cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structural basis for KCTD-mediated rapid desensitization of GABA B signalling

The GABAB (γ-aminobutyric acid type B) receptor is one of the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors in the brain, and it signals through heterotrimeric G proteins to activate a variety of effectors, including G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channels (GIRKs)1,2. GABAB-receptor signalling is tightly regulated by auxiliary subunits called KCTDs, which control the kinetics of GIRK activation and desensitization3–5. However, the mechanistic basis for KCTD modulation of GABAB signalling remains incompletely understood. Here, using a combination of X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy, and functional and biochemical experiments, we reveal the molecular details of KCTD binding to both GABAB receptors and G-protein βγ subunits. KCTDs associate with the receptor by forming an asymmetric pentameric ring around a region of the receptor carboxy-terminal tail, while a second KCTD domain, H1, engages in a symmetric interaction with five copies of Gβγ in which the G-protein subunits also interact directly with one another. We further show that KCTD binding to Gβγ is highly cooperative, defining a model in which KCTD proteins cooperatively strip G proteins from GIRK channels to induce rapid desensitization following receptor activation. These results provide a framework for understanding the molecular basis for the precise temporal control of GABAB signalling by KCTD proteins. X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy and functional experiments reveal the details of how KCTD proteins interact with GABAB receptors and desensitize G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channels.
A Comparison of EEG Alpha Rhythm Detection by Tripolar Concentric Ring Electrodes and Conventional Disk Electro des

A recently developed tripolar concentric ring electrode enables accurate estimation of the local Laplacian of the electroencephalogram (EEG). Here, we tested the ability of this tripolar EEG (tEEG) system to detect the extent to which the alpha rhythm—an 8-13 Hz oscillation found in the EEG when the subject is at rest with the eyes closed—is modulated by opening the eyes, and compared it with simultaneous conventional EEG measurements. In a preliminary study comprising ten independent sessions on seven subjects, opening the eyes reduced alpha power by an average of 66.5 ± 9% and 59.1 ± 10% in tEEG and conventional EEG recordings, respectively. These findings suggest that the dynamical changes in brain rhythms may be more easily detected by tEEG than by conventional EEG with implications for clinical diagnosis and neurofeedback applications.
Laparoscopic diverting loop ileostomy for spontaneous colon perforation in advanced ovarian cancer

Abstract Objective Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for advanced ovarian cancer is associated with reduced morbidity in the elderly ( Meyer et al., 2018 ). Spontaneous colonic perforation often leads to multisystem organ failure and death ( Carter and Durfee, 2007 ; Rose and Piver, 1995 ). Methods A 76-year old woman with stage IIIC disease initiated carboplatin AUC 5 and paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 with unanticipated development of profound neutropenia. She clinically deteriorated by day nine and CT scan revealed a large volume of free air. Emergent surgery was performed. Results Diagnostic laparoscopy confirmed the presence of intra-abdominal stool and extensive inflammatory exudate (Video). The likelihood of identifying the site of perforation appeared remote, but pelvic tumor encasement was highly suggestive of a sigmoid origin. The stool was evacuated, the exudate gently debrided and the terminal ileum partially mobilized. Copious irrigation was performed with drain placement and the pneumoperitoneum was decompressed. The right lower abdominal wall trocar incision was extended so that the ileal segment could be brought out and matured. She was discharged to rehab on postoperative day 2 to continue a two week course of broad spectrum antibiotics. Single-agent carboplatin was resumed within a month. Uncomplicated ileostomy takedown with parastomal hernia repair was performed between cycles five and six. The patient is currently in remission. Conclusion Bowel perforation in the elderly, presenting with cachexia and treatment-induced pancytopenia for advanced ovarian cancer, is often a harbinger of early death. Selected patients may benefit from a minimally invasive approach by an experienced gynecologic oncologist instead of vertical laparotomy, abdominal washout, diversion and the potential sequelae of an open abdomen.
Sex Differences in Aversion-Resistant Ethanol Intake in Mice.

Aims Compulsive ethanol intake, characterized by persistent consumption despite negative consequences, is an addictive behavior identified by the DSM-5 as a central criterion in diagnosing alcohol use disorders (AUD). Epidemiological data suggest that females transition from recreational alcohol use to AUD more rapidly than males. Because of this potential sex difference in the etiology of AUD, it is critical to assess addictive behaviors such as compulsive intake in both males and females in preclinical studies. Methods We used the model of aversion-resistant ethanol consumption to assess compulsive-like ethanol intake. In these experiments, C57BL6/J mice were first provided with continuous access two-bottle choice between water and ethanol to establish baseline intake. Ethanol solution was then adulterated with increasing concentrations of the bitter tastant quinine hydrochloride. Animals that consume ethanol solution despite its pairing with this negative stimulus are thought to be exhibiting compulsive-like behavior. Results We found that higher concentrations of quinine were required to suppress ethanol consumption in female mice relative to males. We found no effect of estrous cycle phase on baseline ethanol intake or on quinine-adulterated ethanol intake in females. Conclusions Collectively, these data suggest that females exhibit a higher degree of aversion-resistance than male mice. Because we observed no effect of estrous cycle phase, it is likely that the presence of threshold levels of estradiol or progesterone, as opposed to their natural fluctuation across the estrous cycle, mediates increased aversion-resistance in females. Alternatively, or in combination, developmental effects of sex hormones could contribute to aversion-resistant ethanol intake.
Heel contact dynamics in alternative footwear during slip events

Abstract Introduction Slips, trips and an induced loss of balance have been identified as the major causative factor for workplace injuries involving falls. Moreover, alternative footwear such has crocs and flip flops have been used in and around work places, especially with the usage of crocs in slip prone hospital settings. Purpose The purpose of the study is to analyze the effects of alternative footwear [crocs (CC), flip-flops (FF)] and industry standard slip resistant shoes (LT) on heel dynamics during slip events. Methods Eighteen healthy male participants following a repeated measures design for each footwear condition, were tested for heel kinematics during normal dry surface gait (NG); unexpected slip (US), alert slip (AS) and expected slip (ES). A 3 × 4 repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the dependent slip parameters (heel slip distance-HSD & mean heel slip velocity-MHSV) at p = 0.05. Results Significant interactions between footwear and gait trials were found for HSD & MHSV, with significantly greater slip parameters exhibited by CC & FF compared to LT during US. Conclusion Alternative footwear (CC & FF) demonstrated greater slips, but were limited to slip events that were unexpected. With the knowledge and anticipation of slippery flooring conditions, participants were able to lower the slip parameters by kinematically modifying heel contact dynamics. The LT had significantly lower slip parameters and maintained a normal gait pattern for all slip trials, and demonstrates to be the choice of footwear for maneuvering slippery flooring conditions; while alternative footwear combined with unexpected slip events contributed to potentially hazardous and hazardous slips. Relevance to Industry Alternative footwear such as crocs are widely used in hospitals which are slip prone environments. This study provides evidence that these alternative footwear may predispose to hazardous slips and recommends the use of slip resistant footwear or slip resistant modifications to alternative footwear under known or unknown slippery conditions.
Unsteady aerodynamic modeling and active aeroelastic control

Unsteady aerodynamic modeling techniques are developed and applied to the study of active control of elastic vehicles. The problem of active control of a supercritical flutter mode poses a definite design goal stability, and is treated in detail. The transfer functions relating the arbitrary airfoil motions to the airloads are derived from the Laplace transforms of the linearized airload expressions for incompressible two dimensional flow. The transfer function relating the motions to the circulatory part of these loads is recognized as the Theodorsen function extended to complex values of reduced frequency, and is termed the generalized Theodorsen function. Inversion of the Laplace transforms yields exact transient airloads and airfoil motions. Exact root loci of aeroelastic modes are calculated, providing quantitative information regarding subcritical and supercritical flutter conditions.
Outcomes after treatment of resectable, node-negative esophageal cancer: A risk-adjusted analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry.

e14562 Background: Esophageal cancer has poor prognosis even in early stages. We examined survival for patients with resectable tumors in the absence of nodal disease in order to assess the benefit...
A Study of the Morphology of the Living Cells of Blood and Bone Marrow in Vital Films with the Phase Contrast Microscope I. Normal Blood and Bone Marrow

The cells of normal human blood and bone marrow have been examined in the living condition by means of the phase contrast microscope employing both supravital and unstained most films. The morphologic characteristics of the cells studied in this manner have been carefully described and illustrated.
Application of Neutron Multiplicity Counting Experiments to Optimal Cross-Section Adjustments

This paper presents the first application of model calibration to neutron multiplicity counting (NMC) experiments for cross-section optimization that is informed by adjoint-based sensitivity analys...
When It Is Not So Funny: Prevalence of Friendly Sexist Teasing and Consequences to Gender Self-Esteem:

This research investigates the phenomenon of "friendly" sexist teases (FSTs), which we define as playful intergroup teases that are based on the negative gender stereotypes that devalue one's gender group. We first employed a diary study to explore the prevalence of FSTs in college students' everyday life and found that this type of teasing tends to occur in social situations and often between close others. In a second study, we experimentally manipulated perceived closeness with the teaser. We predicted that individuals teased by someone with whom they shared a perceived closeness would interpret FSTs as playful fun; therefore, the tease would not have a negative psychological effect. We further predicted that those teased by someone less close would likely focus on the literal content of the sexist tease, resulting in negative consequences to gender self-esteem. Results supported these predictions and provided insight into the phenomenon of FSTs.
Chapter 9 – The Hypothalamus

Publisher Summary A number of functions have been ascribed to the hypothalamus based upon animal studies, clinical observations of disease states involving the hypothalamus, and electrical stimulation or destruction of precisely specific functions to specific nuclei in the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is one of the major portions of the diencephalon, and is situated at the base of the brain below the thalamus and above the pituitary. The anterior margin of the optic chiasm forms the anterior boundary of the hypothalamus, while the posterior margins of the mamillary bodies delineate the posterior boundary. The lateral borders are less well defined and vary at different levels. They are composed of the optic tracts, internal capsule, pes pedunculi, globus pallidus and ansa lenticularis. Between the chiasm and the mamillary bodies on the ventral surface is the tuber cinereum from which the pituitary stalk arises. The third ventricle lies in the centre of the hypothalamus and is connected to the lateral ventricles through the foramen of Monro, and to the fourth ventricle by the aqueduct of Sylvius. This chapter summarizes the current concepts regarding the normal functions of the hypothalamus.
Abstract 251: Geriatric Syndromes Associated With Reduced Anticoagulant Use in Older Adults With Atrial Fibrillation

Background: While guidelines recommend focusing primarily on stroke risk when considering anticoagulants in atrial fibrillation (AF), physicians report that geriatric syndromes (e.g., falls, disabi...
The Power of the Brand: Personal Branding and Its Effect on Job Seeking Attributes

The importance of personal branding is evident in every aspect of business and consumerism. From the social demise of corporate executives to college students being suspended from school to individ...
Improvement in Protein Delivery for Critically Ill Patients Requiring High-Dose Propofol Therapy and Enteral Nutrition

BACKGROUND Patients with traumatic brain (TBI) injury often require a high dosage of propofol, which can provide an excessive caloric intake. We evaluated our strategy of using liquid protein supplement boluses concurrently with high protein-containing enteral nutrition (EN) formulas and formula rate reduction to avoid caloric overfeeding and inadequate protein intake. METHODS Adult patients (aged >17 years) with TBI admitted to the trauma intensive care unit (TICU) who received concurrent propofol and EN were retrospectively reviewed. Caloric intakes from propofol and EN were obtained. Actual protein intake was compared with projected protein intakes from high protein content and standard protein content enteral formulas when given at an isocaloric intake. RESULTS Fifty-one patients were enrolled. Average caloric intake from propofol was 356 ± 243 kcal/d or 5 ± 3 kcal/kg/d (range, <1-15 kcal/kg/d). Daily EN caloric intake ranged from 7 ± 4 kcal/kg/d (day 2) to 16 ± 9 kcal/kg/d (day 5; P < .001). Average protein intake ranged from 0.6 ± 0.4 g/kg/d (day 2) to 1.5 ± 0.7 g/kg/d (day 5; P < .001). The modified EN strategy resulted in daily delivery of 24%-38% more protein than an isocaloric regimen with a high protein-content formula and twice as much protein than the standard protein-content formula (P < .001). CONCLUSION The strategy of providing an EN regimen comprised liquid protein boluses, and high and very high protein-containing EN formulas at a reduced rate improved protein delivery without caloric overfeeding.
COVID-19 and generalized Myasthenia Gravis exacerbation: A case report.

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a disorder of neuromuscular transmission in which antibodies bind to acetylcholine receptors or to functionally related molecules at the neuromuscular junction. It presents with variable, fluctuating muscle weakness, most commonly affecting the ocular, bulbar, respiratory and limb muscles (generalized MG) These symptoms can rapidly worsen (“exacerbation”) with potential for airway compromise (“crisis”) due to triggers such as infection. Plasma exchange (PLEX) and Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) are the mainstay of management during such episodes [1]. Given that many MG patients are on immune-modulating medications, there’s possibly an increased risk of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV 2) [2]. Per the Centers for Disease Control, symptoms from SARS CoV 2 can include fever, cough, respiratory distress, diarrhea, and reduction of smell and taste sensations [3]. Additionally, if there is coexisting respiratory muscle weakness, MG patients can be at an increased risk of COVID-19-related complications [2]. In this case report, we discuss the presentation of a generalized MG exacerbation with co-existing COVID-19 symptoms and its management.
An Alternate Approach to Understanding Styled Products

The diffusion of product innovations has typically been described using a paradigm originating in rural sociology (e.g. Ryan and Gross 1973) and applied in . such diverse fields as medicine, communications, anthropology and education. This model of the diffusion process at present dominates the design and conceptualization of the majority of research conducted on new product diffusion and adoption (e.g. Midgley 1976).
Satellite Dynamics about Small Bodies: Averaged Solar Radiation Pressure Effects

The effect of the solar radiation pressure force on a spacecraft orbiting a small body (asteroid or comet) is analyzed for the general case when the small body is in an elliptic orbit about the Sun and the spacecraft is in a relatively close orbit to the small body. The effect of this force is parameterized in terms of the spacecraft mass, spacecraft surface area exposed to the Sun, the small body mass, and the small body orbit about the Sun. Constraints and general results on orbit dynamics are presented and discussed for the averaged solar radiation pressure effect. These solutions are seen to be integrable and a function only of the small body true anomaly. Four families of stable, frozen, Sun-synchronous orbits close to the small body are found, all for the case of elliptic motion of the small body about the Sun. Such orbits have applications for extended station-keeping at a small body or for mission operations when the solar radiation pressure effect is large. Specific results for the NEAR spacecraft at asteroid 433 Eros and the Rosetta spacecraft at comet Wirtanen are given.
Water-gas shift: effect of Na loading on Pt/m-zirconia catalysts for low-temperature shift for the production and purification of hydrogen

Abstract Recently, Honda Research USA, Inc. and the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research researchers showed that Na doping of Pt/ZrO2 catalysts can significantly improve the rate of water-gas shift (WGS). This was attributed to the electronic weakening of the carbon–hydrogen (C–H) bond of formate, with formate being the suggested intermediate of an “associative mechanism.” In this work, we sought to determine (1) how the Na dopant loading affects the steam-assisted formate decomposition and WGS reaction rates and (2) the nature of the electronic effect that weakens the C–H bond of formate as a function of Na dopant loading. We observed that doping Na to up to 1% by weight slightly increased the density of defect-associated bridging hydroxyl groups, which are active sites for producing formate from CO. However, at 2.5% Na, the optimum loading, there was a distinct step-change shift of the band corresponding to C–H stretching of formate to lower wavenumbers, consistent with bond weakening. Pt-carbonyl bands were still able to form at this loading, indicating the availability of Pt sites for dehydrogenating formate during H2O-promoted formate decomposition. At 5% Na loading, while the formate C–H band remained at lower wavenumbers, Pt-carbonyl bands were severely attenuated, indicating a lack of availability of Pt metal sites at the higher loading. Thus, both steam-assisted formate decomposition and low-temperature WGS rates reached maxima at an optimum Na dopant loading of 2.5% Na. The results suggest that the transition state of formate decomposition involves H2O, with Pt assisting by providing a porthole for H2 removal, and with Na exerting a weakening effect on the formate C–H bond. The cleaving of this bond is the proposed rate-determining step of the cycle.
Ode to light: a swan song

Raising the curtain to look back on my life as an editor, with hopes and goals and intentions and lessons learned taking center stage; this manuscript wanders through intersecting sounds, places, m...
A System for Interleaving Discussion and Summarization in Collaborative Document Writing

In many instances of online collaboration, ideation and deliberation about what to write happen separately from the synthesis of the deliberation into a cohesive document. However, this may result in a final document that has little connection to the discussion that came before. In this work, we present interleaved discussion and summarization, a process where discussion and summarization are woven together in a single space, and collaborators can switch back and forth between discussing ideas and summarizing discussion until it results in a final document that incorporates and references all discussion points. We implement this process into a tool called Wikum+ that allows groups working together on a project to create living summaries-artifacts that can grow as new collaborators, ideas, and feedback arise and shrink as collaborators come to consensus. We conducted studies where groups of six people each collaboratively wrote a proposal using Wikum+ and a proposal using a messaging platform along with Google Docs.
Evaluating the regional economic contributions of US aquaculture: Case study of Florida’s shellfish aquaculture industry

Regional economic assessments (REAs), including economic contribution and impact analyses, are often used in resource-based industries to inform policymakers, elected officials, and the general pub...
Lessons from Indias struggles with corporate purpose

The debate on corporate purpose is not confined to Western developed economies. Rapidly developing economies like India are similarly grappling with how to define and develop a legal framework around corporate purpose. For over a decade, India has taken a multi-pronged approach toward redefining corporate purpose. These include voluntary guidelines, corporate social responsibility mandates in corporate law, a stakeholder-oriented articulation of director fiduciary duties, and increased sustainability disclosure for listed firms. The success of India’s multi-pronged initiatives has been mixed. While domestic philanthropic giving has increased significantly, it is unevenly distributed. And mandatory CSR, a stakeholder-oriented approach to corporate law, and additional sustainability disclosures have made little dent in India’s massive inequality, poverty, corruption and pollution. The Indian experience presents an important perspective for the corporate purpose debate from a country where firms are dominated by controlling stockholders. In a country where politics and business are deeply intertwined, and where powerful controlling stockholders have an outsized role, stakeholderism may make little headway. Instead, the Indian approach to stakeholderism provides an environment where corporations can use their CSR efforts and corporate purpose rhetoric to curry political favor with the state, while the state can use stakeholderism to politically signal that it values society, even in the face of rising inequality and persistent poverty.
Does Numeracy in Digital Journalism Increase Story Believability?: Experiments Comparing Audience Perceptions from the US, Zambia, Tanzania

This exploratory study contributes to the literature on numeracy in digital journalism studies by theoretically incorporating the audience/news consumers. While most studies have focused on journalists’ perception and role in the use of numeracy, this study examines how audience perceive stories with numerical values. Through an experimental design, and by comparing the United States, Zambia, and Tanzania, the study was able to demonstrate that news stories with numerical values diminished audience/readers’ affective consumption. In other words, news stories with numerical values were negatively associated with audience appeal. However, individuals with a lower understanding of probabilistic and numerical concepts seemed to trust news stories with numbers more than those with a higher level of numeracy. This was especially true in Zambia and Tanzania where most participants recorded lower numeracy levels. The overall sample in all the three countries seemed to favor news stories with less or no numeracy.
Clinical Trends Over the First Year of a Psychiatric Electronic Consult Service.

Background Electronic consultations (e-consultations) offer rapid, direct, and documented communication through the electronic medical record between primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists. Psychiatric e-consultations are increasingly being implemented across hospital networks with the recommendation for face-to-face psychiatric evaluation periodically being made by the consulted psychiatrist. It remains to be seen what clinical factors lead the consultant to make this type of recommendation and whether the question asked by the PCP and the diagnosis of the patient has any bearing. Objectives To determine which psychiatric diagnoses are most commonly electronically consulted on, what types of questions are being asked by primary care providers to electronically consulted psychiatrists, and what questions and which diagnoses result in an electronically consulted psychiatrist to recommend further in-person evaluation. Methods A retrospective chart review of an e-consultation service was conducted. One hundred sixty-four charts were reviewed. Data were collected on the psychiatric diagnosis, type of question posed by the PCP to the psychiatrist, the number of recommendations for an in-person evaluation made, and the percentages of the diagnoses and questions that were associated with a recommendation for in-person evaluation. Results Two hundred twenty-three diagnoses were consulted on. The most common diagnoses were anxiety disorders (34.5%, N = 77), depressive disorders (32.3%, N = 72), and bipolar disorders (13.5%, N = 30). One hundred eighty-one questions were asked by PCPs. One hundred fifty-one (83.4%) questions regarded pharmacological management. Of the 164 charts, 40 (24.4%) e-consultations resulted in the psychiatrist recommending an in-person evaluation. The in-person evaluation recommendation rates did not change with increasing provider familiarity as the inaugural year went on. Three (7.5%) patients who were recommended for an outpatient psychiatry evaluation were scheduled to be seen by the consulted psychiatrist. Depressive (N = 12) and anxiety disorders (N = 13) were both recommended for in-person follow-up 17% of the time. Bipolar disorder was recommended for follow-up 53% (N = 16) of the time. Of the 181 question types posed by PCPs, 34 (22.5%) pharmacological management questions were recommended for in-person follow-up. Conclusions Certain diagnoses and question types appear to influence the likelihood that an electronically consulted psychiatrist will recommend a face-to-face evaluation. It also suggests that e-consultation services can be particularly serviceable for certain diagnoses, that is, depression and anxiety, as well as certain question types, that is, pharmacological management. This information can guide PCPs and psychiatrists about which patients are best suited for an e-consultation versus an in-person referral from the outset.
The Emission Control Capability of Catalyst-Equipped Vehicles at Extended Mileages Under Field Conditions

The emissions performance of a fleet of five vehicles equipped with prototype 1975 catalyst emission control systems and run under field conditions for up to 125,000 miles (202,000 km) was evaluated. The vehicles were driven by non-expert drivers in California and Michigan for commuting and personal use and maintained in a manner similar to in-use vehicles. The average fleet emissions of hydrocarbons (HC) remained below the 1975 California emission standards appropriate for these vehicles for 80,000 miles (129,000 km), the average carbon monoxide (CO) emissions remained below the standard for 70,000 miles (113,000 km), and emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) never exceeded the appropriate standards.
Reversible Anion Interactions between QA and QB and between Z (or D) and QA in Leaves and Green Algae

The requirement of HCO3 − (or CO2) for stimulating the electron flow at the acceptor side of photosystem II (which is a different role from that in CO2 fixation) in spinach leaf discs and in Chlamydomonas cells, both pretreated with formate, is presented. Short formate-treatment produces a quenching of the maximum chlorophyll a fluorescence and decreases the rate of O2 evolution; addition of HCO3 − reverses both inhibitions. The same fluorescence quenching is observed in the presence of hydroxylamine as an electron donor suggesting that this site of anion action is between the electron donor “Z” and the primary plastoquinone QA. Long formate-treatment slows down the decay of variable fluorescence which is similar to that caused by DCMU-treatment; HCO3 − addition accelerates this decay suggesting that this site of anion action is between QA and the plastoquinone (PQ) pool. Furthermore, addition of HCO3 − to HCO2 − treated samples produces 4 fold stimulation of the Hill reaction in the presence of DEMIB that inhibits electron flow between the two photosystems and, thus, CO2 fixation. We suggest that, in spinach leaves and Chlamydomonas, HCO3 − regulates the reactions of PS II from Z (or D) to QA and from QA to the PQ pool.
New Vines on Old Roots

Foundations of Language Brain, Meaning, Grammar, Evolution. Ray Jackendoff. Oxford University Press, New York, 2002. 497 pp. $40, £25. ISBN 0-19-827012-7. Building on developments in linguistics over the past half century, Jackendoff offers an interpretation of "parallel architecture" to explain how the brain stores and processes language.
Economics and geopolitics of natural gas: Pipelines versus LNG

Until recently, most natural gas trade has been limited to the regional scale due to the challenges of transporting gas over long distances. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) — an option that reduces the volume of gas about 600 times allowing for transportation by ship — has created an opportunity for expansion of the international market for natural gas. Pipeline option shows cost competitiveness for short to medium distances and for inland destinations, but it suffers from geological and political constraints. LNG provides an option to diversify supplies and we here we assess the LNG prospects for the next decade. The LNG trading volumes are projected to increase from about 240 Mt LNG in 2013 to about 340–360 Mt LNG in 2020. Longer-term projections show a potential for a substantial growth of LNG, but the challenges exist due to a potentially weaker demand from Asia. On the other side, geopolitical tensions might increase LNG flows to Europe.
Dopamine Receptors: Molecular Pharmacology

Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter, or intercellular chemical messenger, that modulates aspects of brain function – in particular – control of movement, feelings of reward and reinforcement and hormone secretion. Dopamine acts by binding to a surprisingly diverse palette of specific receptors. These distinct dopamine receptors are being studied as the possible selective molecular basis for the numerous dopamine actions. Keywords: molecular neurobiology; neurotransmitter; schizophrenia; parkinson disease; drugs
World Links for Development Program in Latin America: An Insight on Internet in the Classroom

The World Links for Development (WorLD) program, initiative launched by the World Bank in 1997, has assisted developing countries in bridging the “digital divide”, by providing schools and Ministries of Education with the necessary technologies, skills, and educational resources to prepare their youth to participate in the global knowledge economy. This article presents the WorLD program experience in the Latin American region. Special attention is given to the description of the components at the core of the WorLD program, its Teacher Professional Development Program in the use of the Internet in the Classroom.
Information structures for control and verification of hybrid systems

Hybrid systems are continuous variable, continuous time systems with a phased operation. We present the hybrid automaton model and introduce the problems of control and verification. We describe the information structure of a hybrid system in terms of its observation and control spaces, observation map, control strategy, and state evolution. For the important case of symbolic observations and controls-i.e., of finite observation and control spaces-we develop the notions of state space refinement and equivalence partitioning. We review from the literature different information structure setups for control and verification of hybrid systems.
Pregnancy and the lymphocyte.

Abstract Very little experimental evidence is available to support the commonly held assumption that lymphocytes from pregnant women manifest a similar immunologic response to antigenic stimulus as lymphocytes from nonpregnant women. An investigation of this question was prompted by some observations which suggest that the immunologic competence of maternal lymphocytes might be inhibited and by the development of a new method for measuring lymphocyte transformation which employs an electronic particle counting and size analysis system to determine changes in the nuclear volume of lymphocytes. This preliminary study compares the in vitro response to phytochemagglutinin of lymphocytes from 12 nonpregnant and 12 pregnant women and utilizes morphologic changes, the mitotic index, tritiated thymidine uptake, and changes in nuclear volume as the means for assessing the lymphocyte transformation rates. The mitogenic response to phytohemagglutinin of lymphocytes from pregnant and nonpregnant women was similar in both groups, as determined by all four parameters.
The cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic activities of the novel fluoropyrimidine F10 towards prostate cancer cells are enhanced by Zn(2+) -chelation and inhibiting the serine protease Omi/HtrA2.

Background Intracellular Zn(2+) levels decrease during prostate cancer progression and agents that modulate intracellular Zn(2+) are cytotoxic to prostate cancer cells by an incompletely described mechanism. F10 is a new polymeric fluoropyrimidine drug-candidate that displays strong activity with minimal systemic toxicity in pre-clinical models of prostate cancer and other malignancies. The effects of exogenous Zn(2+) or Zn(2+) chelation for enhancing F10 cytotoxicity are investigated as is the role of Omi/HtrA2, a serine protease that promotes apoptosis in response to cellular stress. Methods To test the hypothesis that the pro-apoptotic effects of F10 could be enhanced by modulating intracellular Zn(2+) we investigated cell-permeable and cell-impermeable Zn(2+) chelators and exogenous Zn(2+) and evaluated cell viability and apoptosis in cellular models of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC; PC3, C4-2). The role of Omi/HtrA2 for modulating apoptosis was evaluated by pharmacological inhibition and Western blotting. Results Exogenous Zn(2+) initially reduced prostate cancer cell viability but these effects were transitory and were ineffective at enhancing F10 cytotoxicity. The cell-permeable Zn(2+) -chelator tetrakis-(2-pyridylmethl) ethylenediamine (TPEN) induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells and enhanced the pro-apoptotic effects of F10. The pro-apoptotic effects of Zn(2+) -chelation in combination with F10 treatment were enhanced by inhibiting Omi/HtrA2 implicating this serine protease as a novel target for prostate cancer treatment. Conclusions Zn(2+) -chelation enhances the pro-apoptotic effects of F10 and may be useful for enhancing the effectiveness of F10 for treatment of advanced prostate cancer. The serine protease Omi/HtrA2 modulates Zn(2+) -dependent apoptosis in prostate cancer cells and represents a new target for treatment of CRPC. Prostate 75:360-369, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of Plasmid Deoxyribonucleic Acid Contents, Culture Characteristics, and Indices of Pathogenicity Among Selected Strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus

Thirty-one Kanagawa-positive and -negative Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolates from patient stools and seafood were examined for plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid content, culture characteristics, and indices of pathogenicity. No significant correlation was found between plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid contents and indices of pathogenicity for the strains tested.
Inexpensive Database Management Software

In our last PS article, we discussed the varieties of data that political scientists store, retrieve, and analyze using microcomputers.' The best software tools to use depend on the kinds and amounts of data. For medium to large quantities of numerical data, the best tool for input and retrieval is a traditional database management program such as dBASE or Paradox. A large data set is defined as one that by itself or together with related transformation and query needs exceeds a computer's RAM capacity. Traditional database management programs may also be best for text-based entries if each entry is approximately 250 characters or less in length. They may also be the tools of choice for both numerical and text-based entries (again of 250 characters or less) if complex query operations are conducted only infrequently.
Beyond the universities: The movement towards mass higher education in Britain

Britain is on the verge of a stage of development in higher education from which the United States is emerging; the former, many believe, is about to move from elite to mass higher education, while the latter is in transition toward universal access to varied forms of post-secondary schooling. Britain is in fact a long way, even in numbers, from a mass system of higher education. A recent report on comparative national enrollment rates indicated that the proportion of the age group 18 to 22 enrolled in all forms of higher education in the United Kingdom in 1968-69 was 13.5%. By comparison, the proportion of the age group 18 to 23 enrolled in the United States was 35%. (Cerych, 1972) A British commentator was correct in saying that if there are 835,000 students in higher education in 1981, which is the estimate of the Department of Education and Science (widely criticized as much too low), Britain will still not have a mass higher education system on the scale of the United States. (Scott, 1970) Neither will mass higher education have arrived if the Labour party's proposal to provide for at least one million full-time students in 1980 succeeds. It has been suggested that it would take 1,500,000 students in Britain to approach the present scale of mass higher education in the United States and certain other countries. (Crampin and Armitage, 1970)
The Economic Effects of Intervention in Canadian Agriculture

Interventions affecting producers and consumers of agricultural commodities are a major topic of public debate in Canada at present. The impact of federal interventions affecting eight commodities (wheal, barley, oats, potatoes, beef, pork, poultry and eggs) is examined using concepts of nominal and effective protection. Lessons to be drawn from this analysis are that intervention is much more pervasive than is often realized, and that decisions about altering intervention must be made commodity-by-commodity because the economic situation of each is unique. Les interventions affectant les producteurs el les consommateurs de denrees agricoles. est un sujet majeur de debat public au Canada, en ce moment. Ľimpact des interventions affectionnant huit denrees (le ble, ľorge. ľavoine, les pommes de terre. le hoeuf, le porc, la volaille el les oeufs) est examine en utilisant des concepts de protection nominate et effective. Les conclusions devant etre tirees de cette analyse, sont que ľintervention est beaucoup plus repandue que ľon peul le realiser. et qu ‘il est conseille. en ce qui concerne les modifications sur ľintervention. de proceder denree par denree. car la situation economique de chacune ďentre elle est unique.
Roles of Infected Seed Tubers and Soilborne Inoculum on Verticillium Wilt of ‘Russet Burbank’ Potato

Verticillium dahliae, causal agent of Verticillium wilt of potato, persists in soil as microsclerotia and can be found in infected tubers used for seed. The effects of naturally infected tubers and soilborne inoculum on Verticillium wilt symptoms were compared in the greenhouse. Infected and noninfected tubers were grown in infested and noninfested potting soil. Chlorosis and necrosis were measured and converted to area under senescence progress curves (AUSPC). Aboveground stems and progeny tubers were assayed for V. dahliae. Plants from infested soils exhibited significantly greater AUSPC than plants from noninfested soil. Plants grown from infected and noninfected tubers had similar AUSPC and interactions between infected tubers and infested soil were not observed. The pathogen was isolated from the vascular system of 94% of plants grown in infested soils and 8% of plants grown from infected tubers in noninfested soil. Plants grown in infested soil contained microsclerotia on 46% of stems while plants grown from infected tubers in noninfested soils exhibited microsclerotia on <1% of stems. Infected progeny tubers were only recovered from plants grown in infested soil. Seed tuber infection did not contribute to premature senescence or potential inoculum production, indicating that management efforts should focus on reducing soilborne inoculum.
From “Laying the Foundations” to Building the House: Extending Orbe's (1998) Co-Cultural Theory to Include “Rationalization” as a Formal Strategy

We extend co-cultural theory to include an additional communication strategy: rationalization. Rationalization is defined as instances where individuals provide alternative explanations for communication rather than labeling them as forms of injustice (e.g., racially insensitive, prejudice, or discriminatory). Thirty co-researchers were interviewed about Black and White communication challenges from a co-cultural theoretical lens. Participants employed rationalization to process intercultural tension. Specifically, Black participants rationalized being watched in public, racial comments, workplace practices and treatment, and racism.
Complications of hypospadias repair

Hypospadias is one of the most frequently encountered congenital malformations of the genitourinary system. The incidence in studies of large populations has been reported to be from 1 to 8 per 1000 male births. For centuries the imagination and creativity of surgeons has been challenged to create a phallus that is both functional and cosmetic. Over the last 30 years numerous new operations and techniques have been developed with the objective of achieving improved cosmetic results with minimal complications.
Moscow–Pyongyang Relations under Kim Jong‐il: High Hopes and Sober Reality*

With Putin’s arrival in the Kremlin, a new era dawned in Moscow– Pyongyang relations. After a decade of estrangement, the two neighbors finally reached rapprochement in 2000. Political relations improved dramatically, but the momentum did not lead to noticeable expansion in military or economic cooperation. High hopes gave way to sober reality, and the two countries adjusted expectations and attitudes to one another. This article is intended to explicate the sudden rise of Moscow–Pyongyang relations shortly after Putin’s inauguration and the rapid stagnation of the ties in subsequent years. Putin hoped to regain lost influence on Korean affairs by re-establishing ties with Pyongyang. He also wanted to use joint economic projects to develop the Russian Far East and in doing so, assert Russia’s position as a major power in Northeast Asia. He was not, however, willing to “pay the price.” Kim Jong-il harbored unrealistic expectations of Russia as well. He was hopeful that Putin, as in the Soviet era, would readily grant his requests for military items, energy provision, and economic assistance, and provide them gratis. Repeated requests fell on deaf ears, and every time the same response was heard: “cash only!” Moscow and Pyongyang soon lowered their expectations toward each other. While trying to stay on Pyongyang’s good side, Moscow seeks to project its image as an objective mediator and to promote multinational economic projects. Pyongyang, on the other hand, looks to Russia mostly as a counterbalance against the USA.
The effect of dietary protein level on the development of naturally-occurring aortic arteriosclerosis in the chicken

Summary In other laboratories it has been demonstrated that the protein level of the diet can influence the development of aortic atherosclerosis experimentally induced by the feeding of large amounts of cholesterol. In the present study we sought to examine the role of protein on the naturally-occurring aortic arteriosclerosis that develops in chickens fed diets low in cholesterol content (similar to those ingested by man). Two levels of dietary protein were employed: 14.5 %, an adequate level, and 7.3 %, a sub-optimal level. No difference was noted in the gross size of the atheromata or of microscopic lipid deposition in the thoracic and abdominal portions of the aortas of the birds fed the two levels of protein. The need for caution in drawing conclusions ou naturally-occurring aortic arteriosclerosis from experiments in animals fed excessive amounts of cholesterol is pointed out. A higher score of non-lipid intimal thickening was observed in the abdominal aortas in the birds fed the lower-protein diet. The significance of this non-lipid intima thickening is discussed. Throughout the study the average total plasma-cholesterol levels were highest for the birds fed the lower-protein diet. This consistent relationship was significant below the 5% level.
Enhancement by l-glutamate and l-alanine of arginine protection against hydrazine toxicity

Abstract Pretreatment of mice with intraperitoneally administered solutions of l -arginine or l -glutamate decreased significantly the incidence of seizures and the lethality of single doses of hydrazine. Also there was some protection against lethality and attenuation of speed of toxic action of hydrazine after pretreatment with l -alanine. Protection given by mixtures of any two of the above amino acids appeared to be superior to that given by one alone. A remarkable protective effect was given by a mixture of l -arginine, l -glutamate, and l -alanine (4 mmoles/kg each). The above mixture gave significant protection when injected 3 min after a dose of hydrazine which killed 100% of the controls, but not when given at later times.
A fuzzy-set analysis for a dynamic thermo-elasto-viscoplastic damage response

Abstract A computational fuzzy-set based approach is used to study variability (uncertainty) in the mechanical response of dynamically-loaded simple structural components. The mechanical response is described by a thermo-elasto-viscoplastic material model that accounts for damage. The uncertainty in the response is associated with pre-selected variations in material parameters. Sensitivity studies are performed to identify the material parameters which have the most significant effect on the response. Those parameters are then assumed to be fuzzy, and time histories of the possibility distributions of the response quantities are constructed. Numerical results are presented for a titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V.