cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Compression After Impact Experiments and Analysis on Honeycomb Core Sandwich Panels with Thin Facesheets

A better understanding of the effect of impact damage on composite structures is necessary to give the engineer an ability to design safe, efficient structures. Current composite structures suffer severe strength reduction under compressive loading conditions, due to even light damage, such as from low velocity impact. A review is undertaken to access the current state-of-development in the areas of experimental testing, and analysis methods. A set of experiments on honeycomb core sandwich panels, with thin woven fiberglass cloth facesheets, is described, which includes detailed instrumentation and unique observation techniques.
Isoprenoid Drugs, Biofuels, and Chemicals—Artemisinin, Farnesene, and Beyond

Isoprenoids have been identified and used as natural pharmaceuticals, fragrances, solvents, and, more recently, advanced biofuels. Although isoprenoids are most commonly found in plants, researchers have successfully engineered both the eukaryotic and prokaryotic isoprenoid biosynthetic pathways to produce these valuable chemicals in microorganisms at high yields. The microbial synthesis of the precursor to artemisinin--an important antimalarial drug produced from the sweet wormwood Artemisia annua--serves as perhaps the most successful example of this approach. Through advances in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering, microbial-derived semisynthetic artemisinin may soon replace plant-derived artemisinin as the primary source of this valuable pharmaceutical. The richness and diversity of isoprenoid structures also make them ideal candidates for advanced biofuels that may act as "drop-in" replacements for gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. Indeed, the sesquiterpenes farnesene and bisabolene, monoterpenes pinene and limonene, and hemiterpenes isopentenol and isopentanol have been evaluated as fuels or fuel precursors. As in the artemisinin project, these isoprenoids have been produced microbially through synthetic biology and metabolic engineering efforts. Here, we provide a brief review of the numerous isoprenoid compounds that have found use as pharmaceuticals, flavors, commodity chemicals, and, most importantly, advanced biofuels. In each case, we highlight the metabolic engineering strategies that were used to produce these compounds successfully in microbial hosts. In addition, we present a current outlook on microbial isoprenoid production, with an eye towards the many challenges that must be addressed to achieve higher yields and industrial-scale production.
The Beauty of Transformation: Becoming a Cultural Organizer

Artistic and cultural practices have long been central to movements for social change. In this article, Paul Kuttner explores this intersection of arts and organizing through a biographical portrait of Mariama White-Hammond, Executive Director of the Boston-based youth organizing group Project HIP-HOP. Tracing Mariama’s development in the realms of artistic practice and social justice, the article focuses on both synergy and tension between the two trajectories. The resulting portrait highlights the important role of cultural context in shaping the relationship between organizing and the arts, and uncovers the multiple influences that lead an individual to engage in this kind of work.
Canine cone transducin-gamma gene and cone degeneration in the cd dog.

PURPOSE To characterize the cDNA and the organization of the gene encoding the cone-specific gamma subunit of transducin (Tgamma c) and to examine this gene as a candidate for the recessively inherited cone photoreceptor degeneration in the cd dog. METHODS Canine Tgamma c cDNA was cloned and sequenced. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to define the Tgamma c gene structure, northern blot analysis to examine the level of expression of Tgamma c mRNA in control and cd-affected retinas, and immunocytochemistry to determine the presence and localization of Tgamma c in normal and cd retinas. RESULTS Immunocytochemical results showed Tgamma c localized to cone photoreceptor outer segments in the normal retina, whereas no Tgamma c immunoreactivity was observed in the cd retinas. However, the level of transcription and the primary structure of the cloned cDNA coding for the 69-amino acid protein were identical in retinas from wild-type and affected dogs. CONCLUSIONS Although Tgamma c immunoreactivity was specifically absent in the cd dog retina, no differences were detected between normal and cd retinas in the nucleotide sequence of Tgamma c mRNA or in its synthesis. These results indicate that a mutation in the Tgamma c gene may not be causally associated with the cd dog disease. These findings suggest that possible abnormalities in posttranslational modification of Tgamma c or defective assembly of the transducin alphabetagamma complex could lead to rapid degradation of Tgamma c.
Pubertal development and primary ovarian insufficiency in female survivors of embryonal brain tumors following risk-adapted craniospinal irradiation and adjuvant chemotherapy

Background Female survivors of central nervous system (CNS) tumors are at an increased risk for gonadal damage and variations in the timing of puberty following radiotherapy and alkylating agent-based chemotherapy. Procedure Clinical and laboratory data were obtained from 30 evaluable female patients with newly diagnosed embryonal CNS tumors treated on a prospective protocol (SJMB 96) at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (SJCRH). Pubertal development was evaluated by Tanner staging. Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) was determined by Tanner staging and FSH level. Females with Tanner stage I–II and FSH > 15 mIU/ml, or Tanner stage III–V, FSH > 25 mIU/ml and FSH greater than LH were defined to have ovarian insufficiency. Recovery of ovarian function was defined as normalization of FSH without therapeutic intervention. Results Median length of follow-up post completion of therapy was 7.2 years (4.0–10.8 years). The cumulative incidence of pubertal onset was 75.6% by the age of 13. Precocious puberty was observed in 11.1% and delayed puberty in 11.8%. The cumulative incidence of POI was 82.8%, though recovery was observed in 38.5%. Conclusions Treatment for primary CNS embryonal tumors may cause variations in the timing of pubertal development, impacting physical and psychosocial development. Female survivors are at risk for POI, a subset of whom will recover function over time. Further refinement of therapies is needed in order to reduce late ovarian insufficiency. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:329–334. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of Solvent Diffusion on Crack-Tip Fields and Driving Force for Fracture of Hydrogels

Hydrogels are used in a variety of applications ranging from tissue engineering to soft robotics. They often undergo large deformation coupled with solvent diffusion, and structural integrity is important when they are used as structural components. This paper presents a thermodynamically consistent method for calculating the transient energy release rate for crack growth in hydrogels based on a modified path-independent J-integral. The transient energy release rate takes into account the effect of solvent diffusion, separating the energy lost in diffusion from the energy available to drive crack growth. Numerical simulations are performed using a nonlinear transient finite element method for center-cracked hydrogel specimens, subject to remote tension under generalized plane strain conditions. The hydrogel specimen is assumed to be either immersed in a solvent or not immersed by imposing different chemical boundary conditions. Sharp crack and rounded notch models are used for small and large far-field strains, respectively. Comparisons to linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) are presented for the crack-tip fields and crack opening profiles in the instantaneous and equilibrium limits. It is found that the stress singularity at the crack tip depends on both the far-field strain and the local solvent diffusion, and the latter evolves with time and depends on the chemical boundary conditions. The transient energy release rate is predicted as a function of time for the two types of boundary conditions with distinct behaviors due to solvent diffusion. Possible scenarios of delayed fracture are discussed based on evolution of the transient energy release rate. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4030587]
Magnetic Materials and Properties

The above reference to lodestone is interesting in that it is over 2000 years old. The property of the magnetic field to attract or generate a force is universally known and is used in practical devices, probably more than most of us realize. How many applications of the permanent magnet do you recall? Did you know, for example, that many electric motors use permanent magnets or that the ignition in cars is commonly controlled by a permanent magnet and a Hall-element switch? It is therefore quite useful to identify the properties of the permanent magnet since sooner or later you will encounter it in design. Thus follows the study of magnetic properties of materials. Many materials exhibit magnetic properties, some quite surprising. The permanent magnet is only one of them. Iron, nickel, or chromium oxides on audio tapes, video tapes, or computer disks store information in the form of magnetic field variations. Solid nickel contracts when placed in a magnetic field, while strong magnetic fields cause atoms to tilt about their spin axes, a phenomenon that leads directly to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Naturally occurring materials, such as magnetite (Fe3O4), are found in bacteria and in brains of many animals which use this material as a biological compass for navigation in the geomagnetic field. Magnetite and hematite (Fe2O3) are the basis of the lodestone (a naturally occurring, magnetic stone).
Postterm blood pressure elevation produced by uterine wrapping.

Abstract Chronic uterine ischemia produced a postterm elevation of blood, pressure in rats and a postterm elevation of proteinuria in rabbits. These unexpected findings may be of the same origin as that of toxemia of pregnancy, but as the cause is unknown we cannot equate them. Chronic uterine ischemia per se will not produce preeclampsia in the experimental animal. There were no changes in arterial pressure or proteinuria during the course of pregnancy and there was a conspicuous absence of edema.
Principles of Molecular Cancer Treatment

The essential features of cancer cells are uncontrolled growth, extension of the cellular life span, invasiveness, and tumor specific or organ specific neoplasm-host interactions. The molecular mechanisms creating these phenotypic characteristics are potential anti-cancer drug targets.
Functional and topographical analyses of epitopes on the hemagglutinin (VP4) of the simian rotavirus SA11.

Abstract An immunochemical analysis of the hemagglutinin (VP4) of the simian rotavirus SA11 was performed to better understand the structure and function of this molecule. Following immunization of mice with double-shelled virus particles and VP4-enriched fractions from CsCl gradients, a battery of anti-SA11 hybridomas was generated. A total of 13 clones secreting high levels of anti-VP4 monoclonal antibody (MAb) was characterized and compared with two cross-reactive anti-VP4 MAbs generated against heterologous rhesus (RRV) and porcine (OSU) rotavirus strains. These cross-reactive MAbs effectively neutralized SA11 infectivity in vitro. The epitopes recognized by these 15 MAbs were grouped into six antigenic sites on the SA11 hemagglutinin. These sites were identified following analysis of the MAbs by using a simple competitive binding enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and biological assays. Three of the antigenic sites were involved in neutralization of virus infectivity in vitro. All the MAbs with neutralization activity and two nonneutralizing MAbs were able to inhibit viral hemagglutination of human erythrocytes. Competitive binding ELISA data showed a positive cooperative binding effect with some pairs of the anti-VP4 MAbs, apparently due to a conformational change induced by the binding of the first MAb. Some of the MAbs also bound better to trypsin-treated virus than to non-trypsin-treated virus. A topographic map for VP4 is proposed on the basis of the observed properties of each antigenic site.
Investigating interconnected fisheries: a coupled model of the lobster and herring fisheries in New England

Ostensibly separate fisheries are often linked through ecological, environmental, and human mediated processes that can impact their productivity, profitability, and resilience; however, managers rarely explicitly account for these linkages. We present a coupled bioeconomic model of the American lobster (Homarus americanus) and Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) fisheries in the northeast United States. The model builds upon existing stock assessment models and includes key characteristics of both fisheries including size- or age-structured populations, seasonal patterns of lobster exploitation, and seasonal-spatial patterns of herring exploitation. The lobster and herring models are linked through a bait market module that drives behavior of the herring fleet and affects catches, costs, and revenues in both fisheries. The model illustrates how changes in management or ecosystem conditions in one fishery can propagate to another. The model suggests that the lobster fishery is robust to declines in herring recruitment and limited changes in the spatial allocation of the herring total allowable catch. However, herring catches and stocks are affected by changes in lobster management that impact effort levels.
MRS measured fatty acid composition of periprostatic adipose tissue correlates with pathological measures of prostate cancer aggressiveness

Purpose To investigate the association between magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopically measured fatty acid composition of periprostatic adipose tissue and pathological markers of prostate cancer aggressiveness. Materials and Methods Periprostatic adipose (PPA) and subcutaneous adipose (SQA) tissue from prostate cancer patients undergoing radical prostatectomy were examined ex vivo by proton MR spectroscopy at 14.1T (n = 31). Fractions of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, total unsaturated, and saturated fatty acids, as well as T2 relaxation times were measured from the spectra. Univariate and multivariate analyses based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and support vector machines (SVM) were used to evaluate the association between differential measures of fatty acid levels in the PPA and SQA tissues and Gleason score and extracapsular extension (ECE), which are pathological measures of prostate cancer aggressiveness. Results Both pathological markers for aggressive prostate cancer have separable patterns in the MRS features space. The association between ECE and PPA tissue fatty acid composition is linear (area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AROC) and 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 1.00, [1.00, 1.00]), along the Δ(fM/fS) measure, and is marked by elevated monounsaturated and reduced saturated fatty acids in the PPA tissue relative to SQA. In contrast, the association between Gleason score and PPA tissue fatty acid composition is nonlinear (classifier AROC and 95% CIs: 0.86, [0.71, 1.00]). Conclusion Fatty acid composition is altered in the PPA tissue of patients with aggressive prostate cancer. Ex vivo MR spectroscopy may be a useful tool in studying the altered fatty acid metabolism in prostate cancer. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:651–657.
Statistical Fracture Initiation in Randomly Oriented Chopped-Mat Fiber Composites Subjected to Biaxial Thermomechanical Loading

Owing to the inherently heterogeneous microstructure of constituent elements and the random orientation of fiber mats, initiation of local fracture in chopped-mat fiber composite materials is statistical in nature. An analytical approach is presented in this paper for studying the fracture initiation. The study is formulated on the basis of the statistical failure theory and fundamental concept of mechanics of fracture for brittle fiber composites. The heterogeneity of chopped fiber mats with random orientations and the effect of biaxial thermomechanical stress are incorporated into the Weibull strength theory. A computer simulation procedure with the aid of a numerical stress analysis is introduced. Estimation of the location of fracture initiation in a statistical sense is conducted for the disk-type chopped-mat fiber composite. Selected results are presented to illustrate the fundamental nature of the statistical fracture initiation behavior in this class of composite material.
Spin-dependent polaron formation dynamics in Eu 0.75 Y 0.25 MnO 3 probed by femtosecond pump-probe spectroscopy

We present a femtosecond optical pump-probe study of the multiferroic manganite ${\text{Eu}}_{0.75}{\text{Y}}_{0.25}{\text{MnO}}_{3}$. The optical response of the material at pump energies of 1.55 and 3.1 eV is dominated by the $d\text{\ensuremath{-}}d$ and $p\text{\ensuremath{-}}d$ transitions of the ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{3+}$ ions. The relaxation of photoexcited electrons includes the relaxation of the Jahn-Teller distortion and polaron trapping at ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{2+}$ and ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{4+}$ sites. Ultrafast switching of superexchange interactions due to modulated ${e}_{g}$ orbital occupancy creates a localized spin excitation, which then decays on a time scale of tens of picoseconds at low temperatures. The localized spin state decay appears as a tremendous increase in the amplitude of the photoinduced reflectance, due to the strong coupling of optical transitions to the spin-spin correlations in the crystalline $a\text{\ensuremath{-}}b$ plane.
Fission tracks in solids—production mechanisms and natural origins

Radiation-damage tracks in solids from energetic nuclear particles are caused by ionization that leads to atomic disordering along particle trajectories. The process that transforms missing electrons into atomic disorder is termed an ion explosion spike: The ionized region is unstable because the Coulomb repulsion of adjacent ions overcomes the local bonding. Natural tracks can be of many origins, but for samples on earth, spontaneous fission of 238U (the key to fission-track dating of minerals), is by far the dominant source. There are occasional, localized exceptions, three of which are noted. Exotic sources are listed, including those that can operate for materials that are outside the protective shielding of the earth's atmosphere.
Autologous anti-metatype immune response in rabbits.

Rabbits hyperimmunized with fluorescyl-conjugated K-LH exhibited bound ligand associated with a high affinity circulating IgG anti-fluorescein population. After cessation of immunogen administration the liganded complexes were eventually spontaneously cleared from the circulation. Individual rabbits synthesized autologous anti-metatype antibodies specific for ligand-antibody complexes. Autologous anti-metatype antibodies reacted optimally with autologous liganded anti-fluorescein antibodies. However, cross reactivity was noted with allogenic rabbit liganded antibodies from three affinity-purified pools. An autologous anti-metatype response, reminiscent of autoanti-idiotype responses, has important implications concerning in vivo clearance of antigen-antibody complexes and may serve as a model to study immune complex diseases.
Infrared photometry of comets Bowell and P/Stephan-Oterma☆

Broadband IR photometry in the 1-20 micron range of the comets P/Stephan-Oterma and Bowell shows JHK colors similar to P/Meier and P/Tuttle, which are compatible with the scattering of sunlight by micron-sized grains. In addition, the P/Stephan-Oterma thermal emission was found to have an effective temperature higher than that expected from a blackbody in equilibrium. It is demonstrated that the thermal emission can be fit by models of the dust coma consisting of micron-sized grains, and that most of the flux at all observed wavelengths comes from the dust grains rather than the nucleus.
Mortality among employees at a petrochemical research facility.

Background This retrospective follow-up study evaluated mortality during 1970–1996 among 6,956 employees at a petrochemical research facility in Illinois. Methods Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) compared employees' mortality rates with those of the Illinois general population. Poisson regression procedures estimated rate ratios for various subject subgroups compared to other facility employees. Results Subjects had 267 observed/524 expected deaths (SMR = 51) from all causes combined and a large deficit of deaths from all cancers (76/136, SMR = 56) and from most other major diseases. Other results included fewer than expected brain cancers (1/4.0, SMR = 25) and a slight increase in colorectal cancer (20/14, SMR = 139) that was concentrated in white male scientists employed for one of the three main companies at the facility (SMR = 295, RR = 2.6). Conclusions The deficit of brain cancer deaths contrasts with an excess incidence seen in a companion study. Subjects' generally favorable mortality experience probably reflects socioeconomic advantages of employees relative to the Illinois general population. Am. J. Ind. Med. 39:29–41, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Reproductive and socio-economic correlates of maternal haemoglobin levels in a rural area of Papua New Guinea.

Summary The effects of pregnancy, lactation, and socio-economic status on maternal haemoglobin levels among the Au, a foraging and small-scale horticultural population of Papua New Guinea, are examined. The sample consists of 259 parous women, 41 of whom reside in wage-earning households and 218 of whom reside in households practicing traditional subsistence activities. The haemoglobin level among the total sample averages an extraordinarily low 8.6 g/dl and the prevalence of anaemia as defined using current WHO standards is just over 98%. Wage-earning Au, however, have significantly higher haemoglobin levels and lower rates of anaemia than their traditional counterparts. Haemoglobin levels decline significantly during pregnancy by just over 1 g/dl among both socioeconomic groups, but soon return to pre-gravid levels postpartum. No significant effects of lactation on haemoglobin levels are found, nor does the population show any long-term, parity-specific trends in haemoglobin levels.
Localization of the fast and slow pathways in atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia by intraoperative ice mapping.

BACKGROUNDAtrioventricular (AV) nodal reentrant tachycardia is classically described as a reentrant rhythm entirely contained within the compact AV node. Although the concepts of longitudinal dissociation of two intranodal pathways and a distal common pathway are accepted, the proximal portion of the circuit remains undefined. Current reports suggest that the two pathways may be separable by atrial tissue and not contained entirely within the compact node.METHODS AND RESULTSWe used an ice mapping method to demonstrate the slow and fast pathways of the reentrant circuit and their relation to the atrial septum around the AV node. Six patients with the usual form (slow-fast) of AV nodal reentrant tachycardia were mapped during surgery. In most patients, antegrade slow pathway localization was posterior and inferior to the compact AV node along the tricuspid annulus; in two patients, it was superior along the tendon of Todaro. Retrograde fast pathway localization was anterior or superior to the compact AV nod...
Computer simulation of cluster-cluster aggregation using linear trajectories: Results from three-dimensional simulations and a comparison with aggregates formed using brownian trajectories

Abstract Aggregation processes in which clusters combine via linear trajectories are simulated using both lattice and nonlattice models. In three-dimensional simulations, these models generate structures with a fractal dimensionality of 1.8–2.0. A comparison with similar models in which cluster-cluster aggregation occurs via Brownian trajectories indicates that Brownian motion has relatively little effect (possibly no effect) on the fractal dimensionality of the resulting aggregate. By contrast, in particlecluster aggregation models, linear trajectories lead to structures with a fractal dimensionality of ⋍3.0 (in three dimensions) while Brownian trajectories lead to structures with a dimensionality of about 2.5. The small effect of Brownian motion on cluster-cluster aggregation is attributed to the inability of clusters to penetrate each other along any trajectory. Consequently, a trajectory with a high dimensionality (such as a random walk with a dimensionality of 2.0) is not needed to prevent the fractal structure from becoming more compact. The results obtained using the nonlattice model are in good agreement with those obtained by Sutherland and Goodarz-Nia using a very similar model. The clusters generated in this work were approximately two orders of magnitude larger than those used by Sutherland et al. The fractal dimensionality is not sensitive to rotation of the clusters prior to a collision but is sensitive to the impact parameter.
Fourier-domain based datacentric performance ranking of competing medical image processing algorithms

To accomplish a given computational task, a number of algorithmic and heuristic approaches can be employed to act upon the ever-varying input data. Depending upon the assumptions made regarding the data, the algorithm and the task, the end result from each of these approaches could be different. Currently, there does not exist an automatic, robust, precise, simple, and algorithm-independent measure to rate the accuracy of a multiplicity of algorithms to accomplish a given task on the given data. Lack of such a measure severely restricts the integration of "datacentric" computational tools. This paper proposes a Fourier-domain based method to robustly assess and rank the accuracy of a multiplicity of abstractions vis-a-vis the original data. The method is scalable across dimensions and data types and is blind to the task associated with the generation of the competing to-be-rated abstractions
Effects of plastic composite support and pH profiles on pullulan production in a biofilm reactor

Pullulan is a linear homopolysaccharide which is composed of glucose units and often described as α-1, 6-linked maltotriose. The applications of pullulan range from usage as blood plasma substitutes to environmental pollution control agents. In this study, a biofilm reactor with plastic composite support (PCS) was evaluated for pullulan production using Aureobasidium pullulans. In test tube fermentations, PCS with soybean hulls, defatted soy bean flour, yeast extract, dried bovine red blood cells, and mineral salts was selected for biofilm reactor fermentation (due to its high nitrogen content, moderate nitrogen leaching rate, and high biomass attachment). Three pH profiles were later applied to evaluate their effects on pullulan production in a PCS biofilm reactor. The results demonstrated that when a constant pH at 5.0 was applied, the time course of pullulan production was advanced and the concentration of pullulan reached 32.9 g/L after 7-day cultivation, which is 1.8-fold higher than its respective suspension culture. The quality analysis demonstrated that the purity of produced pullulan was 95.8% and its viscosity was 2.4 centipoise. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra also supported the supposition that the produced exopolysaccharide was mostly pullulan. Overall, this study demonstrated that a biofilm reactor can be successfully implemented to enhance pullulan production and maintain its high purity.
Derivation of lepton masses from the chaotic regime of the linear σ-model

Abstract One of the more striking aspects of the current Standard Model for particle physics is the replication in the total number of quarks and leptons. There are three consecutive generations of these particles and the physical significance of their grouping by mass is neither fully explained nor universally accepted. Our study suggests that the lepton mass spectrum may be recovered from the underlying chaotic dynamics of the simplest prototype for classical boson–fermion interaction, the linear σ -model.
The Meaning of Work/Life: A Corporate Ideology of Work/Life Balance

Organizations wield great power over the structure of contemporary life. Using the rhetorical method of cluster analysis, we investigated the construction of work/life issues on Web sites of companies on Fortune's 2004 list of “100 Best Companies to Work for.” By identifying key terms and the terms that clustered around them, we uncovered a corporate ideology of work/life: 1) work is the most important element of life; 2) life means family; 3) individuals are responsible for balance; and 4) organizations control work/life programs. We conclude that organizational work/life programs may increase, rather than decrease, the amount of control organizations exercise over personal life. We explore the implications of this finding as well as directions for future research.
Identifying additional lymph nodes in radical cystectomy lymphadenectomy specimens.

Lymph node count has prognostic implications in bladder cancer patients who are treated with radical cystectomy. Lymph nodes that are too small to identify grossly can easily be missed, potentially leading to missed nodal metastases and inaccurate nodal counts, resulting in inaccurate prognoses. We investigated whether there is a benefit to submitting the entire lymph node packet for histological examination to identify additional lymph nodes. We prospectively assessed 61 pelvic lymphadenectomy specimens in 14 consecutive patients undergoing radical cystectomy. The specimens were placed in Carnoy's solution overnight, then analyzed for lymph nodes. The residual tissue was entirely submitted to assess for additional lymph nodes. In 61 specimens, we identified 391 lymph nodes, ranging from 4–44 nodes per patient. We identified 238 (61%) lymph nodes with standard techniques and 153 (39%) lymph nodes in submitted residual tissue. The number of additional lymph nodes found in the residual tissue ranged from 0 to 26 (0–75%) per patient. These lymph nodes ranged in size from 0.05 to 1 cm. All additional lymph nodes were negative for metastatic disease. Submitting the entire specimen for histological examination allowed for identification of more lymph nodes in radical cystectomy pelvic lymphadenectomy specimens. However, as none of the additional lymph nodes contained metastatic disease, it is unclear if there is a clinical benefit in evaluating lymph nodes that are neither visible nor palpable in lymphadenectomy specimens.
4644 Immediate and medium-term outcome of snare excision of the ampulla of vater.

Adenomatous change of the Ampulla of Vater is common in FAP patients, and also occurs sporadically, resulting in biliary obstruction, pancreatitis and malignancy. Although duodenal surveillance in FAP is advocated, optimal management of ampullary adenomas is uncertain. Snare excision of the ampulla has been reported to be safe in small numbers. Large studies of the outcome of this technique are desired. Aim: To determine the outcome of snare ampullectomy of the Ampulla of Vater. Methods: Patients were identified from a comprehensive endoscopic database. Data were accrued from the endoscopic database and patient records. 22 procedures utilized a polypectomy mini-snare and 5 procedures utilized a specialized ampullectomy snare (Olympus America, Corp, NY). Monopolar blended currents were used. All except 1 included a completion biliary endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES). All procedures were performed as out-patients, but patients remained locally for 24hrs post-procedure. Results: 27 snare ampullectomies were performed on 26 patients (1 pt had major and minor ampullectomies) between Sept.1997 and Nov. 1999 (14 males and 12 females). Median age 42yrs (range:21-84). 16 patients had FAP syndrome, 10 had sporadic lesions. 14 patients were asymptomatic; 12 symptomatic: epigastric pain (7), biliary obstruction (4) & recurrent pancreatitis (1). 9 patients received prophylactic pancreatic stents. 2 patients had minor ES bleeding. Four patients (15%) developed post-procedure pancreatitis: 2/9 with prophylactic stent vs. 2/18 without stents: p=0.5. No pancreatitis required hospitalization >2 days. 1 patient had an ES perforation that was hemoclipped and hospitalized for 2 days. 25 lesions were adenomas, 1 inflammatory polyp and 1 with invasive cancer who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. Endoscopic & histological follow-up is available in 15 patients (median: 7 months; range: 1-24 months). Two delayed complications occurred: pancreatitis due to orifice stenosis at 4 months and 24 months, treated with pancreatic ES and dilatation. F/U biopsies in 13 patients demonstrated normal tissue in 11 (85%), and residual adenomatous tissue with low grade dysplasia in 2. Conclusions: Snare ampullectomy of the ampulla of Vater is well tolerated. All acute complications were mild. Medium term follow-up biopsies show complete resection of adenomatous tissue in >85% of cases. Stenosis with pancreatitis may be a delayed sequelae.
On high-level cyclones originating in the tropics

Two weather situations, one in June 1946 and another in March 1949, suggest that cyclonic circulations may originate in the high tropical troposphere (above 30,000 ft and between 15°N and 10°N) and remain stationary as long as two weeks while extending downward to 20,000 ft or less. They may then move out of the tropics into higher latitudes where they appear on 500-mb or lower contour maps as “cold lows” similar to those described by Palmen.
Structural Tunability of the Plasmon Resonances in Metallic Nanoshells

Using the time-dependent LDA method, we investigate the tunability of the optical polarizability of small metallic nanoshells. We show that the energies of the two dipolar plasmon resonances vary with the ratio of shell thickness to particle radius in a manner similar to what has been predicted using classical Mie scattering and semiclassical models for uniform metallic shell structures.
A Primer of Social Decision Scheme Theory: Models of Group Influence, Competitive Model-Testing, and Prospective Modeling.

The basic elements of social decision scheme (SDS) theory are individual preferences, group preference compositions (distinguishable distributions), patterns of group influence (decision schemes, social combination rules), and collective responses (group decisions, judgments, solutions, and the like). The theory provides a framework for addressing two fundamental questions in the study of group performance: How are individual resources combined to yield a group response (the individual-into-group problem)? What are the implications of empirical observations under one set of circumstances for other conditions where data do not exist (the sparse data problem)? Several prescriptions for how to conduct fruitful group research are contained in the SDS tradition: make precise theoretical statements, provide strong and competitive tests of theories, and interpret empirical findings in the context of robust process models.
The Afghanistan crisis and South Asian security

(1981). The Afghanistan crisis and South Asian security. Journal of Strategic Studies: Vol. 4, No. 4, pp. 415-434.
Electrochemical investigation of Pb2+ binding and transport through a polymerized crystalline colloidal array hydrogel containing benzo-18-crown-6.

The transport of Pb2+ through a sensory gel, a polymerized crystalline colloidal array hydrogel with immobilized benzo-18-crown-6, is important for understanding and optimizing the sensor. Square wave voltammetry at a Hg/Au electrode reveals many parameters. The partition coefficient for Pb2+ into a control gel (no crown ether), Kp, is 1.00 ± 0.018 (errors reported are SEM). The porosity, e, of the gel is 0.90 ± 0.01. Log Kc for complexation in the gel is 2.75 ± 0.014. Log Kc in aqueous solution for Pb2+ with the ligand 4-acryloylamidobenzo-18-crown-6 is 3.01 ± 0.010 with dissociation rate kd = (8.34 ± 0.45) × 102 s-1 and association rate kf = (8.79 ± 0.025) × 107 M-1 s-1. The partition coefficient of the ligand 4-acryloylamidobenzo-18-crown-6 into the control gel, Kp,L is 2.07 ± 0.15. The diffusion coefficient of Pb2+ in the control gel is 6.72 × 10-6 ± 0.12 cm2/s. For the sensor gel, but not control gel, diffusion coefficients are location dependent. The range of diffusion coefficients for Pb2+ in the p...
Satellite Determination of Stratus Cloud Microphysical Properties

Abstract Satellite measurements of liquid water path from SSM/I, broadband albedo from ERBE, and cloud characteristics from ISCCP are used to study stratus regions. An average cloud liquid water path of 0.120 ± 0.032 kg m−2 is derived by dividing the average liquid water path for stratus areas by the fractional area coverage of cloud in the region. The diurnal range in this average cloud liquid water path is about 25%. Stratus cloud liquid water is positively correlated with cloud amount and is negatively correlated with low cloud-top temperature. Cloud liquid water path (LWP) and cloud albedo measurements are used to derive an effective droplet radius using the plane-parallel cloud albedo model of Slingo. The 2.5;dg by 2.5;dg grid boxes are first screened for completely overcast scenes in an attempt to justify the plane-parallel assumption. The mean effective droplet radius for this sample is 10.1 ± 4.4 μm. This serves as an upper bound since small-scale LWP variability is estimated to affect the average...
Minimizing “glitches” in XAFS data: A model for glitch formation

Abstract Spikes in X-ray absorption data, which are referred to as “glitches”, occur at particular monochromator energies for which multiple diffractions are possible. Measurements of the X-ray beam profile show that large spatial variations of the flux in the vertical direction occur at energies close to a glitch. We develop a simple model of glitch formation in ratioed X-ray absorption data, that shows why glitches remain in the ratioed data for ideal conditions (ideal detectors and no harmonics) if the sample is nonuniform. The model describes experimental observations well, including the occurrence of both negative and positive lobes in a glitch. Some ramifications of the model are presented and some means to minimize the glitches are discussed. The advantages of using pixel array detectors are also briefly presented.
THE PREJUDICIAL NATURE OF VICTIM IMPACT STATEMENTS Implications for Capital Sentencing Policy

Victim impact evidence is presented during sentencing hearings to convey the harm experienced by victims and victims’ relatives as a result of a crime. Its use in capital cases is highly controversial. Some argue that the Supreme Court’s decision to allow the admission of victim impact statements (VIS) during capital sentencing proceedings (Payne v. Tennessee, 1991) invites prejudice and judgments based on emotion rather than reason. Others reason that it provides an important voice for survivors and affords the jury an opportunity to learn about the victim. The authors outline the chief psychological issues that arise in the context of VIS, including their relevance to jurors’ judgments of blameworthiness, concerns that the social worth of the victim will influence jurors’ sentencing decisions, and issues related to the emotional appeal of VIS. Psycholegal research on the influence of VIS on mock jurors is reviewed, and implications of this work for capital sentencing policy and suggested directions for future research are discussed.
Solving correspondence problems with 1D signal matching

Signal matching can be applied to many applications, such as shape matching, stereo vision, image registration, and so on. With the development of hardware, 1D signal matching can be implemented with hardware to make fast processing more feasible. This is especially important for many real-time 3D vision applications such as unmanned air vehicles and mobile robots. When lighting variance is not significant in a controlled lighting environment or when the baseline is short, images taken from two viewpoints are quite similar. It is also true for each scan line pair if the attention is drawn to 1D signal. By processing 1D signal line by line, a dense disparity map can be achieved and 3D scene can be reconstructed. In this paper, we present a robust 1D signal matching method, which combines spline representation and genetic algorithm to obtain a dense disparity map. By imposing smoothness constraint implicitly, matching parameters can be solved in terms of their spline representations by minimizing a certain cost function. Genetic algorithm can then be used to perform the optimization task. Reconstruction results of three different scene settings are shown to prove the validity of our algorithm. Due to the similarity of the problem in nature, this algorithm can be easily extended to solve image registration and motion detection problems.© (2004) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Tandem addition-rearrangement of nitrile anions to benzyne. A convenient synthesis of 3-cyano-2-alkyl benzoic acids and benzaldehydes.

Abstract Benzynes derived from aryloxazolines react with lithio-alkyl nitriles to give addition followed by cyclization to benzocyclobutanone imines which fragment to the title products.
Failure analysis of cracking at volute tongues of feedwater pump casings

Abstract This paper describes the results of failure analysis of feedwater pump casings in a nuclear power plant (NPP). The cracks were found at volute tongues in several pump casings. To investigate the cause of cracks, in situ hardness tests and microstructure examinations were performed nondestructively. Additionally, the fracture surface and metallurgical characteristics were examined by using material taken from cracked volute tongues of pump casing. The examinations showed that the cracks were typical intergranular cracking propagated along prior-austenite grain boundaries. At casing volute tongues, the hardness was higher than the ASTM requirement and a large amount of intergranular chrome carbide was precipitated, due to high carbon content in the material. Also, phosphorus segregation at grain boundaries was detected. Based on these results, it was concluded that chrome carbide precipitation induced by high carbon content and phosphorus segregation at grain boundaries resulted in intergranular cracking of casing volute tongues.
Two-Dimensional Plasma Resonances in Positive Ions under the Surface of Liquid Helium.

Plasma resonances have been observed in a two-dimensional sheet of positive ions held just under the surface of liquid $^{4}\mathrm{He}$. The ion effective mass deduced from the resonant frequencies is found to be weakly temperature dependent, increasing linearly with temperature. Strong nonlinear effects are observed in the wave propagation. The ponderomotive force of the plasma wave induces a static $2k$ distortion of the charge density, which produces large shifts of the resonant frequency with drive amplitude.
Use of Reactivity Constraints for the Automatic Control of Reactor Power

A theoretical framework for the automatic control of reactor power has been developed and experimentally evaluated on the 5 MWt Research Reactor that is operated by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The controller functions by restricting the net reactivity so that it is always possible to make the reactor period infinite at the desired termination point of a transient by reversing the direction of motion of whatever control mechanism is associated with the controller. This capability is formally designated as "feasibility of control". It has been shown experimentally that maintenance of feasibility of control is a sufficient condition for the automatic control of reactor power. This research should be of value in the design of closed-loop controllers, in the creation of reactivity displays, in the provision of guidance to operators regarding the timing of reactivity changes, and as an experimental envelope within which alternate control strategies can be evaluated.
Curing, wash water chlorination and packaging to improve the post-harvest quality of Xanthosoma cormels☆

Abstract Curing Xanthosoma caracu Koch et Bouche cormels at 30 or 35°C and 95–100% relative humidity (RH) for 7 days significantly reduced weight loss and decay during storage under simulated ambient conditions of 25°C and 75% RH, compared to curing at 40°C or not curing. Wash water chlorination (1% NaOCI) significantly reduced decay compared to untreated water washing or dry brushing, but did not reduce decay compared to no cleaning. Packaging corms in perforated plastic bags or burlap bags significantly reduced water loss and maintained better appearance, but effects on decay were inconsistent. Storage in non-perforated plastic bags greatly increased decay and sprouting of the cormels. The combined effects of curing, wash water chlorination and packaging in perforated plastic bags markedly improved the appearance and marketability of the cormels.
Statins and lipid metabolism: an update.

Purpose of review The reduction in cardiovascular disease risk by statins is well established. This risk reduction has mostly been attributed to decreases in plasma LDL cholesterol and other pleiotropic effects of statins. Emerging evidence indicates that statins exert multiple effects on lipoprotein metabolism, including chylomicrons and HDLs. Recent findings Kinetic and in-vitro studies have documented that the effects of statins on the metabolism of different lipoproteins are for the most part the direct consequence of cholesterol biosynthesis inhibition and the subsequent change in transcription factors and cell signaling, regulating different aspects of lipoprotein metabolism. Differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics among statins lead to diverse biological outcomes. Summary The current review summarizes recent experimental evidence highlighting the different effects of statins on cellular pathways regulating gene expression. Understanding the basic mechanisms by which different statins regulate lipoprotein metabolism will lead to improved strategies for the prevention and treatment of specific lipoprotein disorders.
Contrasting Patterns of Business Organization in Silicon Valley

The industrialists of Silicon Valley have pioneered two divergent political strategies in recent decades: one is an attempt to improve the competitive position of local firms by lobbying for supportive trade and technology policies, the other is an attempt to enhance the flexibility of the specialist producers in the region by providing collective services that promote the innovative recombination of resources. These contrasting patterns of organization reflect the hybrid structure of the local economy, and political conflicts in the region highlight divergent understandings of the proper forms of governance for a flexible regional economy. This case underscores the openness of regional and industrial trajectories, and suggests the importance of analyzing the political, as well as the purely economic, determinants of industrial strategies and regional outcomes.
Subretinal fibrosis and uveitis syndrome in a patient with ectodermal dysplasia.

Purpose: To report a case of subretinal fibrosis and uveitis syndrome in association with ectodermal dysplasia.Methods: Chart review of a patient with subretinal fibrosis and uveitis syndrome and ectodermal dysplasia.Results: The authors identified one case of a patient with the diagnoses of subretinal fibrosis and uveitis syndrome and ectodermal dysplasia.Conclusions: This represents an uncommon case of a patient with the diagnoses of both subretinal fibrosis and uveitis syndrome and ectodermal dysplasia.