cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Beyond the semivariogram: Patterns, scale, and hydrology in a semi-arid landscape

Abstract As an alternative to geostatistical modeling, we characterized the hydrology of a semi-arid landscape in southeastern Washington state, USA, by coupling spatial patterns identified in the distributions of relative relief and vegetation with the influence each has on soil moisture storage and evapotranspiration at the appropriate scale. Gauging precipitation, soil moisture, and evapotranspiration over a two-year period while concurrently mapping relative relief and vegetation distributions at three scales ranging from centimeters to 90 m, we determined that soil moisture and soil moisture storage are significantly greater in topographic concavities than in convexities at the microrelief (20–50 cm) scale but are not significantly different in relief features at larger scales. A generalized microrelief surface produced using a two-dimensional Fourier transformation provided a good representation of the distribution of soil moisture within microrelief when scaled to soil moisture values. Applying a spatial point process analysis we determined that big sage are randomly distributed across the landscape at all scales, suggesting that lysimeter-derived sage evapotranspiration rates also be distributed randomly across the landscape. Where sage were not present, we applied an autoregressive moving-average model conditioned on grass lysimeter measurements to derive evapotranspiration rates. Combining these hydrologic spatial patterns derived from distributions in relief and vegetation with measured precipitation inputs and evapotranspiration outputs, we created a spatially distributed model of soil moisture which we tested against measured values over an eight-week period. The model provides accurate characterization of soil moisture, allows estimates of soil moisture between measurement points, permits extrapolation of soil moisture distributions outside the gauged area, and maintains small-scale variability when aggregating soil moisture to successively larger scales.
CD24 is expressed by myofiber synaptic nuclei and regulates synaptic transmission

The genes encoding several synaptic proteins, including acetylcholine receptors, acetylcholinesterase, and the muscle-specific kinase, MuSK, are expressed selectively by a small number of myofiber nuclei positioned near the synaptic site. Genetic analysis of mutant mice suggests that additional genes, expressed selectively by synaptic nuclei, might encode muscle-derived retrograde signals that regulate the differentiation of motor axon terminals. To identify candidate retrograde signals, we used a microarray screen to identify genes that are preferentially expressed in the synaptic region of muscle, and we analyzed one such gene, CD24, further. We show that CD24, which encodes a small, variably and highly glycosylated, glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked protein, is expressed preferentially by myofiber synaptic nuclei in embryonic and adult muscle, and that CD24 expression is restricted to the central region of muscle independent of innervation. Moreover, we show that CD24 has a role in presynaptic differentiation, because synaptic transmission is depressed and fails entirely, in a cyclical manner, after repetitive stimulation of motor axons in CD24 mutant mice. These deficits in synaptic transmission, which are accompanied by aberrant stimulus-dependent uptake of AM1–43 from axons, indicate that CD24 is required for normal presynaptic maturation and function. Because CD24 is also expressed in some neurons, additional experiments will be required to determine whether pre- or postsynaptic CD24 mediates these effects on presynaptic development and function.
Durable Glass for Thousands of Years

The durability of natural glasses on geological time scales and ancient glasses for thousands of years is well documented. The necessity to predict the durability of high level nuclear waste (HLW) glasses on extended time scales has led to various thermodynamic and kinetic approaches. Advances in the measurement of medium range order (MRO) in glasses has led to the understanding that the molecular structure of a glass, and thus the glass composition, controls the glass durability by establishing the distribution of ion exchange sites, hydrolysis sites, and the access of water to those sites. During the early stages of glass dissolution, a 'gel' layer resembling a membrane forms through which ions exchange between the glass and the leachant. The hydrated gel layer exhibits acid/base properties which are manifested as the pH dependence of the thickness and nature of the gel layer. The gel layer ages into clay or zeolite minerals by Ostwald ripening. Zeolite mineral assemblages (higher pH and Al{sup 3+} rich glasses) may cause the dissolution rate to increase which is undesirable for long-term performance of glass in the environment. Thermodynamic and structural approaches to the prediction of glass durability are compared versus Ostwald ripening.
Pediatric Wandering Spleen Case Report and Review of Literature

Wandering spleen is a rare diagnosis, especially in the pediatric population. We reviewed the English literature from 1900 through April 1991 for all cases of wandering spleen in patients from birth through age 10. There are 50 case reports prior to the one presented here. The goals of this article are to summarize the histories, findings, and treatment of the 51 patients, describe diagnostic and treatment modalities, and increase the clinician's suspicion for wandering spleen. This condition is probably underdiagnosed and potentially treatable by splenopexy if suspected and diagnosed early in the course of disease.
Theory Interpretation in Simple Type Theory

Theory interpretation is a logical technique for relating one axiomatic theory to another with important applications in mathematics and computer science as well as in logic itself. This paper presents a method for theory interpretation in a version of simple type theory, called lutins, which admits partial functions and subtypes. The method is patterned on the standard approach to theory interpretation in first-order logic. Although the method is based on a nonclassical version of simple type theory, it is intended as a guide for theory interpretation in classical simple type theories as well as in predicate logics with partial functions.
Fairness in periodic real-time scheduling

The issue of temporal fairness in periodic real-time scheduling is considered. It is argued that such fairness is often a desirable characteristic in real-time schedules. A concrete criterion for temporal fairness-pfairness-is described. The weight-monotonic scheduling algorithm, a static priority scheduling algorithm for generating pfair schedules, is presented and proven correct. A feasibility test is presented which, if satisfied by a system of periodic tasks, ensures that the weight-monotonic scheduling algorithm will schedule the system in a pfair manner.
Aortic graft infections: replacement with autogenous vein

The purpose of this review article is to summarize our published experience with the use of the superficial femoral-popliteal vein (SFPV) to replace infected aortic prostheses. The SFPV has proven to be resistant to infections of all types and has shown no signs of degeneration over the long term. Since SFPV bypass and prosthetic graft excision are performed as a single stage, operative times are extensive. Therefore, it may not be appropriate for the sickest patients with severe medical comorbidities. Nevertheless, the operation has been associated with gratifyingly low mortality and amputation rates that are far better than published rates associated with graft excision and extra-anatomic bypass. It is particularly suited to patients with complex aortofemoral graft reconstructions who cannot undergo extra-anatomic revascularization for technical reasons. The venous sequella of SFPV harvest are minimal. These data and those from three other centers support the conclusion that graft excision and replacement with SFPV is an excellent alternative for treatment of aortic graft infections.
Analysis of the Wallowa-Baker terrane boundary: Implications for tectonic accretion in the Blue Mountains province, northeastern Oregon

The Baker terrane, exposed in the Blue Mountains province of northeastern Oregon, is a long-lived, ancient (late Paleozoic–early Mesozoic) accretionary complex with an associated forearc. This composite terrane lies between the partially coeval Wallowa and Olds Ferry island-arc terranes. The northern margin of the Baker terrane is a broad zone (>25 km wide) of fault-bounded, imbricated slabs and slices of meta-igneous and metasedimentary rocks faulted into chert-argillite melange of the Elkhorn Ridge Argillite. Metaplutonic rocks within tectonic units in this zone crystallized between 231 and 226 Ma and have low initial 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios (0.7033–0.7034) and positive initial e Nd values (+7.7 to +8.5). In contrast, siliceous argillites from the chert-argillite melange have initial 87 Sr/ 86 Sr values ranging from 0.7073 to 0.7094 and initial e Nd values between −4.7 and −7.8. We interpret this broad, imbricate fault zone as a fundamental tectonic boundary that separates the distal, Wallowa island-arc terrane from the Baker accretionary-complex terrane. We propose that this terrane boundary is an example of a broad zone of imbrication made up of slabs and slices of arc crust tectonically mixed within an accretionary complex, providing an on-land, ancient analogue to the actualistic arc-arc collisional zone developed along the margins of the Molucca Sea of the central equatorial Indo-Pacific region.
The care continuum in acromegaly: how patients, nurses, and physicians can collaborate for successful treatment experiences.

Patients with acromegaly (a condition of chronic growth hormone hypersecretion by a pituitary adenoma) often require pharmacological treatment. Somatostatin analogs (SSAs) such as pasireotide, lanreotide, and octreotide are frequently used as first-line medical therapy. As SSAs are delivered by regular subcutaneous or intramuscular injections, they can result in injection-related pain or anxiety and can be challenging to fit into patients’ lifestyles. When combined with the prolonged, debilitating psychological complications associated with acromegaly, these administration challenges can negatively impact compliance, adherence, and quality of life. Proactively managing patients’ expectations and providing appropriate, timely guidance are crucial for maximizing adherence, and ultimately, optimizing the treatment experience. As part of ongoing clinical research since 1997, our team at the University of Michigan has used SSAs to treat 30 patients with acromegaly. Based on our clinical experiences with multiple SSA administration regimens (long-acting intramuscular, long-acting deep subcutaneous, and twice-daily subcutaneous), we generated a dialog map that guides health care professionals through the many sensitive and complex patient communication issues surrounding this treatment process. Beginning with diagnosis, the dialog map includes discussion of treatment options, instruction on proper drug administration technique, and ensuring of appropriate follow-up care. At each step, we provide talking points that address the following: the patients’ clinical situation; their geographic, economic, and psychological concerns; and their inclination to communicate with clinicians. We have found that involving patients, nurses, and physicians as equal partners in the treatment process optimizes treatment initiation, adherence, and persistence in acromegaly. By encouraging collaboration across the care continuum, this dialog map can facilitate identification of the treatment plan that is most likely to yield the best possible outcome.
Accuracy and Bias in Perceptions of Relationship Interest for Intergroup and Intragroup Roommates

Previous research suggests that the perception of anxiety in intergroup interactions can be detrimental to relationship formation. However, the underlying processes through which this occurs remain unclear. The present longitudinal study, which studied same- and different-race/ethnicity roommates over 6 weeks, investigated whether perceived partner anxiety moderates two types of processes previously shown to facilitate relationship development: (a) tracking accuracy, the relationship between perceivers' assessments of their partner's interest in remaining roommates and the partner's stated interest and (b) positive directional bias, representing overestimation of partners' relationship interest. Under high levels of perceived anxiety, both accuracy and directional bias were generally low, independent of the dyad type. In contrast, when perceived anxiety was relatively low, Whites and minorities in cross-race dyads and Whites in same-race dyads showed a positive directional bias in their evalua- tions; Whites in cross-race relationships also achieved tracking accuracy. Implications of perceived anxiety for perceptual dynamics in cross-group friendships are discussed.
Functional and molecular evidence for Na+-HCO 3 − cotransporter in porcine vas deferens epithelia

This study focused on the role of sodium-bicarbonate cotransporter (NBC1) in cAMP-stimulated ion transport in porcine vas deferens epithelium. Ion substitution experiments in modified Ussing chambe...
Plasmalemmal Ca2+ signaling in arterial smooth muscle: it's elementary!

Uniquely among the major intracellular second messengers, calcium is an element; an obvious statement, but one with profound consequences for its signaling functions. Being an element, cells cannot synthesize or degrade calcium, they can only actively move it from one place to another, allow it to move passively down concentration gradients, and let it bind to things. The active moving is done by pumps and transporters that establish enormous (>10,000-fold) concentration gradients of Ca2+ ions between the very low basal free [Ca2+] in the cytosol (∼50–100 nM) and the much higher concentrations in the extracellular fluid and reservoirs sequestered in intracellular organelles, principally the ER or SR and mitochondria. Opening of Ca2+-permeable channels in the plasma or intracellular membranes can then evoke large and extremely rapid increases in local cytosolic [Ca2+] as Ca2+ ions flow passively down their electrochemical gradient (Hille, 2001). Moreover, Ca2+ signals may be spatially, as well as temporally, restricted (Marchant and Parker, 2000). This is because diffusion becomes a relatively slow process at distances greater than a few micrometers, and because diffusion of Ca2+ ions in the cytosol is further restricted by binding to immobile buffers; although an interesting wrinkle is that the signal carried by Ca2+ (“message”) actually travels faster then the ions themselves (the “messengers”) (Pando et al., 2006). Cells have thus evolved a diverse and complex repertoire of Ca2+ signals, which are more tightly localized in space and time than is possible with “molecular” messengers such as cyclic nucleotides that diffuse more readily and are kinetically limited by enzyme turnover rates of synthesis and degradation (Allbritton et al., 1992). Such local intracellular Ca2+ signals have been a subject of much interest over the last decade or more; not least because Ca2+ is the only second messenger we can presently image with micrometer and millisecond resolution.
Device extraction in adults with congenital heart disease.

Background: Device extraction is a critical component in the treatment of patients with device-related infections. Due to complex anatomic considerations, device extraction in adults with congenital heart disease presents unique challenges to the electrophysiologist. Methods: Here, we present a series of device-extraction cases performed in patients with transposition of the great arteries status post either Mustard or Senning surgical procedures that subsequently had permanent pacemakers placed and ultimately developed device-related infections. Results: All of these patients eventually underwent successful laser extractions of their infected devices resulting in complete removal of all hardware and resolution of their infections. Conclusions: These cases illustrate that endovascular device extraction has been safely and effectively performed in adult patients with congenital heart disease, though further studies are needed to determine the procedural risks and success rates of this procedure in this patient population.
A new sensitive 32P-postlabeling assay based on the specific enzymatic conversion of bulky DNA lesions to radiolabeled dinucleotides and nucleoside 5'-monophosphates

A new sensitive 32P-postlabeling assay for DNA adducts has been developed in which DNA is hydrolyzed initially by nuclease P1 and prostatic acid phosphatase instead of micrococcal nuclease and spleen phosphodiesterase as employed in previous postlabeling procedures. When DNA containing bulky adducts, X1, X2, .....Xn, is digested with nuclease P1 at pH 5, normal nucleotides are released as 5'-monophosphates, pN, while adducts are excised as 5'-phosphorylated dinucleotides, pXipN, because internucleotide linkages on the 3' side of X resist attack by nuclease P1. Addition of prostatic acid phosphatase to such a digest results in 5'-dephosphorylation of the nucleotides to normal nucleosides, N, and adducted dinucleotides, XipN, carrying a 5'-terminal free hydroxyl group. The dinucleotides but not nucleosides are converted to 5'-32P-labeled dinucleotides, [32P]pXipN, by T4 polynucleotide kinase-catalyzed [32P]phosphate transfer from [gamma-32P]ATP. Upon mapping on polyethyleneimine--cellulose anion-exchange TLC, the labeled dinucleotide adducts produce characteristic autoradiographic fingerprints. Alternatively, they are further digested with snake venom phosphodiesterase to yield 5'-monophosphates, [32P]pXi and pN. TLC profiles of the monophosphate adducts are distinct from those of the dinucleotides. These reactions provide the basis of the new 32P-postlabeling scheme, which is compared in this paper with a previously reported protocol yielding adducts in the form of 5'-32P-labeled 3',5'-bisphosphates, [32P]pXip. The results show that the availability of three different types of 32P-postlabeled derivatives for the same adduct aids in the analysis and chromatographic characterization of DNA adducts from diverse exogenous and endogenous sources.
Something to build upon: A foundations course for pre-engineering freshmen

A foundation course for preengineering freshmen at Northern Arizona University is described. The theme of the course is active investigation and problem solving in an environment of fun and adventure. The learning process will be centered around activities designed to intrigue the students or to give them some useful hands-on experience. Taking things apart and investigating them is one such activity. An example might be the dissection of a clothes washing machine. The activities of disassembly and exploration provide context within which to introduce and discuss basic mechanical and electrical concepts and present some quantitative methods. >
Random Walk Study of Convective Diffusion

Molecular diffusion from an instantaneous point in a laminar, two-dimensional flow field is studied by a random walk simulation performed over an approximately thousand-fold range of Peclet numbers. Isopleths of the diffusing cloud were obtained. An analysis of the statistical parameters of the cloud, both in the transversal and longitudinal direction, shows the aspects of the process that can be described analytically, as well as the significance of the concept of memory of the source. The methodology of the simulation, the relationship to the continuum approach, and the applications to other situations are examined.
Local Anesthetic Toxicity

Effective regional block is not possible without the use of local anesthetics. Even though local anesthetics have been used for more than 115 years, details about balancing risks of their toxic effects with the benefits of their therapeutic effects remain poorly focused for many clinicians. In this chapter, the most frequent toxic effect of local anesthetics — local anesthetic systemic toxicity — will be covered, as will the less-frequent clinical situations of allergy to local anesthetics and myelotoxicity.
Receptivity to Full-Time Early Clinical Education Experience

This report describes feedback from clinical instructors, academic faculty members, and students following a part-time to full-time change in the scheduling of early clinical education in the Curriculum in Physical Therapy at the University of Michigan. A questionnaire was distributed to all academic faculty members and students of the physical therapy program and to all center coordinators of clinical education and primary clinical instructors who worked with students during the trial year. Results of the study indicated strong support for the full-time schedule.
Teacher Educators as Cultural Workers: Problematizing Teacher Education Pedagogies.

From a Latina/o Critical Race Theory perspective, in this article we engage in a process of testimonio co-creation to trace Freire's notion of critical pedagogy in our lives as former schoolteachers and current teacher educators. Through the critical analysis of our lived experiences, we unveil the powerful affordances we have gained by employing Freirean culture circles in our teacher education contexts. Against the backdrop of standardization and over-regimentation, our collective counterstory (re)centers the importance of critical dialogue in teacher education, especially as our nation simultaneously experiences a seismic demographic shift and ever-increasing opportunity gaps within its pre/schools. Findings highlight the importance of teacher educators engaging in a process that encompasses: (a) rereading their experiences with oppression and injustice, (b) purposefully considering adult pedagogies that have the potential to transform teacher education, and (c) developing practices as critical teacher...
Synthesis and Some Pharmacological Properties of a Peptide Derivative of Oxytocin Glycyloxytocin.

Summary1) The protected decapeptide carbobenzoxyglycyl - S - benzyl - l - cys-teinyl - l - tyrosyl - l - isoleucyl - l - gluta-minyl - l - asparaginyl - S - benzyl - l - cysteinyl - l - prolyl - l - leucylglycinamide was synthesized by coupling of the p-nitrophenyl ester of carbobenzoxyglycine with S-benzyl-l - cysteinyl - l - tyrosyl - l - isoleucyl - l -glutaminyl - l - asparaginyl - S - benzyl - l -cysteinyl - l - prolyl - l - leucylglycinamide. Removal of the protecting groups followed by oxidation to the disulfide gave glycyloxytocin which was isolated by countercurrent distribution. 2) The pharmacological effects of this peptide derivative of oxytocin were investigated by testing it for avian depressor, pressor, and rat uterine-contracting activities. The sample of glycyloxytocin possessed only a slight degree of these 3 activities. It was found to exert a marked inhibitory effect on the avian depressor activity of oxytocin. On the other hand, the glycyloxytocin did not show inhibitory action agains...
On Renewal of the School-running Mode of Private Colleges & Universities

This paper holds that if private colleges and universities attempt to develop contineously, they must make clear the ownership of their property rights and build up a new school-running mode. But the prerequisite is to emancipate the mind, change old ideology and keep up with the times.
The Behavioral Feature and Culture Tradition Factors of Archive Professionals

By applying theory of sociology and behaviorology, the paper makes a classified description of archive professionals, and demonstrate their characteristic view of value and working features, which is quite different from that of other mass groups in society. With a basic mode of "moral, model and harmony" comprised as a mass behavior, archive professionals are found to have an inner correlation with their culture tradition. Advantages and disadvantages of the behavioral feature are pointed out, and relative measures for coping with the new situation are suggested as well, giving a reference to policy makers so as to promote the efficiency of archive management.
Test Method for Determination H_2S Breakthrough Capacity and Breakthrough Time of Activated Carbon

The testing method for determination H2S Breakthrough Capacity and Breakthrough Time of Activated Carbon is introduced in this paper. This testing method will be fitted for application condition in China based on the practice of CALGON TM-41 standard in Lab.
Validation of laser-Doppler flowmetry in measurement of spinal cord blood flow.

Laser-Doppler flowmetry (LDF) is a non-invasive method for continuous on-line monitoring of microvascular blood flow. LDF has previously been validated with established methods in various tissues, yet its validity and resolution in the central nervous system (CNS) remain unclear. We compared LDF with the microsphere method (MS) using two independent laser probes placed on the dorsal lumbar spinal cord (L5 laminectomy) of anesthetized rabbits (n = 9). After base-line flow measurements, spinal cord blood flow (SCBF) was increased (up to 50%) with phenylephrine (10-80 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 iv) and decreased (up to 50%) with chlorisondamine (10 mg/kg iv) or other stimuli. The percentage changes of lumbar SCBF and vascular resistance (VR) from the base line obtained by LDF and MS excellently agreed (rBF = 0.86, rVR = 0.94, P less than 0.0001). LDF estimated also the absolute SCBF values parallel to MS (r = 0.77, P less than 0.001). In conclusion, the validity of LDF in estimating the SCBF and dynamic changes of BF and VR is confirmed. Therefore, LDF may prove useful for monitoring CNS microcirculation in normal or pathophysiological states.
Lessons From Drive-By Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion.

The paper by Koskinas et al. [(1)][1] in this issue of JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions describes a large series of left atrial appendage closures (LAAC) and very early outcomes data. The authors’ experience is admirable, dates back to the very beginning of endovascular LAAC, and incorporates a
Targeting tubers in paediatric epilepsy surgery candidates.

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Centre of epileptogenic tubers generate and propagate seizures in tuberous sclerosis’, by Kannan et al. (doi:10.1093/brain/aww192) . First described clinically at the end of the 19th century, tuberous sclerosis complex is a multi-organ system disorder displaying characteristic skin involvement, benign tumours, and hamartomatous and cystic lesions. Affected children often experience debilitating focal epilepsy that typically begins in very early life and remains medically resistant. For this reason, surgical therapy was advocated as far back as 1966 (Perot et al. , 1966) based on the hypothesis that a single tuber might well be responsible for the epileptogenesis. This conceptual approach has been well validated, and yet the precise anatomical and physiological substrates of focal epilepsy in affected individuals remain a matter of debate. Do the seizures in tuberous sclerosis complex begin directly within the cortical tuber itself or does onset occur in surrounding tissue? And do seizures propagate from the seizure onset zone to distant non-tuberal sites? In this issue of Brain , Kannan and co-workers provide elegant support for a central role of the tuberal core in seizure initiation and propagation (Kannan et al. , 2016). Building on previous analyses (Mohamed et al. , 2012), Kannan et al. investigated the spatio-temporal patterns of seizure onset and propagation in children with tuberous sclerosis complex by analysing intracranial EEG recordings in 10 patients with focal epilepsy. Multiple depth and surface electrodes sampled tubers and perituberal cortex both during seizures and interictally. In many cases, depth electrodes were positioned directly into the centre of the tuber. Analyses of 10 electro-clinically distinct seizure types revealed that nine originated in the centre of the tuber; one began in the tuberal rim, and most importantly, none originated in perituberal tissue alone. In all cases, electrical seizure activity preceded …
Malignant Transformation of a Giant Cell Tumor of Bone Treated with Denosumab: A Case Report.

Case: Giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone was first described almost 200 years ago, but the optimal treatment continues to evolve. We present a patient with a pelvic GCT who was treated with embolization, 20 months of denosumab therapy, and resection. Histologically, the tumor consisted of degenerated GCT, bone, and fibrous tissue. After 7 months, the patient was found to have osteosarcoma at the site of the initial lesion as well as pulmonary metastases. Conclusion: The apparent malignant transformation of a GCT of bone treated initially with denosumab indicates that close follow-up is warranted.
Does dexmedetomidine cause less airway collapse than propofol when used for deep sedation

Abstract Study objective The risk of airway collapse in patients undergoing deep sedation is a major concern. In this study, we compared the airway patency of deep sedation provided by propofol with the airway patency of deep sedation provided by dexmedetomidine in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures. This comparison was done using MRI static and dynamic images and comparing these images to baseline after sevoflurane induction. Design After institutional review board approval, children who were scheduled for MRI procedures were given an inhalation induction, had intravenous access established, and were randomized to receive either dexmedetomidine 1- μ g/kg load followed by 1- μ g/(kg h) infusion or propofol infusion at 300 μ g/(kg min) reduced to 250- μ g/(kg min) infusion. MR images were then obtained. Airway patency and collapse were assessed at the level of the posterior midtongue in the axial and sagittal planes. The degree of airway collapse was assessed by determining the percent change in the airway caliber from its minimum to maximum value. After conclusion of the MRI procedure, the study patients were immediately observed by a blinded observer to determine their level of sedation according to the Ramsey sedation scale. Setting MRI scanner at Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo. Patients Forty children between the ages of 3 and 7 years. Intervention Comparison of the utilization of propofol against dexmedetomidine infusions for deep sedation to determine the degree of airway collapse. Measurements Magnetic resonance images were then obtained using a 1.5-T GE Excite 12.0 scanner. Airway patency and collapse were assessed at the level of the posterior midtongue in the axial and sagittal planes. The degree of airway collapse was assessed by determining the percent change in the airway caliber from its minimum to maximum value. After conclusion of the MRI procedure, the study patients were immediately observed by a blinded observer to determine their level of sedation according to the Ramsey sedation scale. Main results Our study demonstrated no difference in airway collapse between dexmedetomidine-based deep sedation and propofol-based deep sedation following sevoflurane induction. Conclusion In deep sedation, which is commonly associated with a loss of airway tone, it may not matter which of these intravenous study agents are used. Intravenous sedation with propofol or dexmedetomidine appears to produce the same effect on the pediatric airway.
Notch Signaling Induces Megakaryocytic Cell Fate.

Abstract The Notch pathway regulates a broad range of biological mechanisms including proliferation, border formation and cell fate decisions. In the hematopoietic system, Notch signaling is generally thought to specify T cell lineage fate at the expense of the B cell whereas its role in the myeloid lineage development is unclear. When using heterotypic co-cultures of murine primary hematopoietic stem cells (HSC: Lin-Sca1+Kit+) with OP9 stromal cells, or OP9 cells expressing the Notch ligand Delta1 (OP9-DL1), we unexpectedly observed the development of large cells with cytoplasmic protrusions reminiscent of proplatelet production by megakaryocytes on OP9-DL1 stroma. These cells stained positive for acetylcholinesterase, specific for megakaryocyte, and displayed large polylobated nuclei. Flow cytometric analysis indicated a 10-fold increase in the number of CD41+ cells in OP9-DL1 co-cultures compared to parental OP9 co-cultures. Expression of a constitutively active intra-cellular Notch (ICN) mutant allowed differentiation of HSC into CD41+ cells in parental OP9 co-cultures without DL1 stimulation, whereas expression of a dominant-negative MAML1 (dnMAML1) mutant abrogated this effect in OP9-DL1 co-cultures. In addition, megakaryocyte differentiation in OP9-DL1 co-cultures was blocked by γ-secretase inhibitors treatment and rescued by ectopic expression of ICN. Global gene expression analysis demonstrated engagement of a megakaryopoietic transcriptional program when HSC were co-cultured with OP9-DL1 vs. OP9 stroma or OP9-DL1 stroma treated with γ-secretase inhibitor. Bone marrow transplantation experiments with ICN, resulted in enhanced megakaryopoiesis in vivo with increased MEP numbers and megakaryocyte colony formation. Furthermore, transplantation of bone marrow cells transduced with dnMAML1 significantly impaired megakaryopoiesis in vivo with a 4- to 7-fold decrease in maturing megakaryocytes. These findings demonstrate a positive regulatory role for Notch signaling in specification of megakaryocyte development, and indicate that Notch plays a complex role in cell fate decisions among myeloid progenitors. They suggest the possibility that inhibition of Notch signaling may have therapeutic potential in malignancies of the megakaryocytic lineage. Furthermore, Notch pathway stimulation could be of value in enhancing megakaryocyte growth in clinical contexts associated with severe thrombocytopenia, such as hematopoietic reconstitution following bone marrow transplantation or chemotherapy.
Comparison of Imaging Modalities in the Kidney: Overview

Further developments in imaging of the kidneys (and the entire urinary tract) have occurred in the past few years. New techniques have been introduced and greater experience in the use of existing modalities has been accumulated. With the escalating costs of medical practise, it becomes increasingly important to use these newly developed radiologic tools to the best possible advantage. The goal is obviously to achieve diagnostic accuracy in the safest, least invasive, and most economical way possible. The radiologic approach taken to achieve this goal will depend on a number of factors, including the particular problem to be solved and the relative accuracy and invasiveness of the radiologic techniques available.
Human Chorionic Villus Stem Cells May Contribute to Endogenous Factor VIII Production during Gestation

INTRODUCTION: The placenta is an organ that plays a vital role in providing nutrition, elimination of metabolic products and gas exchange for the growing fetus. Major organs that play these roles in an adult are undergoing development during gestation. The liver, a metabolic organ with a variety of endocrine and exocrine functions including the synthesis of coagulation proteins, is the major site of hematopoiesis at 11-15 weeks during gestation. Production of coagulation proteins during gestation remains unclear. We investigated the potential of very early gestation human chorionic villus mesenchymal stem cells (PMSCs) for Factor VIII (FVIII) mRNA and production of biologically active FVIII. METHODOLOGY: PMSCs were isolated from human placenta at 9-13 weeks of gestational age by tissue explant culture and characterized via flow cytometry for mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) markers. Tri-lineage differentiation of PMSCs was investigated by inducing PMSCs in different culture conditions. Polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed on cell lysates using FVIII primers. Chromogenic assay was performed on culture medium of PMSCs and HUVECs (negative control) after 72 hours in culture. Human plasma was used as positive control. RESULTS: PMSCs isolated from preterm human placenta were plastic adherent, showed spindle-shaped morphology and demonstrated expression of MSC markers CD105, CD90, CD73, CD44, and CD29, and did not express CD184, HLA-DR or hematopoietic and endothelial markers CD45, CD34 and CD31. Tri-lineage differentiation potential into osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic lineages was observed under different culture conditions. These results show multi-potency and a surface marker profile analogous to bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). PCR analysis revealed FVIII mRNA expression on PMSCs and was negative on HUVECs. Chromogenic assay showed ~0.4 U/ml on PMSCs and ~0.1 U/ml in HUVECs. CONCLUSION: Here we report that early gestation PMSCs express and secrete biologically active FVIII. Further studies using different gestational ages of the placenta is needed to understand the potential contribution of chorionic villus to FVIII production during gestation. Disclosures Powell:CSL Behring: Employment.
The Bush Doctrine in the Middle East: A New American Century

This chapter incorporates a comparative case study analysis of the Bush Doctrine in an attempt to test the claim whether it represents continuity in US foreign policy toward the Middle East. In doing so, it analyzes the policy that led to the 2003 Iraq war because of its overall impact on US foreign policy toward the region. Focusing on the strategic aspect of the policy, not on the managerial one , this chapter also analyzes whether there was a change in US geostrategic objectives and the strategies it implemented to achieve those objectives. The study finds that there is no change in the geostrategic objective to prevent the emergence of a rival regional power and the grand strategy of offshore balancing used to achieve the objective.
Testing the Hillary Doctrine: Women’s Rights and Anti-American Terrorism

In her various roles as First Lady, Senator, Secretary of State, and Democratic presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton has long maintained that the subjugation of women poses a national security thr...
Access to English in Pakistan: inculcating prestige and leadership through instruction in elite schools

In Pakistan, English is one of the official languages and the language of higher education, a prerequisite for professional positions, and the most prestigious language. However, access to English ...
La formalización del voluntariado juvenil en Nicaragua en el contexto de América Latina y el Caribe

EL ARTICULO SE BASA EN UNA INVESTIGACION QUE UTILIZA LA TEORIA de los origenes sociales de la sociedad civil (Salamon & Anheier, 1998) y el concepto de formalizacion para analizar los programas de voluntariado juvenil en Nicaragua. Describe el nivel de formalizacion de los mismos y lo compara con el de otros paises de la subregion y de America Latina y el Caribe. Tambien analiza la relacion existente entre la formalizacion y orientacion de estos programas y un conjunto de variables a nivel de programa, organizacion y pais
INDC and Low-Carbon Technology Deployment Scenarios: Thailand

Low-carbon technologies (LCTs) play a key role in contributing to achieve Thailand’s INDC 2030 target. LCTs of nine plans under INDC are identified such as current status and future directions of LCTs, analysis on LCTs and the gap, specific features for international support and domestic efforts related to LCTs, and the assessment of anticipated impacts and benefits for economic, social, and environmental sectors. Barriers and challenges for diffusion of LCTs to achieve INDC targets depend on commitment of involving ministries and progress in 2015–2016, progress of implementation of plans (technical cooperation for moving MRV of LCTs, new technology promotion, and self-assessment tool), and key drivers for continuing the implementation (plan and budget or expense, support of Energy Conservation Fund, energy-efficient technology, and co-benefit thinking system). To ensure economic growth with LCTs deployment, Thailand has implemented Industry 4.0 Policy and other support programs (Talent Mobility Program and STEM Program) and is planning to implement other development projects and policies such as Special Economic Zones in Thailand, Eastern Economic Corridor Development Project, Smart Grid Technology, and Carbon Tax. Lastly, this article discusses regional and international technology cooperation that accelerates trade and investment, funding support and implementation of LCTs such as energy connectivity with neighbor countries, low-carbon zone to attract foreign investments, technology cooperation to scale up renewable energy technologies, partnership for capacity building, and enhancement of Thailand’s Energy Conservation (ENCON) Fund to the regional level.
Telling the True Story

In this chapter, the authors examine the role of narrative in the asylum hearing process. In the absence of documentation, these narratives of what happened are a primary form of evidence and, thus, a focal point for suspicion. Narrative is a culturally specific form; how much description is given, and when it is given, whether at the beginning or in the middle of an account, differs according to cultural conventions. In some cases, asylum applicants fail to offer enough contextual information to explain what might otherwise look like a discrepancy. Although it is impossible to know with any certainty that a narrative is fraudulent, it is possible to identify some of the dimensions of narrative that are helpful for understanding discrepancies. The authors use discourse analysis to better understand the complexities of testimony, and the ways in which “truth” and “lies” are framed and perceived.
Understanding angiogenesis during aging: opportunities for discoveries and new models.

Microvascular network growth and remodeling are common denominators for most age-related pathologies. For multiple pathologies (myocardial infarction, stroke, hypertension), promoting microvascular...
The effects of police performance on agency trustworthiness and citizen participation

ABSTRACTWe examine the effect of performance information on citizens’ willingness to engage with government. We hypothesize that when performance information is positive, citizens perceive government as trustworthy, which increases proclivity for participation. To validate this framework, we conduct an experiment that tests the effect of police performance on citizens’ perceptions of police trustworthiness and intentions to participate in a neighbourhood watch programme. We find that information about police performance strongly affects perceptions of police trustworthiness. Yet, citizen decisions to participate in the community watch programme are more complex and can be triggered by either positive or negative police performance.
Bad Policy as a Recipe for Bad Federalism in the Regulation of Canadian Financial Institutions: The Case of Loan and Trust Companies

This article addresses the impact of substantive policy on federal arrangements in the regulation of Canadian loan and trust companies. It is argued that reliance on market-suppressing policies (flat-rate based deposit insurance and selective bail·outs of depositors in the event of institutional failure) has undermined the value of competitive federalism in this area, and has spawned highly contentious policy initiatives such as Ontario's Equals Approach. To redress the federalism problems in the regulation of loan and trusts, a useful starting point would be the enhancement of market forces in substantive policy. Here, it is argued that the commitment to secrecy regulation by financial institution regulators has impeded this enterprise. Disciplines Law Comments Reprinted from Osgoode Hall Law Journal, Volume 31, 1993, pages 543-587. This journal article is available at ScholarlyCommons: http://repository.upenn.edu/law_series/14
TRPs in Taste and Chemesthesis

TRP channels are expressed in taste buds, nerve fibers, and keratinocytes in the oronasal cavity. These channels play integral roles in transducing chemical stimuli, giving rise to sensations of taste, irritation, warmth, coolness, and pungency. Specifically, TRPM5 acts downstream of taste receptors in the taste transduction pathway. TRPM5 channels convert taste-evoked intracellular Ca2+ release into membrane depolarization to trigger taste transmitter secretion. PKD2L1 is expressed in acid-sensitive (sour) taste bud cells but is unlikely to be the transducer for sour taste. TRPV1 is a receptor for pungent chemical stimuli such as capsaicin and for several irritants (chemesthesis). It is controversial whether TRPV1 is present in the taste buds and plays a direct role in taste. Instead, TRPV1 is expressed in non-gustatory sensory afferent fibers and in keratinocytes of the oronasal cavity. In many sensory fibers and epithelial cells lining the oronasal cavity, TRPA1 is also co-expressed with TRPV1. As with TRPV1, TRPA1 transduces a wide variety of irritants and, in combination with TRPV1, assures that there is a broad response to noxious chemical stimuli. Other TRP channels, including TRPM8, TRPV3, and TRPV4, play less prominent roles in chemesthesis and no known role in taste, per se. The pungency of foods and beverages is likely highly influenced by the temperature at which they are consumed, their acidity, and, for beverages, their carbonation. All these factors modulate the activity of TRP channels in taste buds and in the oronasal mucosa.
Computational Methods for Soft-Body Impact Problems

Bird and ice impacts on aircraft transparencies and engine components present a serious hazard to low-flying aircraft. This paper summarizes some recent developments in the finite element analysis of such problems, with particular emphasis on element technology and solution techniques.
Mechanisms of Tissue Injuries and Repairs in Hypersensitivity

Mechanisms of tissue injury and repair may be classified into two basic types: those related to nonimmunological processes and those related to hypersensitivity states. The former are discussed in Chapter 5. In this chapter, we discuss basic types of hypersensitivity reactions.
Undrained Behavior of Sand–Structure Interfaces Subjected to Cyclic Torsional Shearing

AbstractThis paper presents results from an experimental study on the undrained behavior of sand–structure interfaces subjected to cyclic undrained torsional shearing. The goals of the study are to...
The Orthogonal Tilt Reconstruction Method

Generating reliable initial models for novel asymmetric molecules, particularly heterogeneous ones, remains a major challenge in cryo-electron microscopy. Geometric reconstruction methods, relying on the ability to tilt the microscope stage to obtain two or more views of each molecule, are arguably the most robust for these types of samples as they generate independent reconstructions for each characteristic view obtained. Random Conical Tilt (RCT) is the classic geometric reconstruction method. Pairs of images are collected at high tilt (around 50°) and 0°. The latter are used to sort the data into characteristic views of the molecule and the former are used for their reconstruction. RCT's greatest strength is its ability to generate structures regardless of the number of orientations adopted by the sample on the support. Its major drawback stems from the limited tilt of the microscope stage; this results in an incomplete sampling of the structure in Fourier space and artifacts in its real space representation. Orthogonal Tilt Reconstruction (OTR), a modification of this data collection strategy, results in fully sampled structures. It relies on collecting data at -45° and +45° and treating the tilt pairs as equivalent to the ideal 0°/90° that cannot be collected directly in the microscope. OTR requires a sample that adopts a large number of orientations on the support. Here, the RCT and OTR methods are reviewed and their performances with a biological test sample are compared. The steps required to apply OTR are also discussed.