cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Language for Specifying Agent Systems in E-Learning Environments

In this chapter, we use the Chemical Reaction Metaphor (Banatre & Le Metayer, 1990, 1993, 1996) to model the interactions among program units, including the agents, clients, servers, and databases, in a multiagentbased e-learning system. Through case studies, we demonstrate that the Gamma language (Banatre & Le Metayer, 1990; Le Metayer, 1994) is suitable for specifying a multiagent system, particularly, because an agent’s properties, such as autonomy and mobility, can be captured concisely. The use of the high-level specification paves the way for solving architectural-design issues in building an e-learning environment. The Gamma specification of an agent system can be implemented in a hierarchical running environment, which is composed of nodes in different This chapter appears in the book, Designing Distributed Learning Environments with Intelligent Software Agents, edited by Fuhua Oscar Lin . Co yright © 2005, Idea Group Inc. Copying or dis ibuting in print or electronic forms without written permission of Idea Group Inc. is prohibited. 701 E. Chocolate Avenue, Suite 200, Hershey PA 17033-1240, USA Tel: 717/533-8845; Fax 717/533-8661; URL-http://www.idea-group.com IDEA GROUP PUBLISHING A Language for Specifying Agent Systems in E-Learning Environments 243 Copyright © 2005, Idea Group Inc. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of Idea Group Inc. is prohibited. levels of a tree. Interactions among agents can be implemented in a unified mechanism for synchronization.
Using Imaging to Predict Treatment Response in Genitourinary Malignancies.

Abstract Context Over the previous2 decades, there have been numerous advancements in the diagnostic evaluation, therapeutic management, and postoperative assessment of genitourinary malignancies. Objective To present a review of current and novel imaging modalities and their utility in the assessment of therapeutic response in the systemic management of renal, testicular, and prostate cancers. Evidence acquisition A PubMed/Medline search of the current published literature inclusive of prospective and retrospective original research, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses was conducted evaluating imaging modalities for renal cell carcinoma, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. All relevant literature was individually reviewed and summarized to provide a concise description of the currently available imaging modalities and their efficacy in assessing treatment response of the genitourinary malignancies targeted in this review. Evidence synthesis Conventional imaging techniques play a pivotal role in predicting the treatment response of genitourinary malignancies and have, therefore, been incorporated into clinical guidelines. Advancements in imaging technology have led to increased utilization for prognostication of a genitourinary cancer’s response to therapy. Conclusions A good understanding of current recommended imaging techniques to evaluate treatment response in genitourinary malignancies is of paramount importance for today’s clinician, who faces increasing treatment modalities. Patient summary In this review, we summarize available imaging modalities in the evaluation of treatment response in kidney, prostate, or testicular tumors. We believe that a good understanding of current imaging modalities is of paramount importance for healthcare providers treating these cancers.
Disparities in Access to Healthcare Transition Services for Adolescents with Down Syndrome.

Objective To compare healthcare transition planning in adolescents with Down syndrome with adolescents with other special healthcare needs. Study design Data were drawn from the 2009-2010 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs, a nationally representative sample with 17 114 adolescents aged 12-17 years. Parents were asked whether providers and the study child had discussed shifting to an adult provider, changing healthcare needs, maintaining health insurance coverage, and taking responsibility for self-care. The transition core outcome was a composite measure based on the results of these 4 questions. Multivariable logistic regression determined the association between Down syndrome and the transition core outcome as well as each of the 4 individual component measures. Results Although 40% of adolescents with other special healthcare needs met the transition core outcome, 11.0% of adolescents with Down syndrome met this outcome. Adolescents with Down syndrome were less likely to be encouraged to take responsibility for their health (32.2% vs 78.4%). After adjustment for demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related factors, adolescents with Down syndrome had 4 times the odds of not meeting the transition core outcome. For the component measures, Down syndrome adolescents had 4 times the odds of not being encouraged to take responsibility for self-care. Medical home access increased the odds of transition preparation. Conclusions Adolescents with Down syndrome experience disparities in access to transition services. Provider goals for adolescents with Down syndrome should encourage as much independence as possible in their personal care and social lives.
Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis With Bulk Talar Allograft for Treatment of Talar Osteonecrosis.

Talar body osteonecrosis can be a devastating, painful condition that is difficult to manage surgically when conservative treatments have failed. With early disease, nonoperative treatments can pro...
Extending a Hand: Increasing Diversity at the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.

Purpose This study aimed to assess diversity among American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) members, ASSH annual meeting attendees, and ASSH annual meeting presenters from 2010 to 2016. We hypothesized that over the past 7 years, the ASSH has seen an increase in diversity in its membership, annual meeting attendance, and presenters. Methods Detailed demographic data for membership, annual meeting attendance, and annual meeting presenters were obtained from the ASSH for a 7-year period (2010–2016). The proportion of women, underrepresented minorities (URM), and nationality of members, attendees, and presenters was compared over the 7 years to assess trends and differences. Results Membership in ASSH has increased 30.0% over the past 7 years. Whereas United States membership increased by 113 members annually, international membership increased by 53 members annually, reflecting a 136% total increase. The percentage of women and URM attending the annual meeting is higher than the that of women and URM members. There have been increases in the number of women, URM, and international members over this period. Conclusions Over the study period, the ASSH membership has seen increases in women and URM representation. International membership has seen substantial growth. In addition, meeting attendance by international members has increased, particularly since implementation of the guest nation program. Clinical relevance Women and URM make up an increasing percentage of ASSH members. International members and presenters have also increased. Although diversity has improved over the past several years, the ASSH should continue to efforts toward greater inclusion and representation.
How Do We Solve a Problem Like the Donald? The Democratic Challenge of Trump Supporters and the Politics of Presidential Removal

Political observers have debated whether and how to remove Donald J. Trump from the office of the presidency. This article explains the difficulties associated with both the Twenty-Fifth Amendment’...
Potential Role of Parasitism in the Evolution of Mutualism in Astigmatid Mites: Hemisarcoptes Cooremani as a Model

Phoresy is a symbiotic interaction that results in dispersal, benefiting the relocated organism without negatively impacting the phoretic host. It has long been considered that phoresy among astigmatid mites is somehow an intermediate precursor to the evolution of parasitism within the group. In astigmatid mites, only the heteromorphic deutonymph (hypopode) participates in phoretic dispersal, and the plesiomorphic hypopode may be the key to understanding the dynamics of the evolution of that parasitism. Hypopodes of Hemisarcoptes cooremani (Acari: Acariformes) and their phoretic beetle host Chilocorus cacti (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) have become the experimental focus for studies concerned with the potential forces that influence the transition of a free-living life style into various coevolved relationships. Previous radiolabeling studies applied to H. cooremani and C. cacti determined that hypopodes of H. cooremani acquired resources from adults of C. cacti while in transit, negating the paradigm that the heteromorphy was purely phoretic. To further probe this relationship, we tested whether materials could be passed from the mites to their hosts. We report here a study using a tritium radiolabel, which indicated that beetles also acquire resources from the hypopodes. These results have implications for understanding the complex relationship between H. cooremani and C. cacti. We propose that this relationship should now correctly be defined as mutualistic (not phoretic) and develop a general model for the potential role of parasitism in the evolution of mutualism among the Astigmata.
Experimental Evidence of Single and Multiple Scattering in Polycrystalline Materials

The backscatter coefficient, η(ω), is a material dependent acoustic parameter. As such, a reliable estimate of η(ω) may provide information concerning the microstructure and material properties for various engineering materials [1–4]. Current methods for properly estimating η(ω) are limited to cases in which the single scattering assumption is valid. Many models for grain noise also rely upon the validity of the single scattering assumption [5–9]. When attempting to validate models based upon the single scattering assumption, one must first verify that the single scattering assumption is valid. Therefore, a methodology is needed to determine if the single scattering assumption is in fact valid or if multiple scattering is significant.
Management of adult sarcomas of the bladder and prostate.

AbstractHistorically, survival of patients with adult pelvic sarcoma of the bladder and prostate has been poor« Between November 1974 and November 1984 we treated 11 patients with leiomyosarcoma: 7 with primary bladder and 4 with prostate tumors. Patients with nonbulky disease underwent surgical resection and were observed if the margins and nodes were negative. Patients with positive surgical margins or nodes were treated adjunctively with external beam radiotherapy, 4,500 to 5,000 rad, and chemotherapy. Patients with bulky disease were treated with preoperative chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy followed by an exenterative operation. Of the 11 patients 9 are without evidence of disease with a mean followup of 61 months (range 35 to 96 months). One patient was lost to followup after 4 months and 1 died of disease after 11 months. Three patients with rhabdomyosarcoma were treated and 1 had no evidence of disease 24 months after therapy. Two patients died at 4 and 18 months.
Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter

Atrial fibrillation (AF) has been recognized as a distinct rhythm since the beginning of the 20th century.1 In clinical practice, AF is the most common sustained arrhythmia encountered, yet it remains one of the greatest challenges in the field of heart rhythm disorders. Based on epidemiologic data, close to 1% of persons older than 60 years suffer from AF, increasing to more than 5% of persons aged 70 years and older, with the rate of newly diagnosed AF approximately effectively doubling with each decade.2 Overall, one in four men and women after age 40 are destined to develop AF, falling only slightly to one in six in persons without prior history of cardiac disease such as myocardial infarction (MI) or congestive heart failure.3 Over the past 30 years, data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project are consistent with these findings, pointing to a significant increase in the age-adjusted prevalence of AF in patients with ischemic stroke when compared with age- and gender-matched controls and was observed both in males and females.4 In the United States this translates to roughly 2.3 million people affected by AF, a figure projected to increase to around 3.3 million by 2010 and 5.6 million by 2050.5 Added to this, the proportion of patients with AF older than 80 years is expected to exceed 50% by 2050 (Fig. 92.1). In all, AF represents a growing epidemic.
Physician attire and palliative care patients’ perception of physician compassion and professionalism: A randomized controlled trial (RCT).

39Background: Environment is important component of communication skills. Physicians’ communication style including attire may influence patient perceptions. Previous studies mostly based on pictures of providers in different attires provide conflicting evidence. This RCT aimed to explore the effects of physician attire on patients’ perceptions of compassion, professionalism and physician preference. Hypothesis was that patients will perceive the doctor in formal attire as more compassionate than the doctor wearing casual attire. Methods: 105 English speaking adult follow-ups at outpatient supportive care center, were randomized to watch 2 standardized, 3-minute video vignettes, with similar script, depicting a routine clinic encounter. In one video, physician was wearing formal attire with tie and buttoned up white coat, while in the other, physician was in casual attire without a tie or white coat. Actors and patients were all blinded to purpose of the study. Investigators were blinded to the videos wat...
Sweet and Sour: Impact of Early Glycemic Control on Outcomes in Necrotizing Soft-Tissue Infections.

Abstract Background: Necrotizing soft-tissue infection (NSTI) is a devastating disease associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Hyperglycemia is associated with poor wound healing; ho...
Multifunctional porous hydrogen-bonded organic framework materials.

Hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) represent an interesting type of polymeric porous materials that can be self-assembled through H-bonding between organic linkers. To realize permanent porosity in HOFs, stable and robust open frameworks can be constructed by judicious selection of rigid molecular building blocks and hydrogen-bonded units with strong H-bonding interactions, in which the framework stability might be further enhanced through framework interpenetration and other types of weak intermolecular interactions such as π⋯π interactions. Owing to the reversible and flexible nature of H-bonding connections, HOFs show high crystallinity, solution processability, easy healing and purification. These unique advantages enable HOFs to be used as a highly versatile platform for exploring multifunctional porous materials. Here, the bright potential of HOF materials as multifunctional materials is highlighted in some of the most important applications for gas storage and separation, molecular recognition, electric and optical materials, chemical sensing, catalysis, and biomedicine.
Psyche Early Project Verification & Validation Planning Development

The Psyche mission to the asteroid (16) Psyche was selected as the fourteenth mission in the Discovery program in January 2017. The Psyche mission will determine if (16) Psyche is the core of a larger differentiated body. As part of the development of this mission a Verification and Validation (V &V) engineer was assigned early in the project's design Phase B. This paper will discuss some of the strategies that the Psyche team is using to take full advantage of the early planning for V&V on flight projects and specifically how the Psyche mission is approaching these tasks. This paper will discuss the effects of having a V&V mindset on: 1)The Psyche requirements development process, and how focusing not only on how the team will verify these requirements but also on developing the tools necessary to track and monitor that verification feeds back into the requirement development process. 2)The Psyche testbed development, and how using a verification mindset is useful for identifying holes in the testbed development process, including the required testbed speed and how to think about testbed certification early in the process while encouraging trades and developing relationships with the testbed team. 3)Developing new V&V Tools for Psyche, and how developing tools early in the project development process means that they can influence the development of other requirement and scheduling tools. 4)Verification Activity Planning, which is typically done to a preliminary level during Phase B of the project, and is important for understanding the major testing that is needed to ensure that the system as built represents the design. On Psyche we are not only focused on bringing this planning to a preliminary level, we are also developing a V&V focused schedule to help us de-conflict V&V activities that may require similar resources early on in the program's development. 5)Validation Planning, for which we are working with the testbed and model development teams to ensure that their models can be effectively validated and that the plans to do so are in place. In this paper we will describe how the Psyche mission is approaching each of these V&V areas and identify lessons that can be taken by other space missions trying to decide how much effort should be put into V&V early in the project lifecycle.
Adipocytes promote ovarian cancer chemoresistance.

Ovarian cancer (OvCa), while accounting for only 3% of all women’s cancer, is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women. One of the most significant obstacles to successful OvCa treatment is chemoresistance. The current lack of understanding of the driving mechanisms underlying chemoresistance hinders the development of effective therapeutics against this obstacle. Adipocytes are key components of the OvCa microenvironment and have been shown to be involved in OvCa cell proliferation, however, little is known about their impact on OvCa chemoresistance. In the current study, we found that adipocytes, of both subcutaneous and visceral origin, secrete factors that enhance the resistance of OvCa cells against chemotherapeutic drugs by activating the Akt pathway. Importantly, we have demonstrated that secreted lipids mediate adipocyte-induced chemoresistance. Through a comprehensive lipidomic analysis, we have identified this chemo-protective lipid mediator as arachidonic acid (AA). AA acts on OvCa cells directly, not through its downstream derivatives such as prostaglandins, to activate Akt and inhibit cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Taken together, our study has identified adipocytes and their secreted AA as important mediators of OvCa chemoresistance. Strategies that block the production of AA from adipocytes or block its anti-apoptotic function may potentially inhibit chemoresistance in OvCa patients.
A Theoretical Review of Bullying: Can It Be Eliminated?

Publisher Summary This chapter provides a theoretical framework for analyzing bullying. The framework uses a social-biological perspective that suggests that bullying behavior might serve specific social and evolutionarily adaptive functions. Bullying, commonly known in the research literature as “peer victimization” or “peer harassment,” is a form of social interaction that many children and adolescents encounter. Peer harassment is a form of social interaction that many school children experience. Self-reports are the most common method of assessment. With this method, youth are asked to indicate how frequently they experience various forms of harassment within a given time frame. Peer harassment manifests itself in different forms. In addition to physical and direct verbal aggression, threats, destruction of property, invasion of physical space, gestures, and indirect aggression are also considered forms of peer harassment. Potential negative consequences are associated with bullying for students who do not fall into the roles of bullies, victims, or bully-victims. Perceptions of high peer victimization levels within a school have been found to be associated with more negative perceptions of school climate, which in turn have been related to decreased school engagement.
Mesh salvage following deep surgical site infection

BACKGROUND: Following herniorrhaphy, deep surgical site infections with mesh involvement (dSSI-MI) traditionally necessitate mesh removal, putting patients at risk for hernia recurrence. There is no consensus about managing infected mesh, as salvage strategies are poorly reported. We describe our outcomes following dSSI-MI at two high-volume hernia centers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of hernia repairs complicated by dSSI-MI with subsequent salvage attempt was undertaken. Outcome measures included duration of antibiotic use, recurrent dSSI-MI, need for mesh excision, postoperative complications, and hernia recurrence. RESULTS: Thirteen patients underwent attempted mesh salvage (female = 8, median age = 64, and median body mass index = 30.6). 62% had an average of 1.5 prior mesh repairs, and 23% had prior surgical site infection. Twelve underwent open ventral or parastomal hernia repairs, while one patient had a prophylactic mesh augmentation. Three cases required concomitant bowel surgery. Eight dSSI-MIs resulted from gastrointestinal tract complications. All patients received antibiotics for median of 17 days. 92% required operative management of dSSI-MI (100% incision and drainage, 66% debridement of soft tissue). Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was utilized in 92% for an average of 26 days. One patient was successfully managed without an operation. With a median follow-up of 34 months, there were two recurrent hernias, only one requiring repair. CONCLUSIONS: Despite requiring significant postoperative care (reoperations, prolonged antibiotics, and NPWT), mesh salvage without complete explantation is feasible following dSSI-MI, with a low rate of recurrent hernia formation or long-term infections. Salvage attempts were undertaken primarily in patients with retromuscular macroporous polypropylene, suggesting that repair type and mesh choice influence the decision-making for salvage.
Noise propagation in gene expression in the presence of decoys

Genetically-identical cells can show remarkable intercellular variability in the level of a given protein which is commonly known as the gene expression noise. Besides intrinsic fluctuations that arise from the inherent stochasticity of the biochemical processes, a significant source of expression noise is extrinsic. Such extrinsic noise in gene expression arises from cell-to-cell differences in expression machinery, transcription factors, cell size, and cell cycle stage. Here, we consider the synthesis of a transcription factor (TF) whose production is impacted by a dynamic extrinsic disturbance, and systematically investigate the regulation of expression noise by decoy sites that can sequester the protein. Our analysis shows that increasing decoy numbers reduce noise in the level of the free (unbound) TF with noise levels approaching the Poisson limit for large number of decoys. Interestingly, the suppression of expression noise compared to no-decoy levels is maximized at intermediate disturbance timescales. Finally, we quantify the noise propagation from the TF to a downstream target protein and find counterintuitive behaviors. More specifically, for nonlinear dose responses of target-protein activation, the noise in the target protein can increase with the inclusion of decoys, and this phenomenon is explained by smaller but more prolonged fluctuations in the TF level. In summary, our results illustrates the nontrivial effects of high-affinity decoys in shaping the stochastic dynamics of gene expression to alter cell fate and phenotype at the single-cell level.
Analysis of Dissection Methods to Facilitate Student Understanding of Knee Ligaments

Research shows knee injuries are among the most common injury, and physical therapy is often used as an effective treatment intervention. To best diagnose and treat these injuries, clinicians must ...
Venous insufficiency, lymphocutaneous fistula, and use of autologous blood

Abstract Lymphocutaneous fistulas are an uncommon occurrence that can present after surgical intervention in lymphatic-rich areas. A spontaneous lymphatic leak can occur in conjunction with lymphedema or in the vicinity of venous stasis ulcers. However, spontaneous lymphocutaneous fistulas are extremely rare. Traditional treatments have included surgical ligation, negative pressure therapy, and embolization. We present the case of a lymphocutaneous fistula secondary to chronic venous stasis, which was treated via injection of autologous blood and subsequent thrombosis. In the present case report, we have demonstrated successful embolization of a lymphatic vessel via autologous blood injection, a nontraditional technique that, nonetheless, yielded positive and lasting results.
Data-driven algorithm selection and tuning in optimization and signal processing

Machine learning algorithms typically rely on optimization subroutines and are well known to provide very effective outcomes for many types of problems. Here, we flip the reliance and ask the reverse question: can machine learning algorithms lead to more effective outcomes for optimization problems? Our goal is to train machine learning methods to automatically improve the performance of optimization and signal processing algorithms. As a proof of concept, we use our approach to improve two popular data processing subroutines in data science: stochastic gradient descent and greedy methods in compressed sensing. We provide experimental results that demonstrate the answer is “yes”, machine learning algorithms do lead to more effective outcomes for optimization problems, and show the future potential for this research direction. In addition to our experimental work, we prove relevant Probably Approximately Correct (PAC) learning theorems for our problems of interest. More precisely, we show that there exists a learning algorithm that, with high probability, will select the algorithm that optimizes the average performance on an input set of problem instances with a given distribution.
Rings and Fields

Whereas a group possesses a single internal binary rule of composition, a ring is a set with two internal binary operations generically referred to as “addition” and “multiplication,” though the precise character of these operations may not align with our everyday understanding of those terms. Fields—of which the real and complex number systems are examples—and skew fields, such as the quaternion number system, are special cases of rings. The development of complex numbers and quaternions is placed in historical context, and we give a brief introduction to quaternion algebra. Substructures, quotients and products of rings are also described.
Reading Development in Children With Nonsyndromic Cleft Palate With or Without Cleft Lip: Meta-analysis and Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE We conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review of literature comparing pre-reading and general reading in school-age children with nonsyndromic cleft palate with or without cleft lip (NSCP/L) to their peers without NSCP/L. METHODS Our literature search identified 1238 possible records. After screening we identified 11 samples for inclusion for systematic review and eight for meta-analysis. We compared 292 children with NSCP/L to 311 peers for 23 pre-reading effect sizes and 17 general reading effect sizes (EFg). We conducted a random-effects metaregression using robust variance estimation. RESULTS On average school-age children with NSCP/L scored lower on pre-reading (EFg = -0.36) and general reading measures (EFg = -0.38) compared to their peers. We conducted post-hoc analyses on phonological awareness and word decoding effect sizes; children with NSCP/L performed lower on phonological awareness (EFg = -0.22) and word decoding (EFg = -0.39) compared to their peers. There was weak evidence that hearing status and/or speech-language functioning might moderate reading development. There was limited evidence that age or socioeconomic status moderated reading development. However, samples did not consistently report several characteristics that were coded for this project. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that school-age children with NSCP/L have persistent reading problems. Further research is needed to explore reading development in children with NSCP/L, as well as the relationships among hearing, speech, language, and reading development.
Theology and Contemporary Culture: Liberation, Postliberal and Revisionary Perspectives

Drawing from postliberal, revisionary and Latin American liberation theological perspectives, David Kamitsuka offers proposals on theological method and doctrine responsive to the intellectual, pastoral and socio-political challenges of contemporary culture. He recasts inter-movement polemics in order to forge a theological approach which promotes what are often considered to be competing values among these three theological movements: solidarity with the oppressed (liberationist), redescribing the Christian communal sense of scripture (postliberal), and fully critical reflection (revisionist). The author advocates an apologetic strategy entailing coherentist and consensus elements for justifying Christian claims in the pluralistic public realm. He provides a model for reading scripture theologically which addresses the challenges of poststructuralism and a globally diverse Church. Kamitsuka uses rule theory to adjudicate doctrinal disputes on the relationship between salvation and political liberation, and he proposes methodological 'virtues' for theological practice rooted in practical judgements concerning the vitality and fidelity of Christian communities.
Genetics of Industrial Microorganisms

Publisher Summary The general characteristics and uses of antibiotic-blocked mutants and their application in mutasynthetic studies of aminocyclitol antibiotics have been reviewed recently. This chapter discusses their utility in the synthesis of new antibiotics via interspecific matings. Antibiotic-blocked mutants have been used in several recent biosynthetic studies. Two types of cephalosporin C (CPC)-blocked mutants of Cephalosporium acremonium were used in studying cell-free ring-expansion of penicillin N (pen N) to deacetoxycephalosporin C (DXPC). The chapter also discusses gene-transfer in microorganisms. Gene transfer in microorganisms can be brought about by manipulations, involving in one step, bringing cells of genotypically different strains together so that the cell contact is physically possible. The advantages of using both mutation and genetic recombination in industrial strain improvement programs and in genetic analyses required for more sophisticated genetic manipulations have been stressed by Hopwood and collaborators. Prior to 1977, the only technique available to effect genetic recombination in the industrially important genus Streptomyces was natural conjugation.
The turbulent density spectrum in the solar wind plasma

The density fluctuation spectrum in the solar wind reveals a Kolmogorov-like scaling with a spectral slope of −5/3 in wavenumber space. The energy transfer process in the magnetized solar wind, characterized typically by magnetohydrodynamic turbulence, over extended length-scales remains an unresolved paradox of modern turbulence theories, raising the question of how a compressible magnetofluid exhibits a turbulent spectrum that is a characteristic of an incompressible hydrodynamic fluid. To address these questions, we have undertaken three-dimensional time-dependent numerical simulations of a compressible magnetohydrodynamic fluid describing super-Alfv´ enic, supersonic and strongly magnetized plasma fluid. It is shown that a Kolmogorov-like density spectrum can develop by plasma motions that are dominated by Alfv´ enic cascades whereas compressive modes are dissipated.
The Appropriate Methodology for Determining The Use of a Fixed-Radius Area of Review or Zone of Endangering Influence, When Conducting an Area-of-Review Analysis for Underground Injection Control Operations

Publisher Summary This chapter described the methodology for determining the use of a fixed-radius area-of-review (AOR) or zone of endangering influence (ZEI) when conducting an AOR analysis for underground injection control (UIC) operations. This injection operation in the Gordon Sandstone provides a good example of why a fixed radius of one-quarter mile cannot always be assumed to be protective of underground sources of drinking water (USDWs). If fluid-level monitoring at this project was unavailable, then injection would have continued at unacceptable rates, and the ZEI would have continued to grow. The use of a fixed-radius AOR or a ZEI calculation depends on a number of physical and operating factors. Operators, as well as regulators, need to ensure that the methodology selected provides the greatest protection of USDWs. Project injection began prior to production, so the fluid-level monitoring provided a continuous record of the injection formation's response prior to production. Additionally, a ZEI calculation was conducted to project what the fluid level response would be over time.
Hyponatremia following endoscopic third ventriculostomy: a report of 5 cases and analysis of risk factors.

Object Electrolyte and endocrinological complications of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) are infrequent but serious events, likely due to transient hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction. While the incidence of diabetes insipidus is relatively well known, hyponatremia is not often reported. The authors report on a series of 5 patients with post-ETV hyponatremia. Methods The records of patients undergoing ETV between 2008 and 2010 were reviewed. All ETVs were performed with a rigid neuroendoscope via a frontal bur hole, standard third ventricle floor blunt perforation, Fogarty catheter dilation, and intermittent normal saline irrigation. Postoperative MR images were evaluated for endoscope tract injury as well as the trajectory from the bur hole center to the fenestration site. Results Thirty-two patients (20 male and 12 female) underwent ETV. Their median age was 6 years (range 3 weeks–28 years). Hydrocephalus was most commonly due to nontumoral aqueductal stenosis (43%), nontectal tumor (25%), or tect...
Learning structural decision trees from examples

STRUCT is a system that learns structural decision trees from positive and negative examples. The algorithm uses a modification of Pagallo and Haussler's FRINGE algorithm to construct new features in a first-order representation. Experiments compare the effects of different hypothesis evaluation strategies, domain representation, and feature construction. STRUCT is also compared with Quinlan's FOIL on two domains. The results show that a modified FRINGE algorithm improves accuracy, but that it is sensitive to the distribution of the examples.
Caught in the relativity web: My 30 years near Remo's world line

Princeton played an important role not only in the renaissance of general relativity that occurred in the 1960s and 1970s, but also in Remo's career. A brief overview is given of the background story through the lens of my own connections to Princeton and Remo and Rome and of my subsequent work in Bianchi cosmology and the geometry of space-time splittings.
Metal isotope effect on metal-ligand vibrations—VIII: Far-infrared and Raman spectra of zinc halide complexes of pyridine

Abstract The far-infrared and Raman spectra of the Zn(pyridine) 2 X 2 ( X = Cl, Br or I) type complexes have been measured. Band assignments have been made based on isotope shifts due to the 64 Zn- 68 Zn and pyridine-pyridine( d 5 ) substitutions.
Structure of supersymmetric sums in multiloop unitarity cuts

In this paper we describe algebraic and diagrammatic methods related to the maximally helicity-violating generating function method for evaluating and exposing the structure of supersymmetric sums over the states crossing generalized unitarity cuts of multiloop amplitudes in four dimensions. We focus mainly on cuts of maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills amplitudes. We provide various concrete examples, some of which are directly relevant for the calculation of four-loop amplitudes. Additionally, we discuss some cases with less-than-maximal supersymmetry. The results of these constructions carry over to generalized cuts of multiloop supergravity amplitudes through use of the Kawai-Lewellen-Tye relations between gravity and gauge-theory tree amplitudes.
Specimen Preparation and Cyclic Stability of Sands

The results of a study on the cyclic structural stability of saturated sands as determined by the cyclic triaxial strength test (liquefaction test) are presented. The results clearly demonstrate that the method of specimen preparation can significantly affect the cyclic behavior of sands, and this effect is most likely directly related to variances in the fabric of the sand. It is also concluded that a better understanding of the strain development characteristics of sands could play an important role in evaluating the results of cyclic triaxial strength tests.
Dielectronic recombination rates in H-like Ar 1 7 + to Ne-like Ar 8 +

This paper presents systematic calculations of the dielectronic recombination (DR) rate coefficient for all energy levels in the ground configuration of each L-shell argon ion, Li-like Ar{sup 15+} to Ne-like Ar{sup 8+}. The DR rate coefficients from H-like Ar{sup 17+} and He-like Ar{sup 16+} are also calculated. The rate coefficients are calculated {ital ab initio} using the fully relativistic, parametric potential atomic structure code RELAC. Autoionization rates are computed in the distorted wave approximation using RELAC{close_quote}s wave functions. Configuration interaction (CI) in the levels of the initial and recombined ion is taken into account; CI strongly affects the energies of levels close to the continuum and strongly enhances the rates of weak autoionizing transitions. The contributions to recombination from the promotion of an n=1 (K shell) or an n=2 (L shell) electron are calculated. Capture of a free electron into levels with principal quantum numbers as high as n=14 is allowed, and is extended to n=18 in the case of Li- and Be-like ions. The contribution to recombination through high angular momentum orbitals (l{le}6) is included in the calculations. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Intramolecular excitation transfer. The lowest n→π* transitions in pyrazine

In the pyrazine molecule, which has filled non-bonding orbitals para to each other, two orbitally degenerate n→π* transitions are expected, one symmetry forbidden and one symmetry allowed. Interelectronic interactions remove this degeneracy. The lowest pair of (n, π*) triplet states and the corresponding pair of singlet states are studied with a view towards determining the magnitude of such interactions and the ordering of the forbidden and allowed components. Absorption spectra are obtained of pyrazine in crystalline hydrogen and rare gases at 4·2°k, of pure crystalline pyrazine at 4·2°k, and of 42 metres of pyrazine vapour at various pressures. The phosphorescence spectrum of pyrazine in crystalline rare gases at 4·2°k also is studied. The splitting between the two singlet components is found to be approximately 435 cm−1 with the forbidden component lying lowest. The forbidden singlet-singlet transition gains some of its intensity through vibronic mixing with a (π, π*) state, but vibronic coupling betw...
Roughness-induced Raman scattering from surface carbon on PbTe

Surface-roughness features on the scale of 0.1-0.3 \ensuremath{\mu}m induce enhanced Raman scattering from adsorbed amorphous carbon on PbTe. Analogous to the scattering by adsorbates on metal surfaces, the spectra show a strong continuum extending beyond 3000 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ and no significant polarization dependence. The wavelength dependence of the enhancement exhibits a correlation with the band-structure properties of PbTe. These results are considered an indication that the scattering is due to roughness-induced coupling of the photons to nonvertical interband transitions at the surface. We discuss a possible explanation of the data in terms of a scattering mechanism which relies on the electrostatic interaction between electronic excitations of the substrate and the vibrational modes of the adsorbate.
Abstract 2320: Oncogenic K-ras and loss of Smad4 mediate invasion by activating a NF-kappaB/EGFR axis that induces expression of MMP9/uPA in human pancreas progenitor cells.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an extremely fatal and highly metastatic in nature. Several pathways and mutations contribute to the development and pathogenesis of PDAC. Activating K-ras mutations and inactivating mutations of Smad4 are two common genetic alterations that occur in the development and progression of PDAC. To further study the role of these two mutations in the pathogenesis of PDAC, immortalized human pancreas nestin postive cells (HPNE) were genetically modified by expressing oncogenic K-ras (GD12) and /or by shRNA knock down of Smad4. Present studies show that these two mutations caused increase in expression of EGFR and erbB2 growth factor receptors and increased expression and nuclear translocation of NF-κB. The increase in EGFR expression and nuclear translocation of NF-κB was associated with development of an invasive phenotype as measured by matrigel assays. Our data also demonstrated that MMP9 and uPA were substantially up regulated in HPNE cells that express K-ras or along with loss of Smad4 activities. MMP-9 and uPA are two extracellular matrix (ECM)-degrading proteinases known to play important roles in driving invasion and metastasis. Zymography studies confirm the expression and enzymatic activities of uPA and MMP-9 in the progenitor cells. The mechanism underlying this uPA/MMP9 induction is linked with NF-κB activation. Immuno-fluorescence, Western blot and chromatin immuno-precipitation (ChIP) analysis confirm the nuclear translocation of NF-κB RelA (p65) sub-unit, by induction of K-ras. Following signaling cascade, EGFR activated by the K-ras mediated NF-κB nuclear localization and further activation induced by loss of Smad4. Our results also suggest that the EGFR pathway as a critical mediator connecting Ras to NF-κB in proteolytic enzyme secretion as well as cancer invasion. In conclusion, the present study reveals a new insight in pancreatic progenitor cell invasion which includes signal transduction of K-ras activity and Smad4 inactivation in regulation of NF-κB/EGFR axis to induce expression of uPA and MMP9. Therefore, induction of K-ras and loss of Smad4 could play important roles in PDAC invasion through NF-κB/EGFR activation and subsequent induced expression of MMP9 and uPA, and might be suitable molecular candidates for the development of new therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer. Citation Format: Alakesh Bera, Shujie Zhao, Lin Cao, James W. Freeman. Oncogenic K-ras and loss of Smad4 mediate invasion by activating a NF-kappaB/EGFR axis that induces expression of MMP9/uPA in human pancreas progenitor cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2320. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2320
Mass customization: manufacturing issues and taxonomic analyses

As the field of mass customization (MC) attains the status of a mature discipline, two significant research deficits stand out. First, a through metareview of the entire body of MC research that looks at the application value and rigorousness of research is overdue. Second, manufacturing issues, especially those pertaining to quality and the supply chain have been largely ignored. This issue is dedicated to both of these important areas of research. The conclusion with regards to the status of the MC field is that it is currently vibrant, with growing research volume and applications. The manufacturing issues dealt with in this issue are strategically important, dealing with quality and customization issues. The work on quality is the first of its kind: it seeks to generate a defect-tracking matrix consistent with product configurations, enabling agile identification of defects in a mass customization environment. The use of discrete event simulation to deal with the dynamically evolving customized demand so as to minimize cost and schedule disruption is innovative, timely, and profound.
A GENERAL FRAMEWORK FOR ESTABLISHING POLYNOMIAL CONVERGENCE OF LONG-STEP METHODS FOR SEMIDEFINITE PROGRAMMING

This article considers feasible long-step primal–dual path-following methods for semidefinite programming based on Newton directions associated with central path equations of the form Φ (PXP T , P −T SP −1) − νI = 0, where the map Φ and the nonsingular matrix P satisfy several key properties. An iteration-complexity bound for the long-step method is derived in terms of an upper bound on a certain scaled norm of the second derivative of Φ. As a consequence of our general framework, we derive polynomial iteration-complexity bounds for long-step algorithms based on the following four maps: $ \Phi {( X, S)} = (XS + SX) / 2, \Phi (X,S) = L_x^T SL_x, \Phi (X,S) = X ^ {1 / 2} S X ^ {1 / 2} $ , and Φ (X, S) = W 1/2 XSW −1/2, where Lx is the lower Cholesky factor of X and W is the unique symmetric matrix satisfying S = WXW.
A groundwater-basin approach to conceptualize and simulate post-Pleistocene subsurface flow in a semi-arid region, southeastern New Mexico and western Texas, USA

Numerical simulation was used to enhance conceptual understanding of the post-Pleistocene hydrogeology of a layered sequence of clastic and evaporite sediments. This work is part of an effort to evaluate the suitability of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), New Mexico, USA, as a repository for transuranic waste. The numerical model is three-dimensional, extends laterally to topographic features that form the actual boundaries of a regional groundwater system, and uses a free surface with seepage face as an upper boundary condition to simulate the effect of change in recharge rate on the position of the water table. Simulation results suggest that the modern-day flow field is still adjusting to the drying of the climate that has occurred since the end of the Pleistocene Epoch. A wetter climate at the end of the Pleistocene resulted in a shallow water table, and patterns of groundwater flow were controlled by the intermediate features of the land-surface topography. As the climate became drier and the water table declined, groundwater flow began to increasingly reflect the land-surface topography at the scale of the entire groundwater basin. The modern-day flow pattern has not equilibrated with either the present recharge rate or the position of the water table.
High-pressure photoionization mass spectrometry. Effect of internal energy and density on the ion–molecule reactions occurring in methyl, dimethyl, and trimethylamine†

The ion–molecule reactions of CH3NH2+, (CH3)2NH+, and (CH3)3N+ with the respective amines have been investigated at thermal kinetic energies in a high-pressure photoionization mass spectrometer at several wavelengths (energies) in the vacuum ultraviolet. The absolute rate coefficient for proton transfer from (CH3)3N+ to (CH3)3N decreases from 8.2 × 10−10 cm3/molecule · sec at 147.0 nm (8.4 eV) to 4.9 × 10−10 cm3/molecule. sec at 106.7-104.8 nm (11.7 eV). In dimethylamine, the rate coefficient decreases from 11.6 × 10−10 cm3/molecular. sec at 8 4 eV to 10.2 × 10−10 cm3/molecule osec at 11.7 eV, while no significant effect of energy was detected in methylamine. The reactions of several fragment ions are also reported. Experiments were also carried out at pressures up to 0.5 torr in order to investigate the further solvation of CH3NH2+, (CH3)2NH2+, and (CH3)3NH+. It was found that the maximum proton solvation numbers in methyl-, dimethyl-, and trimethyl-amine are 4, 3, and 2, respectively, under these conditions.