cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A culture vessel for maintaining cells at high density

The Sykes-Moore and Rose chambers have been used for many years in time lapse studies of subconfluent cell cultures. Unfortunately, use of a Sykes-Moore chamber for the time lapse studies of cells maintained at very high cell density was found to be unsatisfactory even if a medium perfusion system was employed. First, CO2 produced by cells led to the formation of gas bubbles which often obstructed the optical path. Second, the specimen regularly went out of focus due to gas pressure build up which caused the top and bottom glass coverslips to warp and occasionally break. Third, after several days, cells underwent degenerative changes apparently due to lack of oxygen. A simple culture chamber is described here which permits cells to be maintained at very high cell density and observed at high magnification for a week or more.
Religion and Reason

The persistence of the religious spirit under the most varied cultural circumstances suggests the superficiality, though not necessarily the irrelevance, of those explanatory theories that view religion as the symptom of some profound, but theoretically superable, social or personal disorder. Certainly the most influential of these, the Marxist and the Freudian, cannot be dismissed as mere errors; they have too clearly perceived certain regular abuses of religious sensitivity, and they have stated these in such a bold and open way that it seems unlikely that anyone could resist their simple truth: ‘Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the feelings of a heartless world, just as it is the spirit of unspiritual conditions. It is the opium of the people …’ [Marx]; ‘religion [is]… the universal obsessional neurosis of humanity’ [Freud].
Analysis of selection in populations observed over a sequence of consecutive generations : I. Some one locus models with a single, constant fitness component per genotype.

A statistical model is presented for dealing with genotypic frequency data obtained from a single population observed over a run of consecutive generations. This model takes into account possible correlations that exist between generations by conditioning the marginal probability distribution of any one generation on the previously observed generation. Maximum likelihood estimates of the fitness parameters are derived and a hypothesis testing framework developed. The model is very general, and in this paper is applied to random-mating, selfing, parthenogenetic and mixed random-mating and selfing populations with respect to a single locus, g-allele model with constant genotypic fitness differences with all selection occurring either before or after sampling. The assumptions behind this model are contrasted with those of alternative techniques such as minimum chi-square or "unconditional" maximum likelihood estimation when the marginal likelihoods for any one generation are conditioned only on the initial conditions and not the previous generation. The conditional model is most appropriate when the sample size per generation is large either in an absolute sense or in relation to the total population size. Minimum chi-square and the unconditional likelihood are most appropriate when the population size is effectively infinite and the samples are small. Both models are appropriate when the samples are large and the population size is effectively infinite. Under these last conditions, the conditional model may be preferred because it has greater robustness with respect to small deviations from the underlying assumptions and has a greater simplicity of form. Furthermore, if any genetic drift occurs in the experiment, the minimum chi-square and unconditional likelihood approaches can create spurious evidence for selection while the conditional approach will not. Worked examples are presented.
Discriminative stimulus properties of buspirone compared to central nervous system depressants in rats

Two groups of rats were trained to discriminate either IP buspirone from vehicle or IP oxazepam from vehicle using a two-lever FR-10 schedule of sweetened milk presentation. The discrimination in the buspirone group was difficult to establish due to potent response rate decreasing effects. Oxazepam was a very effective stimulus and the discrimination in the oxazepam group was readily established. Tests with oxazepam and pentobarbital in the buspirone group provided no evidence for generalization of the stimulus properties of buspirone to either drug. Tests with buspirone in the oxazepam group also provided no evidence of generalization to buspirone, although tests with pentobarbital indicated almost complete generalization. Finally buspirone and oxazepam were tested in a group of rats previously trained to discriminate pentobarbital from vehicle. The findings supported the data obtained in the buspirone and oxazepam groups, with no indication of generalization from pentobarbital to buspirone, but with complete generalization to oxazepam. These data suggest that buspirone does not share discriminative stimulus properties which are common to other CNS depressants.
Fluorescence Intermittency and Energy Transfer in Small Clusters of Semiconductor Quantum Dots

We have studied isolated semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots (QDs) and small clusters of QDs by single-molecule time-correlated single-photon counting, from which fluorescence intensity trajectories, autocorrelation functions, decay histograms, and lifetime-intensity distributions have been constructed. These measurements confirm that QD clusters exhibit unique fluorescence behavior not observed in isolated QDs. In particular, the QD clusters exhibit a short-lifetime component in their fluorescence decay that is correlated with low fluorescence intensity of the cluster. A model based on nonradiative energy transfer to QDs within a cluster that have smaller energy gaps, combined with independent blinking for the QDs in a cluster, accounts for the main experimental features.
Output of a Balanced Frequency Discriminator Driven by a Sine Wave and Gaussian Noise

The output of a realizable balanced frequency discriminator is calculated for an input consisting of a sine wave plus Gaussian noise. Explicit autocorrelation and power spectra are found for one practical embodiment of the discriminator for various input carrier-to-noise ratios, with the carrier tuned to center frequency and also off-center. The formulas also permit the calculation of the output for the case of a spectrum of noise slowly swept through the discriminator. Although qualitatively similar to results previously obtained with an ideal discriminator, substantial differences are also found. Measurements are made that closely verified the theoretical results. No limiting is assumed.
Abstract 5503: Dual fluorescence high throughput screen detects MUC16 selective therapeutic candidates

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC BACKGROUND: The MUC16 gene encodes the CA125 ovarian cancer antigen. This glycoprotein is expressed in the majority of Epithelial Ovarian Cancers (EOC) but has limited expression elsewhere in the adult human. Expression of the carboxy-portion of MUC16 results in increased invasion, soft agar growth and in vivo growth. OBJECTIVES: We sought to develop a suitable microscopy based assay system to screen for and identify small molecules which have a differential effects against MUC16+ cells compared to the isogenic MUC16 negative ovarian cancer cell lines. Using this assay we seek to identify MUC16 specific small molecules for development of potential chemotherapy drug candidates against ovarian cancer. METHODS: Carboxy-terminus portions of the Human MUC16 gene were introduced into SK-Ov-3 and A2780 EOC cell lines and labeled with the red fluorescent protein (mCherry) vector. Control lines were labeled with green fluorescent protein (GFP) vector. Relative toxicity of tested compounds on MUC16+ (mCherry) and MUC16- (GFP) cell populations was assessed by cell viability using ratiometric fluorescence intensities of both co-cultured isogenic cells. Compounds with differential activity were selected, resupplied and tested in a 96 well plate viability assay for confirmation. RESULTS: Both A2780 and SK-Ov-3 isogenic pairs had similar in vitro growth characteristics. A small scale pilot screen of 3,119 compounds was completed for each pair of isogenic cells. Six compounds, including Quinacrine, Ellipticine and Acriflavinium were relatively selective for MUC16+ A2780 cells and these three compounds were among the hits identified in the secondary SK-Ov-3 dual fluorescence screen. Caspase3 apoptosis assay was used to confirm Quinacrine as the most selective inhibitor in the MUC16+ cells. CONCLUSIONS: MUC16 +/− dual fluorescence screen is an example of a high throughput screening strategy to identify potentially specific modulators of key oncogenic targets. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5503.
Critical appraisal of loteprednol ointment, gel, and suspension in the treatment of postoperative inflammation and pain following ocular and corneal transplant surgery.

Purpose To review comprehensively the available peer-reviewed published articles in the literature on loteprednol suspension, gel, and ointment in the treatment of ocular inflammation and pain following ocular surgery. Methods We conducted a PubMed literature search review of all published articles on keywords associated with loteprednol etabonate and ocular surgery. Results A total of 59 peer-reviewed articles were found in the literature. The focus of the majority of the articles was on the safety and efficacy of loteprednol etabonate 0.5% in postoperative control of inflammation and pain following cataract surgery. There were only three articles with a remote association between loteprednol etabonate and keratoplasty. Conclusion Lotemax® ointment may also have potential as a first-line anti-inflammatory agent of choice in postoperative settings of strabismus and penetrating glaucoma, and following low-risk penetrating keratoplasty procedures.
Neuronal Plasticity: How Do Neurons Know What To Do?

A recent study confirms activity-dependent co-regulation of membrane conductances as a mechanism underlying homeostatic regulation of neuronal properties. How multiple cellular and synaptic homeostatic mechanisms interact in a neuronal circuit is best studied with a combination of experimentation and modeling.
Florida red tide knowledge and risk perception: Is there a need for tailored messaging

Harmful algal blooms of the toxic dinoflagellate, Karenia brevis, occur throughout the Gulf of Mexico. Recent research efforts sponsored by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and others found that Florida red tide causes both acute and possibly chronic health effects from the toxic aerosols. Florida red tide also demonstrated significant social and economic impacts to both coastal residents and visitors. In conjunction with the research, persistent outreach efforts were conducted over the 11 year period. The goal of this project was to assess potential needs for tailored messaging needed among different red tide information user groups. Survey participants included 303 local residents, both with asthma and without, and 'snowbirds (seasonal residents that reside in the Sarasota area for more than 3 months but less than 6 months/year), also both with asthma and without. The questionnaire assessed Florida red tide knowledge and risk perception regarding Florida red tide using items drawn from two previously published surveys to allow comparison. Our results reveal that overall knowledge of Florida red tide has not changed. We found that knowledge was consistent across our selected groups and also did not vary by age, gender and education level. However, knowledge regarding consumption of seafood during Florida red tide has declined. Risk perception increased significantly for people who have asthma. Individuals responsible for public health communication regarding Florida red tide and human health concerns need to continue to pursue more effective outreach messages and delivery methods.
Diagnostic performance and image quality assessment in teledermatology

Digital photography is available for use in telemedicine using commercially available compact digital cameras. The goal of this study was to compare and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of dermatological diagnoses based on photos obtained with a digital camera versus in-person diagnoses. 308 subjects were recruited from a university dermatology clinic. Patients were examined in-person by one of three dermatologists who provided the clinical diagnosis. Digital photos were then obtained on all patients. The three dermatologists reviewed the images on a computer monitor and provided a diagnosis and confidence rating. There was 80% agreement between in-person versus digital photo diagnoses. Intra-dermatologist agreement averaged 84%. Decision confidence was rated as very definite to definite 70% of the time using the photo images. Monitor reading agreement with biopsy results averaged about 75%. Image resolution and color were rated as good to excellent 83% and 93% of the time respectively. The use of digital photography for store and forward teledermatology yields high quality images and diagnostic accuracy rates which correlate well with in-person clinical diagnoses and biopsy results.
Evaluation and Management of Women Presenting with a Pelvic Mass

Management of women with a pelvic mass is a very common scenario for gynecologists. Often these are benign masses that can either be observed or managed with straightforward laparoscopic surgery, but complex, potentially malignant masses require careful consideration and triaging for appropriate care. This article aims to outline the presentation, management, and triage guidelines for women presenting with an ovarian cyst or pelvic mass. We discuss data surrounding the use of triage guidelines, as well as the role of promising biomarkers that can assist in better predicting benign versus malignant pathology.
SAR target indexing with hierarchical distance transforms

This paper describes an approach to simultaneous estimation of target category and pose from SAR imagery using a database of target model distance transforms organized in a hierarchical tree structure. Distance transforms are shown to provide a convenient method for distortion-based model matching without requiring specific feature associations. The technique provides an approach for categorizing targets under adverse conditions including partial obscuration and interference. We show that construction of a target hierarchy using clustering techniques can lead to a tree searching strategy that prunes the tree during the search and is guaranteed to locate the best-matching target models. We also provide empirical results using synthetic target model images produced by Xpatch and show how performance is affected by signature contamination.
Effect of rapid intravenous crystalloid infusion on uteroplacental blood flow and placental implantation-site oxygen delivery in the pregnant ewe

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose in this study was to investigate the effects of rapid intravenous crystalloid infusion on placental implantation-site blood flow and oxygen delivery in the near-term pregnant ewe. STUDY DESIGN: Maternal left ventricular, femoral arterial and venous, and bilateral fetal hind limb arterial catheters were placed in nine near-term ewes 5 days before the start of the study. Maternal and fetal arterial blood gas values, maternal hemodynamic measurements, and maternal organ blood flows (microsphere technique) were obtained before and after the intravenous infusion of 2.0 to 2.5 L of normal saline solution. Myometrial and placental implantation-site vascular resistances and oxygen delivery were calculated. The t test for paired comparisons was used for statistical analysis, with p ≤ 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Significant postinfusion increases in maternal mean arterial pressure, placental implantation-site blood flow, and skin, skeletal muscle, and renal blood flows were recorded. In the six animals that demonstrated a fall in hemoglobin concentration, a significant increase in placental implantation-site oxygen delivery and a significant decrease in placental implantation-site vascular resistance were also seen. No significant changes were seen in myometrial blood flow or myometrial vascular resistance. CONCLUSION: Rapid intravenous crystalloid infusion selectively increases placental implantation-site blood flow in the near-term pregnant ewe and may improve oxygen delivery to the fetus, especially if hemodilution occurs.
Using timed-release cryptography to mitigate the preservation risk of embargo periods

Due to temporary access restrictions, embargoed data cannot be refreshed to unlimited parties during the embargo time interval. A solution to mitigate the risk of data loss has been developed that uses a data dissemination framework, the Timed-Locked Embargo Framework (TLEF), that allows data refreshing of encrypted instances of embargoed content in an open, unrestricted scholarly community. TLEF exploits implementations of existing technologies to "time-lock" data using timed-release cryptology so that TLEF can be deployed as digital resources encoded in a complex object format suitable for metadata harvesting. The framework successfully demonstrates dynamic record identification, time-lock puzzle encryption, encapsulation and dissemination as XML documents. We implement TLEF and provide a quantitative analysis of its successful data harvest of time-locked embargoed data with minimum time overhead without compromising data security and integrity.
Study of Vehicle Dynamic Modeling Fidelity on Haptic Collaboration in Steer-by-Wire Systems

The Steer-By-Wire (SBW) paradigm for vehicle control offers many advantages over traditional use of mechanical steering systems but comes at the cost of loss of proprioception (“road feel”). To this end, haptic interfaces for SBW systems have been proposed to restore the intimacy of interactive control back to the driver. However, the degree of realism for the interaction is dependent on the fidelity of the underlying computational vehicle dynamics model. Hence we focus on quantitative comparative testing of the role of vehicle dynamics modeling fidelity for haptic SBW tasks. Additionally the SBW paradigm can simplify implementation of shared/collaborative control (steering) of the underlying mechanical system (vehicle). Possibilities range from sharing of control between multiple individual users or between user and automation technology. Performance evaluation of 3 modes of shared control vs. individual control of driving was carried out and preliminary analysis of results is presented in the paper.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Indian-set fires in the forests of the northeastern United States

The historical evidence for the Indians' burning the forests of the northeastern United States is reevaluated. Of 35 documents that describe vegetation or Indian life in the 16th or 17th centuries, only half mention any use of fire except for cooking. Only six purportedly first—hand accounts might refer to purposeful, widespread, and frequent use of fire. These six are all consistent with use of fire only locally near camps or villages, or with accidentally escaped fires. It is concluded that the frequent use of fires by the Indians to burn the forests was probably at most a local occurrence. The Indians' presence in the region and their use of fire for many purposes did, however, increase the frequency of fires above the low levels caused by lightning, and thus had some effect on the vegetation; for example, grasses characterized the ground cover at small, local, frequently burned sites.
Total body irradiation in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Abstract Between October 1972 and August 1977, low-dose fractionated total body irradiation (TBI), 150–300 rad, was selected for 48 patients with previously untreated non-Hodgkin's lymphoma staged II, III and IV. In 63% of the patients the disease had a nodular pattern; there were no patients with diffuse histiocytic lymphoma. All but 2 patients responded to TBI. The 4-year actuarial survival was 71% for the nodular group and 57% for the diffuse group. There were no acute symptoms during the course of treatment and no mortality associated with the treatment. Seventeen per cent of the patients developed transient platelet counts less than 30,000/mm 3 . Four required hospitalization for correction of thrombocytopenia and/or infection. The majority of patients who failed more than 3 months after initial complete remission were placed back in remission with either chemotherapy, TBI, or local irradiation. Patients with persistent disease after TBI showed a less favorable response with chemotherapy. A selected group of 15 patients in relapse after chemotherapy or localized radiotherapy were treated with TBI. Eleven responded to treatment, while 4 showed no useful response. The median survival for this group was slightly over 2 years. Twenty per cent developed transient platelet counts less than 30,000/mm 3 .
Recent Advances in Quantum Dot Surface Chemistry

Quantum dot (QD) surface chemistry is an emerging field in semiconductor nanocrystal related research. Along with size manipulation, the careful control of QD surface chemistry allows modulation of the optical properties of a QD suspension. Even a single molecule bound to the surface can introduce new functionalities. Herein, we summarize the recent advances in QD surface chemistry and the resulting effects on optical and electronic properties. Specifically, this review addresses three main issues: (i) how surface chemistry affects the optical properties of QDs, (ii) how it influences the excited state dynamics, and (iii) how one can manipulate surface chemistry to control the interactions between QDs and metal oxides, metal nanoparticles, and in self-assembled QD monolayers.
Compressive strengths of molybdenum alloy micro-pillars prepared using a new technique

Single-crystal micro-pillars of a molybdenum alloy were prepared by a new technique that involves chemically etching away the matrix of a directionally solidified NiAl–Mo eutectic. The square cross-section pillars had edge dimensions ranging from ∼360 to ∼1000 nm. When tested in compression with a nanoindentation system, the pillars all yielded, regardless of size, at a critical resolved shear stress of 4.3 GPa, or G/26, where G is the shear modulus. This shear yield strength is in the range expected for the theoretical strength, G/30 to G/10.
Process improvement in project expediting: there must be a better way

Abstract The development of process improvement approaches for the project expediting function is reported. The current expediting relationship can be quite confrontational and argumentative, loaded with disputes. Expediting failures often result from a mismanagement of expectations and poor communications. These negative implications can contribute to cost overruns and schedule delays. Based on interviews conducted with several professionals within the oil and gas industry, various suggestions are proposed to instill a more cooperative relationship between owner firms and suppliers.
Depressed brains inflict pain

Migraine headaches cause great suffering and disability for those afflicted with this common neurovascular disorder. The aura that typically heralds a migraine attack and is a signature of this illness has been attributed to waves of depression in the spontaneous electrical activity of cortical neurons, known as cortical spreading depression (CSD). However, it has remained unclear whether this phenomenon is merely coincident with, or rather has an etiological link, to the headache that follows. Zhang and colleagues have offered intriguing evidence that the classic migraine headache is in fact triggered by this spreading depression. Studying anesthetized rats in vivo, they measured the electrical activity of single neurons that serve as pain receptors in the meninges, the tissue that encapsulates the brain and serves as the site of headache onset. These cells were monitored before and during the induction of CSD on the cortical surface of the brain. In response to three different methods to induce CSD, the electrical activity of the meningeal pain receptors was increased in half of the stimulation trials in a dramatic and long-lasting manner, at least 37 min on average, and often up to the maximum recording time of over 1 hour. Neuronal activation responses measured in the ganglion of the trigeminal nerve, which contains the meningeal pain receptors, were observed both with short delays (before or during the CSD wave) or longer delays (averaging 12 min after the CSD wave), possibly reflecting different pain receptor subpopulations. In two-thirds of the stimulation trials, long-lasting activation of the pain receptors followed the minute-long wave of CSD over the cortex by about 14 min. This delay approximates the latency between CSD and the reduced cortical blood flow observed in human imaging studies, as well as the latency between the aura and the sustained incapacitating headache experienced by migraine sufferers. As the authors indicate, these findings suggest that blocking the delayed induction of pain receptors in the meninges during the signature aura phase of the attack may hold promise in the development of new interventions for this disabling illness. X. Zhang et al ., Activation of meningeal nociceptors by cortical spreading depression: Implications for migraine with aura. J. Neurosci. 30 , 8807–8814 (2010). [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://www.jneurosci.org/cgi/content/abstract/30/26/8807
Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane. Heat capacities and thermodynamic properties from 5 to 350 K

Abstract Heat capacities of crystalline tris or tham , (HOCH2)3CNH2, were measured from 5 to 350 K by adiabatic calorimetry. No thermal anomalies were found in this region. The observed heat capacities yield for Cp(298.15 K), So(298.15 K)−So(0), {H o (298.15 K) −H o (0)} T and {G o (298.15 K) −H o (0)} T values of 39.96, 41.93, 21.28, and −20.65 calth K−1 mol−1. The measurements are employed to establish limits of occluded solvent contamination of this reference material.
C2C Business Models: Beyond Online Marketplaces

Compared to the research on B2B and B2C models, research on C2C models has been less extensive and narrowly focused on the electronic marketplaces. This undermines the analysis of the potential implications of C2C models for online retailing. In this paper, I have redefined C2C to extend its scope, studied and categorized various C2C models that facilitate trading or sharing of products and information, and provided comprehensive analysis of the implications of these models for online retailing. This research provides a framework to put various consumer-centric business models such as virtual communities, electronic marketplaces, and peer-to-peer networking applications into the C2C perspective and categorize these models based on the nature of transaction between consumers.
Multiresolution classification with semi-supervised learning for indirect bridge structural health monitoring

We present a multiresolution classification framework with semi-supervised learning for the indirect structural health monitoring of bridges. The monitoring approach envisions a sensing system embedded into a moving vehicle traveling across the bridge of interest to measure the modal characteristics of the bridge. To enhance the reliability of the sensing system, we use a semi-supervised learning algorithm and a semi-supervised weighting algorithm within a multiresolution classification framework. We show that the proposed algorithm performs significantly better than supervised multiresolution classification.
Assessment of strains along fiber surface features in graphite/epoxy composites loaded in compression

Kink-band formation in graphite/epoxy composites is not well understood. In this study we have monitored fiber failure before and during kink-band formation. It was found that several surface features and types of breaks develop during the damage progression before kink-bands form. The strain around these surface features was measured by means of micro-Raman spectroscopy (MRS). In order to determine the validity of using the strain profiles to calculate the interfacial shear stress (ISS) values, it was also determined whether the various features represented fiber breaks. The reliability of MRS to obtain strain maps in these composites using the fiber as an internal strain gage as well as the validity of obtaining ISS values from the strain profiles is discussed.
Measurement reproducibility of magnetic resonance imaging-based finite element analysis of proximal femur microarchitecture for in vivo assessment of bone strength

Introduction Osteoporosis is a disease of weak bone. Our goal was to determine the measurement reproducibility of magnetic resonance assessment of proximal femur strength.
Dolomite‐II: A high‐pressure polymorph of CaMg(CO3)2

[1] We have measured the infrared spectra and x-ray diffraction of CaMg(CO3)2-dolomite to pressures of 50 GPa at 300 K. We observe both splittings and disappearances of x-ray diffraction peaks initiating near 20 GPa, as well as new bands in the infrared spectrum of dolomite. The onset of the changes in both the x-ray and infrared data appears to be gradual, and thus kinetically impeded: this is consistent with previous shock results. The infrared and x-ray data are consistent with dolomite adopting a calcite-III-like structure. Our results indicate that high-pressure polymorphism in dolomite could stabilize CaMg(CO3)2 in the deep mantle, and thus that high-pressure polymorphs of dolomite could represent the main reservoir for carbon storage within Earth's lower mantle.
Direct analysis of environmental and biological samples for total mercury with comparison of sequential atomic absorption and fluorescence measurements from a single combustion event

Abstract A Direct Mercury Analyzer (DMA) based on sample combustion, concentration of mercury by amalgamation with gold, and cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS) was coupled to a mercury-specific cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometer (CVAFS). The purpose was to evaluate combustion-AFS, a technique which is not commercially available, for low-level analysis of mercury in environmental and biological samples. The experimental setup allowed for comparison of dual measurements of mercury (AAS followed by AFS) for a single combustion event. The AFS instrument control program was modified to properly time capture of mercury from the DMA, avoiding deleterious combustion products from reaching its gold traps. Calibration was carried out using both aqueous solutions and solid reference materials. The absolute detection limits for mercury were 0.002 ng for AFS and 0.016 ng for AAS. Recoveries for reference materials ranged from 89% to 111%, and the precision was generally found to be
Mortality Rate Associated with 56 Consecutive Esophagectomies Performed at a “Low-Volume” Hospital: is Procedure Volume as Important as We are Trying to Make it?

Esophagectomy procedures have been associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Recent articles in the literature have focused on the relationship between operative volume and the rates of mortality and morbidity in association with esophagectomy. The common theme among these publications is the statistically significant correlation between high-volume centers (typically defined as at least 10 esophagectomies per year) and lower mortality rates. The authors hypothesized that an individual surgeon’s expertise with the various esophagectomy procedures would better correlate to mortality rates than the absolute number performed in an institution per year. The study involved a retrospective cohort of a single surgeon over a 7-year period (August 17, 1999–December 23, 2006). Selection criteria included all patients who had undergone a transhiatal esophagectomy, transabdominal with diaphragmatic split esophagectomy, or Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy procedure by a single surgeon (PP) during the specified time period. The main outcome measures were 30-day mortality and postoperative complications. Over the 7-year study period, 56 esophagectomies were performed (average, eight per year). The 30-day morbidity and mortality rates were 48% (27/56) and 3.57% (2/56), respectively. If low-volume esophagectomy centers are to be defined in the literature as completing <10 procedures per year, then these data represent such an institution. While several authors have demonstrated a correlation between lower mortality rates and high-volume esophagectomy hospitals, our results support surgeon experience as potentially being more significant than absolute number of procedures performed in an institution per year.
Morphological and Physiological Responses of Echinoderm Larvae to Nutritive Signals

SYNOPSIS. Echinoid larvae have been found previously to develop shorter arms as phytoplankton concentrations increase. In the present study, the skeletal dimensions of larvae of the sea urchins Lytechinus pictus and Strongylocentrotus purpuratus were measured after exposure to dissolved organic compounds in seawater. The presence of glucose or individual amino acids (at 1 or 2 μM), a mixture of 16 different amino acids (100 nM each), or algal exudate resulted in larvae with shorter arms (by 12 to 88%), relative to larvae in seawater with no additions. Larvae exposed to mixtures of amino acids also had changes in the constituents of their internal free amino acid pools (as determined by HPLC). For another echinoid, Dendraster excentricus , amino acid transport (T, from 500 nM) by individual larvae (n = 47) scaled to arm length (L) as follows: T = 2.06L0.81 (0.81 ± 0.26,95% confidence intervals). Mass (M) and metabolic rate (MR) did not scale in the same manner (as transport) to arm length for larvae of the echinoid Centrostephanus coronatus (MR = 148L1.51; M = 1.7L2.01). These characteristics may scale to arm length independently from transport rate under certain conditions. Larvae of echinoderms respond morphologically to “signals” in their environment that may indicate the availability of dissolved and paniculate nutrients. This in turn will have consequences for their ability to take up and metabolize these nutrients. The response may be mediated by surface receptors for dissolved organic compounds, or by changes in the sizes of intracellular substrate pools.
My Family Made Me Do It: The Influence of Family Therapists' Families of Origin on Their Occupational Choice

This study is an empirical test and exploration of the folklore about family life correlates of family therapists' occupational choice. The folklore is translated into systems concepts, including role complementarity and the mutually determining effect of process and roles. Fifty-nine family therapists, 49 siblings of the therapists, and 51 undifferentiated, non-helping professionals were compared on FACES (29), The Complementary Role Questionnaire, and on demographic data. Inconsistencies in the results led to a critique of the clinical faithfulness of current systems measures. Family therapists did not differ on FACES, but did differ in aspects of roles from their siblings and from the control professionals.
Nucleotide sequence of class D tetracycline resistance genes from Salmonella ordonez.

Plasmid pIP173, isolated from Salmonella ordonez strain BM2000, confers resistance to tetracycline and a number of other antibiotics. We determined the nucleotide sequence of the pIP173 tetR repressor and tetA resistance genes. The pIP173 tetR gene is essentially identical to the class D tetR gene from plasmid RA1. The pIP173 tet genes are flanked by directly repeated copies of the insertion sequence IS26. Interestingly, the 3′ end of the tetR gene, encoding the C-terminal 16 amino acids of the TetR protein, extends into the flanking IS26 sequence. The relationships between the class A, B, C, and D TetA sequences parallel the relationships between the corresponding TetR sequences; class D is more closely related to class B than to either class A or C. Overall, the four TetA sequences show 38% identity and 57% similarity.
Preliminary experience with laser reinforcement of vascular anastomoses

Laser tissue soldering techniques allow reinforcement of sutured repairs and may be a useful adjunct in reducing anastomotic bleeding. Initial results of our clinical trial with laser solder reinforcement are reported. Twenty-one patients underwent standard polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE) graft arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation. In 11 patients thrombin soaked gelatin sponges were placed around the anastomoses and in 10 laser reinforcement was accomplished. Three lasers were used: KTP (532 nm, power density 4.1 W/cm2, spot size .5 cm), CO2 (10,600 nm, power density 14.1 W/cm2, spot size .3 cm), and diode (805 nm, power density 9.6 W/cm2, spot size .2 cm). The solder consisting of 0.4 cc hyaluronate, 0.2 cc albumin, and 3 drops of the appropriate laser enhancing dye (fluorescein for KTP, indocyanine green for the diode, water for CO2) was applied to the target tissues prior to laser exposure. The laser was directed over the tissue in a sweeping motion until the solder had desiccated. Several lessons are evident from our experience. First, over exposure to the laser results in solder charring and ineffective reinforcement. Greater laser exposure with less undesired solder damage is achieved if dye is added to the solder. Second, the solder should be spread over the target in a thin layer to facilitate controlled desiccation and tissue bonding. Additional layers can be applied as required. Although improvements in the solder and laser technique are required, these early results demonstrate a potential clinical use for laser soldered reinforcement during vascular anastomoses.
Microwave Power Beaming Strategies for Fractionated Spacecraft Systems

This paper addresses some issues concerning the application of microwave power beaming in a fractionated spacecraft environment. Some scenarios have been proposed and considered. In one scenario for example, power is distributed in free space from one "mother" spacecraft/satellite to multiple mini spacecraft/satellites in a dynamic environment, where the range and direction of transmission vary in time, and must be accounted for in the optimal energy transmission/distribution. This paper looks at various issues involved, including the type of transmitting antennas (reflectors/phased arrays), the mechanisms of redirecting and/or refocusing the single or multiple beams in the near to mid-field regions of the transmitting antenna. Receiving/rectifying antennas ("rectennas") and other issues of interest and relevance are identified and addressed. The feasibility range and areas of required improvement in terms of antenna elements and other components needed for efficient and robust performance are identified.
Donor Origin of Circulating Endothelial Progenitors After Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation

Abstract Endothelial cell precursors circulate in blood and express antigens found on hematopoietic stem cells, suggesting that such precursors might be subject to transplantation. To investigate, we obtained adherence-depleted peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 3 individuals who had received a sex-mismatched allogeneic bone marrow transplant (BMT) and cultured the cells on fibronectin-coated plates with endothelial growth factors. The phenotype of the spindle-shaped cells that emerged in culture was characterized by immunofluorescent staining, and the origin of the cells was determined using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay for polymorphic short tandem repeats (STRs). The cells manifested a number of endothelial characteristics-such as von Wlllebrand factor, CD31, and Flk-1/KDR expression; Bandeiraea simplicifolia lectin 1 binding; and acetylated low-density lipoprotein uptake-but lacked expression of certain markers of activation or differentiation, including intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and the epitope for the anti-endothelial cell antibody P1H12. For each patient and at all time points studied (ranging from 5 to 52 months after transplantation), STR-PCR analysis showed that cultured cells and nucleated blood cells came exclusively from the bone marrow donor. These results demonstrate that circulating endothelial progenitors are both transplantable and capable of long-term repopulation of human allogeneic BMT recipients. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2000;6(3A):301-8.
Barrier Island Systems — a Geologic Overview

Barrier island geology is complicated in that there are numerous distinct sedimentary depositional environments, some having lateral continuity and some that do not. It is further complicated by such variables a sea level change, sediment supply and the relative influence of wave- and tide-dominated processes.
Spitzer 24 μm Observations of Open Cluster IC 2391 and Debris Disk Evolution of FGK Stars

We present 24 � m Spitzer MIPS photometric observations of the � 50 Myr open cluster IC 2391. Thirty-four cluster members ranging in spectral type from B3 to M5 were observed in the central square degree of the cluster. Excesses indicative of debris disks were discovered around one A star, six FGK stars, and possibly one M dwarf. For the cluster members observed to their photospheric limit, we find a debris disk frequency of 10 þ17 � 3 % for B‐A stars and 31 þ13 � 9 % for FGK stars using a 15% relative excess threshold. Relative to a model of decaying excess frequency, thefrequencyofdebrisdisksaroundA-typestarsappearsmarginallylowforthecluster’sagewhilethatof FGKstars appears consistent. Scenarios that may qualitatively explain this result are examined. We conclude that planetesimal activity in the terrestrial region of FGK stars is common in thefirst � 50 Myr and decays on timescales of � 100 Myr. Despite luminosity differences, debris disk evolution does not appear to depend strongly on stellar mass. Subject headingg infrared: stars — open clusters and associations: individual (IC 2391) — planetary systems: protoplanetary disks
The catalytic methanol synthesis over nanoparticle metal oxide catalysts

Abstract Several nanoparticle metal oxides were prepared and studied for the catalytic production of methanol from hydrogen and carbon dioxide. These catalysts include: ZnO, CuO, NiO, and a binary system CuO/ZnO. The catalysts were prepared through sol–gel synthesis and were found, via TEM and BET, to have high surface areas and small crystallite sizes. With this in mind, the catalytic production of methanol was studied at various temperatures in a flow reactor. The percent conversion and turnover numbers were calculated for each sample, and it was found that the nanoparticle ZnO, CuO/ZnO and NiO were much more active catalysts than the commercially available materials. The nanocrystalline CuO sample was found to rapidly reduce to Cu, where it lost all activity. The results suggest that the catalytic process is efficient for several nanoparticle metal oxide formulations, however, copper metal is not active, but small copper particles in a CuO/ZnO matrix is a very active combination.
Quantification of dose-dependent respiratory depression in isoflurane-anesthetized horses.

The magnitude of respiratory depression in equidae anesthetized with isoflurane has not been thoroughly described. The aim of this study was to quantify changes in ventilation as a function of isoflurane (ISO) dose in the horse. Anesthesia was induced and maintained in five healthy adult horses weighing 564 ± 52 kg (mean ± SD) in left lateral recumbency using only ISO in O2. During spontaneous ventilation, four doses of constant end-tidal ISO measured by a calibrated infra-red analyzer were studied in randomized order: 1.31, 1.57, 1.83, and 2.10%; corresponding to the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC), 1.2 MAC, 1.4 MAC, and 1.6 MAC, respectively. The PaO2 and PaCO2 were measured using an automated blood gas analyzer and corrected to tonometrically derived standard curves. Respiratory rate (f) and tidal volume (VT) were measured via calibrated signal integration from a Silverman-style pneumotachometer; volumes were corrected to BTPS. Minute ventilation (VE) was the calculated product of VT and f. Data were analyzed using a repeated measures anova; Tukey's test was used for pairwise comparisons (p < 0.05). The following results are listed in order of ascending MAC multiples: PaCO2 (mm Hg) = 68 ± 14, 68 ± 9, 72 ± 9, 78 ± 5; f (min−1) = 4.3 ± 2.4, 3.5 ± 1.6, 2.5 ± 1.0, 2.0 ± 0.7; VT (mL kg−1) = 23 ± 11, 22 ± 11, 22 ± 12, 21 ± 7; (mL minute−1 kg−1) = 84 ± 41, 67 ± 27, 50 ± 23, 39 ± 11. Significant differences were observed between the highest and lowest MAC multiples for PaCO2, f, and VE, but not for VT. The PaO2 was always >80 mm Hg. The equations given below express median minute ventilation and median PaCO2 as a function of ISOMAC. Median values at each dose were used instead of mean values owing to the departure from sample variance uniformity. The y-intercepts coincide with published reports of and PaCO2 for awake, unmedicated horses (0 MAC). The x-intercept of Equation 1 predicts respiratory arrest at 2.4 MAC, near the apneic threshold for ISO. Future work directed towards increasing sample size in this study may remedy heterogeneous treatment variances present within the data and permit further refinement of dose–ventilation relationships in the horse. (1) PaCO2 = 22 × MAC + 39(2)
Approximate Wave Functions for Atomic Be

A configuration interaction calculation, involving thirty-seven configurations and including the ${(1s)}^{2}{(2s)}^{2}$ Hartree-Fock function, has been done for the ground state of atomic Be. Approximately ninety percent of the correlation energy has been incorporated into the final total energy. The results indicate that the correlation energy is associated with two effects, namely that of the "correlation hole" as has been observed for He and that of "orbital degeneracy" (which does not appear in the two-electron He case). The former effect is best handled by the Hylleraas approach and the latter by the configuration interaction method, and the results suggest that an admixture of the two methods would lead to the most rapidly convergent description of the exact four-electron wave function. The errors introduced by handling "high-lying" configurations by second-order perturbation theory rather than by exact configuration interaction are also investigated.
Ganymede: An Extensible and Customizable Directory Management Framework

In the fall of 1994, Applied Research Laboratories, The University of Texas at Austin (ARL:UT) presented a paper [1] at LISA VIII, describing work that we had performed designing and implementing a management framework for NIS and DNS, called GASH. In the years since that paper was presented, it has become clear that the design of GASH was insufficient to meet the complex, idiosyncratic, and rapidly changing needs of modern networking. GASH suffered from being too inflexible to be rapidly retooled for a changing network environment, from being limited to a single user at a time, and from being unable to provide management services to custom clients. In the face of these issues, the Computer Science Division at ARL:UT went back to the drawing board and developed a Java-based directory management framework on the basis of the design principles presented in our GASH paper. Written in Java, Ganymede 1 is based on a distributed object design using the Java Remote Method Invocation [2] protocol and features a multi-threaded, multi-user server, and a graphical, explorer-style client. By supporting customization through a graphical schema editor, plug-in Java classes, and external build scripts, Ganymede is able to support a variety of directory services, including NIS, DNS, LDAP, and even NT user and group management.