cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hard templating of symmetric and asymmetric carbon thin films with three-dimensionally ordered mesoporosity.

Sacrificial colloidal crystal templating of porous carbon films of tunable thickness is demonstrated using a facile thin-film assembly and hard-template-based nanoreplication process. Convectively assembled, colloidal crystal films composed of size-tunable silica nanoparticles (ca. 10–50 nm) serve as scalable sacrificial scaffolds for the formation of thickness-tunable, structurally robust, and flexible porous carbon films. Both precursor vapor infiltration (PVI) and precursor immersion/spin-off (PIS) techniques, suitable for replication by various carbon sources (e.g., furfural/oxalic acid, phenol–formaldehyde, resorcinol–formaldehyde, sucrose), result in continuous, crack-free porous replica films. Systematic PVI-based underfilling of the template film or PIS-based complete spin-off of excess carbon replica precursor results in porous carbon films endowed with a symmetric three-dimensionally ordered mesopore (3DOm) topology uniformly distributed across the film thickness. Alternatively, by tuning the na...
CRT-400.13 Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery after Multiple Redo Cardiac Surgeries

Minimally invasive valve surgery is less traumatic than the standard median sternotomy. Multiple redo (more than two) cardiac surgeries have become more frequent as the population ages. These cases may have a prohibitive re-operative mortality and morbidity with standard sternotomy. A less invasive
"Planetary Orbit" Systems Composed of Cycloparaphenylenes.

Cycloparaphenylenes (CPP) can serve as both guest and host in a complex. Geometric analysis indicates that optimal binding occurs when the CPP nanohoops differ by five phenyl rings. Employing C-PCM(THF)/ωB97X-D/6-31G(d) computations, we find that the strongest binding does occur when the host and guest differ by five phenyl rings. The guest CPP is modestly inclined relative to the plane of the host CPP except when the host and guest differ by four phenyl rings, when the inclination angle becomes >40°. The distortion/interaction model shows that interaction dominates and is best when the host and guest differ by five phenyl rings. The computed 1H NMR shifts of the guest CPP are shifted by about 1 ppm upfield relative to their position when unbound. This distinct chemical shift should aid in experimental detection of these CPP planetary orbit complexes.
Performance based network concept for advanced air traffic services

Data communication plays an important role in the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). The NextGen advanced air traffic management services have demanding data network performance requirements. In this paper, we propose a performance-based network concept that uses parallel links to enhance the network performance and has the potential to better meet the technical communication performance requirements of NextGen Air Traffic Services.
Clinical Presentation of Patients with NTOS

The diagnosis of Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (NTOS) is often considered in patients presenting with neck, shoulder, and arm pain, sensory disturbance and weakness especially when these complaints are worsened when assuming certain postures or when performing activities such as reaching overhead. The label of NTOS should be considered when it explains a patient’s suffering and disability; it is important for the clinician to differentiate ubiquitous complaints of innocuous positional numbness from those features of a condition that really are responsible for the patient’s disability. The main goal of the clinician is to determine for whom NTOS targeted therapy would lead to both alleviation of suffering and improve functional impairment.
TU-H-204-01: Work of ICRP in relation to activities of medical physicists

Since 1928, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has developed, maintained, and elaborated the International System of Radiological Protection used world-wide as the common basis for radiological protection standards, legislation, guidelines, programs, and practice. ICRP provides and periodically revises radiation and tissue weighing factors, provides and updates recommended dose limits for occupational and public exposures, recommends dose levels for termination of pregnancy, and estimates threshold doses for tissue reactions (deterministic effects). ICRP developed the dose quantity “effective dose”. NCRP Council Committee 1 (CC-1) is charged with developing recommendations for revising radiation protection guidance for the United States. Topics to be discussed include a summary of current ICRP guidance, NCRP CC-1 directions, NRC regulatory changes on the horizon, and potential implications of radiation protection guidance changes on the practice of medicine. The opinions of AAPM members on potential changes are welcomed. NCRP Program Area Committee (PAC) 4 has oversight of activities in radiation protection in medicine, including protection of patients and training of health care workers. Documents have been published recently on diagnostic reference levels and achievable doses, health effects of preconception and prenatal radiation exposure, and administrative policies for quality assurance and peer review of tissue reactions associated with fluoroscopically guided interventions. Additional documents are in preparation. Learning Objectives: 1.To understand the international system of radiation protection and learn about the work of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) in relation to activities of medical physicists 2.To understand the ongoing work of NCRP in developing new guidance for radiation protection in the U.S. 3.To understand the ongoing work of NCRP in developing new recommendations for radiation protection in medicine. 4.To learn about other national organizations in US whose work plays a useful role in the activities of medical physicists. M. Rehani, Work done as part of being member of ICRP. ICRP is an independent charity.
A new patient safety initiative

Learning from the experiences of others is one of our most effective tools for improving patient safety. This column will describe how some health care organizations have effectively implemented the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations' (JCAHO's) National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs). The articles will focus on practical strategies for meeting the NPSGs and on JCAHO surveys related to the NPSGs. Updates on new goals and recommendations established by JCAHO will also be provided.
Automatic performance testing using input-sensitive profiling

During performance testing, software engineers commonly perform application profiling to analyze an application's execution traces with different inputs to understand the performance behaviors, such as the time and space consumption. However, a non-trivial application commonly has a large number of input data, and it is mostly manual to identify the specific inputs leading to performance bottlenecks. Thus, it is challenge is to automate application profiling and find these specific inputs. To solve these problems, we propose novel approaches, namely FOREPOST, GA-Prof and PerfImpact, which automatically profile applications for finding the specific combinations of inputs triggering performance bottlenecks, and further analyze the corresponding execution traces to identify problematic methods. Specially, our approaches work in two different types of real-world scenarios of performance testing: i) a single-version scenario, in which performance bottlenecks are detected in a single software release, and ii) a two-version scenario, in which code changes responsible for performance regressions are detected by considering two consecutive software releases.
Targeting Cancer Stem Cells for Chemoprevention of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in United States. Regardless of the advances in molecular pathogenesis and consequential efforts to suppress the disease, this cancer remains a major health problem in United States. By 2030, the projection is that pancreatic cancer will be climb up to be the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Pancreatic cancer is a rapidly invasive and highly metastatic cancer, and does not respond to standard therapies. Emerging evidence supports that the presence of a unique population of cells called cancer stem cells (CSCs) as potential cancer inducing cells and efforts are underway to develop therapeutic strategies targeting these cells. CSCs are rare quiescent cells, and with the capacity to self-renew through asymmetric/symmetric cell division, as well as differentiate into various lineages of cells in the cancer. Studies have been shown that CSCs are highly resistant to standard therapy and also responsible for drug resistance, cancer recurrence and metastasis. To overcome this problem, we need novel preventive agents that target these CSCs. Natural compounds or phytochemicals have ability to target these CSCs and their signaling pathways. Therefore, in the present review article, we summarize our current understanding of pancreatic CSCs and their signaling pathways, and the phytochemicals that target these cells including curcumin, resveratrol, tea polyphenol EGCG (epigallocatechin- 3-gallate), crocetinic acid, sulforaphane, genistein, indole-3-carbinol, vitamin E δ- tocotrienol, Plumbagin, quercetin, triptolide, Licofelene and Quinomycin. These natural compounds or phytochemicals, which inhibit cancer stem cells may prove to be promising agents for the prevention and treatment of pancreatic cancers.
CHAPTER 48 – Nutrition Guidelines to Maintain Health

Nutrition guidelines fall into two broad categories: those that focus primarily on nutrient intakes and those that are primarily oriented to food choices. In addition, clinicians and researchers have come to realize that healthy food and nutrient intakes are inevitably linked to healthy activity levels, so that physical activity guidance is often included with dietary guidance. Currently a variety of consumer-friendly tools are available to promote the consumption of healthful diets and the need for daily physical activity. In general, these interact smoothly to provide incentives for the selection of nutritious foods and at least moderately strenuous activity levels. The burden falls on nutrition educators and behavioral scientists to provide approaches that may inspire the public to change their food practices and activity levels in a positive direction. The challenge for health professionals is to provide the motivation and the environment that facilitates more healthful diet and activity patterns by the public. Successful and practical intervention programs are greatly needed.
Predictors for Permanent Discontinuation of Systemic Immunosuppression in Severely Affected Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease Patients

Abstract Predicting the duration of systemic therapy in patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is of critical clinical importance when counseling patients and for treatment planning. cGVHD characteristics associated with this outcome have not been studied in severely affected patients. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) cGVHD scoring provides a standardized set of organ severity measures that could represent clinically useful and reproducible predictive characteristics. We analyzed 227 previously treated patients most with moderate (n = 54) or severe (n = 170) cGVHD defined by NIH criteria who were prospectively enrolled in a natural history protocol (NCT00092235). Patients received a median of 4 prior systemic therapy regimens and were seen at the NIH for a single time-point visit and were then monitored for survival and ability to discontinue cGVHD systemic therapy. With a median follow-up of 71.1 months, the cumulative incidence of systemic therapy discontinuation was 9.5% (95% confidence interval, 6.0% to 13.9%) at 2 years and 27.7% (95% confidence interval, 20.9% to 34.8%) by 5 years after the initial visit. Factors associated with a higher incidence of immunosuppression discontinuation included lower NIH global severity (P = .019) and lung (P = .030) scores and less extensive deep sclerosis (
Higher order Markov networks for model estimation

The problem we address in this paper is to label datapoints when the information about them is provided primarily in terms of their subsets or groups. The knowledge we have for a group is a numerical weight or likelihood value for each group member to belong to same class. These likelihood values are computed given a class specific model, either explicit or implicit, of the pattern we wish to learn. By defining a Conditional Random Field (CRF) over the labels of data, we formulate the problem as an Markov Network inference problem. We present experimental results for analytical model estimation and object localization where the proposed method produces improved performances over other methods.
Distributed Libraries, Information and Databases

Some topics connected with distributed information objects are discussed briefly. These include metadata, which is described by Cory Doctorow as ‘metacrap’, Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR), Knowledge Representation, the Semantic Web, Resource Description Framework (RDF) and Triples, namespace control and combining distributed data, Semantic Web Ontologies, the Web Ontology Language (OWL), the Simple Knowledge Organization System (SKOS), and Topic Maps. There is a focus on how these topics relate to symbolic logic.
Traffic Shockwave Detection in a Connected Environment using the Speed Distribution of Individual Vehicles

Traffic shockwaves reflect a transition from the free-flow traffic state to the congested state. They create potentially unsafe situations for drivers, increase travel time, and significantly reduc...
Evidence-Based Management of Diabetes in Older Adults

The number of older adults with diabetes is rapidly increasing worldwide. A variety of factors contribute to the age-related increase in the incidence of diabetes. The lack of empiric evidence in the field has limited the management guidelines to mostly expert opinion. Given uncertainty over the rate at which to lower blood glucose levels and the optimal method of doing so, the goals of diabetes control in older people must be individualized. If the patient requires insulin therapy, the newer insulins, with their improved pharmacodynamic consistency and reduced risk of hypoglycemia, should be preferred. Several oral agents are preferable for people with sufficient endogenous insulin because they do not cause hypoglycemia when used as monotherapy. Some of these oral agents have been found to have cardioprotective effects. Older people with diabetes also require management of the other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, with antihypertensive drugs, cholesterol-lowering agents and low-dose aspirin. However, the precise targets for blood pressure control and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels continue to evolve as more data become available. Diabetes care in older adults should focus on enhancing the individual's quality of life rather than trying to normalize blood glucose levels or reach predetermined blood pressure and LDL cholesterol targets.
Precipitation Hardening of Supersaturated Al–Sc–Zr Produced via Melt-Spinning

Al–Sc–Zr alloys have the potential for elevated-temperature strength resulting from thermally-stable \( {\text{L}}1_{2} \) precipitates. However, low solubilities of Sc and Zr limit precipitate volume fractions, enabling dislocation bypass via climb. One method to increase precipitate volume fraction involves using rapid cooling techniques to increase supersaturation. Rapid cooling utilizing melt spinning (\( 10^{7} \) k/s) can increase solute supersaturation by a factor of ~8 from Al–0.06Sc–0.06Zr at.% to Al–0.5Sc–0.4Zr at.%. Melt-spun ribbon underwent isochronal heat treatment. The ambient temperature hardness of peak-aged ribbon increased over the aged Al–0.06Sc–0.06Zr at.% by 450 MPa (67%).
Epidemiological Risk Assessment for PFOA

Introduction: Experimental studies of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) exposure in animals have reported developmental effects, liver and kidney toxicity, immun...
Effects of individual risk and state housing factors on adverse outcomes in a national sample of youth transitioning out of foster care

Abstract Introduction Compared to their peers, youth who leave the foster care system without permanency experience greater risks for adverse young adult outcomes, including homelessness, incarceration, substance abuse, and early child birth. Extant literature focuses on individual-level factors related to adversity. In this study, we estimated the impact of state and individual-level risk and protective factors on adverse 19-year-old outcomes among a cohort of U.S. transition age youth. Methods We used multilevel modeling to analyze prospective, longitudinal data from two waves of the National Youth in Transitions Database (N = 7449). These data were linked to the Adoption and Foster Care Reporting System, the Administration for Children and Families budget expenditures, and the American Community Survey for the period from 2011 to 2013. Results Approximately 30% of the variation in each of the 19-year-old outcomes could be attributed to state-level effects. Residence in a state that spent above average of CFCIP budget on housing supports reduced the risk of homelessness and incarceration. Living in a state with a higher proportion of housing-burdened low-income renters significantly increased the risk of substance abuse and child birth. Individual-level risks were significant: racial/ethnic minority, male gender, past risk history, placement instability, child behavioral problems, residence in group home or runaway. Remaining in foster care at age 19 reduced the odds of homelessness, incarceration, and substance abuse. Conclusion Macro factors, including financial support for transition-age youth, and broader housing market characteristics, have a bearing on young adult outcomes, and raise policy questions across social and human service sectors.
Estimating RC Time Constants Using Sound

Resistor-capacitor (RC) circuits are a popular topic for both theoretical discussion and experimental investigation in introductory physics. This article presents a novel approach to studying such circuits using a piezoelectric buzzer. A capacitor is discharged through a resistor and the buzzer, and the intensity of the sound produced by the buzzer is recorded as a function of time. Here the recordings are made using a smartphone. The voltage supplied to the buzzer, and thus the intensity of the sound it produces, depends on the voltage across the capacitor. As the capacitor discharges exponentially, the sound intensity decreases linearly since the intensity is measured in units of decibels. The linearly decreasing sound intensity can be analyzed to estimate the discharge time constant of the circuit.
Ikú, Cumachela and the Figure of Death in María Antonia by Eugenio Hernández Espinosa

This article examines the figure of death in Eugenio Hernandez Espinosa’s play Maria Antonia (1967) and Sergio Giral’s cinematic adaptation (Maria Antonia, 1990), focusing on the gendered performance of death through the character of Cumachela and her relationship with the work’s eponymous protagonist. First considering the depiction in the play of death (Iku) as a figure with whom the living can interact within the framework of the Cuban Santeria/Regla de Ocha religion, I then explore the presentation of Iku as an omnipresent agent within the play and the manner in which this female iteration of death both reinforces and challenges patriarchal social and religious frameworks examined therein. Further, I draw on work by scholars of urban decay in Havana to analyse the inscription of death into the fabric of the city and the ways in which Cumachela/ Iku’s performance renders her part of the palimpsest of the Cuban capital through her physical and conceptual association with its ruins.
Induction of RNA interference byC. elegansmitochondrial dysfunction via the DRH-1/RIG-I homologue RNA helicase and the EOL-1/RNA decapping enzyme

RNA interference (RNAi) is an antiviral pathway common to many eukaryotes that detects and cleaves foreign nucleic acids. In mammals, mitochondrially localized proteins such as MAVS, RIG-I, and MDA5 mediate antiviral responses. Here, we report that mitochondrial dysfunction in Caenorhabditis elegans activates RNAi-directed silencing via induction of a pathway homologous to the mammalian RIG-I helicase viral response pathway. The induction of RNAi also requires the conserved RNA decapping enzyme EOL-1/DXO. The transcriptional induction of eol-1 requires DRH-1 as well as the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt). Upon mitochondrial dysfunction, EOL-1 is concentrated into foci that depend on the transcription of mitochondrial RNAs that may form dsRNA, as has been observed in mammalian antiviral responses. The enhanced RNAi triggered by mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to the increase in longevity that is induced by mitochondrial dysfunction.
Bacterial Defense against the Type VI Secretion System

Bacteria have evolved systems dedicated to interbacterial competition. Here we highlight defenses utilized by Gram-negative cells against type VI secretion system (T6SS)-wielding competitors, including physical barriers, genetically encoded antidotes, and stress responses. Further investigation of specific and general defenses will reveal the interbacterial selective pressures impacting bacterial survival in nature.
The Case for a National SNAP Fruit and Vegetable Incentive Program

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enrollment has increased dramatically during the COVID19 economic crisis Currently, one in three households with children experiences food insecurity, the greatest prevalence in modern times 1 SNAP effectively reduces poverty and improves food insecurity,2 and the current recession has increased many US households' reliance on federal nutrition programs These new developments have intensified ongoing public debate about the most effective program designs for promoting food security and dietary quality SNAP fruit and vegetable (FV) incentives aim to improve diet quality for participants by providing matching funds for FVs purchased with electronic benefit transfer (EBT) SNAP incentives encourage healthy eating behaviors by subsidizing FV purchase and consumption FV incentives have been piloted nationwide, providing important evidence than can inform optimal program design However, incentives are not uniformly available to all SNAP participants, and there are currently insufficient federal resources appropriated to expand incentives nationwide We review the scientific evidence base for FV incentives and their correlation with healthy eating behaviors, highlight potential challenges for scaling FV incentive programs, and explain the public health opportunity associated with nationwide expansion of evidencebased FV incentives
Faculty Staffing Patterns: Breadth and Flexibility in Professional Physical Therapy Programs

Overall trends of academic staffing in the US have indicated declines in tenure, increased use of contingent faculty, and stratification of teaching and research efforts. However, little is known about academic staffing patterns in professional programs, and little research has been done using program-level data. The purposes of this study were to identify faculty staffing patterns, determine if patterns change over time, and identify predictors of staffing patterns in US-based physical therapy programs. Yearly program-level accreditation data from 2008 to 2017 were analyzed. A finite mixture model analysis identified staffing patterns. Logistic regression analyses were run to predict category membership and observe change over time. Two academic staffing categories emerged: (1) Broad staffing patterns (90.4% of programs) composed of more core faculty on tenure track and who held academic degrees and (2) Flexible programs (9.7% of observations) with higher numbers of core faculty, fewer faculty on tenure track, and fewer faculty with an academic doctoral degree. There was little change over time from one category to another. Programs were more likely to adopt a Flexible pattern when budget and faculty teaching time rose. Membership to one of two staffing models appears to be predicted by institutional reliance on professional programs for revenues. Either programs lower expenses by having tenured faculty balance teaching and research, or they rely on non-tenured faculty positions and higher enrollments.
Treatment Approach of Refractory Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Comprehensive Review

H. pylori is the most common infection in the world and is associated with gastrointestinal and extra-gastrointestinal manifestations, including peptic ulcer disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, and lymphoproliferative disorders. Despite being discovered less than half a century ago, antibiotic resistance, exacerbated by medication non-adherence and inefficacy of proton pump inhibitors, has grown substantially, explaining the rising incidence of refractory H. pylori infection. In this review, we discuss risk factors, treatment options, surveillance and follow-up, as well as emerging therapies for refractory H. pylori.
Gender Differences in Work-Life Integration among Medical Physicists

Abstract Purpose To generate an understanding of the primary concerns facing medical physicists regarding integration of a demanding technical career with their personal lives. Methods and Materials In 2019, we recruited 32 medical physics residents, faculty, and staff via emails to US medical physics residency program directors to participate in a 1-hour, semistructured interview that elicited their thoughts on several topics, including work–life integration. Standard techniques of qualitative thematic analysis were used to generate the research findings. Results Of the participants, 50% were women and 69% were non-Hispanic White individuals, with a mean (SD) age of 37.5 (7.4) years. They were evenly split between residents and faculty or staff. Participant responses centered around 5 primary themes: the gendered distribution of household responsibilities, the effect of career or work on home and family life, the effect of family on career or work, support and strategies for reconciling work–life conflicts, and the role of professional societies in addressing work–life integration. Participants expressed concern about the effect of heavy workloads on home life, with female respondents more likely to report carrying the majority of the household burden. Conclusions Medical physicists experience challenges in managing work–life conflict amid a diverse array of personal and professional responsibilities. Further investigations are needed to quantitatively assess the division of work and household labor by gender in medical physics, particularly after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, but this study's qualitative findings suggest that the profession should consider ways to address root causes of work–life conflict to promote the future success and well-being of all medical physicists, and perhaps women in particular.
White Flight from Planet Earth: Reading Race, Cheap Food, and Capitalism’s Crisis State in Interstellar

Focusing on the 2014 Hollywood blockbuster Interstellar (directed by Christopher Nolan), this chapter examines the narrative strategies through which agricultural crisis is understood and symbolically managed. In Interstellar, Blight has affected the world’s food supply, rendering Earth an uninhabitable Dust Bowl where human survivability is quickly coming to an end. The chapter shows how the movie offers a compelling and seemingly progressive visual representation of capitalism’s crisis state in the era of the end of cheap food. It does so, however, through a call to recuperate white privilege, a discursive manoeuvre that underscores the historic imbrication of food and racial regimes.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis Exacerbated by Bupropion

Erythroderma is a rare, potentially life-threatening presentation of psoriasis that can be triggered by medication reactions. Bupropion is indicated for major depressive disorder (Wellbutrin®, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC), smoking cessation (Zyban®, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC), and weight loss (when in formulation with naltrexone ER; Contrave®, Orixegen Therapeutics, La Jolla, CA). Bupropion can exacerbate psoriasis, however, this is an under-recognized side effect of the medication, particularly in the United States. We report a case of bupropion-induced erythrodermic psoriasis in a 62-year-old female who was prescribed the medication for depression. Due to the common comorbidities of depression, obesity, and tobacco abuse in psoriatic patients, all for which treatment with bupropion is indicated, it is important for physicians to be aware of the potential for a life-threatening medication reaction in this patient population.
Cross-Cultural Issues in Art: Frames for Understanding

Selected Contents: List of Figures Preface and Acknowledgements Permissions Introduction 1. Art, Culture and Hybridity 2. Primitivism and Otherness 3. Colonialism 4. Nationalism 5. Art and Religion 6. Symbolism, Meaning and Interpretation 7. Style and Ethnicity 8. A Sense of Place 9. Art and Social Order 10. Gender 11. Self Glossary Biographical Notes Bibliography
Shaping a collection one electronic book at a time: Patron‐driven acquisitions in academic libraries

Purpose – This paper seeks to discuss patron‐driven acquisition (PDA) of electronic books (e‐books), a relatively recent move designed to meet immediate needs rather than predict future use.Design/methodology/approach – The paper notes attributes and drawbacks to the general PDA model.Findings – The paper concludes with a positive assessment of PDA, but with the recognition that sustainability may be a challenge.Originality/value – The paper offers a balanced perspective of the popular PDA trend.
Targeting the tumor vascular supply with vascular disrupting agents.

Historically the role of tumor histology in the selection of treatment for lung cancer was limited to differentiation between small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). More recently, the importance of tumor histology in the selection of appropriate treatment for patients with advanced stage NSCLC has been elucidated. In a randomized phase II trial of carboplatin and paclitaxel alone or with lowor high-dose bevacizumab, an increased risk of grade 3 pulmonary haemorrhage was seen in patients with squamous histology (1). As a result, these findings led to the exclusion of patients with squamous histology from phase III trials of bevacizumab in advanced stage NSCLC (2, 3). In addition to its role in reducing a specific adverse event, histological subtypes are also associated with efficacy with recent data indicating pemetrexed combined with cisplatin being more effective in patients with nonsquamous than squamous cell histology (4). Poorer survival has been reported in squamous cell histology in both treatment arms of a phase III study of chemotherapy with or without sorafenib (5) and also in patients receiving chemotherapy combined with motesanib (6). Tumor vascular supply is a major target in anti-cancer treatment and intense research efforts has resulted in a range of agents approved for clinical use. Vascular targeting strategies can be classified into several approaches including an antiangiogenic approach by targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors through monoclonal antibodies (bevacizumab) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (vandetanib, sorafenib). This approach inhibits endothelial proliferation and migration, targeting new blood vessel formation of smaller, solid tumors with a major effect on the periphery of the tumor. A second method is the vascular disrupting approach. Vascular disrupting agents (VDAs) act primarily on endothelial cells and pericytes of established tumor vasculature, resulting in blood vessel occlusion, tumor ischemia and necrosis with a major effect on the central part of the tumor (7, 8). The VDAs currently in clinical development include vadimezan (ASA404), plinabulin (NPI-2358) and combretastatin A4 phosphate (CA4P). ASA404 (5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid or DMXAA) is a small-molecule, flavonoid tumor-vascular disrupting agent. The major mode of action of ASA404 antitumor activity is to induce the synthesis of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. In addition, ASA404 can induce vascular endothelial cell apoptosis in tumors independently of TNF-alpha induction (9). In this issue of the Journal of Thoracic Disease, McKeage and Jameson report on a retrospective analysis of pooled data from phase II studies of ASA404 to compare safety and efficacy between squamous and non-squamous NSCLC patients (10). Data from untreated patients with advanced stage NSCLC who were randomized to receive up to carboplatin (C) and paclitaxel (P) alone or
Computed Tomography Screening for the Early Detection of Lung Cancer

Although lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the world and has an increased chance of cure if detected at an earlier stage, routine lung cancer screening is currently not recommended in the United States. Unfortunately, most patients with lung cancer present only after the onset of symptoms and have advanced disease that cannot be surgically resected. The overall 5-year survival rate for all patients with lung cancer is only 15%. When the cancer is detected at its earliest stage (pathologic stage IA), however, the 5-year survival rate is more than 70%. Although past randomized screening trials evaluating the use of standard chest radiography or sputum cytology have not resulted in lower mortality, recent studies suggest that computed tomography (CT) may have promise as a screening tool. This article summarizes experience over the past decade of using low-dose spiral CT imaging as a screening tool to detect early lung cancers in asymptomatic, high-risk individuals.
Developmental specialists in pediatric practices: perspectives of clinicians and staff.

Objective.—To investigate how introducing early child-development specialists (Healthy Steps Specialists) and enhanced developmental services into routine pediatric care affects perspectives of clinicians and staff. Methods.—Self-administered questionnaires were completed at baseline and at 30 months by clinicians, clinical staff, and nonclinical staff at pediatric sites participating in the evaluation of the Healthy Steps for Young Children Program. The evaluation included 6 randomization and 9 quasi-experimental sites. Barriers to providing well-child care, visit length, perceptions of care provided, and topics discussed with parents were assessed. Results.—Over time, despite persistent barriers to delivering high-quality services, clinicians were more likely to report being satisfied with their clinical staff's ability to meet developmental and behavioral needs of children. Moreover, clinicians were more likely to report discussing the importance of routines with control rather than with intervention families, suggesting a reliance on Healthy Steps Specialists. There was no effect on visit length. Thirty months after introducing Healthy Steps Specialists and enhanced services, nearly all clinicians agreed or strongly agreed that the Healthy Steps Specialists talked with parents about their child's development, showed them activities to do with their child, and provided emotional support. Involvement of the Healthy Steps Specialist in these activities was reported more by clinicians than by clinical staff and least by nonclinical staff. Conclusions.—Clinicians acknowledged the activities performed by and contributions of the developmental specialists. Differences in perspectives of personnel may reflect different interactions among families, developmental specialists, and practice staff.
Cross-clade neutralizing antibody production against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 clade E and B′ strains by recombinant Mycobacterium bovis BCG-based candidate vaccine

Abstract The recombinant Mycobacterium bovis BCG (rBCG) vector-based vaccine secreting the V3 principal neutralizing epitope of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Japanese strain was reported to induce both humoral and cellular immune responses effectively [Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 92 (1995) 10693]. The antigen-secreting rBCG system was applied to the V3 epitope of clade E HIV-1 in this study. The V3 sequence of 19 amino acids (aa) and 15aa fused with mycobacterial α-antigen was not secreted while 12aa and 11aa sequences were successfully secreted from BCG cells. Serum IgG from guinea pig which was immunized with 12aa epitope-secreting recombinant BCG neutralized the WHO reference strain as well as primary field isolates of clade E virus. The serum IgG could also neutralize Thai B (clade B′) strains which possessed a conserved GPGQ motif in their V3 sequences. These data suggest that the rBCG construct secreting the 12aa epitope is implicated in the development of a prophylactic vaccine in Thailand in which both clade E and B′ viruses are prevalent.
Protective athletic equipment slows initiation of CPR in simulated cardiac arrest.

Abstract Objective Standard protective athletic equipment used in collision sports such as American football poses a unique challenge to rescuers because they block access to both the airway and chest. The main objective of this investigation was to determine the effect of athletic equipment on the initiation of CPR. The feasibility of performing compressions over the chest protector as a potential time-saving step was also evaluated. Methods Thirty-four certified athletic trainers performed CPR on a manikin wearing protective equipment during a simulated episode of cardiac arrest. For one trial the protective equipment was removed or unfastened prior to initiating CPR, and for another, chest compressions were initiated over the protective equipment. The following were recorded for comparison purposes: time until first breath and first compression; percentage of compressions delivered to the recommended depth; compression rate; accuracy of hand placement; percentage of compressions without full chest recoil. Results Although chest compressions began sooner when compressions were delivered over the chest protector, this improvement was not statistically significant. A more notable positive outcome resulting from keeping the chest protector on was an increase in the number of compressions that were delivered to the recommended depth. Unfortunately, one of the significant negative outcomes of performing chest compression over the chest pad was the increased percentage of compressions that did not obtain full chest recoil. Conclusions Although removal of the chest protector delays the initiation of chest compressions, keeping the chest protector on during CPR does not appear to be a feasible option.
Does vegetation encourage or suppress urban crime? Evidence from Philadelphia, PA

Abstract There is longstanding belief that vegetation encourages crime as it can conceal criminal activity. Other studies, however, have shown that urban residential areas with well-maintained vegetation experience lower rates of certain crime types due to increased surveillance in vegetated spaces as well as the therapeutic effects ascribed to vegetated landscapes. The present research analyzes the association of vegetation with crime in a case study of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We examine rates of assaults, robberies, burglaries, and thefts in relation to remotely sensed vegetation abundance at the Census tract level. We employ choropleth mapping, correlation, ordinary least squares regression, and spatial econometric modeling to examine the influence of vegetation on various crime types while controlling for tract-level socioeconomic indicators. Results indicate that vegetation abundance is significantly associated with lower rates of assault, robbery, and burglary, but not theft. This research has implications for urban planning policy, especially as cities are moving towards ‘green’ growth plans and must look to incorporate sustainable methods of crime prevention into city planning.
Hotelling revisits the lab: equilibration in continuous and discrete time

We investigate experimentally the impact of continuous time on a four-player Hotelling location game. The static pure strategy Nash equilibrium (NE) consists of firms paired-up at the first and third quartiles of the linear city. In a repeated simultaneous move (discrete time) treatment, we largely replicate previous findings in which subjects fail to converge to the NE. However, in asynchronous move (continuous time) treatments we see clear convergence towards the NE.
Hot spring deposits on the East Pacific Rise at 21°N: preliminary description of mineralogy and genesis

Abstract Hydrothermal sulfide-sulfate deposits were sampled from eight active and inactive vent sites along the East Pacific Rise at 21°N during the RISE expedition of April, 1979. The mineralogy of the samples has been determined by X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray energy dispersive analysis. Mounds of Zn, Fe, and Cu sulfides, dominated by sphalerite, pyrite, and lesser chalcopyrite, are topped by inactive and active chimneys, spouting fluids ≤350°C. The outer zones of active chimneys bear abundant anhydrite precipitated from heated ambient seawater, in addition to hydrothermal pyrite and sphalerite. Mg-hydroxysulfate-hydrate, a phase identified in seawater heating experiments, but previously not observed in nature, is intimately intergrown with anhydrite. Hottest chimneys contain massive chalcopyrite±bornite in their interior zones and belch fluids blackened by a presumably non-equilibrium assemblage of pyrrhotite plus minor sphalerite and pyrite. The early, outer walls of chimneys form from sulfates and the sulfide minerals in black smoke, but metastable pyrrhotite in outer zones is rapidly recrystallized to pyrite or marcasite. Reduction in the permeability of the outer walls permits a high-temperature (>∼250°C), low-pH environment within chimneys that enhances precipitation of Cu-Fe sulfides in the central zones. Cooler, worm-covered chimneys emit white fluids bearing particulates of amorphous silica, barite, and pyrite. Amorphous silica and barite are also widely associated with fossilized worm-tubes. Two inactive chimneys are filled with sphalerite, wurtzite, sulfur, pyrite, and marcasite. Anhydrite has been dissolved from these dead chimneys, and the sulfate assemblage is dominated by barite and alteration products such as jarosite and natrojarosite. Silicates other than amorphous silica are not abundant in these deposits, although talc forms in hot chimneys from seawater Mg and hydrothermal silica, and nontronite is found in sediments on the crest of the East Pacific Rise. Other accessory phases identified include copper-rich sulfides such as cubanite, chalcocite, covellite, and digenite; galena; Fe-oxyhydroxides, including goethite; and gypsum. Chimney debris accumulates to form basal mounds, and the mineralogical differences between mounds and chimneys are attributable to weathering of mounds. Mn-oxyhydroxides form crusts within a few meters of the vents, but are not coprecipitating with the sulfide/sulfate minerals.
A MEASUREMENT OF THE MAGNETIC FIELD DIRECTION AT THE SITE OF MAJOR FLARES

Lundstedt et al. (1981) showed that the direction of the photospheric magnetic field at the site of a flare is a good predictor of the solar wind velocity observed at earth four days later. It is described here how the field direction was obtained, and possible errors involved in the determination of the angle are discussed. The discussion also includes a characterization of the solar active regions.
Sliding Mode Control and Feedback Linearization for Non-regular Systems

Abstract This paper presents an approach for sliding mode control(SMC) and feedback linearization(FBL) of systems with relative order singularities. Traditionally, SMC and FBL are designed by taking derivatives of the output until the control signal appears(at the rth1 derivative). When a system does not have a well-defined relative degree (r1), the coefficient that multiplies u vanishes for some region of the state-space S1. In this instance, conventional SMC and FBL techniques fail. The presented approach differentiates further the output until the control input appears again (the secondary relative degree, r2) and a differential equation in u is acquired. It may be possible to solve for a dynamic compensator, or in the neighborhood of the singularity, N1, the equations degenerate to a polynomial form. Preliminary results show that at the singularity region, S1, the control-derivative term disappears and the differential equation is degenerated to a center manifold defined by a polynomial (quadratic in general) equation on u. The solution to the quadratic equations is discussed. When this equation has only real roots, the system is well defined at the singularity. A switching controller can be designed to switch from the rth1 controller when system is far away from the singularity to the rth2 controller when the system is in the neighborhood of the singularity. We demonstrate the controller applied to the ball and beam system.
Precision optical ranging by paired one-way time of flight

Precision ranging between planetary bodies would provide valuable scientific information, including tests of fundamental physics. Current ranging techniques based on retroreflectors, however, are limited to the Earth- Moon distance due to an inverse fourth power scaling. We present methods for interplanetary distances based on paired one-way ranging, which scales with a more favorable inverse square power. Corrections for clock offset, frequency error, and the Doppler effect are shown. We present the results of tabletop experiments demonstrating sub-millimeter ranging accuracy.
LYSOSOMAL ENZYMES IN EXCRETORY ORGANS OF LOWER FORMS.

Abstract 1. 1. Sucrose homogenates prepared from excretory organs of several cold-blooded marine vertebrates and one invertebrate were separated into a granule fraction, sedimenting between 800g (10min) and 17,000g (20 min) and a supernatant fraction. Both fractions were assayed for three of the acidhydrolases associated with lysosomal granules in mammalian kidney. 2. 2. In sea-bass, toadfish and lobster “kidneys”, all three enzymes showed highest specific activity in the granule fraction. 3. 3. In addition, intravascular injection of horse-radish peroxidase into seabass was followed by sequestration of the protein within large granules of kidneeytubule epithelial cells. 4. 4. These observations suggest that “phagosome-like” renal droplets, rich in acid-hydrolases, and closely resembling the lysosomes found in mammalian kidney may also be present in excretory organs of lower forms.
Total sulfhydryl by raman spectroscopy in the intact lens of several species: variations in the nucleus and along the optical axis during aging.

Abstract The sulfhydryl concentration in the central nucleus of rat and mouse lenses falls precipitously with age. However in the lenses of man and water buffalo, the sulfhydryl decreases at a much slower rate with age. This difference between the two groups appears to be correlated with the derivation of albuminoid: in the rodents it is chiefly γ-crystallin which gives rise to albuminoid while in human and bovine lenses albuminoid is related to α-crystallin. The sulfhydryl concentration profiles along the visual axis of human, rabbit and chicken lenses of several ages show that these species have profiles unlike those of rat and mouse lenses; the rabbit lens is more like the human lens while the chicken lens is in a class by itself due to the predominance of δ-crystallin in the nucleus and the consequent extremely low concentration of sulfhydryl. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to changes in the aging lens.