cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Geochemical and biological controls on trace metal transport in an acid mine impacted watershed

Water samples collected in an acid mine impacted watershed indicated that the concentrations of dissolved trace metals were diurnally influenced by mineral saturation, which is controlled primarily by pH and water temperature. Measurements taken suggested that these variations only occur at sample locations immediately downstream from the confluence of acidic and alkaline waters. It is at these locations where initial mineral precipitation occurred and where subtle changes in solubility were most affected, increasing trace metal removal when both the rate of photosynthesis (influencing pH in headwaters) and water temperature were at a maximum. The role of iron photoreduction (increased midday production of ferrous iron) on overall Cu, Mn, and Zn transport was also evaluated, but found to be inconclusive. Iron photoreduction may however influence adsorption and/or coprecipitation of trace metals through associated changes in oxidation state, solubility, and mineralogy of various iron colloids, which are produced upon the neutralization of acidic, metal enriched water. Furthermore, measured values of copper and zinc were compared to relative USEPA chronic criterion for exposure to continuous concentration (CCC) of metals by the calculation of a “toxicity unit” (TU). It was found that average values of both copper and zinc only exceeded the CCC (TU>1) in the acid mine-impacted Leona Creek. In general, zinc toxicity decreased while copper toxicity increased downstream of the confluence of the mine impacted Leona Creek and background Lion Creek (sampled at Lake Aliso), indicating a significant source of zinc in upstream, non mine-impacted samples.
Percutaneous Biopsy of Primary Tumor in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma to Predict High Risk Pathological Features: Comparison With Nephrectomy Assessment

Purpose: As treatment options evolve for metastatic renal cell carcinoma, there is a need for predictive information to help guide therapy. We assessed the accuracy of percutaneous primary tumor biopsy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma by comparing biopsy findings to final nephrectomy pathology in patients undergoing cytoreductive nephrectomy.Materials and Methods: Using an institutional database we reviewed the records of patients who underwent percutaneous primary tumor biopsy before cytoreductive nephrectomy. In patients who underwent biopsy elsewhere pathology findings were re-reviewed at our institution. Differences in accuracy based on biopsy technique, imaging modality and biopsy period were determined by chi-square analysis.Results: We identified 166 patients who underwent percutaneous biopsy of the primary tumor before cytoreductive nephrectomy between 1991 and 2007, and had data available for review. Median pathological tumor size was 9.1 cm (range 3 to 32). Median time from biopsy to surgery ...
Effect of intercellular communication on the selection of intraspecific human hybrids in HAT and ouabain.

Optimal conditions have been determined for selection of hybrids in HAT and ouabain (HOT) from the PEG-mediated fusion of OUAR/ HGPRT−/G6PDA and OUAs/HGPRT+/G6PDBhuman diploid fibroblasts. In addition to the OUARHGPRT+G6PDABtetraploid hybrids, several other types of HOT-resistant colonies were obtained from these fusions and identified by G6PD isozyme analysis and karyotyping as (1) hybrids contaminated with diploid parental cells, (2) symbiotic mixtures of the two types of parental cells, or (3) spontaneous OUARmutants. The mechanism for parental cell growth in HOT is most likely the transfer of HAT resistance and/or ouabain resistance through gap junctions formed between resistant and sensitive cells.
Advances in fisheries applications of remote sensing

During the past four decades the fisheries productivity of the world has been declining due to pressures from overfishing, habitat change, pollution, and climate change. Sustainable use of marine resources requires effective monitoring and management of the world's fish stocks. Remote sensing techniques are being used to help manage fisheries at sustainable levels, while also guiding fishing fleets to locate fish schools more efficiently. Fish tend to aggregate in ocean areas that exhibit conditions favored by specific fish species. Some of the relevant oceanographic conditions, such as sea surface temperature, ocean color (productivity) and oceanic fronts, which strongly influence natural fluctuations of fish stocks, can be observed and measured by remote sensors on satellites and aircraft. The remotely sensed data are provided in near-real time to help fishermen save fuel and ship time during their search for fish; to modelers who produce fisheries forecasts; and to scientists who help develop strategies for sustainable fisheries management. This article describes how acoustic, optical and radar sensors on ships, satellites and aircraft are used with forecast models to improve the management and harvesting of fisheries resources.
Further Data on the Thermal Diffusivity of Nickel

Results are given of tests for determining with precision the thermal diffusivity of a specimen of nickel having nearly the same chemical analysis as the one for which results and method of experimental procedure were presented in a former paper. The over-all probable error is shown to be about 0.06 percent. The results and conditions of the tests are discussed in comparison with those for the former specimen.
Expression of T-lymphoblast-encoded HLA-DR, MT, and SB antigens on human T-B lymphoblast hybrids.

Abstract The Ia-like antigens of hybrids of the B-lymphoblastoid cell line (B-LCL) W1-L2 and a subline of the T-lymphoblastoid cell line (T-LCL) HSB were examined. Antigens of the HLA-DR and MT series were analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence with chimpanzee anti-DR sera and monoclonal antibodies, and antigens of the SB series were analyzed by primed lymphocyte typing (PT). The W1-L2 × HSB hybrids expressed antigens of each series not found on either parent cell. In each case, the novel antigens were indistinguishable from those found on SB, a B-LCL established from the same individual as HSB, and are thus presumably HSB encoded.
Reduction by chlorpromazine of ulcers due to acute starvation in mice.

EVIDENCE has accumulated indicating that starvation induces acute ulceration in the gastric glandular mucosa of mice1 but not in rats2,3, and that chlorpromazine inhibits ulceration in the Shay rat4. Also, recent evidence indicates that chlorpromazine reduces gastric acid and/or pepsin secretion in a number of circumstances in man and in dogs5–8. The investigation recorded here was undertaken to establish whether the tranquillizer, chlorpromazine, could prevent or decrease the incidence of acute gastric ulceration in mice as caused by starvation. In addition, a survey of the incidence of gastric glandular ulcers in normal, well-fed mice of both sexes was undertaken to establish this parameter, and to serve as a basis for comparison of the starvation procedures.
Analysis of microstrip patch arrays using the FDTD method

In this paper, microstrip patch arrays with both uniform phase and tapered distributions are analyzed via the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) technique. The phase delay in the frequency domain is converted into a delay in the time domain when exciting the array. The far field pattern of the array is calculated from its aperture distribution, in a plane located just above the array. A PMC plane has been employed to reduce the problem to half its size by invoking the symmetry of the problem. The results are found to be in good agreement with those derived by using the method of moments (MoM). © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 36: 250–254, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10735
Measuring children's reactions to divorce

Tested 488 elementary and junior high school children to evaluate the utility of a test constructed to measure children's emotional and attitudinal reactions to separation and divorce. Test-retest reliability was found to be 0.73 and internal consistency 0.71. The test also was found to differentiate significantly among groups of children with divorced parents, unhappy but intact families, and happy-intact families. Uses of the test for clinical and research purposes are discussed.
Coordinating County Based Services for the Frail Elderly

The aging network is fraught with fragmentation. Services to the elderly are administered out of multiple agencies and departments at all levels of government. This article discusses the approach taken by one county to diminish the level of fragmentation to frail elders by a cooperative agreement between key county departments providing services to the aged.
Radiation damage to 3He proportional counter tubes

Abstract Neutron damage to 3 He proportional-counter tubes is inhibited by coating the cathodes of the tubes with activated charcoal. This coating also improves pulse-height resolution.
Involvement of Fas (APO-1/CD-95) during photodynamic-therapy-mediated apoptosis in human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells.

Photodynamic therapy is a promising treatment modality for a variety of cutaneous neoplasms and other skin disorders. Studies suggest an involvement of multiple pathways during photodynamic-therapy-mediated cell death. A complete knowledge of the mechanisms involved in photodynamic therapy may lead to an improvement in its therapeutic efficacy. In vitro as well as in vivo studies have shown the involvement of apoptosis during photodynamic- therapy-mediated cell death. The pathways by which photodynamic therapy causes this are not fully understood. In this study, employing human epidermoid carcinoma (A431) cells and silicon phthalocyanine 4 photodynamic therapy, we show that the cell surface death receptor Fas (also known as APO-1 or CD-95) pathway is an important contributor to photodynamic-therapy-mediated apoptosis. Employ- ing flow cytometric analysis and confocal microscopy we first established that silicon phthalocyanine 4 photodynamic therapy results in a significant induc- tion of apoptosis in A431 cells. Immunoblot analysis revealed a significant time-dependent increase in the protein expression of Fas at 5, 15, 30, and 60 min post-photodynamic therapy followed by a decrease at later time-points (2 and 3 h post-photodynamic therapy). A Fas enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay demonstrated an increase in this protein in cell culture medium starting at 1 h post-photodynamic therapy and showing a time-dependent response up to 3 h following therapy, suggesting a diffusion of soluble Fas from cells into the medium from 1 h after photodynamic therapy. Silicon phthalocyanine 4 photodynamic therapy also resulted in a time-dependent increase in (i) the multimerization of Fas protein, (ii) the protein expression of Fas ligand, (iii) FADD, an adapter molecule for Fas, and (iv) the binding of FADD with Fas. Silicon phthalocyanine 4 photodynamic therapy also caused a significant activation of FLICE, as evident from the appearance of cleaved products of pro-caspase 8. Further, a pretreatment of cells with rhFas:Fc fusion protein or general caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK followed by silicon phthalocyanine 4 photodynamic therapy resulted in a significantly enhanced cell survival. Taken together, our data, for the first time, delineate an involvement of the Fas pathway as an important contributor to photodynamic-therapy-mediated apoptosis of cancer cells. These observations may be important for improving the efficacy of photodynamic therapy for the treatment of skin cancer and possibly other skin disorders.
eyeCan: affordable and versatile gaze interaction

We present eyeCan, a software system that promises rich, sophisticated, and still usable gaze interactions with low-cost gaze tracking setups. The creation of this practical system was to drastically lower the hurdle of gaze interaction by presenting easy-to-use gaze gestures, and by reducing the cost-of-entry with the utilization of low precision gaze trackers. Our system effectively compensates for the noise from tracking sensors and involuntary eye movements, boosting both the precision and speed in cursor control. Also the possible variety of gaze gestures was explored and defined. By combining eyelid actions and gaze direction cues, our system provides rich set of gaze events and therefore enables the use of sophisticated applications e.g. playing video games or navigating street view.
Gypsy moth parasitoids in the declining outbreak in Lithuania

A 3 year study was conducted on the parasitoids of gypsy moth larvae in two reducing outbreak areas in Lithuania. Overall parasitism of 25.0 ± 2.0% in the first post-culmination year was significantly lower than the 36.3 ± 1.4 and 35.2 ± 1.4% parasitism in the two subsequent years. When analysed in terms of the life stage at which the host was collected, the total parasitism over 3 years was constantly increasing from 3.1 ± 0.8 in the first to 72.5 ± 2.9% in the sixth instar. Parasetigena silvestris R.-D. dominated causing 48.7 ± 1.5% parasitism and 16.7 ± 0.6% larval mortality preferably in late instars. Phobocampe disparis Vier, contributed to 21.9 ± 1.2% parasitism and 7.5 ± 0.5% mortality recovering from early instar larvae. Meteorus pulchricornis Wes. parasitized 4.3 ± 0.6% gypsy moth larvae causing 1.5 ± 0.2% mortality and a few Apanteles species provided 2.8 ± 0.6% parasitism and 1.0 ± 0.2% mortality. The gypsy moth in Lithuania was reported to act as host for Rogas sp. (Hym., Braconidae) and Siphona boreata Mes. (Dipt., Tachinidae).
Activation of SIRT3 by the NAD+ Precursor Nicotinamide Riboside Protects from Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Intense noise exposure causes hearing loss by inducing degeneration of spiral ganglia neurites that innervate cochlear hair cells. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)) exhibits axon-protective effects in cultured neurons; however, its ability to block degeneration in vivo has been difficult to establish due to its poor cell permeability and serum instability. Here, we describe a strategy to increase cochlear NAD(+) levels in mice by administering nicotinamide riboside (NR), a recently described NAD(+) precursor. We find that administration of NR, even after noise exposure, prevents noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and spiral ganglia neurite degeneration. These effects are mediated by the NAD(+)-dependent mitochondrial sirtuin, SIRT3, since SIRT3-overexpressing mice are resistant to NIHL and SIRT3 deletion abrogates the protective effects of NR and expression of NAD(+) biosynthetic enzymes. These findings reveal that administration of NR activates a NAD(+)-SIRT3 pathway that reduces neurite degeneration caused by noise exposure.
First efficient chemosterilants against screw-worm flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae).

Male screw-worm flies, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel), sexually sterilized by bis(1-aziridinyl)-(hexahydro-1 H -azepin-1-yl)phosphine oxide, 1-[bis(1-aziridinyl) phosphinyl]-3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)urea, or γ-radiation, competed for mates about equally with normal males. Males sterilized by N,N' -tetramethylenebis(1-aziridinecarboxamide) surpassed normal or radiosterilized males in mating competitiveness by a factor of at least four.
Part 2. Crossover from Depletion Attraction to Adsorption: Polyethylene Glycol Induced Electrostatic Repulsion between Lipid Bilayers

Using the surface forces apparatus, we have measured the static and hydrodynamic forces between two substrate-supported lipid bilayers in water and semidilute, aqueous solutions of poly(ethylene gl...
Development of a computational method for the full solution of mhd flow in fusion blankets

An advanced numerical scheme based on the finite difference method is presented for the full solution of a steady, incompressible, viscous, and electrically conducting flow with relatively large Hartmann numbers and interaction parameters. The solution method solves the coupled Navier-Stokes and Maxwell's equations at a low magnetic Reynolds number, and focuses on predicting key performance parameters for the design of fusion liquid metal blankets. The computational algorithm includes the effects of advection and diffusion, and is intended as a full solution, which has the potential capability of treating unsteady flow and applicability to heat and mass transfer in MHD flows. The present method uses primitive variables (velocity and pressure) for hydrodynamic variables and the electric potential, and employs a finite volume approach with a staggered grid system for fast convergence and physical accuracy. A pressure equation of the Poisson type is used for pressure-velocity-potential coupling. Results for two-dimensional channel flows with a nonuniform magnetic field at a Hartmann number and an interaction parameter of about 10 3 are obtained. The extension of the present numerical scheme to a three-dimensional MHD flow has been carried out and some preliminary resutls of a straight duct flow with a rectangular cross-section are presented.
Temporal fluctuations in wave propagation in random media.

The effect of time-dependent fluctuations of a medium on the spectral intensity and intensity fluctuations of light scattered from the medium is discussed. In the case that the light is multiply scattered from the medium, it is possible in the diffusion approximation to relate the spectral intensity in the scattered wave to the angular-average structure factor of the medium. The relaxation time depends on the number of scattering events, i.e., on the lengths of the multiple-scattering paths, and the scattered intensity thus exhibits a broad range of relaxation times. The spectral intensity in coherent backscattering is also discussed.
Abstract A41: Hypoxia-dependent modification of collagen networks promotes sarcoma metastasis

Intratumoral hypoxia and expression of Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1α (HIF1α) correlate with metastasis and poor survival in sarcoma patients. We demonstrate here that hypoxia controls sarcoma metastasis through a novel mechanism wherein HIF1α enhances expression of the intracellular enzyme procollagen-lysine, 2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenase 2 (PLOD2). We show that loss of HIF1α or PLOD2 expression disrupts collagen modification, cell migration and pulmonary metastasis (but not primary tumor growth) in allograft and autochthonous LSL-KrasG12D/+; Trp53fl/fl murine sarcoma models. Biochemical analyses revealed that overexpression of HIF1α and PLOD2 in sarcoma cells alters collagen structure and organization. The increase in lysyl hydroxylation and concomitant loss of prolyl hydroxylation, promotes adherence of tumor cells, collagen-associated migration and tumor cell dissemination. Furthermore, ectopic PLOD2 expression restores migration and metastatic potential in HIF1α-deficient tumors, and analysis of human sarcomas reveal elevated HIF1α and PLOD2 expression in metastatic primary lesions. Pharmacological inhibition of PLOD enzymatic activity suppresses metastases. Collectively, these data indicate that HIF1α controls sarcoma metastasis through PLOD2-dependent collagen modification and organization in primary tumors. We conclude that PLOD2 is a novel therapeutic target in sarcomas and successful inhibition of this enzyme may reduce tumor cell dissemination. Citation Format: T.S. Karin Eisinger-Mathason, Minsi Zhang, Qiu Qiong, Nicolas Skuli, Michael S. Nakazawa, Tatiana Karakasheva, Vera Mucaj, Jessica E.S. Shay, Lars Stangenberg, Ellen Pure, Sam S. Yoon, David G. Kirsch, M. Celeste Simon. Hypoxia-dependent modification of collagen networks promotes sarcoma metastasis. [abstract]. In: Abstracts: AACR Special Conference on Cellular Heterogeneity in the Tumor Microenvironment; 2014 Feb 26-Mar 1; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(1 Suppl):Abstract nr A41. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.CHTME14-A41
Small-scale fluctuations in acoustic and physical properties in surficial carbonate sediments and their relationship to bioturbation

Measurements of physical and acoustic properties within the top 40 cm of sediment indicate that there are three classes of parameter variability relevant to acoustic bottom scattering at the Marquesas Keys and Dry Tortugas sites. The three classes of variability, spatially and temporally different in terms of scale, are generated by biological and physical processes acting on sediments. Interplay of bioturbation, trawling and storm events create fine laminations of sand–silt–clay and high gravel-size mollusk shell content at the Marquesas Keys site; the predominance of biological processes creates strong surficial gradients and lateral variability in sediment properties at the Dry Tortugas site.
Participatory Design of an Integrated Information System Design to Support Public Health Nurses and Nurse Managers

Objectives The objectives of the study were to use persona-driven and scenario-based design methods to create a conceptual information system design to support public health nursing. Design and Sample We enrolled 19 participants from two local health departments to conduct an information needs assessment, create a conceptual design, and conduct a preliminary design validation. Measures Interviews and thematic analysis were used to characterize information needs and solicit design recommendations from participants. Personas were constructed from participant background information, and scenario-based design was used to create a conceptual information system design. Two focus groups were conducted as a first iteration validation of information needs, personas, and scenarios. Results Eighty-nine information needs were identified. Two personas and 89 scenarios were created. Public health nurses and nurse managers confirmed the accuracy of information needs, personas, scenarios, and the perceived usefulness of proposed features of the conceptual design. Design artifacts were modified based on focus group results. Conclusion Persona-driven design and scenario-based design are feasible methods to design for common work activities in different local health departments. Public health nurses and nurse managers should be engaged in the design of systems that support their work.
Cross‐infection of chicks by airborne transmission of Salmonella enteritidis PT4

Airborne cross-infection by Salmonella enteritidis PT4 strains was demonstrated between sets of orally infected 1-d-old chicks and identical uninfected control chicks. Low numbers of Salm. enteritidis were detected in the air of the rooms housing the chicks. Sentinel mice within the rooms did not become infected. This study demonstrates that low levels of airborne Salm. enteritidis are a potential source of cross-infection in poultry houses.
Comparison of the PSC-17 and alternative mental health screens in an at-risk primary care sample.

Objective To validate the 17-item version of the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC-17) as a screen for common pediatric mental disorders in primary care. Method Patients were 269 children and adolescents (8-15 years old) whose parents completed the PSC-17 in primary care waiting rooms. Children were later assessed using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime version (K-SADS-PL). The PSC-17's subscales were compared with K-SADS-PL diagnoses and measures of anxiety, depression, general psychopathology, functioning, and impairment. Results In receiver operating characteristics analyses, the PSC-17 subscales performed as well as competing screens (Child Depression Inventory, the parent and child Screens for Child Anxiety-Related Disorders) and Child Behavior Checklist subscales (Aggressive, Anxious-Depressed, Attention, Externalizing, Internalizing, and Total) in predicting diagnoses of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, externalizing disorders, and depression (area under the curve > or =0.80). The instrument was less successful with anxiety (area under the curve = 0.68). None of the screens were highly sensitive, many were insensitive, and all would have low positive predictive value in low-risk primary care populations. Conclusions The PSC-17 and its subscales are briefer than alternative questionnaires, but performed as well as those instruments in detecting common mental disorders in primary care. Continued research is needed to develop brief yet sensitive assessment instruments appropriate for primary care.
Short-term storage in reading.

Five studies were carried out to analyze the role of short-term storage in the reading of organized text. In the studies the subject's reading was interrupted with a distractor task to remove the information the subject was carrying in short-term storage. The effect of the interruption was to slow down subsequent reading. The first study demonstrated that the interruption effect did not depend on a shift from one cognitive operation to another. The study also showed that the effect appeared only with organized text, not with sequences of unrelated sentences. The second study indicated that the interruption effect could not be countered by giving the subject general, thematic information. It was likely therefore that general, thematic information was not the critical factor carried forward in short-term storage. The third study showed that the interruption effect could be countered by giving the subject the last one or two sentences that preceded the interruption. Evidence is presented that these sentences, probably their surface form, are needed to handle the anaphora demands of the following sentences. Further evidence in support of the last point was furnished by the fourth and fifth experiments.
A communication-aware framework for parallel spatially explicit agent-based models

Parallel spatially explicit agent-based models SE-ABM exploit high-performance and parallel computing to simulate spatial dynamics of complex geographic systems. The integration of parallel SE-ABM with CyberGIS could facilitate straightforward access to massive computational resources and geographic information systems to support pre-and post-simulation analysis and visualization. However, to benefit from CyberGIS integration, parallel SE-ABM must overcome the challenge of communication management for orchestrating many processor cores in parallel computing environments. This paper examines and addresses this challenge by describing a generic framework for the management of inter-processor communication to enable parallel SE-ABM to scale to high-performance parallel computers. The framework synthesizes four interrelated components: agent grouping, rectilinear domain decomposition, a communication-aware load-balancing strategy, and entity proxies. The results of a series of computational experiments based on a template agent-based model demonstrate that parallel computational efficiency diminishes as inter-processor communication increases, particularly when scaling a fixed-size model to thousands of processor cores. Therefore, effective communication management is crucial. The communication framework is shown to efficiently scale up to 2048 cores, demonstrating its ability to effectively scale to thousands of processor cores to support the simulation of billions of agents. In a simulated scenario, the communication-aware load-balancer reduced both overall simulation time and communication percentage improving overall computational efficiency. By examining and addressing inter-processor communication challenges, this research enables parallel SE-ABM to efficiently use high-performance computing resources, which reduces the barriers for synergistic integration with CyberGIS.
Light scattering by textured transparent electrodes for thin-film silicon solar cells

Abstract A model is presented to quantify key surface characteristics and simulate light scattering by textured transparent conducting oxides—an important class of materials for thin-film silicon (Si) solar cells. The characterization routine is solely based on the atomic force microscopy (AFM) height-encoded data and eliminates the need for time-consuming measurements of angle resolved scattering (ARS) and spectrally resolved scattering (SRS) of light. The presented method is intended for fast and precise inline monitoring of textured transparent electrodes for superstrate thin-film single- and tandem-junction Si solar cells in the production environment. Root-mean-square roughness, mean inclination angle and a fit parameter of three-dimensional Fast Fourier Transform (3D FFT) with the information on spatial feature distribution can be routinely measured with a high precision from a single AFM scan and are used to simulate both ARS and SRS dependencies. The model explains the observed difference in peak position and width of the ARS of surfaces with different morphologies. Special focus is on chemically textured aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO). Results on traditional monolithic AZO and new multi-layer stack designs are presented. The effect of an ‘insertion’ layer on light scattering properties and 3D FFT ‘fingerprints’ is also discussed.
Possible applications of channeling of high energy particles in single crystals

Abstract Various possible applications of channeling at high energies are outlined and referenced. These include mass-tagging by channeling radiation; beam-steering using bent crystals; measuring magnetic moments of charmed particles; determining particle lifetimes by blocking technique.
Primary laparoscopic repair of high imperforate anus in neonatal males

Abstract Purpose The standard approach to males with high imperforate anus has been a staged procedure starting with a descending colostomy, then posterior sagittal anorectoplasty with colostomy closure after 3 months. Recently, a minimally invasive approach to the repair of high imperforate anus has been described in infants after colostomy. We describe 6 newborn males with high imperforate anus successfully repaired laparoscopically as a primary, single-stage procedure. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients with imperforate anus from October 2003 to October 2006. Results We evaluated 9 newborn males with high imperforate anus. Of these patients, 6 underwent primary laparoscopic repair on day 1 to day 2 of life. Of these 6 patients, 3 were found to have bladder neck fistulas, whereas the other 3 had prostatic urethra fistulas. All patients passed stool within the first 72 hours postoperatively. One patient has required a procedure for a mild rectal prolapse. Follow-up ranges from 2 to 30 months in the single-stage group. Conclusion Our early results using primary laparoscopic repair appear encouraging. Laparoscopy allows excellent visualization and assessment of the fistula and repair of high imperforate anus without need for colostomy. Long-term follow-up will be needed to assess outcomes and continence rates.
Discussion on “Optimal Sequential Surveillance for Finance, Public Health, and Other Areas” by Marianne Frisén

Abstract The article by Marianne Frisen has outlined extensive areas of surveillance problems that can be monitored by optimal and adhoc statistical procedures. Some of the application areas are quite interesting, with careful descriptions of available statistical techniques that are often used in practice. Some remarks are made on CUSUM procedure initiated by Page (1954, Biometrika, 41: 110–115). These remarks are essentially complementary reflections about the univariate and multivariate CUSUMs.
A comprehensive chatter prediction model for face turning operation including tool wear effect

This paper presents a three-dimensional mechanistic frequency domain chatter model for face turning processes, that can account for the effects of tool wear including process damping. New formulations are presented to model the variation in process damping forces along nonlinear tool geometries such as the nose radius. The underlying dynamic force model simulates the variation in the chip cross-sectional area by accounting for the displacements in the axial and radial directions. The model can be used to determine stability boundaries under various cutting conditions and different states of flank wear. Experimental results for different amounts of wear are provided as a validation for the model.
Progressive specialization within general surgery: adding to the complexity of workforce planning.

Background Although most general surgeons receive comparable training leading to Board certification, the services they provide in practice may be highly variable. Progressive specialization is the voluntary narrowing of scope of practice from the breadth of skills acquired during training; it occurs in response to patient demand, rapid growth of medical knowledge, and personal factors. Progressive specialization is increasingly linked to fellowship training, which generally abruptly narrows a surgeon's scope of practice. This study examines progressive specialization by evaluating trends in fellowship training among general surgeons. Study design Because no database exists that tracks trainees from medical school matriculation through entrance into the workforce, data from multiple sources were compiled to assess the impact of progressive specialization. Trends in overall number of trainees, match rates, and proportion of international medical graduates were analyzed. Results The proportion of general surgeons pursuing fellowship training has increased from > 55% to > 70% since 1992. The introduction of fellowship opportunities in newer content areas, such as breast surgery and minimally invasive surgery, accounts for some of the increase. Meanwhile, interest in more traditional subspecialties (ie, thoracic and vascular surgery) is declining. Conclusions Progressive specialization confounds workforce projections. Available databases provide only an estimate of the extent of progressive specialization. When surgeons complete fellowships, they narrow the spectrum of services provided. Consequently, as the phenomenon of progressive specialization evolves, a larger surgical workforce will be needed to provide the breadth of services encompassed by the primary components of general surgery.
Challenges and strengths among Chafee Education and Training Voucher eligible youth: The rural service providers' perspective

Abstract This paper explores service providers' perspectives on youth-related factors that impact the utilization of the Chafee Educational and Training Voucher (ETV) Program in three relatively rural states. Findings derived from mail surveys (N = 105) and in-depth interviews (N = 17) with child welfare and educational service providers highlight challenges and innovations found in working with Chafee ETV eligible youth. Implications for practice include the need to improve service delivery for rural youth transitioning to post-secondary education in the following areas: connecting with youth who are initially reluctant to stay linked to the child welfare system; addressing possible gaps in emotional or social supports; and providing concrete services like housing, transportation, and health care.
Translating Data from Animal Models into Methods for Preventing Human Autoimmune Diabetes Mellitus: Caveat Emptor and Primum non Nocere

Type 1 diabetes in humans is a serious autoimmune disorder of children that is still poorly understood, unpreventable, and irreversible. Study of its animal models, notably the NOD mouse and BB rat, has generated a wealth of information concerning genetics and immunopathogenesis, but that information has still not altered the way in which we treat children with diabetes. In this review we attempt to identify the most promising avenues of continuing research in these models and the most important issues that must be faced by the designers of human therapies based on the animal dataset.
Infrared Spectroscopy to Measure Collagen and Elastin in Aorta Using Multivariate Analysis

Pathological changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) occur in the context of abdominal aortic aneurysm disease. The objective of this study is to assess the capability of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to differentiate major aorta ECM components. Two partial least squares (PLS) models were developed using mixtures of matrix components in potassium bromide pellets. In the first model collagen and elastin powders were mixed in varying percentages. In the second model, pig aorta specimens were selectively degraded by enzymatic treatment of either collagen or elastin and used to prepare pellets. The results of the PLS model showed the ability of FTIR methodology for differentiation of elastin and collagen. These results lay the foundation for application of the methodology to assess the progression of AAA pathology.
Medical image segmentation: Automated design of border detection criteria from examples

This paper provides examples of several medical image analysis applications for which single-purpose border detection ap- proaches were developed in the past. However, the utility of these and other existing automated and semiautomated medical image analysis systems is limited by their narrow, frequently single- purpose orientation. After a general approach to graph-based opti- mal border detection is overviewed, a new method for design of image segmentation systems is reported, in which the criterion of optimality is automatically determined by learning from border trac- ing examples. Border features employed in the designed method are selected from a predefined global set using radial-basis neural networks. The method was validated in intracardiac, intravascular, and ovarian ultrasound images. The achieved performance was comparable to that of our previously reported single-purpose border detection methods. Our approach facilitates development of general multi-purpose image segmentation systems that can be trained for different types of image segmentation applications. © 1999 SPIE and IS&T. (S1017-9909(99)01201-5)
THE DIGITAL RHEOPLETHYSMOGRAM IN COMPLETE HEART BLOCK IN MAN.

Abstract The digital circulation in patients with complete heart block falls into two welldefined patterns. In one group of patients (Group A), the digital venous system is “tight”, so that relatively little blood flows into the digit during systole, and no blood flows into the digit during diastole. In the other group (Group B), the digital venous system is relatively “loose”, so that blood flows into the digit during both systole and diastole. In the latter type the volume of inflow during systole may be so great that the collecting vessels become overdistended and the curve of inflow volume “levels off” during diastole. The two patterns described for the digital circulation in patients with complete heart block mirrored the clinical state. Patients in Group A were symptomatic, whereas those in Group B were essentially asymptomatic. Although a few patients in Group B complained of shortness of breath on exertion, and one patient had angina pectoris, no patient in Group B suffered from Adams-Stokes attacks.
The Apprentice Pathways to the Principalship and Student Achievement

Background: Nascent empirical research demonstrates the sizable impacts of principals on student achievement. More research is needed on the pathways to the principalship and how principals’ charac...
The extent of cardiac myosin binding protein-C phosphorylation modulates actomyosin function in a graded manner

Cardiac myosin binding protein-C (cMyBP-C), a sarcomeric protein with 11 domains, C0–C10, binds to the myosin rod via its C-terminus, while its N-terminus binds regions of the myosin head and actin. These N-terminal interactions can be attenuated by phosphorylation of serines in the C1–C2 motif linker. Within the sarcomere, cMyBP-C exists in a range of phosphorylation states, which may affect its ability to regulate actomyosin motion generation. To examine the functional importance of partial phosphorylation, we bacterially expressed N-terminal fragments of cMyBP-C (domains C0–C3) with three of its phosphorylatable serines (S273, S282, and S302) mutated in combinations to either aspartic acids or alanines, mimicking phosphorylation and dephosphorylation respectively. The effect of these C0–C3 constructs on actomyosin motility was characterized in both the unloaded in vitro motility assay and in the load-clamped laser trap assay where force:velocity (F:V) relations were obtained. In the motility assay, phosphomimetic replacement (i.e. aspartic acid) reduced the slowing of actin velocity observed in the presence of C0–C3 in proportion to the total number phosphomimetic replacements. Under load, C0–C3 depressed the F:V relationship without any effect on maximal force. Phosphomimetic replacement reversed the depression of F:V by C0–C3 in a graded manner with respect to the total number of replacements. Interestingly, the effect of C0–C3 on F:V was well fitted by a model that assumed C0–C3 acts as an effective viscous load against which myosin must operate. This study suggests that increasing phosphorylation of cMyBP-C incrementally reduces its modulation of actomyosin motion generation providing a tunable mechanism to regulate cardiac function.
A Coastal Transect of McMurdo Dry Valleys (Antarctica) Snow and Firn: Marine and Terrestrial Influences on Glaciochemistry

Samples of snow and firn from accumulation zones on Clark, Commonwealth, Blue and Victoria Upper Glaciers in the McMurdo Dry Valleys (� 77-788 S, 161-1648 E), Antarctica, are evaluated chemically and isotopically to determine the relative importance of local (site-specific) factors vs regional-scale influences in defining glaciochemistry. Spatial variation in snow and firn chemistry confirms documented trends within individual valleys regarding major-ion deposition relative to elevation and to distance from the coast. Sodium and methylsulfonate (MS - ), for example, follow a decreasing gradient with distance from the coast along the axis of Victoria Valley (350-119 gL -1 for Na + ; 33-14 gL -1 for MS - ); a similar pattern exists between Commonwealth and Newall Glaciers in the Asgaard Range. When comparing major-ion concentrations (e.g. Na + ,M S - ,C a 2+ ) or trace metals (e.g. Al, Fe) among different valleys, however, site-specific exposures to marine and local terrestrial chemical sources play a dominant role. Because chemical signals at all sites respond to particulates with varying mixtures of marine and terrestrial sources, each of these influences on site glaciochemistry must be considered when drawing temporal climate inferences on regional scales.
Rapid induction of specific associative behavioral memory by stimulation of the nucleus basalis in the rat.

Hypothesized circuitry enabling behavioral memory formation can be tested by its direct activation in the absence of normal experience. Neuromodulation via the cortical release of acetylcholine by the nucleus basalis (NB) is hypothesized to be sufficient to induce specific, associative behavioral memory. Previously, we found that tone paired with stimulation of the nucleus basalis (NBs) for 3000 trials over 15 days induced such memory, supporting the hypothesis. However, as standard associative memory can be established much more rapidly, we asked whether NB-induced memory develops rapidly. Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats, trained and tested in the same calm, waking state, were divided into Paired (n = 5) and control (n = 4) groups, each of which received a single session of 200 trials of an 8.0 kHz conditioned stimulus (CS) either paired with NBs or with unpaired presentation of NBs. Respiration, cardiac activity, and evoked potentials in the primary auditory cortex (ACx) were recorded. Memory and its degree of specificity were assessed 24 h later by presenting tones of various frequencies (1–15 kHz) in the absence of NBs to yield behavioral frequency generalization gradients. Behavioral responses to test tones consisted of interruption of ongoing respiration and changes in heart rate. Post-training behavioral generalization gradients exhibited response peaks centered on the CS frequency for the Paired group alone. Tone evoked potentials from the ACx also developed CS-specific plasticity. The findings indicate that NB induction of specific behavioral associative memory, like normal memory, can develop rapidly and is accompanied by specific cortical plasticity, supporting the view that NB engagement during normal learning produces memory.
Phase Transfer Catalyzed Melt Synthesis of Diaryl Sulfides

Abstract The phase transfer catalyzed interaction of sodium sulfide with molten aryl halides is described. The yields of diaryl sulfide are greater than 50% when activating groups such as cyano, nitro, phthalimido, and anhydrido are present on the aromatic ring. In the absence of these activating groups the yields are less than 2%. The effect of parameters such as reaction temperature, reactant concentration and the nature of the phase transfer catalyst on the reaction yields are also reported. This procedure is especially useful for activated substrates that are sensitive to side reactions in dipolar aprotic solvents.
Breast Tissue Differentiation Using Arterial Spin Tagging

An arterial spin tagging (AST) pulse sequence has been developed to measure T1 and relative blood perfusion. This full sequence is composed of three sequences: selective tagging, nonselective tagging, and nontagging. Perfusion quantification error resulting from imperfect inversion and acquisition slice profiles has been addressed in the literature. In this work, the error is reduced through the application of optimized Shinnar-Le Roux (SLR) RF pulses and a semi-log linear regression data-processing technique. A threshold approach based on the breast tissue T1 and relative blood perfusion is introduced to show that these two parameters can be applied to breast tissue differentiation and potentially to cancer detection. Magn Reson Med 50:966 –975, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. An arterial spin tagging (AST) pulse sequence has been developed to measure T1 and relative blood perfusion. These two parameters are used as the primary factors in the proposed technique for breast tissue differentiation. Perfusion quantification errors resulting from imperfect inversion and acquisition slice profiles are reduced through the application of optimized Shinnar-Le Roux (SLR) RF pulses and a semi-log linear regression dataprocessing technique (1– 6). Malignant tumors induce high-level angiogenesis, resulting in increased vascularity (7). The rapid growth of malignant tumors suggests that they have high metabolic rates and thus require an increased supply of nutrients and oxygen, as well as increased effort to remove waste materials. Therefore, higher blood perfusion and blood volume percentage in malignant tumors are expected (8 –10). High water content leads to a long MR spin-lattice relaxation time (T1). Therefore, T1 and relative blood perfusion are two important factors that can be used in determining breast cancer malignancy. The proposed method for distinguishing between normal and abnormal tissues is based on the expectation that malignant tumors have a higher water content than normal tissues, and higher perfusion than both normal tissues and benign lesions.
British Petroleum and Global Oil, 1950–1957: The Challenge of Nationalism . By James Bamberg. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000. Pp. xxviii, 637. $130.00, cloth; $39.95, paper.

Although scholars have written many good corporate histories, few of these have been good books. History at its best requires an analytical clarity seldom found in traditional corporate history, where all too often the comprehensive coverage of a company's operations over a long period of time overwhelms the narrative focus. James Bamberg's new volume on the history of British Petroleum (BP) is an exception to the rule. Organized around a common theme, and covering a relatively short and cohesive era in which BP studied played a significant role in world history, it is at once an excellent corporate history and a good book.
Sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma: impact of differentiation status on response and outcome

Background The impact of tumor differentiation on the behavior and response of sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma is unknown.