cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calculating egg volume when shape differs: when are equations appropriate?

ABSTRACT Egg volume is often calculated from length and breadth, assuming little variation in egg shape within species. However, egg shape may vary among females, over time, or within clutches. If this variation is not predictable, volume should be estimated using another method. For example, in some species, egg shape changes consistently with laying order and volume can be estimated using laying-order specific equations. We measured the length, breadth, volume, and mass of 249 Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) eggs and regressed volume on length and breadth for first and second eggs separately. Differences between measured and calculated volume averaged 0.05) in 19 of 24 yr; when they differed, the second egg was larger. In contrast, using single equations typically employed to compute egg volume, we erroneously concluded that first eggs were usually (20 of 24 yr) significantly larger than second eggs. Our regression equations should be applicable to other Spheniscus penguins because ratios of elongation coefficients (length divided by breadth) of first and second eggs are similar among these species. In other species of birds where egg shape changes with laying order, the volume of a sample of eggs should be measured to develop regression equations specific to the species and laying order. Slight variation in egg volume can have important evolutionary and ecological implications that would be erroneously interpreted without field tests to measure volume.
Seizure outcomes following multilobar epilepsy surgery.

SUMMARY Purpose: Outcomes following unilobar surgeries for refractory epilepsy have been well described. However, little is known about long-term seizure outcomes following multilobar resections. The aim of the current study was to identify long-term seizure control and predictors of seizure recurrence in this patient population. Methods: Records of patients who underwent multilobar epilepsy surgery at the Cleveland Clinic between 1994 and 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. A postoperative follow-up of at least 6 months was required. Patients were classified as seizure free if they achieved an Engel class I at last follow-up. Long-term chances of seizure freedom were illustrated using a survival analysis, and predictors of recurrence were identified using Cox proportional hazard modeling. Key Findings: Sixty-three patients with medically intractable epilepsy underwent multilobar surgical resections during the study period (mean follow-up of 4.6 years). Predominant resection types included extended occipital (temporoparietooccipital, parietooccipital, temporooccipital: 57%), frontotemporal (21%), and temporoparietal (17%). Mean age at surgery was 21.4 years and mean age at seizure onset was 10.1 years. Fifty-six percent of the patients underwent extraoperative invasive electroencephalography (EEG) evaluations. At 6 postoperative months, 71% (95% confidence interval (CI) 65‐77) were seizure-free (SF), 64% (CI 58‐70) were SF at 1 year, 52% (CI 46‐59) were SF at 5 years, and 41% (CI 32‐50) remained SF at 10 years. Forty-one patients had at least one breakthrough seizure after surgery (median timing of recurrence 6.1 months), with an Engel class 1 achieved again by last follow-up in 12 of these 41 cases. Nine patients required a reoperation. Patients who underwent extended occipital/posterior quadrant resections had more favorable outcomes as compared to the other groups. With multivariate analysis, the type of resection (p = 0.03), preoperative auras (p = 0.03), an incomplete resection (0.03), and the presence of postoperative spikes (p = 0.0003) correlated with seizure recurrence. The risk of seizure recurrence for an incomplete resection was 2.3 (CI 1.53‐3.36), preoperative aura 2.3 (CI 1.34‐3.87), and postoperative spikes on surface EEG 2.5 (CI 1.29‐4.71). Significance: A favorable outcome can be achieved in 41% of patients undergoing multilobar resections for epilepsy surgery at 10 years of follow-up. Close to one-third of patients who have breakthrough seizures after surgery are able to regain seizure freedom by last follow-up. Predictors of recurrence include resection type (frontotemporal and parietotemporal resections did worse), presence of preoperative aura, an incomplete surgical resection, and the presence of postoperative interictal discharges on EEG.
Dietary supplementation with pectin and guar gum on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colon carcinogenesis in rats

The effect of dietary supplementation with pectin and/or guar gum on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon carcinogenesis was studied using 120 male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were given a weekly injection of DMH for 8 weeks and were maintained on a basal fiber-free diet supplemented with 5% cellulose. The rats were then subdivided into four groups and kept on the basal fiber-free diet supplemented with either no fiber, 10% pectin, 10% guar gum or a combination of 5% pectin/5% guar gum for a period of 24 weeks. The 8 weeks of DMH administration were defined as the initiation stage of carcinogenesis and the next 24 weeks were defined as the promotional stage of carcinogenesis. Food and water were available ad libitum. The rats were killed 32 weeks after the start of the experiment and tumor incidence, location and frequency in the colon were determined. Other parameters measured were body weight and caloric intake. Dietary fiber supplementation with 10% pectin or with 10% guar gum but not with the combination of 5% pectin/5% guar gum (fed during the promotional stage of carcinogenesis), was found to suppress colon cancer incidence to a significant extent.
SPINS OF CERTAIN SHORT-LIVED Cu AND Ag ISOTOPES

Spins of several short-lived isotopes of Cu and Ag have been measured by the atomic-beam method. Spin values are as follows: ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{60}$, $I=2$; ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{61}$, $I=\frac{3}{2}$; 27-minute ${\mathrm{Ag}}^{104}$, $I=2$; 24-minute ${\mathrm{Ag}}^{106}$, $I=1$; and $I=2$ for a 1.2-hr Ag activity, the identity of which is not certain, but which may be attributed to ${\mathrm{Ag}}^{102}$ or ${\mathrm{Ag}}^{104}$.
Peptide-specific transfer of N-acetylgalactosamine to O-linked glycans by the glycosyltransferases β1,4-N-acetylgalactosaminyl transferase 3 (β4GalNAc-T3) and β4GalNAc-T4.

N- and O-linked oligosaccharides on pro-opiomelanocortin both bear the unique terminal sequence SO4-4-GalNAcβ1,4GlcNAcβ. We previously demonstrated that protein-specific transfer of GalNAc to N-linked oligosaccharides on glycoprotein substrates is dependent on the presence of both an oligosaccharide acceptor and a peptide recognition motif consisting of a cluster of basic amino acids. We characterized how two β1,4-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferases, β4GalNAc-T3 and β4GalNAc-T4, require the presence of both the peptide recognition motif and the N-linked oligosaccharide acceptors to transfer GalNAc in β1,4-linkage to GlcNAc in vivo and in vitro. We now show that β4GalNAc-T3 and β4GalNAc-T4 are able to utilize the same peptide motif to selectively add GalNAc to β1,6-linked GlcNAc in core 2 O-linked oligosaccharide structures to form Galβ1,3(GalNAcβ1,4GlcNAcβ1,6)GalNAcαSer/Thr. The β1,4-linked GalNAc can be further modified with 4-linked sulfate by either GalNAc-4-sulfotransferase 1 (GalNAc-4-ST1) (CHST8) or GalNAc-4-ST2 (CHST9) or with α2,6-linked N-acetylneuraminic acid by α2,6-sialyltransferase 1 (ST6Gal1), thus generating a family of unique GalNAcβ1,4GlcNAcβ (LacdiNAc)-containing structures on specific glycoproteins.
Fijian Water in Fiji and New York: Local Politics and a Global Commodity

In this article, I construct a transnational biography of Fijian water to discuss local politics of production and consumption of a now global commodity. I argue that a dialogical process has now complexly connected the cultural and national politics of the site of production, Fiji, to varied but now orchestrated cultural politics of myriad localities of consumption, here with a focus on upper New York state. Technological and transactional connections, however, do not translate into shared meanings or motives. Fijian Water as corporately purveyed invites a particularly U.S. kind of consumption—simultaneous commodity fetishism and appropriation—with roots in other U.S. political and body practices of consuming, inhabiting, and self-transforming.
Long-chain acyl-CoA synthetases and fatty acid channeling

Thirteen homologous proteins comprise the long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase (ACSL), fatty acid transport protein (FATP), and bubblegum (ACSBG) subfamilies that activate long-chain and very-long-chain fatty acids to form acyl-CoAs. Gain- and loss-of-function studies show marked differences in the ability of these enzymes to channel fatty acids into different pathways of complex lipid synthesis. Furthermore, the ability of the ACSLs and FATPs to enhance cellular FA uptake does not always require these proteins to be present on the plasma membrane; instead, fatty acid uptake can be increased by enhancing its conversion to acyl-CoA and its metabolism in downstream pathways. Since altered fatty acid metabolism is a hallmark of numerous metabolic diseases and pathological conditions, the ACSL, FATP and ACSBG isoforms are likely to play important roles in disease etiology.
Existence problems in philosophy and science

We initially characterize what we’ll call existence problems as problems where there is evidence that a putative entity exists and this evidence is not easily dismissed; however, the evidence is not adequate to justify the claim that the entity exists, and in particular the entity hasn’t been detected. The putative entity is elusive. We then offer a strategy for determining whether an existence problem is philosophical or scientific. According to this strategy (1) existence problems are characterized in terms of causal roles, and (2) these problems are categorized as scientific or philosophical on the basis of the epistemic context of putative realizers. We argue that the first step of the strategy is necessary to avoid begging the question with regard to categorization of existence problems, and the second step categorizes existence problems on the basis of a distinction between two ways in which an entity can be elusive. This distinction between kinds of elusiveness takes as background a standard account of inference to the best explanation. Applying this strategy, we argue that the existence of a multiverse is a scientific problem.
Evaluation of nonfeed removal methods for molting programs

An experiment was conducted using 336 White Leghorn hens (60 wk of age) randomly assigned to one of four treatments that consisted of feed removal for 4 or 10 d or no feed removal with ad libitum access to 95% corn or 95% wheat middlings molt diets that contained supplemental minerals and vitamins. At the end of the 4- or 10-d feed removal period, hens on these treatments were provided with the corn molt diet for 24 or 18 d, respectively. Hens on the corn or wheat middlings treatments were fed the diets for 28 d. At d 28, hens on all treatments were fed a corn-soybean meal (16% CP) layer diet for 40 wk (64 to 104 wk of age). Both feed removal and the wheat middlings treatments resulted in total cessation of egg production within 8 d. Egg production of hens fed the corn molt diet had decreased to 3% by d 28. Body weight loss for hens fed the corn or wheat middlings diet was approximately 15 and 8% at d 28, respectively. Hens fed the wheat middlings diet returned to production slightly faster than hens on the other treatments. Postmolt egg production and egg mass (wk 5 to 44) were generally higher for the wheat middlings and 10-d feed removal treatments than for the corn or 4-d feed removal treatments. There were no consistent differences in mortality, egg weight, egg specific gravity, feed efficiency, and layer feed consumption among treatments. This research indicates that diets with high corn or wheat middlings, particularly wheat middlings, are effective nonfeed removal methods for molting hens.
Identifying across-system sources of variation in a generalist freshwater fish: correlates of total and size-specific abundance of yellow perch

Abstract – Variation in fish abundance across systems presents a challenge to our understanding of fish populations because it limits our ability to predict and transfer basic ecological principles to applied problems. Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) is an ideal species for exploring environmental and biotic correlates across system because it is widely distributed and physiologically tolerant. In 16 small, adjacent systems that span a wide range of environmental and biotic conditions, yellow perch were sampled with a standard suite of gear. Water quality, morphometry, vegetation, invertebrates and fish communities were concurrently measured. Multimodel inference was used to prioritise regressors for the entire yellow perch sample and three size groups (35–80, 81–180, ≥181 mm TL). Across systems, pH and fish richness were identified as the key drivers of yellow perch abundance. At very low pH ( 4.8) had many other species and few yellow perch. Similar patterns for pH and fish community were observed for the two largest-size classes. Negative interactions were observed between the medium- and large-sized yellow perch and between the largest and smallest yellow perch, although interspecific interactions were weaker than expected. This examination of variability for an indicator species and its component-size classes provides ecological understanding that can help frame the larger-scale sampling programs needed for the conservation of freshwater fish.
Inconsistencies in U.S. GAAP: Accounting for Executory Contracts

This instructional case provides four different scenarios that illustrate the inconsistent treatment of various executory contracts under current generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The purpose of the case is threefold. First, it provides students an opportunity to use the Financial Accounting Research System (FARS) to resolve several accounting issues related to long‐term executory contracts. Familiarity with FARS is essential, both for “real‐world” use when students enter the accounting profession and for success on the computerized CPA exam, which includes case research. Second, as the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) attempts to move toward principles‐based standards (as opposed to rules‐based standards), the case provides students an opportunity to observe that GAAP seems to be rules‐based and theoretically inconsistent in the case of executory contracts. Third, the case can be used as a premise for discussing the standard‐setting process and exploring differences between the ...
Social Support and Acculturation in Chinese International Students

This study investigated the effects of social support on acculturation and acculturative stress in Chinese international students. A consensual qualitative research method analysis was performed on data gathered from semistructured interviews with 8 Chinese international students. Results indicated that the students experienced differences between their pre- and postsojourn perceptions of the United States, encountered various forms of acculturative stress, and sought support from multiple sources. Study implications, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed. Este estudio investigo los efectos del apoyo social sobre la aculturacion y el estres aculturativo en estudiantes internacionales chinos. Se realizo un analisis consensuado de investigacion cualitativa sobre datos recopilados de entrevistas semiestructuradas con 8 estudiantes internacionales chinos. Los resultados indicaron que los estudiantes experimentaron diferencias entre sus percepciones de los Estados Unidos anteriores y posteriores a su estancia, se encontraron con varias formas de estres aculturativo y buscaron apoyo en multiples fuentes. Se discuten las implicaciones, limitaciones y direcciones para investigaciones futuras.
Force templates: a blueprint for coalition interaction within an infosphere

Emerging architectures, such as the Joint Battlespace Infosphere, leverage Web and e-commerce technologies to streamline command, control and intelligence operations. Force templates provide a mechanism for seamlessly integrating diverse coalition forces into these new information systems.
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit mRNA expression and channel function in medial habenula neurons.

Abstract Relationships between nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) channel function and nAChR subunit mRNA expression were explored in acutely isolated rat medial habenula (MHb) neurons using a combination of whole-cell recording and single cell RT–PCR techniques. Following amplification using subunit-specific primers, subunits could be categorized in one of three ways: (i) present in 95–100% cells: α3, α4, α5, β2 and β4; (ii) never present: α2; and (iii) sometimes present (≈40% cells): α6, α7 and β3. These data imply that α2 subunits do not participate in nAChRs on MHb cells, that α6, α7 and β3 subunits are not necessary for functional channels but may contribute in some cells, and that nAChRs may require combinations of all or subsets of α3, α4, α5, β2 and β4 subunits. Little difference in the patterns of subunit expression between nicotine-sensitive and insensitive cells were revealed based on this qualitative analysis, implying that gene transcription per se may be an insufficient determinant of nAChR channel function. Normalization of nAChR subunit levels to the amount of actin mRNA, however, revealed that cells with functional channels were associated with high levels (>0.78 relative to actin; 11/12 cells) of all of the category (i) subunits: α3, α4, α5, β2 and β4. Conversely, one or more of these subunits was always low (
Modeling Deuterated Glucose Labeling of T-lymphocytes

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infects cells of the immune system and leads to depletion of CD4+ T cells, and to an increase of CD8+ T-lymphocytes. However, not much is known about the dynamics of turnover (proliferation and death) of the CD4+ and CD8+ T cell populations in HIV-infected and healthy individuals. A new experimental technique has been developed using deuterated-glucose labeling that provides information on cell turnover in vivo. However, the quantitative interpretation of the data requires the development of specific dynamic models. In this paper we derive two models, a simple one-compartment model and a more complex two-compartment model. These models allow for robust quantification of death and proliferation rates, but careful consideration of the system is necessary to understand what is being measured in each case. We demonstrate that more realistic models can account not only for differences in the turnover rates between HIV-infected and healthy individuals, but also take into consideration the elevated state of activation in HIV infection. The use of these models in the interpretation of the experimental data will increase our knowledge of T cell dynamics in the context of HIV infection.
Bridge structure PZT thin film microtransducer with mass loading

We report on a bridge structure PZT [Pb(ZrxTi1- x)O3] thin film microtransducer with proof mass that has been fabricated successfully at the Microtechnology Laboratory (MTL) of the University of Minnesota. The bridge microtransducer is made on silicon wafer using bulk micromachining of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and special techniques for deposition of a PZT thin film. The bridge is 300 micrometers wide, 1000 micrometers long, and a few micrometers thick. A proof mass made from the silicon wafer is loaded under the bridge at the central region, its area is 300 X 300 square micrometers and its thickness is 475 micrometers (same as the wafer). Used as an accelerometer, the microtransducer is calibrated using a Vibration Test Systems (VTS), which is a commercial accelerometer calibration instrument. The sensitivity of the microtransducer is constant over the range of frequencies from zero to 10 kHz, 240(mu) V/g at 0.5g with a dc bias voltage of 0.2 volts and a deviation of 5%. The Brownian thermal noise equivalent acceleration is 9.072(mu) g/(root)Hz. Design of a bridge structure with mass loading is modeled using ANSYS. Simulation analysis shows that the fundamental natural frequency of the microtransducer is 11.352 kHz, which is close to the measured resonant frequency of 12.28 kHz.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Voting and political information gathering on paper and online

Electronic voting is slowly making its way into American politics. At the same time, more voters and potential voters are using online news and political information sources to help them make voting choices. We conducted a mock-voting study, using real candidates, issues, and campaign materials. Political information was browsed either online or on paper, and participants marked electronic ballots either while they browsed or later, in a separate step. Our initial data shows that voters prefer electronic browsing although they are no faster or slower with paper materials. Voters felt that they understood the issues best when they voted during browsing, and they felt most confident about their decisions when they studied electronic campaign materials alongside an active electronic ballot.
Magnetic fields elicited by a tone onset time continuum in humans

Abstract Event-related Fields (ERFs) were recorded in eleven normal volunteers in response to four two-tone stimuli selected from a tone onset time (TOT) continuum. The latter has been used extensively in the past as an analog of voice onset-time, an important cue for making voicing distinctions (e.g., |pa| versus |ba|). TOT values ranged from 0 to 60 ms in 20-ms steps. Three components of the ERF (P50m, N1m, and P2m) in the hemisphere contralateral to the stimulated ear were analyzed. The most significant finding was an abrupt reduction in the peak field amplitude of N1m (bilaterally) as TOT values increased from +20 to +40 ms. No systematic differences were noted between the 0 and +20 ms stimuli or between the +40 and +60 ms tokens. On the other hand, peak component latencies rose steadily with increasing TOT values. The discontinuity in the change of peak RMS as a function of TOT is in close agreement with behavioral evidence of categorical perception of similar non-speech as well as speech stimuli.
Long-term results of radiation prophylaxis for heterotopic ossification in the temporomandibular joint.

Purpose To assess the long-term efficacy and toxicity of radiation therapy (RT) for postoperative prophylaxis of recurrent heterotopic ossification (HO) in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Patients and Methods Twelve patients (18 joints) with bony ankylosis of the TMJ from HO were referred to undergo RT after arthrotomy with osseous recontouring, gap arthroplasty, or costochondral grafting. Treatment consisted of 10 Gy in 5 daily fractions to a field encompassing the TMJ with an adequate margin. RT was initiated 1 to 3 days postoperatively. Response to therapy was assessed by routine x-ray films obtained preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at follow-up by use of the Turlington-Durr grading system. Treatment efficacy was defined as freedom from HO re-formation requiring further surgical intervention. Efficacy and toxicity data were obtained from review of the medical records and were augmented by telephone interview of patients when possible (6 patients, all with follow-up >16 years). Efficacy rates by patient were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Results The median follow-up after RT was 16.4 years (range, 2.5-19.2 years). Symptomatic re-formation of HO requiring further surgery occurred in 5 patients (7 joints). Treatment efficacy rates were 71% (95% confidence interval [CI], 44-99) at 5 years and 48% (95% CI, 15-80) at 10 years. Of the 6 patients contacted regarding late toxicity, 2 had clinical xerostomia (grade 1, CTCAE v3.0) attributable to RT; no other late RT-related toxicities were noted. None of the 12 patients had malignancy attributable to RT. Conclusions Postoperative RT prevented re-formation of TMJ HO in 50% of treated patients long term. Late toxicities from RT were mild and infrequent.
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia and LDL Size

In the article by Liu et al, as part of the European Multicenter Study on Familial Dyslipidemia (EUFAM),1 148 asymptomatic familial combined hyperlipidemia members from 38 Finnish families were investigated for low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size, LDL susceptibility to oxidation, and the association of these LDL properties with carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) determined by ultrasound and B-mode scanning of 28 sites involving the common carotid artery, carotid bulb, and internal carotid artery. The authors found a statistically significant inverse relationship between LDL size (but not with LDL oxidation) and IMT. Using several multivariate analyses, the most rigorous also showed a correlation of IMT with pulse pressure and gender, but not with many of the other customary vascular risk factors such as hypertension, smoking, and total cholesterol. This study is important in showing a potentially critical role for …
Traditional Male Circumcision in Uganda: A Qualitative Focus Group Discussion Analysis

Background The growing body of evidence attesting to the effectiveness of clinical male circumcision in the prevention of HIV/AIDS transmission is prompting the majority of sub-Saharan African governments to move towards the adoption of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC). Even though it is recommended to consider collaboration with traditional male circumcision (TMC) providers when planning for VMMC, there is limited knowledge available about the TMC landscape and traditional beliefs. Methodology and Main Findings During 2010–11 over 25 focus group discussions (FGDs) were held with clan leaders, traditional cutters, and their assistants to understand the practice of TMC in four ethnic groups in Uganda. Cultural significance and cost were among the primary reasons cited for preferring TMC over VMMC. Ethnic groups in western Uganda circumcised boys at younger ages and encountered lower rates of TMC related adverse events compared to ethnic groups in eastern Uganda. Cutting styles and post-cut care also differed among the four groups. The use of a single razor blade per candidate instead of the traditional knife was identified as an important and recent change. Participants in the focus groups expressed interest in learning about methods to reduce adverse events. Conclusion This work reaffirmed the strong cultural significance of TMC within Ugandan ethnic groups. Outcomes suggest that there is an opportunity to evaluate the involvement of local communities that still perform TMC in the national VMMC roll-out plan by devising safer, more effective procedures through innovative approaches.
The importance of non-data touching processing overheads in TCP/IP

We present detailed measurements of various processing overheads of the TCP/IP and UDP/IP protocol stacks on a DECstation 5000/200 running the Ultrix 4.2a operating system. These overheads include data-touching operations, such as the checksum computation and data movement, which are well known to be major time consumers. In this study, we also considered overheads due to non-data touching operations, such as network buffer manipulation, protocol-specific processing, operating system functions, data structure manipulations (other than network buffers), and error checking. We show that when one considers realistic message size distributions, where the majority of messages are small, the cumulative time consumed by the non-data touching overheads represents the majority of processing time. We assert that it will be difficult to significantly reduce the cumulative processing time due to non-data touching overheads.
Linewidth control for 0.25 micron gate patterning

Linewidth control of small lines over non-planarized topography is particularly challenging due to resist thin film interference effects and reflective notching. This paper compares the linewidth control performance of several deep-UV resist processes, using dyed resist and both top and bottom anti-reflection coatings. Only the bottom anti-reflective coating (BARC) provides adequate linewidth control for development work on 0.25 micron gate patterning. The BARC and resist coating behavior over isolation topography is characterized using atomic force microscopy and correlated to residual linewidth variation. The performance of a zero bias etch process for BARC removal is also presented.
Major clinical outcomes in adults undergoing thoracic aortic surgery requiring deep hypothermic circulatory arrest: quantification of organ-based perioperative outcome and detection of opportunities for perioperative intervention.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe clinical outcome after adult thoracic aortic surgery requiring standardized deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA), to determine mortality and length of stay, neurologic outcome, cardiorespiratory outcome, and hemostatic and renal outcome after DHCA. Design: Retrospective and observational. Setting: Cardiothoracic operating rooms and intensive care unit (ICU). Participants: All adults requiring thoracic aortic repair with DHCA. Interventions: None. The study was observational. Main Results: The cohort size was 110. All patients received an antifibrinolytic. The mortality rate was 8.2%. The mean length of stay was 6.8 days (ICU) and 14.0 days (hospital). The incidence of stroke was 8.1% and postoperative delirium was 10.9%. The rate of postoperative atrial fibrillation was 43.6%; 19.1% required postoperative mechanical ventilation longer than 72 hours. Chest tube drainage was 931 mL for the first 24 hours. Postoperative dialysis was required in 1.8% of patients. Renal dysfunction occurred in 40% to 50% of patients, depending on the definition. Conclusions: The protocol for DHCA at the authors’ institution is associated with superior or equivalent perioperative outcomes to those reported in the literature. This study identified the need for further quantification of the clinical outcomes after DHCA in order to prioritize outcome-based hypothesis-driven prospective intervention in DHCA.
Diet and body composition outcomes of an environmental and educational intervention among men in treatment for substance addiction

Abstract Objective To determine the effect of an educational and environmental intervention on diet, body mass index, and waist circumference of men in substance addiction treatment. Methods One hundred three racially/ethnically diverse men in 6 urban substance addiction residential treatment facilities in Upstate New York participated in weekly nutrition and food classes and food environment changes to increase healthful food choices. The main outcomes of this controlled, quasi-experimental, pre-post evaluation study were diet, body mass index, and waist circumference. Results Forty-three (42%) participants with complete data reported significantly greater intakes of fruits and vegetables, lower intakes of calories from sweets and desserts, and a reduction in waist circumference (P ≤ .05) following the intervention, compared to the control period. Conclusions and Implications An educational and environmental intervention can be effective in promoting positive dietary behavior and reducing waist circumference among men in residential treatment. These results need to be confirmed in a larger, randomized trial.
A biologic radar system for the assessment of body mass the model of a geometry sensitive endocrine system is presented

Abstract Appetite control, pubarchal timing, and catch-up growth all seem to depend, to some extent, on body mass. Information regarding this variable may be supplied to the central nervous system (“ponderostat”) by a humoral radar system employing an insulin-like molecule or dependent substrate as a signal. The intensity of this signal would vary as a function of the organism's total adipose cell surface area, which, in turn, is a product of cell size and number. The geometry of a sphere (adipose cell) is such that surface area change per unit volume change increases as the radius of the sphere is reduced. Signal shifts then are maximal when cell volume is minimal. Divergence of the adipose signal from an age-appropriate norm could influence “ponderostat” activity and, in turn, brain centers mediating appetitive and various endocrine systems. Total caloric intake and the timing of this intake with respect to somatic maturity appear to affect adipose cell volume and number respectively. If shifts in adipose surface area provide a signal source regarding organismic mass, and if this surface area reflects the quantity and chronology of antecedent nutritional events, there are obvious implications for the role of nutrition during “critical periods” in the subsequent operation of the complex systems subserving appetite, somatic growth and sexual maturation.
Mode cycling in microring optical resonators

Electromagnetic resonators are important not only as realizable models of fundamental concepts in classical and quantum physics, based on the existence and properties of eigenmodes, but also in the practical design of lasers, amplifiers, sensors, filters, and delay lines. Coupled-eigenmode systems may be realized via the multiple eigenmodes of a single resonator or by the coupling of a mode across multiple resonators. Mode cycling is demonstrated as a distinct concept of sequential population transfer in coupled multiple-eigenvalue resonators. Based on this principle, a coupled polymeric microring resonator interferometer is fabricated and characterized; the device achieves greater than 30?dB extinction and (loaded) Q?5.5×103.
The one-share-one-vote-rule and managerial compensation

Abstract Firms listed in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Canada, Israel, and elsewhere frequently issue multiple classes of shares, while countries such as France and Italy have traditionally prohibited dual-class capitalizations. Finland, Sweden and Denmark place restrictions on vote ratios between share classes. Several theoretical papers, notably Grossman and Hart (1988) and Harris and Raviv (1988) offer theoretical evidence for the optimality of the One-Share-One-Vote rule, though the empirical evidence is mixed. The purpose of this paper is to integrate the important impact of managerial compensation into the capitalization decision. Theoretical evidence offered in this paper suggests that the opportunity to vary managerial compensation can lead to the optimality of dual-class capitalization. Hence, there may be little merit to the regulation of multiple class capitalizations.
Minimally invasive spine surgery for the treatment of adult degenerative deformity

Abstract The treatment of adult spinal deformity using minimally invasive surgery aims to decrease the morbidity associated with open correction in this traditionally elderly patient population. These techniques are continually evolving and allow decompression, fusion, and instrumentation to be performed with minimal soft tissue disruption, low rates of infection, and reliable surgical correction. Each approach and procedure has its own technical challenges and specific risks. We will provide an overview of multiple minimally invasive approaches for the treatment of adult spinal deformity correction.
Consequences of inadvertent perioperative hypothermia

Perioperative hypothermia triples the incidence of adverse myocardial outcomes in high-risk patients. Mild hypothermia significantly increases blood loss and augments allogeneic transfusion requirement, but the molecular pathophysiology of this effect remains to be elucidated. Only 1.9 degrees C core hypothermia triples the incidence of surgical wound infection following colon resection and increases the duration of hospitalization by 20%. Hypothermia adversely affects antibody- and cell-mediated immune defences, as well as the oxygen availability in the peripheral wound tissues. Mild perioperative hypothermia changes the kinetics and action of various anaesthetic and paralysing agents, increases thermal discomfort, and is associated with delayed post-anaesthetic recovery. Finally, mild core hypothermia influences pulse oximetry monitoring and various electrophysiological indices of the nervous system, with questionable clinical significance, as yet.
Supravital experiments with Pyronin Y, a fluorochrome of mitochondria and nucleic acids.

The results of fluorochroming living grasshopper spermatocytes, Chinese hamster ovarian tumor cells, and isolated mouse hepatocyte nuclei with Pyronin Y were compared with those obtained in the same material with the mitochondrial probe Rhodamine 123. The patterns of fluorescence obtained with Rhodamine 123 generally coincided with expected distributions of mitochondria except that the fibrous sheaths of the tails of developing and mature spermatozoa were also fluorochromed prominently. After exposure to Pyronin Y, intact cells yielded complex patterns of fluorescence that changed as a function of time: the initial fluorescence resembled that obtained with Rhodamine 123; but after continuous excitation for approximately two minutes, the fluorescence increased by about 60% and became more generally distributed in the cytoplasm and nucleoli of the cells. Since the transition from initial to higher levels of fluorescence could be prevented by pretreatment with RNase, it seems likely that complexes formed between Pyronin Y and RNA were involved in the increase in fluorescence. Transitions from lower to higher levels of fluorescence were not observed in isolated hepatocyte nuclei or in cells with damaged plasma membranes. In these cases, nuclear fluorescence was obtained almost immediately; and the intensity of the fluorescence did not change appreciably with continuous excitation. As in the case of material fluorochromed with Rhodamine 123, the fibrous sheaths of the tails of immature and mature spermatozoa were fluorochromed with Pyronin Y. The results indicate that the demonstration of RNA in supravital preparations may be complicated by the initial reaction of Pyronin Y with mitochondria; and that adequate time should be given for the development of fluorescence attributable to RNA.
Effects of polyamines and methylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone) on Escherichia coli ribonucleic acid polymerase and the template activity of hepatic cell nuclei in vitro.

Abstract Escherichia coli RNA polymerase was assayed with 4 mM Mg2+ and 1 mM Mn2+ using native DNA, heat-denatured DNA, histone-nucleate and isolated rat liver nuclei as the template source. With purified DNA and either or both divalent metal ions, 0.1–5 mM amine stimulated enzyme activity. Spermidine resulted in the greatest stimulation (1.7-fold at 5 mM); whereas, spermine or methylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone) first stimulated, then above 3 mM inhibited, the reaction. The addition of unfractionated histone to purified DNA inhibited the reaction by 90%. The subsequent addition of amines resulted in a slight stimulation in incorporation (1.5-fold) in the range of 1–3 mM amine. Alternatively, when enzyme was combined with DNA before histone, only a 20% inhibition was observed and this could be completely prevented by 3 mM spermidine. The addition of amines to isolated nuclei resulted in marked alterations in ultrastructure and Mg2+ content; however, relatively small effects on RNA polymerase activity were observed. With the E. coli enzyme, 0.1–1.0 mM amine stimulated RNA synthesis (1.5-fold) whereas, none of the amines stimulated endogeneous activity in the absence or presence of 300 mM (NH4)2SO4.
Probing deeper into first American studies

The initial peopling of the Americas has proved one of the most challenging episodes in reconstructing global prehistory, challenging because researchers struggle with the vagaries of early archaeological site preservation, and debates continue over the date and place of human entry, the rapidity and direction of dispersion, and the variety of cultural responses to climatic change during the terminal Pleistocene period. Despite many recent advances in our understanding of these issues, especially in the areas of genetics and new archaeological discoveries, the field continues facing limitations in the sampling and quality of data, the research problems defined, and the epistemologies and theories applied. Theoretical development of first American studies has been uneven, and its contribution to global issues of early human migration has been restricted. This essay discusses what is known and not known about the process of the first peopling of the Americas from the perspective of archaeology, genetics, and bioanthropology. Some approaches to fill voids in data, methods, and the broader conceptualization of the process also are considered.
Partial discharges and streamers in liquid dielectrics-the significance of the inception voltage

Recent studies have determined the partial discharge inception voltage (PDIV) of several practical insulating oils using conventional PD measurements. They show that the PDIV is a reasonably reproducible quantity. Independently, using electrooptical techniques, the streamer inception voltages (SIVs) in these liquids have been measured. These SIV values are found to be reproducible, within experimental error. Both techniques yield similar inception values. These results suggest that the PD and streamer phenomena are closely related. It is shown that the PDIV is independent of the gap and hence the average electric field. The SIV is found to be independent of the applied voltage. These observations suggest that the inception of both phenomena is controlled by the local rather than the average applied field. The experimental observations are interpreted and a theory is advanced to explain them. >
Histopathology of uveal melanomas treated with charged particle radiation

The authors have treated 255 uveal melanomas with helium ion radiation. Twenty-three eyes have been enucleated because of complications and five eyes have been obtained at autopsy. We have evaluated 27 of these eyes. Neovascular glaucoma (10 eyes), painful keratitis (6 eyes), continued tumor growth (4 eyes), and vitreous hemorrhage (2 eyes) were the major complications of treatment that led to enucleation. The degree of tumor necrosis correlated with the size, pigmentation, and anterior extent of the tumor. It did not correlate with the interval from irradiation or with the amount of tumor shrinkage. Mitotic figures were extremely rare in treated tumors, suggesting that the tumor cells have lost their ability to cycle.
Responses of Field-Collected Strains of Soybean Looper (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Selected Insecticides Using an Artificial Diet Overlay Bioassay

Third-instar F 1 progeny of several field-collected strains of soybean looper, Pseudoplusia includens (Walker), were exposed to artificial diet that was surface-treated with several concentrations of selected insecticides (permethrin [Ambush], Bacillus thuringiensis variety kurstaki [Condor OF], thiodicarb [Larvin], chlorfenapyr [Pirate], emamectin benzoate [Proclaim], or spinosad [Tracer]). LC 50 s (72 h) for field strains were compared with a susceptible USDA reference strain to evaluate possible tolerance to these insecticides. Significant differences were found among LC 50 s of all field strains and the susceptible USDA reference strain in the permethrin bioassays and among several field strains and the USDA strain in the B. thuringiensis, thiodicarb, and emamectin benzoate bioassays. In the chlorfenapyr bioassays, only 1 field strain from Winnsboro, LA, had a significantly greater LC 50 than that of the USDA strain. In the spinosad bioassays, the only field strain with a significantly different LC 50 than that of the USDA strain was the strain collected from Hamburg, LA, and this strain had a lower LC 50 than that of the USDA strain. These data will serve as a historical database for monitoring soybean looper resistance to these compounds and should prove useful in the development of an insecticide resistance management program for this pest.
The Theory of Jetting: Application to the Origin of Tektites

Abstract Jetting is a phenomenon that may occur when surfaces of objects converge obliquely. Whether jetting occurs depends on the velocity and angle of convergence as well as on the material properties of the colliding objects. Jetting has long been proposed as an explanation for the terrestrial impact origin of tektites. The well-developed theory of jetting during the collision of thin plates is extended to the case of the impact of a sphere on a half-space. Asteroidal impacts are modeled, using the equation of state for dunite, for impact velocities of 10 to 30 km/sec and impact angles ranging from 0° (normal impact) to 75°. The initial, most highly shocked portions of the jet are vapor, followed later by melt. It is postulated that the vapor portion of the jet blows away the atmosphere ahead of it so that the melt is ejected into a much rarified atmosphere. This inhibits the breakup of the melt and may thus allow the melt to travel long distances without being broken up into a fine spray. The jet, however, is roughly half projectile material and half target material. Because tektites in general do not have any measurable siderophile contamination from projectile material, jetting cannot explain the terrestrial impact origin of tektites. Jetting may, however, have produced the early Archean silicate spherule beds recently found in South Africa and Australia, which do show extreme enrichment in Ir and other siderophile elements.
Emergency management: capability analysis of critical incident response

Since the 9/11 terrorist incident, homeland security efforts and the readiness of local emergency management agencies have become focal points in the war on terrorism. A significant issue faced by front line responders has been the significant increase in the number and type of potential incidents they must be prepared to handle. We describe a simulation-based approach that allows local county-level emergency management agencies to more quickly develop, test, and refine robust plans for an ever increasing list of potential threats. The focus of the simulation environment is on the information flow, coordination, and response of medical, police, and fire resources.
The number of spanning trees in a prism

Let the vertices of two disjoint, equal length cycles be labelled in one cycle and in the other. The prism Pn is defined as the graph obtained by adding to the disjoint cycles all edges of the form ViWi The prism is sometimes denoted by K 2×Cn . In this work we derive the following simple formula for t(Pn ) the number of spanning trees in .
A survey of identified kairomones and synomones used by insect parasitoids to locate and accept their hosts

The host utilization process of insect parasitoids can be described by three stages of (1)habitatlocation, (2)host-location, and (3)host-acceptance andoviposition. There are 19 systems in which chemicals used inhabitat-location have been identified, 12 systems in which chemical cues leading tohost-location have been identified, and 16 systems in which chemicals elicitinghost-acceptance andoviposition have been identified. Both the chemical class and the source of the infochemical change with the stage of the host utilization process. Semiochemicals identified in thehabitatlocation stage were predominantly aldehydes, alcohols, sulfur-containing compounds, esters and terpenes, and were equally likely to be from the host-plant of the host, or from the host itself. Semiochemicals identified in thehost-location stage were sugars, alkanes, terpenes and heterocyclic aromatic compounds and 3/4 of them were host-produced cues. In thehost-acceptance andoviposition stage the identified semiochemicals were all produced by the host and were proteins, amino acids, triglycerides and salts. The importance of recognizing specific cues involved in host utilization by parasitoids is discussed, and suggestions for future research are made.