cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intramuscular adrenaline for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is associated with faster drug delivery: A feasibility study

Abstract Background Early adrenaline administration is associated with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and survival in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Animal data demonstrate a similar rate of ROSC when early intramuscular (IM) adrenaline is given compared to early intravenous (IV) adrenaline. Aim To evaluate the feasibility of protocolized first-dose IM adrenaline in OHCA and it’s effect on time from Public Safety Access Point (PSAP) call receipt to adrenaline administration when compared to IO and IV administration. Methods This is a before-and-after feasibility study of adult OHCAs in a single EMS service following adoption of a protocol for first-dose IM adrenaline. Time from PSAP call to administration and outcomes were compared to 674 historical controls (from January 1, 2013–February 8, 2021) who received at least one dose of adrenaline by IV or IO routes. Results During the study period, first-dose IM adrenaline was administered to 99 patients (December 1, 2019–February 8, 2021). IM adrenaline was given a median of 12.2 min (95% CI 11.4–13.1 min) after the PSAP call receipt compared to 15.3 min for the IV route (95% CI 14.6–16.0 min) and 15.3 min for the IO route (95% CI 14.9–15.7 min) with a time savings of 3 min (95% CI 2–4 min). Rates of survival to hospital discharge appeared similar between groups: 10% for IM, 8% for IV and 7% for IO. However, results related to survival were underpowered for statistical comparison. Conclusions Within the limitations of a small sample size and before-and-after design, first-dose IM adrenaline was feasible and reduced the time to adrenaline administration.
After Identity: Rethinking Race, Sex, and Gender

Introduction: reading individuals 1. The tragedy of David Reimer 2. Racial identification and identity 3. Race and interpretation 4. Sex and science 5. Rethinking sex and gender identities 6. Marriage, the military and identity 7. Hermeneutics and the politics of identity Conclusion.
Assessment of Internal Contamination Problems Associated with Bioregenerative Air/Water Purification Systems

The emphasis is to characterize the mechanisms of bioregenerative revitalization of air and water as well as to assess the possible risks associated with such a system in a closed environment. Marsh and aquatic plants are utilized for purposes of wastewater treatment as well as possible desalinization and demineralization. Foliage plants are also being screened for their ability to remove toxic organics from ambient air. Preliminary test results indicate that treated wastewater is typically of potable quality with numbers of pathogens such as Salmonella and Shigella significantly reduced by the artificial marsh system. Microbiological analyses of ambient air indicate the presence of bacilli as well as thermophilic actinomycetes.
Boulder Drift Theories

Sir Charles Lyell’s hypothesis—Supposed action of drift ice on the sandstones of the shore at Cape Blomidon, Nova Scotia—Miller’s elucidation of the iceberg theory—The polished and scratched rocks of Maine, not referable to the action of icebergs—The bergs carried forward by the polar current flowing beneath the Gulf Stream—They are not deflected from their common course by counter currents—Icebergs could not scratch the east and west sides of hills, and by no means the base at the south sides—They could not scratch an uphill sea bottom—Example on the Gloucester and Salem Turnpike, Massachusetts—A similar one at “Castle Rock”, Nahant—Iceberg theory inadequate to explain the denudation of the floor rock of New England—The supposition that the boulder country was a submerged region, implies a northern ocean free of icebergs—The boulder drift of the western states without marine fossils—The boulder country a dry land region, and greatly more elevated than at present, during the glacial age.
Adding Semantic Knowledge to a Relational Database System

This chapter suggests two mechanisms for adding semantic knowledge to a data manager, namely inclusion of an AI oriented rules system and a particular use of abstract data types. Both topics are explored in the context of the INGRES relational database system.
Explicit Syntax in the Lexicon: the Representation of Nominalizations

This essay pivots around a simple contrast1: (1) a. *the push of John b. John needs a push In (1a) we find that the nominalization does not allow reference to the object via a PP. In (1b) we find that precisely the same object reading is obligatorily selected. Therefore the puzzle is to explain how we have access to the THEME role implicitly when it cannot be generated explicitly.
Long‐term trends in evapotranspiration and runoff over the drainage basins of the Gulf of Mexico during 1901–2008

[1] The Gulf of Mexico (GOM) is facing large pressures from environmental changes since the beginning of the last century. However, the magnitude and long-term trend of total water discharge to the GOM and the underlying processes are not well understood. In this study, the dynamic land ecosystem model (DLEM) has been improved and applied to investigate spatial and temporal variations of evapotranspiration (ET) and runoff (R) over drainage basins of the GOM during 1901–2008. Modeled ET and discharge were evaluated against upscaled data sets and gauge observations. Simulated results demonstrated a significant decrease in ET at a rate of 15 mm yr−1 century−1 and an insignificant trend in runoff/precipitation (R/P) and river discharge over the whole region during 1901–2008. However, the trends in estimated water fluxes show substantial spatial and temporal heterogeneities across the study region. Generally, in the west arid area, ET, R, and R/P decreased; while they increased in the eastern part of the study area during the last 108 years. In the recent 30 years, this region experienced a substantial decrease in R. Factorial simulation experiments indicate that climate change, particularly P, was the dominant factor controlling interannual variations of ET and R; while land use change had the same magnitude of effects on long-term trends in water fluxes as climate change did. To eliminate modeling uncertainties, high-resolution historical meteorological data sets and model parameterizations on anthropogenic effects, such as water use and dam constructions, should be developed.
The neural plasticity of early‐passage human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells and their modulation with chromatin‐modifying agents

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in their immature state express a variety of genes of the three germ layers at relatively low or moderate levels that might explain their phenomenal plasticity. Numerous recent studies have demonstrated that under the appropriate conditions in vitro and in vivo the expression of different sets of these genes can be upregulated, turning MSCs into variety of cell lineages of mesodermal, ectodermal and endodermal origin. While transdifferentiation of MSCs is still controversial, these unique properties make MSCs an ideal autologous source of easily reprogrammable cells. Recently, using the approach of cell reprogramming by biological active compounds that interfere with chromatin structure and function, as well as with specific signalling pathways that promote neural fate commitment, we have been able to generate neural-like cells from human bone marrow (BM)-derived MSCs (hMSCs). However, the efficiency of neural transformation of hMSCs induced by this approach gradually declined with passaging. To elucidate the mechanisms that underlie the higher plasticity of early-passage hMSCs, comparative analysis of the expression levels of several pluripotent and neural genes was conducted for early- and late-passage hMSCs. The results demonstrated that early-passage hMSCs expressed the majority of these genes at low and moderate levels that gradually declined at late passages. Neural induction further increased the expression of some of these genes in hMSCs, accompanied by morphological changes into neural-like cells. We concluded that low and moderate expression of several pluripotent and neural genes in early-passage hMSCs could explain their higher plasticity and pliability for neural induction.
Properties of Pseudomonas enalia, a marine bacterium pathogenic for the invertebrate Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg)

Bacteriological investigations of dead and dying oysters in populations of Crassostrea gigas grown in Hood Canal, Oyster Bay, and Willapa Bay, Washington, were undertaken. Living, and presumably normal, oysters within the same sample set were also examined. Results indicated that the natural flora of Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg) is composed of organisms representing the genera Pseudomonas, Achromobacter, Flavobacterium, and Vibrio. Pollution indicator organisms such as Escherichia coli were not found. The flora of dead or dying oysters included a somewhat greater incidence of Pseudomonas sp.; a seawater-requiring organism isolated on several occasions from oyster gapers which had been collected from different geographical areas was identified as P. enalia. A description of the organism has been provided, and the characteristics are listed to facilitate identification by other workers encountering the organism in future studies of a similar kind. The seawater requirement exhibited by P. enalia was deduced to be a requirement for sodium chloride for growth of the organism. Experiments to determine the pathogenicity of Pseudomonas enalia were performed by use of experimentally infected animals maintained in aerated seawater tanks. Death of C. gigas occurred when the animal body tissue was injected with viable bacterial cell suspension. Results of histological studies of the normal and infected oyster tissue suggest that bacterial invasion of the tissue occurred.
Execution-time profiling for multiple-process behavioral synthesis

This paper presents a technique for back-annotating the results of high-level synthesis into the source description to produce a timing-accurate behavioral simulation model. The resulting simulation model exhibits the same cycle-by-cycle behavior as a register-transfer level model, but can be simulated in a fraction of the time. This idea has analogies both to software profiling and to back-annotation at lower levels of hardware design. Experimental results demonstrate that the annotated behavioral simulation models run two to three orders of magnitude faster than register-transfer level simulation models, and only about an order of magnitude slower than behavioral models with no timing information.
Decentring state categories: diaspora within a Palestinian geopolitical assemblage in Nicosia, Cyprus

With over 50% of Palestinians in diaspora, global constructions of what is Palestinian are central to Palestinian geopolitics. This article examines how the meanings and implications of the label “Palestinian” in diaspora are produced as Palestinians negotiate the politics of migration and citizenship while living in Cyprus. Using the concept of a geopolitical assemblage incorporates the role of state immigration control into a critical discussion of diaspora. Cyprus provides a complex context in which the momentary constructions of a Palestinian diaspora in relation to other geopolitical entities affects Palestinians despite their immigration or citizenship status in Cyprus.
The construction of artistic reputation in Seicento Bologna: Guido Reni and the Sirani

The critical receptions of Guido Reni, Giovanni Andrea Sirani, and Elisabetta Sirani suggest that in seventeenth-century Bologna, technical brilliance was consistently valued more highly than iconographic invention. This essay assesses the differing critical fortunes of these three artists through the commentaries of the early writers, patterns of attribution (for drawings and paintings) and collecting, and economic rewards for their works. These varied types of evidence elucidate the relative roles of technical virtuosity, invention, and gender in formulating artistic reputations in early modern Italy. The relative inattention of sophisticated early critics to iconographic invention and the privileging of technical mastery and innovation suggest that the earlier widespread concern for elevating the intellectual status of painting was increasingly becoming a moot point.
Open-mindedness in Three Dimensions

In this programmatic essay, I approach the question "What is open-mindedness?" through three more specific questions, each designed to foreground a distinct dimension along which the analysis of open-mindedness might proceed: When is open-mindedness? What is not open-mindedness? and, Where is open-mindedness? The first question refers to the temporal dimension of open-mindedness, which I analyze in terms of Dewey’s distinction between recognition and perception and the psychoanalytic concept of disavowal. The second question refers to the dialectical dimension of open-mindedness, to what the many aspects of closed-mindedness reveal about open-mindedness. Here I recall Aristotle’s doctrine of the mean. The third question refers to the dimension of scale, asking what open- and closed-mindedness look like on the interpersonal and social levels. To bring out this third dimension, I draw on Jonathan Lear's reading of the Republic and psychoanalytic group dynamics theory. Through these three related inquiries I show the range of this central intellectual virtue and bring out its connections to two central, related features of the moral life: the need for integration and the need for openness to newness and complexity.
CHANGING DEMOGRAPHICS AND NEUROLOGIC DISEASE IN THE ELDERLY

Mortality from several neurologic diseases has increased dramatically over the past 4 decades among the elderly in developed countries. This trend usually has been attributed to better case ascertainment in recent years. Corresponding demographic changes in the elderly population in developed nations over this same period, a manifestation of differential survival, are sufficient to have contributed substantially to the observed increasing burden of these neurologic diseases. The selective effect of differential survival on the surviving population gene pool is an additional explanation for the observed increasing burden of several neurologic diseases associated with senescence.
Interplay of the Proto-oncogene Proteins CrkL and CrkII in Insulin-like Growth Factor-I Receptor-mediated Signal Transduction

Abstract The closely related proto-oncogene proteins CrkII and CrkL consist of one SH2 and two SH3 domains and share 60% overall homology with the highest identity within their functional domains. In this study we show that CrkL and CrkII may play overlapping but different roles in insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I receptor-mediated signal transduction. While both proteins are substrates involved in IGF-I receptor signaling, they apparently demonstrate important different properties and different biological responses. Evidence supporting this hypothesis includes (a) the oncogenic potential of CrkL versus the absence of this potential in CrkII overexpressing cell lines, (b) the inhibition of IGF-I-dependent cell cycle progression by overexpression of CrkII, and (c) the differential regulation of the phosphorylation status of selective proteins in CrkII and CrkL overexpressing cell lines. In addition we demonstrate the specific association of CrkL and CrkII with the newly characterized IRS-4 protein, again in a differential manner. Whereas CrkL strongly interacts with IRS-4 via its SH2 and N-terminal SH3 domains, CrkII interacts only via its SH2 domain, possibly explaining the unstable nature of IRS-4-CrkII association. The results obtained allow us to propose a unique mechanism of CrkL and CrkII tyrosine phosphorylation in response to IGF-I stimulation. Thus these highly homologous proteins apparently possess structural features that allow for the differential association of each protein with different effector molecules, thereby activating different signaling pathways and resulting in unique biological roles of these proteins.
Allocation of resources in project management

Resource allocation on a project planning network is modelled as a minimax convex program. A limited budget is to be distributed over the activities of a project so as to minimize the duration of the project or critical path. Conjugate duality is used to simplify the formulation for computational purposes
Acronym Modi Based Vision In The Intelligent Task Automation Project.

The Intelligent Task Automation Project involves the automatic location and assembly of a tray of parts in an uncontrolled. environment (i.e., no control of hunting). This paper provides a. brief description of the ACRONYM vision system and concentrates on extensions for location of the assembly components. The characteristics of the components are significantly different than the domains in which ACRONYM has been demonstrated -in particular the parts include holes and springs. Problems in representation, image feature prediction and image interpretation are discussed along with significance for future work in model-based vision
Extremal Curves of a Rotating Ellipse

(2004). Extremal Curves of a Rotating Ellipse. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 77, No. 1, pp. 56-61.
Controller Performance and Attention Allocation in Future Air Traffic Management: Effects of Pilot Intent Information

New Air Traffic Management (ATM) concepts are being considered to cope with increased demands on the airspace. The transition to future ATM will be gradual. Initially, only some aircraft will have the equipment to fully participate in all aspects of the new system, whereas other less well-equipped aircraft will not. The present study investigated how such mixed equipage affects air traffic controller (ATCo) performance and mental workload. Sixteen ATCos performed a simulated ATC task with or without decision support and with varying proportions (low, medium, and high) of traffic mix predictability (i.e. knowledge of aircraft trajectories). Dependent variables included the accuracy and response time in detecting potential conflicts and eye movements. The findings demonstrate that: a) medium traffic mix predictability supports the earlier detection of conflicts; b) automation support improves conflict detection, but c) ATCos make the most eye movements towards unmanaged aircraft.
Signals for the minimal gauge-mediated supersymmetry-breaking model at the Fermilab Tevatron collider

We investigate the experimental implications of the minimal gauge-mediated low energy supersymmetry-breaking model for Fermilab Tevatron collider experiments. We map out the regions of parameter space of this model that have already been excluded by collider searches and by limits on $b\ensuremath{\rightarrow}s\ensuremath{\gamma}$. We use ISAJET to compute the cross sections for a variety of topological signatures which include photons in assocation with multiple leptons, jets, and missing transverse energy. The reach in the parameter $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$, which fixes the scale of sparticle masses, is estimated to be $\ensuremath{\sim}60$, 100, and 135 TeV for Tevatron integrated luminosities of 0.1, 2, and 25 fb${}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, respectively. The largest signals occur in photon(s) plus lepton(s) plus multijet channels; jet-free channels containing just photons plus leptons occur at much smaller rates, at least within this minimal framework.
Model selection and sharp asymptotic minimaxity

We obtain sharp minimax results for estimation of an n-dimensional normal mean under quadratic loss. The estimators are chosen by penalized least squares with a penalty that grows like ck log(n/k), for k equal to the number of nonzero elements in the estimating vector. For a wide range of sparse parameter spaces, we show that the penalized estimator achieves the exact minimax rate with the correct multiplication constant if and only if c equals 2. Our results unify the theory obtained by many other authors for penalized estimation of normal means. In particular we establish that a conjecture by Abramovich et al. (Ann Stat 34:584–653, 2006) is true.
Statins, primary prevention, and overall mortality.

The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association updated their cholesterol guidelines in November 2013, sparking debate about the role of statins in the primary prevention of cardiovas...
Energy loss of a fast ion in a plasma

Abstract An exact expression is given for the stopping power of a plasma for a fast, but non-relativistic, test ion. The general formula, which yields the classical result in the low-energy limit and the Born-approximation formula at high energies, is found essentially by identifying the essential aspects of the formulation of this problem with those of the problem of low-frequency Coulomb bremsstrahlung.
Histopathologic risk factors for breast cancer in women with benign breast disease

Mammary epithelial hyperplasia indicates an increased likelihood of carcinoma development as it does in other organs. Prospective studies have demonstrated that in the premammography era about 70% of women undergoing surgical biopsy had no increased risk of cancer and have little if any hyperplastic alteration. About 25% of women have well-developed hyperplastic changes and have a risk elevation, controlled for age, of 1.5-2 times that of the general population. Less than 5% of women have atypical hyperplasia demonstrating some histologic features of carcinoma in situ, which indicates a risk elevation of 4-5 times. This is about one half the risk associated with microscopic carcinoma in situ. Therapeutic implications of these premalignant lesions rest predominantly in their indication for the heightened intensity of subsequent breast cancer surveillance and screening.
Carotid artery stenting has increased rates of postprocedure stroke, death, and resource utilization than does carotid endarterectomy in the United States, 2005.

Objective Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) remains the procedure of choice for treatment of patients with severe carotid artery stenosis. The role of carotid artery stenting (CAS) in this patient group is still being defined. Prior single and multicenter studies have demonstrated economic savings associated with CEA compared with CAS. The purpose of this study was to compare surgical outcomes and resource utilization associated with these two procedures at the national level in 2005, the first year in which a specific ICD-9 procedure code for CAS was available. Methods All patient discharges for carotid revascularization for the year 2005 were identified in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample based on ICD9-CM procedure codes for CEA (38.12) and CAS (00.63). The primary outcome measures of interest were in-hospital mortality and postoperative stroke; secondary outcome measures included total hospital charges and length of stay (LOS). All statistical analyses were performed using SAS version 9.1 (Cary, NC), and data are weighted according to the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) design to draw national estimates. Univariate analyses of categorical variables were performed using Rao-Scott χ 2 , and continuous variables were analyzed by survey weighted analysis of variance (ANOVA). Multivariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate independent predictors of postoperative stroke and mortality. Results During 2005, an estimated 135,701 patients underwent either CEA or CAS nationally. Overall, 91% of patients underwent CEA. The mean age overall was 71 years. Postoperative stroke rates were increased for CAS compared with CEA (1.8% vs 1.1%, P P P P Conclusions Based on a large representative sample during the year 2005, CEA was performed with significantly lower in-hospital mortality, postoperative stroke rates, and lower median total hospital charges than CAS in US hospitals. As the role for CAS becomes defined for the management of patients with carotid artery stenosis, clinical as well as economic outcomes must be continually evaluated.
Measuring the stimulated-emission cross-section: a case study in Nd:GGG

The stimulated-emission cross-section is a fundamental optical parameter that is used to characterize laser-active media. Oftentimes, one has incomplete information as regards to the spectroscopy or doping concentration of the laser-active species. In this paper, we present a method for the measurement of the stimulated-emission cross-section which is useful if either the concentration of laser-active species or detailed spectroscopic information is not known a priori, or as a means of comparing the results of several methods of cross-section determination. The method requires only a few simple measurements and is amenable to media in bulk form.
Estimating Non-Normal Latent Trait Distributions within Item Response Theory Using True and Estimated Item Parameters

Item response theory (IRT) procedures have been used extensively to study normal latent trait distributions and have been shown to perform well; however, less is known concerning the performance of IRT with non-normal latent trait distributions. This study investigated the degree of latent trait estimation error under normal and non-normal conditions using four latent trait estimation procedures and also evaluated whether the test composition, in terms of item difficulty level, reduces estimation error. Most importantly, both true and estimated item parameters were examined to disentangle the effects of latent trait estimation error from item parameter estimation error. Results revealed that non-normal latent trait distributions produced a considerably larger degree of latent trait estimation error than normal data. Estimated item parameters tended to have comparable precision to true item parameters, thus suggesting that increased latent trait estimation error results from latent trait estimation rather ...
Incoherent neutron scattering as a probe of the dynamics in molecularly thin polymer films

Incoherent neutron scattering measurements were performed on polycarbonate (PC), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) films of variable thickness, ranging from bulklike down to 75 A, or length scales comparable to the polymer's radius of gyration. The temperature dependencies of the incoherent elastic scattering are analyzed in terms of a Debye−Waller factor to estimate the hydrogen-weighted mean-square atomic displacement 〈u2〉. We find a general reduction of 〈u2〉 as the polymer films become increasingly thin, especially above the calorimetric glass transition temperature, Tg. However, below Tg this reduction depends strongly upon the relative amplitude of the displacement. Specifically, if 〈u2〉 in the bulk glass is especially large, as seen in PC, the extensive sub-Tg motions are strongly suppressed by thin film confinement. On the contrary, glassy PVC displays comparatively small-amplitude displacements in the glass and virtually no reduction of 〈u2〉 upon confinement. These r...
ISS calibration analysis support system

ABSTRACT The newest generation of JPL imaging experiments, the Cassini Imaging Science Subsystem, required calibration analysiseffort beyond that of its predecessor instruments. This called for streamlining the data reduction process with automation anJflexibility while using software inherited from support of the Galileo Solid State Imaging instrument. A set of enhancementswas implemented which automated many tasks, tracked their inputs and outputs and generated easily distributable products.Keywords: instrument calibration, image processing, Cassini 1. INTRODUCTION The Cassini mission is sending a suite of remote sensing instruments into orbit around Saturn. Among these instruments, apair of CCD imagers make up the Imaging Science Subsystem (ISS). The Narrow-angle Camera is a new design with 24filters and a 1024x1024 sensor producing 12-bit data values. The Wide-angle Camera uses spare Voyager optics with 18filters, but identical electronics with the Narrow-angle Camera'.These devices required testing and calibration prior to launch in order to:
Controlled release of plasmid DNA

Abstract Very large molecular weight reporter plasmids (pCMV- β gal, pSV- β gal) and lower molecular weight (herring sperm) DNA were encapsulated in polyethylene vinyl co-acetate (EVAc). In vitro release studies were performed to determine release rates and duration of delivery. The swelling behavior and morphological changes of these formulations were studied to elucidate the potential mechanism of DNA release. The bioactivity of the released plasmid DNA was assessed through analysis of conformation using agarose gel electrophoresis and in vitro transfection of C 2 C 12 myoblasts using liposome (Lipofectin™) complexation. Extraction of plasmid DNA from the delivery systems indicated that the fabrication conditions did not degrade the DNA. Depending on initial DNA loading, detectable levels were released for 1–6 months. Pore formation was accompanied by swelling which varied according to DNA loading as well as the type of DNA (herring sperm, plasmid). Conformational analysis of released plasmid DNA showed DNA was released without degradation and retained the ability to transfect cells in vitro. The results demonstrate that controlled release systems can be fabricated for the release of very large molecular weight plasmid DNA which may provide an alternative approach to plasmid-based gene transfer.
Radius and Frequency of 15 m s−1 (30 kt) Winds around Tropical Cyclones

Abstract Over 8500 rawinsonde soundings within 8° radius of tropical cyclones in the northwest Pacific and West Indies regions are statistically analyzed to determine occurrence frequencies of 15 m s−1 (30 kt) winds at the sea surface. At any radius the likelihood of encountering winds >15 m s−1 is found to increase with increasing central wind speed and with increasing radius of the highest closed isobar. There are significant right-side wind maxima and left-side minima with respect to the direction of storm motion. This reflects the natural storm asymmetry. Much variability is found in the radius of 15 m s−1 winds between cyclones of similar inner core intensity.
(-)-Stepholidine is a potent pan-dopamine receptor antagonist of both G protein- and β-arrestin-mediated signaling

(−)-Stepholidine is a tetrahydroberberine alkaloid that is known to interact with dopamine receptors and has also been proposed as a novel antipsychotic agent. Its suggested novelty lies in the fact that it has been proposed to have D1-like receptor agonist and D2-like receptor antagonist properties. Thus, it might be effective in treating both positive and negative (cognition) symptoms of schizophrenia. However, its activity on specific dopamine receptor subtypes has not been clarified, especially with respect to its ability to activate D1-like receptors. We wished to examine the affinity and functional activity of (−)-stepholidine at each of the human dopamine receptor subtypes expressed in a defined cellular environment. D1–D5 dopamine receptors were stably expressed in cell lines and their interactions with (−)-stepholidine were examined using radioligand binding and various functional signaling assays. Radioligand binding assays were also performed using bovine striatal membranes. (−)-Stepholidine exhibited high (nM) affinity for D1 and D5 receptors, somewhat lower (two- to four-fold) affinity for D2 and D3 receptors, and low micromolar affinity for D4 receptors. Functionally, (−)-stepholidine was ineffective in activating G protein-mediated signaling of D1-like and D2 receptors and was also ineffective in stimulating β-arrestin recruitment to any dopamine receptor subtype. It did, however, antagonize all of these responses. It also antagonized D1–D2 heteromer-mediated Ca2+ mobilization. Radioligand binding assays of D1-like receptors in brain membranes also indicated that (−)-stepholidine binds to the D1 receptor with antagonist-like properties. (−)-Stepholidine is a pan-dopamine receptor antagonist and its in vivo effects are largely mediated through dopamine receptor blockade with potential cross-talk to other receptors or signaling proteins.
The Fat Metabolism of the Mammary Gland of the Normal Cow and of the Cow in Ketosis

Summary 1.In severe ketosis, characterized by ketonemia, hypoglycemia, and varying degrees of inanition, the short chain fatty acids of milk fat were considerably below normal. Consequently β-hydroxybutyric acid cannot be considered the precursor of these fatty acids. 2.On the basis of the present evidence it appears that β-hydroxybutyric acid is one of the chief sources of energy for the active mammary gland. 3.The administration of large quantities of glucose to cows with ketosis was followed by a significant increase in the water-soluble steam-volatile fatty acids of milk fat within 36 to 48 hours. This was accompanied by an increase in the unsaturation of the fatty acids. The water-insoluble steam-volatile fatty acids were not immediately affected, but increased following the recovery of the animal. 4.The short chain fatty acids of milk fat are not decreased nearly as much by ketosis as by short periods of fasting, although the blood glucose is usually lowered at least 50 per cent more by severe ketosis than by a few days of fasting. 5.The percentage of short chain fatty acids in the milk fat are much more closely associated with food intake than with the level of blood glucose, lactic acid, or acetone bodies. 6.The low R. Q. of the mammary gland of the fasted cow is probably due, in part, to the oxidation of β-hydroxybutyric acid. 7.In five experiments the total amount of blood traversing the mammary gland in a period of 24 hours was calculated from the utilization of calcium and phosphorus per 100 cc. of blood and the total amounts of calcium and phosphorus secreted in a 24-hour period. Each unit of volume of milk required 494volumes of blood. Similar analyses indicated that the blood fat removed would account for 92.8 per cent of the milk fat secreted, and that the blood glucose removed would account for 105.5 per cent of the lactose.
Recombinant Arabidopsis SQD1 converts UDP-glucose and sulfite to the sulfolipid head group precursor UDP-sulfoquinovose in vitro

Abstract The sulfolipid sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol is a component of plant photosynthetic membranes and represents one of the few naturally occurring sulfonic acids with detergent properties. Sulfolipid biosynthesis involves the transfer of sulfoquinovose, a 6-deoxy-6-sulfoglucose, from UDP-sulfoquinovose to diacylglycerol. The formation of the sulfonic acid precursor, UDP-sulfoquinovose, from UDP-glucose and a sulfur donor is proposed to be catalyzed by the bacterial SQDB proteins or the orthologous plant SQD1 proteins. To investigate the underlying enzymatic mechanism and to elucidate thede novo synthesis of sulfonic acids in biological systems, we developed an in vitro assay for the recombinant SQD1 protein from Arabidopsis thaliana. Among different possible sulfur donors tested, sulfite led to the formation of UDP-sulfoquinovose in the presence of UDP-glucose and SQD1. An SQD1 T145A mutant showed greatly reduced activity. The UDP-sulfoquinovose formed in this assay was identified by co-chromatography with standards and served as substrate for the sulfolipid synthase associated with spinach chloroplast membranes. Approximate K m values of 150 μm for UDP-glucose and 10 μm for sulfite were established for SQD1. Based on our results, we propose that SQD1 catalyzes the formation of UDP-sulfoquinovose from UDP-glucose and sulfite, derived from the sulfate reduction pathway in the chloroplast.
Discrimination of cocaethylene in rats trained to discriminate between its components

Two groups of eight male Normalized/National Institutes of Health (N/Nih) rats were used in a food-motivated, 2-lever drug discrimination task with one group being trained to discriminate between 10 mg/kg cocaine vs. 1 g/kg ethanol, whereas the second group was trained to discriminate the metabolic product of these two agents, i.e., cocaethylene (10 mg/kg) vs. its saline vehicle. All drugs were administered intraperitoneally and training/testing was conducted 15 min post-injection. Once both groups of animals attained criterion performance, they were each tested in sessions, interspersed with maintenance sessions, with numerous doses of both cocaine and cocaethylene; this resulted in a typical dose-response relationship in each group but indicated that the cocaine-ethanol trained animals were more sensitive to the lower doses of cocaine (as indicated by a decreased ED50 value, i.e., 1.74 mg/kg) when compared to previously trained cocaine-saline animals (ED50 4.22 mg/kg) and, that in both groups, cocaine was significantly more potent than was cocaethylene. Although numerous laboratories have trained drug vs. drug in the drug discrimination paradigm, this is the first study to train animals to discriminate between two drugs which, although having different discriminative properties, form a third psychoactive compound when co-administered. The sensitivity of drug-drug testing vs. drug-saline testing is discussed, as well as the use of these two agents in human abuse.
Ultrashort-pulse laser heating of silicon to reduce microstructure adhesion

Abstract A technique to remove moisture from microelectronic devices and improve device yield in microelectromechanical systems by reducing microstructure surface adhesion is proposed. Ultrashort-pulse laser radiation is used to create excited carriers in, and consequently desorb water from, silicon micro-structures. A theoretical model for ultrashort-pulse laser heating of silicon is presented. Calculated carrier temperatures show significant increases at short time scales, while the lattice temperatures remain almost constant, indicating the possibility for water desorption without significant device heating. A preliminary experiment confirming the feasibility of using the technique to decrease microstructure adhesion is discussed.
Oral delivery of particulate prostate cancer vaccine: In vitro and in vivo evaluation

Background: Various approaches have been evaluated for generation of efficient immune response against tumor antigens. Our approach exploits usage of particulate delivery to generate immune response against prostate cancer antigens.Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of prostate cancer vaccine derived from a murine prostate cancer cell line, TRAMP C2 in murine model via oral route using aleuria aurantia lectin as a targeting ligand for M-cells in the intestinal Peyer’s patches.Methods: The whole cell lysate (WCL) was obtained from TRAMP C2 murine prostate cancer cell line and was formulated into particles using one step spray drying process. For in vivo studies, 4–6 week old C57BL/6 male mice were vaccinated orally biweekly for 10 weeks. Serum samples were analyzed at regular intervals to determine serum IgG levels. The mice were then challenged with live TRAMP C2 cells to determine efficacy of the vaccine.Results: The serum IgG levels of vaccinated animals were higher compared to ...
Analytical prenyl pigment separation from a total green-plant lipid extract

Abstract A one-step method for the analytical separation of the major prenyl pigments out of a total green-plant lipid extract is described. Thin-layer chromatography on prepared silica gel plates rapidly separates the pigments from the relatively greater amount of noncolored lipids and simultaneously resolves the four major carotenoids and chlorophylls a and b . Each resolved colored band contains a single pigment as identified by visible absorption spectrophotometry. Radiochemical analysis of the colored and nonpigmented regions from resulting chromatograms confirms that no pigment is contaminated with colorless lipid, allowing reliable analysis of the resolved pigments beyond spectrophotometry. The method can also resolve the carotenoids in a saponified fraction of total green-plant lipid and simultaneously separate them from fatty acid ester products of acyl lipid saponification.
Monoculture, Polyculture, and Polyvariety in Tropical Forest Swidden Cultivation'

A number of researchers have suggested that polyculture is characteristic of native tropical forest swiddens and have adduced theory from community ecology to account for its adaptiveness. Ye'kwana and Yanomamo swidden cultivation is examined, and it is shown that polyculture is not practiced to any significant degree. Instead, the concept of polyvariety is introduced along with a number of other cultivation practices that more simply account for the adaptiveness of Ye'kwana and Yanomamo gardening. In addition, comparative data from other parts of the tropical world indicate that polyculture is no more common than monoculture and recent advances in ecological research indicate that the diversity-stability hypothesis that underpins adaptive arguments of polyculture is in need of drastic revision.
Electron energy loss and secondary emission mechanisms in BaO

Abstract Electron Loss Spectroscopy (ELS), X-ray Photoemission (XPS), Secondary Emission Energy Distribution, and Secondary Electron yield data have been obtained on both evaporated films and sprayed-on coatings of BaO. Using the ELS correlated with the XPS data, bulk and surface plasmon losses as well as excitonic and interband transition electron loss mechanisms have been identified. It was found that at low primary beam energies (
Ultrasound in the diagnosis of congenital heart disease.

Abstract In addition to recording the motion of the mitral, tricuspid, aortic, and pulmonic valves, echocardiography can identify right and left ventricular cavities and the interventricular septum. Disorders such as atrial-septal defect, valvular and subvalvular aortic stenosis, pulmonic stenosis, Ebstein's anomaly of the tricuspid valve, and the hypoplastic left-heart syndrome can readily be evaluated by echocardiography. In tetralogy of Fallot and truncus arteriosus, discontinuity between the anterior aortic wall and septum with overriding aorta has been demonstrated. Doubleoutlet right ventricle is associated with posterior aortic wall and mitral valve discontinuity. In disorders such as single ventricle, tricuspid atresia, and endocardial cushion defect with common A-V canal, echocardiographic demonstration of the absence of the interventricular septum has provided the clinician with valuable information. Newer techniques such as compound-B ultrasonography, which produces a two-dimensional cross-sectional image of intracardiac structures, and multiscan echocardiography will enhance the use of conventional echocardiography by providing a more accurate anatomic display of cardiac chambers and outflow vessels.
Emerging liability issues in the implementation and adoption of community oriented policing

The adoption of community oriented policing (COP) is likely to have an impact on patterns of civil liability claims filed against police departments and officers. We hypothesize that COP practices may lead to an increase in civil liability claims by expanding the scope of police responsibilities and roles and by altering patterns of police citizen interactions which, in turn, could affect the clarity and uses of three legal standards which support civil liability claims: negligence in state tort claims, “color of law” under Section 1983, and the “legal duty” standard. We call for further research and suggest some managerial strategies to avoid the eventualities presented.
Predicting internal cell fluxes at sub-optimal growth

Flux Balance Analysis (FBA) is a widely used tool to model metabolic behavior and cellular function. Applications of FBA span a breadth of research from synthetic engineering of biofuels to understanding evolutionary adaptations. FBA predicts metabolic reaction fluxes that optimize a given objective. This objective is generally defined for unicellular organisms by a theoretical reaction which simulates biomass production. FBA has been extremely successful at predicting in E. coli growth rates under different media and gene essentiality, amongst other things. In order to improve predictions, additional constraints are coupled with optimization of the biomass function. Studies have suggested, however, that unicellular organisms - like multicellular organisms - do not grow at optimal rates. To further improve FBA predictions, particularly of internal cell fluxes, new techniques to explore the sub-optimal solution space need to be developed. We present an innovative FBA method called corsoFBA based on the optimization of protein cost at sub-optimal objective levels. Our method shows good agreement with experimental data of E. coli grown at different dilution rates. Maintaining the objective function close to its maximum value predicts metabolic states that closely resemble low dilution rates; while higher dilution rates can be mirrored by lowering the biomass production value. By using a modified version of Extreme Pathways, we are also able to quantify the energy production and overall protein cost for all possible pathways in the central carbon metabolism. Metabolic flux distributions at the optimal objective can be substantially different from the near-optimal distributions. Importantly, the behavior of E. coli central carbon metabolism can be better predicted by exploring the sub-optimal FBA solution space. The corsoFBA method presented here is able to predict the behavior of PEP Carboxylase, the glyoxylate shunt and the Entner-Doudoroff pathway at different glucose levels, a behavior not predicted by the minimization of metabolic steps and FBA alone. This technique can be used to better predict internal cell fluxes under different conditions, and corsoFBA will be of great help for the study of cells from multicellular organisms using Flux Balance Analysis.
Cognition friendly interaction: A concept of partnership in human computer interaction.

This paper identifies yet another field of research, the discipline of human computer interaction, where the concept of self-similar fluctuations can play a vital role. A concept of interaction between computation and cognition is developed that is friendly toward the cognitive process. It is argued that friendly interactions must have a memory and be antipersistent. To cast this in a mathematical form, fluctuations in the interactions recorded over a period of time are studied, and it is shown that these fluctuations must necessarily be self-similar with the value of the self-similarity parameter confined to the interval (0, 1/2), for the interaction to be friendly. A statistical measure of complexity, of the interaction process, is also formulated as a function of the self-similarity parameter. Finally the question is raised as how to build a friendly software and a possible evolutionary process through which friendly softwares may emerge is indicated.