cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Should Elective Surgery for Chronic Pancreatitis be Performed in High-Risk Patients?:

As morbidity and mortality rates for pancreatic surgery have improved over the past decades, patients with major medical comorbidities have been considered for operative treatment. The influence of poor health status on operative morbidity in patients with chronic pancreatitis is evaluated in this study. The records of 313 consecutive patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (n = 78), distal pancreatectomy (n = 83), or lateral pancreaticojejunostomy (n = 152) for chronic pancreatitis were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. Patients' risk for adverse outcome resulting from overall health status was audited using age, comorbidities, and Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and morbidity (POSSUM) physiological score. Univariate analysis showed that patient's age did not contribute to change in morbidity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.01, P = 0.59). The presence of cardiac disease but not other comorbidities increased adverse outcome affected the need for intensive care unit stay and length of hospital stay (morbidity: 29% vs. 51%, OR = 2.6, P = 0.003). POSSUM physiological score was associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality (morbidity: OR = 1.16, P = 0.001; mortality: OR = 1.49, P = 0.001), in particular intraabdominal abscesses. Multivariate analysis showed that the only variable independently correlating with perioperative complications was POSSUM physiological score. Single comorbidities do not independently influence outcome after operations for chronic pancreatitis. A combination of several comorbidities is associated with an increase in postoperative infectious morbidity and mortality. High-risk patients should not be excluded from operative treatment, but need to be closely selected on a case-by-case basis.
Making LibGuides Work: Student Interviews and Usability Tests

ABSTRACTThis article discusses student use of and feedback on LibGuides in an academic library. The authors conducted interviews and usability tests with on-campus and distance students to determine their preferences and expectations, as well as to identify specific pain points. Based on the findings, the authors changed LibGuides best practices at their institution and overhauled the LibGuides index page.
Focal Adhesion Kinase with the Interacting Proteins and Signaling in Cancer

Human cancer is characterized by a process of tumor cell motility, invasion, and metastasis. One of the critical tyrosine kinases that is linked to these processes of tumor invasion and survival is the Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK). Our laboratory was the first to isolate FAK from human tumors, and in our initial report, we demonstrated that FAK mRNA was upregulated in invasive and metastatic human breast and colon cancer samples. We identified several binding partners of FAK in cancer cells, such as RIP, VEGFR-3, p53, and IGFR proteins. Recently, we have cloned FAK promoter and have found that FAK promoter contains p53 binding sites, and that p53 inhibits FAK transcription and regulates its expression in tumor samples. In addition, we have found that N-MYCN binds FAK promoter and induces FAK transcription in neuroblastoma cells. Thus, we will review FAK structure and discuss novel proteins and pathways interacting with FAK and discuss the role of FAK-mediated signaling in tumorigenesis (especially in breast, colon, pancreatic, and neuroblastoma cancers). Thus, this review will be focused on FAK signal transduction pathways and FAK-targeted therapy, linking signaling from extracellular matrix to the nucleus in cancer cells.
Pituitary Desensitization with a Long-Acting Luteinizing-Hormone-Releasing Hormone Analog

Normal puberty appears to be initiated by the pulsatile secretion of luteinizing-hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) from the hypothalamus at a frequency of about 1 pulse/hr (see Figure 1) (Boyar, Finkelstein, Roffwarg, Kapen, Weitzman, and Hellman, 1972; Knobil, 1980). The pulsatile secretion of LHRH stimulates secretion of the pituitary gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which in turn stimulate gonadal sex steroid secretion. The rise in the gonadal sex steroids estradiol and testosterone induces the secondary sexual changes at puberty.
Impact of enhanced recovery after surgery protocols on postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing routine hepatectomy: review of the current evidence.

Background: Enhanced recovery protocols are widely used in many areas of general surgery but had a limited penetration in perioperative management of patients undergoing liver resection. Recently, multiple publications described application of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program to hepatectomy patients but their definitive role is not established or accepted by hepatobiliary surgeons. Methods: A comprehensive literature review of published series in English language medical sources detailing ERAS program application for hepatectomy for the period of 2006–2016 is performed. Results: ERAS protocols are feasible and safe. They reduce length of stay in patients undergoing routine hepatectomy without negative impact on morbidity and mortality. There is potential for reduction of Clavien grade I–II complications, while major and surgical complications are similar to traditional care management group. Conclusions: Application of ERAS program to patient undergoing hepatectomy reduces length of hospital stay without affecting perioperative morbidity or mortality and may represent a new standard of care for patients undergoing routine liver resection.
Causality and Legendrian linking for higher dimensional spacetimes

Abstract Let ( X m + 1 , g ) be an ( m + 1 ) -dimensional globally hyperbolic spacetime with Cauchy surface M m , and let M ˜ m be the universal cover of the Cauchy surface. Let N X be the contact manifold of all future directed unparameterized light rays in X that we identify with the spherical cotangent bundle S T ∗ M . Jointly with Stefan Nemirovski we showed that when M ˜ m is not a compact manifold, then two points x , y ∈ X are causally related if and only if the Legendrian spheres S x , S y of all light rays through x and y are linked in N X . In this short note we use the contact Bott–Samelson theorem of Frauenfelder, Labrousse and Schlenk to show that the same statement is true for all X for which the integral cohomology ring of a closed M ˜ is not the one of the CROSS (compact rank one symmetric space). If M admits a Riemann metric g ¯ , a point x and a number l > 0 such that all unit speed geodesics starting from x return back to x in time l , then ( M , g ¯ ) is called a Y l x manifold. Jointly with Stefan Nemirovski we observed that causality in ( M × R , g ¯ ⊕ − t 2 ) is not equivalent to Legendrian linking. Every Y l x -Riemann manifold has compact universal cover and its integral cohomology ring is the one of a CROSS. So we conjecture that Legendrian linking is equivalent to causality if and only if one can not put a Y l x Riemann metric on a Cauchy surface M .
TENSILE FRACTURE OF GRAPHITE/EPOXY LAMINATES WITH HOLES

ABSTRACT A theory to correlate the tensile fracture of filamentary composites containing discontinuities is advanced. The theory proposes that the fracture stress is related to the discontinuity length raised to a power where the value of the exponent is the order of the singularity of a crack lying in the matrix of the composite with its tip at the interface of matrix and filament. It can be shown that the order of the singularity is primarily a function of the ratio μm /μf, of the shear moduli of the matrix and filament, the respective Poisson's ratios and the angular orientation of the crack to the interface. Two laminate systems, [±45/0]s and [±30/0]s, were used in fabricating coupon specimens containing three different hole sizes, 3.175 mm, 6.35 mm, and 12.7 mm, as well as unflawed specimens. A total of 80 specimens were tested to fracture under a uniaxial tensile load. The experimental results obtained show an encouraging correlation with the proposed formula. A linear regression analysis of the data yields values of the exponent of .19 for the [±45/0]s laminate and .30 for the [±30/0]s laminate. The post mortem fracture modes of the two laminates were observed to be significantly different. The [±45/0] laminate exhibited splitting and delamination while the [±30/0]s laminate showed a relatively “clean” fracture surface with some splitting and delamination which emanated directly from the fracture surface of the specimen. It could not be determined whether this delamination was a cause or result of final fracture. However, the stress-strain curves of both laminates were essentially linear to final fracture.
Donation after cardiac death: the University of Wisconsin experience.

Objectives The objective of this analysis was to compare the results of transplantation of livers, pancreases, kidneys, and lungs from donation after cardiac death (DCD) donors to organs transplanted from donation after brain death (DBD) donors. Methods From January 1984 through July 2000, outcomes of 382 DCD kidneys were compared to 1,089 kidneys (SPK) transplants and 36 liver transplants from DCD donors were compared to 455 SPK and 510 liver transplants from DBD donors. Likewise, 31 simultaneous pancreas-kidneys transplants from DBD donors. Results The rate of delayed graft function (DGF) was higher in kidneys transplanted from DCD donors (27.5% versus 21.3%, p=0.01). Likewise, discharge creatinines were higher in recipients of DCD kidneys (1.9 mg/dL versus 1.7 mg/dL, p=0.001). There was no difference in 10-year graft survival between DCD and DBD recipients (45.0% versus 48.0%, p=0.054). No difference in 5-year pancreatic and renal allograft survival was seen after SPK from DCD or DBD donors. After liver transplantation, biliary strictures were higher in recipients of DCD livers (13.9% versus 8.0%, p=0.03). Likewise, 3-year patient and graft survivals were lower for recipients of DCD livers (65.8% versus 84.9%, p=0.01; and 58.6% versus 76.9%, p=0.006). Conclusions This large experience with transplantation from DCD donors demonstrates that similar patient and graft survivals can be expected when compared to recipients of organs from DBD donors.
Dividenden und Steuern — theoretische Ansätze

In diesem Kapitel sollen die fur die Untersuchung wichtigsten Punkte des deutschen Steuersystems skizziert werden. Nicht zuletzt wegen des Umfangs und der Intention dieser Arbeit kann und soll in diesem Gliederungspunkt kein Anspruch auf Vollstandigkeit erhoben werden. Die Ausfuhrungen scheinen aber insofern geboten, da entsprechende Darstellungen auch fur andere Lander im sechsten Kapitel gegeben werden. Als Zielgruppe steht nicht primar der Steuerfachmann, sondern der Finanzwirtschaftler im Mittelpunkt.
Genetic Architecture of Soybean Yield and Agronomic Traits

Soybean is the world’s leading source of vegetable protein and demand for its seed continues to grow. Breeders have successfully increased soybean yield, but the genetic architecture of yield and key agronomic traits is poorly understood. We developed a 40-mating soybean nested association mapping (NAM) population of 5,600 inbred lines that were characterized by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and six agronomic traits in field trials in 22 environments. Analysis of the yield, agronomic, and SNP data revealed 23 significant marker-trait associations for yield, 19 for maturity, 15 for plant height, 17 for plant lodging, and 29 for seed mass. A higher frequency of estimated positive yield alleles was evident from elite founder parents than from exotic founders, although unique desirable alleles from the exotic group were identified, demonstrating the value of expanding the genetic base of US soybean breeding.
Creating a Campus Climate that Truly Values Diversity.

Helping students become more aware and accepting of people from different cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds is a big challenge—one that Middlesex Community College took on in an interesti...
Cardiovagal modulation in pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Background and objectives Though reduced cardiovagal modulation accompanies adult IBS, adolescents with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) have not been studied. We aim to investigate whether adolescents with FGID have reduced cardiovagal modulation. Methods After 10-minute supine rest, we recorded ECG for 5-minute supine and 5-minute standing without support in healthy and FGID-affected adolescents. After analysis with Kubios 2.2 for high-frequency (hf) and low-frequency (lf) heart rate variability (HRV), Wilcoxon signed-ranks test compared individual paired supine and standing HRV data, while Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests compared HRV across groups. Results A total of 50 FGID subjects (90% females; median age 17 years [range 11-21]) and 22 healthy comparison group (HC) (59% females; median age 14 years [range 10-18]) participated. Both absolute and relative supine hfHRV exceeded standing in both groups. Absolute supine lfHRV was higher than standing in FGID patients and not in HCs, while relative supine lfHRV power was actually lower in both groups. Compared to HC, FGID group showed significantly lower absolute HRV, while relative HRV did not differ between groups. Conclusions Cardiovagal modulation is lower in adolescents with FGID. This difference impacts these subjects significantly. Whether this finding reflects a cause or a consequence of FGID is unknown.
Direct-to-Earth Mission Concept for a Europa Lander

A NASA HQ-directed study team led by JPL with partners including APL, MSFC, GSFC, LaRC and Sandia National Laboratory has recently presented an updated mission concept for a Europa Lander that would search for bio-signatures and signs of life in the near-subsurface of the Jovian moon. This paper will describe that mission architecture including science objectives, interplanetary and delivery trajectory, flight system, planetary protection architecture and mission phases. The mission would follow the Europa Multiple-Flyby Mission Clipper planned for launch in 2023, which would provide reconnaissance imagery and other data to the Lander for use in selecting a scientifically compelling site and certifying it for engineering safety. The Europa Lander concept accommodates the Model Payload identified by the Europa Lander Science Definition Team (SDT) and documented in the Europa Lander Study 2016 Report released in February of 2017. Since holding a Mission Concept Review (MCR) in June of 2017, HQ directed the study team to further explore the architectural trade space with a goal of reducing the mission cost. Based on the results of that study, in December of 2017 HQ directed the study team to focus on biosignature science and shift to a Direct-to-Earth communication architecture. The currently envisioned Europa Lander would launch on an SLS Block 1B as early as Fall of 2026 into a $\mathbf{\Delta} \mathbf{V}$ -Earth-Mars-Gravity Assist (AVEMGA) trajectory, arriving in the Jovian system as early as mid-2031. The baseline design of the integrated flight system includes a Carrier Stage, a Deorbit Vehicle composed of a Deorbit Stage consisting of a solid rocket motor (SRM), an MSL-like sky-crane Descent Stage, and a Lander which accommodates the instrument suite. The Lander would be powered by primary batteries over a 20+ day surface mission. The science goals envisioned by the SDT for biosignature science require three samples taken from a depth of 10 cm, a depth chosen to ensure minimal radiation processing of the potential biomarkers. Mission challenges include the large launch mass, unknown terrain topography, surface composition and materials properties, the high radiation environment, and complying with the stringent planetary protection requirements. The mission concept uses a strategy of early risk reduction and overlapping requirements to provide robustness to harsh and uncertain environments. Early risk reduction efforts are aimed at maturing technologies associated with the sampling system, the intelligent landing system, high specific energy batteries, low mass and power motor controllers, and a thermal sterilization system.
Tour Design Techniques for the Europa Clipper Mission

Europa is one of the most scientifically interesting targets of the solar system, as it may possess what are thought to be the three necessary ingredients for life: an extensive ocean of liquid wat...
The Immersive Experience: How Virtual Reality Can Support Student Learning

This chapter provides an overview on how the use of Virtual Reality apps and related activities enhanced student learning in conjunction with a low-tech, team-based, active learning assessment. Our approach for integrating emerging immersive technology in a Cell Biology class, a first of its kind at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio, was the result of a collaboration between the faculty member teaching the course, Dr. Jennifer Bennett, Colin Saunders at the Center for Teaching and Learning and Otterbein’s Innovation Center, The Point.
Implications of the FAST Protocol Beyond Spirituality.

Fasting for spiritual purposes is widely practiced and remains part of virtually every major religion in the world. The Fasting Algorithm for Singaporeans with Type 2 Diabetes (FAST) protocol opens the door to a safe approach to fasting for Islamic patients who observe Ramadan, and its application
Implanted Wireless Intramedullary Fluid Modulator for Bone Density Augmentation

Intramedullary fluid flow and pressure modulation has been reported to stimulate bone. However, the lack of engineered and implantable devices has been a stumbling block for exploiting the methodology for treatment of osteoporosis. In this paper, we report a wirelessly operated, battery-less, and implantable intramedullary fluid modulator for in-vivo study of intramedullary flow and pressure modulation. Static pressure and dynamic pressure measurements were carried out to investigate the magnetic excitations and pressure responses. In-vivo study of intramedullary pressure modulation was conducted to confirm the fluid modulator induce on-demand intramedullary pressure up to ∼38 mmHg amplitude in wireless operations.
The Occurrence of Multiple UPGMA Phenograms

The possibility of obtaining several topologically different phenograms from the same set of data, using the same clustering algorithm, has been assumed to be negligible (most previous papers do not even mention the possibility of there being alternative solutions due to the presence of ties). However, because of current interest in studies of congruence of classifications the issue of multiple phenograms becomes more important. If multiple most parsimonious cladograms are used for a cladistic congruence analysis, then a phenetic congruence analysis should also use all of the phenograms which can be constructed for the data and not just one chosen arbitrarily. This paper investigates the occurrence and number of alternative UPGMA phenograms for a variety of datasets.
Impact of miniaturized cardiopulmonary bypass circuits on ultrafiltration during congenital heart surgery.

Objective:To investigate whether the miniaturized cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) system decreased the usage of ultrafiltration (UF), and to explore whether the non-UF with miniaturized CPB strategy c...
A machine learning approach for modeling irregular regions with multiple owners in wind farm layout design

Abstract Wind farm development projects require a detailed survey of the eligible land. The land selected is often segmented into different region, each owned by different landowners with different land pricing. These regions are often complex shaped with irregular boundaries. Therefore, an efficient method for numerically modeling such irregular domains is needed. This work uses support vector data description (SVDD) to generate an analytical, continuous description of the irregular regions. Whereas other methods typically work well for modeling convex domains, the SVDD approach can be used to model irregular regions as a spherical boundary using various kernel mapping. It was demonstrated that the SVDD approach can be used to model any number of complex regions. An error analysis showed that the SVDD approach can construct accurate descriptions using a relatively small data set. The applicability of SVDD method in wind farm layout optimization is also demonstrated. The wind farm optimization study considered that the terrain is divided into several regions each owned by a different owner offering the land at a different price. Two different methods for considering the cost of the land are presented. The differences in optimal farm layouts using the two land cost models were also presented. In each case, the optimized wind farm layouts resulted in lower cost-of-energy relative to the reference wind farm. It was shown that the SVDD approach can also be used to restrict the placement of wind turbines in infeasible/restricted regions. The library for support vector data description was also made available to the public.
Relational Integrity Regulation: Nudging Consumers Toward Products Bearing Valid Environmental Marketing Claims

Over the last two decades scholars have addressed attributes of effective environmental regulation and advocated a wide spectrum of regulatory approaches, from the traditional command-and-control model to a libertarian-paternalism approach. Some writers have used those approaches to advocate for modifications to the current federal regulation of environmental marketing claims. This Article joins that conversation and accomplishes two goals. First, it harmonizes existing environmental regulation scholarship, resulting in the creation of a new form of regulation that it terms “Relational Integrity” regulation. Second, in light of the Relational Integrity approach to regulation, the Article examines several public and private environmental claim regulatory schemes and suggests how those schemes could be more effective. The regulatory schemes include public schemes in the United States and the European Union and a private scheme issued by the non-governmental International Organization for Standardization (IS0). Among its observations, the Article notes that although the ISO standards are a product of an international non-governmental entity, the standards fare as well as if not better than existing and proposed governmental regulation in reaching the Relational Integrity standard.
Relationship between a Tracheal and Left Pulmonary Artery Stenosis Index and the Prognosis of Pulmonary Artery Sling with Tracheal Stenosis

Pulmonary artery sling is a rare congenital pulmonary vascular malformation, often associated with tracheal or bronchial stenosis. Surgical treatment of pulmonary artery sling with tracheal stenosis (T) has a high risk of death and a relatively poor prognosis. This study explored the relationship between the T and left pulmonary artery stenosis (P) ratio and the effects of surgery for pulmonary artery sling with tracheal stenosis. Patients undergoing surgery for pulmonary artery sling in our center from January 2010 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Routine cardiac-enhanced computed tomography (CT) was performed preoperatively, and the P and T diameters were measured on the CT image. The T/P ratio was then calculated and analyzed. Thirty cases of pulmonary artery sling combined with tracheal stenosis were operated under cardiopulmonary bypass. The mean age at operation was 13.8 ± 13.6 months (1.2–57.1 months, Q1–Q3: 5–17 months), and the mean body weight was 8.8 ± 3.5 kg (3.8–17.3 kg, Q1–Q3: 5.8–11.5 kg). Twenty-three patients survived, and seven died, with an overall survival rate of 76.7%. Twenty-four patients underwent left pulmonary artery re-implantation, six patients underwent simultaneous left pulmonary artery re-implantation and slide tracheoplasty, and patients with intracardiac malformations (ventricular septal defect (n = 6) and atrial septal defect (n = 4)) underwent concurrent repair of the intracardiac defect. All cases had different degrees of tracheal stenosis, and the most narrowed trachea occurred with compression by the left pulmonary artery sling. The T/P ratio in the tracheoplasty group was significantly higher than that in the non-tracheoplasty group. The mortality rate in the T/P ≤ 1.15 group was significantly lower than that in the T/P > 1.15 group. Pulmonary artery sling treatment has a high risk of death. Left pulmonary artery re-implantation is an effective and safe surgical method for treating pulmonary artery sling, and slide tracheoplasty is an effective surgical method to correct tracheal stenosis. Children with T > 78.4% should receive active intervention for the tracheal stenosis, and these children have a considerable postoperative survival rate. The T/P ratio can be used to compare the relative superiority of the two compressions. A T/P ratio > 1.15 can be used as a reference index for intervention in tracheal stenosis and is a risk factor for postoperative death.
The impact of chronotype on circadian rest-activity rhythm and sleep characteristics across the week

Circadian rhythms are maintained by a complex "system of systems" that continuously coordinates biological processes with each other and the environment. Although humans predominantly entrain to solar time, individual persons vary in their precise behavioral timing due to endogenous and exogenous factors. Endogenous differences in the timing of individual circadian rhythms relative to a common environmental cue are known as chronotypes, ranging from earlier than average (Morningness) to later than average (Eveningness). Furthermore, individual behavior is often constrained by social constructs such as the 7-day week, and the "sociogenic" impact our social calendar has on our behavioral rhythms is likely modified by chronotype. Our aim in this study was to identify and characterize differences in sleep and rest-activity rhythms (RAR) between weekends and weekdays and between-chronotypes. Male volunteers (n = 24, mean age = 23.46 y) were actigraphically monitored for 4 weeks to derive objective behavioral measures of sleep and RARs. Chronotype was assessed through self-report on the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire. Sleep characteristics were derived using Actiware; daily rest-activity rhythms were modeled using a basic 3-parameter cosinor function. We observed that both Eveningness and Morningness Chronotypes were more active and slept later on the weekends than on weekdays. Significant between-chronotype differences in sleep timing and duration were observed within individual days of the week, especially during transitions between weekends and the workweek. Moreover, chronotypes significantly varied in their weekly rhythms: e.g. Morningness Chronotypes generally shifted their sleep duration, timing and quality across work/rest transitions quicker than Eveningness Chronotypes. Although our results should be interpreted with caution due to the limitations of our cosinor model and a homogenous cohort, they reinforce a growing body of evidence that day of the week, chronotype and their interactions must be accounted for in observational studies of human behavior, especially when circadian rhythms are of interest.
Introduction to additive manufacturing

Abstract This chapter introduces the basic definition, principle, and development of various additive manufacturing (AM) processes (e.g., powder bed fusion, electron beam melting, direct metal deposition, etc.). Generic steps for building physical parts from digital 3D design data are introduced. The categories of AM process are presented, and the principle of each category is also clarified. Next, the applications of AM are presented including fabrication of functionally graded materials, repair and remanufacturing of damaged components, fabrication of advanced materials, and fabrication of smart structures with embedded sensors. After that, the distinction between AM and subtractive manufacturing is revealed, and the advantages and challenges of AM are discussed. Besides, hybrid manufacturing, which is the integration of AM with subtractive manufacturing, is introduced. Finally, the limitations and challenges of AM are discussed.
RISC and DSP Cores

As noted in the previous chapter, most video compression ICs utilize either a RISC or a DSP core as their central controller and processing unit. By RISC or DSP core we imply a standard programmable processor, without the I/O pads, buffers, and associated circuitry. These parts are replaced by custom circuits that interface to the rest of the architecture. The main goal in using a processing core is to take advantage of existing hardware and software resources (such as arithmetic processing units, memory, operating system support, and language compilers) and to minimize the design time of a more complex and dedicated IC. In this chapter we describe the basic architectures of a RISC core and a DSP core and some of their similarities and differences.
Will Limits of the Earth's Resources Control Human Numbers?

The current world population is 6 billion people. Even if we adopted a worldwide policy resulting in only 2.1 children born per couple, more than 60 years would pass before the world population stabilized at approximately 12 billion. The reason stabilization would take more than 60 years is the population momentum – the young age distribution – of the world population. Natural resources are already severely limited, and there is emerging evidence that natural forces already starting to control human population numbers through malnutrition and other severe diseases. At present, more than 3 billion people worldwide are malnourished; grain production per capita has been declining since 1983; irrigation per capita has declined 12% during the past decade; cropland per capita has declined 20% during the past decade; fish production per capita has declined 7% during the past decade; per capita fertilizer supplies essential for food production have declined 23% during the past decade; loss of food to pests has not decreased below 50% since 1990; and pollution of water, air, and land has increased, resulting in a rapid increase in the number of humans suffering from serious, pollution-related diseases. Clearly, human numbers cannot continue to increase.
Estimates for Measures of Sections of Convex Bodies

A \(\sqrt{n}\) estimate in the hyperplane problem with arbitrary measures has recently been proved in [12]. In this note we present analogs of this result for sections of lower dimensions and in the complex case. We deduce these inequalities from stability in comparison problems for different generalizations of intersection bodies.
Neuroimaging of the HIV/AIDS patient.

Publisher Summary Imaging plays an important role in the evaluation of HIV-positive patients with neurologic signs and symptoms. The central nervous system (CNS) disease processes common to the HIV patient can be divided into three main categories: (1) HIV-associated diseases, (2) opportunistic infections, and (3) malignancies. Often the imaging appearance can be used in conjunction with serology to reasonably establish a diagnosis and permit institution of empiric therapy. Imaging can be utilized for monitoring disease in AIDS patients, assessing lesion response to therapy, and guiding the biopsy of equivocal lesions. HIV encephalitis is the most common CNS manifestation of AIDS. HIV encephalitis represents a subacute encephalomyelitis directly related to the HIV infection. The imaging of HIV encephalitis most commonly demonstrates diffuse cerebral atrophy with a central predominance, which is out of proportion to age-related changes. Atrophy is nonspecific in the HIV patient and may be attributable to other infectious etiologies—for example, cytomegalovirus and neurosyphilis.
Linear Evolution of Current Sheets in Sheared Force‐Free Magnetic Fields with Discontinuous Connectivity

Thin current sheets arising in tenuous, magnetized solar coronal plasmas may constitute an important mechanism for energy buildups and subsequent energy releases; they could arise from the continuous-and-random motion of magnetic footprints associated with photospheric velocity fields. A model is presented for study of the quasi-static evolution of current sheets due to shearing of the footpoints, in a highly idealized geometry that incorporates an abrupt jump in field-line connectivity. The model highlights that formation of thin current layers and allows large shearing motions prior to violation of the linear approximation. Excess energy comparable to that released by solar flares can be stored in a sheared field.
Process integration and economics evaluation of sugar beet pulp conversion into ethanol

The aim of the study was to evaluate, from an economic standpoint, the feasibility of using sugar beet pulp (SBP) as the feedstock in an existing sugar processing plant to ethanol. Two base cases were studied. Case 1 incorporated dilute sulfuric acid pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, and fermentation using S. cervisiae. Case 2 neglected the pretreatment step and used a series of enzymes in Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF) with S. cervisiae yeast followed by E.coli K011 fermentation. The ethanol production cost for each case was estimated to be $1.50 and $1.10 per gallon of ethanol for case 1 and case 2, respectively. Assuming a 10% discount rate, a minimum selling price of $2.35 per gallon was obtained for case 1 and $1.53 per gallon for case 2. These prices can be competitive with the increasing gasoline prices. However, base case 2 has higher potential to be feasible with the discovery of efficient microbial species.
Stability of vinylidene chloride copolymers containing 4-vinylpyridine units

Vinylidene chloride copolymers are prominent in the barrier plastic packaging industry. These materials display excellent barrier to the transport of oxygen (and other small molecules) as well as flavor and aroma molecules. However, they suffer from a propensity to undergo degradative dehydrochlorination at process temperatures. To scavenge hydrogen chloride formed and prevent its interaction with the metallic components of process equipment, a passive base is usually included as an additive prior to processing. The base is most often an inorganic oxide or salt. These may negatively impact the properties of the polymer, particularly as a film. An organic base that could be covalently incorporated into the copolymer might display better behavior. Accordingly, a series of copolymers containing low levels of 4-vinylpyridine (0.05–3 mole%) have been prepared, characterized, and examined by thermogravimetry to assess thermal stability. In all cases, polymers containing 4-vinylpyridine units are less stable than the polymer containing none of this comonomer. Clearly, the pyridine moiety is a sufficiently strong base to promote E2 elimination of hydrogen chloride to generate dichlormethylene units in the mainchain from which thermal degradation may be initiated.
SDF-1α induces chemotaxis and enhances Sonic hedgehog-induced proliferation of cerebellar granule cells

The chemokine SDF-1 alpha (CXC12) and its receptor CXCR4 have been shown to play a role in the development of normal cerebellar cytoarchitecture. We report here that SDF-1 alpha both induces chemotactic responses in granule precursor cells and enhances granule cell proliferative responses to Sonic hedgehog. Chemotactic and proliferative responses to SDF-1 alpha are greater in granule cells obtained from cerebella of animals in the first postnatal week, coinciding with the observed in vivo peak in cerebellar CXCR4 expression. SDF-1 alpha activation of neuronal CXCR4 differs from activation of CXCR4 in leukocytes in that SDF-1 alpha-induced calcium flux is activity dependent, requiring predepolarization with KCl or pretreatment with glutamate. However, as is the case in leukocytes, neuronal responses to SDF-1 alpha are all abolished by pretreatment of granule cells with pertussis toxin, suggesting they occur through G(alpha i) activation. In conclusion, SDF-1 alpha plays a role in two important processes of granule cell maturation - proliferation and migration - assisting in the achievement of appropriate cell number and position in the cerebellar cortex.
Low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) of β–SiC on Si(100) using MTS in a hot wall reactor

Stoichiometric β–SiC thin films with a high preferred orientation of (111) planes were successfully deposited on Si(100) substrates at a relatively low temperature of 1050 °C from the mixture of methyltrichlorosilane (CH3SiCl3 or MTS) and H2 in a hot wall LPCVD reactor. No etching of the Si substrate and smooth topography of the deposit were observed at high H2/MTS ratios and/or low deposition pressures. The presences of excess silicon, excess carbon, or incorporated hydrogen atoms in the films were not detected. Poor topography, degradation in preferred orientation, and etching of the Si substrate were observed at high values of deposition pressure, MTS concentration, and temperature. The etching on the Si substrate was due to the out-diffusion of Si atoms from the substrate and the presence of Cl-containing radicals resulting from the decomposition of MTS molecules while transporting to the Si substrates. A deposition mechanism was proposed to model the deposition of SiC in a hot wall reactor by using (1) gas phase decomposition of MTS molecules, (2) adsorption of the intermediates on the surface, and (3) reaction of the adsorbed intermediates to form SiC. The deposition rates were predicted very well for various deposition conditions in a hot wall LPCVD reactor.
Uranyl and arsenate cosorption on aluminum oxide surface

Abstract In this study, we examined the effects of simultaneous adsorption of aqueous arsenate and uranyl onto aluminum oxide over a range of pH and concentration conditions. Arsenate was used as a chemical analog for phosphate, and offers advantages for characterization via X-ray absorption spectroscopy. By combining batch experiments, speciation calculations, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction, we investigated the uptake behavior of uranyl, as well as the local and long-range structure of the final sorption products. In the presence of arsenate, uranyl sorption was greatly enhanced in the acidic pH range, and the amount of enhancement is positively correlated to the initial arsenate and uranyl concentrations. At pH 4–6, U L III - and As K-edge EXAFS results suggest the formation of surface-sorbed uranyl and arsenate species as well as uranyl arsenate surface precipitate(s) that have a structure similar to trogerite. Uranyl polymeric species or oxyhydroxide precipitate(s) become more important with increasing pH values. Our results provide the basis for predictive models of the uptake of uranyl by aluminum oxide in the presence of arsenate and (by analogy) phosphate, which can be especially important for understanding phosphate-based uranium remediation systems.
Interference with negative particle sampling due to formation of positive ions in a quadrupole mass spectrometer

A quadrupole mass spectrometer has been utilized to study active discharges containing Cs vapor. Production of positive ions by electron impact within the mass spectrometer and subsequent secondary electron emission from cesiated surfaces produced spurious or pseudonegative ion signals which interfered with attempts to sample negative ions from the plasma. These effects may also occur in other gas discharge systems.
Seven habits of highly impactful empirical software engineers

Empirical software engineers can impact the state of software engineering practice by providing solid and convincing evidence of the utility and effectiveness of existing, emerging, and new software development practices in a certain context. Empirical software engineers can also impact software engineering practice by mining data to create verifiable and repeatable models that are useful for the implementation, evaluation, and management of software processes and projects. Additionally, empirical software engineers can impact their colleagues' ability to be impactful and to have a successful career by sharing data, collaborating, providing constructive feedback, and being synergistic. Finally, empirical software engineering faculty can impact the lives of their students through support and guidance. This keynote will explore seven habits for being impactful in these ways.
Isotope Effect in Superconducting Fullerenes

The effect of isotopic substitution on the superconducting transition temperature, T c, in alkali-doped C60 has been examined. Paradoxically, it is found that a substantial decrease in T c with the increasing isotopic mass is possible even when the attractive interaction is not mediated by phonons but is instead of purely electronic origin. In particular, it is shown that the experimentally measured isotopic shifts are consistent with a recently proposed electronic mechanism. Further predictions are presented that can be tested by experiment.
Isolation and partial characterization of an aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase complex from rabbit reticulocytes.

Abstract A procedure is described for isolation of an aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase complex from the soluble fraction of rabbit reticulocyte lysates. The product of the isolation procedure appears to be a physically homogeneous structure of about 16S and 550,000 daltons. Successive preparations contain aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase activity for arginine, lysine, isoleucine, leucine, and methionine in a constant ratio of activity. The enzymatic activities of the complex are protected during storage and from heat inactivation by glycerol. The multienzyme structure has been named the reticulocyte 16S aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase complex.
Level of aspiration and motor performance in prospective scientists and in underachieving secondary school boys

In comparison with a group of boys with outstanding academic records in the sciences, a group of bright underachieving boys performed less effectively on their first approach to a motor-manipulation task and evidenced a lower initial level of aspiration (LA). When their second motor performance attained or surpassed their LA, the underachievers then set a goal that was similar to the level aspired to by the boys who were accustomed to high academic attainment.
Application of exponential hetero-associative memory on frequency classifier

Abstract We present the auto- and hetero-associative memories incorporating the exponential encoding scheme in this paper. The condition that the evolution of the system energy can reach the global minimum state is presented. The improvement of the memory storage capacities of the exponential associative memories is discussed. The application of a frequency classifier is presented and the performance of associative memories with and without the exponential correlation function are compared. The exponential associative memory is superior in classifying the cluttered signals to the linear associative memory.
The in-flight performance of the Solar Maximum Mission Electrical Power System

Circuitry, power handling, and operational characteristics and anomalies of the Electrical Power System (EPS) of the Solar Maximum Mission are discussed. The EPS is designed as a standard unit to be a candidate for use on future space missions. Blown, improperly derated fuses in the Attitude Control System and the Signal Conditioning Assembly have led to switching to magnetrons for solar angle, with a loss of accuracy, and a loss of one-half of telemetry data, respectively. In addition, reasons for an 11-14% degradation of solar array output are uncertain due to the loss of precise attitude control. Current surges to peak at 76.5 A (down from 94.5 A) at sunrise, stays for four to five minutes, then resumes nominal output for the remainder of the 61-68 daytime period. Eclipse varies between 28 and 35 minutes, with corresponding depth of discharge of 14%. The batteries charge at 20 A, and although an overcharge mode has been continuously sensed, operation has been normal and temperature sensors have not indicated overcharge; cell failure has also not been sensed. The system has a two year design life and a desired life of four years.
Identification of Inositol 1,3,4-Trisphosphate 5-Kinase and Inositol 1,3,4,5-Tetrakisphosphate 6-Kinase in Immature Soybean Seeds

In extracts of immature soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) seeds inositol tetrakisphosphate was formed from [3H]inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate but not from [3H]inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. Inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate kinase was purified to a specific activity of 3.55 min−1 mg−1 by polyethylenimine clarification and anion-exchange chromatography. The partially purified enzyme converted [3H]inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate to inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate as the major product and inositol 1,3,4,6- and/or 1,2,3,4-tetrakisphosphate as the minor product. Subsequent experiments revealed a separate inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate 6-kinase activity, which could link these enzymes to inositol hexakisphosphate synthesis via the previously reported inositol 1,3,4,5,6-pentakisphosphate 2-kinase. The apparent Km values for inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate kinase were 200 ± 0 nm for inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate and 171 ± 4 μm for ATP, and the reaction was not reversible. The kinetics were such that no activity could be detected using unlabeled inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate and [γ-32P]ATP, which suggested that other kinases may have been observed when less purified fractions were incubated with radiolabeled ATP. Inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate kinase was nonspecifically inhibited more than 80% by various inositol polyphosphates at a concentration of 100 μm.
42 O 02 Coagulation and sintering of fractal aggregates

Abstract Particle formation and growth by simultaneous chemical reaction, coagulation and sintering is typical of industrial aerosol processes. A sectional model for the detailed evolution of aggregate particles has been developed. The simulation results show good agreement with experimental data on the production of TiO 2 aggregates in a furnace reactor under the assumption of a constant fractal dimension of 1.8. Apparently the sintering has little influence on the fractal dimension which results from Brownian cluster-cluster aggregation.
The Industry Effects Regarding the Probability of Takeovers

This study attempts to determine whether an acquisition announcement signals potential gains to the corresponding industry rivals of the target, and whether these gains can be explained by industry-specific and rival firm-specific factors that reflect the likelihood of a takeover. The research finds that the valuation effects of the target, combined acquirer and target, and industry rivals of the target are positive and significant. The mean valuation effects per corresponding industry are significantly related to industry-specific characteristics that reflect the probability of a takeover. Specifically, industries characterized as having a higher level of free cash flow, a higher level of tangible assets, and a smaller market value experience a more favorable revaluation. A supplemental analysis of the individual rival firms is also conducted, since the variation in the valuation effects between rival firms within each of the industries is distinctly different from the variation of mean industry effect across industries. The analysis of the individual rivals finds that the same rival-specific variables are significant and in the same direction as the analysis of the industry-specific variables. In addition, the valuation effects of individual rivals are also inversely related to their previous performance. Overall, the results suggest that industry-specific and rival firm-specific characteristics that reflect a higher probability of a takeover are important in explaining acquisition gains and motivation.