cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mosquito Staging Apparatus for Producing PfSPZ Malaria Vaccines

This paper describes the design of a fully automated apparatus to dispense mosquitoes into isolate units. This automation system consists of several process units including (1) facilitating the water vortex with a fan-shape rotor to gently transport the mosquitoes to the sorting slides with a conical geometry, (2) exploiting slides to guide mosquitoes to turntables driven by gears one by one, and (3) reorienting the mosquito until its proboscis points outward along the radial direction of the cone, aided by computer vision. This automation system serves as the first processing stage for collecting mosquito salivary glands. The sporozoites contained in the mosquito glands are the source material to produce Sanaria’s first generation PfSPZ vaccines. The Mosquito Staging System can dramatically enhance the mass production of Malaria Vaccine which is essential to prevent the propagation of Malaria.
The Effects of Transgender Hormone Therapy on Sleep and Breathing: A Case Series.

The effect of hormone therapy on sleep-disordered breathing in transgender patients has not been described. We present three cases of patients undergoing gender reassignment and treated with hormon...
Design, modelling, and simulation of a floating gate transistor with a novel security feature

This study proposes a new generation of floating gate transistors (FGT) with a novel built-in security feature. The new device has applications in guarding the IC chips against the current reverse engineering techniques, including scanning capacitance microscopy (SCM). The SCM measures the change in the C–V characteristic of the device as a result of placing a minute amount of charge on the floating gate, even in nano-meter scales. The proposed design only adds a simple processing step to the conventional FGT by adding an oppositely doped implanted layer to the substrate. This new structure was first analyzed theoretically and then a two-dimensional model was extracted to represent its C–V characteristic. Furthermore, this model was verified with a simulation. In addition, the C–V characteristics relevant to the SCM measurement of both conventional and the new designed FGT were compared to discuss the effectiveness of the added layer in masking the state of the transistor. The effect of change in doping concentration of the implanted layer on the C–V characteristics was also investigated. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed design was examined by comparing its I–V characteristics with the traditional FGT.
Neurologic complications after primary anatomic or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty

Abstract Background The incidence of the various types of neurologic complications that can occur after primary shoulder arthroplasty, as well as the factors associated with these complications, are unclear. Methods We reviewed 309 cases of primary anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and 504 cases of reverse TSA performed from 2003–2017 with minimum 1-year follow-up. We defined 3 types of neurologic complication: iatrogenic nerve injury, new-onset compressive peripheral neuropathy (CPN), and worsening of preexisting CPN. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with each type of neurologic complication. Results The overall rate of neurologic complication after primary shoulder arthroplasty was 16% (127/813) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13%–19%). The rates by complication type were 10% (81/813) for iatrogenic nerve injury, 18% (39/216) for worsening of preexisting CPN, and 1.8% (15/813) for new-onset CPN. The incidence of the 3 complication types did not differ between anatomic and reverse TSA. All cases of iatrogenic nerve injury improved without operative treatment after 1 year, whereas 53% of cases of new-onset CPN and 36% of cases of worsening CPN required surgical release. We found no factors independently associated with iatrogenic nerve injury, but iatrogenic nerve injury was independently associated with new-onset CPN. Factors independently associated with worsening CPN were male sex and a history preexisting CPN not treated with previous surgery. Conclusion Nearly 1 in 5 patients experienced neurologic complications after primary shoulder arthroplasty. Clinicians should be alert for neurologic symptoms because some patients develop CPN or worsening of CPN that may warrant surgical treatment. Level of Evidence Level IV; Retrospective Cohort; Treatment Study
Resource Burning for Permissionless Systems (Invited Paper)

Proof-of-work puzzles and CAPTCHAS consume enormous amounts of energy and time. These techniques are examples of resource burning: verifiable consumption of resources solely to convey information.
Parker Solar Probe's 1 st Year of Ka-band Operations

Launched in 2018, NASA's Parker Solar Probe (PSP) mission has been described as “The Mission to Touch the Sun”. Over a 7 year prime mission, the spacecraft will make 24 close encounters with the Sun. In order to meet requirements, PSP's telecom subsystem needed to incorporate a Ka-band downlink for radiometrics and science data return. PSP uses a 0.6 meter High Gain Antenna (HGA). This antenna is used only for a Ka-band downlink, and during its use is nominally the only time the science data is transmitted. Aspects of the mission design also restrict the use of the HGA to short periods in between each solar flyby. These constraints require the RF team and Mission Operations team to be extra diligent in optimizing the downlink data return. This paper provides a summary of PSP's first year of operations at Ka-band. In addition to presenting the overall Ka-band performance, other items that will be focused on include: planning considerations for Ka-band coverage with the DSN, observed effectiveness of a HGA calibration, pre-launch link assumptions, and possible future work. With multiple future deep space missions utilizing a Ka-band downlink, this information will hopefully be beneficial to help with planning and optimizing the data return.
A Review on Impact Analysis of Electric Vehicle Charging on Power Distribution Systems

With superior performance, zero-emission, and less maintenance cost, EVs are forecasted to replace the conventional internal combustion engines entirely. The charging time of EVs is seen as a significant hindrance to EV adaptation. There are two different charging methods: (a) Slow charging – via the domestic power supply and (b) Fast charging – via commercial charging stations. With high penetration levels of EV forecasted in the future, EV load would become a significant part of any utility load curve. Compared to other stationary loads connected to the grid, EV battery loads, on the other hand, are highly mobile in nature, i.e., the location of EV load is not specified in the distribution line throughout the day. Additionally, distribution systems are not rated for high overload capacities and are usually characterized by congestion zones in heavily populated areas (which would become worse with the addition of EV loads). Thus, the impact of EVs load o the utility grid must be analyzed both on the circuit level and system level. This paper discusses the power topologies used for EV charger realization, followed by the grid performance issues introduced by different EV charger topologies. The impact of EV load on grid power quality, power system equipment, and grid performance indicator are also explained in detail. Then the paper presents a brief review of different analyses and studies performed to assess the impact of higher EV penetration levels on the distribution side of the utility grid. Finally, strategies proposed to improve the grid performance by reinforcing the existing structure are discussed.
Dynamic predictive models for ridesourcing services in New York City using daily compositional data

Abstract In recent years, there has been a tremendous change in the landscape of mobility offerings with the introduction with the introduction of Uber and Lyft, companies collectively known as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), otherwise known as ridesourcing companies. Due to the nascency of these companies, there is a small but rapidly growing body of literature on the impacts these TNCs are having on traditional forms of shared ride modes, however, most of the emerging literature centers on the relationships between TNC and only one other shared mode of transportation (e.g. TNCs and Public Transit). This research attempts to contribute to the literature by examining the relationship between TNCs and multiple shared ride modes simultaneously. To this end, a joint modeling framework was used to study New York City ridership data for TNCs, taxi services, bikesharing, and the subway from January 2015 to June 2017. The goal of the research presented is two-fold: explore the dynamic relationships between TNCs and other modes of shared ridership, as well as to build a predictive model for the daily ridership usage for each modal offering and total daily ridership usage. To accomplish these tasks, we first used a compositional time series approach in which the four series are modeled as proportions of total daily demand and then, after a suitable transformation, jointly modeled them via a vector autoregression with exogenous predictors (VARX) to account for trend, a weekly seasonal structure, and exogenous predictors. The second part of our analysis involved modeling the daily total usage of the four modes using a dynamic linear model (DLM) and then using that model to draw inferences about the total ridership in NYC. Results of the models were then combined to produce medium-term forecasts for each modal ridership. Our findings corroborate those of others in investigating correlations over time between usage of TNCs and taxis in servicing consumers. In keeping with our second goal, this analysis demonstrates that our modeling framework may be useful for forecasting several competing types of shared ride modes in New York City.
Seasonal and El Niño Southern Oscillation-driven variations in isotopic and elemental patterns among estuarine primary producers: implications for ecological studies

Estuaries are complex systems where environmental fluctuations occur over distinct timescales due to local meteorological and large-scale climatic factors. Consequently, studies with low temporal resolution and taxonomic coverage may fail to detect isotopic variations in basal sources, providing biased interpretations of isotope mixing models. We investigated the seasonal and El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-driven interannual variations in δ13C, δ15N and C:N values among distinct basal sources and their implications for mixing models interpretation in a subtropical estuary. δ13C variations among sources differed in their magnitude and timescales, being large enough to confound source-specific values. Macroalgae and POM δ13C varied seasonally, whereas ENSO effects prevailed for C3 and C4 salt marsh plants, highlighting the contrasting influence of local versus remote environmental drivers on short- and long-lived primary producers, respectively. Peaks of δ15N were detected for all sources during short-term anthropogenic nutrient inputs. Isotope mixing model comparisons showed that overlooking isotopic variations in basal sources under distinct ENSO conditions can cause misinterpretation of local trophic interactions and nutrient cycling. The present study contributes to design appropriate sampling delineations in highly variable aquatic environments, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive, long-term monitoring of estuarine primary producers to encompass environmental drivers of stable isotopic variations.
Development of a Broadly Accessible, Computationally Guided Biochemistry Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience

Including undergraduate research in STEM education is a well-supported and growing high-impact practice that has been made much more scalable through integrating these experiences into the classroom. Here we describe a new biochemistry Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) that follows a design-to-data workflow with a strong connection to a worldwide community of protein modeling software developers. Analysis of psychosocial developments in association with participating in this CURE from the first set of students formally participating in the course suggest a beneficial effect on attributes associated with STEM persistence. To increase successful propagation, the design of the CURE’s curriculum, supporting learning materials, and instructor resources are provided to make it facile for faculty at any institution to join this network and implement the CURE. With this foundation, we expect student participation and the data set to continue to grow.
Living at the Speed of Mobile: How Users Evaluate Social Media News Posts on Smartphones:

A growing body of research suggests that differences between smartphones and desktop computers influence information processing outcomes. A within-subjects (N = 64) smartphone eye-tracking experime...
OPAM, an Open source, 3D printed Low-cost Micro-Manipulator for Single Cell Manipulation

We introduce OPAM, an Open source, low-cost (under $150), 3D-Printed, stepper motor driven, Arduino based, single cell Micromanipulator (OPAM). Modification of a commercial stepper motor led to dramatically increased stability and maneuverability of the motor, based on which the micromanipulator was designed. All components of this micromanipulator can be 3D printed using an entry-level 3D printer and assembled with ease. With this single cell manipulator, successful targeted single cell capture and transfer was confirmed under the microscope, which showed great promise for single cell related experiments.
The Formulation of Health Policy

Recently, a group of 100 scholars and public officials met in Aspen to discuss the state of communication between health professionals and the public.1 The scope and complexity of policy issues considered was great, illustrating once again the difficulty in moving the nation toward a new public policy synthesis, or in marshalling a concerted national effort to improve health and health care in the United States.2
Monoclonal Antibodies to Serum Prealbumin of a Patient with Familial Amyloidotic Polyneuropathy

In the present study we prepared a monoclonal antibody (m. ab.) to the abnormal serum prealbumin previously found (Tawara, et al.) in the amyloid fibrils of patients with Familial Amyloidotic Polyneuropathy (FAP). Prealbumin (PA) was isolated from the plasma of a 34 year old male of Ashkenazi Jewish extraction with FAP (accompanied by typical clinical presentation and course) and injected into three BALB/c mice whose spleens were removed after appropriate boosting. Splenic lymphocytes (1 × 108) were fused with 2 × 107 nonsecretory P3 × U1 myeloma cells according to a modification of Kohler and Milstein’s technique using HAT selection medium. Clones, obtained through the limiting dilution method, were tested for the production of m. ab. to PA on dishes with U bottom wells into which the following proteins were absorbed: pur PA, PAFAP, Albumin, BSA, Ovalbumin, IgG, SAA, AA, and serum from two patients with FAP and 5 normal individuals. The amount of m. ab. binding to these respective proteins was determined using 125I labelled goat antimouse serum.
Spectral banding or iridescence with anodized aluminum reflectors

The causes of iridescence, a problem of increasing concern since the introduction of narrow band lamps and anodized luminaire surfaces, are discussed. Iridescence appears as induced coloration of luminaire surfaces, much like rainbow patterns associated with thin oil or soap films on water. An interim colorimetric method for measuring iridescence is described. >
Agent-Based simulation tools in computational epidemiology

An agent-based approach is evaluated for its applicability as a new modeling technology in the emerging area of Computational Epidemiology, a research domain that attempts to synergistically unite the fields of Computer Science and Epidemiology. A primary concern of epidemiologists is investigating the spread of infectious diseases. Computer Scientists can provide powerful tools for epidemiologists to study such diseases. The existing simulation approaches available to epidemiologists are fast becoming obsolete, with data being stored in newer formats like GIS formats. There is an urgent need for developing computationally powerful, user-friendly tools that can be used by epidemiologists to study the dynamics of disease spread. We present a survey of the state-of-the-art in agent-based modeling and discuss the unique features of our chosen technique. Our agent-based approach effectively models the dynamics of the spread of infectious diseases in spatially-delineated environments by using agents to model the interaction between people and pathogens. We present preliminary results of modeling an actual tuberculosis disease outbreak in a local shelter. This model is an important step in the development of user-friendly tools for epidemiologists.
Semiosis and ‘meaning as use’: The indispensability and insufficiency of subjectivity in the action of signs

Thematic development of semiotics proves to be a transformative event for intellectual culture, manifesting itself to begin with in its reshaping of the usage of many philosophical terms in their reflection of mainstream modern philosophy as its influence has sedimented down the level of ordinary language, i.e., today’s common speech. Central among these terms are subject and object as modern usage has established their sense, a sense which proves incompatible with the understanding of things that is emerging from the cenoscopic analysis of the being and action of signs. In particular also the term ‘relation’, surely among the most widely used and least analysed terms of philosophy today, proves upon semiotic analysis to require a whole new understanding of the subjectivity/objectivity and object/thing distinctions as they have come to be more or less “settled” in modern usage. This essay explores the implications for such usage consequent upon the postmodern development of semiotics as the “doctrine” or “cenoscopic science” of signs.
Motor planning in preschool children – the use of a visual cue to test the end-state comfort effect: a preliminary study

The end-state comfort effect has been observed in grip selections of adult humans and other species of primates, but few studies have explored this effect in young children. The present study investigated the effect of a visual cue on the sensitivity to exhibit end-state comfort. Preschool children (N = 17) completed the task of picking up an overturned cup, turning it right-side up, and pouring water into it. Each child performed three trials of this task in both visual cue and non-visual cue conditions. Results revealed no significant difference between the two visual cue conditions in using a thumb-down or end-state comfort grip, χ 2 (1) = 0.12, p > 0.05. The findings offer practical implications regarding young children's ability to plan movement along with the potential role of early learning centres in creating environments that promote motor planning.
Influence of substrate temperature on the structural, optical and electrical properties of ZnO thin films prepared by spray pyrolysis

The influence of substrate temperature on the structural, optical and electrical properties of ZnO films prepared by the spray pyrolysis method using aqueous solution of zinc acetate has been investigated. The films are polycrystalline and X-ray diffraction measurements show a strong preferred orientation along the [002] plane which is strongly dependent on the substrate temperature. Optical absorption spectra, show high transparency of the film (90–95% transmission) in the visible range, with a sharp absorption edge around 375 nm wavelength of light which closely corresponds to the intrinsic band gap of ZnO (3.3 eV). ZnO films with the lowest resistivity, which is due to the increased mobility resulting from the improvement of the crystallinity of the films, can be prepared at a substrate temperature of 490 °C.
Small-signal nonlinear curcuit model of GaAs MESFET

Abstract Simple analytical expressions are derived for the drain-to-gate feedback capacitance, for the gate-to-source input capacitance, for the equivalent domain capacitance and the equivalent domain resistance for a GaAs metal-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MESFET). The equivalent circuit parameters are related to the material parameters such as the doping density, the dielectric constant, the low-field mobility, the diffusion coefficient, the built-in voltage and to the design parameters such as the gate length, the gate periphery, the active layer thickness, etc. The results which are in good agreement with the results of Willing et al. [4] may be used for a computer-aided design of GaAs power amplifiers and logic circuits.
Anomalous radiative Z0 decay

Abstract We examine some possible mechanisms which can explain the anomalous radiative Z 0 decays that were observed recently. They are (I) an anomalous Z 0 γγ interaction, and (II) the virtual effect of monopole-fermion bound states or of fermion monopoles. In the latter two cases, a mass scale in the TeV region is required for the explanation of the experimental data.
Four-particle one-hole states in 43Ca strongly populated by the 41K(α, d) reaction

Abstract Angular distributions of the 41 K(α, d) 43 Ca reaction have been measured at 40 MeV bombarding energy. Four-particle one-hole states in which the stripped proton-neutron pair occupies a ( f 7 2 ) 2 J = 7, T = 0 configuration coupled to the unperturbed 41 K core were identified by their characteristic L = 6 angular distributions. These states lie at 2.95, 3.37, 3.94, 4.13, 4.19, 4.59 and 4.89 MeV. Evidence for their [( f 7 2 ) 4 J = 7, T = 1 d −1 3 2 ] 4p-1h character is discussed. Several other strong transitions were observed which show mixtures of L = 4 and L = 6 angular distributions.
The dual role of Para-phenyl substituents in aromatic imine ligand complexes of manganese and chromium

Abstract The voltammetric behavior of the bis complexes of manganese(II) and chromium(III) with the ligand 2,6-bis(4-phenyl-2-pyridyl)-4-phenyl-pyrdine (terosite) has been studied in acetonitrile using DC and AC polarography and cyclic voltammetry. The manganese(II) complex undergoes two one-electron reductions to the +1 and zero formal oxidation states, respectively, and a poorly defined one-electron oxidation to the +3 formal oxidation state. The bis(terosite)chromium(III) complex shows four one-electron reductions to the +2, +2, 0, and −1 formal oxidation states, respectively. Comparison of half-wave potentials is made on the corresponding complexes of manganese and chromium with the ligands: 2,6-bis-(2pyridyl)pyridine(terpyridine)and 2,6-bis(2-pyridyl)-4-phenylpyridine (terosine). Redox potentials and comparisons of behaviour are also presented for the cobalt and iron complexes with the three ligands mentioned above. All comparisons indicate that the para phenyl substituent is able to stabilize both the high and low formal oxidation states of the complexes. Spectroscopic and magnetic data are also given.
Formation and dehydration enthalpy of ion exchanged zeolite beta

Abstract Cationic variants of zeolite beta (Li–BEA, Na–BEA, K–BEA, Rb–BEA and Cs–BEA) were prepared via aqueous ion exchange. High-temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry determined the dehydration enthalpy and the formation enthalpy from the constituent oxides. For the alkali cation exchanged zeolites, the total enthalpy of dehydration per mole of zeolite TO2 (T = Si, Al) decreases in magnitude in the order Li–BEA ≈ Na–BEA > K–BEA ≈ Cs–BEA > Rb–BEA. This is in the order of decreasing average ionic potential. The dehydration enthalpy per mole of water decreases in the order Li–BEA > Na–BEA > Cs–BEA > K–BEA > Rb–BEA. The enthalpies of formation become more exothermic with decreasing average ionic potential, as has been observed in several other zeolites. Materials Studio software (Accelrys Inc.) was used to investigate location of the alkali cations and bonding of water molecules in BEA zeolites. The somewhat smaller dehydration enthalpy of K–BEA can be attributed to weaker cation–water interaction, weaker cation–framework interaction, and absence of framework–water interaction.
MHC class II compatibility in aborted fetuses and term infants of couples with recurrent spontaneous abortion

Maternal-fetal histocompatibility for alleles at HLA class II loci, HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1, was examined in 40 abortuses and 31 liveborn children of 68 couples with a history of idiopathic recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSAB) who underwent leukocyte immunization prior to the index pregnancy. Significantly more couples with RSAB shared two HLA-DQA1 alleles as compared with fertile control couples (0.18 vs. 0.03, respectively; P = 0.031). There were no differences in HLA sharing between couples with RSAB who experienced a repeat abortion in the index pregnancy as compared with couples with RSAB who were delivered of a liveborn child. Non-significant deficits of abortuses who were compatible for alleles at the HLA-DQA1 (6 observed vs. 8.5 expected; P = 0.225) and the HLA-DQB1 (7 observed vs. 9.2 expected; P = 0.254) loci were observed. A significant deficit of HLA-DQA1 compatible liveborn children was observed (1 observed vs. 5.5 expected; P = 0.0069). The overall deficit of HLA-DQA1 compatible fetuses (7 observed vs. 14.0 expected; P = 0.0018) after approximately 8 weeks gestation suggests that HLA-DQA1 compatible fetuses may be aborted early in pregnancy, prior to the time when fetal tissue can be recovered for genetic studies.
Discrete β-Ta2O5 crystallite formation in reactively sputtered amorphous thin films

The crystallization of thin amorphous TaOx films formed by d.c. reactive sputtering was investigated at temperatures from 500–700 °C. The films remained amorphous for times up to 100 h at 500 °C. The formation of discrete, single crystallites of the orthorhombic β-Ta2O5 phase was observed after annealing at 600 °C for times from 8–108 h. The crystallites were 0.35 μm×0.35 μm after 8 h and grew to approximately 2.5 μm×2.0 μm after 108 h. A (2 0 0) fibre texture with a 6° spread was observed. More rapid in-plane growth in the [0 1 0] direction resulted in a near-rectangular shape and is attributed to a ledge growth mechanism. Higher temperature anneals at 650 and 700 °C produced less-textured polycrystalline films with remnant amorphous regions. © 1998 Kluwer Academic Publishers
Clashing over drones: the legal and normative gap between the United States and the human rights community

The use of lethal drones by the United States (US) marks a paradox insofar as the US government claims that these strikes respect human rights, while the human rights community – including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International – raise serious concerns that challenge this claim. Would reconciling these seemingly mutually exclusive human rights narratives regarding drone use lead to the formation of a more robust regime that would provide greater respect for human rights than in the current state of legal and moral ambiguity? In order to explore this question, we examine the evolution of these conflicting discourses through three key frames of legitimation – strategic, legal and normative. We argue that the US government has moved from a strategic-legal framework characterised by a focus on strategic objectives and a permissive view of international humanitarian law to a legal-normative discourse that, by incorporating the principles of just war theory, has restrained the strategic scope of the drone...
Leading a Study‐abroad Group of Nursing Students in Nicaragua: A First‐timer's Account

TOPIC. Readiness to lead a study-abroad group of nursing students in Nicaragua. PURPOSE. Given the abundance of study-abroad programs now offered in colleges and universities, this first-hand account of a nursing faculty member's decision to bring a group of nursing students to Nicaragua may help other nursing faculty members considering taking on a similar challenge. SOURCES OF INFORMATION. The author shares her thoughts and worries before agreeing to lead the 2-week trip. She then describes the day-to-day experience of being in Nicaragua with her students. CONCLUSIONS. In the end, the rewards of the experience won over both this professor and her student nurses.
A Comparative Study of Several Samples of Neutral Rep and Their Effects on Paramoecium Caudatum

Several samples of neutral red have been studied; first, for the determination of their relative color intensities, and second, to determine their toxic effects on Paramoecium caudatum.It was found that each of these dyes varied in physical characters both in dry form and in solution. The duration of life of groups of Paramoecia varied in each dye solution. These differences are probably due, at least in part, to differences in the chemical composition of each dye. This suggests that the varying results obtained by experimenters, in staining living material when using the same kind of dye under uniform conditions, may probably be attributed to these differences of chemical constitution of the dyes.In the comparison of the toxic effects of the several samples most uniform results were obtained at concentrations of 1:5,000 and 1:10-000. At a concentration of 1:100,000 neutral red was found toxic but the results obtained were not in agreement with those obtained at lower concentrations.
The molecular basis of phenotypic choices in the sympathoadrenal lineage.

As the papers in this volume make quite clear, secretory vesicles can contain peptides, proteins, purines, and possibly other molecules in addition to classical transmitters. It is also now a commonplace observation that a single neuron can synthesize, store, and release several of these molecules. In fact, individual neurons can change the particular complement of transmitter and peptide they produce as they move through different stages of development. This phenotypic plasticity was originally observed when the environment of neurons growing in culture was altered, and more recently changes in transmitter phenotype have also been found to represent stages of normal development in vivo. Such plasticity has been observed both in vertebrates and in invertebrates. This article will briefly describe some of the molecular signals that control changes in transmitter and vesicle phenotype during development.
Effects of local anesthetics on phospholipid topology and dopamine uptake and release in rat brain synaptosomes.

The effects of local anesthetics on the topology of aminophospholipids and on the release and uptake of dopamine in rat brain synaptosomes have been examined. A metabolically intact preparation of synaptosomes was prepared which maintains aminophospholipid asymmetry and the capacity for sodium-driven uptake and depolarization-dependent release of dopamine. Incubation of synaptosomes with local anesthetics at 37°C induced perturbations in the topology of aminophospholipids as determined by their reactivities to the covalent probe trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid. The reaction of trinitrobenzenesulfonate with phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine was inhibited 10–20% by low concentrations of tetracaine (1–100 μm) and enhanced by high concentrations (0.3–1.0mm). Other local anesthetics showed a similar biphasic effect with a potency order of dibucaine>tetracaine>lidocaine≥procaine. K+-stimulated, Ca2+-dependent release of [3H]dopamine was inhibited significantly at low concentrations of tetracaine (1–10 μm) but enhanced at higher concentrations (0.1–1.0mm). Dibucaine and procaine had a similar biphasic effect on the dopamine release. For each of the local anesthetics tested, the inhibition of the reaction of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine with trinitrobenzenesulfonate occurred at concentrations which were shown also to inhibit the release of [3H]dopamine. Local anesthetics were shown to inhibit uptake of [3H]dopamine with a potency order which reflects their potency in producing anesthesia. The inhibition of dopamine uptake by dibucaine, tetracaine, lidocaine, or procaine was characterized by inhibitory constants (K I ) of 1.8±0.4 μm, 27±5 μm, 190 μm and 0.5mm, respectively.
Over all computation control and labelling

The primary function of computer installation is (as everyone knows) to solve useful problems. The programs that accomplish such solutions are called production programs, and when they are applied to a particular set of data and run on the computer the computer is engaged in a production run.
A CENSORED RANDOM COEFFICIENTS MODEL FOR POOLED SURVEY DATA WITH APPLICATION TO THE ESTIMATION OF POWER OUTAGE COSTS

In many surveys, multiple observations on the dependent variable are collected from a given respondent. The resulting pooled data set is likely to be censored and to exhibit cross-sectional heterogeneity. We propose a model that addresses both issues by allowing regression coefficients to vary randomly across respondents and by using the Geweke-Hajivassiliou-Keane simulator and Halton sequences to estimate high-order probabilities. We show how this framework can be usefully applied to the estimation of power outage costs to firms using data from a recent survey conducted by a U.S. utility. Our results strongly reject the hypotheses of parameter constancy and cross-sectional homogeneity.
Placental passage of tricyclic antidepressants

Background The use of antidepressants during pregnancy continues to garner considerable attention, though there are limited investigations that have sought to quantify fetal exposure. Methods Maternal and umbilical cord sera were collected at delivery from ten women taking nortriptyline and seven taking clomipramine. Placental passage was calculated as the ratio of umbilical cord to maternal serum concentration. Obstetrical outcome data were gathered from subjects at delivery. Results The placental passage ratio of nortriptyline and its active metabolite, cis-10-hydroxynortriptyline, were .68 ± .40, 1.40 ± 2.40, respectively. Clomipramine and desmethylclomipramine ratios were .60 ± .50, .80 ± .60. Obstetrical complications, such as pre-term delivery and pregnancy induced hypertension, were increased compared to the national average. Conclusions The in vivo ratios of umbilical cord to maternal serum drug concentrations demonstrate considerable fetal exposure and differ greatly from previous results utilizing ex vivo perfusion.
Setting the stage for the development of a science-based Tongass land management plan

This paper describes the physical nature of the Tongass National Forest, its salient natural resources, the social and economic importance of the resources, the complexity of the land management planning process, the chronology of the plan development, and the structure and function of the Pacific Northwest Research Station and Tongass National Forest planning partnership. Three features of the planning process were unique to the revision of the Tongass National Forest plan. First, a major goal was to produce a landscape-scale plan for long-term resource sustainability. Second, the 23-person planning team included six research scientists as full members. Finally, an agreement was reached between the Pacific Northwest Research Station and the Tongass National Forest to collaborate and obtain high-priority information needed for the next planning cycle. Benefits accrued to the Pacific Northwest Research Station by demonstrating the relevance of sound science in successful forest planning. Benefits also accrued to the USDA Forest Service Alaska Region in more informed, credible, and defensible decisions. Finally, benefits accrued at the national level when the process of conducting a science consistency check was incorporated into the regulations for forest planning.
An efficient memory block selection strategy to improve the performance of cache memory subsystem

Although cache improves performance by reducing the speed-gap between the CPU and main memory, cache increases the timing unpredictability due to its dynamic nature. Cache also requires significant amount of power to be operated. Unpredictability and power consumption become even worse in multicore systems due the presence of multiple levels of caches. Recent studies indicate that predictability can be increased and total power consumption can be decreased without compromising performance by locking appropriate memory blocks. The success of cache locking depends on the accurate selection of blocks to be locked. In this work, we propose an easy but efficient memory block selection strategy to enhance cache locking and cache replacement enactment and overall cache memory subsystem performance. Proposed scheme determines the blocks that produce more cache misses if not locked and stores the block address and miss information (BAMI) at cache level. Cache locking technique should lock memory blocks with higher cache misses and cache replacement policy should select victim blocks with lower cache misses using BAMI. We simulate single-core and multi-core systems, both with two-level cache memory subsystem, to evaluate the proposed block selection scheme. Experimental results show that the predictability can be improved by increasing hit ratio up to 11% and total power consumption can be decreased up to 20% by using our memory block selection scheme.
Prediction of polarization in K p → K0n at high energiesat high energies

A Regge-pole model is constructed to fit the high-energy data on the reactions π-p→π0n, π-p→ηn and K p → K0n for the momentum transfer region −2.5≲t≲0 (GeV/c)2. The model predicts a large polarization in K-p → K0n independent of the momentum (5≲pK−≲12 GeV/c) near the forward direction and a second minimum att=−2.5 (GeV/c)2 in π-p → π0n.
Altered GABAA,slow Inhibition and Network Oscillations in Mice Lacking the GABAA Receptor β3 Subunit

Phasic GABAergic inhibition in hippocampus and neocortex falls into two kinetically distinct categories, GABAA,fast and GABAA,slow. In hippocampal area CA1, GABAA,fast is generally believed to underlie gamma oscillations, whereas the contribution of GABAA,slow to hippocampal rhythms has been speculative. Hypothesizing that GABAA receptors containing the β3 subunit contribute to GABAA,slow inhibition and that slow inhibitory synapses control excitability as well as contribute to network rhythms, we investigated the consequences of this subunit's absence on synaptic inhibition and network function. In pyramidal neurons of GABAA receptor β3 subunit-deficient (β3−/−) mice, spontaneous GABAA,slow inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) were much less frequent, and evoked GABAA,slow currents were much smaller than in wild-type mice. Fittingly, long-lasting recurrent inhibition of population spikes was less powerful in the mutant, indicating that receptors containing β3 subunits contribute substantially to GABAA,slow currents in pyramidal neurons. By contrast, slow inhibitory control of GABAA,fast-producing interneurons was unaffected in β3−/− mice. In vivo hippocampal network activity was markedly different in the two genotypes. In β3−/− mice, epileptiform activity was observed, and theta oscillations were weaker, slower, less regular and less well coordinated across laminae compared with wild-type mice, whereas gamma oscillations were weaker and faster. The amplitude modulation of gamma oscillations at theta frequency (“nesting”) was preserved but was less well coordinated with theta oscillations. With the caveat that seizure-induced changes in inhibitory circuits might have contributed to the changes observed in the mutant animals, our results point to a strong contribution of β3 subunits to slow GABAergic inhibition onto pyramidal neurons but not onto GABAA,fast -producing interneurons and support different roles for these slow inhibitory synapses in the generation and coordination of hippocampal network rhythms.
Pneumomediastinum: etiology and a guide to diagnosis and treatment

Background Pneumomediastinum may be associated with mediastinal organ injury. The aim of this study was to identify predictive factors of mediastinal organ injury in patients with pneumomediastinum to guide diagnosis and treatment. Methods A retrospective review was conducted including patients aged ≥18 years with Current Procedural Terminology code 518.1 (interstitial emphysema) from 2005–2011. Results There were 279 of 343 patients (81%) with and 64 of 343 (19%) without history of trauma. In the trauma population, 13 patients (5%) were found to have mediastinal organ injuries, 10 (4%) had airway injuries, and 3 (1%) had esophageal injuries. In the nontrauma population, 36 patients (56%) had spontaneous pneumomediastinum, esophageal injuries were seen in 17 (27%), pneumothorax in 9 (14%), and airway injuries in 2 (3%). The predictors of esophageal injury were instrumentation (odds ratio [OR], 45.7; P P P P Conclusions Mediastinal organ injury in patients with pneumomediastinum is uncommon. Patients presenting with pneumomediastinum without a history of instrumentation, pleural effusion, or vomiting most commonly do not have mediastinal organ injuries.
Cavity-stabilized laser with acceleration sensitivity below 10 − 12 g − 1

We characterize the frequency sensitivity of a cavity-stabilized laser to inertial forces and temperature fluctuations, and perform real-time feedforward to correct for these sources of noise. We measure the sensitivity of the cavity to linear accelerations, rotational accelerations, and rotational velocities by rotating it about three axes with accelerometers and gyroscopes positioned around the cavity. The worst-direction linear acceleration sensitivity of the cavity is $2(1)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}11}$ g${}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ measured over 0--50 Hz, which is reduced by a factor of 50 to below ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}12}$ g${}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ for low-frequency accelerations by real-time feedforward corrections of all of the aforementioned inertial forces. A similar idea is demonstrated in which laser frequency drift due to temperature fluctuations is reduced by a factor of 70 via real-time feedforward from a temperature sensor located on the outer wall of the cavity vacuum chamber.
Morphology predicting ecology: incorporating new methodological and analytical approaches

Associations between the morphology of animals and their ecology have contributed to our understanding of phenotypic diversity by helping to relate form and function. Most early studies on fishes used traditional measurements of linear distances on the body or fins to quantify morphological variation among taxa. More recently, geometric morphometric analyses have gained popularity for assessing phenotypic shape variation. Along with new methodologies for quantifying morphological variation, researchers have become increasingly aware of the influence of phylogeny on morphological and ecological traits. Our study, which spanned seven cyprinid genera, assessed the abilities of traditional and geometric morphometric approaches to characterize ecologically relevant morphological variation. Furthermore, we compared morphometric approaches employing two analyses (partial Mantel test and Phylogenetic Canonical Correlation Analysis (PCCA)) that test for correlations among data sets while explicitly accounting for phylogenetic relationships. Traditional morphology and body shape showed similar correlations with habitat use in all analyses. In contrast, only traditional morphology was correlated with diet; however, this was only revealed by the PCCA. Our findings indicated the taxonomic span of species under study and the statistical treatment of data are important factors to consider when choosing between traditional or geometric morphometric approaches. In addition, a better understanding of phylogenetic relationships will improve our ability to establish associations between morphology and ecology.
Survival of sclerotia of Macrophomina phaseolina and Sclerotium cepivorum after drying and wetting treatments

Abstract Exposure of sclerotia of Macrophomina phaseolina to 0 and 33% relative humidity (r.h.) for 12 weeks and of Sclerotium cepivorum to 0, 33 and 55% r.h. for 20 weeks did not reduce their germinability on agar. Exposure to 78% r.h. caused high loss of germinability in M. phaseolina and complete loss in S. cepivorum . After 7-day exposures respective moisture contents of sclerotia of M. phaseolina and S. cepivorum were 1 and 2% at 0% r.h.; and 10 and 14% at 78% r.h. M. phaseolina sclerotia held at 0% and 33% r.h. in desiccators for several times up to 12 days did not decrease in subsequent survivability in moist soil, unlike sclerotia held at 78% r.h. for 4 days. More sclerotia of M. phaseolina were colonized by fungi and Streptomyces spp. on alkaline soil than on acid soil. On alkaline soil twice as many sclerotia were colonized after exposure to 0% r.h. as after exposure to 33, 55 and 78% r.h. Colonization of S. cepivorum sclerotia was as high on acid as on alkaline soil and 3 times as high on sclerotia treated at 0% r.h. as on those treated at higher r.h. Attempts to ascertain the effects of colonization on sclerotial viability were unsuccessful. Incubation of sclerotia of M. phaseolina in moist Rumsford sandy loam (50% m.h.c.) for 20 weeks reduced survivability by 43%. At room temperature, alternate drying and wetting of soil containing sclerotia did not appreciably affect survivability of either pathogen. Survivability of S. cepivorum sclerotia was highest when the sclerotia were incubated in air-dried soil (2–3% m.h.c.) for 20 weeks. Incidence of white rot on onion seedlings transplanted to S. cepivorum -infested soil was higher in soil that had been air-dried for 20 weeks than in soil that had been alternately wetted and dried. Sclerotia that were exposed to 0% r.h. for 7 days before soil incubation produced little white rot.
Microprocessor sequence revitalization

The rationale for the revamping of microprocessor courses serving the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Departments at Villanova University is described, including the choice of one processor for instruction, the sequencing of lecture material, and the development of a laboratory to reinforce the lecture material.
Enantioselective synthesis of (−)-methyl 5-lactylshikimate lactone

Abstract A short synthesis of enantiomerically pure (−)-methyl 5-lactylshikimate lactone 1 from (−)-shikimic acid is described, which, along with NOE measurements, establishes its absolute stereostructure.
The Council of Europe: The Institutional Limits of Contemporary European International Society?

Abstract This article traces the historical development of the Council of Europe and its role in post‐enlargement Europe. The evolving structures and functions of the organization demonstrate an ongoing commitment to a homogeneous European regional international society. It is argued that the Council of Europe’s liberal norm socialization process is incomplete and that this process is essential to the organization’s legitimacy as well as for the deepening of European Regional International Society, particularly in the face of non‐compliant member states and the complementary work of the European Union. In the post‐enlargement era, the Council of Europe has established itself as an important component of a historical project of Europeanization.