cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A role for Raf-1 in the divergent signaling pathways mediating insulin-stimulated glucose transport.

Abstract Downstream mediators of insulin signaling are thought to include multiple cytoplasmic serine/threonine kinases such as the product of the cellular proto-oncogene c-raf-1. To investigate a role for the Raf-1 protein kinase in insulin-stimulated glucose transport, a gene encoding an oncogenically activated Raf-1 mutant was introduced into 3T3-L1 fibroblasts by retroviral gene transfer. Expression of activated Raf-1 in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes markedly increases hexose uptake compared to control adipocytes or those infected with the retroviral vector. Basal 2-deoxyglucose uptake in adipocytes expressing activated Raf-1 is approximately 40-fold higher than in parental adipocytes, and insulin further increases uptake about 1.2-fold. As determined by the plasma membrane "sheet" assay, Raf-1-expressing adipocytes contain greatly elevated levels of the ubiquitous glucose transporter (GLUT1) on the cell surface in the absence or presence of insulin. Total cellular GLUT1 protein is increased about 5-fold. In contrast, activated Raf-1 affects neither the expression of the "insulin-responsive" glucose transporter (GLUT4) nor its cellular distribution; GLUT4 is virtually undetectable on the plasma membrane in the absence of insulin and translocates normally following the addition of hormone. These data suggest that activation of Raf-1 mediates the chronic effect of insulin on hexose uptake but is not sufficient for the rapid translocation of GLUT4. Moreover, the differential effects of activated Raf-1 expression on the two transporter isoforms define divergent signaling pathways by which insulin regulates glucose transport in cultured adipocytes.
Trials and Tribulations of Steroid Withdrawal After Kidney Transplantation

The wide spectrum of morbidity associated with steroids has generated great enthusiasm in considering how they might be eliminated from immunosuppression regimens. Historically attempts to slowly wean steroids have yielded high rates of acute rejection (1,2), raising concerns for a potential increased risk of graft loss. Subsequent studies have focused on early steroid withdrawal or steroid avoidance. While many of the reports have been single center and nonrandomized, these studies have often been of large size and suggest that steroid minimization may be safe in the short term and in the correct setting (3–6). While these reports are encouraging, the issue of early steroid avoidance has not been tested with the same rigor the FDA would evaluate a new agent or new immunosuppressive regimen.
Chemical destruction using a pulsed corona reactor

Chemical destruction measurements for a Blumlein driven pulsed corona reactor are presented along with observed current and voltage waveforms. The input gas flow consists of 0.2 to 1.5 SLPM room temperature air with a 200 ppm toluene impurity. The PCR is operated with an applied voltage of between 12 to 30 kV at 5 to 50 Hz repetition rate. The dependence of the PCR chemical destruction on rep-rate, applied voltage and flow are reported. Apparatus to observe the relation between the emission spectra and the chemical destruction is discussed.
A Review of “Mediating the tourist experience – from brochures to virtual encounters”, by Jo-Anne Lester and Caroline Scarles

The crossroad where the media and tourist behavior intersect continues to attract many spectators and investigators from the social sciences. Thus, it is welcome that the Current Developments in th...
Metabolic Characterization of Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes

The viability and cellular integrity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes obtained from intraperitoneal exudates are maintained in the absence of serum or added organic material. Under these conditions the endogenous oxygen consumption has a p 11 optimum of 7.0 to 7.2. In the presence of glucose the oxygen consumption is inhibited and this inhibition correlates with the concentration of glucose added over a range of 0.2 to 1.0 µM. The inhibition can be overcome in part by prolonged incubation, by the addition of cytochrome C, or by succinate addition.
School Performance and Disease Interference in Adolescents with Sickle Cell Disease.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) results in neuropsychological complications that place adolescents at higher risk for limited educational achievement. A first step to developing effective educational interventions is to understand the impact of SCD on school performance. The current study assessed perceptions of school performance, SCD interference and acceptability of educational support strategies in adolescents with SCD. To identify potential risk factors, the relationships between school performance, SCD interference and demographics were also examined. Thirty adolescents aged 12 to 20 years completed demographics and SCD school performance questionnaires. Approximately 37% of participants reported receiving special education services, but more than 60% reported that SCD interfered with their school performance. Females reported that SCD impacted their schooling more than males ( X 2 (1, n = 30) = 5.00, p < .05). Study findings provide important insights into demographic risk factors and support the need for individualized health and educational plans for adolescents with SCD.
Analyzing peatland discharge to streams in an Alaskan watershed: An integration of end-member mixing analysis and a water balance approach

Summary Peatlands are the dominant landscape element in many northern watersheds where they can have an important influence on the hydrology of streams. However, the capacity of peatlands to moderate stream flow during critical dry periods remains uncertain partly due to the difficulty of estimating discharge from extensive peat deposits. We therefore used two different approaches to quantify diffuse pore water contributions from peatlands to a creek within a small watershed in Southcentral Alaska. A sensitivity analysis of a water budget for a representative peatland within this watershed showed that a substantial surplus of pore water may remain available for subsequent discharge during a dry period after accounting for water losses to evapotranspiration. These findings were supported by end member mixing analysis (EMMA), which indicated that 55% of the stream flow during a dry period originated from the near-surface layers of peatlands within the watershed. Contributions from peatlands to stream flow in northern coastal regions may therefore provide an important buffer against the potentially harmful effects of changing climatic conditions on commercially important fish species.
Development of topographic order in the mammalian retinocollicular projection

We have used the anterograde axon tracer 1,1'-dioctodecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (Dil) to characterize the development of topographic order in the rat retinocollicular projection. Retinal axons were labeled by Dil injections covering 0.15-2% of peripheral temporal, nasal, superior, or inferior retina, or more central retina, in rats ranging in age from embryonic day 20 to postnatal day (P) 19. At P11-P12 and later, such injections label retinal axons that form overlapping arbors restricted to a topographically correct terminal zone covering about 1% of the superior colliculus (SC) area. At perinatal ages, though, axons labeled from each retinal site are distributed in the SC over much of its medial-lateral axis and extend caudally well beyond the rostral-caudal location of their correct terminal zone; some continue caudally into the inferior colliculus. Axons typically form side branches and often arborize at topographically incorrect positions throughout the SC; however, they appear to branch preferentially in a region that includes, but is much larger than, their correct terminal zone. The mature, retinotopically ordered projection emerges during an early postnatal remodeling period through the rapid remodeling of the early, diffuse projection. This process involves the large-scale removal of axons, axon segments, branches, and arbors from topographically inappropriate positions concurrently with a dramatic increase in branching and arborization at topographically correct locations. Quantitative measurements show that elimination of aberrant branches without loss of the primary axons contributes substantially to the development of order. By P6, fewer mistargeted axons persist, but those that do persist tend to branch or arborize more extensively in topographically inappropriate regions. By P8, the labeling patterns begin to approximate those seen at maturity. Further refinement leads to an adultlike topographic ordering of axonal arborizations by P11-P12. At maturity, some axons take very indirect routes to reach their correct terminal zone. However, such trajectory changes typically correct only small positional inaccuracies, indicating that axons and axon segments that make larger targeting errors do not survive the remodeling phase. Previous retrograde labeling studies indicate that some retinal axons make topographic targeting errors (O'Leary et al., 1986; Yhip and Kirby, 1990), but none have suggested the degree of diffuseness revealed by anterograde labeling with Dil. Our findings show that directed axon growth is inadequate as a mechanism to develop the topographic ordering of retinal axons in the rat SC. Rather, mechanisms that control the removal of mistargeted axons and promote the arborization of correctly positioned axons are critical for the development of retinotopic order.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Perceptions of Family Violence: Are Companion Animals in the Picture?

Service and education organizations such as the ASPCA claim a connection between family violence against children and companion animals, but to what extent does the general public share this perception? Sixty-three undergraduates rated their certainty about perceiving family violence using 60 pictures with differing potential targets of family violence. Participants showed stronger certainty when the target was a child than when the target was a companion animal, but ratings for companion animals averaged above the midpoint of the scale used. Interview questions were used to obtain information about childhood recollections of joint discipline situations in which children received punishment for what companion animals did, or vice versa. Thirty-four participants recalled such situations, some of which resulted in the death or discarding of a family's companion animal. The majority of participants affirmed a connection between violence against children and companion animals in the family, with some giving credit for that insight to their taking part in the study.
Noble metal-catalyzed water-hydrocarbon reaction paths

Of various noble metal catalysts screened for the dealkylation of toluene with hydrogen production, best results were obtained with alumina-supported vanadium-promoted rhodium (e.g., a catalyst containing 0.6% rhodium and 5.6% vanadium as vanadium oxide) had 93% selectivity for benzene at 55% conversion at 400/sup 0/C and a 3.9:1 water-toluene feed ratio. A mechanism is proposed involving migration of hydrogen-deficient intermediates from rhodium to vanadium sites to complete the reaction. Further studies on hydrocarbon-steam reactions over a catalyst containing 1.35% rhodium and 2.4% vanadium on alumina at 480/sup 0/C and 1 atm showed that benzene is converted to C/sub 1/ products with 41% selectivity which suggested that readsorption of benzene in the toluene reaction is suppressed; that n-propylbenzene converted to a mixture of benzene, toluene, and ethylbenzene with 89% selectivity; that n-heptane gave gasification and dehydrocyclization products with 86 and 14% selectivity, respectively; and that tetralin and decalin underwent dehydroaromatization to naphthalene, followed by the reaction of naphthalene with water to give benzene and toluene with 70% selectivity. Graph, tables, and 21 references.
Collectivism vs. Individualism in a Wiki World: Librarians Respond to Jaron Lanier's Essay “Digital Maoism: The Hazards of the New Online Collectivism”

Jaron Lanier's essay “Digital Maoism: The Hazards of the New Online Collectivism” is a self-described rant of the dangers of the hive mentality in suppressing individual human intelligence as demonstrated in online resources such as Wikipedia and MySpace. He sees merit in collective decision-making and problem-solving if evaluation is uncontroversial, but argues that individuals are essential in providing judgment, taste, and user experiences in many situations. Lanier's essay appeared in the online progressive publication Edge and received responses from a variety of technologists, academics, and writers. In this “Balance Point” column, four academic librarians provide a library public services viewpoint in responding to Lanier's essay.
Some approximations useful to the use of dependent information sources

Abstract Expert judgments have been frequently utilized in probabilistic risk assessments. The aggregation methods used have often been very simplistic and have ignored the critical issues of incorporating experts' biases and inter-expert dependence. On the other hand, theoretical methods available address some of these issues, but suffer from the fact that the input requirements are too demanding. This paper provides practical guidance on the use of the versatile Bayesian expert judgment aggregation model. Guidance is provided by conducting a sensitivity analysis of the experts' weights and posterior standard deviation on the parameters of the Bayesian aggregation model. Experts' weights and posterior standard deviation are most sensitive to experts' standard deviations and are not as sensitive to inter-expert dependence. Experts' location biases influence the posterior mean, but not the posterior variance and weights. The results obtained are also applicable to the more commonly used judgment aggregation procedures, such as simple geometric averaging, because the Bayesian aggregation method encompasses these simple techniques. The results are illustrated with the help of an example and suggest that the uncertainty is underestimated if expert biases are ignored.
Cloning of a DNA binding protein that is a tyrosine kinase substrate and recognizes an upstream initiator-like sequence in the promoter of the preprodynorphin gene

A 90 bp fragment prepared from the promoter region of the rat preprodynorphin gene formed a complex with rat brain nuclear extracts as assessed by gel mobility shift assays. An 8 base pair sequence, CACTCTCC, termed upstream regulatory element (URE), was identified within this fragment as a binding site by DNase 1 footprint analysis and gel mobility shift assays with synthetic oligonucleotides. The URE is a consensus sequence for a transcription initiator (Inr) element although in the preprodynorphin promoter it is located upstream at -208 and overlaps a region conserved between rat and human promoters. A unique 310 amino acid protein (UreB1) that specifically bound the URE was cloned from a rat brain cDNA library using the URE-containing oligonucleotide. Recombinantly expressed, affinity purified UreB1 protein retains specific binding to the URE oligonucleotide. UreB1 contains a tyrosine kinase phosphorylation consensus and binding is enhanced following phosphorylation with the p43v-abl tyrosine kinase. The UreB1 tyrosine phosphoprotein increases transcription in vitro, consistent with a positive transcriptional regulatory function. UreB1 transcripts are well expressed in subsets of neurons in multiple brain areas suggesting that, in addition to regulation of the preprodynorphin gene, it may have a more generalized role in gene transcription.
Design of stiffened cylinders to resist axial compression.

A design procedure is presented for compressed cylindrical shells stiffened by stringers and rings. The approach is indirect and begins by considering the applied stress level as a primary design variable. A new method for the sizing and spacing of rings is outlined and illustrated. Emphasis is placed upon the achievement of a minimum weight design within practical constraints imposed by parameter values.
Functionalization of indium tin oxide.

The preparation and functionalization of ITO surfaces has been studied using primarily X-ray photoemission spectroscopy and infrared reflection−absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) and the reagents n-hexylamine and n-octyltrimethoxysilane (OTMS). Particular attention has been paid to characterization of the surfaces both before and after functionalization. Surfaces cleaned by ultraviolet (UV)/ozone treatment and subsequently exposed to room air have ∼0.5−0.8 monolayers (ML) of adsorbed impurity C. Most is in the form of aliphatic species, but as much as one-half is partially oxidized and consists of C−OH, C−O−C, and/or >CO groups. The coverage of these species can be reduced by cleaning in organic solvents prior to UV/ozone treatment. The OH coverage on the ITO surfaces studied here is relatively small (∼1.0 OH nm-2), based on the Si coverage after reaction with OTMS. A satellite feature in the O 1s XPS spectrum, often suggested to be a quantitative measure of adsorbed OH, receives a significant contribution f...
Learning from Action Research about Science Teacher Preparation.

In this article, we present a case study of a beginning science teacher’s year-long action research project, during which she developed a meaningful grasp of learning from practice. Wendy was a participant in the middle grade science program designed for career changers from science professions who had moved to teaching middle grade science. An extended action research experience in the second year of induction proved valuable to her in learning how to modify her teaching to reach her goal, using evidence of student learning as her guide. This article closes with reflections on the value of extended action research within science teacher preparation, particularly early in one’s career, and explores the promise for ongoing practice-based professional development throughout a teacher’s career.
REDSHIFT QUANTIZATION - A REVIEW

Redshift quantization has three main facets: 1) the internal organization of galaxies, 2) differential effects between galaxies in physical systems, 3) global effects linking all galaxies and cosmology. The subject originated as an outgrowth of redshift correlation studies including studies of internal kinematics of galaxies. While possibly central to understanding redshift quantization, this aspect is complex and largely undeveloped. The bulk of the evidence for redshift quantization comes from differential and global periodicity testing. More recently redshift variability has been associated with the phenomenon. Early work in theory led to a determination of qo close to 0.5. A new association between quantization and the Cosmic Background Radiation further links redshift quantization with basic cosmology.
A p‐V‐T Surface for Trifluoromethane

The density of trifluoromethane has been measured from 126 to 332 K and up to 1000 bar. The results have been correlated in terms of the Strobridge equation of state, and compared with results from the literature. The ability of other semitheoretical equations of state to fit the data has been tested, as well as a variational theory. The spinodal curve has been estimated from the expansivity data.
Probabilistic landslide hazard assessment using Copula modeling technique

A new probabilistic methodology for landslide hazard assessment in regional scale using Copula modeling technique is presented. The current probabilistic landslide hazard analyses are performed under the assumption that landslide hazard elements, such as magnitude, frequency, and location, are independent. In this paper, a general approach is proposed to consider the possible dependence among hazard elements. Part of the Seattle, WA area was selected to evaluate the competence of the presented method. A total of 357 slope failure events and their corresponding topography and geology data were included in the study to develop and test the model. Based on the results, the mean success rates of the presented model in predicting landslide occurrence are 90 % in hazardous area and 12 % in safe locations on average, while these success rates are 63 and 44 % when these hazard elements were treated as mutually independent.
Visionary pragmatism in an e‐library environment

Recent technological and organizational changes in library services and the book publishing industry have underscored the need for libraries to re‐examine their core values in an effort to remain true to their service principles.
Blood conservation strategies in cardiac surgery: more is better

Objectives Recent data show that up to 50% of heart procedures require blood transfusion, which can have adverse long- and short-term outcomes for the patient. This led to the updated 2011 Society of Thoracic Surgery (STS)/Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists (SCA) guidelines in an attempt to adopt more effective blood conservation techniques. We present our results after the implementation of a more aggressive strategy for intraoperative blood conservation in cardiac surgery. Methods Our cardiac surgery database was reviewed retrospectively, comparing outcomes from two different time periods, after the implementation of a more effective two-way blood conservation strategy beginning in March 2012: more aggressive intraoperative autologous donation (IAD) based on a newly constructed nomogram, and the use of a shorter length circuit of the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) which allowed for lower fluid volume as a prime. The method of retrograde autologous priming (RAP) was the same for both time periods. Results A total of 1126 patients (Group 1) were studied in a 12-month period (March 2012-February 2013) after the implementation of the new strategy, and compared with 3758 patients (Group 2) of the previous 36-month period (March 2009-February 2012). There was a significant reduction in the percent change of the intraoperative haematocrit between Groups 1 and 2 (14 vs 28%, P = 0.01), with an increase in the mean IAD volume (655 vs 390 ml, P = 0.02) and a reduction in the CPB priming volume (1000 vs 1600 ml, P = 0.03). Group 1 required significantly less blood transfusions in the perioperative period (29 vs 49%, P = 0.02) and had significantly reduced postoperative rates of respiratory failure (3 vs 7%, P = 0.03), pneumonia (1 vs 3.1%, P = 0.01), chest tube output (350 vs 730 ml, P = 0.01), reoperation for bleeding (1.2 vs 2.5%, P = 0.04) and length of stay (6.1 vs 8.2 days, P = 0.05). Conclusions Blood conservation is safe and effective in reducing transfusions in cardiac surgery, minimizing perioperative morbidity and mortality. Aggressive IAD and low CPB prime, along with effective RAP, is the three-way blood conservation strategy that leads to improved outcomes in cardiac surgery.
Retest Reliability of the Irrational Beliefs Test

Ellis ( 2 ) has proposed that subjective anxiety is a result of irrational beliefs and syllogistic reasoning processes. People draw catastrophic conclusions on the basis of irrational inferences made about problems which face them. Rational-Emotive Therapy has been developed to modify irrational beliefs and anxiety. Surprisingly, little empirical research has been directed tow>rds the measurement of irrational beliefs. At present, only one measurement device, the Irrational Beliefs Test, has been published ( 3 ) and factorially validated (4 ) . As yet no data demonstrate the consistency of the device across time. The present study was conducted to assess the retest reliability of the Irrational Beliefs Tesc. The subjects were 54 undergraduate students, 25 females and 29 males, who twice completed the Irrarional Beliefs Test, with an 8-wk. intervening period. The subscale scores and total score were computed using the scoring code developed by Lohr and Bonge ( 4 ) . Means did not significantly differ ( p > .05) from those reported by Lohr and Bonge ( 4 ) . Pearson product-moment correlations were computed for each subscale score and for total score; Demand for Approval ( .80) , High Self-expectations (.72), Blame Proneness (.74), Emotional Irresponsibility ( .63), Anxious Overconcern ( .?2) , Problem Avoidance ( .80), Dependency (.58), Helplessness (.61) , Perfectionism (.69), and Total Score ( .79). All correlations were significant ( P < .OOl). The results indicate that the Irrational Beliefs Test has considerable temporal consistency and suggcst the relatively enduring status of irrational beliefs. Having retest reliability and factorial validity ( 4 ) the measurement device appears to be useful in group research. For example, the Irrational Beliefs Test has been used to demonstrate the nature of the relationship of irrational beliefs with depression ( 6 ) , to anxiety ( 5 ) , and with public speaking fear.' It can also be used as a measure of treatment outcome in cognitive therapy ( 1 ) .
The action of the glycogen debranching enzyme system in a muscle protein particle.

Summary Recently a protein-glycogen particle has been isolated from rabbit muscle and shown to contain phosphorylase as well as phosphorylase kinase and phosphorylase phosphatase activity (1). We have found that the glycogen phosphorylase limit dextrin debranching enzyme system (amylo-l,6-glucosidase/oligo-1,4→1,4-glucantransferase) is also present in the complex. A study of the action of the debranching enzyme system related to that of phosphorylase in the complex indicates that the debrancher participates in glycogen degradation as a function of the glycogen concentration. At high glycogen concentration the attack of phosphorylase was found to be essentially multi-chain (random) and independent of the debrancher, whereas at lower glycogen concentrations degradation proceeded with concomitant participation of the debranching system. It has been proposed that the protein-glycogen particle is a structural as well as a functional unit of the cell (1). The present results indicate that the debranching system is an essential component of the particle, and suggest that it is a multi-enzyme complex designed for the complete degradation of glycogen. The activity of the debranching enzyme system is an order of magnitude less in the complex, indicating that some type of constraint is imposed on it by the organizational structure.
Clinical and Radiologic Assessments to Predict Breast Cancer Pathologic Complete Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

To prospectively compare the ability of clinical examination, mammography, vascularity-sensitive ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine pathologic complete response (CR) in breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Participants were women with primary measurable, operable invasive breast cancer (Stages I–III) who presented to the University of Michigan Breast Care Center. Eligibility criteria were based on clinical need for chemotherapy as part of the overall treatment plan. The chemotherapy consisted of doxorubicin and docetaxel administered every 3 weeks for four cycles. Tumor size measurements by physical examination and by the three imaging modalities were performed before chemotherapy was initiated and after its completion, prior to definitive surgery. Response criteria were pre-specified in this prospective design, and study radiologists analyzed the mammographic, sonographic and MRI image sets blinded to information from the other modalities and blinded to final histological diagnosis. The pathologic CR rate obtained by the clinical and imaging modalities was compared to pathologic CR as determined pathologically. 41 of 43 enrolled patients had a determination of pathologic response, and 4 patients had a pathologic CR to this chemotherapy (9.8%). The accuracy of physical examination, mammography, ultrasound, and MRI in determining pathologic CR was 75, 89, 82, and 89% respectively (NS). Biopsy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy remains absolutely necessary to determine pathologic CR to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, as the accuracy of current imaging modalities is insufficient to make this determination. The accuracy of mammography, vascularity-sensitive ultrasound, and MRI were not observed to be significantly different.
Linguistic variation in the discourse of outsourced call centers

This study explores linguistic variation in outsourced call centers involving Filipino call-takers and American callers engaged in various types of customer service transactions. The specific goals...
A Drain-Extended MOS Device With Spreading Filament Under ESD Stress

Based on 3-D TCAD simulations, a ten-times improvement in the ESD performance of drain-extended NMOS device is predicted by incorporating deep p-implant underneath the n+ drain region. The proposed modification does not degrade the intrinsic MOS characteristics, thus enabling a self-protection ESD concept. Moreover, a detailed physical insight toward the achieved improvement is given.
Computer-assisted analysis in organic synthesis

The planning of alternative routes for the synthesis of complex organic molecules has been facilitated by the formulation of guiding strategies that can be applied to a broad range of problems. Analysis of organic synthesis can be carried out in the retrosynthetic direction, opposite to the actual process of chemical synthesis, or bidirectionally, that is, as a combined retrosynthetic and synthetic search. An interactive computer program is described which utilizes the general strategies of retrosynthetic analysis and an appropriate database to generate pathways of chemical intermediates for chemical synthesis of a particular target structure. Computer graphics and standard chemical structures are used for man-machine communication.
Reduction of hyperopia and astigmatism after superficial keratectomy of peripheral hypertrophic subepithelial corneal degeneration.

Purpose.To report the development of progressive hyperopia and astigmatism resulting from peripheral hypertrophic subepithelial degeneration which was treated with superficial keratectomy of the lesion.Methods.Case report.Results.A patient with peripheral hypertrophic subepithelial degeneration of b
Dexmedetomidine for Procedural Sedation in Children With Autism and Other Behavior Disorders

Dexmedetomidine has been increasingly in use for pediatric noninvasive procedural sedation. This retrospective study examined experience in children with autism and other neurobehavioral disorders, populations often difficult to sedate. Records of children with autism or neurobehavioral disorders sedated with dexmedetomidine at Chris Evert Children's Hospital and Kosair Children's Hospital were reviewed. Demographic and sedation-related data were collected, including sedative doses, time to sedation, efficacy, and complications. Comparisons of sedative doses, efficacy between autism and neurobehavioral patients, and analysis of age-related factors were performed. In all, 315 patients were sedated, most commonly for magnetic resonance imaging. Mean induction and total dexmedetomidine doses were 1.4 ± 0.6 and 2.6 ± 1.6 μg/kg, respectively, with no differences between autism and neurobehavior patients. Most patients (90%) patients received concomitant midazolam. There was an age-related decrease in dexmedetomidine dose, independent of midazolam use. Seven patients required intervention for hypotension, bradycardia, or both, and only one adverse respiratory event (obstruction requiring nasopharyngeal airway placement) occurred. There were two episodes of overt recovery-related agitation. All but four procedures were successfully completed (4/315, or 98.7%). Dexmedetomidine with or without midazolam was an effective sedative in this population. The regimen appeared to be well tolerated with few adverse events, including recovery-related agitation, and appears to be an attractive option for this population.
Über die Druckabhängigkeit des Kontinuums im Quecksilberhochdruckbogen

Die Intensitat der kontinuierlichen Strahlung des Quecksilberhochdruckbogens wird bei Stromstarken von 6 Amp. und 10 Amp. in einem Druckbereich von 16 Atm. bis 36 Atm. gemessen. Die Druckabhangigkeit kann durch SK - c1p0,7 + c2p1,75 wiedergegeben werden, wo c1 und c2 Konstanten, p den Druck bedeuten. Theoretisch entspricht das Glied mit p0,7 der Rekombinationsstrahlung, dasjenige mit p1,75 der Stosmolekulstrahlung. Die Versuchsergebnisse werden demgemas so gedeutet, das das Kontinuum sich zusammensetzt aus Rekombinations- und Stosmolekulstrahlung. Bei kleinen Stromdichten und hohen Drucken uberwiegt die Stosmolekulstrahlung, bei hohen Stromdichten und niederen Drucken dagegen die Rekombinationsstrahlung.
Chemical synthesis of bilirubin glucuronide conjugates.

Abstract In dimethylformamide, the two carboxyl groups of bilirubin react with the bifunctional coupling agent, carbonyldiimidazole, to form bilirubin diimidazole, which was isolated and crystallised. The bilirubin diimidazole, termed “activated bilirubin”, was shown to react spontaneously with primary alcohols to form diesters of bilirubin. After addition of the tetrabutyl ammonium salt of glucuronic acid, compounds with chromatographic mobilities similar to those of bilirubin mono- and diglucuronides from bile were formed. Bilirubin diglucuronides were isolated by barium precipitation followed by solvent extraction. The bilirubin diglucuronides were considered to be a mixture of α and β glucuronides esterified at positions 1, 2, 3, or 4 of glucuronic acid because the compound(s) was resistant to hydrolysis with glucuronidase and gave multiple spots by chromatography after diazotization with ethyl anthranilate. The model compounds lauryl glucuronides were synthesized similarly; the most polar product by chromatography had identical chromatographic mobility to synthetic lauryl l- d -glucuronide prepared by reductive debenzylation of lauryl (benzyl (2,3,4-tri-O-benzyl))- d -glucuronide. It is concluded that bilirubin-1-di-β- d -glucuronide can be synthesized when suitable protecting groups for the 2, 3, and 4 hydroxyl groups of glucuronic acid become available.
Mechanism of first order phase transitions in quantum coulomb plasmas

Abstract The partition function for a quantum Coulomb plasma is calculated in the random phase approximation. A first order phase-transition is found for an electron plasma atv γ s = 7.6 and for white dwarfs at ∼10 7 K 0 .
Amnesia induced by hypothermia as a function of treatment-test interval and recooling in rats

In Experiment I, a repeated tests procedure was employed to assess hypothermia-induced amnesia of a footshock experience. Rats tested 4 h after training treatment showed no memory loss, but amnesia was present at 24 h. Although recovery of memory was obtained when the same animals were cooled 2 h prior to a 50-h test, repeated testing also tended to attenuate amnesia. In Experiment II, independent groups were tested at 6 or 50 h after training treatment. Again, memory of the footshock was present at the short, but not at the long, interval. Recooling shortly prior to the 50-h test eliminated amnesia. Experiment III indicated that the return of memory produced by recooling did not persist if testing was delayed. These findings suggested that hypothermia may function as an important contextual cue for memory retrieval.
Permanent deformation caused by subduction earthquakes in northern Chile

Earth’s crust is thought to eventually rebound following an earthquake so that deformation is not permanent. Field analysis in the Atacama Desert, northern Chile, however, identifies numerous large cracks in the crust, implying that the crust here has been permanently deformed by thousands of earthquakes that have occurred over the past million years.
Synthesis of human β-endorphinyl-thiolglycine and its use for the preparation of affinity columns of β-endorphin

The peptide human beta-endorphinyl-thiolglycine (I) has been synthesized by the solid-phase method. The citraconyl derivative of peptide I was coupled to aminohexyl-Sepharose by reaction with silver nitrate/N-hydroxysuccinimide in water. The citraconyl groups were removed in aqueous acetic acid and the resulting resin was used in affinity chromatography for the purification of antisera to beta-lipotropin and beta-endorphin.
Economic Development Incentives The Poor (Cities) Pay more

After establishing a way of classifying economic development incentives, this article examines four different explanations of why cities differ in their willingness to provide such incentives to en...
Protochlorophyllide Resynthesis in Dark-Grown Bean Leaves

The protochlorophyllide content of dark-grown bean leaves was determined at various ages. It was detectable the second day after germination and reached a maximum on about the tenth day.The resynthesis of protochlorophyllide following a single irradiation and the rate of the 685 to 673 mmu shift of the newly formed chlorophyll was examined. Leaves up to 5-days old show no lag phase in protochlorophyllide resynthesis. By the sixth day, a lag phase is evident which increases with age. The rate of the 685 to 673 mmu shift is similarly age dependent.
Using resource dependency theory to measure the environment in health care organizational studies: a systematic review of the literature.

Background Studies using the resource dependency theory (RDT) perspective commonly focus on one or more of the following environmental dimensions: munificence, dynamism, and complexity. To date, no one has reviewed the use of this theory in the health care management literature and there exists no consensus on how to operationalize the market environment in health care settings. Purpose The purpose of this review is to examine and summarize the ways in which RDT has been applied in empirical studies of the external environments of health care organizations. In so doing, we identify gaps in the literature and examine the extent to which previous empirical findings aligned with hypothesized relationships based on RDT. Methodology We conducted a systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature using a bibliographic search of PubMed and ABI/Inform databases. To identify all health care studies that incorporated the RDT perspective, the words "healthcare" or "health care" were searched in combination with any of the following words: resource dependency theory, uncertainty perspective, environment, munificence, dynamism, and complexity. We also performed a hand search of the reference lists of all manuscripts identified in the initial search to identify additional articles. Findings Twenty studies were included in this review. Wide variability existed in the number of variables used to measure the environment, the environmental constructs measured, and the specific variables used to operationalizethe environmental constructs. Of the 198 tests examining the relationship between environmental variables and the outcome of interest, 26.8% resulted in findings that supported the RDT-predicted hypotheses. Practice implications The RDT literature is limited to studies of hospitals, nursing homes, and medical practices. There is little consensus on how to measure or operationalize the environment in these studies. No previous studies have measured the environment for other health care settings such as ambulatory surgery centers, public health departments, or assisted living facilities.
Efficient incremental construction of RBF networks using quasi-gradient method

Abstract Artificial Neural Networks have been found to be very efficient universal approximators. Single Layer Feedforward Networks (SLFN) are the most popular and easy to train. The neurons in these networks can use both sigmoidal functions and radial basis functions (RBF) as activation functions. Both functions have been shown to work very efficiently. Sigmoidal networks are already very well described in the literature. This paper will focus on the construction of a SLFN architecture using RBF neurons. There are many algorithms that are used to construct or train networks to solve function approximation problems. In this paper, an algorithm which is a modification of the Incremental Extreme Learning Machine (I-ELM) family of algorithms is proposed. The proposed algorithm eliminates randomness in the learning process with respect to center positions and widths of the RBF neurons. To do this, the input with the highest error magnitude is saved during error calculation and then used as the center for the next incrementally added neuron. Then the radius of the new neuron is iteratively chosen using Nelder–Mead׳s Simplex method. This allows the universal approximation properties of I-ELM to be preserved while greatly reducing the sizes of the trained RBF networks.
The Managerial Role Assessment Survey: Design and Test of an Instrument Measuring Mintzberg’s Roles among Hotel Managers

This article reports results of an instrument developed to measure Mintzberg’s roles among hotel managers. The instrument is shown to be a reliable and valid predictor of managerial performance. Implications for its application and further use are proposed.
Consequences of excess iodine

Iodine is a micronutrient that is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. The primary source of iodine is the diet via consumption of foods that have been fortified with iodine, including salt, dairy products and bread, or that are naturally abundant in the micronutrient, such as seafood. Recommended daily iodine intake is 150 μg in adults who are not pregnant or lactating. Ingestion of iodine or exposure above this threshold is generally well-tolerated. However, in certain susceptible individuals, including those with pre-existing thyroid disease, the elderly, fetuses and neonates, or patients with other risk factors, the risk of developing iodine-induced thyroid dysfunction might be increased. Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism as a result of supraphysiologic iodine exposure might be either subclinical or overt, and the source of the excess iodine might not be readily apparent.
Cortical seizures following cerebellar stimulation in primates.

Abstract The effects of cerebellar stimulation were studied in monkeys with chronic alumina-cream epileptogenic foci in motor cortex. Low-frequency stimulation (5–15 c/sec) was ineffective in altering spontaneous cortical spiking. Clinical and electrographic seizures were elicited following high-frequency cerebellar stimulation (100 c/sec). This was a consistent finding following cerebellar stimulation, although no spontaneous seizures had been seen in these animals. These studies suggest the existence of facilitatory cerebellar mechanisms and indicate the need for further studies in chronic animal models.
Factors Influencing Monetary Donations to Charitable Organizations

ABSTRACT Charitable organizations are under increasing financial pressure to attract and retain private donors. However, research examining consumer attitudes toward and motivations for giving to charity have yielded ambiguous results. A cross-disciplinary literature review suggests individual donation behavior is based on several factors including attitudes toward helping others, attitudes toward the charitable organization and various intrapersonal, social and economic motives. Using exploratory factor analysis seven factors are identified which influence monetary donations to charitable organizations. Of these seven factors, two factors measure attitudes relevant to charitable giving and five factors capture motivations for charitable giving. These measures are important to academicians, policy makers and practitioners in the development of theory and marketing strategy.
AP-2 and HNK-1 define distinct populations of cranial neural crest cells.

Structured Abstract Authors – Minarcik JC, Golden JA Objective – To determine if distinct populations of cranial neural crest cells (CNCC) exist by characterization of their divergent gene expression patterns. Design – Identification of unique populations of CNCC was determined by a combination of lineage and immunohistochemical analyses. Setting – Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Results – We found antibodies of two proteins previously described as identifying all CNCC, label three populations of CNCC at specific time-points. Furthermore, the activating protein 2 (AP-2) expressing CNCC become neural or mesenchymal NCC derivatives whereas the HNK-1 labeled cells do not participate in the mesenchymal lineage. Conclusion – These data provide molecular markers for unique CNCC fates and thus will be invaluable in the characterizing of craniofacial anomalies related to defects in NCCS. In addition, our data suggest AP-2 may function in determining the unique mesenchymal fate of CNCCs.
Decreased survival of hippocampal neurons in medium conditioned by fibroblasts from aged and Alzheimer donors.

Abstract Medium conditioned by fibroblasts promotes survival and neurite outgrowth of cultured hippocampal neurons. Sub-confluent cultures of cells from normal young, aged and Alzheimer donors conditioned serum-free medium for 2 days. Hippocampal neurons from 18- to 19-day-old embryos were maintained in medium conditioned by skin fibroblasts from young, aged or Alzheimer donors. One, 4 and 7 days after plating the cells were examined for morphological differences. Neuron survival four days after plating was found to be the highest in medium conditioned by young aged Alzheimer cells. These findings suggest that both aged and Alzheimer donors secrete less of the substances that are necessary for survival and neurite outgrowth of hippocampal neurons. This provides further evidence that non-neuronal cells demonstrate abnormalities during aging and Alzheimer's disease.
Developmental Biology: Physics Adds a Twist to Gut Looping

Much of the effort in understanding the dynamic process of development has focused on dissecting biochemical pathways. Recent studies illustrate that simple physical forces are also important in patterning organs.
Conductivity properties of narrow-channel polysilicon thin-film transistors

Summary form only given. The effect of the narrow channel width on performance of thin-film transistors (TFTs) is evaluated. To this end, the authors fabricated coplanar, n-channel TFTs with a fixed gate length of 20 mu m and channel widths ranging from 20 mu m to half a micrometer. The dependences of threshold voltage, grain-boundary trap density, and transconductance on the channel width were measured. A drastic decrease in the threshold voltage was observed as the channel width W was reduced to a few micrometers. The grain-boundary trap density was also found to decrease sharply when W was decreased to below a few micrometers. The transconductance, on the other hand, was found to be slightly higher than the value expected from its linear relationship with W. This translated into an increase in the effective mobility for TFTs with small channel widths. These results demonstrate the existence of regions in the channel near the polysilicon film edges where the grain-boundary trap density is much less than in the rest of the channel. >