cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PIK3-AKT and Its Role in Pancreatic Cancer

The pancreas plays an important role in our body to help with maintaining and regulating homeostatic conditions. One of the cellular pathways that play a major role in pancreatic cell growth and division is the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase-AKT pathway. According to current research studies, even the smallest changes to the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase-AKT can cause abnormal cellular growth leading to the development of cancerous cells. Currently, there are many treatment options which are targeting the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. This chapter examines the function of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase-AKT pathway in pancreatic cancer and discusses current research studies that focus on potential treatment options.
Modeling Contextual Modulation of Memory Associations in the Hippocampus.

We present here a computational model of how memories can be contextually acquired and recalled in the hippocampus. Our adaptive contextual memory model comprises the lateral entorhinal cortex (LEC), the dentate gyrus (DG) and areas CA3 and CA1 in the hippocampus, and assumes external inputs about context that originate in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Specifically, we propose there is a top-down bias on the excitability of cells in the DG of the hippocampus that recruits a sub-population of cells to differentiate contexts, independent of experienced stimuli, expanding the “pattern separation” role typically attributed to the DG. It has been demonstrated in rats that if PFC is inactivated, both acquisition and recall of memory associations are impaired. However, PFC inactivation during acquisition of one set of memory associations surprisingly leads to subsequent facilitation of the acquisition of a conflicting set of memory associations in the same context under normal PFC operation. We provide here the first computational and algorithmic account of how the absence or presence of the top-down contextual biases on the excitability of DG cells during different learning phases of these experiments explains these data. Our model simulates PFC inactivation as the loss of inhibitory control on DG, which leads to full or partial activation of DG cells related to conflicting memory associations previously acquired in different contexts. This causes context-inappropriate memory traces to also become active in the CA3 recurrent network and thereby the output CA1 area within the hippocampus. We show that these incongruous memory patterns proactively interfere with and slow the acquisition of new memory associations. Further, we demonstrate that pattern completion within CA3 in response to a partial cue for the recall of previously acquired memories is also impaired by PFC inactivation for the same reason. Pre-training the model with interfering memories in contexts different from those used in the experiments was crucial to simulating the rat behavioral data. Finally, we made several testable predictions based on the model that suggest future experiments to deepen our understanding of brain-wide memory processes.
Toll-like receptor 3-mediated inflammation by p38 is enhanced by endothelial nitric oxide synthase knockdown

Vascular dysfunction is commonly seen during severe viral infections. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), has been postulated to play an important role in regulating vascular homeostasis as well as propagation of the inflammatory reaction. We hypothesized that the loss of eNOS would negatively impact toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) signaling and worsen vascular function to viral challenge. Human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs) were exposed to either control or eNOS siRNA and then treated with Poly I:C, a TLR3 agonist and mimicker of dsRNA viruses. Cells were assessed for protein-protein associations, cytokine and chemokine analysis as well as transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) as a surrogate of permeability. HMVECs that had reduced eNOS expression had a significantly elevated increase in IL-6, IL-8 and IP-10 production after Poly I:C. In addition, the knockdown of eNOS enhanced the change in TEER after Poly I:C stimulation. Western blot analysis showed enhanced phosphorylation of p38 in sieNOS treated cells with Poly I:C compared to siControl cells. Proximity ligation assays further demonstrated direct eNOS-p38 protein-protein interactions. The addition of the p38 inhibitor, SB203580, in eNOS knockdown cells reduced both cytokine production after Poly I:C, and as well as mitigated the reduction in TEER, suggesting a direct link between eNOS and p38 in TLR3 signaling. These results suggest that reduction of eNOS increases TLR3-mediated inflammation in human endothelial cells in a p38-dependent manner. This finding has important implications for understanding the pathogenesis of severe viral infections and the associated vascular dysfunction.
Controllability, Observability, and Parameter Identifiability

Given the compartmental system (A, B, C), we would like to know the conditions under which control can be exercised over the chosen states. The input function u is prescribed and the structure in B determines to what extent the system behavior can be modified. The output function y is measured, and the structure in C indicates the type of information available for observation. The objective in the control problem is to design systems which will achieve the desired output in response to known inputs. These input-output components of the model (A, B, C) interface through the system connections which are represented as nonzero aij in the compartmental matrix A.3
How Expectations of Confirmation Influence Students' Experimentation Decisions in Introductory Labs.

Students enter introductory physics labs expecting to experimentally confirm models introduced in lecture.
Acknowledging female voices

Citation count has become one of the most important methods to evaluate a scientist’s contributions. In an extensive analysis of citations from a number of leading neuroscience journals, Dworkin and colleagues find evidence of gender bias in citation practices that can have an adverse impact on women’s careers.
A patient with high anion gap metabolic acidosis and increased serum osmolal gap

Abstract A case of a 61-year-old male who presented with ethylene glycol (EG) toxicity but experienced secondary propylene glycol (PG) toxicity from formulated medications that were administered to him has been described. At presentation EG toxicity was confirmed using gas chromatography (GC) and PG was negative. Thirteen hours after treatment was initiated, the laboratory results of this patient showed a PG peak while GC showed a negative EG. The patient’s initial treatments included emergent hemodialysis followed by continuous veno-venous hemofiltration and fomepizole as well as phenytoin and a high dose of lorazepam drip for a witnessed seizure. The two medications contained PG at 40% (v/v) and 80% (v/v), respectively, which led to the new peak of PG 13 hours later while the EG was cleared. Although PG poisoning is rare, its toxicity due to excessive and rapid infusion of medications containing PG is being increasingly reported.
Health and Productivity in a Heterogeneous Urban Labor Market

The effects of changes in various health indicators on hourly earnings in different sectors of the labour market are examined using survey data from Conakry, Guinea. Greater height, which is associated with greater strength, raises earnings of men both in self-employment and the private wage sector, where work is likely to involve physical labour. Height does not matter for women's earnings, which likely reflects the less physically strenuous nature of most women's activities. Body mass index, treated as an endogenous variable, appears to raise earnings of men in self- and private wage employment and of women in self-employment. No impacts are found for household per capita calorie and protein availability, also treated as endogenous. Overall, the results suggest that health matters for productivity in poor urban environments, with these effects depending on gender and the sector of employment or type of work.
An Automated Radio-Telemetry System (ARTS) for Monitoring Small Mammals

The study of animals in nature is essential for developing an ecologically valid understanding of behavior. Small mammals, however, are often fossorial and exceedingly difficult to monitor in the wild. This limits both the taxonomic scope of field observation, and excludes species that are powerful models for the study of behavioral mechanisms. Here, we implement an automated radio telemetry system (ARTS) designed to track small fossorial mammals. Our ARTS uses an isotropic antenna array coupled with broadband receivers. We characterized transmission at our study site and tested the ARTS9 ability to track 48 prairie voles. We compared position estimates from nonlinear least squares, nonparameteric, and Bayesian trilateration methods and found Bayesian trilateration to have the smallest error. To examine the ability of the system to track biologically significant behavior we used ARTS data to investigate circadian rhythms of freely behaving prairie voles. We used Lomb-Scargle analysis to estimate periodic patterns from irregularly sampled time series of speed. Prairie voles demonstrated ultradian movement at periods of approximately 45 and 90 min, observations on a time scale not possible using data from traditional methods. This ARTS offers a new tool to observe rodent field behavior at time scales and in environments which have not been previously possible, such as investigating social and spatial behaviors on the scale of minutes, hours, and days in natural environments. keywords: ARTS, Telemetry, Rodent, Prairie Vole, Ultradian
Electrophysiological predictors and indicators of contingency management treatment response: Rationale and design for the ways of rewarding abstinence project (WRAP).

Abstract Background Electrophysiological measures can predict and reflect substance use treatment response. Veterans are disproportionately affected by disorders of addiction; cocaine use disorder (CUD) being particularly problematic due to high relapse rates and the absence of approved pharmacotherapies. Prize-based Contingency Management (PBCM) is an evidence-based behavioral intervention for CUD, involving incentives for cocaine abstinence but treatment response is variable. Measurement-based adaptation of PBCM has promise to improve effectiveness but remains to be usefully developed. Methods This trial aims to determine if individuals with distinct neurocognitive profiles differentially benefit from one of two existing versions of PBCM. CUD patients will be randomized into treatment-as-usual or 12-weeks of PBCM using either monetary or tangible prize incentives. Prior to randomization, EEG will be used to assess response to monetary versus tangible reward; EEG and cognitive-behavioral measures of working memory, cognitive control, and episodic future thinking will also be acquired. Substance use and treatment engagement will be monitored throughout the treatment interval and assessments will be repeated at post-treatment. Discussion Results of this trial may elucidate individual differences contributing to PBCM treatment response and reveal predictors of differential benefits from existing treatment variants. The design also affords the opportunity to evaluate treatment-related changes in neurocognitive functioning over the course of PBCM. Our model posits that PBCM scaffolds future-oriented goal representation and self-control to support abstinence. Individuals with poorer functioning may be less responsive to abstract monetary reward and will therefore achieve better outcomes with respect to abstinence and treatment engagement when tangible incentives are utilized.
Immune Responses in the Glaucomatous Retina: Regulation and Dynamics

Glaucoma is a multifactorial disease resulting in progressive vision loss due to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) dysfunction and death. Early events in the pathobiology of the disease include oxidative, metabolic, or mechanical stress that acts upon RGC, causing these to rapidly release danger signals, including extracellular ATP, resulting in micro- and macroglial activation and neuroinflammation. Danger signaling also leads to the formation of inflammasomes in the retina that enable maturation of proinflammatory cytokines such IL-1β and IL-18. Chronic neuroinflammation can have directly damaging effects on RGC, but it also creates a proinflammatory environment and compromises the immune privilege of the retina. In particular, continuous synthesis of proinflammatory mediators such as TNFα, IL-1β, and anaphylatoxins weakens the blood–retina barrier and recruits or activates T-cells. Recent data have demonstrated that adaptive immune responses strongly exacerbate RGC loss in animal models of the disease as T-cells appear to target heat shock proteins displayed on the surface of stressed RGC to cause their apoptotic death. It is possible that dysregulation of these immune responses contributes to the continued loss of RGC in some patients.
Loss Aversion Explains Physical Activity Changes in a Behavioral Gamification Trial.

Introduction: Loss aversion when using gamification is incompletely understood. The aim of this study was therefore to examine how participants alter their behavior vis-a-vis meeting a daily step goal based on the prospect of losing or gaining a gamification level. Methods: We enrolled 602 participants across four arms who were given pedometers. In the three experimental arms, participants began at the medium level and were allocated 70 points each week, losing 10 points each day they did not meet their step goal. Having at least 40 points at the end of the week resulted in a level increase, otherwise they lost a level. We fit a generalized estimating equation, clustered on participants, modeling step goal attainment on day 7. Our primary predictor was a categorical variable simultaneously indicating what level the participants began the week in and whether they had more than, less than, or exactly 40 points after 6 days. Results: Participants at risk of losing the highest level were 18.40% (confidence interval [95% CI]: 18.26-19.90) more likely to meet their step goal than those who had secured the highest level. Participants who could potentially move from the low to the medium level were 10.61% (95% CI: 9.98-11.24) more likely to meet their step goal than those in the Control group. Those in the Medium group were similarly more likely to achieve their step goal on day 7 (10.00%, 95% CI: 9.15-10.85) than those who had already secured an increase to the high level. Discussion: We find that participants in this trial generally exhibit loss aversion so long as the loss relates to something that was earned rather than endowed. This knowledge can be incorporated in future interventions using gamification by requiring participants to earn all levels as they progress. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03311230.
From the Hornet’s Nest to Custer’s Last Stand: The Immigrant Story of Norwegian Sergeant Olaus Hansen

Review of: "From the Hornet’s Nest to Custer’s Last Stand: The Immigrant Story of Norwegian Sergeant Olaus Hansen," by Ozzie Sollien.
Precedent Usage and Reliance: From Briefs to the Final Opinion

This paper examines several state high courts across a range of private torts cases over six years. The research question of interest is the influence that appellant/appellee briefs have on precedents that state high courts use in their opinions. I utilize a theory of motivated reasoning as a way to integrate several factors that may influence how courts utilize precedents. In particular, I examine several possible sources of motivated reasoning: ideological influences, legal influences, and hierarchical influences. My dependent variables are whether the court cites a precedent that is listed in a brief and how they treat the precedent substantively. I test my research hypotheses using several statistical methodologies: multinomial logit, and logit models with controls for the individual case. I find moderate to strong support for all of my research hypotheses, including the influence of ideological factors, legal factors, and hierarchical factors.
An ultrasonic sensor innovation for improved process control in powder injection molding

Ultrasonic sensors are implemented for online monitoring of powder injection molded (PIM) parts. Ultrasonic guided wave mode control using different angles, frequencies, and sensor positions, are used to achieve special wave structures and sensitivities to part quality changes in real time. Several guided wave modes are considered to develop a robust control strategy. Theoretical wave mechanics and advanced signal processing techniques are considered in addressing the sensing needs of the PIM industry.
Sympathetic evaporative cooling of /sup 6/Li by /sup 7/Li

Summary form only given. The last five years has seen an explosive growth in activity in the field of quantum degenerate gases, and there are now many realizations of Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) of trapped atomic gasses. However, only one experiment has produced a quantum degenerate Fermi gas. The ultimate goal of the experiment discussed here is to achieve a BCS phase transition in a trapped gas of fermionic /sup 6/Li atoms. This requires a phase-space density that is much higher than that needed for BEC, as the temperature must be made much less than the Fermi temperature.BEC in trapped gases has only been achieved using forced evaporative cooling. Since this method depends on elastic collisions, however, it fails for an ultracold Fermi gas, as the Pauli principle forbids s-wave collisions between identical fermions. To circumvent this obstacle, we simultaneously trap a /sup 7/Li-/sup 6/Li mixture, and use rf-induced evaporation to cool /sup 7/Li. /sup 6/Li is then cooled via thermalizing elastic collisions with the /sup 7/Li. The clover-leaf-type magnetic trap is loaded from a two-species magneto-optical trap (MOT).
Capturing spatiotemporal semantics for database design and information integration

Summary form only given. The objective of this research is to develop a spatiotemporal semantic model that can be used for conceptual database design and information integration of geospatial datasets. The authors' research methodology includes developing a theoretical framework, demonstrating the practicality of the framework using prototypes and evaluating the framework using a case study and an experiment. The authors define an annotation-based approach, a generic methodology that can be applied to any conventional semantic model to translate it into a spatiotemporal semantic model. The authors have applied their annotation-based approach to the unifying semantic model (USM), a conventional conceptual model to propose the spatiotemporal-unifying semantic model (ST-USM). They have defined the annotation syntax in Backus Naur form (BNF) and have formally defined spatiotemporal semantics using first order logic. Using ST-USM, they are developing a database design tool that, helps define a straightforward to use comprehensive methodology to capture spatiotemporal semantics for database applications.
A Practical Activity Capture Framework for Personal, Lifetime User Modeling

This paper addresses the problem of capturing rich, long-term personal activity logsof users' interactions with their workstations, for the purpose of deriving predictive, personal user models. Our architecture addresses a number of practical problems with activity capture, including incorporating heterogeneous information from different applications, measuring phenomena with different rates of change, efficiently scheduling knowledge sources, incrementally evolving knowledge representations, and incorporating prior knowledge to combine low-level observations into interpretations better suited for user modeling tasks. We demonstrate that the computational and memory demands of general activity capture are well within reasonable limits even on today's hardware and software platforms.
Encoding of action by the Purkinje cells of the cerebellum

Execution of accurate eye movements depends critically on the cerebellum, suggesting that the major output neurons of the cerebellum, Purkinje cells, may predict motion of the eye. However, this encoding of action for rapid eye movements (saccades) has remained unclear: Purkinje cells show little consistent modulation with respect to saccade amplitude or direction, and critically, their discharge lasts longer than the duration of a saccade. Here we analysed Purkinje-cell discharge in the oculomotor vermis of behaving rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) and found neurons that increased or decreased their activity during saccades. We estimated the combined effect of these two populations via their projections to the caudal fastigial nucleus, and uncovered a simple-spike population response that precisely predicted the real-time motion of the eye. When we organized the Purkinje cells according to each cell's complex-spike directional tuning, the simple-spike population response predicted both the real-time speed and direction of saccade multiplicatively via a gain field. This suggests that the cerebellum predicts the real-time motion of the eye during saccades via the combined inputs of Purkinje cells onto individual nucleus neurons. A gain-field encoding of simple spikes emerges if the Purkinje cells that project onto a nucleus neuron are not selected at random but share a common complex-spike property.
Processing of Miniature Hollow Sphere Transducers

During the past two decades, we have designed and fabricated a large family of composite ferroelectrics for use as sensors, actuators, and transducers. These devices employ stress and strain amplification mechanisms and provide superior acoustic matching to seawater and the human body. Recently we have concentrated on flat-panel arrays thinner than 3 mm constructed from miniature flextensional transducers (Cymbals) or small hollow sphere transducers (BBs) embedded in polymers. This paper focuses on fabrication of BB hollow spheres. Millimeter size hollow spheres are produced using a coaxial nozzle slurry process or sacrificial core coating from 1-10 mm diameter with 10-200 w m wall-thickness. The principal resonance modes are the breathing mode (ranging from 100 kHz at 15 mm diameter to 1.5 MHz at 1 mm diameter) and the wall thickness vibration (10-100 MHz). We also discuss a method for providing the BBs with internal electrodes, a process which allows for even smaller diameters in the sub-millimeter range.
EXSYS vs TOPSI/OPS5 vs Micro-PS: a multicriteria model to select an expert system generator

Abstract The choice of an expert system generator is a function of both what is available and what is required. The requirements can be categorized as “musts” and “wants.” After eliminating all candidate systems that do not meet the “musts,” selecting the system that best fulfills the “wants” is a difficult problem. Multiple criteria, often competing, must be evaluated as to their relative importance, and the candidate systems evaluated with respect to each of the criteria. This paper presents relevant criteria and subcriteria for the selection of an expert system shell, and a model that can be used by any organization to select the system that “best” meets their requirements.
Numerical simulations of turbulent thermal, bubble and hybrid plumes

To understand the near-field dynamics of blowout plumes such as the one produced by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the effects of gas bubbles on turbulent mixing and entrainment are studied via turbulence resolving simulations. We compare the evolution of three plumes where extremely large buoyancy anomalies are produced either thermally (single phase), solely by an imposed gas phase volume fraction, or by a combination of both buoyancy forcings. The plumes, with identical volume, momentum and buoyancy fluxes at the inlet, are released into an environment stratified with a constant temperature gradient. To clarify the first-order effects of dynamically active, dispersed bubbles, we employ a simple model which neglects the momentum of the gas phase while retaining bubble induced buoyancy in the seawater momentum equation. The gas phase is then distinguished by a single, measurable parameter, the slip velocity relative to that of the liquid phase. We find that bubbles, parameterized simply by a constant slip velocity, without any explicit assumptions of direct bubble induced turbulent production, significantly increase turbulent mixing in the plume in agreement with previous experimental results. Examination of mean momenta and turbulent kinetic energy budgets shows that the increased turbulence is due to direct modification of the mean profiles of both the momentum and the active scalar fields by the slipping gas phase. The narrowing of the active scalar field in the two-phase flow results in larger direct buoyancy production of turbulent energy at all vertical levels. The turbulence production is, however, primarily mechanical. At modest values of z/D, where the slip velocity is only a small fraction of the liquid phase velocity, slip stretches the mean vertical velocity field producing larger radial gradients and increased conversion of mean to turbulent energy. This first order effect, acting on the mean vertical velocity component and not directly on the turbulence, implies that even relatively small gas volume fractions significantly enhance turbulent mixing with respect to a single phase plume.
A controlled precursor add-back model of elastogenesis in smooth muscle cell cultures.

Abstract Neonatal rat aortic smooth muscle cell cultures are capable of synthesizing and accumulating relatively large amounts of insoluble elastin in the extracellular matrix. There are two major soluble elastin molecules in these cultures, one of 77kDa (protropoelastin) and the other of 71 kDa (tropoelastin). We examined the ability of the cell culture system to insolubilize exogenously added soluble elastin precursor moieties into the elastin matrix. To accomplish this, cultures were allowed to develop an enriched elastic fiber matrix for approximately two weeks in first passage. This accumulated matrix then served as the “substrate” for the exogenously added precursor elastin molecules. Culture-derived radioactive soluble elastin was added to the “substrate” cultures and the presence of radioactivity in the insoluble elastin as well as in the lysinederived crosslinks unique to elastin (desmosines) was measured. When purified [3H]-valine radiolabeled protropoelastin was used, more than 15% of the radioactivity added was detected in the alkali-resistant insoluble elastin within 24 hours. After an initial 4-hour incubation of the cells with [3H]-lysine-labelled soluble elastin, most of the radioactivity in the insoluble elastin was associated with the lysine and only a negligible amount was detected in the desmosines. However, during a 16-day chase period, the ratio of radioactive desmosines to lysine increased dramatically, suggesting that not only insolubilization, but crosslinking occurs as well. The addback system described herein should provide a means to probe the molecular properties of protropoelastin and increase our understanding of the mechanisms of elastic fiber formation.
“Black smoker” vent chimneys

Hydrothermal vent systems forming "black smoker chimneys" with polymetallic sulfide deposits have been found at several places on the midocean ridges since their initial discovery in May 1979 by the RISE (Rivera Submersible Experiments) Project Group on the East Pacific Rise at 21°N.
Structural Characterization of the [Cs(p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene −H)(MeCN)] Guest−Host System by 13C-133Cs REDOR NMR

Carbon−cesium distances are measured in the supramolecular inclusion guest−host system [Cs(p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene −H)(MeCN)] by 13C-133Cs REDOR NMR to illustrate the utility of solid-state NMR for the structural characterization of metal ions trapped by organic host compounds. A structural picture of the complex is obtained and the NMR-determined structure is compared to the structure obtained previously by X-ray diffraction methods. Cesium cation was chosen for study because of the importance of removing its radionucleotide from waste products. The results will show that the 133Cs nucleus has suitable properties for REDOR NMR. It is also shown that 13C−2D REDOR experiments may be used as a tool to aid in 13C spectral assignments for host compounds having hydroxyl groups, especially when there is difficulty in making the assignments. Data are also provided which show that the three remaining phenolic protons in the complex are in rapid exchange between the four phenolic sites of the calixarene.
NIMBLE: A kernel density model of saccade-based visual memory.

We present a Bayesian version of J. Lacroix, J. Murre, and E. Postma's (2006) Natural Input Memory (NIM) model of saccadic visual memory. Our model, which we call NIMBLE (NIM with Bayesian Likelihood Estimation), uses a cognitively plausible image sampling technique that provides a foveated representation of image patches. We conceive of these memorized image fragments as samples from image class distributions and model the memory of these fragments using kernel density estimation. Using these models, we derive class-conditional probabilities of new image fragments and combine individual fragment probabilities to classify images. Our Bayesian formulation of the model extends easily to handle multi-class problems. We validate our model by demonstrating human levels of performance on a face recognition memory task and high accuracy on multi-category face and object identification. We also use NIMBLE to examine the change in beliefs as more fixations are taken from an image. Using fixation data collected from human subjects, we directly compare the performance of NIMBLE's memory component to human performance, demonstrating that using human fixation locations allows NIMBLE to recognize familiar faces with only a single fixation.
King of the court: Bill Russell and the basketball revolution

by Aram Goudsouzian, Berkeley, University of California Press, 2011, 448 pp., US$19.95 (paperback), ISBN 0520269799 Although this book has a few repetitions and confusing constructions, it is also ...
Interruptions in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation From Paramedic Endotracheal Intubation

Study objective Emergency cardiac care guidelines emphasize treatment of cardiopulmonary arrest with continuous uninterrupted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) chest compressions. Paramedics in the United States perform endotracheal intubation on nearly all victims of out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest. We quantified the frequency and duration of CPR chest compression interruptions associated with paramedic endotracheal intubation efforts during out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest. Methods We studied adult out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest treated by an urban and a rural emergency medical services agency from the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium during November 2006 to June 2007. Cardiac monitors with compression sensors continuously recorded rescuer CPR chest compressions. A digital audio channel recorded all resuscitation events. We identified CPR interruptions related to endotracheal intubation efforts, including airway suctioning, laryngoscopy, endotracheal tube placement, confirmation and adjustment, securing the tube in place, bag-valve-mask ventilation between intubation attempts, and alternate airway insertion. We identified the number and duration of CPR interruptions associated with endotracheal intubation efforts. Results We included 100 of 182 out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrests in the analysis. The median number of endotracheal intubation–associated CPR interruption was 2 (interquartile range [IQR] 1 to 3; range 1 to 9). The median duration of the first endotracheal intubation–associated CPR interruption was 46.5 seconds (IQR 23.5 to 73 seconds; range 7 to 221 seconds); almost one third exceeded 1 minute. The median total duration of all endotracheal intubation–associated CPR interruptions was 109.5 seconds (IQR 54 to 198 seconds; range 13 to 446 seconds); one fourth exceeded 3 minutes. Endotracheal intubation–associated CPR pauses composed approximately 22.8% (IQR 12.6-36.5%; range 1.0% to 93.4%) of all CPR interruptions. Conclusion In this series, paramedic out-of-hospital endotracheal intubation efforts were associated with multiple and prolonged CPR interruptions.
A note on the Lyapunov equation for discrete linear systems in Hilbert space

Abstract It is given a simple and unified new proof for the following well-known stability condition: an infinite-dimensional time-invariant discrete linear system is uniformly asymptotically stable if and only if the associate Lyapunov equation has a unique strictly positive solution. The proof is partially based on an application of Rota's model construction technique.
Éloge: christian klixbüll jørgensen (1931–2001)

The life and career of polymath and polyglot Christian Klixbull Jorgensen, who contributed to inorganic chemistry, coordination chemistry, physical chemistry and spectroscopy over a period of more than four decades, are briefly discussed.
All-optical, fiber-optic modulator and logic gate using nonlinear refraction and absorption.

The first demonstration to our knowledge of new all-optical logic gates and modulators that use nonlinear refraction and absorption to modify fiber-to-fiber coupling is reported. Results are presented for the AND, NOR, NOT, and XOR functions with better than 20-dB contrast ratio. Silicon (at λ = 1.06 μm) is used as the nonlinear material for this proof-of-concept experiment. No resonators, feedback, or stringent wavelength controls are needed. The feasibility of picosecond operation is discussed.
Bis[1-(1-adamantyliminomethyl)-2-naphtholato-κN,O]cobalt(II).

The title compound, [Co(C21H22NO)2], crystallizes with two mol­ecules in the asymmetric unit. The coordination environments of the two CoII ions are distorted tetra­hedral. The primary structural difference between the two independent complex mol­ecules lies in the orientations of their adamantyl groups.
Review of RiskQ: An Interactive Approach to Probability, Uncertainty, and Statistics for Use with Mathematica2

RiskQ is a computer program designed to enable users to perform analyses involving probability, uncertainty, and statistics. It is written in the Mathematica programming language. RiskQ is intended for individuals who have experience with Mathematica and a good working knowledge of probabilistic and statistical concepts. In this article the authors discuss the features of RiskQ, its performance as compared with Crystal Ball and Risk, documentation, ease of learning and use, error handling, and support. 2 refs., 2 figs.
Atmospheric radiative forcing at the surface derived from aircraft irradiance and spectral optical depth measurements

[1] In this paper we report atmospheric radiative forcing, radiative forcing efficiency, and fractional forcing efficiency by aerosols determined from airborne measurements performed during the Indian Ocean Experiment (INDOEX) and the Asian Pacific Regional Characterization Experiment (ACE-Asia). The atmospheric radiative forcing at the surface is calculated in the visible spectral region (400–700 nm) using near-surface observations from the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) C-130 aircraft. A total-direct-diffuse radiometer (TDDR) with seven spectral bands spanning 400 to 700 nm is used to determine irradiances at the surface as well as spectral (in all seven channels including a narrowband channel at 500 nm, τ500) and broadband (400–700 nm) aerosol optical depths. For INDOEX, using observations in the Arabian Sea, the visible surface forcing efficiencies range from about −74 to −120 W m−2 τ500−1, and the corresponding fractional forcing efficiencies range from about −14 to −30% τ500−1. These forcing values in the Arabian Sea are higher than those derived in a previous study using measurements at a surface site located at the Kaashidhoo Climate Observatory (KCO). During ACE-Asia, the aerosol forcing and forcing efficiency at the surface are slightly lower than those during INDOEX and range from about −54 to −110 W m−2 τ500−1 and −11 to −23% τ500−1, respectively. These values are consistent with similar measurements made at the surface site at Gosan, Jeju, Republic of Korea. Diurnal forcing efficiencies are also estimated for the aircraft measurements giving a range of −23 to −54 W m−2 τ500−1 for INDOEX and −19 to −37 W m−2 τ500−1 for ACE-Asia. Forcing efficiencies are determined using broadband aerosol optical depths and reflect small differences (related to changing aerosol characteristics) relative to those values obtained using narrowband quantities.
Radial velocity studies and absolute parameters of contact binaries. I - AB Andromedae

New radial velocity curves have been obtained for the contact binary AB And, using the cross-correlation technique. A mass ratio of 0.479 is determined, which is revised to 0.491 when the velocities are corrected for proximity effects using a light curve model. These values differ by less than ten percent from the photometric mass ratio. An analysis of the symmetric B and V light curves reported by Rigterink in 1973 using the spectroscopic mass ratio yields a consistent set of light and velocity curve elements. These also produce a reasonably good fit to the infrared J and K light curves reported by Jameson and Akinci in 1979. Absolute elements are determined, and these indicate that both components have a main-sequence internal structure. These absolute parameters, together with the Galactic kinematics, suggest an age for the system similar to or greater than that of the Sun.
Photopolymerization of Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Diacrylate on Eosin-Functionalized Surfaces

We describe a new method that allows photopolymerization of hydrogels to occur on surfaces functionalized with eosin. In this work, glass and silicon surfaces were derivatized with eosin and photopolymerization was carried out using visible light (514 nm). This mild condition may have advantages over methods that use ultraviolet (UV) light (e.g., for encapsulation of cells and proteins, in drug screening, or in biosensing applications). The hydrogel formed on the modified surface is remarkably stable for an extended period of time. The resultant hydrogel was hydrated for more than 18 months without suffering delamination from the substrate surface. This strongly suggests covalent attachment of the hydrogel to the surface. Contact angle titration measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of eosin surfaces before and after irradiation in the presence of triethanolamine suggest that the eosin radical is responsible for the covalent attachment of the gel onto the substrate surface. This method allows for 2-D patterning of hydrogels, which is demonstrated here using the microcontact printing technique. However, noncontact photolithography could be used to form similar patterns by directing light through a mask. This method can be easily implemented to form arrays of fluorophores and proteins in situ.
Enhancing a commercial game engine to support research on route realism for synthetic human characters

Generating routes for entities in virtual environments, such as simulated vehicles or synthetic human characters, is a long-standing problem, and route planning algorithms have been developed and studied for some time. Existing route planning algorithms, including the widely used A* algorithm, are generally intended to achieve optimality in some metric, such as minimum length or minimum time. Comparatively little attention has been given to route realism, defined as the similarity of the algorithm-generated route to the route followed by real humans in the same terrain with the same constraints and goals. Commercial game engines have seen increasing use as a context for research. To study route realism in a game engine, two developments were needed: a quantitative metric for measuring route realism and a game engine able to capture route data needed to compute the realism metric. Enhancements for recording route data for both synthetic characters and human players were implemented within the Unreal Tournament 2004 game engine. A methodology for assessing the realism of routes and other behaviors using a quantitative metric was developed. The enhanced Unreal Tournament 2004 game engine and the realism assessment methodology were tested by capturing data required to calculate a metric of route realism.
C. S. Peirce and the Bell Numbers

(2003). C. S. Peirce and the Bell Numbers. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 76, No. 2, pp. 99-106.
Virus detection using nanoelectromechanical devices

We have used a resonating mechanical cantilever to detect immunospecific binding of viruses, captured from liquid. As a model virus, we used a nonpathogenic insect baculovirus to test the ability to specifically bind and detect small numbers of virus particles. Arrays of surface micromachined, antibody-coated polycrystalline silicon nanomechanical cantilever beams were used to detect binding from various concentrations of baculoviruses in a buffer solution. Because of their small mass, the 0.5μm×6μm cantilevers have mass sensitivities on the order of 10−19g∕Hz, enabling the detection of an immobilized AcV1 antibody monolayer corresponding to a mass of about 3×10−15g. With these devices, we can detect the mass of single-virus particles bound to the cantilever. Resonant frequency shift resulting from the adsorbed mass of the virus particles distinguished solutions of virus concentrations varying between 105 and 107pfu∕ml. Control experiments using buffer solutions without baculovirus showed small amounts (<...
Orthotopic aortic transplantation in mice for the study of vascular disease.

Vascular procedures involving anastomoses in the mouse are generally thought to be difficult and highly dependent on the skill of the individual surgeon. This is largely true, but there are a number of important principles that can reduce the difficulty of these procedures and enhance reproducibility. Orthotopic aortic transplantation is an excellent procedure in which to learn these principles because it involves only two end-to-end anastomoses, but requires good suturing technique and handling of the vessels for consistent success. This procedure begins with the procurement of a length of abdominal aorta from a donor animal, followed by division of the native aorta in the recipient. The procured aorta is then placed between the divided ends of the recipient aorta and sutured into place using end-to-end anastomoses. To accomplish this objective successfully requires a high degree of concentration, good tools, a steady hand, and an appreciation of how easily the vasculature of a mouse can be damaged, resulting in thrombosis. Learning these important principles is what occupies most of the beginner's time when learning microsurgery in small rodents. Throughout this protocol, we refer to these important points. This model can be used to study vascular disease in a variety of different experimental systems1-8. In the context shown here, it is most often used for the study of post-transplant vascular disease, a common long-term complication of solid organ transplantation in which intimal hyperplasia occurs within the allograft. The primary advantage of the model is that it facilitates quantitative morphometric analyses and the transplanted vessel lies contiguous to the endogenous vessel, which can serve as an additional control9. The technique shown here is most often used for mice weighing 18-25 grams. We have accumulated most of our experience using the C57BL/6J, BALB/cJ, and C3H/HeJ strains.
IS-045 Consciousness At The Basis Of Developmental Care

The newborn human infant particularly the preterm infant was previously regarded as a sensory-motor organism without consciousness. By the introduction of developmental care neonatal nurses and doctors commenced to regard the preterm patient as an autonomous person with consciousness although at a minimal level. The thalamocortical connections from the sense organs are established from about the 23rd gestational week, indicating that the neuronal global workspace can function (see ref 1 ). From about 25 weeks cortical responses in the somatosensory area have been recorded by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and facial expressions similar to adults sustaining pain have been observed in preterm infants after 25 weeks The preterm infant is aware of its body, itself and to some extent of the outside world. It recognises faces, vowels and smells it has been exposed to. Recent NIRS studies have shown that the preterm brain reacts differently to female versus male voices. 2 It expresses emotions like joy. By functional MR it has been demonstrated that there is a spontaneous resting activity encompassing the somatosensory, auditory and visual cortex, although there is less activity in association area and the prefrontal cortex as compared with adults. There is an incomplete default mode network which is assumed to be related to consciousness. 3 References Lagercrantz H, Hanson, M., Ment, L., Rodeck, C. (Eds) The Newborn Brain 2nd ed. Cambridge University Press, 2010 Mahmoudzadeh M et al . Syllabic discrimination in premature human infants. PNAS . 2013;110:4846–4851 Raichle M. The brain’s dark energy. Scientific American . 2010;302:44–49
Stoichiometry of the cardiac IKs complex.

Nothing is easy for ion channels that assemble with membrane-embedded regulatory subunits. Something as trivial yet as fundamental as counting the number of subunits in an ion channel complex can be challenging and marred with controversy. The most infamous stoichiometric debate in the ion channel field has been over the potassium (K+) channel complex that generates the repolarizing cardiac IKslow (IKs) current (1⇓⇓⇓–5). This union between a tetrameric voltage-gated K+ channel (KvLQT1, KCNQ1, Kv7.1) and type I transmembrane regulatory subunit (minK, KCNE1) is unquestioned; however, the last stoichiometric salvo in the debate proposed a haphazard coassembly of cardiac IKs complexes, containing one to four regulatory subunits (4). Determining the exact number of regulatory subunits in the cardiac IKs complex is vital because mutations in either the ion conducting or regulatory subunit that reduce potassium flow give rise to Long QT and Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndromes—two diseases where individuals are prone to adrenaline-induced, life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias (6, 7). Attempts to find small molecule openers that enhance cardiac repolarization by targeting the K+ channel (8, 9) have been ironically thwarted by the presence of the regulatory subunit whose stoichiometry in the complex is continually in question. In PNAS, Plant et al. (10) warm up their laser beams and take aim at this cardiac potassium channel complex using fluorescent subunit photobleaching. This single molecule spectroscopy approach relies on the mathematically predictable photobleaching of a fluorophore (11), usually monomeric GFP (or a color variant), which is appended to each subunit of interest in an ion channel complex. Thus, the technique can be used for any membrane-embedded complex as long as enough fluorescent … [↵][1]1E-mail: william.kobertz{at}umassmed.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Effects of magnetic fields on cell-free transcription in E. coli and HeLa extracts

Abstract We have previously shown that exposing an E. coli cell-free extract containing plasmids that express α or β RNA polymerase to 72 Hz, 0.07–1.1 mT (rms) and 45 Hz, 1.1 mT sinusoidal magnetic fields enhanced the rate of expression (combined transcription and translation). The experiments reported here were designed to determine whether the enhanced expression at 45 Hz, 1.1 mT was a result of altered transcription. In addition, magnetic field effects on eukaryotic transcription was examined in a cell-free HeLa nuclear extract containing a c-myc plasmid. The analysis of MF-exposed and non-exposed E. coli transcription over 1, 3, 5 and 7 min only showed a statistically significant differences following 5 min exposure. A significant enhancement in mRNA transcription of c-myc was obtained in the HeLa nuclear extract at 5 and 7 min.