e., retrieving animals according to their scientific classification) significantly aided performance, irrespective of cognitive load. Under normal conditions, HWMs were more likely to use the effective strategy; however, under load, WM did not predict strategy use. Use of the classification strategy was more strongly related to retrieval performance than was WM. These results suggest that retrieval strategy use is related to WM capacity, and that employing a successful strategy may make up for WM disadvantages during a demanding retrieval task.
Modeling and recognition of complex multi-person interactions in video

In this paper, we focus on the problem of searching for complex activities involving multiple, interacting objects in video. We examine the dynamics of formation and dispersal of groups as well as their interactions with other groups and individuals. In order to establish a general formalism, we examine activities using relative distances in phase space via pairwise analysis of all objects. This allows us to characterize interactions directly by modeling multi-object activities with the Multiple Objects, Pairwise Analysis (MOPA) feature vector, which is based upon physical models of complex interactions in phase space; specifically, we model paired motion as a damped oscillator in phase space. We model and recognize more complex interactions by characterizing pairs which are correlated in phase space as groups. We show how this model can be used for recognition of complex activities on the standard CAVIAR, VIVID, and UCR Videoweb datasets capturing a variety of problem settings.
A review of issues in the fracture of interfacial ceramics and ceramic composites

Abstract This article reviews the fracture behavior of very fine grain ceramics and ceramics which contain fine grain inclusions. These are interfacial materials in the sense that interfaces make up a relatively large volume fraction of the total material, and may therefore significantly influence the properties. The theme is to examine established trends concerning fracture behavior and grain or inclusion size and then to evaluate the validity of extrapolating those trends to very small sizes. The first section examines possible toughening mechanisms in single phase ceramics with submicron grain sizes, including microcracking, crack tip plasticity due to grain boundary sliding and transformation toughening. There is little reason to expect that microcrack toughening or crack tip plasticity will occur in these very fine grain ceramics. The second section discusses the strength and fracture toughness of ceramics containing submicron inclusions of oxides or carbides. Possible reasons for enhancements in the fracture strength in these ‘nanocomposites’ are discussed.
On the construction of subinvariant weakly additive set-functions

Abstract Let I be the unit interval [0,1], and let B( I ) be the ensemble of the Borel sets of I . A set function λ:B( I ) →R is admissible if ( I )λ( A )≥0 for all A e B ( I ); (2) A ⊑ B ⋒λ( A )≤λ( B ) for any A, B eB( I ); and (3) λ( A ∪ B )≤λ( A ) + λ( B ) for any A, B e B ( I ). If S is a semi-group of homeomorphisms from I into I a set-function, λ:B( I )→R is weakly additive if λ( A ∪ B ) = λ( A ) + λ( B ) for all A, B e B ( I ) such that A and B are separated under S in I . In this note we prove that if S is a semi-group of homeomorphisms ν :I → I such that for any O ≠ U e B( I ) and x e I , there exists some ν e S such that x e VU , then there exists an admissible, weakly additive set-function λ on B( I ) such that λ( U )≥λ( VU ) for all ν e S and any U eB( I ). The construction used in the proof of this result uses nonstandard analysis.
Societal Obligations to the Urban Poor Child.

This pluralistic, highly advantaged society, with a diverse and divided population, has both moral and economic obligations to assist the urban poor child to overcome the adverse conditions of his life circumstances. A national urban policy designed to ameliorate the substandard condition of the urban poor is recommended, along with the institution of realistic policies and programs of effective schooling for poor children and youth. The urban poor, in turn, have a responsibility to accept and use wisely the help offered to them. Thus obligation is mutual and reciprocal between society and its urban poor, though the greater burden is on the society to make it possible for urban poor children to surmount adverse conditions under which they find themselves due to “accidents of birth.”
Luffolide, a novel anti-inflammatory terpene from the sponge Luffariella sp..

Luffolide (4) is a minor metabolite of the spongeLuffariella sp. from Palau. The structure of luffolide was determined by single crystal X-ray analysis. Luffolide is relatively unstable and undergoes a complex cyclization reaction to give the hexacyclic products5 and6. Luffolide (4) has some of the anti-inflammatory properties of manoalide (1): this may help to define the chemical reaction between manoalide (1) and phospholipase A2.
Inclusion complete tally languages and the Hartmanis-Berman conjecture

Stimulated by the work of Hartmanis and Berman [5], we study the question of the existence of a tally languageL inNP such thatL is inP if and only ifP = NP. The method used is applicable to questions regarding the comparison of a wide range of pairs of classes of formal languages specified by machines whose computational resources are bounded in time or space.
Exchange correlation in the Xα approximation and shallow-donor impurity ionization energy

The Thomas-Fermi-Dirac (TFD) theory of dispersive valence screening of an ionized impurity in a semiconductor is extended to include exchange correlation in the X\ensuremath{\alpha} approximation. Linearization of the resulting screening equation yields a closed analytical expression for the spatial dielectric function of the electron-gas model semiconductor. The exchange-correlation potential of a shallow-donor impurity and the exchange interaction of the donor electron with the valence electrons are used in an effective-mass, three-parameter, variational calculation of the donor ionization energy. A single-band model and electronic constants appropriate to silicon are used for illustration. Marked differences are noted between the results of this application of linearized TFD screening and those reported previously by another author, who calculated the ionization energy on the basis of an incomplete formulation of the basic nonlinear screening equation in the X\ensuremath{\alpha} approximation.
Physical limitations of rate, depth, and minimum energy in information processing

The effect of the quantum nature of matter on the maximum informationprocesssing potentialities is considered. It is shown that the degeneracy of the energy levels of a physical information-processing system results in the fact that a universal limit of information-processing rates does not exist, though for any specific system this rate is indeed bounded. A physical interpretation is then proposed for an elementary act of information-processing and the concept of information-processing depth is introduced. The example of a system of quantum oscillators is used to show that the maximal information-processing depth is bounded, only a very small fraction of the possible system states being used. The effect of thermal noise on information processing is briefly discussed.
The effect of ultrasound on the alkaline hydrolysis of nitrophenyl esters

Abstract Ultrasound was found to increase the rate of hydrolysis of a series of esters by up to 15%. No effect of molecular structure upon this enhancement was observed.
Multi-channel, deterministic, all-order DGD emulator

This paper reports on a high spectral-resolution Fourier pulse shaper based DGD emulator design which can be programmed to possess essentially arbitrary DGD vs. frequency profiles for multiple channels simultaneously and independently. First-order polarization mode dispersion (PMD) range has been tested up to plusmn400 ps with an accuracy of approximately 1 ps. Higher order DGD profiles have also been demonstrated and shown excellent agreement with theoretically simulated results.
Simultaneous multiple-column chromatography: Its application to the separation of the adenine nucleotides of human erythrocytes☆

Abstract A readily available apparatus is described for the simultaneous development of three chromatographic columns. Also described is a single-stage, nonlinear gradient elution system capable of the uninterrupted separation of the adenine nucleotides of human erythrocytes. The practicality of these methods is exemplified in their application to the determination of the ATP content of red cells of normal adults and full-term newborn infants. The results show a significantly higher level of the triphosphate in the cells of the infant as compared to those of the adult.
Collaboration in grounded theory analysis: Reflections and practical suggestions:

Analytic triangulation is a well known strategy to enhance rigor in qualitative research, but little is known about the process to develop and maintain an intellectually vital analytic dyad. As two recent doctoral graduates, we reflect back on our mutually beneficial, interdisciplinary collaboration. We describe pragmatic guidelines to select an effective analytic partner, to structure work sessions, and to respond to the challenges of shifting needs over time. Utilizing specific examples, we address the intellectual, interpretive, and personal benefits of our analytic partnership. Our reflections may be useful for scholars using grounded theory such as doctoral students, early career researchers, as well as faculty who are mentoring doctoral students doing qualitative research.