cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Solar System

Chapter 2 provides an overview of the information that today’s spacecraft have returned from the near and far corners of the solar system. The American and Russian space programs of the last decades of the twentieth century began to explore the planets and their moons. Joined by European, Japanese, Chinese, and Indian contributions in the twenty-first century, this effort has accelerated. The chapter describes the most important of the many unmanned missions that have explored the solar system and provides some of the spectacular images and wealth of information about the planets, their moons, asteroids, and comets that they have captured. Some elements of calculus are introduced toward the end to explain basic aspects of the rocket engines that propel these probes. The study of the flight of the Juno spacecraft to Jupiter provides an initial look at the analysis that the last chapter of the text undertakes in detail.
Applying the usual rules to an unusual ecological situation: Fire rotation in Great Lakes Pine Forests

Abstract Fire regimes in Eastern North America are often determined from historical data because land-use change and natural resource policy have confounded natural fire processes. It is good practice to combine multiple historical data sources, which can serve to both corroborate findings and fill knowledge gaps that might exist when trying to gain a full picture of historical ecological processes. In the Great Lakes Region (GLR) fire rotation, or the number of years it takes to burn an area equivalent to the area of interest, is an extensively used metric that has been calculated based on the Euro-American settlement era General Land Office Public Land Survey (GLO) records. However, fire rotation methods and GLO records are best suited for understanding high-severity fire, and low- to moderate-severity fires have received less attention in forested ecosystems in this region. We used dendrochronological (tree-ring) data to evaluate GLO data and fire rotation methods in relation to low-severity fires. Tree-ring and GLO data were well-aligned in some ways, with high concurrence of tree species, tree density, and common fire dates. However, GLO data did not identify fires for survey points closest to any of our sites (n = 26), though 71% of sites burned within one year and all sites burned within 8 years of surveys. Mean fire return intervals for our sites ranged from 2 to 9 years for all fires and 6–20 years for fires recorded on ≥25% of samples within sites (1602–2018) with relatively minor effects of filtering on return intervals. Thus, fires were historically frequent and widespread within sites. We estimate that fires burned on average 858 km2 to 2564 km2 per year within five ecological landscapes with rotation intervals ranging between 11 (Northeast Sands) and 34 years (Northern Highlands; µ = 22 years across all five landscapes). We found 25 regional fire years that were synchronous among multiple (2–5) ecological landscapes over a 218-yr period with evidence that drought plays a role in regionally widespread fire years. High-severity fire was likely limited in the GLR; however, low- to moderate-severity fires were abundant, large-scale, widespread, and an important forcing mechanism shaping forests of the GLR over millennia.
The polyphenol-rich extract from chokeberry ( Aronia melanocarpa L . ) modulates gut microbiota and improves lipid metabolism in diet-induced obese rats

The gut microbiota plays a critical role in obesity and lipid metabolism disorder. Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.) are rich in polyphenols with various physiological and pharmacological activities. We determined serum physiological parameters and fecal microbial components by using related kits, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing every 10 days. Real-time PCR analysis was used to measure gene expression of bile acids (BAs) and lipid metabolism in liver and adipose tissues. We analyzed the effects of different Chokeberry polyphenol (CBPs) treatment time on obesity and lipid metabolism in high fat diet (HFD)-fed rats. The results indicated that CBPs treatment prevents obesity, liver steatosis and improves dyslipidemia in HFD-fed rats. CBPs modulated the composition of the gut microbiota with the extended treatment time, reducing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (F/B ratio) and increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroides, Prevotella, Akkermansia and other bacterial species associated with anti-obesity properties. We found that CBPs treatment gradually decreased the total BAs pool and particularly reduced the relative content of cholic acid (CA), deoxycholic acid (DCA) and enhanced the relative content of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA). These changes were positively correlated Bacteroides, Prevotella and negatively correlated with Clostridium, Eubacterium, Ruminococcaceae. In liver and white adipose tissues, the gene expression of lipogenesis, lipolysis and BAs metabolism were regulated after CBPs treatment in HFD-fed rats, which was most likely mediated through FXR and TGR-5 signaling pathway to improve lipid metabolism. In addition, the mRNA expression of PPARγ, UCP1 and PGC-1α were upregulated markedly in interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) after CBPs treatment. We confirmed that CBPs could reduce the body weight of HFD-fed rats by accelerating energy homeostasis and thermogenesis in iBAT. Finally, the fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiment results demonstrated that FMT from CBPs-treated rats failed to reduce the weight of HFD-fed rats. However, FMT from CBPs-treated rats improved dyslipidemia and reshaped gut microbiota in HFD-fed rats. In conclusion, CBPs treatment improved obesity and complications by regulating gut microbiota in HFD-fed rats. The gut microbiota plays an important role in BAs metabolism after CBPs treatment, and BAs have therefore emerged as major effectors in microbe-host signaling events that influence host lipid metabolism, energy metabolism and thermogenesis.
Analysis of selective target engagement by small-molecule sphingosine kinase inhibitors using the Cellular Thermal Shift Assay (CETSA)

The recently renewed interest in scientific rigor and reproducibility is of critical importance for both scientists developing new targeted small-molecule inhibitors and those employing these molecule in cellular studies, alike. While off-target effects are commonly considered as limitations for any given small-molecule inhibitor, the ability of a given compound to distinguish between enzyme isoforms is often neglected when employing compounds in cellular studies. To call attention to this issue, we have compared the results of an assay for "direct target engagement", the Cellular Thermal Shift Assay (CETSA), to the published isoform selectivity of 12 commercially available sphingosine kinase 1 and 2 (SphK 1 and SphK2) inhibitors. Our results suggest that, at the concentrations commonly employed in cellular assay systems, none of the tested SKIs can be considered isoform selective. Thus, caution and complimentary assay strategies must be employed to fully discern isoform selectivity for the SphKs. Moreover, caution must be employed by the scientific community as a whole when designing experiments that aim to discern the effects of one enzyme isoform versus another to ensure that the concentration ranges used are able to distinguish isoform selectivity.
Identity of Engineering Expertise: Implicitly Biased and Sustaining the Gender Gap

AbstractExperts bring necessary comprehensive and authoritative knowledge to address issues as they arise throughout a project. This expertise is critical for construction and engineering organizat...
Prediction of non-stationary response functions using a Bayesian composite Gaussian process

Abstract The modeling and prediction of functions that can exhibit non-stationarity characteristics is important in many applications; for example, this is often the case for simulator output. One approach to predict a function with unknown stationarity properties is to model it as a draw from a flexible stochastic process that can produce stationary or non-stationary realizations. One such model is the composite Gaussian process (CGP) which expresses the large-scale (global) trends of the output and the small-scale (local) adjustments to the global trend as independent Gaussian processes; an extension of the CGP model can produce realizations with non-constant variance by allowing the variance of the local process to vary over the input space. A new, Bayesian extension of a global-trend plus local-trend model is proposed that also allows measurement errors. In contrast to the original CGP model, the new Bayesian CGP model introduces a weight function to allow the total process variability to be apportioned between the large- and small-scale processes. The proposed prior distributions ensure that the fitted global mean is smoother than the local deviations, a feature built into the CGP model. The log of the process variance for the Bayesian CGP is modeled as a Gaussian process to provide a flexible mechanism for handling variance functions that vary across the input space. A Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm is proposed that provides posterior estimates of the parameters for the Bayesian CGP. It also yields predictions of the output and quantifies uncertainty about the predictions. The method is illustrated using both analytic and real-data examples.
Incorporating uncertainty for enhanced leaderboard scoring and ranking in data competitions

Data competitions have become a popular and cost-effective approach for crowdsourcing versatile solutions from diverse expertise. Current practice relies on the simple leaderboard scoring based on ...
A 76GHz CMOS Low-P DC Transmitter with 15dBm P SAT at 150C for Automotive Radar

In this paper, we report a 76 GHz transmitter with 15 dBm P SAT at 150C for automotive radar. In order to realize high P SAT and low P DC at high temperature, we adopted a new circuit configuration. The transmitter doubles the frequency of the signal from the PLL (38 GHz) and outputs the signal of 76 GHz. Unlike conventional transmitters, we divided the signal before the frequency doubler and combined the signals at the output of the PA. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the P DC of the 76 GHz-band amplifier. The proposed transmitter demonstrates PSAT of more than 15 dBm at 150C with P DC of 0.37 W. The transmitter is fabricated in 40-nm CMOS and the area is 340-um x 1120-um.
National Use and Short-term Outcomes of Video and Robot-Assisted Thoracoscopic Thymectomies.

Abstract Background Transsternal open thymectomy has long been the most widely used approach for thymectomy, but recent decades have seen the introduction of minimally invasive surgery (MIS), such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) thymectomy. This retrospective cohort study provides a national comparison of trends, outcomes, and resource utilization of open, VATS, and RATS thymectomy. Methods Admissions for thymectomies from 2008 to 2014 were identified in the National Inpatient Sample. Patients were identified as undergoing open, VATS, or RATS thymectomy. Propensity score-matched analyses were used to compare overall complication rates, length of stay (LOS), and cost of VATS and RATS thymectomies. Results An estimated 23,087 patients underwent thymectomy during the study period: open in 16,025 (69%) and MIS in 7217 (31%). Of the MIS cohort, 4119 (18%) underwent VATS and 3097 (13%) underwent RATS. Performance of RATS and VATS thymectomy increased while that of open thymectomy declined. Baseline characteristics between VATS and RATS were similar, except more women underwent VATS thymectomy. No differences in LOS or overall complication rates were appreciable in this study. VATS was associated with the lowest cost of the 3 approaches. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate the increasing adoption of MIS and declining use of the open surgical approach for thymectomy. There are no differences in overall complication rates between RATS and VATS thymectomy, but RATS is associated with greater cost and lower cardiac complication rates.
Puzzles in Many Places: Closing the Loop on Propagation

As one develops instructional innovations, it is important not only to propagate them into new and different environments, but also to study their efficacy in these new locations with different demographics of students. Previously, we showed that introductory CS assignments based on various pencil-and-paper puzzles are valuable, but this study was done at a single university. In this poster, we report on propagation of puzzle-based assignments to many universities and collection of the resulting data from these different contexts. This allows us to study the efficacy of the assignments in these disparate environments. In order to ease adoption at other universities, we are also interested in the experience of the instructors in implementing the assignments in their courses. Our overall goal is to "close the feedback loop" by collecting and analyzing all of this data to improve both their effectiveness and adoptability. This poster presents details of the deployment and data collection process, including working with the respective IRBs, selecting and implementing the various assignments, collecting student grades and survey responses, and conducting instructor interviews, in the hopes that it will help other educators to more efficiently and effectively close the feedback loop for their own innovations.
Alphabetic norm and research output

Abstract In what order should coauthors be listed on journal articles? The norm in the economics profession is to order them alphabetically. Our examination of 42 leading economics journals for the last 21 years finds that articles not following this norm are shorter (by 3.2 percent), published in less prestigious journals (by 5.0 percent), and receiving fewer citations (by 9.1 percent). This association survives various identification checks. Our findings shed light on how teamwork incentives interplay with social norms — in this case, a deviance from the alphabetic norm punishes alphabetically early members more than it rewards alphabetically late members.
"I Wish I Could Hold Your Hand": Inconsistent Interactions Between Pregnant Women and Prison Officers.

Much of the literature on pregnant women who are incarcerated focuses on perinatal outcomes for infants, access to and quality of medical care, mental health concerns, prison nurseries, and shackli...
Detecting Disruptive Talk in Student Chat-Based Discussion within Collaborative Game-Based Learning Environments

Collaborative game-based learning environments offer significant promise for creating engaging group learning experiences. Online chat plays a pivotal role in these environments by providing students with a means to freely communicate during problem solving. These chat-based discussions and negotiations support the coordination of students’ in-game learning activities. However, this freedom of expression comes with the possibility that some students might engage in undesirable communicative behavior. A key challenge posed by collaborative game-based learning environments is how to reliably detect disruptive talk that purposefully disrupt team dynamics and problem-solving interactions. Detecting disruptive talk during collaborative game-based learning is particularly important because if it is allowed to persist, it can generate frustration and significantly impede the learning process for students. This paper analyzes disruptive talk in a collaborative game-based learning environment for middle school science education to investigate how such behaviors influence students’ learning outcomes and varies across gender and students’ prior knowledge. We present a disruptive talk detection framework that automatically detects disruptive talk in chat-based group conversations. We further investigate both classic machine learning and deep learning models for the framework utilizing a range of dialogue representations as well as supplementary information such as student gender. Findings show that long short-term memory network (LSTM)-based disruptive talk detection models outperform competitive baseline models, indicating that the LSTM-based disruptive talk detection framework offers significant potential for supporting effective collaborative game-based learning through the identification of disruptive talk.
Can I Send This Syncope Patient Home From the Emergency Department

Abstract Background: Syncope is a common presentation to the emergency department (ED). A significant minority of these patients have potentially life-threatening pathology. Reliably identifying that patients require hospital admission for further workup and intervention is imperative. Clinical Question: In patients who present with syncope, is there a reliable decision tool that clinicians can use to predict the risk of adverse outcome and determine who may be appropriate for discharge? Evidence Review: Four articles were reviewed. The first retrospective study found no difference in mortality or adverse events in patients admitted for further evaluation rather than discharged home with primary care follow-up. The next two articles examined the derivation and validation of the Canadian Syncope Risk Score (CSRS). After validation with an admission threshold score of –1, the sensitivity and specificity of the CSRS was 97.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 93.8–99.6%) and 44.3% (95% CI 42.7–45.9%), respectively. The last article looked at the derivation of the FAINT score, a recently developed score to risk stratify syncope patients. A FAINT score of ≥ 1 (any score 1 or higher should be admitted) had a sensitivity of 96.7% (95% CI 92.9–98.8%) and specificity 22.2% (95% CI 20.7–23.8%). Conclusions: Syncope remains a difficult chief symptom to disposition from the ED. The CSRS is modestly effective at establishing a low probability of actionable disease or need for intervention. However, CSRS might not reduce unnecessary hospitalizations. The FAINT score has yet to undergo validation; however, the initial derivation study offers less diagnostic accuracy compared with the CSRS.
Telehealth use and Satisfaction among U.S. Households: Results of a National Survey

Telehealth services have expanded dramatically during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic; we provide estimates of telehealth use and satisfaction based on a nationally representative, random sur...
On the asymptotic behavior of solutions of the Cauchy problem for parabolic equations with time periodic coefficients

We are considering the asymptotic behavior as $$t\rightarrow \infty $$ of solutions of the Cauchy problem for parabolic second order equations with time periodic coefficients. The problem is reduced to considering degenerate time-homogeneous diffusion processes on the product of a unit circle and Euclidean space.
Prenatal Testicular Torsion: Principles of Management

To assess our experience with in utero testicular torsion, we retrospectively studied all newborns presenting in the newborn nursery with a diagnosis of neonatal testicular torsion. A total of 25 consecutive cases of torsion of the spermatic cord in 23 patients was identified and explored on an emergency basis. To our knowledge this represents the largest single institution series and 40% of all of the confirmed cases reported in the literature. No viable testicles were found. We strongly believe that torsion of the testis presenting at birth represents an irreversible intrauterine event best treated in an early elective setting. We suggest an inguinal approach with contralateral orchiopexy in all patients who present with signs and symptoms of prenatal (in utero) testicular torsion.
Serum Zinc Concentrations and Depression in Persons with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Background: HIV infection has been frequently associated with zinc deficiency and depression. Zinc deficiency may increase the risk of depression in people without HIV. However, research on the role of zinc in depression among HIV-positive people is limited. We assessed the association between serum zinc concentrations and depression in HIV-positive people. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 311 HIV-positive people residing in Kathmandu, Nepal. Anthropometric and information on medical history, food habits, and life-style factors were collected. Fasting blood samples were taken. The atomic absorption method was used to measure serum zinc concentrations and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)-Ia was used to measure depression, with cut off score 20 or higher. The relationship of zinc concentrations to depression was assessed using both multiple linear regressions and multiple logistic regression analyses. Results: In total, 26% of participants were depressed. The geometric means of depres...
The T-join Problem in Sparse Graphs: Applications to Phase Assignment Problem in VLSI Mask Layout

Given a graph G with weighted edges, and a subset of nodes T, the T-join problem asks for a minimum weight edge set A such that a node u is incident to an odd number of edges of A iff u Ɛ T. We describe the applications of the T-join problem in sparse graphs to the phase assignment problem in VLSI mask layout and to conformal refinement of finite element meshes. We suggest a practical algorithm for the T-join problem. In sparse graphs, this algorithm is faster than previously known methods. Computational experience with industrial VLSI layout benchmarks shows the advantages of the new algorithm.
Exploring Science: The Cognition and Development of Discovery Processes

Einstein said that "the whole of science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thinking." David Klahr suggests that we now know enough about cognition -- and hence about everyday thinking -- to advance our understanding of scientific thinking. In this book he sets out to describe the cognitive and developmental processes that have enabled scientists to make the discoveries that comprise the body of information we call "scientific knowledge." Over the past decade Klahr and his colleagues have conducted extensive laboratory experiments in which they create discovery contexts, computer-based environments, to evoke the kind of thinking characteristic of scientific discovery in the "real world." In attempting to solve the problems posed by the discovery tasks, experiment participants (from preschoolers through university students, as well as laypersons) use many of the same higher-order cognitive processes used by practicing scientists. Through this work Klahr integrates two disparate approaches -- the content-based approach and the process-based approach -- to present a comprehensive model of the psychology of scientific discovery.
Vector Fields and Differential Equations

In this chapter, we collect a number of results all of which make use of the notion of differential equation and solutions of differential equations.
The uptake of lipoproteins by ascites tumor cells: the fatty acid-albumin complex.

The absorption of palmitic acid-1-C/sup 14/ by ascites tumor cells was studied in vitro. Palmitate was metabolized more rapidly from its albumin complex than from buffer alone, but the albumin carrier was not absorbed or metabolized. Cyanide-inhibited cells absorbed palmitate from ihe medium but did noi metabolize it. The process of absorption was thus revealed as a distribution of fatty acid between the medium and the inert cell surface probably followed by an active transfer of the fatty acid into the cell for oxidation. (auth)
Primary Diastolic Heart Failure

Diastolic heart failure is defined clinically when signs and symptoms of heart failure are present in the presence of preserved left ventricular systolic function (ejection fraction >45%). The incidence and prevalence of primary diastolic heart failure increases with age and it may be as high as 50% in the elderly. Age, female gender, hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes, and increased body mass index are risk factors for diastolic heart failure. Hemodynamic consequences such as increased pulmonary venous pressure, post-capillary pulmonary hypertension, and secondary right heart failure as well as decreased cardiac output are similar to those of systolic left ventricular failure, although the nature of primary left ventricular dysfunction is different. Diagnosis of primary diastolic heart failure depends on the presence of preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. Assessment of diastolic dysfunction is preferable but not mandatory. It is to be noted that increased levels of B-type natriuretic peptide does not distinguish between diastolic and systolic heart failure. Echocardiographic studies are recommended to exclude hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, infiltrative heart disease, primary valvular heart disease, and constrictive pericarditis. Myocardial stress imaging is frequently required to exclude ischemic heart disease. The prognosis of diastolic heart failure is variable; it is related to age, severity of heart failure, and associated comorbid diseases such as coronary artery disease. The prognosis of severe diastolic heart failure is similar to that of systolic heart failure. However, cautious use of diuretics and/or nitrates may cause hypotension and low output state. Heart rate control is essential to improving ventricular filling. Pharmacologic agents such as angiotensin receptor blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers are used in selected patients to decrease left ventricular hypertrophy. To decrease myocardial fibrosis, aldosterone antagonists have a potential therapeutic role. However, prospective controlled studies will be required to establish their efficacy in primary diastolic heart failure.
Sulfur-induced dynamic embrittlement in a low-alloy steel

Abstract The rate of crack growth by apparent intergranular decohesion of a statically loaded MnMoNiCr steel at 535–600°C in vacuum was measured using the d.c. potential-drop method. Slow-displacement-rate testing of notched tensile bars at the same temperatures in an inert atmosphere was also carried out. The steel had been air-cooled from 1300°C to simulate a weld heat-affected zone. Interrupted tests followed by low-temperature brittle fracture were used to clarify the details of the cracking process, which occurred more rapidly in some grain boundaries than in others, giving rise to oscillations in the measured crack velocity. Striations on the intergranular facets were consistent with crack growth in steps of about 0.1 μm. SEM observations indicated that the tip of the main crack had a radius on the sub-micron scale. The cracking behavior of the tensile bars was qualitatively similar to that of the CT specimens and was found to have a temperature dependence of about 55 kcal/mol. The similarity of this phenomenon to cracking in other alloy systems is pointed out. The three contending models for the brittle mode of stress-relief cracking are compared in the light of the present results; a detailed treatment of a proposed theory is given in a separate paper.
Gas emission flux rates from dairy sources using sand bedding

Total reduced sulfur (TRS), hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and ammonia (NH3) flux rates from four to six sources on eight dairy operations using sand bedding were measured three times using a wind-tunnel. Emissions flux rates and emissions rates for TRS, H2S and NH3 varied from source to source and farm to farm. TRS and H2S flux rates were the highest from intermittent and continuous flow sand lanes and the reception pits at the ends of the continuous flow sand lanes. Cow manure alleys and piles of recycled sand consistently had the lowest TRS and H2S flux rates. Sources with NH3 emissions flux rates greater than 15 µg/m2s included the solids and liquids manure basins on farms that did not recycle sand, liquid manure basins on farms with continuous flow sand lanes and manure basins on farms with intermittent sand lanes. Manure storages were generally the sources with the largest emissions rates of TRS, H2S and NH3. These sources usually had low flux rates but they often had the largest emitting surface areas. Both the continuous flow and intermittent flow sand lanes were important sources of TRS and H2S emissions. They had small emitting surface area compared to other sources but larger flux rates. Cow manure alleys were important sources of NH3 emissions.
Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent treatment with full anemia correction: a new perspective

Erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA) treatment has been a major advance in the care of patients with kidney disease, resulting in reduced symptoms and blood transfusions, and improved quality of life. Recent studies, however, have indicated that attempts to treat to near normal Hgb targets may result in increased risk for death or cardiovascular events. This had led to an appropriate increase in caution, and avoidance of Hgb targets greater than 13 g/dl. There is, however, a great lack of understanding of the mechanisms of harm with more intensive ESA treatment. One avenue for investigation in medicine is analysis of outlier experience. In this article we will consider the experience of a group of dialysis units in Berlin, Germany, that have achieved outstanding patient outcomes despite targeting normal Hgb levels with ESA treatment. The purpose is to explore ancillary treatment processes that could mitigate any harmful effects of ESA therapy. We do not seek to propose that treatment with ESAs to higher Hgb targets is safe, but rather to use this outlier experience to gain knowledge and to generate hypotheses to be tested in future studies.
Identification and quantification of prostaglandin E3 in renal medullary tissue of three strains of rats fed fish oil.

Three strains of rats were fed a fish oil diet to verify their ability to incorporate and convert dietary eicosapentaenoic acid (20∶5ω3) into trienoic prostaglandins. Our results show that such conversion indeed occurs in kidney medullae homogenates. Specifically, the presence of prostaglandin E3 (PGE3) was established by gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis. That compound was conclusively identified by comparison of fragment ions and their relative intensities with those obtained from authentic PGE3. Further evidence was provided by studying the recovery of exogenously added PGE3. The crude ethyl acetate extracts of the medullary homogenates were methylated and cleaned up by liquid-gel chromatography with Lipidex-5000 prior to conversion to PGB3 for GC-MS analysis. The PGE3 was quantified by selected ion monitoring (SIM) with [3,3,4,4-2H4PGE2 as internal standard. The levels of PGE3 were similar, about 3 ng/mg of wet tissue, in the 3 strains of rats. Identical in vivo conversion of the 20∶5ω3 fatty acid to PGE3 could not be positively established by analysis of pooled urine specimens.
Surgical procedures in colonic strictures after necrotizing enterocolitis

Between 1982 and 1992, 22 patients were treated with colonic strictures in the course of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Fourteen newborns in whom a primary enterostomy and, when necessary, resection of necrotic bowel was performed developed strictures in the diverted colon. The strictures were detected by colon contrast enema study performed on average 3 months after the first intervention. Eight additional children suffered from an ileus due to primary strictures after conservatively treated NEC, which was surgically managed by enterostomy. Closure of the enterostomy and resection of the stenotic part of the colon was performed thereafter in all 22 children as a single stage procedure. There was no insufficiency of the anastomosis nor any late stricture at follow-up 2.7 years after NEC in our patients. It is concluded therefore that reanastomosis of the enterostomy and resection of an intestinal stricture can be performed as a single stage procedure without any risk after an interval of 3 months between onset of acute NEC and reevaluation. During this interval, a close monitoring and an appropriate management of adequate supplement of electrolytes and bicarbonates is necessary. Most of our babies could be nursed at home and showed a good weight gain during this period, despite the enterostomy.
The Swordfish Dispute between the EU and Chile at the ITLOS and the WTO

During the 1990s and beyond, the European Union (EU) and Chile have been engaged in a controversy over highly migratory swordfish stocks in the South Pacific. Following disputes over Cod, Turbot, and Tuna, the Swordfish Case reveals outstanding problems in the international law of fisheries. The Swordfish Case attracts further attention, as it involves proceedings both at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea and at the World Trade Organisation, with potentially inconsistent decisions. At the WTO, the EU's assertion of a right to access Chilean ports on the grounds of GATT 1994 freedom of transit provisions bears an impact on the use of ports in countries around the world. At the ITLOS Chamber, the long-standing conflict between distant water fishing nations and coastal states is once again to the fore. Although the parties to the dispute arrived at a provisional agreement, setting out to establish a scientific fisheries program and a conservation framework, the issues involved in the swordfish controversy highlight the tensions among the international maritime, economic, and environmental regimes. The article offers an overall account of the core elements of the swordfish dispute.
The Oguchi-Kaneyoshi Method for Spin-Glasses

The results of an effective field calculation of the phase diagram and order parameters for a random exchange Ising model are presented. This calculation was based on an exchange coupled pair instead of the single-spin molecular-field theory. This approach should be an improvement over the infinite-ranged models because it includes localized effects. The results indicate that the local disorder effects are especially important at low temperatures.
Quantitative real time measurements of bacteria–bacteriophages interactions in fresh lettuce leaves

Abstract Bacteriophages are promising bactericidal agents for controlling growth of pathogenic and spoilage bacteria in fresh produce and in minimally-processed food. However, there is a lack of quantitative understanding of phage–bacteria interactions within a food matrix. To address this unmet need, the interactions of lytic bacteriophages with target model bacteria on the surface and interior (infiltrated) of a fresh produce were characterized using bioluminescence spectroscopy and imaging approaches. The results showed that the phages applied to the surface of lettuce leaves effectively reduced the level of bacterial targets that were present both on the surface and inside of lettuce leaves. However, there were significant differences in the initial rate of decrease of bacteria in the three model systems examined in this study: (a) homogenous well-mixed solution, (b) inoculated on the surface, and (c) infiltrated into the interior of lettuce leaves. The results also demonstrate the application of bioluminescence imaging for non-invasive measurement of interactions between bactericidal agents and target pathogens over an extended period of time in lettuce samples. The number of bacterial cells in lettuce samples before and after phage treatment predicted based on bioluminescence measurements was in agreement with the number calculated by conventional plate counting methods. In summary, the results highlight a non-invasive real-time imaging approach to quantitatively measure interactions of bacteriophages with both the surface inoculated and the infiltrated model bacterial cells in leafy greens.
Interannual Variation of the Summer Synoptic-Scale Disturbance Activity in the Western Tropical Pacific

Abstract The authors computed the occurrence frequency of synoptic-scale disturbances over the western tropical Pacific with a simple synoptic scheme and the Goddard Earth Observing System data for 1980–94 supplemented by the 1979 National Meteorological Center (currently the National Centers for Environmental Prediction) data. The major occurrence of these disturbances exists along the monsoon trough with maximum occurrence frequency over Micronesia. The occurrence frequency distribution undergoes an interannual variation through the influence of large-scale circulation during boreal summer. As a part of the interannual variation of large-scale summer circulation in the Pacific basin, a major anomalous anticyclonic (cyclonic) circulation cell emerges in the western subtropical Pacific (north of 15°N), and a minor anomalous cyclonic (anticyclonic) circulation cell appears in the western tropical Pacific (south of 15°N) during warm (cold) summers. The tropical synoptic-scale disturbance activity is affecte...
Syrphid flies suppress lettuce aphids

Syrphid flies are abundant in lettuce fields, where their larvae are key predators of aphids. However, the presence of predators in the field does not always result in economically significant levels of prey suppression. Even when predators are numerous, their effects on prey population dynamics may be variable. Over a two year period we surveyed lettuce fields in coastal California, USA to test whether syrphid flies are capable of colonizing fields with aphids and suppressing aphid population growth. The survey showed that female syrphids oviposited more eggs at locations with more aphids, and that greater numbers of syrphid larvae resulted in lower rates of increase in the aphid populations. We also directly manipulated syrphid densities by adding syrphid eggs to uncaged lettuce plants, and these syrphid additions resulted in lower aphid population growth. This research shows that syrphid flies have the ability to suppress aphid populations in lettuce fields.
Plasma and tumor ACTH in carcinoma of the lung

Plasma and tissue contents of immunoreactive ACTH were determined in 100 patients undergoing surgical resection for lung cancer. ACTH was detectable (greater than 1 ng ACTH equivalent/g wet weight) tissue in 47 of 49 specimens of epidermoid carcinoma, in 15 of 17 specimens of adenocarcinoma and in 7 of 8 specimens of large cell carcinoma; the median concentrations in these three tumor types were 8, 3 and 9 ng/g, respectively. Patients with oat cell carcinoma were not considered candidates for curative resection and are not included in this series. ACTH was not detectable in 36 specimens of apparently normal lung tissue from the same lobe but distant from the tumor and ranged up to 6 ng/g in 14 other specimens. One-half of patients with epidermoid carcinoma but only one-quarter of those with adenocarcinoma had preoperative plasma levels exceeding 250 ng/L plasma. About 75% of patients survived for at least one year whether preoperative plasma levels were greater than 400 ng/L or less than 200 ng/L. In only 4 of 21 patients with preoperative levels greater than 300 ng/L did the plasma fall by at least one-half in the immediate postoperative period. It is concluded that measurement of preoperative and postoperative plasma immunoreactive ACTH does not have a prognostic value for remission or long term survival in lung cancer, probably because it is unlikely that the tumor per se is the sole source accounting for the elevated levels generally observed in this condition.
Thermoelectric generators for battery-charging applications

Abstract A thermoelectric generator with an output of approximately 10 W has been designed and constructed for use as a source of power for Coast Guard navigational aids. Details of the device are presented, along with results of measurements of its output. Heat-to-electrical energy conversion efficiencies of up to 8·5 per cent have been observed immediately after construction. The completed generator with a gas burner yielded a chemical-to-electrical energy conversion efficiency of 4·9 per cent.
Feeding preferences of the cowpea aphid among species of Melilotus.

The cowpea aphid ( Aphis medicaginis Koch), considered primarily a pest of the cowpea (Vigna sinensis) , has been collected on numerous other hosts, both leguminous and nonleguminous. Among the leguminous host plants listed by Patch (1938) are four species of the sweetclover genus Melilotus — alba, italica, officinalis , and parviflora (indica).
Learning to be selective in genetic-algorithm-based design optimization

In this paper we describe a method for improving genetic-algorithm-based optimization using search control. The idea is to utilize the sequence of points explored during a search to guide further exploration. The proposed method is particularly suitable for continuous spaces with expensive evaluation functions, such as arise in engineering design. Empirical results in several engineering design domains demonstrate that the proposed method can significantly improve the efficiency and reliability of the GA optimizer.
The alkaloid contents of sixty Nicotiana species

Abstract The alkaloid content (nicotine, nornicotine, anabasine, and anatabine) in leaves and roots of 60 Nicotiana species were analyzed by GC. All species contained alkaloids, the amounts varying with the species. There was no clearcut correlation between alkaloid amounts and subgeneric or sectional classification. The alkaloid content in the floral parts and immature and mature fruits of Nicotiana tabacum were also analyzed.
Elastin metabolism during recovery from impaired crosslink formation.

Abstract Accelerated proteolysis of tropoelastin and elastin occurs in the arteries of chicks rendered nutritionally copper-deficient. The process results in part from decreased elastin crosslinking. Repletion of copper-deficient chicks with copper causes a deposition of elastin that is proteinase resistant. Resistance to proteolysis is conferred within 48 h of dietary copper repletion. Deposition of aorta elastin to near normal values occurs after 3–4 days in copper-repleted chicks. Moreover, elastolysis was enhanced when the content of dehydrolysinonorleucine in elastin was abnormally low. The chemical modification of lysyl residue in elastin by citroconylation, however, did not influence the rate of elastolysis. We have shown previously that tropoelastin messenger RNA activity and synthesis are not influenced by dietary copper deprivation (1986, Biochem. J. 236 , 17–23). Rather, as demonstrated herein, the decrease in elastin content in arteries of copper-deficient birds appears to be more the result of enhanced degradation. Restoration of normal crosslinking restores deposition and imparts resistance to elastolysis. Moreover, serum appears to be a good source of elastolytic proteinases when the elastin substrate is partially or abnormally crosslinked.
Epigenetic profiling of synchronous colorectal neoplasias by quantitative DNA methylation analysis.

Transcriptional inactivation of tumor-suppressor genes by promoter CpG island methylation is thought to be an important mechanism in human carcinogenesis. The CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) with extensive promoter methylation appears to be a distinct epigenetic subtype of colorectal carcinoma. Most previous studies on CpG island methylation in colorectal carcinoma used methylation-specific PCR, which may detect low levels of DNA methylation with little or no biological significance. In contrast, quantitative DNA methylation assays have been shown to provide useful information beyond that which can be achieved with methylation-specific PCR. Synchronous neoplasias provide a unique model for investigators to examine molecular alterations in multistep tumorigenesis within one individual. However, no study to date has quantified DNA methylation of CIMP-specific promoters in synchronous colorectal neoplasias. Utilizing real-time PCR (MethyLight), we quantified DNA methylation in five CIMP-specific gene promoters [CACNA1G (calcium channel, voltage-dependent, T type alpha-1G subunit), CDKN2A (p16/INK4A), CRABP1 (cellular retinoic acid binding protein-1), MLH1 and NEUROG1 (neurogenin 1)] and MGMT in six synchronous carcinoma pairs (12 carcinomas) and eight synchronous carcinoma and adenoma pairs (16 tumors). We found that while some synchronous tumor pairs showed discordant promoter methylation patterns, other tumor pairs showed similar, but not exactly identical, patterns of promoter methylation. All but two pairs showed concordant patterns of CIMP status (CIMP positive vs CIMP negative) (P=0.05 in cancer pairs). BRAF mutations were present in only CIMP-positive tumors. A high degree of microsatellite instability (MSI-H) was observed in both CIMP-positive and CIMP-negative tumors. KRAS mutations were not concordant in any synchronous neoplasia pair. In conclusion, epigenetic alterations at CIMP-specific promoter CpG islands in synchronous colorectal neoplasias likely have both random and nonrandom components.
Control of product phases in the chemical vapor deposition of garnet films

Abstract A diagram is described which is useful in predicting the position of formation of the oxide products in the chemical vapor deposition of garnet films. The construction and use of the diagram in controlling the chemical phases and as an aid to optimize film growth are discussed. The conditions for garnet film growth reported previously by other workers correlate well with the diagram.
Equivalence of optimized conventional and proximity electron tunneling (PET) for niobium

Abstract A comparison is made of effective phonon spectra α 2 F ( ω ) obtained by a fully corrected proximity electron tunneling spectroscopy (PETS) on recrystallized foils of Nb with new results from “conventional” junctions of the form Ag-Al 2 O 3 -Nb. The latter show the largest strong coupling phonon structure ever observed for Nb and lead directly to an α 2 F ( ω ) in good agreement with PETS. This comparison suggests the equivalence of the two techniques if clean and highly ordered NS proximity structures are employed.
The effect of aggregated search coherence on search behavior

Aggregated search is the task of blending results from different specialized search services, or verticals, into the web search results. Aggregated search coherence refers to the degree to which results from different systems focus on similar senses of the query. While cross-component coherence has been cited as an important criterion for whole-page evaluation, its effect on search behavior has not been deeply investigated in prior research. In this work, we focus on the coherence between two aggregated search components: images and web results. In particular, we investigate whether the query-senses associated with the blended image results can influence user interaction with the web results. For example, if a user wants web results about "jaguar" the animal, are they more likely to examine the web results if the image results contain pictures of the animal instead of pictures of the car? Based on two large user studies, our results show that the image results can systematically affect user interaction with the web results. If the web results are largely consistent with the search task, then the effect of the image results is small. However, if the web results are only marginally consistent with the search task, such as when they are highly diversified across query-senses, the image results have a significant effect on user interaction with the web results. Our findings have implications on current research in whole-page evaluation, aggregated search, and diversity ranking.
Hox Genes: The Instructors Working at Motor Pools

Motor neurons are assigned unique subidentities preceding their axon navigation. This ensures proper innervation of muscle targets and is accompanied by a stereotypical clustering of motor neuron cell bodies into "motor pools" within the spinal cord. However, the mechanisms that drive motor neuron diversification have been poorly understood. A new study by Dasen et al. (2005) in this issue of Cell shows that a network of Hox genes is responsible for instructing motor pool development.