cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of Intravenous Magnesium on Post-Cardiothoracic Surgery Atrial Fibrillation and Length of Hospital Stay: A Meta-Analysis

Postoperative atrial fibrillation can occur in 25% to 40% of patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery. Although the majority of postoperative atrial fibrillation is benign, it has been associated with prolonged hospital length of stay. Magnesium prophylaxis against postoperative atrial fibrillation has been evaluated in several clinical trials; however these trials were small in size and therefore conveyed mixed or inconclusive results. In an attempt to better understand magnesium's role in this setting, we conducted a meta-analysis. A systematic literature search was conducted from January 1999 through August 2004 to identify trials of prophylactic magnesium in the setting of cardiothoracic surgery. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation. Trials were further analyzed based on cumulative doses of magnesium and perioperative time of initiation of prophylaxis, as well as length of stay. Seven randomized trials were identified. Upon meta-analysis, magnesium was found to prevent postoperative atrial fibrillation with an odds ratio of 0.66 and 95% confidence interval of 0.51 to 0.87. The incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation was also significantly reduced in the low dose with an odds ratio of 0.36 and 95% confidence interval of 0.23 to 0.56, and in the preoperative groups with an odds ratio of 0.46 and 95% confidence interval of 0.31 to 0.67. Prophylactic magnesium reduced length of stay (n = 6 studies) by a weighted mean difference of 0.29 days, with a 95% confidence interval 0.54 to 0.05. Prophylactic magnesium reduced cardiothoracic surgery patients' risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation and length of stay. Administering lower doses and initiating prophylaxis in the preoperative period achieved the greatest reduction in postoperative atrial fibrillation.
Morphological studies of the Nymphaeaceae. VII. The floral biology of Nuphar Lutea subsp. macrophylla

The floral biology ofNuphar lutea subsp.macrophylla, native to Central Texas, has been investigated. The flowers are protogynous with anthesis occurring over a period of several days. Flowers are visited by a number of insects but are effectively pollinated by the beetleDonacia piscatrix Lac., which spends its entire life history in association withNuphar. Evidence is assembled which suggests that the overall floral structure together with the sequence of floral development and the timing of sepal movements (i.e., the opening and closure of the flower) are primary adaptations to assure beetle pollination.
Plasma membrane-associated vesicles in retinal capillaries of the rat

The structure and function of abluminal vesicles in endothelial cells of rat retinal capillaries was examined using glutaraldehyde-tannic acid fixation and the hemeproteins--horseradish peroxidase, microperoxidase, and lactoperoxidase--as tracers. Numerous vesicles, delimited by a tannic acid-positive membrane, were distributed along the abluminal front. Other vesicles were arranged in clusters and chains or tubule-like structures. Such vesicles were not found in the vicinity of the capillary lumen. When the retina was exposed to hemeproteins, either in vitro or after intravitreal injection, the abluminal vesicles became labeled with tracer reaction product. Apparently "free" vesicles and tubules seen in tangential sections through the basal lamina were also labeled, suggesting that they were in continuity with the plasma membrane in another plane of section. No enzyme reaction product was present in the capillary lumen. Peroxidase-positive multivesicular bodies were observed, suggesting that some protein was endocytosed and directed to lysosomes where it was presumably degraded. The results suggest that abluminal endothelial vesicles represent pits or invaginations of the plasma membrane and, as such, are not involved in the transendothelial transport of protein from the perivascular space to the capillary lumen. Tannic acid treatment revealed a population of similar vesicles associated with the plasma membrane of pericytes. After exposure to hemeproteins, enzyme reaction product was localized in these vesicles and in a few multivesicular bodies. The results suggest that the majority of these vesicles are in continuity with the plasma membrane and are not involved in endocytosis.
In vivo ketamine-induced changes in [¹¹C]ABP688 binding to metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5.

Abstract Background At subanesthetic doses, ketamine, an N -methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor antagonist, increases glutamate release. We imaged the acute effect of ketamine on brain metabotropic glutamatergic receptor subtype 5 with a high-affinity positron emission tomography (PET) ligand [ 11 C]ABP688 ( E )-3-[2-(6-methyl-2-pyridinyl)ethynyl]-2-cyclohexen-1-one- O -(methyl- 11 C)oxime, a negative allosteric modulator of the metabotropic glutamatergic receptor subtype 5. Methods Two [ 11 C]ABP688 PET scans were performed in 10 healthy nonsmoking human volunteers (34 ± 13 years old); the two PET scans were performed on the same day—before (scan 1) and during intravenous ketamine administration (.23 mg/kg over 1 min, then .58 mg/kg over 1 hour; scan 2). The PET data were acquired for 90 min immediately after [ 11 C]ABP688 bolus injection. Input functions were obtained through arterial blood sampling with metabolite analysis. Results A significant reduction in [ 11 C]ABP688 volume of distribution was observed in scan 2 relative to scan 1 of 21.3% ± 21.4%, on average, in the anterior cingulate, medial prefrontal cortex, orbital prefrontal cortex, ventral striatum, parietal lobe, dorsal putamen, dorsal caudate, amygdala, and hippocampus. There was a significant increase in measurements of dissociative state after ketamine initiation ( p Conclusions This study provides first evidence that ketamine administration decreases [ 11 C]ABP688 binding in vivo in human subjects. The results suggest that [ 11 C]ABP688 binding is sensitive to ketamine-induced effects, although the high individual variation in ketamine response requires further examination.
Abstract 3241: Analysis of transcription factor activation by the embryonic microenvironment in metastatic breast cancer cells

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Introduction: The embryonic microenvironment is an important source of signals that program multipotent cells to adopt a particular fate. Numerous studies have shown that components of the embryonic stem cell microenvironment can induce a reversion of cancer cell phenotype from a more aggressive to less aggressive state through mechanisms that are largely unknown. We have examined the phenotypic transformation associated with the culture of metastatic breast cancer cells in mouse embryonic stem cell conditioned media and have implemented a novel cell array technology to characterize the signaling pathways associated with this transformation. Methods: We used phase contrast microscopy to determine the time course of structure formation in MDA-MB-231 cells cultured in 3D with control or conditioned mouse embryonic stem cell media. Cell proliferation of study cells stably expressing Gaussia Luciferase was quantified by measuring Gluc production over time. Cell migration was measured for treated and untreated cells using a transwell migration assay. A live cell array was implemented to quantify changes in activity of 19 cancer-related transcription factors over a period of 8 days. Results: MDA-MB-231 cells cultured in stem cell conditioned media showed decreased area covered by spindle-like projections over a period of 10 days. Study cells cultured in stem cell conditioned media, but not in control media or mouse embryonic fibroblast conditioned media, had decreased proliferation over time. Cells cultured in stem cell conditioned media had decreased cell migration relative to cells cultured with regular media. Using a cell array to report on TF activity, cells cultured in conditioned stem cell media, when compared to control media, had varied activity in 7 of the 19 constructs investigated, including metastasis-related factors SP1 and GATA1. Conclusion: Our findings support the normalizing influence provided by the stem cell microenvironment through decreased MDA-MB-231 spindle-like projections, cell proliferation, and cell migration. Of the 19 transcription factor reporter constructs tested using the novel live cell array, GATA1 and SP1 emerged as 2 of the transcription factors impacted by the embryonic microenvironment. These factors may reflect potential paracrine signaling pathways stimulated by the microenvironment that can influence transformation and may be targets for therapeutic intervention. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3241. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3241
Percutaneous transhepatic coil embolization of a ruptured intrahepatic aneurysm in polyarteritis nodosa

Large visceral aneurysms in polyarteritis nodosa are relatively uncommon. We present a patient with polyarteritis nodosa who ruptured a large intrahepatic aneurysm which was treated by percutaneous transhepatic coil embolization.
Manjal: a text mining system for MEDLINE

Text mining can be described as the extraction of novel information from text sources. By novel we mean that the extracted information is not explicitly present in the text being analyzed. Text mining systems are generally used to generate hypotheses that are then verified by domain experts. An example of this approach would be to find all novel relationships between a disease and a drug. This approach is useful given the vast amount of information available today. Systems based on this approach, such as ARROWSMITH have been successfully used to discover novel hypotheses that have later been verified. In this demonstration we describe Manjal, a text mining system designed to help individuals explore one or more topics using the MEDLINE database. MEDLINE is an index to biomedical research that is maintained by the National Library of Medicine (NLM). Typically each MEDLINE record has a title, an abstract, descriptive phrases called MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) terms and several other fields. Manjal accesses MEDLINE automatically through NLM’s web-based interface, PubMed. Manjal considers a topic as its unit of analysis. A topic is defined as a MEDLINE query that is supported by the
Gamma-spectrometric determinations of thorium, uranium and potassium in tektites

Abstract Thorium, uranium and potassium have been determined in nine tektites and two Peruvian glasses by a non-destructive gamma-spectrometric technique. The nine tektites include three indochinites from Thailand, one indochinite from China, two bediasites, one philippinite, one moldavite and one australite, and the average thorium, uranium and potassium contents of these samples are 11.9 ppm, 2.0 ppm and 1.9 per cent respectively. Attention is drawn to the rather high (average, 6.0) Th U ratio observed for these tektites. Previous thorium and uranium data on tektites are tabulated, and compared with the present work.
“Local background” levels of carbon monoxide in an urban area

Abstract The objective of this study was to obtain a better understanding of carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations immediately upwind of urban roadways, the “local background” values, and how these concentrations depend upon the surrounding traffic and the general meteorology. Measurements were made at seven sites in Seattle, WA during the winter of 1993. Local background CO concentrations were characterized by an absence of short term fluctuations, a steady buildup during the 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. period, and a lack of spatial gradients in the 8-h average values. Distinctly different log-normal distributions of the 8-h averages were observed for “trafficked” sites versus “urban park” sites, with mean values of 1.6 and 1.0 ppm respectively. A simple regression model was developed to predict the local background CO that includes distance from roadway, average daily traffic of nearby roadways, and the frequency of occurrence of low wind speeds ( R 2 = 0.74; F = 170).
RPE65 gene mutation prevents development of autofluorescence in retinal pigment epithelial phagosomes

Abstract During senescence, autofluorescent lysosomal storage bodies known as lipofusin or age pigment accumulate in many post-mitotic types of cells. Among these cell types is the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of the mammalian eye. The mechanisms of lipofuscin formation and accumulation have been studied more extensively in the RPE than in any other cell type. Substantial evidence indicates that Vitamin A derivatives (retinoids) are required for RPE lipofuscin formation. The RPE and adjacent retina contain retinoids in the forms of retinol, retinyl esters, and retinaldehyde. Previous research has demonstrated that retinaldehydes are directly involved in the formation of one RPE lipofuscin fluorophore. However, RPE lipofuscin contains many other fluorophores. It has not been determined which retinoids are involved in the formation of these fluorescent compounds. Mice with a mutation in the Rpe65 gene contain substantial levels of retinol and retinyl esters in the RPE, but little if any retinaldehydes in either the RPE or retina. Therefore, these mice could be used to determine whether retinaldehydes are required for formation of all of the RPE lipofuscin fluorophores. Normal mice were given intraocular injections of a protease inhibitor, which resulted in the rapid accumulation in the RPE of lipofuscin-like inclusions. These inclusions exhibited fluorescence properties typical of RPE lipofuscin. Rpe65−/− mice treated with the protease inhibitor also accumulated inclusions similar to those observed in the normal mice. However, these inclusions did not fluoresce under the conditions used to visualize lipofuscin fluorescence. These findings indicate that the aldehyde form of Vitamin A is required for the formation of not only one, but all of the RPE lipofuscin fluorophores.
Urological outcomes in the omphalocele exstrophy imperforate anus spinal defects (OEIS) complex: experience with 80 patients.

Abstract Objective To review the urological management and outcomes of patients with the OEIS (omphalocele, exstrophy of the bladder, imperforate anus, spinal abnormalities) complex. Patients and methods 80 patients with the OEIS complex managed at a single institution between 1974 and 2009 were reviewed. Results 37 had initial closure at our institution (2 failed – 5%); 22 with successful closure were referred for incontinence; 15 failed closure at an outside institution (2 of whom are awaiting closure); 6 are skin-covered variants. Osteotomy was performed in 39/43 (91%) with successful closure versus 8/17 (47%) who failed initial bladder closure. 40 were dry (56%), but most needed additional urinary reconstruction: 2 had small bowel neobladders; 32 (84%) had augmentation cystoplasty; 30 (79%) had a continent catheterizable channel; only 9 (24%) were continent with an intact urethra. Bladder neck reconstruction allowed dryness in 7 (18%). 45 patients had XY genotype – 19 had female gender assignment at birth. All patients with XX genotype had female gender assignment. Conclusions Osteotomy improves success of initial bladder closure. A bladder neck procedure, catheterizable channel, and augmentation cystoplasty will be required in the majority of patients to attain urinary dryness.
The synthesis and facile thermal electrocyclization of 3-vinyl-1,3,5-hexatriene

Abstract 3-Vinyl-1,3,5-hexatriene undergoes an extremely facile thermal electrocyclization to yield 2-vinyl-1,3-cyclohexadiene. Cyclization is at least thirty times faster than 3-ethyl-1,3,5-hexatriene, the saturated analog. Activation parameters indicate that this electrocyclization is one of the most facile yet observed for an acyclic 6π-electron system.
Exploring Reciprocal Influence between Individual Shopping Travel and Urban Form: Agent-Based Modeling Approach

A large and still growing body of literature links urban form and individual travel behavior. It is claimed that certain urban forms, such as mixed land use, can reduce transportation needs for both work and nonwork trips. Despite the contribution of previous research efforts, two limitations remain and thus bring criticisms: first, the mechanism under which urban form affects individual travel behavior is inconclusive; and second, few efforts have investigated how individual daily behavior reshapes urban form over the long term. This paper proposes that urban form and individual behavior are interdependent, i.e., individual behavior reshapes the urban form and vice versa. To test this hypothesis, an agent-based simulation model is built to perform a set of exploratory experiments. The experiments use 31,250 simulations that are conducted on 50 artificial cities to investigate how individual shopping travel behavior shapes urban forms and then how different urban forms influence individual transportation needs. Simulation results indicate that changes in human preferences concerning store utilities and travel convenience exert a strong influence on individual transportation needs and, eventually, on changing the urban form. Additionally, a different explanation on the mechanism by which urban form affects individual transportation needs is given. The findings of this paper indicate human travel behavior should be considered as an important dimension of urban development studies.
Developmental, Gender, and Comorbidity Differences in Clinically Referred Children with ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most prevalent child psychiatric disorder, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) recognizes t...
Leaf senescence in a non-yellowing cultivar of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora)

Chlorophyll (Chl) and total soluble protein decreased and proteolytic activity increased over a 12-day period during dark-induced senescence in detached leaves of Tara, a yellowing cultivar (Y) of Dendranthema grandiflora. In Boaldi, a non-yellowing cultivar (NY), Chl and soluble protein remained near initial levels and little change in proteolytic activity was observed. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of soluble proteins showed no major differences in banding patterns between the two cultivars at day 0; however, all of the resolved proteins were diminished in Tara by day 12. On the other hand, in NY Boaldi, the intensity of the protein bands did not change over the 12-day period. Attached and detached leaves exhibited similar senescence patterns for each cultivar. Ethylene (100 μl l -1 ) accelerated the rate of Chl loss in detached leaves of Tara, but had no effect on Boaldi. These observations suggest that Boaldi is a stay-green genotype, possibly a functional type. The results are discussed in relation to the role of ethylene in chrysanthemum leaf senescence.
“I care more about this place, because I fought for it”: exploring the political ecology of fracking in an ethnographic field school

This paper draws from data provided by the Indiana University of Pennsylvania 2012 Ethnographic Field School to accomplish two goals: to open questions about the impacts of hydraulic fracturing on people’s relationships to the environment in western PA and to explore the pedagogical possibilities and limitations of teaching through publically engaged projects rooted in political ecology. The history of local land use, whether coal mining and its consequences or the creation of conservation zones, captures the imagination of differing publics and influences their interpretation of energy extraction, particularly its acceptability and risks. At the same time, the encounter with Marcellus Shale has prompted people to explore, question, and redefine their relationships to place and to the legacy of coal in the community. This paper details the possibilities and pitfalls encountered in ethnographic projects by student researchers designed to explore and prompt public dialogue about people’s changing relationships to land and water. Despite theoretical and methodological challenges, this paper argues for the value of community-based ethnographic field schools and publically engaged political ecology research in creating a context for productive dialogue between stakeholders on a controversial issue.
Environmental Certification of Forests in Mexico: The Political Ecology of a Nongovernmental Market Intervention

Abstract The certification of the environmental and social characteristics of a product's production process is emerging as a significant transnational, nongovernmental, market-based approach to environmental regulation and development. Using conventions analysis and commodity network analysis, this article examines the political ecology of one such market intervention. After only a decade, environmental certification of forests has spread to cover a significant portion of the world's logged forests, major wood retailers increasingly require it, and international environmental organizations strongly support it. In Mexico, where 12 percent of the wood harvest is certified, certification requires forest managers to make substantial improvements to the social and environmental aspects of forest management. Actors in the Mexican wood commodity network include forest villagers, forest managers, wood processors, government regulators, and transnational wood retailers. These actors express an array of environmen...
Intraoperative Neuromonitoring Applications and Issues in Pediatric Spinal Deformity Surgery

Intraoperative neuromonitoring for deformity surgery in the very young or in neurologically abnormal patients may present special challenges for the surgeon and intraoperative monitoring team. Circumstances where monitoring may not be achievable, indications for monitoring in exceptional procedures, and safety considerations with monitoring itself are described for some less common pediatric spinal deformities. Strategies for responding to adverse intraoperative neuromonitoring changes are reviewed. Awareness of these issues is useful for planning spinal deformity surgery in the young.
Prenatal nutrition: a practical guide for assessment and counseling

Adequate nutrition during the periconceptional and prenatal periods is important for healthy pregnancy outcomes. By enhancing maternal nutritional status, health care providers can help pregnant women lower their risk of certain pregnancy complications and decrease their children's risk of adverse birth outcomes and later chronic disease. Use of evidence-based tools and recommendations will assist in the assessment of pregnant women's diets and streamline the counseling session to optimize their nutritional status. This article contains a review of the literature related to nutrition intervention studies during pregnancy that were designed to improve habits or achieve target weight gains and nutrition recommendations specific for the pregnancy state, as well as tools/resources for the health care provider for implementation of these recommendations into their busy practices.
Scalar interaction in tau decay

Study of resonant and nonresonant production of \ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\eta}\ensuremath{\nu} and KK\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}\ensuremath{\nu} in \ensuremath{\tau} decay leads us to a model-independent inequality between their branching ratios which is based on approximate flavor-SU(3) symmetry: B(${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\tau}}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$\ensuremath{\eta}\ensuremath{\nu})5.1B(${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\tau}}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathrm{K}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$${\mathrm{K}}^{0}$\ensuremath{\nu}). It is shown that an accurate determination of an upper limit on B(${\ensuremath{\tau}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${K}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$${K}^{0}$\ensuremath{\nu}) is the most effective way to constrain experimentally the magnitude of a possible scalar interaction in \ensuremath{\tau} decay.
Cyclical wheel-running behavior in pregnant rats

Wheel-running behavior was monitored in five rats prior to and during gestation. All subjects showed peaks of activity during pregnancy and statistical analysis confirmed the cyclical occurrence of these peaks. Possible implications of these data for conceptualization of pituitary-ovarian gametogentic relationships are discussed.
Arthropod fauna of conventional and organic rice fields in California

Levels of both pest and nonpest arthropods were compared among four pairs of fields of conventional and organic rice, Oryza sativa L., in California. For seven major pests, there were no significant differences in abundance or in level of damage between conventional and organic treatments. However, in two organic fields, the combination of high infestation level (>5% of rice plants infested) by immature Hydrellia griseola Fallen, an ephydrid leafminer, and low stand densities (<25 plants per 0.09 m2) warranted preventive action to avoid economic loss. Collections revealed a high degree of taxonomic similarity between conventional and organic treatments; species richness did not differ significantly between treatments. However, three predatory taxa—Belostoma flumineum Say, Notonecta spp., and adult Thermonectus basillaris (Harris)—were significantly more abundant in the organic than in the conventional treatment.
Determination of small amounts of zirconium—II: Analysis of refractory samples☆

Abstract In connection with the determination of small amounts of zirconium in complex samples, procedures have been developed for bringing various types of sample into solution and removing possible interferences, which procedures allow p -bromomandelic acid to be used as a precipitant for the final recovery of zirconium for gravimetric measurement. The applicability of these procedures, which are described in detail, has been investigated by the analysis for zirconium of a variety of refractory mineral and metallurgical samples.
Auger Spectroscopy of Hydrogenated Diamond Surfaces

An energy shift and a change of the line shape of the carbon core-valence-valence Auger spectra are observed for diamond surfaces after their exposure to an electron beam, or annealing at temperatures higher then 950 C. The effect is studied for both natural diamond crystals and chemical-vapor-deposited diamond films. A theoretical model is proposed for Auger spectra of hydrogenated diamond surfaces. The observed changes of the carbon Auger line shape are shown to be related to the redistribution of the valence-band local density of states caused by the hydrogen desorption from the surface. One-electron calculation of Auger spectra of diamond surfaces with various hydrogen coverages are presented. They are based on self-consistent wave functions and matrix elements calculated in the framework of the local-density approximation and the self-consistent linear muffin-tin orbital method with static core-hole effects taken into account. The major features of experimental spectra are explained.
The prevalence of psychiatric disorders and subsyndromal mental illness in low-income, medically ill elderly.

Objective:This study estimated the past and current prevalence of psychiatric illness and subsyndromal mental illness (both pre-relapse and new onset) in a sample of low-income, medically ill older...
Experimental investigation of creep-crack-tip deformation using moiré interferometry

High-temperature moire interferometry was applied to obtain full-field creep-crack-tip displacements of a three-point bend Al 2024-T4 specimen uner constant temperature of 200°C up to 720 hr.C * was evaluated by the moire data obtained at discrete time intervals. Test results indicate that under steady-state creep condition, the creepcrack-tipv-displacement rate agrees with the asymptotic solution based on theC * integral. However, no creeping behavior was observed for the crack-tipu-displacement field aftert=276 hr. This discrepancy may be due to the initial large creep-crack-tip blunting and cavitation damage which alter the creep-crack-tip singular field such that theC * integral is no longer applicable to characterize the steady-state creep-crack-tip field. Postmortem studies of the tested specimen also revealed transgranular fracture path with the ordered grain boundaries perpendicular to the crack line, which may relate to the existence of the substantial crack-tip blunting and noncreeping behavior of theu-displacement field, i.e., the size and shape of material grain boundaries play an important role in the crack-tip-creeping behavior of the material.
Sputter deposition of tantalum-nitride films on copper using an RF-plasma

A tantalum-nitride film was successfully deposited at ambient temperature on copper with a modified ion-assisted-deposition (IAD) technique. The process uses an argon and nitrogen plasma to sputter deposit from a tantalum rf-cathode and ion implant the deposited film simultaneously. Both argon and nitrogen ions are used for sputtering and ion implantation. Auger spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction were used to characterize the resulting film.
A Test for Market Power Using Marginal Input and Output Prices With Application to the U.S. Beef Processing Industry

for a number of years, it has only been applied in rather limited ways. In this paper we show how this method can be used to develop a general test for oligopoly and oligopsony behavior. The test exploits the fact that, under price-taking behavior, there is a known, fixed relationship between changes in input prices on output supply and changes in output price on input demands. The model and test developed are shown to be quite general and not dependent on empirical estimates of output demand and input supply. We apply this test to the U.S. beef processing industry. Because of the high level of market concentration in this industry, there is concern that beef packing firms are exercising market power in the purchase of finished cattle by keeping cattle prices below competitive levels and in the sale of packed beef by keeping prices above competitive levels. Most previous studies of the beef packing industry have found evidence that firms, at least part of the time, are exercising market power in the purchase of finished cattle (Schroeter; Azzam and Pagoulatos; Schroeter and Azzam; Azzam; Azzam and Park; Koontz, Garcia, and Hudson) or are exercising market power in the sale of packed beef (Schroeter, Schroeter and Azzam). However, all of these studies are fairly restrictive in their assumptions regarding fixed proportions, the relationship between market power in the input and output markets, and the specification of input supply and output demand. Previous studies by Muth and by Muth and Wohlgenant (1999), which allow for variable proportions and do not impose restrictions on the relationship of market power in each market, did not find evidence of market power in the output and input markets for the beef packing industry; however, the results of each of these studies do depend on the specification of input supply and output demand.
Synthesis and secretion of transcobalamin II by cultured astrocytes derived from human brain tissue

Astrocytes derived from human brain tissue secreted a single cobalamin (vitamin B12, Cbl) binding protein over a 4 day period in culture. Cycloheximide reversibly inhibited the release, and the binding protein was identified as transcobalamin II (TCII) based on molecular size, reaction with anti-human TCII antiserum, precipitation with 2.0 M ammonium sulfate and its ability to bind radioactive cyanocobalamin. It also enhanced the cellular incorporation of the vitamin. Our data show that cultured cells from human brain synthesize and secrete TCII and suggests that at least some of the TCII known to be present in cerebrospinal fluid may originate from within the central nervous system.
Measuring the Benefits of Delayed Price-Responsive Demand in Reducing Wind-Uncertainty Costs

Demand response has benefits in mitigating unit commitment and dispatch costs imposed on power systems by wind uncertainty and variability. We examine the effect of delays in consumers responding to price signals on the benefits of demand response in mitigating wind-uncertainty costs. Using a case study based on the ERCOT power system, we compare the cost of operating the system with forecasts of future wind availability to a best-case scenario with perfect foresight of wind. We demonstrate that wind uncertainty can impose substantive costs on the system and that demand response can eliminate more than 75% of these costs if loads respond to system conditions immediately. Otherwise, we find that with a 30-min lag in the response, nearly 72% of the value of demand response is lost.
Molecular cloning and chemical synthesis of a region of platelet glycoprotein IIb involved in adhesive function

Membrane glycoprotein (GP) IIb-IIIa is a component of a platelet adhesive protein receptor. A region of the heavy chain of GPIIb, defined by the monoclonal antibody PMI-1, is involved in adhesion receptor function. We have localized and chemically synthesized this region of GPIIb. A cDNA clone that directs the synthesis of a fusion protein reactive with the PMI-1 antibody was isolated from a phage lambda gt11 expression library constructed with mRNA from an erythroleukemia (HEL) cell line. The deduced amino acid sequence of this clone indicates that it spans the light-heavy chain junction of GPIIb and contains a portion of the carboxyl terminus of the heavy chain and the amino terminus of the light chain. The PMI-1 epitope was found to be contained within a 9-kDa staphylococcal V8 protease fragment of GPIIb, and such a fragment was predicted within the putative heavy-chain sequence. A computerized antigen prediction program identified a single sequence with a high probability of containing a continuous epitope. A synthetic 17-residue peptide containing this sequence binds PMI-1 and inhibits PMI-1 binding to GPIIb-IIIa. The peptide-antibody complex has an approximate Kd of 1.2 microM, which compares to a Kd of 0.95 microM for PMI-1 binding to GPIIb. The region containing the PMI-1 epitope shows no similarity to corresponding regions of two other adhesion receptors, indicating that this portion of GPIIb may function in activities unique to the platelet receptor.
Cobbett Letters in the Library

David discusses ten letters by William Cobbett written from 1800-1835 owned by the Library.
Attributes and evolution of an exhumed salt weld, La Popa basin, northeastern Mexico

An elongate, arcuate structure consisting of a fault-like displacement surface, previously regarded as a reverse fault, and parallel synclines within the Late Cretaceous–Eocene La Popa basin of northeastern Mexico are herein reinterpreted as a salt weld and its flanking withdrawal synclines. The structure resulted from hanging-wall subsidence during evacuation of salt along a formerly diapiric salt wall. The La Popa weld has an exposed length of ∼25 km and superficially resembles a growth fault. The displacement surface is convex to the southwest and dips south to southwest. Stratigraphic displacement at the surface is zero at either end and increases to ∼5 km halfway along the trace of the structure. The La Popa structure had a two-phase history: (1) a diapiric phase marked by rise of an elongate salt wall flanked by parallel withdrawal synclines and (2) a subsequent evacuation phase recorded by hanging-wall subsidence and stratigraphic welding of footwall and hanging wall as salt evacuated from the former diapir. During diapirism, thick siliciclastic strata accumulated in the salt-withdrawal synclines that formed by downbuilding adjacent to the rising salt wall. Siliciclastic units thinned toward the salt wall, near which they were upturned and developed numerous angular unconformities. Thick biohermal carbonate lentils accumulated episodically on topographic highs associated with the rising salt wall. Evacuation of the salt wall caused lateral migration of the hanging-wall synclinal hinge and a consequent shift of thickest synkinematic strata toward the developing weld. This is the first exposed example of a secondary salt weld described as such in the literature.
Mechanisms of sepsis in acute pancreatitis in opossums.

Purpose To study the incidence and pathways of colonization of the pancreas by specific bacteria in a model of necrotizing pancreatitis. Methods Bacteremia and splanchnic organ colonization were studied in the early course of necrotizing pancreatitis following common biliopancreatic duct ligation (BPDL) of the opossum. Nonoperated animals served as controls. Intestinal lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and pancreas were cultured following bacteremia or sacrifice. Results In opossums with sterile bile, bacteria were recovered from 28.6% of blood cultures after BPDL (n = 10) and from 12.0% in controls (n = 10, P Conclusion There are two possible mechanisms for the development of bacterial colonization in opossum pancreatitis: bacterial translocation of enteric organisms from gut lumen to mesenteric lymph nodes and subsequent hematogenous dissemination and transductal infestation from the biliary tract.
3D Target Tracking Using Multiple Calibrated Cameras

We present the architecture of a system for tracking multiple targets, using multiple cameras with possibly overlapping fields of views, to determine the 3D location and orientation of the targets. A separate tracker is assigned to each new target. That tracker uses the information provided by 2D pattern matchers about the location of the target in the cameras' video streams to update its estimate of the target's 3D state. An extended Kalman filter (EKF) is used to maintain each target's 3D state. New targets are detected by employing an adaptive background subtraction algorithm. We present examples of results of our tracker for outdoor scenes.
Imposed Limitations on Freedom of Religion in China and the Margin of Appreciation Doctrine: A Legal Analysis of the Crackdown on the Falun Gong and other “Evil Cults”

"Like a rat crossing the street that everyone shouts out to squash, they [Falun Gong] will suffer serious legal sanctions and ultimately receive the shameful fate of failure."1 On 25 April 1999, over ten thousand Falun Gong adherents gathered in a peaceful "appeal" around Zhongnanhai, home to the majority of the central governmental leadership in the People's Republic of China (PRC). The protestors wanted the PRC government to officially recognize the movement as a legitimate form of spirituality." Within a week of the protest, Beijing had decided to
Coherent Learning: Creating High-level Performance and Cultural Empathy From Student to Expert

Background: Schools of nursing are charged with graduating nursing students who reflect the race and ethnicity of the communities they will serve. A college of nursing in Oklahoma received a grant to do just that for the Native American community in Oklahoma. In 1998, 19 Native American students were admitted to the school; only 12 graduated 2 years later. The rate of attrition for Native American nursing students averaged 57% between 1997 and 2001. The overall attrition rate was approximately 9%. Methods: HeartMath trainers were identified and prepared in 2002 and implemented the program in the nursing college in 2003. The program was voluntary for the first year, then became part of new student orientation the next year. Trainings were offered monthly for students and faculty and were available to every student. Laboratory computers were equipped with the Freeze Frame program, and students could practice during school hours. Several faculty also did one-to-one training and practice with students in thei...
Characterization of signaling pathways coupled to melatonin receptors in gastrointestinal smooth muscle

Melatonin, a close derivative of serotonin, is involved in physiological regulation of circadian rhythms. In the gastrointestinal (GI) system, melatonin exhibits endocrine, paracrine and autocrine actions and is implicated in the regulation of GI motility. However, it is not known whether melatonin can also act directly on GI smooth muscle cells. The aim of the present study was to determine the expression of melatonin receptors in smooth muscle and identify their signaling pathways. MT1, but not MT2 receptors are expressed in freshly dispersed and cultured gastric smooth muscle cells. Melatonin selectively activated Gq and stimulated phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis in freshly dispersed and cultured muscle cells. PI hydrolysis was blocked by the expression of Gq, but not Gi minigene in cultured muscle cells. Melatonin also caused rapid increase in cytosolic Ca(2+) as determined by epifluorescence microscopy in fura-2 loaded single smooth muscle cells, and induced rapid contraction. Melatonin-induced PI hydrolysis and contraction were blocked by a non-selective MT1/MT2 antagonist luzindole (1 μM), but not by a selective MT2 antagonist 4P-PDOT (100 nM), and by the PLC inhibitor U73122. MT2 selective agonist IIK7 (100 nM) had no effect on PI hydrolysis and contraction. We conclude that rabbit gastric smooth muscle cells express melatonin MT1 receptors coupled to Gq. Activation of these receptors causes stimulation of PI hydrolysis and increase in cytosolic Ca(2+), and elicits muscle contraction.
TEXTURAL PROPERTIES OF IRRADIATED TOMATOES (CV, FLORADEL)*

Ripe Floradel tomatoes were softer, required smaller forces to puncture and to compress, and exhibited less recovery from applied stress than the unripened fruit. Irradiation caused similar but less pronounced changes.
The Trade-Off Among Quality, Quantity, And Cost: How To Make It—If We Must

The Affordable Care Act, with its subsidies, demonstrations, commissions, and study groups, embodies a considerable amount of regulatory and policy pressure on markets to improve the quality of hea...
“Heat Transfer” Traveling Engineering Activity Kit: Designed by Engineering Students for Middle School Students

A 2005–06 Multidisciplinary Senior Design team created a series of classroom activities designed to teach middle school students about engineering topics related to energy and the environment. This Traveling Engineering Activity Kit (TEAK) consists of five smaller kits, each based on a different energy-related theme: Heat Transfer, Electrical Energy, Wind and Water, Solar Power, and Chemical Energy. Each kit contains an Academic Activity to teach a background concept, a Hands-On Activity to allow students to apply the concepts learned, and a Take-Home Activity that can be done independently at home. The design team also developed instruction manuals suitable for non-engineers, lesson plans, handouts, and post-activity quizzes to assess participants’ learning. To date, the kits have been used by several hundred middle school students either in their classroom setting or while participating in on-campus outreach programs. This paper highlights the Heat Transfer TEAK including an overview of the intended learning outcomes; physical materials and set-ups included within the interactive kit; as well as details related to the development of the kit by a multi-disciplinary team of senior engineering students. Program and kit assessment progress is discussed based on feedback from design team members; middle school students and teachers. Future plans for refining current kits and expanding kit offerings are also discussed.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Carbon and nitrogen mineralization of non-composted and composted municipal solid waste in sandy soils

Abstract A sterilized, but undecomposed, organic by-product of municipal waste processing was incubated in sandy soils to compare C and N mineralization with mature municipal waste compost. Waste products were added to two soils at rates of 17.9, 35.8, 71.6, and 143 Mg ha - 1 dry weight and incubated at 25 ∘ C for 90 d. Every 30 d, nitrate and ammonium concentrations were analyzed and C mineralization was measured as total CO 2 – C evolved and added total organic C. Carbon mineralization of the undecomposed waste decreased over time, was directly related to application rate and soil nutrient status, and was significantly higher than C mineralization of the compost, in which C evolution was relatively unaffected across time, soils, and application rates. Carbon mineralization, measured as percentage C added by the wastes, also indicated no differences between composted waste treatments. However, mineralization as a percentage of C added in the undecomposed waste treatments was inversely related to application rate in the more productive soil, and no rate differences were observed in the highly degraded soil. Total inorganic N concentrations were much higher in the compost- and un-amended soils than in undecomposed waste treatments. Significant N immobilization occurred in all undecomposed waste treatments. Because C mineralization of the undecomposed waste was dependant on soil nutrient status and led to significant immobilization of N, this material appears to be best suited for highly degraded soils low in organic matter where restoration of vegetation adapted to nutrient poor soils is desired.
AN IMPACT IDENTIFICATION METHOD FOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM EVALUATION

Evaluation is essential to planning and implementing effective develop- ment programs. The resource limitations, multidimensionality of develop- ment program impacts, cultural barriers between evaluators and those impacted, and the diversity of settings in which evaluations must be con- ducted arc serious constraints on the use of traditional research methods to evaluate development programs. Similar constraints are faced in con- ducting most social impact assessments. We suggest that a method of impact identification that makes use of experts, including the people ef- fected by a project, can be used in development project evaluation. The method, which is based on the noniinal group technique, is described, as are some of its applications in Latin America and the Caribbean. We conclude iiy considering directions for future development and the relationship be- tween planning, evaluation, and impact assessment.
Management of cardiac toxicity in patients receiving vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway inhibitors

Background Interfering with angiogenesis is an effective, widely used approach to cancer therapy, but antiangiogenic therapies have been associated with important systemic cardiovascular toxicities such as hypertension, left ventricular dysfunction, heart failure, and myocardial ischemia and infarction. As the use of vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway (VSP) inhibitors broadens to include older patients and those with existing cardiovascular disease, the adverse effects are likely to be more frequent, and cardiologists will increasingly be enlisted to help oncologists manage patients who develop adverse cardiovascular effects. Methods The Cardiovascular Toxicities Panel of the National Cancer Institute reviewed the published literature and abstracts from major meetings, shared experience gained during clinical development of VSP inhibitors, and contributed extensive clinical experience in evaluating and treating patients with cancer with cardiovascular disease. This report was edited and approved by the National Cancer Institute Investigational Drug Steering Committee. It presents the panel's expert opinion on the current clinical use and future investigation for safer, more expansive use of these drugs. Results and Conclusions The panel recommends that physicians (1) conduct and document a formal risk assessment for existing cardiovascular disease and potential cardiovascular complications before VSP inhibitor treatment recognizing that preexisting hypertension and cardiovascular disease are common in patients with cancer, (2) actively monitor for blood pressure elevations and cardiac toxicity with more frequent assessments during the first treatment cycle, and (3) aggressively manage blood pressure elevations and early symptoms and signs of cardiac toxicity to prevent clinically limiting complications of VSP inhibitor therapy.