cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alterations in serotonin receptor-induced contractility of bovine lateral saphenous vein in cattle grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue.

As part of a 2-yr study documenting the physiologic impact of grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue on growing cattle, 2 experiments were conducted to characterize and evaluate effects of grazing 2 levels of toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue pastures on vascular contractility and serotonin receptors. Experiment 1 examined vasoconstrictive activities of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT), α-methylserotonin (ME5HT; a 5HT(2) receptor agonist), d-lysergic acid (LSA), and ergovaline (ERV) on lateral saphenous veins collected from steers immediately removed from a high-endophyte-infected tall fescue pasture (HE) or a low-endophyte-infected mixed-grass (LE) pasture. Using the same pastures, Exp. 2 evaluated effects of grazing 2 levels of toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue on vasoconstrictive activities of (±)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane hydrochloride (DOI), BW 723C86 (BW7), CGS-12066A (CGS), and 5-carboxamidotryptamine hemiethanolate maleate (5CT), agonists for 5HT(2A),( 2B), 5HT(1B), and 5HT(7) receptors, respectively. One-half of the steers in Exp. 2 were slaughtered immediately after removal from pasture, and the other one-half were fed finishing diets for >91 d before slaughter. For Exp. 1, maximal contractile intensities were greater (P 91 d. Experiment 1 demonstrated that grazing of HE pastures for 89 to 105 d induces functional alterations in blood vessels, as evidenced by reduced contractile capacity and altered serotonergic receptor activity. Experiment 2 demonstrated that grazing HE pastures alters vascular responses, which may be mediated through altered serotonin receptor activities, and these alterations may be ameliorated by the removal of ergot alkaloid exposure as demonstrated by the absence of differences in finished steers.
Splicing thermotolerance maintains Pre-mRNA transcripts in the splicing pathway during severe heat shock.

Abstract Thermotolerance, the ability of cells and organisms to withstand severe elevated temperatures after brief exposure to mild elevated temperatures, has been studied in numerous laboratories. Survival thermotolerance is defined as the increase in cell or organism survival at severe elevated temperatures after a pretreatment at mild elevated temperatures. This study examines splicing thermotolerance in Drosophila melanogaster, the ability to splice pre-mRNAs made at the severe temperature (38 °C) after abrief pretreatment at a milder temperature (35 °C). It is probably one of a number of mechanisms by which cells adapt to heat shock. These experiments demonstrate that pre-mRNAs synthesized at the severe temperatures in splicing thermotolerant cells, although protected in splicing-competent complexes, are not actually processed to mature mRNAs until the cells are returned to their normal temperature. We have also studied the kinetics of acquisition and loss of splicing thermotolerance. As little as 10 min of pretreatment at 35 °C was sufficient to provide full splicing thermotolerance to a 30-min severe heat shock of 38 °C. Pretreatments of less than 10 min provide partial splicing thermotolerance for a 30-min severe heat shock. Full splicing thermotolerance activity begins to decay about 4 h after the cessation of the 35 °C incubation and is completely lost by 8 h after the pretreatment. The kinetics experiments of pre-mRNAs synthesized during the 38 °C treatment in splicing thermotolerant cells indicate that one or more splicing thermotolerance factors are synthesized during the 35 °C pretreatment which interact with pre-mRNA-eontaining complexes to keep them in a splicing-competent state. These kinetic experiments also indicate that in cells which are partially splicing thermotolerant, the pre-mRNAs synthesized early during the 38 °C incubation are protected, whereas those synthesized late are not. In the absence of splicing thermotolerant factors, the pre-mRNA-eontaining complexes leave the normal splicing pathway and are allowed to exit to the Cytoplasm.
The mitochondrion in dividing Leishmania tarentolae cells is symmetric and circular and becomes a single asymmetric tubule in non-dividing cells due to division of the kinetoplast portion

Kinetoplastid protozoa have a single mitochondrion that extends throughout the cell. The disk-shaped portion of the mitochondrion adjacent to the basal body of the flagellum contains the kinetoplast DNA nucleoid body which consists of thousands of catenated minicircles and a smaller number of catenated maxicircles. The maxicircles contain structural genes and cryptogenes, rRNA genes, and a few guide RNA genes The minicircles contain the majority of the guide RNA genes. The long slender non-dividing stationary phase Leishmania tarentolae cells in culture have an asymmetric mitochondrion that consists of a single tubule extending from one edge of the kinetoplast portion. This presents a problem for cell division, in that one daughter cell will receive significantly less mitochondrial membranes than the other cell. We show in this paper that the solution to this problem is that dividing cells, which are normally shorter and rounder than stationary phase cells, possess a symmetric circular mitochondrion that has mitochondrial tubules extending from both edges of the kinetoplast which are joined in the posterior region of the cell. This implies that growth of the mitochondrion occurs after cell division, either from elongation of the longitudinal tubule towards the anterior of the cell, or from elongation of the kinetoplast portion of the mitochondrion towards the posterior region and fusion of the tubules.
A randomized controlled trial of the effect of increased intravenous hydration on the course of labor in nulliparous women

Abstract Objective: One variable that has the potential to affect the course of labor but has not been evaluated previously is the adequacy of maternal hydration. Typical orders provide for 125 mL of intravenous fluids per hour in patients taking limited oral fluids. Many such patients are clinically dehydrated. Physiologists have shown that increased fluids improve skeletal muscle performance in prolonged exercise. This study was designed to determine whether increased intravenous fluids affect the progress of labor. Study Design: Nulliparous women with uncomplicated singleton gestations at term, in spontaneous active labor with dilatation between 2 and 5 cm, and with a cephalic presentation were included. Patients who gave consent were randomly selected to receive either 125 mL or 250 mL of intravenous fluids per hour. Results: One hundred ninety-five patients were randomly selected, 94 to the 125-mL group and 101 to the 250-mL group. Prerandomization variables were well matched between the 2 groups. The mean volume of total intravenous fluids was significantly greater in the 250-mL group (2008 mL vs 2487 mL; P =.002), as was the mean hourly rate (152 mL/h in the 125-mL group vs 254 mL/h in the 250-mL group; P =.001). The frequency of labor lasting >12 hours was statistically higher in the 125-mL group (20/78 [26%] vs 12/91 [13%]; P =.047). In addition, there was a trend favoring longer mean duration of the first stage and total duration of labor in patients delivered vaginally in the 125-mL group, by 70 and 68 minutes, respectively ( P =.06). There was a trend toward a lower frequency of oxytocin administration for inadequate labor progress in the higher fluid rate group (61 [65%] in the 125-mL group vs 51 [49%] in the 250-mL group; P =.06). Cesarean deliveries were more frequent in the 125-mL group (n = 16) than in the 250-mL group (n = 10) but did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: This study presents the novel finding that increasing fluid administration for nulliparous women in labor above rates commonly used is associated with a lower frequency of prolonged labor and possibly less need for oxytocin. Thus inadequate hydration in labor may be a factor contributing to dysfunctional labor and possibly cesarean delivery. Consideration of this factor in clinical management and in future studies considering variables that affect labor is warranted. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;183:1544-8.)
Comment on “Activation of β-Catenin in Dendritic Cells Regulates Immunity Versus Tolerance in the Intestine”

Manicassamy et al. (Reports, 13 August 2010, p. 849) deleted β-catenin in intestinal immune cells using a CD11c-driven Cre recombinase, which decreased anti-inflammatory mediators and increased inflammatory bowel disease. However, the deletion of β-catenin in macrophages remains a caveat to their interpretation that Wnt signaling programs dendritic cells into a tolerogenic state. Development of strains expressing Cre in a more finely lineage-restricted pattern may help resolve this issue.
Deep Structure Learning: Beyond Connectionist Approaches

Deep structure learning is a promising new area of work in the field of machine learning. Previous work in this area has shown impressive performance, but all of it has used connectionist models. We hope to demonstrate that the utility of deep architectures is not restricted to connectionist models. Our approach is to use simple, non-connectionist dimensionality reduction techniques in conjunction with a deep architecture to examine more precisely the impact of the deep architecture itself. To do this, we use standard PCA as a baseline and compare it with a deep architecture using PCA. We perform several image classification experiments using the features generated by the two techniques, and we conclude that the deep architecture leads to improved classification performance, supporting the deep structure hypothesis.
Entrepreneurs in Japan and Silicon Valley: A study of perceived differences☆

Abstract This paper presents the preliminary and presently speculative conclusions of a psychological study of entrepreneurial phenomena in Japan and Silicon Valley. A questionnaire was developed to identify two major ways in which entrepreneurs were different from average managers of large corporations. First, the entrepreneurs' perceived difference between themselves and managers was measured to create a Personal Difference Index (PDI). Second, the entrepreneurs' perceived difference between their firms and a typical large firm was measured to develop a Corporate Difference Index (CDI). Our primary finding is that U.S. high-tech and Japanese entrepreneurs have the same minimum hurdle degree of entrepreneurial spirit. Both U.S. and Japaneses entrepreneurs require a certain minimum personal and corporate difference to overcome the obstacles to becoming an entrepreneur. However, the types of entrepreneurs in Japan and Silicon Valley are different. We also found that entrepreneurs with higher growth firms fell within a certain range of PDI's and GDI's. Entrepreneurs or entrepreneurial firms that were too similar or too different from corporate counterparts tended to fail or to remain small. This report presents the preliminary and presently speculative conclusions from a study of the characteristics of entrepreneurs in Japan and Silicon Valley. As a result of this study, we hope to understand better the following: • What are the universal characteristics of entrepreneurs?
Synaptic frequency alteration on rat ventral horn neurons in the first segment proximal to spinal cord hemisection: an ultrastructural statistical study of regenerative capacity.

To study the regenerative capacity of the spinal cord in adult rat, presynaptic boutons were classified as S (spherical vesicles), F (flattened vesicles) and C complexes, and analysed statistically on α-motoneuron somata and lamina VII interneurons on the operated side in the first segment rostral to a spinal cord hemisection. Following chloral hydrate anaesthesia left spinal cord hemisections were made on twenty adult rats (225 gms) at vertebral level T-2. Animals were prepared for electron microscopy at 7, 14, 30, 45, 60 and 90 DPO and compared with normals. All counts were made on coded material and subjected to statistical analysis. The normal frequency of presynaptic bouton types on α-motoneuron somata and primary dendrites was altered over the entire postoperative period. S presynaptic boutons were increased on α-motoneuron somata at 30 DPO. At 45 DPO, massive degeneration with concomitant synaptic remodeling resulted in a return to near normal frequencies of S and F presynaptic boutons. At 60 and 90 DPO a gain in S presynaptic boutons and a concomitant loss in F presynaptic boutons resulted in frequencies different from normal and decreased absolute numbers of presynaptic boutons. The interneuron somata also exhibited alterations over the postoperative period. There was a reversal of frequency of presynaptic boutons at 45 DPO. However unlike on α-motoneuron somata the frequency of S and F presynaptic boutons returned to normal at 60 and 90 DPO. The α-motoneuron somata appeared to be cyclically and nonselectively reinnervated by ventral horn interneurons over 90 DPO.
Initial audiologic assessment of infants: comments on Karzon and Lieu (2006).

Purpose To comment on a recently published article titled “Initial Audiologic Assessment of Infants Referred From Well Baby, Special Care, and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurseries” by R. K. Karzo...
Operating Experience With a 13,000 SHP, Two Stage, Fluid Cat-Cracker Power Recovery Expander

An internal inspection of the expander after 16,000 hours of operation confirmed the successful operation of Ingersoll-Rand’s first two stage, high temperature, FCC expander. This paper discusses the construction and operation of the unit, designed for 1300°F (704°C) dirty gas environment and presents the inspection results of critical components.Copyright © 1984 by ASME
Combinatorics of Maass–Shimura operators

Abstract Maass–Shimura operators on holomorphic modular forms preserve the modularity of modular forms but not holomorphy, whereas the derivative preserves holomorphy but not modularity. Rankin–Cohen brackets are bilinear operators that preserve both and are expressed in terms of the derivatives of modular forms. We give identities relating Maass–Shimura operators and Rankin–Cohen brackets on modular forms and obtain a natural expression of the Rankin–Cohen brackets in terms of Maass–Shimura operators. We also give applications to values of L-functions and Fourier coefficients of modular forms.
Chiral symmetry breaking in strongly coupled quenched QED

Abstract Results for the chiral condensate as a function of electron - photon coupling e in quenched non-compact lattice QED, obtained using both conjugate-gradient and Lanczos algorithms, are presented. There is a small but significant departure from mean field scaling, although the evidence for a fixed point of the Miransky type is inconclusive. It is shown that the symmetry-breaking mechanism may be associated with effective monopole loops generated by the non-compact dynamics.
Child Injury Risks are Close to Home: Parent Psychosocial Factors Associated with Child Safety

Objective: In several populations, maternal depression has been associated with reduced child safety. In an urban pediatric Emergency Department, we examined the relationship between parental depression, social support, and domestic conflict and child safety behaviors. Methods: We studied consecutive patients in an Emergency Department. Trained interviewers used a structured instrument to assess patient, primary caregiver, and household demographics, socio-economic status, psychosocial factors, child safety behaviors (whether a gun was in the home, poisons were locked, a functioning smoke detector was present, and use of carseats or seatbelts), and whether the home was smoke-free. 1,116 patients provided adequate data. Results: Depression was associated with a modest and not statistically significant reduction in child safety behaviors in this population. Lack of social support and the presence of domestic conflict were robustly, independently, and statistically significantly associated with less safe homes. Domestic conflict was associated with more smoking in the home. Conclusion: In our population, child safety was associated less with depression and more with parental lack of social support and domestic conflict. These can be assessed in a Emergency Department and may be amenable to intervention.
Sedative Agents and Prophylaxis in ICU Delirium

Delirium is a form of acute brain dysfunction in the critically ill that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in addition to increases in healthcare costs. Important risk factors for delirium include a patient’s underlying illness, metabolic disturbances, sedative and psychoactive medications, and underlying cognitive impairment. Vigilant monitoring and recognition are the first step in reducing the burden of delirium. The Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) and the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (IDCSC) are the validated methods of diagnosing delirium in the intensive care unit. Definitive evidence of treatments to reduce the incidence or duration of delirium in the intensive care unit is limited. Protocolized care to ensure minimization of sedation and appropriate sedative selection, early ventilator liberation, adequate treatment of pain, early mobility, and proper sleep hygiene offer the best hope of reducing the incidence of delirium and its burden on healthcare and society.
Congenital Oligodendroglioma: Clinicopathologic and Molecular Assessment with Review of the Literature

Oligodendroglioma is an infiltrating glial neoplasm frequently seen in adults. Pediatric oligodendrogliomas are rare, with very few cases presenting in infancy and only rare congenital examples. In contrast to adult oligodendrogliomas, pediatric cases typically lack 1p/19q codeletion. Herein we report a case of WHO grade II oligodendroglioma diagnosed in a 7-month-old male infant. The patient initially presented at 3 months of age with symptoms suspicious for seizure. Initial workup including electroencephalography (EEG), electrocardiogram (EKG), and computed tomography (CT) of the head was negative. His symptoms persisted, and subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed at age of 7 months revealed a 2 cm contrast-enhancing left temporal lobe mass. The mass was excised and the microscopic appearance was that of a classic low grade oligodendroglioma composed of cells with uniformly round nuclei, perinuclear halos, delicate branching capillaries, and an absence of high grade features. Mutant specific (R132H) isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) immunohistochemistry was negative, and the tumor lacked detectable 1p or 19q deletions by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). The onset of neurological symptoms in early infancy followed by the positive MRI findings suggests that this case represents a rare example of congenital oligodendroglioma.
Sex Role Stereotypes and the American Physician

The potential influence of sex-role stereotypes on women medical patients is examined in this paper. It is argued that medical practice is, in part, a social enterprise, influenced by sex-role stereotypic notions held by both patients and physicians, and particularly by the interaction of women patients' behavior with physicians' expectations. Indirect evidence suggests that physicians tend to attribute symptoms presented by women to psychogenic rather than organic causes, but that women nonetheless receive more medical treatment than men in the form of unnecessary surgery and psychotropic drugs. The latter is viewed as part of a historical trend that the feminist self-help movement is attempting to counteract.
Our Energy Transition: The Next Twenty Years

Previous energy transitions in the US involved not so much substitution of one source for another, but the use of the new energy source for new economic activity. That is the fundamental difference between our previous energy transitions and the current one. In the current transition, much of the attention is focused on decoupling economic growth and energy consumption (energy conservation) and on developing unconventional energy sources like oil shale, coal liquids, and biomass to substitute for oil. The era of cheap energy to fuel economic growth is gone; the question is what will the transition away from that era look like. That is the subject of this paper. Because of all the interest in this energy transition, there have been a host of major multimillion dollar studies on our energy transition published in the last few years; the major ones are included in the references to this paper. Because of space limitations, the author does not review each, but references specific points adopted from each study. He first discusses the technical and economic potential of some major energy alternatives, then integrates the separate pieces into a personal view of this transition. Once this is completed, some of the policymore » issues related to the energy transition are discussed. 18 references.« less
Three-dimensional characterization of pine forest type and red-cockaded woodpecker habitat by small-footprint, discrete-return lidar

Abstract Accurate measurement of forest canopy structure is critical for understanding forest-wildlife habitat relationships. Although most theory and application have been based on in situ measurements, imaging technologies such as Light Detection and Ranging (lidar) provide measurements that are both vertically accurate and horizontally extensive. We use small-footprint, multiple-return lidar from a state-wide dataset (1-m footprint, 0.11 point/m2) to characterize the vertical and horizontal structure of successional loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) and mature, fire-maintained longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) forests on the coastal plain of North Carolina, USA. The relationship between these characteristics and the federally-endangered red-cockaded woodpecker’s (Picoides borealis, Vieillot) habitat preferences were assessed; as this species has a strong affinity for mature longleaf pine forests. Vertical structure was characterized by lidar-derived metrics (e.g., average and standard deviation of canopy height) and horizontal patterns of vertical structure were quantified by semivariograms and lacunarity analysis. Lidar metrics were compared with field measurements of stand structure and with woodpecker habitat use. We predicted woodpecker distribution using the Maxent species distribution modeling algorithm with elevation, landcover, and hydrography geospatial variables, with and without lidar-derived structural variables. Lidar successfully quantified canopy variation and differentiated between the structural characteristics of these two similar coniferous evergreen forest types (e.g. significant differences in maximum height, canopy cover, and size classes). Loblolly stands were found to have the tallest trees on average with a higher canopy cover. Both semivariograms and lacunarity analyses clearly differentiated between evergreen forest structural types (e.g. semivariogram range was 18.7 m for longleaf, 32.3 m for loblolly). By examining the immediate area around cavity nesting sites we found taller trees than those found across broader foraging sites. The species distribution model accurately predicted woodpecker distribution (tested with woodpecker presence, AUC > .85). The addition of lidar-derived variables improved the model’s predictive power by 8% compared to the model based only on elevation, landcover, and hydrography environmental variables. We show that relatively low density lidar data are valuable for wildlife studies by characterizing and separating similar canopy types, describing different use zones (foraging vs. nesting), and for use in species distribution models.
Guide on the Selection of Appropriate Laboratory Stress Levels for the Flow Number Test

This study examines the use of the triaxial shear strength parameters (c and φ) in providing guidelines for selecting the appropriate laboratory stress level for the flow number test of asphalt mixtures. The approach is based on the concept that the flow number (tertiary flow) is inversely related to the applied stress-to-strength ratio of the material. The correlation of the flow number with the stress-to-strength ratio can provide a good estimate of the stress level that will yield tertiary flow within a reasonable testing time. It was also realized that the triaxial shear strength test is not routinely conducted by Department of Transportation agencies and testing laboratories. Therefore, a database of triaxial shear strength test data was used to develop predictive models of the shear strength parameters for a particular asphalt mixture. The models’ predictor variables were based on the volumetric properties of 46 different asphalt mixtures and a total of 276 test results. Regression models to estimate the c and friction (φ) parameters had good statistical measures of model accuracy. The models were used to develop guidelines for laboratory stress-to-strength ratios to achieve tertiary flow within a reasonable testing period.
Conceptualizing Discipline: A School Psychologist's Perspective.

While discipline has consistently been identified as the number one problem in American education, most school systems are using disorganized, ineffective remedial approaches. This article suggests a comprehensive problem-solving model that addresses discipline from a preventive perspective.
Human defensins facilitate local unfolding of thermodynamically unstable regions of bacterial protein toxins

Defensins are short cationic, amphiphilic, cysteine-rich peptides that constitute the front-line immune defense against various pathogens. In addition to exerting direct antibacterial activities, defensins inactivate several classes of unrelated bacterial exotoxins. To date, no coherent mechanism has been proposed to explain defensins' enigmatic efficiency toward various toxins. In this study, we showed that binding of neutrophil ?-defensin HNP1 to affected bacterial toxins caused their local unfolding, potentiated their thermal melting and precipitation, exposed new regions for proteolysis, and increased susceptibility to collisional quenchers without causing similar effects on tested mammalian structural and enzymatic proteins. Enteric ?-defensin HD5 and ?-defensin hBD2 shared similar toxin-unfolding effects with HNP1, albeit to different degrees. We propose that protein susceptibility to inactivation by defensins is contingent to their thermolability and conformational plasticity and that defensin-induced unfolding is a key element in the general mechanism of toxin inactivation by human defensins.
Development of villus absorptive cells in the human fetal small intestine: A morphological and morphometric study

We describe the sequential ultrastructural changes in villus absorptive cells of human fetal small intestine between 9 and 22 weeks of gestation. In concert with villus formation at 9 to 10 weeks, a complex membranous system designated the apical tubular system appeared in the apical cytonous system designated the apical tubular system appeared in the apical cytoplasm of absorptive cells. The apical tubular system consisted of deep invaginations of plasma membrane and membrane-bounded vesicles and tubules. Some elements of this system were characterized by linear arrays of particles on the inner (luminal) membrane leaflet. After villus formation, many lysosomal elements designated "meconium corpuscles" also appeared in the apical cytoplasm. Modified morphometric studies suggested that both the apical tubular system and the lysosomal elements were more extensively developed in the distal than in the proximal intestine, were most abundant at 15 to 17 weeks, and decreased by 18 to 22 weeks. Morhpometry also showed an inverse relationship between the relative surface density of the apical tubular system and microvillus membrane, suggesting the possible derivation of elements of the former from the apical plasma membrane. Exposure of intestine to ferritin for 8 to 40 minutes in vitro revealed ferritin in elements of the apical tubular system of 12- to 20-week fetuses. There was no evidence of transport of ferritin across absorptive cells. Distinctive membranous bodies composed of convoluted membrane-bound cisternae separated by narrow channels of cytoplasmic matrix were seen in the Golgi region and apical cytoplasm of fetal absorptive cells between 14 and 22 weeks. In a single 22-week fetus, there was marked proliferation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, a decrease in cytoplasmic glycogen and loss of most lysosomal and apical tubular elements in the proximal but not the distal intestine. Thus, by the end of the second trimester, the structure of absorptive cells in proximal intestine was remarkably similar to absorptive cells in adult intestine.
Buprenorphine and Morphine Efficacy in Postoperative Pain: A Double-Blind Multiple-Dose Study

The analgesic activity of buprenorphine was monitored versus that of morphine in a double-blind, randomized, multiple-dose, parallel-design study involving 97 postsurgical patients. Patients could receive intramuscular injections of either buprenorphine (0.3, o.45, or 0.6 mg) or morphine (10, 15, or 20 mg) every 3 or more hours. Pain intensity, degree of sedation, vital signs, pain relief, and side effects were assessed prior to and at regular intervals after each drug injection. No statistically significant differences were found between the two drugs in total pain relief, sum of pain intensity difference by patient and over time, time to peak pain intensity difference, duration of pain, and side effects. It has been suggested that the addictive potential of buprenorphine may be less than that of morphine. Since both drugs seem to be effective analgesics, buprenorphine appears to offer an effective and safe alternative to morphine for patients with acute pain.
Crotaline Fab Antivenom for the Treatment of Children With Rattlesnake Envenomation

Objective. There is little data regarding safety or efficacy of Crotalinae polyvalent immune Fab (ovine) antivenom (crotaline Fab) in pediatric patients. Our objective was to provide the first information regarding safety and effectiveness of this new drug in children. Methods. Data were collected prospectively and retrospectively for all consecutive pediatric patients bitten by rattlesnakes and treated at 2 urban hospitals during 2001. Cases were included if there were signs of envenomation at presentation, patient age was 13 years or less, and there was administration of crotaline Fab. Cases were excluded if antivenin (Crotalidae) polyvalent (equine origin, the conventional antivenom) was given. Primary outcome variables were snakebite severity scores throughout the course of therapy, number of vials of crotaline Fab administered, occurrence of allergic reactions, adjunct surgical therapy, and the presence of permanent sequelae or serum sickness identified at follow-up. Results. In the 12 cases studied, ages ranged from 14 months to 13 years (mean: 6.9; standard deviation: 4.2). Presentation snakebite severity scores ranged from 2 to 9 (mean: 5.3; standard deviation: 2.3). Total crotaline Fab doses ranged from 4 to 22 vials (mean: 12.7; standard deviation: 5.4). Initial control of symptoms was achieved with 4 to 16 vials (mean: 7.7; standard deviation: 3.7), and severity scores stabilized or improved within 24 hours in all patients. Recurrence of local swelling occurred in 1 case despite scheduled repeat doses of antivenom. No cases required surgical intervention, and no permanent sequelae were identified. No immediate or delayed hypersensitivity reactions occurred. Conclusion. In this group of pediatric patients treated for rattlesnake envenomation, crotaline Fab antivenom was safe and seemed to be effective.
Overview of the Biology of Lumbar Spine Fusion and Principles for Selecting a Bone Graft Substitute

Study Design. Reviews were conducted. Objectives. To review the biology of spine fusion healing, and to outline several fundamental principles required for the selection of a bone graft substitute. Summary of Background Data. More than 200,000 spine fusions are performed each year in the United States. The success of this procedure is limited by morbidity from iliac crest bone graft harvest and a nonunion rate that ranges from 10% to 40%. In recent years, there has been an increased understanding of the biology of spine fusion healing. In addition, there has been a focus on finding suitable substitutes for autogenous iliac crest bone graft to promote spine fusion. The selection of a specific bone graft substitute can be a daunting task for the surgeon. Methods. The available literature was reviewed and combined with the author’s personal experience. Results. A basic understanding of the biology of healing in different types of spine fusions and the differences between different categories of bone graft substitutes can help surgeons organize the graft selection process. Conclusions. In general, purely osteoconductive substitutes are less effective in adult posterolateral spine fusions, but may be suitable in the anterior spine when it is rigidly immobilized. Osteoinductive substitutes are more likely to be successful as extenders, enhancers, or substi
William Stern and discursive psychology

Abstract This paper examines some conceptual and methodological affinities between Stern's philosophy of psychology and discursive psychology. Stern's concept of the person as unitas multiplex finds currency in recent attempts to do justice both to the discursive domain of human life as well as its material foundation in the body. The person as embodied conscious actor is captured for instance in discursive analyses of first person pronoun use, a universal practice of both locating oneself spatio-temporally and displaying one's culturally differentiated moral qualities. We consider how contemporary research inspired by Vygotsky's cultural-historical approach and Wittgenstein's works in some ways fulfill Stern's original propositions while also highlighting the cultural specificity of personhood.
Measurement of Coronary Sinus Blood Flow by Continuous Thermodilution in Man

A technique was developed for measurement of blood flow in the coronary sinus in man by continuous thermodilution. For single determinations, 5% dextrose at room temperature is injected at a constant rate of 35 ml/min for a period of about 20 sec. In 14 subjects with normal coronary arteries the mean coronary sinus blood flow was 122 ± 25 ml/min (range, 83 to 159 ml/min). The blood flow computed per 100 g of left ventricle was 82 ± 16 ml/min, which is in the range of values obtained by nitrous oxide and coincidence counting methods. In 35 patients with arteriographically confirmed coronary artery disease the mean flow was similar (128 ± 20 ml/min; range, 92 to 167 ml/min). A special catheter was used for simultaneous measurement of blood flow in the coronary sinus and great cardiac vein. In eight normal subjects the mean great cardiac vein flow was 68 ± 11 ml/min (range, 51 to 78 ml/min) or 65 ± 10% of the coronary sinus blood flow. The method allowed continuous measurement of flow over a period of severa...
Covariance matrices for track fitting with the Kalman filter

Abstract We present a simple and intuitive derivation of the track parameter covariance matrix due to multiple Coulomb scattering for use in track fitting with the Kalman filter. We derive all the covariance matrix elements for two experimentally relevant track parameterizations (i.e. x and y slopes and intercepts, and direction cosines and intercepts) in the presence of thin scatterers and absence of magnetic fields. We further comment on how to account for thick and/or continuous scattering centers.
Does regulation reduce electricity rates? A research note

This paper reasseses the original data of Stigler and Friedland's influential 1962 article on the effects of regulation, which studied U.S. electricity rates in the early 1900's. Whereas Stigler and Friedland contended the economic effects of regulation serve those regulated regardless of the statutory characteristics of the regulations, a critical look at their data suggests the regulations studied did have their intended effect.
Non-stoichiometry and defect structures in rapidly solidified MgO–Al2O3–ZrO2 ternary eutectics

Abstract Rapid solidification of the two MgO–Al 2 O 3 –ZrO 2 ternary eutectics was accomplished by inductive heating followed by quenching with a twin roller device. The as-quenched materials exhibited diverse compositional and structural phase assemblages. A metastable binary eutectic between a spinel and zirconia phase was found in the Al 2 O 3 -rich eutectic composition and had the same composition of the Al 2 O 3 -rich ternary eutectic. Heat treatment of the samples yielded nucleation of γ -Al 2 O 3 and then tetragonal zirconia (t-ZrO 2 ) at high temperatures as magnesium and oxygen ions diffused from the zirconia phase to the spinel phase. For the as-quenched MgO-rich eutectic, a spinel with nearly the stoichiometric composition formed with cubic-ZrO 2 and MgO. Close to the maximum amount of MgO was dissolved in the spinel and zirconia phases. Heat treatment resulted in diffusion of magnesium and oxygen ions out of the ZrO 2 phase and promoted the formation of tetragonal and monoclinic ZrO 2 .
Two 17-keV Majorana neutrinos?

A recent observation of a 17-keV neutrino in tritium beta decay can be incorporated into the standard model with just three light neutrinos. Constraints on neutrino masses suggest that the lepton mass matrices have an approximate global symmetry which results in two of the three neutrinos having masses near 17 keV. A prediction for the mixing angle in ..nu../sub e/..--> nu../sub tau/ oscillations is made. Cosmological constraints on the 17-keV neutrino are discussed. Models with Majorons or familons are found to be attractive possibilities.
Intrapartal tocolysis: an option for acute intrapartal fetal crisis.

Tocolytic drugs are commonly used by the obstetric community to produce uterine quiescence in premature labor. The use of tocolytic agents has been expanded to intrapartal emergencies. Intrapartal tocolysis has implications for obstetric nurses, which include possession of knowledge of the pharmacologic and physiologic effects of these drugs. Intrapartal tocolysis offers a beneficial management strategy that can be used in an acute intrapartal fetal crisis. The use of tocolytics provides valuable time for the health care team to assess the etiology of a nonreassuring fetal heart rate pattern, increase options for the birth, and mobilize resources for delivery. JOGNN, 27, 257-261; 1998.
Sub transitional and supersonic travelling field response in nonlinear viscoelastic media

This paper considers the problem of traveling fields in nonlinearly elastic and viscoelastic media. By introducing the appropriate hierarchical partitioning, the governing equations of motion are shown to be a continuum analogy of Duffing's equation. Through the use of a constrained perturbation procedure, the response behavior is obtained in sub, transitional as well as supersonic ranges of disturbance speed. Due to the generality of the approach taken, the effects of damping can be handled. To quantify the effects of material nonlinearity, strain softening and hardening are considered. Such behavior is quantified in general example problems.
Effects of combinations of phencyclidine and pentobarbital on schedule-controlled behavior in the squirrel monkey.

Abstract Three squirrel monkeys trained on a variable interval schedule of food presentation were used to examine the interaction between phencyclidine (PCP) and pentobarbital (PB). First, dose-response curves for each drug given alone were obtained. PCP caused small response rate increases at low doses, and a dose-dependent decrease in responding at higher doses. PB caused only dose-dependent decreases in responding. The PB dose-response curve was then redetermined in the presence of four doses of PCP. Little support was found for the hypothesis that PCP enhances the depressant properties of PB. In fact, most dose combinations caused less disruption of responding than expected from simple addition of the effects of each drug given alone. These results are discussed in terms of species differences, measurement of different dependent variables and rate-dependency.
Hyperbolic volume and modp homology

IfM is a closed, orientable hyperbolic 3-manifold such that\(\dim _{Z_p } \)H1 (M;Z p ) >-for some primep, thenM contains a hyperbolic ball of radius (log 5)/4. There is also a related result in higher dimensions.
Establishing Positive Youth Development Approaches in Group Home Settings: Training Implementation and Evaluation

This article reports on a training program for group home supervisors that was designed to utilize positive youth development principles in work with youth transitioning from care to independent living. Over a period of 5 months, eight one-day training sessions took place across one state in the U.S. (Massachusetts) with a total of 186 group care staff in attendance. The evaluation consisted of three components: observation of participant feedback during training, training day post-test, and follow-up with participants 2–3 months after training. Implications of the data, particularly barriers to implementation of training programs, are discussed.
Idiopathic thoracic intradural and extradural arachnoid diverticula. Report of a case

Intraspinal arachnoid diverticula are unusual lesions that may demonstrate significant mass effects. A 15-year-old boy with upper lumbar discomfort and progressive spastic paraparesis also demonstrated a sensory deficit at T-10 as well as a severe lower extremity dorsal column deficit. Radiographic evaluation demonstrated interpedicular widening from T-2 to T-9. Myelography revealed a triloculated arachnoid diverticulum, with major collections at C-7 to T-2, T-3 to T-5, and T-8 to T-10. An eight-level laminotomy (T-2 to T-9) was performed, leaving the spinous processes and interspinous ligaments intact. The inferior collection was completely extradural, with a diverticular neck leaving the right nerve root sleeve at T-8. The other loculations were intradural. The lesion was excised without difficulty, and the laminae were replaced. The postoperative course was unremarkable, in that recovery occurred almost immediately, and the patient's strength was essentially normal on discharge. In treating such lesions, replacement laminotomy is the best approach.
Synthesis and spectroscopic studies of non-heme diiron(III) species with a terminal hydroperoxide ligand: models for hemerythrin.

Two compounds, [Fe2(μ-OH)(μ-Ph4DBA)(TMEDA)2(OTf)] (4) and [Fe2(μ-OH)(μ-Ph4DBA)(DPE)2(OTf)] (7), where Ph4DBA2- is the dinucleating bis(carboxylate) ligand dibenzofuran-4,6-bis(diphenylacetate), have been prepared as synthetic models for the dioxygen-binding non-heme diiron protein hemerythrin (Hr). X-ray crystallography reveals that, in the solid state, these compounds contain the asymmetric coordination environment found at the diiron center in the reduced form of the protein, deoxyHr. Mossbauer spectra of the models (4, δ = 1.21(2), ΔEQ = 2.87(2) mm s-1; 7, δav = 1.23(1), ΔEQav = 2.79(1) mm s-1) and deoxyHr (δ = 1.19, ΔEQ = 2.81 mm s-1) are also in good agreement. Oxygenation of the diiron(II) complexes dissolved in CH2Cl2 containing 3 equiv of N-MeIm (4) or neat EtCN (7) at −78 °C affords a red-orange solution with optical bands at 336 nm (7300 M-1 cm-1) and 470 nm (2600 M-1 cm-1) for 4 and at 334 nm (6400 M-1 cm-1) and 484 nm (2350 M-1 cm-1) for 7. These spectra are remarkably similar to that of oxyHr...
Retirement Savings Behavior of Higher Education Employees

Higher education employees often participate in university-sponsored defined contribution pension plans that place the investment decision responsibility upon them. In order to examine investment decision-making behavior with retirement savings plans we investigated attitude-mediated, individual difference determinants of risky decision-making behavior in employer-sponsored defined contribution retirement plans. Using a field survey of 795 higher education employees, who participated in one of four defined contribution savings plans, we tested a risk taking model using data on the employees’ investment allocations in their defined contribution savings plan. We found that an attitudinal preference toward risk and a perception of opportunity served as mediators for the relationships among employees’ dispositional characteristics and their retirement savings behavior. We also found that investment knowledge directly affected risk taking behavior. Implications of the results for higher education institutions are discussed.
Selective Plasma Component Removal: Alternatives to Plasma Exchange

Plasma exchange, the unselective removal of all plasma constituents, has been applied, with varying degrees of success, to an increasing number of disorders. Because of the high cost of plasma exchange, largely the result of expensive homologous replacement solution, and other reasons, alternatives have been sought. Selective removal of plasma components permits the use of autologous plasma as replacement which is less costly, more physiologic, and in some cases, a more efficient alternative to plasma exchange. The selective removal of plasma components whose presence is associated with a disease process can be accomplished presently by physical or chemical means with either on-line of off-line systems. A state-of-the-art review of currently available alternatives to plasma exchange is described. This includes hemoperfusion and plasmaperfusion over affinity columns or filters with immobilized sorbents. On-line separation of macromolecules by membrane filtration and cryoprecipitation as well as off-line chemical precipitation and cryoprecipitation are also described. The potential and limitations of the techniques are emphasized.
An Apparatus for Determining the Respiratory Volume of Large Aquatic Birds

The apparatus shown in Fig. 1 is designed to adapt the oxygen dilution method of clinical lung-volume determination to the measurement of the total respiratory volume of various aquatic birds. In this method, the respiratory gases of the subject are mixed, through a mouthpiece, with a known quantity of oxygen, and the lung volume is calculated by the equation: (1) Lung Volume (Respiratory Volume) =
Adequacy of Discharge Plans and Rehospitalization among Hospitalized Dementia Patients

Because of the rapid growth of the elderly population and the decreasing number of days that patients are able to remain in the hospital, the task of discharge planning has become increasingly critical and challenging. This article reports on a study undertaken to examine the adequacy of discharge plans developed for dementia patients and to investigate factors related to inadequate plan development and patient readmission. Study results suggest that a sizeable proportion of dementia patients are discharged without adequate aftercare plans and are at risk of rehospitalization. The findings of this study point to significant family and resource-related factors that compromise discharge plan adequacy for dementia patients. Implications for practice, education, and policy are discussed.
Top-down or bottom-up: Aggregate versus disaggregate extrapolations

Abstract Two approaches have been suggested for forecasting items in a product line. The top-down (TD) approach uses an aggregate forecast model to develop a summary forecast, which is then allocated to individual items on the basis of their historical relative frequency. The bottom-up (BU) approach employs an individual forecast model for each of the items in the family. The present study compares these two approaches by using over 15,000 aggregate series constructed by combining individual series from the M-competition database. The effects of correlation between individual items and the relative frequency of individual items in the family are examined. In most situations, BU forecasting of family items produces more accurate forecasts.