cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gender, race, and survival: a study in non-small-cell lung cancer brain metastases patients utilizing the radiation therapy oncology group recursive partitioning analysis classification.

Purpose To explore whether gender and race influence survival in non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients with brain metastases, using our large single-institution brain tumor database and the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) brain metastases classification. Methods and materials A retrospective review of a single-institution brain metastasis database for the interval January 1982 to September 2004 yielded 835 NSCLC patients with brain metastases for analysis. Patient subsets based on combinations of gender, race, and RPA class were then analyzed for survival differences. Results Median follow-up was 5.4 months (range, 0–122.9 months). There were 485 male patients (M) (58.4%) and 346 female patients (F) (41.6%). Of the 828 evaluable patients (99%), 143 (17%) were black/African American (B) and 685 (83%) were white/Caucasian (W). Median survival time (MST) from time of brain metastasis diagnosis for all patients was 5.8 months. Median survival time by gender (F vs. M) and race (W vs. B) was 6.3 months vs. 5.5 months ( p = 0.013) and 6.0 months vs. 5.2 months ( p = 0.08), respectively. For patients stratified by RPA class, gender, and race, MST significantly favored BFs over BMs in Class II: 11.2 months vs. 4.6 months ( p = 0.021). On multivariable analysis, significant variables were gender ( p = 0.041, relative risk [RR] 0.83) and RPA class ( p p Conclusions Gender significantly influences NSCLC brain metastasis survival. Race trended to significance in overall survival but was not significant on multivariable analysis. Multivariable analysis identified gender and RPA classification as significant variables with respect to survival.
Educational Psychology in Teacher Education

Over the years, educational psychology has been a part of teacher preparation, moving from a centerpiece in many programs, through periods when it was deemed irrelevant by some, to current concerns about its role in the reforming of teacher education and teaching. Today, psychological knowledge is used to ground reforms in teaching and schooling, particularly the call for teaching for understanding. Current standards for teacher certifications and licensure and suggestions for reform in teacher education assume that teachers will have a deep and generative understanding of learning, development, motivation, and individual differences. This article explores several themes that recur in the writing on reforms and teacher standards: the need to place learning at the center of teaching, the call for integrated studies, and the value of collaboration with the public schools. These themes have both positive and negative implications for the role of educational psychology in teacher education.
Alcohol drinking attenuated by sertraline in rats with 6-OHDA or 5,7-DHT lesions of N. accumbens: a caloric response?

The purpose of this study was to elucidate further the role of serotonin (5-HT) in the preference for ethyl alcohol induced in the Sprague-Dawley rat by lesions of the N. accumbens. Following a standard preference test for 3-30% alcohol, dopaminergic or serotonergic neurons in the N. accumbens of the rat were lesioned bilaterally by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) or 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT), respectively. After recovery postoperatively, each rat was offered water and its maximally preferred concentration of alcohol, which ranged from 7% to 11%. Following a 4-day pretest, either the saline control vehicle or the 5-HT reuptake inhibitor, sertraline, was injected subcutaneously in a dose of either 3.0 or 10 mg/kg b.i.d. at 0800 and 2000 h over the next 3 days. Alcohol preference during the injection sequence and for 4 days thereafter was significantly reduced by sertraline in terms of both absolute g/kg and proportion of alcohol to water intakes. Saline was without effect on alcohol drinking. Comparisons of the drinking profiles of serotonergic versus dopaminergic lesioned rats revealed a dose dependent response to sertraline only in the 5,7-DHT lesioned animals. Although sertraline did not alter water drinking, the consumption of food declined significantly during and after its administration with a decline in body weight also observed at the higher dose. These results suggest that in addition to dopaminergic neurons in the N. accumbens, the synaptic activity of 5-HT in this structure contributes to the aberrant drinking of alcohol. However, this interpretation is tempered by the fact that caloric intake was suppressed concomitantly by the drug.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Virion-Independent Transfer of Replication-Competent Hepatitis C Virus RNA between Permissive Cells

In this study, we show that replication-competent subgenomic hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA can be transferred to permissive Huh7 cells, leading to the establishment of viral RNA replication. Further, we show that these events are mediated by exosomes rather than infectious virus particles. If similar events occur in vivo, this could represent a novel, albeit inefficient, mechanism of viral spread and immune escape.
Single- versus dual-console robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: impact on intraoperative and postoperative outcomes in a teaching institution

To compare the outcomes of robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) using a dual versus single-console system in a resident training program using intraoperative, perioperative and postoperative measures. Patients with PCa who underwent RALP prior to and after implementing a dual-console system at an academic institution were reviewed from 2006–2012. All surgeries were performed by a single-faculty surgeon well after the learning curve was established. In all cases, chief residents participated in the surgery and performed progressively more portions. Demographic, intraoperative and pathologic parameters were obtained. Continence and erectile function were assessed at 6 and 12 months. Postoperative complications were graded using the Clavien–Dindo classification. Predictors of outcomes on univariate analysis were included in multivariate logistic or linear models. Of 381 patients, 185 and 196 underwent single- or dual-console RALP, respectively. There was a significant decrease in mean operative time using the dual-console system (222 vs. 171 min, p < 0.0001) as well as in the incidence of intraoperative complications (8.65 vs. 1.53 %, p < 0.0001) and postoperative complications (14.1 vs. 6.63 %, p = 0.03.) Complications of Clavien grade ≥3a occurred more frequently with a single-console system (7 vs. 1 %, p = 0.003.) Differences persisted when controlling for potential confounders by multivariate regression. Postoperative measures of continence, erectile function and the rate of biochemical recurrence were similar between cohorts. When training resident surgeons to perform RALP, a dual-console system may improve intraoperative and perioperative outcomes. The dual-console may represent a safer, more efficient modality for robotic surgical education as compared to a single-console system.
What do polarons owe to their harmonic origins

Abstract Polaron (and related) soliton concepts are based on the assumption that quasiparticles are in linear interaction with harmonic oscillators. The discrete nonlinear Schrodinger equation and its semiclassical relatives are also based on this assumption. Study of the effects of nonlinearity in interaction, and anharmonicity in the restoring force of the oscillators, has led to notable results such as saturation of nonlinearities and counterintuitive pheonomena such as destruction of self-trapping on increasing the nonlinearity. We report on these and related results. The general aim of the investigation is to determine what polarons owe to their harmonic (and linear) origins and how a generalized conceptual framework may be built which includes known polaron physics as a subset.
Effect of building construction on Aspergillus concentrations in a hospital.

Air samples taken in a hospital undergoing construction and analyzed with a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay for the Aspergillus genus did not show elevated concentrations of Aspergillus or particulate matter with a diameter of 5 μm or less in patient areas. Air samples from the construction zone indicated the containment system, which used polyethylene film barrier and negative pressure, was effective.
Erythropoietin deficiency after coronary artery bypass procedures

Erythropoietin is the primary regulator of erythropoiesis. Erythropoietin has been shown to increase exponentially in response to linear decreases in hematocrit in normal, unstressed animals. However, the effect of operation, with its attendant stress, on erythropoietin levels is unknown. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of surgical stress on erythropoietin. Twenty otherwise healthy patients scheduled for elective surgical procedures were studied. The cholecystectomy group included 10 patients who underwent cholecystectomy for documented stone disease. Ten patients who underwent coronary artery bypass procedures constituted the coronary artery bypass grafting group. Patients were studied preoperatively as well as on the first and second postoperative days. The hematocrit and erythropoietin levels were similar in both groups preoperatively. The hematocrit in the coronary artery bypass grafting group was lower than that of the cholecystectomy group on postoperative day 1 (0.31 versus 0.36; p less than 0.003) and postoperative day 2 (0.30 versus 0.36; p less than 0.001). During the first two postoperative days the erythropoietin levels were similar between groups. The data show that postoperative erythropoietin levels are similar after coronary artery bypass grafting, despite more severe anemia, when compared with cholecystectomy. This suggests that after coronary artery bypass grafting there is a relative deficiency of erythropoietin. Administration of recombinant human erythropoietin to patients undergoing surgical procedures could correct the erythropoietin deficiency and accelerate postoperative erythropoiesis.
Garbage in the Garden State: A Trash Museum Confronts New Jersey's Image

This essay discusses the Trash Museum which existed in Lyndhurst, New Jersey from 1989 to 1999 and how that institution affected attitudes toward New Jersey. New Jersey9s long history of industrial pollution and its myriad garbage dumps had led many to substitute "Garbage State" for "Garden State" as the state9s nickname. The museum explained the history of unregulated garbage dumping in the thirty-two-square mile Hackensack Meadowlands area and taught lessons relevant nationally about intelligent garbage disposal. By confronting the worst of its history head on, New Jersey was able to demonstrate to detractors its leadership in garbage disposal and remediation of otherwise ruined lands.
Great Business Training is Just Enough, Just in Time, and Just for Me

How has a small midwestern rural community college contributed to the growth of the nation's largest direct marketer whose annual earnings exceed $1.5 billion? Discover how Western Nebraska Community College has developed a Corporate Academy and a Corporate Associate of Occupational Studies degree customized to meet the unique needs of employees of Cabela's, Inc.
Sensitivity of Human Oral Tumor Cells to Human Adenovirus

Human cells in early passage cultures of benign oral tumors, normal oral tissues, normal lung tissues and, especially, in long-term established oral carcinoma cultures were highly susceptible to infection by human adenovirus types 5, 21, and 31. In contrast, replication of each adenovirus type was markedly limited in inoculated cells of newly-established oral squamous cell carcinoma cultures.
Thermal expansion and cracking of three confined water-saturated igneous rocks to 800°C

Solutions of engineering problems of very deep drilling, geothermal energy production, and high-level nuclear-waste isolation require adequate understanding of the mechanical and transport properties of rocks at relatively low pressures but high temperatures. Accordingly, the thermal expansions of water-saturated Charcoal Granite, Mt. Hood Andesite, and Cuerbio Basalt have been measured at effective confining pressures (P e ) of 5, 50, and 100 MPa to 800° C. The mean coefficient of linear thermal expansion (α) is a function of lithology,P e , temperature (T) and initial porosity (ϕ). For example, for the Charcoal Granite, α increases withT at all pressures. The signature of the alpha-beta transition of quartz is more pronounced at the lower pressures; at 100 MPa α nearly mimics that of a crack-free rock forT<300° C. α for the andesite atP e =5 MPa ranges from 10 to 15×10−6/°C from 200° to 400° C then decreases gradually to 10.1×10−6/°C at 800° C. At 50 MPa α ranges from 11.7×10−6/°C at 100° C to 8.6×10−6 at 200°C, then increases at a much lower rate to 11×10−6 at 600° C. The basalt, however, has an essentially constant α (11×10−6/°C) forT>150°C at the lower pressure and shows but a small increase in α from 6 to 9×10−6 from 100° to 800° C at 50 MPa. The difference between measured values of thermal expansion and those calculated from simple mixture-theory relates to new crack porosity generated as a result of differential thermal expansion at the anisotropic grain scale. For the granite, a two to three order of magnitude increase in permeability (k) is predicted from the relation,k∝φ 3.
Associations of Maternal Prepregnancy Body Mass Index and Gestational Weight Gain With Adult Offspring Cardiometabolic Risk Factors The Jerusalem Perinatal Family Follow-Up Study

Background—Accumulating evidence demonstrates that both maternal prepregnancy body mass index (mppBMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) are associated with adult offspring adiposity. However, whether these maternal attributes are related to other cardiometabolic risk factors in adulthood has not been comprehensively studied. Methods and Results—We used a birth cohort of 1400 young adults born in Jerusalem who had extensive archival data and clinical information at 32 years of age to prospectively examine the associations of mppBMI and GWG with adiposity and related cardiometabolic outcomes. Greater mppBMI, independently of GWG and confounders, was significantly associated with higher offspring BMI, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, insulin, and triglycerides and with lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. For example, the effect sizes were translated to nearly 5 kg/m2 higher mean BMI, 8.4 cm higher waist circumference, 0.13 mmol/L (11.4 mg/dL) higher triglycerides, and 0.1...
Underwater Acoustic Navigation with the WHOI Micro-Modem

The WHOI Micro-Modem is a compact, low-power acoustic transceiver that can provide both acoustic telemetry and navigation. Its size and versatility make it ideal for integration in autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). The modem supports the use of both broadband and narrowband transponders for long baseline navigation systems, has a modem-to-modem ranging capability, and can be configured to provide synchronous one-way ranging, when integrated with a precision clock. This paper gives an overview of the different navigation systems supported by the Micromodem and presents the results from field tests conducted on the SeaBED AUV in deployments in Greece, the Bluefin AUV, and whale localizations in the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary.
Species differences in diisopropylfluorophosphate-induced decreases in the number of brain nicotinic receptors.

Abstract DBA and C3H mice were injected chronically with 2.0 mg/kg diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) every other day for 2 or 4 weeks. Although acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and muscarinic receptor numbers {[3H] quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB) binding} were decreased in DFP-treated DBA and C3H mice, the number of nicotinic receptors { L -[3H]nicotine and α-[125I]bungarotoxin (BTX) binding} was unchanged by chronic DFP treatment. Sprague-Dawley rats injected chronically with lower doses of DFP than were used in mice exhibited a greater reduction in AChE activity, as well as accompanying decreases in [3H]QNB and [3H]nicotine binding. Neither species exhibited changes in α-[125I]BTX following chronic DFP injection. The effects of chronic DFP treatment on sensitivity to DFP and to nicotine were also assessed in the two mouse strains using a battery of behavioral and physiological tests that included rotarod performance, Y-maze crossing and rearing activity, heart rate, and body temperature. No tolerance to DFP was observed in either mouse strain after 2 weeks of treatment. Following 4 weeks of treatment, DFP-treated DBA mice exhibited modest tolerance to the effect of DFP on body temperature. C3H mice did not survive the 4-week treatment. Some evidence for reduced sensitivity to nicotine's effects was detected in the DFP-treated DBA mice, but cross-tolerance to nicotine was not observed in the DFP-injected C3H mice. Because chronic DFP treatment did not evoke a change in the number of brain nicotinic receptors, the reduced sensitivity to some of nicotine's effects seen in DBA mice must be due to some factor other than receptor downregulation.
Dimensions of informal social network structure: Toward a contingency theory of informal relations in organizations

A method for inductively characterizing the dimensions of informal structure in organizations is developed and applied. Results are presented which suggest close parallels between contingency theories of formal organization and the informal structure case. These results are interpreted in light of the informational and other characteristics of informal networks in organizations.
Nanoparticles: Dissected with electrons

A combination of electron microscopy and electron energy-loss spectroscopy can be used to chemically map complex hybrid nanoparticles.
Correlations in the partition thin-layer chromatography of alkali metals.

Abstract The behavior of the alkali group in thin-layer chromatography on silica gel in the polyiodide-nitroaromatic system is described. R M values are correlated with ionic radii, free energies of hydration, and the dielectric constant of solvent mixtures. The chromatographic distribution ratios on plates were measured as a function of the phase ratio and compared to bulk distribution ratios. Differences of orders of magnitudes between bulk and chromatographic distribution ratios are attributed to the peculiar nature of the water on the gel.
Autonomic functioning and cigarette smoking: Heart rate spectral analysis

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of myocardial infarction and sudden death (Ball and Turner 1974; Miettinen et al 1976; Rosengren et al 1988). Several mechanisms have been offered for this increased incidence. Cryer et al (1976) attributed the changes in blood pressure and heart rate with cigarett~ smoking to norepinephrine (NE) release fron, adrenergic nerves. NE release has also been shown to lower the ventricular fibrillation threshold (Verrier et al 1974, 1975). Thus, it is possible that the increased incidence of acute myocardial infarction and sudden death i,n smokers may be due to excessive sympathetic tone. It is also possible, however, that a decrease in parasympathetic tone, causing a relative excess of sympathetic tone, would create a similar condition. Given the high rate of cigarette smoking in psychiatric patients (Hughes et al 1986), it is important to determine the physiological effects of this addiction. Spectral analysis provides an estimate of the contribution of sympathetic and parasympathetic tone on heart rate variability (Hyndman and Gregory 1975; Rompelman 1977; Porges 1983). Therefore, the purpose of this
Immunostaining to Visualize Murine Enteric Nervous System Development

The enteric nervous system is formed by neural crest cells that proliferate, migrate and colonize the gut. Following colonization, neural crest cells must then differentiate into neurons with markers specific for their neurotransmitter phenotype. Cholinergic neurons, a major neurotransmitter phenotype in the enteric nervous system, are identified by staining for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), the synthesizing enzyme for acetylcholine. Historical efforts to visualize cholinergic neurons have been hampered by antibodies with differing specificities to central nervous system versus peripheral nervous system ChAT. We and others have overcome this limitation by using an antibody against placental ChAT, which recognizes both central and peripheral ChAT, to successfully visualize embryonic enteric cholinergic neurons. Additionally, we have compared this antibody to genetic reporters for ChAT and shown that the antibody is more reliable during embryogenesis. This protocol describes a technique for dissecting, fixing and immunostaining of the murine embryonic gastrointestinal tract to visualize enteric nervous system neurotransmitter expression.
Dark and illuminated current simulation of bulk heterojunction solar cell using Kinetic Monte Carlo

Dark IV is an important characteristic of a solar cell that mandates the open circuit voltage and fill factor of the device so a comprehensive simulation of photocurrent under applied voltage is not possible unless back injection of charged carriers at the donor-acceptor interfaces (the origin of dark current) are incorporated in the simulation. For the first time, this paper presents the simulation of dark and illuminated current in a polymer solar cell using Kinetic Monte Carlo approach.
Spatial and temporal patterns of interstitial cell migration in Hydra vulgaris.

Abstract Interstitial cell migration was characterized in Hydra vulgaris (formerly H. attenuata ) and the effects of axial position and tissue injury on migration were investigated. Migrating cells were labeled with the thymidine analog, bromodeoxyuridine, and grafted into unlabeled host polyps. Alternatively, cells were labeled directly in hosts with the fluorescent, carbocyanine dye, DiI. The results show that cell migration appeared constrained to proximal (toward the basal disk) or distal (toward the tentacles) movements, but were never lateral. Some cells moved bidirectionally. The fastest migrating cells moved an average of 28 μm/hr. Two to six percent of the gastric region interstitial cells migrated in 1 day and accumulated throughout the body column. In grafted polyps, an average of eight cells emigrated from midgastric regions every hour. Tissue injury had no observed effect on the amount of cell migration. Cells emigrating from midgastric regions showed a preference for distal accumulation, and this bias was enhanced when migrating cells originated from more distal positions in the polyp. Proximally derived tissue grafted to a more distal position also showed similar, preferential distal migration, indicating that interstitial cell migration patterns are dependent upon their position in the body column and not upon their origin. Migrating interstitial cells are slower moving and less numerous than migrating nematocytes in H. vulgaris , but since their migration patterns are similar, the migration of both cell types may be influenced by the same directional cues.
A Real Time Controller For Applications In Smart Structures

Research in smart structures, especially the area of vibration suppression, has warranted the investigation of advanced computing environments. Real time PC computing power has limited development of high order control algorithms. This paper presents a simple Real Time Embedded Control System (RTECS) in an application of Intelligent Structure Monitoring by way of modal domain sensing for vibration control. It is compared to a PC AT based system for overall functionality and speed. The system employs a novel Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) microcontroller capable of 15 million instructions per second (MIPS) continuous performance and burst rates of 40 MIPS. Advanced Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) circuits are integrated on a single 100 mm by 160 mm printed circuit board requiring only 1 Watt of power. An operating system written in Forth provides high speed operation and short development cycles. The system allows for implementation of Input/Output (I/O) intensive algorithms and provides capability for advanced system development.
Improvement of the Drug Allergy Alert for Nonprescription NSAIDs

Objective The purpose of the study was to compare revised and current ibuprofen over-the-counter (OTC) allergy alerts for usability, readability, and overall preferences in consumers naive to drug allergies and drug-induced allergy survivors.
Effect of scrapping on the performance of multistage automatic transfer lines

Many analytical and simulation models have been developed to study the behaviour of automatic transfer lines. Most of these models, however, have neglected the important phenomenon of scrapping of workpieces. In this paper we study the effect of this phenomenon on the performance of automatic transfer lines.
Dynamic quantification of host Schwann cell migration into peripheral nerve allografts

Host Schwann cell (SC) migration into nerve allografts is the limiting factor in the duration of immunosuppression following peripheral nerve allotransplantation, and may be affected by different immunosuppressive regimens. Our objective was to compare SC migration patterns between clinical and experimental immunosuppression regimens both over time and at the harvest endpoint. Eighty mice that express GFP under the control of the Schwann cell specific S100 promoter were engrafted with allogeneic, nonfluorescent sciatic nerve grafts. Mice received immunosuppression with either tacrolimus (FK506), or experimental T-cell triple costimulation blockade (CSB), consisting of CTLA4-immunoglobulin fusion protein, anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody, and anti-inducible costimulator monoclonal antibody. Migration of GFP-expressing host SCs into wild-type allografts was assessed in vivo every 3 weeks until 15 weeks postoperatively, and explanted allografts were evaluated for immunohistochemical staining patterns to differentiate graft from host SCs. Immunosuppression with tacrolimus exhibited a plateau of SC migration, characterized by significant early migration (< 3 weeks) followed by a constant level of host SCs in the graft (15 weeks). At the endpoint, graft fluorescence was decreased relative to surrounding host nerve, and donor SCs persisted within the graft. CSB-treated mice displayed gradually increasing migration of host SCs into the graft, without the plateau noted in tacrolimus-treated mice, and also maintained a population of donor SCs at the 15-week endpoint. SC migration patterns are affected by immunosuppressant choice, particularly in the immediate postoperative period, and the use of a single treatment of CSB may allow for gradual population of nerve allografts with host SCs.
SoC - the road ahead

Summary form only for tutorial. System-on-a-chip is an evolving definition where a current generation system implemented with multiple chips on a board translates to a system-on-a-chip for the next generation. This is enabled by advances in the semiconductor technology which support increasing levels of single chip integration. For system components which can be efficiently implemented in CMOS, integrating them on a single chip (SoC) offers the most optimal solution in terms of die size, unit cost, form factor, power, performance and reliability. The SoC development process however implies longer cycle time and high NRE costs. This makes SoCs economically viable only for high volume, high NR applications. The increasing complexity of the systems coupled with the technology scaling challenges have significant negative impact on both the cycle time and the NRE costs. The SoC design challenge in business terms is then to improve execution efficiency at a rate faster than the complexity increase, so as to increase the TAM serviced by SoCs. This talk covers the system and technology trends, highlight their implications and discuss directions to address the ever increasing SoC design challenge.
Note-On the Aggregation of Individual Probability Estimates

This Note considers the problem of aggregating individual probability estimates of an event to obtain a group estimate. Norman Dalkey has argued that no rigorous theory of probability aggregation is possible for the following reasons: 1 There is no consistent way of aggregating individual probability estimates Dalkey's Impossibility Theorem. But Dalkey's Impossibility Theorem makes what we call the context-free assumption, namely that the group estimate of an event's probability is a function only of the estimates of the individuals and, in particular, is not dependent on the event in question. We argue that the context-free assumption is unreasonable and present several known aggregation methods which don't make it. 2 Although there is a Bayesian approach to the problem, it requires that the estimates of all but at most one of the experts be independent of the event in question. To make this argument, Dalkey assumed both: a1: The individual estimates are independent random variables, and a2: Given the occurrence or nonoccurrence of the event, the individual estimates are independent random variables. This paper presents an alternate derivation of the result, abstracting from Dalkey's context. The point is that Dalkey's result is simply a consequence of assuming both a1 and a2. It is unreasonable to assume both a1 and a2. And hence Dalkey's result does not discredit the Bayesian approach. Thus this paper resolves some theoretical objections to the possibility of a rigorous theory of aggregation. Furthermore, it clarifies the nature of the context-free assumption and the independence assumptions: a1 and a2.
To Accommodate or Subjugate: Wang Yangming's Settlement of Conflict in Guangxi in Light of Ming Political and Strategic Culture

AbstractThis article is a study of the Ming philosopher Wang Yangming's handling of a rebellion by non-Han ethnic groups in the province of Guangxi in 1527. As opposed to the previous supreme commander, Wang chose not to use force to quell the uprising but rather advocated a policy of accommodation, resulting in a temporary peace. Both supreme commanders' strategies are analyzed in terms of their differing social imaginaries and moral frameworks. By so doing, light is shed on a spectrum of strategic culture in Ming China and how Wang Yangming positioned himself within it, as well as how his conception of a moral and political order of society influenced his policies.
The preparation of transmission electron microscopy specimens from tubing

Abstract The application of transmission electron microscopy to engineering materials requires techniques for preparing specimens from intricate structures. Suitable flat tabs can be cut or ground from massive pieces and thinned by using standard techniques, but small-diameter, thin-wall tubing presents special problems that cannot be handled in this way. Modifications to the ORNL jet polishing technique that enable good specimens to be rapidly and reliably prepared from tubing using a minimum of material are described. Special features of a glove-box facility for thinning alpha-contaminated materials are also described.
Fundoplication and the Pediatric Surgeon: Implications for Shared Decision-Making and the Medical Home

Abstract Objective Almost one-half of all pediatric gastrostomy tube insertions are accompanied by a fundoplication, yet little is understood about the surgical decision-making for these procedures. The objective of this study was to examine the decision-making process of surgeons about whether to perform a fundoplication in children already scheduled to have a gastrostomy tube placed. Methods A written questionnaire of all pediatric surgeons at a major children's hospital was completed for each planned gastrostomy procedure over the course of 1 year; the questionnaire asked about various influences on the fundoplication decision: primary care and subspecialty physicians' opinions, patient characteristics, and parent opinions. Patient demographics and clinical characteristics from the medical record, as well as questionnaire responses, were summarized for each gastrostomy occurrence. We modeled the association of questionnaire responses and patient characteristics with the outcome of having a fundoplication. Results We received questionnaires on 161 of 169 eligible patients (95%). A total of 52% of patients had fundoplication. Primary care physicians were involved in 44% of decisions, and when involved had "a lot" of influence on the fundoplication decision only 28% of time, compared with neonatologists (61%), hospitalists (44%), pediatric pulmonologists (42%), and pediatric gastroenterologists (40%). A total of 86% of patients had a subspecialist involved, and 28% had >1 subspecialist. A pH probe was performed in 7.5% of cases, and failed pharmacotherapy was noted by the surgeons in only 26.5% of the fundoplications performed. Conclusions The decision to do a fundoplication was rarely based on definitive testing or failed medical treatment. From the surgeon's perspective, subspecialists were more influential than primary care physicians, which is at odds with current concepts of the medical home.
Recent results in charm meson decays

Abstract Recent results in charm meson hadronic decays are discussed. First, new branching ratio measurements for nine D meson decay modes are presented. Then searches for D 0 — D 0 mixing by two independent methods are discussed in detail. Finally, the current state of CP violation limits is summarized.
Ligand density elicits a phenotypic switch in human neutrophils

Neutrophils are mediators of innate immunity and motility is critical to their function. We used microcontact printing to investigate the relationship between density of adhesive ligands and the dynamics of neutrophil motility. We show that neutrophils adopt a well-spread morphology without a uropod on moderate densities of adhesion ligand. As density is increased, the morphology switches to a classic amoeboid shape. In addition to the morphological differences, the dynamics of motility were quantitatively distinct. Well-spread cells without uropods glide slowly with high persistence, while amoeboid cells made frequent directional changes migrating quickly with low persistence. Using an antibody panel against various integrin chains, we show that adhesion and motility on fibronectin are mediated by MAC-1 (αMβ2). The phenotypic switch could be generalized to other surface ligands, such as bovine serum albumin, to which the promiscuous MAC-1 also binds. These results suggest that neutrophils are capable of displaying multiple modes of motility as dictated by their adhesive environment.
Piperidine alkaloids from Piper methysticum

Pipermethystine (1), 3α,4α-epoxy-5β-pipermethystine (2) and awaine (3) were isolated from the aerial parts of kava (Piper methysticum G. Forster, Piperaceae) and identified by HRMS and NMR spectroscopic analysis. 1 was concentrated in the stem peelings and leaves. 2 and 3 are new alkaloids with 2 found only in cv. Isa among the 11 cultivars examined, and 3 occurred primarily in young leaves of all cultivars. The stem peelings have been used in recent years as a source of kavalactones in kava dietary supplement industry. Quantitative aspects of these piperidine alkaloids in P. methysticum and their potential activities on human physiology are discussed.
Toxigenicity and antimicrobial susceptibility ofClostridium difficile, a cause of antimicrobial agent-associated colitis

Fourteen of 16 strains ofClostridium difficile, a recently recognized cause of antimicrobial agent-associated ileocolitis in laboratory animals and colitis in man, were found to be toxigenic. The susceptibility of these isolates to a variety of antimicrobial agents provides information that may be of value in assessing the means by whichC. difficile may produce colitis, in developing selective bacteriologic media for diagnosis, and in selecting appropriate antimicrobial therapy for colitis.
Distributed and binary imaging using an array of low-resolution cameras

A variant of the general super-resolution problem involves the generation of a single high-resolution image using a sequence of low-resolution video frames [1]. We study a related problem in which a high-resolution image is obtained from multiple low-resolution cameras. In our model each camera measurement represents a transformation of the object space according to some (a priori known) position/magnification/rotation. Note that an array of imagers can be characterized by their number as well as their range of positions/magnifications/rotations. We refer to the range of position/magnification/rotation as the measurement diversity of the array. Large diversity might correspond to a range of positions = 16 pixels, a range of rotations = 45 degrees, and a range of magnifications = 20 %. Medium diversity might be considered 8 pixels, 15 degrees, and 10%. Random noise is also included within our imager model. We have developed several algorithms for combining data from disparate camera measurements in order to arrive at a single high-resolution object estimate. The first algorithm that we investigated was a variant of the gradient-based Iterative Back-Projection (IBP) algorithm [2], extended to handle general affine transformations. The results of applying this algorithm are shown in figure 1, in which we see that increasing the number of cameras improves reconstruction mean-squared-error (MSE). This figure also demonstrates the important trend that (for a sufficient number of cameras) increased measurement diversity provides improved MSE performance.
Nonsolvable Groups Satisfying the One-prime Hypothesis

Recall that a finite group G satisfies the one-prime hypothesis if the greatest common divisor for any pair of distinct degrees in cd(G) is either 1 or a prime. In this paper, we classify the nonsolvable groups that satisfy the one-prime hypothesis. As a consequence of our classification, we show that if G is a nonsolvable group satisfying the one-prime hypothesis, then |cd(G)| ≤ 8, and hence, if G is any group satisfying the one-prime hypothesis, then |cd(G)| ≤ 9.
Ideological alchemy: the transmutation of South African didactics (and fundamental pedagogics) into ‘apartheid education’

In his response to Kruger, Le Grange claims that: (1) the South African discourse of fundamental pedagogics was closely allied with Christian National Education and functioned as a powerful educational doctrine in the service of the South African policy of apartheid education; (2) fundamental pedagogics bracketed political discourse; (3) the connection between fundamental pedagogics and Christianity promoted an authoritarian approach to education; and (4) because didactic pedagogics and fundamental pedagogics were so intimately intertwined, South African didactic thinking also was used to serve and perpetuate the policy of apartheid education. This paper evaluates these claims and concludes that they are untenable in light of the history, nature, and purpose of South African fundamental and didactic pedagogical thinking. In his effort to link fundamental and didactic pedagogical thinking to apartheid education, Le Grange has lost sight of the profound influence of the tradition of European (Dutch/German) ...
Theory Building in Political Socialization Explorations of Political Trust and Social Learning Theory

A social learning theory approach is applied to the task of explaining levels of political trust. Theoretically derived mediators between the source and the observer—involving sanction, clarity, an...
Ethnolinguistic identity and language policy in Nepal

Nepal has recently been replacing its monolingual, Nepali‐only, assimilationist policy of the past with a new multilingual policy in education and broadcasting based on ethnolinguistic differentiation. This article analyses the impact on two groups: the response of the Tamang is spurring forward the creation of a pan‐Tamang ethnic identity; conversely the response of the Tharus is to create a language to add to the belongings of their imagined community. The former is a case of a language in search of an ethnic group, the latter a case of an ethnic group in search of a language.
Influence of Network Structure on the Degradation of Photo-Cross-Linked PLA-b-PEG-b-PLA Hydrogels

Triblock copolymers of functionalized poly(lactic acid)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(lactic acid) (PLA-b-PEG-b-PLA) have been widely investigated as precursors for fabricating resorbable polymeric drug delivery vehicles and tissue engineering scaffolds. Previous studies show degradation and erosion behavior of PLA-b-PEG-b-PLA hydrogels to rely on macromer chemistry as well as structural characteristics of the cross-linked networks. In this research, the degradation kinetics of diacrylated PLA-b-PEG-b-PLA copolymers as soluble macromers and cross-linked gels are directly compared as a function of macromer concentration, buffer pH, and ionic strength. The pseudo first-order rate constants for degradation of soluble macromers increase with water concentration and show a minimum at intermediate pH values, but are insensitive to ionic strength. The degradation rate constants for covalently cross-linked gels display a greater sensitivity to local water concentration and a minimum at lower pH values than corresponding soluble macromers. In addition, ionic strength significantly affects the rate of gel degradation due to the direct correlation between the degree of network ionization and gel water content.
Kv1.3 gene-targeted deletion reduces fat deposition and total body weight in melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R)-null mice: A model of hypothalamic-driven late-onset obesity.

Mice with gene-targeted deletion of Kv1.3, a voltage-gated potassium channel of the Shaker family, are thin and do not gain weight when challenged with a moderately high-fat diet. Kv1.3 has been shown to modulate glucose uptake in white adipose tissue and be expressed by mitochondria. Kv1.3 is also expressed in brain regions important for feeding and metabolism such as the hypothalamus and olfactory bulb, where its activity is modulated by insulin. To address hypothalamic Kv1.3 contribution, we generated doubly homozygous MC4R/Kv1.3-null mice (mmkk) to ascertain if deletion of Kv1.3 channel protein could abrogate weight gain in a model of hypothalamic obesity. At 9 months, mmkk mice weighed 18% less than MC4R-null mice. This phenomenon began to emerge around postnatal day 60 (P60) at which point there is lower visceral and subcutaneous fat pad deposition in the mmkk mice with no change in nose to anus length. To characterize the onset of the reduced adiposity phenotype, locomotor activity, mass-specific metabolic rate (VO2), and ingestive behaviors were monitored in P60–P75 mice. These experiments revealed no differences in ingestive behaviors but locomotor activity (66% in females, 50% in males) and VO2 (21% in females, 12% in males) were increased in mmkk mice above that of MC4R-null mice. These results indicate Kv1.3 deletion reduces fat deposition and total body weight in a model of hypothalamic-driven, late-onset obesity possibly through increased locomotor activity and VO2. This work was supported by: NIH DC 003387 and DC 00044, and FSU CRC Competitive Planning Grant.
Children's Dreams

Children as young as 3 to 4 years old, perhaps even younger, have dreams, as reported in longitudinal and cross-sectional studies of REM awakenings in sleep laboratories. Dreams grow in complexity to near adult patterns as cognitive ability increases, in the early teens. The number of children studied regarding dreams has been limited.
Electronic structure of the ideal silicon vacancy by the muffin-tin green's function method

Abstract The muffin-tin Green's function method is applied to the ideal vacancy in silicon in the extended-charge single site approximation. The characteristics of the partially occupied gap state are found to be strongly dependent on the extent of the charge perturbation outside of the vacancy muffin-tin.
Capacities, surface area, and radial sums

A dual capacitary Brunn–Minkowski inequality is established for the (n−1)-capacity of radial sums of star bodies in Rn. This inequality is a counterpart to the capacitary Brunn–Minkowski inequality for the p-capacity of Minkowski sums of convex bodies in Rn, 1⩽p<n, proved by Borell, Colesanti, and Salani. When n⩾3, the dual capacitary Brunn–Minkowski inequality follows from an inequality of Bandle and Marcus, but here a new proof is given that provides an equality condition. Note that when n=3, the (n−1)-capacity is the classical electrostatic capacity. A proof is also given of both the inequality and a (different) equality condition when n=2. The latter case requires completely different techniques and an understanding of the behavior of surface area (perimeter) under the operation of radial sum. These results can be viewed as showing that in a sense (n−1)-capacity has the same status as volume in that it plays the role of its own dual set function in the Brunn–Minkowski and dual Brunn–Minkowski theories.
Transitioning the food system: A strategic practice management approach for cities

Abstract Socio-technical systems are composed of everyday practices that are forged as they are performed in specific places. Transitioning these systems toward sustainability involves changing the practices that constitute and reproduce them. This is true of the food system, which is enacted by the performance of activities, from food production to disposal, in specific communities. Cities shape, support and normalize food practices, and in the process play an important role in transitioning the wider food system. The practice of shopping at farmers markets in NYC by recipients of federal food benefits illustrates how this and related practices are initiated, encouraged, coordinated, and enacted, and how corresponding shifts in the meanings, competences and material elements comprising a practice influence the food system. Based on this case, the paper suggests opportunities for cities to engage in what we call strategic practice management to support shifts toward sustainable practices, and thus sustainable socio-technical systems.
Studies on the Virus of Psittacosis Cultivated in Vitro

The psittacosis virus has been successfully cultivated in vitro by several investigators (Bedson and Bland,' Bland and Canti,2 Levinthal,3 MacCallum,4 Haagen and Crodel,5 in all types of mediums commonly used for propagation of viruses, i.e. susceptible living tissues suspended in a suitable fluid medium or embedded in plasma. Most of the data here presented have been obtained by cultivating the psittacosis virus in Li and Rivers' medium, which is relatively simple to prepare. Lately, however, the solid agar medium which was developed by Zinsser, Wei and Fitzpatrick6 is being used with great success. It furnishes a greater yield of virus for the same amount of tissue than the fluid medium. The yolk sac method of Cox7 has been found adaptable for the propagation of the psittacosis elementary bodies.
Establishing connectivity among disjoint terminals using a mix of stationary and mobile relays

In multiple application scenarios, need arises to connect a set of disjoint nodes or segments. Examples include connecting a sparsely located data sources, repairing a partitioned network topology after failure, and federating a set of standalone networks to serve an emerging event. Contemporary solutions either deploy stationary relay nodes (RN) to form data paths or employ one or multiple mobile data carriers (MDCs) that pick packets from sources and transport them to destinations. In this paper we investigate the interconnection problem when the number of available RNs is insufficient for forming a stable topology and a mix of RNs and MDCs is to be used. We present a novel algorithm for determining where the RNs are to be placed and planning optimized travel paths for the MDCs so that the data delivery latency as well as the MDC motion overhead are minimized. The performance of the algorithm is validated through simulation.