cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
‘The return of Crazy Mother’: The cultural politics of carnival in 1930s Dijon

The political elite in inter-war France sought innovative ways to reconcile modernization agendas with existing regional cultural traditions. Regional folkloric traditions and ludic festivals provided refuge from maligned national narratives. Burgundians, notably, drew upon carnival practices and motifs to solicit broad participation in a state-sanctioned project of regional modernization. Although organized by ostensibly opposed political, social, commercial, and cultural interests, Dijon's Mere-Folle carnival and subsequent carnaval parades accomplished the same goals. These included creating a new spirit of civic pride and unity, providing a time and space for overlapping and converging transformations to coexist, and stabilizing cultural practices deemed traditional.
Learning curves for EUS by using cumulative sum analysis: implications for American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy recommendations for training

Background American Society for Gastrointestinal Endsocopy (ASGE) guidelines for assessing minimal competence in EUS are based on expert opinion and retrospective studies. Objective To prospectively define learning curves in EUS among advanced endoscopy trainees (AETs). Design Prospective trial. Setting Three tertiary-care referral centers. Patients AETs with no prior EUS experience. Intervention AETs were evaluated by attending endosonographers at intervals of 10 EUS examinations (beginning at the 25th examination) during a 12-month training period. A standardized data collection form was used to grade examination of EUS anatomic stations and, when applicable, lesion of interest, accurate uTNM staging, wall layer origin of subepithelial lesions, and technical success with FNA. Main Outcome Measurements Cumulative sum analysis was applied to assess competency and produce a learning curve for each trainee for overall performance and for each anatomic station. Acceptable and unacceptable failure rates of 10% and 20%, respectively, were used. Results Five AETs were included, with a total of 1412 EUS examinations (AET1-225, T2-175, T3-402, T4-315, T5-295). Two AETs crossed the threshold for acceptable performance at cases number 255 and 295, two AETs showed a trend toward acceptable performance after 225 and 196 cases but needed ongoing training, and 1 AET demonstrated the need for ongoing training after 402 cases. Similar variable results were noted for individual stations. Limitations Results from this study may not be generalizable to other centers' AETs. Conclusion We observed substantial variability in achieving competency and a consistent need for more supervision in all AETs than current recommendations (150 cases). Future studies should focus on standardization of trainee performance, definition of competency, and widespread applicability of AET evaluation.
Biomass yield and composition of sweetpotato grown in a nutrient film technique system

Sweetpotato cultivar TU-82-155 grown in a nutrient film technique system and separated into foliage, tips, fibrous, string and storage roots at harvest had a total dry biomass of 89.9 g per plant with 38.4% inedible portion. Tips and storage roots, the traditional edible parts, were analyzed for dry matter, protein, fat, ash, minerals (Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Zn), vitamins (carotene, ascorbic acid, thiamin), oxalic and tannic acids, and trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitors to determine their nutritional quality. Water soluble matter, minerals (Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Zn), cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin concentrations in the edible and inedible parts were obtained to provide information needed for the selection of appropriate bioconversion processes of plant wastes into food or forms suitable for crop production in a controlled biological life support system.
An electron microscopy study of crystallography and phase relationships in the Be3N2BeSiN2 system

Abstract Transmission electron microscopy and diffraction have been used to examine structural aspects of phases along the BeSiN2Be3N2 tie line of the BeSiON system. Electron diffraction experiments are found to substantiate previous X-ray evidence for the derived structures of BeSiN2, β-Be3N2, and α-Be3N2 and the presence of a number of long-period superstructures at intermediate compositions. Real space observations using direct fringe and structure imaging techniques have been made and are in agreement with the 15R polytype structure derived from X-ray diffraction data. This structure is composed of coherent intergrowths of BeSiN2 and β-Be3N2. Further observations made on a nonstoichiometric BeSiN2 sample suggest that the polytypes may be described in terms of a regularly faulted BeSiN2 structure. Each fault changes the coordination of tetrahedral sites from base sharing to edge sharing in the fault, allowing excess beryllium atoms to be accommodated in the close-packed nitrogen lattice. For larger deviations from the BeSiN2 stoichiometric composition, a higher density of faults occur which interact to form ordered arrangements and the observed polytype structures. The present observations establish that polytypism in the BeSiN system is related to the general phenomenon of crystallographic shear as observed in other complex oxide and ceramic systems. It is suggested that similar faulting may account for the polytype structures in other sialon systems.
Mathematics and Science Learning Opportunities in Preschool Classrooms.

Research Findings: The present study observed and coded instruction in 65 preschool classrooms to examine (a) overall amounts and (b) types of mathematics and science learning opportunities experienced by preschool children as well as (c) the extent to which these opportunities were associated with classroom and program characteristics. Results indicated that children were afforded an average of 24 and 26 min of mathematics and science learning opportunities, respectively, corresponding to spending approximately 25% of total instructional time in each domain. Considerable variability existed, however, in the amounts and types of mathematics and science opportunities provided to children in their classrooms; to some extent, this variability was associated with teachers' years of experience, teachers' levels of education, and the socioeconomic status of children served in the program. Practice or Policy: Although results suggest greater integration of mathematics and science in preschool classrooms than pre...
Polysomnography and depressive symptoms in primary alcoholics with and without a lifetime diagnosis of secondary depression and in patients with primary major depression

Background: There is evidence suggesting that there is: (1) additive polysomnographic effects of alcoholism and depression; and (2) elevated baseline REM density in primary alcoholics with (PASD) and without lifetime history of secondary depression (NPA). Methods: 23 PASDs, 59 NPAs, and 23 primary major depression patients (PMD) underwent polysomnography. Any drinking within 3 months after a 1-month inpatient alcohol rehabilitation defined relapse. Results: PASDs' polysomnography was more like NPAs than PMDs. Polysomnography reflected 3-month sobriety status more than diagnosis. Limitations: Not all PASD's met full major depression criteria upon admission. Conclusions: Alcoholism affected polysomnography more than depression. Elevated admission REM density predicted 3-month relapse in PASDs and NPAs.
Ferroelectricity in barium titanate quantum dots and wires

Properties of BaTiO 3 colloidal quantum dots and wires are simulated using a first-principles-based approach. Large atomic off-center displacements (that are robust against capping matrix materials) are found to exist in very small (<5 nm) dots. We further determine the size dependences of electrical and electromechanical responses in the studied nanostructures, as well as provide microscopic understanding of these responses.
1290 EXTERNAL HYDROCEPHALUS IN WEAVER SYNDROME

The Weaver syndrome is a rare disorder of overgrowth, characterized by accelerated somatic growth and osseous maturation, increased head size and unusual facies. Excessive macrocephaly is a striking finding that differentiates Weaver from other overgrowth syndromes. We report a male infant who had the characteristic features of Weaver syndrome including rapid growth. His facial features included round face, frontal bossing, wide bifrontal diameter, hypertelorism, down-slanted palpebral fissures, epicanthi, flat nasal bridge, long prominent philtrum, retromicrognathia and large ears. At birth his length (Lt) was 63.5cm and weight (Wt) 5.8kg. At age 2 months Lt was 72.5cm and wt 8.3kg. Carpal bone age was advanced to 6-9 months. At age 3 months his head circumferance (HC) was 50.4cm. A CT scan showed large bilateral extracerebral fluid collections. A repeat CT at 4 1/2 months showed a decrease in this collection and a picture more consistent with external hydrocephalus. A subdural tap confirmed that the fluid was normal CSF under no increasure pressure. No intervention was done. We have seen a similar CT abnormality in at least one patient with Soto syndrome and in several patients with benign familial macrocephaly. Based on the observation in patients with benign familial macrocephaly, we suggest that the CT appearance may be a relatively benign finding, common to syndromes with rapid head growth in early life.
Regulation of vocal amplitude by the blue-throated hummingbird, Lampornis clemenciae

Animals that rely on vocal communication must broadcast sound so that a perceptible signal is transmitted over an appropriate distance. We found that male blue-throated hummingbirds modified the amplitude of their vocalizations in response to both naturally occurring and experimenter-controlled changes in ambient noise levels. This phenomenon is known as the Lombard effect and may increase the efficiency of acoustic signalling. This study demonstrates the effect under natural field conditions and documents the first hummingbird species (Apodiformes: Trochilidae) to show this behaviour. We measured sound pressure levels (SPLs) of Serial Chip territorial advertisement calls across a natural range of ambient noise, primarily due to creeks within male territories. We found a significant correlation between the amplitude of Serial Chips and the amplitude of background noise. To test this relationship, we broadcast recordings of creek noise at high and low amplitudes while target individuals were producing Serial Chip vocalizations. We measured vocal SPLs before and during the playback. Individuals responded to changes in playback creek noise by changing the amplitude of Serial Chip production. We also measured transmission properties of Serial Chip calls through natural habitat to calculate the approximate amplitude of vocalizations at the position of the calling bird. We suggest that amplitude regulation of vocalizations contibutes to signal transmission distance along with the established relationships between singing behaviour, acoustic structure and habitat. Copyright 2003 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.
The branching ratio of anions in thermal electron attachment to halogenated fluorocompounds

Abstract The temperature dependence of the formation of negative ions from C 6 F 5 X , C 6 F 4 X 2 ( X = Cl , Br , I ) , XC 6 F 4 Br ( X = Cl , CF 3 , BrC 6 F 4 , CN ) , and NC5F4Br was studied using negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry. Cl− and the parent negative ion for chlorofluorobenzene, Br − , ( M – Br ) − (M=parent molecule), and the parent negative ion for bromofluorocarbon, and I− and (M–I)− for iodofluorobenzene were observed. The intensity of (M–X)− and the parent negative ion relative to that of halide ion changes with temperature. The relative intensity, C 6 F 4 X − / X − ( X = Br , I ) of 1,2-C6F4X2 is smaller than that of 1,4-C6F4X2. It seems that the heat of formation of (M–X)−+X relative to that of (M–X)+X− in 1,2-C6F4X2 would be higher than in 1,4-C6F4X2 and C6F5X. The temperature dependence of the relative ratio, (M–Br)−/Br−, can lead the relative trend of the electron affinity of M–Br, as C6F4CN>CF3C6F4>C6F4C6F4Br>C5F4N>C6F4Cl>C6F4Br>C6F5. This is correlated with the atomic charge distribution of (M–Br)− calculated using the Hartree–Fock method.
Less acting, more doing: How surface acting relates to perceived meeting effectiveness and other employee outcomes

This study adds to the growing body of research on work meetings and extends the emotional labour literature beyond a service context by examining the relationship between surface acting during meetings and perceived meeting effectiveness. Additionally, the relationships of surface acting during meetings and perceived meeting effectiveness with time-lagged reports of intention to quit and emotional exhaustion 3 months later were investigated. Structural equation modelling of data from 178 working adults revealed negative relationships between surface acting and perceptions of meeting effectiveness. Perceived meeting effectiveness partially mediated the relationship between surface acting and both intention to quit and emotional exhaustion 3 months later. These findings expand both the limited research on perceived meeting effectiveness and the surface acting nomological network to include a consideration that expressing inauthentic emotions in meetings (surface acting) may relate to the perceived effectiveness of the meeting. As well, both surface acting during meetings and perceived meeting effectiveness may relate to how emotionally exhausted employees feel and their intentions to seek other employment. Given the cost and pervasiveness of meetings in daily organizational life and their potential effects on the well-being of employees, understanding how to make meetings effective is paramount - particularly if researchers and practitioners want to better understand how perceived meeting effectiveness may be related to various employee outcomes. Practitioner points Organizations use up to 15% of their personnel budget on meetings, yet meetings are often considered ineffective by employees., Organizations wishing to increase the perceived effectiveness of their meetings can work to reduce the degree to which employees feel they have to express inauthentic emotion in meetings., In turn, expressing inauthentic emotion in meetings related to employees' future emotional exhaustion and intent to leave the organization
PROCTOSIGMOIDOSCOPY IN THE EVALUATION OF RECTAL BLEEDING IN NEWBORN INFANTS

51 neonates with rectal bleeding (RB) of unknown etiology were investigated with proctosigmoidoscopy; 44 had rectal biopsy (Bx). The mean birth wt was 3.0kg (1.1-5.0); age at Bx 17.3 (4-28) days. All were fed cow's milk protein formula. Endoscopic abnormalities (END) were graded retrospectively (41) or prospectively (10) and compared to Bx findings, including graded inflammation score (inflam) and criteria of allergic proctitis (eos infiltration and intraepithelial eos [EoIn], 46/51 had END evidence of colitis, ranging from erythema and edema (mild, 24) friability and ulceration (moderate, 16), to spontaneous bleeding and exudation (severe, 6). 41/44 Bx had mild to severe colitis and 24/44 met histologic criteria of allergic proctitis. END appearance did not predict the severity of inflam or EoIn on Bx. There was no difference in birth wt, duration of feeds or age of RB in patients with and without moderate to severe inflam. The blood eos count was higher in patients with mod-severe inflam (597 vs 328, p<0.05). EoIn was associated with mod-severe inflam (p<.001). 10 patients had NEC. Blood eos count, END, and EoIn were not different with and without NEC. RB ceased in all 51 when enteral feeds were stopped; protein hydrolysate or soy formula was given subsequently without RB in 44/44. Conclusions. 1) newborn infants with RB have END and Bx evidence of colitis; 2) END and Bx did not differentiate patients with and without NEC: 3) histologic features diagnostic of allergic colitis are present in half of newborns with RB, suggesting milk protein intolerance is an important cause of neonatal RB.
Staining with pyronin Y detects changes in conformation of RNA during mitosis and hyperthermia of CHO cells.

Abstract Cellular RNA in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells synchronized in mitosis (M) or G 2 phase, as well as in interphase cells subjected to hyperthermia (42 °C, 10 min), was stained with acridine orange (AO), ethidium bromide (EB), or pyronin Y (PY) and the resultant fluorescence was measured by flow cytometry. Total RNA content detected after staining with AO increased in M as compared to G 2 -phase cells, consistent with continued RNA synthesis during G 2 phase. The content of double-stranded RNA, stained with EB (after DNase treatment), was also somewhat higher in M cells. In contrast, the stainability of RNA with PY decreased by 27% in M- compared to G 2 -phase cells. Furthermore, a decrease in stainability of RNA with PY was observed in G 2 cells compared to cells in G 1 phase. In separate experiments, RNA stainability with AO or EB was generally unaffected when interphase CHO cells were exposed to 42 °C for 10 min, though this same treatment resulted in a 26% decrease in RNA stainability with PY. The decreased PY stainability of cellular RNA in M or heat-treated cells was observed at a relatively narrow range of dye concentration (1.0–2.0 μg/ml). The observed hypochromicity of RNA coincides with dissociation of polyribosomes into single ribosomes known to occur during mitosis and following exposure to hyperthermia. It is presumed that the phenomenon involves selective denaturation and condensation of ribosomal (r) RNA by PY in single ribosomes which does not occur in polyribosomes. While the molecular mechanisms responsible for stabilization of rRNA in polyribosomes preventing its denaturation and condensation by PY are unknown, PY appears to be a sensitive probe that can be used to detect and study these changes in rRNA confirmation in situ .
Predictors of accuracy in preoperative parathyroid adenoma localization using ultrasound and Tc-99m-Sestamibi: a 4-quadrant analysis.

Abstract Purpose To compare the accuracy of preoperative parathyroid adenoma localization in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) due to a single adenoma using a detailed 4-quadrant analysis and to identify patient and tumor characteristics associated with accurate preoperative localization. Materials and Methods Retrospective review of 203 patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for pHPT due to a single adenoma between 2008 and 2011. Results from preoperative ultrasound and Tc-99 m-sestamibi were compared to operative findings to determine accuracy of localization studies. Associations between clinicopathologic features and accurate preoperative adenoma localization were evaluated. Results Ultrasound was performed on 198 patients, sestamibi on 177 patients, and both on 172 patients. Accurate localization occurred significantly more often for ultrasound than sestamibi (63% vs. 41%, P Conclusions Our results provide evidence that ultrasound is more accurate in localizing parathyroid adenomas in patients with pHPT due to a single adenoma when compared to sestamibi scan using 4-quadrant location analysis and may be the preferred preoperative imaging modality in these patients. No significant preoperative patient factors were associated with accurate localization by ultrasound or sestamibi, but adenoma size, weight, and location in an inferior position were predictive of accurate preoperative localization.
Specific Analysis in Plasma and Urine of 2,3-Dinor-5,6-dihydro-isoprostane F2α-III, a Metabolite of Isoprostane F2α-III and an Oxidation Product of γ-Linolenic Acid

Abstract F2-isoprostanes (iPs) are free radical-catalyzed isomers of prostaglandin F2α. Circulating and urinary iPs have been used as indices of lipid peroxidation in vivo. Utilizing an 18O-labeled homologous internal standard, we developed a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry assay for the 2,3-dinor-5,6-dihydro (dinor-dihydro) metabolite of iPF2α-III. Although urinary excretion of iPF2α-III reflects systemic lipid peroxidation, the metabolite is more abundant (median of 877 (range of 351–1831)versus 174 (range of 56–321) pg/mg of creatinine;p < 0.01) than the parent iP in urine and can be measured in plasma. Metabolite analysis may be preferable in plasma due to the abundance of arachidonic acid as a source of ex vivolipid peroxidation. Also, iPF2α-III may be formed in blood samples in a cyclooxygenase-dependent manner by platelets ex vivo. By contrast, the metabolite is not formed by aggregated platelets (0.71 ± 0.08 versus0.65 ± 0.09 pg/ml). Although the metabolite/parent ratio is altered in cirrhosis, urinary dinor-dihydro-iPF2α-III is elevated and increases further during reperfusion following orthoptic liver transplantation. In addition to its formation as an iPF2 metabolite, analysis of γ-linolenic acid autooxidation products and the compound present in freeze-thawed plasma suggests that γ-linolenic acid may also be an important source of dinor-dihydro-iPF2α-III.
The S-Curve in Emerging Markets

The cross-correlation function between terms of trade and trade balance has been found to resemble a pattern that is labelled the S-curve. Support for this pattern has been provided for developed and less developed countries by previous research. This paper investigates the S-curve for 10 emerging economies and provides further support for the S-curve using monthly trade data since these countries initiated market reforms.
Pulsed Doppler assessment of left ventricular diastolic filling in coronary artery disease before and immediately after coronary angioplasty.

Abstract To determine if left ventricular (LV) diastolic filling abnormalities are detectable by Doppler echocardiography in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), 34 patients with CAD and 24 normal, agematched control subjects underwent mitral valve pulsed Doppler examination. At catheterization, all CAD patients had typical angina, at least 70% diameter narrowing of 1 major coronary artery, ejection fraction of 50% or more and no valvular heart disease. Seventeen CAD patients underwent coronary angioplasty and had a Doppler examination 1 day before and 1 day after the procedure. Doppler diastolic time intervals, peak velocities at rapid filling (E velocity), atrial contraction (A velocity) and the ratio peak E/peak A velocities were measured. The following areas under the Doppler velocity envelope and their percentage of the total area were calculated: first third of diastole (0.33 area), triangular area under the peak E velocity (E area), and triangular area under the peak A velocity (A area). Patients with CAD and normal subjects were significantly different (p E area A area (CAD 1.7 ± 0.53, normal 2.5 ± 0.69), and all area fractions. In the CAD patients who had undergone coronary angioplasty, no differences were found in any Doppler index before and immediately after the procedure. Thus, abnormal patterns of LV diastolic filling occur in patients with CAD and normal global systolic function. The decreased percentage of the Doppler area occurring during rapid filling and the increased percentage of the Doppler area occurring in late diastole suggest that CAD patients have impaired early diastolic filling. These diastolic filling abnormalities are unimproved 24 hours after successful coronary angioplasty. Doppler echocardiography provides a useful, noninvasive technique for assessment of LV diastolic filling in patients with CAD.
Transnationals in an English-speaking world

The dominance of the English language in the last half century has simplified globalisation and enabled more peoples to engage in transnational entrepreneurship than ever was possible in the past. Currently, transnational entrepreneurs need only English language competence to undertake the work of knitting together geographically and linguistically distant regions and countries. Although everywhere an elite skill, English language competence is now widespread in every region of the world. Therefore, linking two non-English-speaking countries now requires only one language, English. In the past, when middleman minorities undertook international trade, that same linkage required mastery of three language: the language of the exporter, the language of the middlemen and the language of the importer. English language dominance is a cultural resource that abets globalisation, but some evidence suggests a peculiar asymmetry arises when English-speaking countries export to non-English-speaking countries.
Hormonal control of urine-marking in wild and domestic Norway rats.

Abstract Wild and domestic Norway rats will actively urine-mark a small rod suspended across their home cage. Administration of testosterone to castrated male rats indicated that the urine-marking response is hormone dependent.
Designing communication support systems for strategic planning

Abstract While as a distinct and intermittent managerial activity planning is slowly dying, in a systematic and continuous context it is rapidly growing! More and more organizations are beginning to realize that planning entails ongoing learning and adaptation of people rather than one-shot, pseudo-scientific analysis of abstract problems. To facilitate this fundamental transformation in organizational thinking, new electronic management support systems are being created. These systems will facilitate collaborative problem exploration through improved managerial communication. In effect, they will actively assist managers to understand and manage the relationships between the strategic planning process and the other corporate processes such as budgeting, capital investment, performance evaluation and employee compensation.
Target, chemical and bioactivity databases – integration is key

Various biological, chemical and bibliographic databases have grown tremendously in recent years with respect to both their diversity and size. In many cases, these databases have been established to address specific interests of their developers in biological or chemical systems with relatively little attention paid to the integration of different types of biological, chemical and literature data. Pharmaceutical industry increasingly relies on such databases for generating new ideas for identifying potential drug candidates and their targets. In this paper, we present a brief overview of many available public and commercial databases that contain information on biological targets or small molecule ligands as well as several integrated databases. We emphasize the database integration and federation as most important current trends in informatics driven pharmaceutical discovery.
Brain GLP-1 and insulin sensitivity

Type 2 diabetes is often treated with a class of drugs referred to as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogs. GLP-1 is a peptide secreted by the gut that acts through only one known receptor, the GLP-1 receptor. The primary function of GLP-1 is thought to be lowering of postprandial glucose levels. Indeed, medications utilizing this system, including the long-acting GLP-1 analogs liraglutide and exenatide, are beneficial in reducing both blood sugars and body weight. GLP-1 analogs were long presumed to affect glucose control through their ability to increase insulin levels through peripheral action on beta cells. However, multiple lines of data point to the ability of GLP-1 to act within the brain to alter glucose regulation. In this review we will discuss the evidence for a central GLP-1 system and the effects of GLP-1 in the brain on regulating multiple facets of glucose homeostasis including glucose tolerance, insulin production, insulin sensitivity, hepatic glucose production, muscle glucose uptake, and connections of the central GLP-1 system to the gut. Although the evidence indicates that GLP-1 receptors in the brain are not necessary for physiologic control of glucose regulation, we discuss the research showing a strong effect of acute manipulation of the central GLP-1 system on glucose control and how it is relevant to type 2 diabetic patients.
The Parental Attitudes Toward Psychological Services Inventory: Adaptation and Development of an Attitude Scale

The purpose of this paper is to provide psychometric data on the Parental Attitudes Toward Psychological Services Inventory (PATPSI), which is a revised measure to assess parents’ attitudes toward outpatient mental health services. Using a sample of adults (N = 250), Study 1 supported a 3-factor structure (RMSEA = .05, NNFI = .94, and CFI = .94), adequate internal consistency (ranging from .72 to .92), and test–retest reliability (ranging from .66 to .84). Additionally, results indicated that individuals with previous use of mental health services reported more positive views toward child mental health services. Study 2 provided confirming evidence of the 3-factor structure (NNFI = .94, RMSEA = .08, and the CFI = .95) and adequate reliability (ranging from .70 to .90) using a parent-sample (N = 260). Additionally, discriminate validity of the PATPSI was supported. Implications for research and clinical practice are discussed.
Linguistic Minorities in Central and Eastern Europe

Linguistic Minorities in Central and Eastern Europe. Christina Bratt Paulston and Donald Peckham. eds. Clevedon, UK: Multilingual Matters, Ltd., 1998. xiv. 289 pp.
AXONAL TRANSPORT OF LIPIDS IN THE RABBIT OPTIC SYSTEM

— Axonal transport of lipids was demonstrated in the rabbit optic system using [2-3H]glycerol and [3-14C]serine. Following intraocular injection of these precursors, radioactive lipids were detected in the optic tract, superior colliculus and lateral geniculate body over a 31 day period. The bulk of lipid appeared to migrate at a rate equivalent to that of rapidly transported protein which, when combined with a prolonged period of release into the axon, led to a peak of transported radioactivity at 6-10 days for the 3 tissues. The suggestion of a second peak at 17 days indicated the possibility of a smaller slow component, although another interpretation is suggested. Analysis of individual transported lipids revealed [2-3H]glycerol to label phosphoglycerides preferentially and [3-14C]serine to be an effective precursor for sphingolipids and certain of the phosphoglycerides. [3-14C]Serine labeled axonally transported proteins to an even greater extent than lipids, revealing the same fast and slow components previously shown with other amino acids.
Detector, shielding and geometric design factors for a high-resolution PET system

The authors evaluated the resolution, efficiency, and scatter rejection of a novel high-resolution PET (positron emission tomography) system designed for animal studies which is based on a 2-D modular detector system. A digital positioning system was evaluated by testing different encoding methods. Tungsten interplane septa of different thicknesses and geometries were evaluated by Monte Carlo simulations and experiments. The detector system consists of a 6*8 array of BGO crystals coupled to two dual photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). The crystals are 3.5 mm wide with 4-mm transaxial spacing and are 6.25 mm long with 6.75-mm axial spacing. PMT outputs are digitized, and Anger-camera-type logic is used to determine the X and Y location of the scintillator event. Data are then sorted into the appropriate detector using a column lookup table and the column dependent row lookup tables. >
The Choice Among Long‐Term Financing Instruments for Public Utilities

This study examines the decision of regulated utilities to raise new financing via common stock, debt, or preferred stock offerings. We develop several logit models to test how a set of relevant variables affects the issuing choice. These variables include the level of insider ownership, regulatory climates, measures of aggregate market conditions, bankruptcy risk, deviations from the long-and short-term target ratios, asset composition, etc. In addition, this paper tests whether the cross-sectional level of debt ratio is related to some of these same factors. Our findings indicate that U.S. electric utilities are not influenced by market timing when making a choice among long-term financing instruments. However, our results do show that ownership structure variables, such as the number of directors and officers, seem to have a significant negative influence upon the choice of common stock, thus lending support to Friend and Lang's finding. In addition, capital structure seems to matter for utilities.
Rank–rank hypergeometric overlap: identification of statistically significant overlap between gene-expression signatures

Comparing independent high-throughput gene-expression experiments can generate hypotheses about which gene-expression programs are shared between particular biological processes. Current techniques to compare expression profiles typically involve choosing a fixed differential expression threshold to summarize results, potentially reducing sensitivity to small but concordant changes. We present a threshold-free algorithm called Rank-rank Hypergeometric Overlap (RRHO). This algorithm steps through two gene lists ranked by the degree of differential expression observed in two profiling experiments, successively measuring the statistical significance of the number of overlapping genes. The output is a graphical map that shows the strength, pattern and bounds of correlation between two expression profiles. To demonstrate RRHO sensitivity and dynamic range, we identified shared expression networks in cancer microarray profiles driving tumor progression, stem cell properties and response to targeted kinase inhibition. We demonstrate how RRHO can be used to determine which model system or drug treatment best reflects a particular biological or disease response. The threshold-free and graphical aspects of RRHO complement other rank-based approaches such as Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), for which RRHO is a 2D analog. Rank-rank overlap analysis is a sensitive, robust and web-accessible method for detecting and visualizing overlap trends between two complete, continuous gene-expression profiles. A web-based implementation of RRHO can be accessed at http://systems.crump.ucla.edu/rankrank/.
First, Do No Harm

Amiddle-aged woman with a history of metastatic cancer arrived at the emergency room of a small community hospital in acute distress and with sudden-onset gastric bleeding. Laboratory results showed that she was severely anemic, and the attending physician in the emergency department ordered 2 units of blood. The woman’s blood was quickly typed and cross-matched, and the blood units arrived just as she was being transferred to one of the medical units. It was an unusually busy day in the emergency room; there were several trauma patients who were accompanied by anxious, sometimes hostile, families. Gurneys were stacked up in the hallways, as emergency department staff waited for radiograph and laboratory results. Staff members were eager to get the blood unit started and transfer this particular patient, as well as several other patients, before the change of shift. One of the nursing staff started the first unit of blood, and the nurse assigned to the patient prepared the paperwork for transfer—all while juggling multiple interruptions. Moments after the woman’s husband was sent to the admitting office, she became anxious and said that she was having difficulty breathing. She clung to her nurse’s hand, refusing to let the nurse leave her side and begging the nurse to help her. Her breathing became increasingly rapid, and she began to panic. She complained of chest pain and nausea. The nurse, a new graduate, wondered if the patient was having a heart attack. The nurse had never seen a patient in such acute distress. Vital signs indicated that the patient was going into shock. The only physician in the emergency room was busy suturing a difficult wound, and the other nurses were busy elsewhere. What should the nurse do? Within seconds, the patient went into cardiac arrest; during the code, one of the staff discovered that the patient was being given the wrong unit of blood, a unit meant for another patient. The transfusion was stopped immediately and resuscitation was initiated, but the patient died. Although this incident happened many years ago, the nurse (KD) responsible for that patient will never forget the patient’s look of desperation. It was a sad glimpse into the huge responsibility that every nurse and physician has to “First, do no harm.” Assessing the Landscape of Patient Safety We were reflecting on this tragic incident and the sea of change related to medical errors that has occurred during the past few years. Between the 2 of us, we have accumulated a half century of clinical experience. We each have witnessed unfortunate (and avoidable) tragedies, as well as many “near misses.” The tragedies often involved incidents in which, despite the best intentions of knowledgeable clinicians, patients were harmed and sometimes died. It is these types of occurrences that the Institute of Medicine (IOM) wrote about 5 years ago. 1
Zero kinetic energy photoelectron spectroscopy of triphenylene

We report vibrational information of both the first electronically excited state and the ground cationic state of jet-cooled triphenylene via the techniques of resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) and zero kinetic energy (ZEKE) photoelectron spectroscopy. The first excited electronic state S1 of the neutral molecule is of A1′ symmetry and is therefore electric dipole forbidden in the D3h group. Consequently, there are no observable Franck-Condon allowed totally symmetric a1′ vibrational bands in the REMPI spectrum. All observed vibrational transitions are due to Herzberg-Teller vibronic coupling to the E′ third electronically excited state S3. The assignment of all vibrational bands as e′ symmetry is based on comparisons with calculations using the time dependent density functional theory and spectroscopic simulations. When an electron is eliminated, the molecular frame undergoes Jahn-Teller distortion, lowering the point group to C2v and resulting in two nearly degenerate electronic states ...
Error correction and parasitics de-embedding for on-wafer transistor S-parameter measurements using 4-port techniques

This paper presents the fundamentals and recent progresses of 4-port based error correction and parasitics de-embedding techniques we developed for high frequency transistor measurements. RF CMOS data from 2 to 110 GHz will be shown to illustrate various techniques.
Proximate developmental causes of limb length variation between Hyla cinerea and Hyla gratiosa (Anura: Hylidae).

Hyla cinerea and H. gratiosa are closely related treefrogs that differ at metamorphosis in the length of the hind limb relative to snout vent length. A developmental series of larvae of the two species raised under uniform laboratory conditions reveals that H. cinerea have proportionately longer legs at metamorphosis than H. gratiosa for the following reasons: 1) Hyla cinerea initiate limb growth at a smaller body size than H. gratiosa, 2) H. cinerea have a faster rate of limb growth, and 3) body growth rates in H. cinerea and H. gratiosa are nearly identical until just before metamorphosis.
Experimental validation of an algorithm for cooperative boundary tracking

This paper demonstrates the test bed implementation of a simple algorithm for cooperatively locating and following environmental boundary in two-dimensional space. The algorithm alternates between clockwise and counterclockwise motion along circular paths. By switching the orientation of rotation upon crossing the boundary, a vehicle is able to continue along its search. Coordination is achieved by changing vehicle speeds depending on the location of other vehicles.
ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLE OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS EPIDERMIDIS AS A CAUSE OF OTITIS MEDIA

One hundred thirty children with clinical evidence of otitis media were studied. Cultures were obtained from the external auditory canal (prior and subsequent to cleansing), the middle ear (by needle aspiration), the nasopharynx, and throat. Gram stained smears of purulent material obtained from the middle ear were prepared. Isolates of Staphylcoccus epidermidis from the middle ear of patients with otitis media, S. epidermidis isolates from skin, S. epidermidis isolates from blood, and S. aureus isolates from blood were evaluated with regard to lysostaphin sensitivity, lysozyme production, DNAse production, oxygen consumption, growth rate and sensitivity to antibiotics and compared with each other. In ten patients S. epidermidis grew in pure culture on solid media and in nine of these individuals a gram stained smear showed gram-positive cocci within polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Each of these patients had a febrile illness and a bulging red tympanic membrane. Seven of the ten isolates were resistant to penicillin. With regard to most of the metabolic characteristics measured, isolates of S. epidermidis from the middle ear were similar to both pathogenic and nonpathogenic S. epidermidis recovered from other sources. Staphylococcus epidermidis may be the etiologic agent responsible for purulent otitis media in a small number of patients.
The Role of the Institutional Review Board

The purpose of the Institutional Review Board (IRB), protection of the rights and welfare of human research subjects, is outlined. The written consent form must inform the subjects that determination of safety and efficacy is the purpose of the study. The FDA has not found it necessary to disqualify IRBs, since compliance is achieved by lesser actions, such as temporary suspension of authority to review FDA regulated studies. The FDA does not prohibit preparation of portions of informed consent forms by the sponsor if objectivity and accuracy are scrupulously maintained. Deliberately misleading study subjects could render the consent invalid. The accuracy of written translations of consent forms must be assured by the IRB. Advertising to prospective study subjects should be regarded as the initiation of the informed consent process, and held to the same constraints. Payment for participation in the study must be reviewed by the IRB to assure lack of undue influence. The function of the IRB should be limit...
Gαi2 but Not Gαi3 Is Required for Muscarinic Inhibition of Contractility and Calcium Currents in Adult Cardiomyocytes

Parasympathetic stimulation of the heart acts through M(2)-muscarinic acetylcholine receptors to regulate ion channel activity and subsequent inotropic status. Although muscarinic signal transduction is mediated via pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins Galpha(i/o), the specific signal transduction requirements of Galpha(i2) and Galpha(i3) in mediating muscarinic regulated L-type calcium currents (I(Ca, L)), intracellular calcium, and cell contractility remain to be determined. Adult ventricular myocytes were isolated from Galpha(i2)-null mice, Galpha(i3)-null mice, and their wild-type littermates. Cell shortening, intracellular calcium levels, and I(Ca, L) were all measured in response to isoproterenol, a beta-adrenergic receptor agonist, and carbachol, a cholinergic receptor agonist. With isoproterenol stimulation, myocytes from all groups demonstrated a marked increase in calcium currents, correlating with augmented intracellular calcium transient amplitude and cell shortening. Carbachol significantly attenuated the isoproterenol response in wild-type and Galpha(i3)-null cells but had no effect in Galpha(i2)-null cells. This study demonstrates that Galpha(i2), but not Galpha(i3), is required for muscarinic inhibition of the beta-adrenergic response in adult murine ventricular myocytes.
Distribution of enzyme activities within the developing maize (Zea mays) kernel in relation to starch, oil and protein accumulation

The association of enzyme activities in developing kernels with specific storage product accumulation at maturity was analyzed in different parts of Zea mays inbred OH43 kernels. Maize kernels were harvested at 20 and 55 days post-pollination and dissected into basal region, pericarp, embryo, lower endosperm, middle endosperm and upper endosperm. Mature (55 days pos(-pollination) kernel parts were analyzed for starch, total protein, zein and oil content. Immature (20 days post-pollination) kernel parts were assayed for activities of 15 enzymes of sugar and amino acid metabolism. Statistical analyses of the data suggested that glucokinase (EC 2.7.1.2) fructokinase (EC 2.7.1.4) and phosphofructokinase (EC 2.7.1.1 11) activities were primarily associated with oil accumulation, whereas ADP′-glueose pyrophosphorylasc (EC 2.7.7.27) and sucrose synthase (EC 2.4.1.13) activities were associated with starch accumulation. The results suggest that oil biosynthesis utilizes inveitase-mediated sucrose degradation in a pathway not requiring pyrophosphatc. whereas starch biosynthesis utilizes a sucrose synthase-mediated pathway of sucrose degradation in a pathway requiring pyrophosphatc. Additional groups of enzyme activities were associated with each oilier but not with any specific storage product and appeared to be associated with general metabolic activity.
Identification of fetal hemoglobin-inducing agents using the human leukemia KU812 cell line.

Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) ameliorates the clinical severity of sickle cell disease; therefore continued research to identify efficacious HbF-inducing agents is desirable. In this study, we investigate...
Dimensionality Reduction via Matrix Factorization for Predictive Modeling from Large, Sparse Behavioral Data

Matrix factorization is a popular technique for engineering features for use in predictive models; it is viewed as a key part of the predictive analytics process and is used in many different domain areas. The purpose of this paper is to investigate matrix-factorization-based dimensionality reduction as a design artifact in predictive analytics. With the rise in availability of large amounts of sparse behavioral data, this investigation comes at a time when traditional techniques must be reevaluated. Our contribution is based on two lines of inquiry: we survey the literature on dimensionality reduction in predictive analytics, and we undertake an experimental evaluation comparing using dimensionality reduction versus not using dimensionality reduction for predictive modeling from large, sparse behavioral data. Our survey of the dimensionality reduction literature reveals that, despite mixed empirical evidence as to the benefit of computing dimensionality reduction, it is frequently applied in predictive modeling research and application without either comparing to a model built using the full feature set or utilizing state-of-the-art predictive modeling techniques for complexity control. This presents a concern, as the survey reveals complexity control as one of the main reasons for employing dimensionality reduction. This lack of comparison is troubling in light of our empirical results. We experimentally evaluate the e cacy of dimensionality reduction in the context of a collection of predictive modeling problems from a large-scale published study. We find that utilizing dimensionality reduction improves predictive performance only under certain, rather narrow, conditions. Specifically, under default regularization (complexity control)settings dimensionality reduction helps for the more di cult predictive problems (where the predictive performance of a model built using the original feature set is relatively lower), but it actually decreases the performance on the easier problems. More surprisingly, employing state-of-the-art methods for selecting regularization parameters actually eliminates any advantage that dimensionality reduction has! Since the value of building accurate predictive models for business analytics applications has been well-established, the resulting guidelines for the application of dimensionality reduction should lead to better research and managerial decisions.