cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Documentation of decision-making during air transport.

Abstract Introduction: Decision-making is an integral part of quality patient care. The aim of this study was to evaluate decision-making documentation. Methods: A retrospective descriptive design was used to examine the documentation for a convenience sample of 48 trauma patients transported by rotor-wing aircraft. Results: A total of 1012 decisions were documented in the 48 records. The decisions were grouped into major conceptual problems. An average of 10.2 ± 4.56 conceptual problems were identified in each record. The top 10 conceptual problems were evaluated. Adequate documentation was found to support all decision-making related to the top 10 problems. Conclusion: Although air medical personnel may not directly document statements of rationale for their decision-making, sufficient data were present in the records to support each documented decision.
A New Era for Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome

Platelet aggregation is one of the most important underlying mechanisms in acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Antiplatelet therapy is considered as a cornerstone therapy and is widely used in these patients. Clopidogrel is currently a class I indication in patients with ACS. However, different degrees of resistance to clopidogrel have been the subject of many recent studies that led to higher dosing regimens of clopidogrel. Failure of clopidogrel to provide consistent platelet aggregation inhibition in all patients made the emergence of new more reliable agents crucial. Prasugrel and ticagrelor are the 2 new antiplatelet agents that have recently been compared with clopidogrel in patients with ACS. This article reviews the current evidence that supports the use of each of those agents and provides clinicians with an objective summary supporting their use.
Comparison of the reactivity of bulk and surface oxides on Pd(100)

Abstract The reactivity of bulk PdO clusters produced by plasma oxidation of Pd(100) towards propene oxidation was characterized using temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and isothermal oxygen titration. The TPD results were dominated by simultaneous CO 2 and water desorption in a peak at 490 K. The only other product observed was a small amount of CO near saturation propene coverages that also desorbed at 490 K. The propene coverage saturated at exposures between 0.5–1 l, indicating a sticking coefficient close to one. In the titration experiments, CO 2 production peaked almost immediately upon exposure to propene, indicating that the propene oxidation rate fell as the surface was reduced. Above 450 K, virtually all of the propene was completely oxidized to CO 2 and water, while at lower temperatures small amounts of CO were observed and unreacted propene fragments accumulated on the surface. In comparison, previous results for a well-ordered surface oxide on Pd(100) were similar in that CO 2 and water also desorbed simultaneously indicating a similar mechanism, but different in that the sticking coefficient on the surface oxide was a factor of 20 lower, and the desorption peaked 60 K lower. These differences cause the bulk oxide to be far more active at higher temperatures than the surface oxide, but the surface oxide displays some activity down to lower temperatures where propene simply accumulates on the bulk oxide surface.
Serotonergic regulation of associative learning

Abstract This paper presents a review of studies dealing with the effects of 5-HT agonists and antagonists on learning as measured by classical conditioning of the rabbit's nictitating membrane response or the conditioned avoidance response in the rat. These studies indicate that the 5- HT 2A 2C receptors are importantly involved in learning. In these behavioral paradigms, enhancement of learning is only produced by drugs that are agonists at the 5- HT 2A 2C receptors, and this enhancement is only blocked by drugs that are antagonists at these receptors. In addition, evidence is presented for the existence of two classes of 5- HT 2A 2C antagonists consisting of negative antagonists that retard learning when given alone (ritanserin, MDL-11,939, pizotifen and cyproheptadine) and those that are neutral antagonists in that they have no effect on learning (ketanserin, mianserin, BOL and LY-53,857). However, both the neutral and negative antagonists are equally capable of blocking the enhancement of learning produced by 5- HT 2A 2C agonists. It was concluded that 5-HT2A and/or 5-HT2C agonists may provide a new approach to the treatment of learning disorders in aging or Alzheimer's disease.
Cerebral Asymmetry in the Strategies Used in Processing Random Line Stimuli

An experiment was designed to study the processing of hemiretinally presented random line drawings. The nature of the processing demanded by the experimental task appears to be the major factor underlying the observed asymmetries. The findings are consistent with the hypothesis which predicts that the left hemisphere will be dominant in tasks which require an analysis of the structure of a stimulus.
Utilizing Content Delivery Network in Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing has the potential to trigger a major computing model transformation for the IT industry. This paper first briefly describes the business and technical benefits Cloud Computing will bring to us and explains technical challenges to adopt Cloud Computing including the network bottlenecks. One of the solutions to address network problems in Cloud Computing is Content Delivery Network (CDN). This paper digests the basics of Akamai CDN technology. Then, the authors conduct a CDN experiment in Microsoft public cloud, Windows Azure, to demonstrate the benefits of CDN integration with the cloud. The results show significant gain in large data download by utilizing CDN in Cloud Computing. Finally, a couple of academic research ideas are summarized for future cloud CDN improvements.
Bioelectric Properties of Cultured Nasal Polyp and Turbinate Epithelial Cells

Epithelial cells isolated from nasal polyps and inferior turbinates from patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and without CF were studied on permeable collagen matrices. Transepithelial potential dif...
Decreased anticonvulsant efficacy of allopregnanolone during ethanol withdrawal in female Withdrawal Seizure-Prone vs. Withdrawal Seizure-Resistant mice.

Abstract The GABAergic neurosteroid allopregnanolone (ALLO) has been repeatedly shown to have an increased anticonvulsant effect during ethanol withdrawal in rats and in C57BL/6J mice. In contrast, the seizure prone DBA/2J inbred strain and the Withdrawal Seizure-Prone (WSP) selected line exhibited decreased sensitivity to ALLO’s anticonvulsant effect during ethanol withdrawal, with no change in sensitivity in the Withdrawal Seizure-Resistant (WSR) line. To date, only male mice have been tested. Thus, the present study examined ALLO sensitivity during ethanol withdrawal in female WSP and WSR mice, since females display less severe physical symptoms of withdrawal and have higher circulating ALLO levels than males. Female WSP and WSR mice were exposed to ethanol vapor or air for 72 h. During peak ethanol withdrawal, separate groups of mice were injected with vehicle or ALLO (0, 3.2, 10, or 17 mg/kg, i.p.) prior to the timed tail vein infusion of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ). ALLO injection significantly increased the threshold dose for onset to PTZ-induced convulsions, indicating an anticonvulsant effect, in female WSP and WSR mice. During ethanol withdrawal, sensitivity to ALLO’s anticonvulsant effect was slightly increased in female WSR mice but was significantly decreased in female WSP mice. This line difference in sensitivity to ALLO during ethanol withdrawal in female mice was similar to that in the male mice. Notably, all seizure prone genotypes tested to date displayed tolerance to the anticonvulsant effect of ALLO during ethanol withdrawal, suggesting that decreased sensitivity of GABA A receptors to ALLO may contribute to the increased ethanol withdrawal phenotype.
Finding probably better system configurations quickly

The performance of computer and communication systems can in theory be optimized by iteratively finding better system configurations. However, a bottleneck is the time required in simulations/experiments for finding a better system configuration in each iteration. We propose algorithms that quickly find a system configuration that is probably better than the "standard" system configuration, where the performance of a given system configuration is estimated via simulations or experiments. We prove that our algorithms make correct decisions with high probability, and various heuristics to reduce the total simulation time are proposed. Numerical experiments show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms, and this leads to several guidelines for designing efficient and reliable optimization procedures for the performance of computer and communication systems.
Molecular Mechanisms of Glucocorticoid Receptor Action

Glucocorticoids are the most effective therapy for the treatment of many chronic infl ammatory diseases such as asthma and infl ammatory bowel disease (Ito et al., 2006a). In contrast to the situation in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a common and debilitating chronic infl ammatory disease of the lung, is glucocorticoid insensitive (Barnes, 2000a, b; Culpitt et al., 2003). Glucocorticoids act by binding to cytosolic glucocorticoid receptors (GRs), which upon binding become activated and rapidly translocate to the nucleus. Within the nucleus, GR either induces transcription of genes such as secretary leukocyte proteinase inhibitor (SLPI)(Abbinante-Nissen et al., 1995) and mitogen-activated kinase phosphatase-1(Lasa et al., 2002) by binding to specifi c DNA elements (glucocorticoid response element, GRE) at the promoter/enhancer of responsive genes, or reduces infl ammatory gene transcription induced by nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) or other pro-infl ammatory transcription factors (Ito et al., 2006a). Binding of GR to p65-NFκB is crucial for transrepression by glucocorticoids, however, it is not clear how the GR dissociates its ability to control infl ammation by suppressing NF-κB from its ability to directly transactivate genes via binding to GRE (Ito et al., 2006b). In the resting cell, chromatin is tightly compacted to prevent transcription factor accessibility. During activation of the cell this compact inaccessible chromatin is made available to DNA-binding proteins, thus allowing the induction of gene transcription (Lee and Workman, 2007; Li et al., 2007). There is compelling evidence that increased infl ammatory gene transcription is associated with an increase in histone acetylation induced by transcriptional coactivators containing
Video-oculography in the gerbil.

Abstract Normative vestibulo-ocular and optokinetic reflexes (VOR and OKR) and pupil diameter were measured in young adult gerbils using infrared video-oculography with 60 Hz sampling during head-fixed binocular recordings. The pupillary light-sink technique was preferred over a single-beam retinal reflection method because its measurements were less affected by pupil size. Eye movements were generally conjugate with occasional independent saccadic movements, and independent drifting movements in the dark. The horizontal optokinetic response to sinusoidal motion of a randomly spaced white dot pattern was maximal at low velocities (5°/s), stronger temporonasally, and dropped off quickly at ∼20°/s. Constant velocity gain was near unity through 60–80°/s with a sharp drop-off. Monocular viewing revealed almost no nasotemporal optokinetic response. Pupil diameter was found to vary as a saddle function with optokinetic gain from cycle to cycle, but also have a circadian rhythm (smaller at dusk) that related inversely to mean horizontal VOR gain. Gerbils with eyes open sometimes had no optokinetic response during long stimulus periods, which then resumed after a brief vestibular stimulus. The horizontal angular VOR gain was relatively flat across 0.1–1.0 Hz and 30–120 d/s sines (phase near zero), with a mean gain of ∼0.78 in the dark, and 1.0 with the fixed pattern surround (n=15, for both raw calibrated and normalized data). Most animals also revealed a strong slow phase eye velocity asymmetry (dominant during ipsilateral rotation) in the half-cycle gain of their horizontal angular VOR response in the dark. A constant velocity horizontal optokinetic bias velocity did not change the gain or symmetry of the sinusoidal VOR response, but shifted the VOR response velocity in an additive (linear) fashion. Both cross-coupling (pitch or roll while rotating) and pseudo-OVAR (off-axis counter-rotation) stimuli generated horizontal nystagmus. The findings suggest that the gerbil, like other lateral-eyed rodents, relies on otolith cues to interpret angular motion.
Genetic variation in niche construction: implications for development and evolutionary genetics

Niche construction occurs when the traits of an organism influence the environment that it experiences. Research has focused on niche-constructing traits that are fixed within populations or species. However, evidence increasingly demonstrates that niche-constructing traits vary among genotypes within populations. Here, we consider the potential implications of genetic variation in niche construction for evolutionary genetics. Specifically, genetic variation in niche-constructing traits creates a correlation between genotype and environment. Because the environment influences which genes and genetic interactions underlie trait variation, genetic variation in niche construction can alter inferences about the heritability, pleiotropy, and epistasis of traits that are phenotypically plastic. The effects of niche construction on these key evolutionary parameters further suggest novel ways by which niche construction can influence evolution.
Geographical patterns of allozymic variation in three species of intertidal sculpins

We examined spatial patterns of allozyme variation in three species of intertidal cottids to evaluate how much gene flow occurs between geographically separate populations (most likely via passive dispersal of planktonic larvae by currents). Our results from the analysis of geographical patterns of allele frequencies and, to some extent, from comparison of allele frequencies between newly recruited young and older resident fish are consistent with the notion that sufficient gene flow occurs in these fishes to prevent significant genetic isolation of populations. From these results, we visualize evolutionary changes in populations of these species as occurring most likely over a broad geographic scale, affecting spatially separated but genetically linked populations concurrently, rather than operating independently in individual, genetically isolated populations.
Olfactory dysfunction in man: Anatomical and behavioral aspects

We reviewed studies examining the olfaction of patients with brain damage for the purpose of discerning correlations between disordered structure and function. Patient samples included those with neurological disorders and neurosurgical interventions and recording of spontaneous or elicited neuronal activity. Brain areas involved in olfaction include the olfactory bulbs, the orbitofrontal and medial temporal cortices, the thalamus, and the amygdala. Despite recent advances in olfactory anatomy, understanding of how these structures are related to olfactory detection, discrimination, and recognition continues to be limited. Inadequate localization of brain lesions and lack of comprehensive behavioral assessment have thus far prevented a detailed account of the organization of olfaction in the human brain.
ALS-Plus syndrome: Non-pyramidal features in a large ALS cohort

Abstract Objective Autopsy studies show widespread pathology in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but clinical surveys of multisystem disease in ALS are rare. We investigated ALS-Plus syndrome, an understudied group of patients with clinical features extending beyond pyramidal and neuromuscular systems with or without cognitive/behavioral deficits. Methods In a large, consecutively-ascertained cohort of 550 patients with ALS, we documented atypical clinical manifestations. Genetic screening for C9orf72 hexanucleotide expansions was performed in 343 patients, and SOD1 , TARDBP , and VCP were tested in the subgroup of patients with a family history of ALS. Gray matter and white matter imaging was available in a subgroup of 30 patients. Results Seventy-five (13.6%) patients were identified with ALS-Plus syndrome. We found disorders of ocular motility, cerebellar, extrapyramidal and autonomic functioning. Relative to those without ALS-Plus, cognitive impairment (8.0% vs 2.9%, p=0.029), bulbar-onset (49.3% vs 23.2%, p Conclusions ALS-Plus syndrome is not uncommon, and the presence of these atypical features is consistent with neuropathological observations that ALS is a multisystem disorder. ALS-Plus syndrome is associated with increased risk for poor survival and the presence of a pathogenic mutation.
The Adaptive Function of the Menopause: A Devil's Advocate Position

The menopause may be adaptive, in that it minimizes exposure to endogenous estrogen. However, ageist and sexist assumptions have distorted society's perceptions so that the menopause has come to be viewed as a “deficiency disease,” best treated through the routine prescription of estrogen replacement therapy. Recent evidence suggests that menopausal discomfort has been exaggerated, and that most reported symptoms are not directly attributable to declining estrogen levels but to other biologic and social variables. A change in perspective might have the beneficial consequence of providing women with more effective, and probably safer, forms of therapeutic intervention.
Cell cycle control by Ca++‐ions in mouse 3T3 cells and in transformed 3T3 cells

Total cellular calcium levels do not change when 3T3-4a cells stop proliferating due to serum depletion, or when serum-arrested quiescent cells are incubated for up to 44 hours in calcium-deficient medium (approximately 10 micrometer Ca++). Upon stimulation with dialyzed serum cells enter S and progress through at least one cycle even at extremely low calcium levels in the culture medium (greater than or equal to 10 micrometer). Cells divide until a final cell density is attained which is proportional to the calcium concentration in the medium and cells reversibly arrest in G1. Cells which arrested in G1 in medium containing less than or equal to 26 micrometer Ca++ in the presence of excess serum can be stimulated to enter S in response to added calcium after a prereplicative phase of 14 to 16 hours. Serum does not affect 45Ca-uptake in these cells. Benzo[a]pyrene transformed 3T3 (BP3T3) cells have a 100--200 times lower Ca++-requirement than 3T3 cells but arrest in G1 at low Ca++ levels. In contrast, SV40-virus transformed 3T3 (SV3T3) cells that grow without restriction in monolayer cultures have even lower Ca++-requirements for growth than BP3T3 cells and have no Ca++-sensitive restriction point. Therefore, 3T3 and BP3T3 cells have retained the capacity to sense intracellular Ca++-pool sizes and to arrest in G1 at subthreshold cellular Ca++-levels.
Environmental management by marketing decision-makers in financial services

Abstract This research investigates the efforts of marketing decision-makers in the financial services industry (savings & loan associations) to manage their environments during the turbulent period of deregulation. Two distinct forms of savings & loan governance, stock and mutual, suggest different orientations toward the environment and therefore toward strategic action aimed at managing that environment. The study found general support for the notion that form of governance was a significant factor in the use of environmental management strategies.
Faculty development for family medicine educators: An agenda for future activities

The literature on faculty development activities for family medicine educators is reviewed and presented in three sections: (a) overview of faculty development in family medicine, (b) fellowships, and (c) workshops and other short‐term programs. Although a wide variety of formats have been utilized for faculty development purposes in family medicine, most faculty development programs have been evaluated primarily on participant satisfaction rather than on observed changes in participant behavior when in the faculty role. As funds for family medicine faculty development programs disappear or decline, new strategies for maintaining the quantity and quality of family medicine educators must be developed. We suggestan agenda for future faculty development activities in family medicine. These activities include (a) initiation of faculty development training, including teaching and research skills, during residency training programs, (b) development of fourth‐year clinical fellow positions supported by clinical...
Effect of needle size and type, reuse of needles, insertion speed, and removal of hair on contamination of joints with tissue debris and hair after arthrocentesis.

Objective: To assess joint contamination with tissue and hair after arthrocentesis of equine fetlock joints. Study Design: Experimental. Animals: Limb specimens from 8 equine cadavers. Procedures: Soft tissues including the joint capsule were harvested from the dorsal aspect of the fetlock joints and mounted on a wooden frame. Needles inserted through the joint tissue preparation were flushed into tissue culture plates that were examined for tissue and hair debris. Variables evaluated were gauge and type of needle (16, 18, 20, and 22 G sharp disposable needles and 20 G disposable spinal needles with stylet), number of times each needle was used (1, 2, 3, 4), length of hair (unclipped, clipped, shaved with razor), and needle insertion speed (fast, slow). Descriptive and statistical evaluations were performed. Results: Tissue contamination was identified in 1145 of 1260 wells and hair contamination was identified in 384 of 1260 wells. Twenty gauge needles inserted through unclipped hair resulted in the least amount of hair contamination. Compared with 20 G needles with fast insertion 1 time through unclipped hair the odds ratios for contamination with hair were significantly greater for 16 G sharp disposable needles, 20 G spinal needles, clipped hair, shaved hair, and reuse of the needles. Spinal needles inserted through unclipped hair transferred many long hairs into the joint space. Conclusion: Reuse of needles for arthrocentesis should be avoided. Removal of hair is not indicated for arthrocentesis with sharp injection needles but is recommended when using spinal needles with stylets. Clinical Relevance: Joint contamination with hair and tissue debris will be decreased by specific needle insertion techniques. Decreased contamination of joints may reduce the frequency of joint infections after arthrocentesis.
Biogeography of tundra voles (Microtus oeconomus) of Beringia and the southern coast of Alaska

Allozymic, chromosomal, and morphologic variation among six subspecies of Microtus oeconomus was examined and related to the biogeographic history of Beringia with a particular focus on the Prince William Sound region. Chromosomal and allozymic similarities between Alaskan and Russian M. oeconomus corroborate previous hypotheses of a relatively recent invasion across the Bering Land Bridge from Russia. In populations from the southern coast of Alaska, unique alleles were detected in M. o. operarius from Hinchinbrook Island and M. o. elymocetes from Montague Island in Prince William Sound, M. o. operarius from the Copper River Delta, and M. o. yakutatensis from the Doame River Delta. M. o. macfarlani from interior Alaska exhibited higher allozymic variation, indicating a larger effective population size and longer history than populations from the southern coast of Alaska. Allozymic evidence of gene flow between M. o. macfarlani and M. o. operarius from the Copper River Delta suggested that the southern coast of Alaska was colonized from interior Alaska since the last glacial advance. The larger body size of M. o. elymocetes from Montague Island suggested that this population may have an older age structure compared to other populations.
X-rays from magnetically confined wind shocks: effect of cooling-regulated shock retreat

We use 2D magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations to examine the effects of radiative cooling and inverse Compton (IC) cooling on X-ray emission from magnetically confined wind shocks (MCWS) in magnetic massive stars with radiatively driven stellar winds. For the standard dependence of mass-loss rate on luminosity u M ∼ L 1.7 , the scaling of IC cooling with L and radiative cooling with u M means that IC cooling become formally more important for lower luminosity stars. However, because the sense of the trends is similar, we find the overall effect of including IC cooling is quite modest. More significantly, for stars with high enough mass-loss to keep the shocks radiative, the MHD simulations indicate a linear scaling of X-ray luminosity with mass-loss rate; but for lower luminosity stars with weak winds, X-ray emission is reduced and softened by a shock retreat resulting from the larger post-shock cooling length, which within the fixed length of a closed magnetic loop forces the shock back to lower pre-shock wind speeds. A semi-analytic scaling analysis that accounts both for the wind magnetic confinement and this shock retreat yields X-ray luminosities that have a similar scaling trend, but a factor few higher values, compared to time-averages computed from the MHD simulations. The simulation and scaling results here thus provide a good basis for interpreting available X-ray observations from the growing list of massive stars with confirmed large-scale magnetic fields.
Effect of window size on rate of communication in a lexical prediction AAC system

The study evaluated the effect of three different “window” sizes (the number of words displayed in the word selection menu) on the efficiency of communication in a lexical prediction augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) program. The results showed that a 15-word window produces significantly higher predictions and fewer keystrokes than a 5-word window. The time required to type the messages was statistically equivalent across windows. However, mean keystroke duration was significantly higher in the 15-word window as compared to the 5-word window. This study shows that (1) a saving in keystrokes does not necessarily result in an increase in the rate of communication in lexical prediction programs; (2) searching a word prediction window for target words places significant cognitive/perceptual demands on even individuals with presumably normal cognitive and perceptual abilities (and probably much more so on AAC users); and (3) a 15-word window produces roughly the same rate of communication as th...
AC hopping conductivity in silicon doped yttrium-iron garnet

Abstract The conductivity of silicon doped YIG has been measured at selected frequencies from DC to microwaves and as a function of temperature over the range 20 − 200°C. The conductivity consists of a DC term plus a frequency dependent term. The latter is interpreted as arising from the localized hopping of an electron among the four Fe 3+ cation sites surrounding a Si 4+ impurity. A numerical estimate of the conductivity due to this process agrees reasonably well with experimental data. The hopping is characterized by a temperature activated relaxation time constant; the activation energy is 0.28 ev and the time constant at 30°C is approximately 10 −9 sec.
Ribonuclease and Other Factors Involved in the Respiratory Senescence of Maize Scutellum

The scutella from seedlings of Zea mays L. germinated at 28-30° C increase in respiration rate to the third day, followed by a decline which is quite noticeable by the fifth day. A search has been made for factors responsible for the respiratory decline. The electronmicroscope shows the five-day mitochondria to be normal in appearance. Very active preparations are obtained by isolating the mitochon dria at pH 7 6 with inclusions of bovine serum albumin and ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid. A soluble ribonuclease (RNase A) which increases rapidly with age impairs both oxidation and phosphorylation. The largely particle-bound ribonuclease (RNase B) is not inhibitory. Plant ribonuclease is resistant to the proteolysis occurring during senescence. It is suggested that the soluble ribo nuclease contributes to the respiratory decline, but that other factors may also be involved.
Effect of endothelin on production of cerebrospinal fluid in rabbits.

Endothelin is a potent vasoconstrictor in several tissues, including the choroid plexus. The goal of this study was to determine whether endothelin affects the production of cerebrospinal fluid. Ventriculocisternal perfusion was used to measure the production of cerebrospinal fluid in anesthetized rabbits. Changes in production of cerebrospinal fluid were examined in response to vehicle, intravenous endothelin (alone and in the presence of indomethacin), and intraventricular endothelin. Under control conditions, the reduction in production of cerebrospinal fluid in response to endothelin administered intravenously was only modestly greater than that during infusion of vehicle. Because endothelin releases cyclooxygenase products that attenuate the direct effects of endothelin in several tissues, effects of endothelin on the production of cerebrospinal fluid were also examined after inhibition of cyclooxygenase. Production of cerebrospinal fluid in response to 1 micrograms/kg i.v. endothelin was reduced more in animals treated with indomethacin than in untreated animals (-34 +/- 7% [mean +/- SEM] versus -14 +/- 6%, p less than 0.05). Thus, effects of endothelin on the production of cerebrospinal fluid are attenuated by cyclooxygenase products. Finally, responses to intraventricular endothelin were examined. Intraventricular endothelin produced a modest, but significant, reduction in the production of cerebrospinal fluid. In summary, endothelin may play a role in regulation of the brain fluid balance by affecting the rate of production of cerebrospinal fluid, and this effect is modulated by cyclooxygenase products.
The Vertical Space Problem

Populations in contemporary cities are being measured, analyzed, or represented in less than optimal ways. Conventional methods of measuring density of populations in cities rely on calculating the number of people living within a bounded surface space. This approach fails to account for the multiple floor residential patterns of the contemporary urban landscape and exposes the vertical space problem in population analytics. To create an accurate representation of people in contemporary urban spaces, a move beyond the conventional conception of density is needed. This research aims to find a more appropriate solution to mapping humans in cities by employing a dasymetric method to represent the distribution of people in a city of vertical residential structures. The methodology creates an index to classify the amount of floor space for each person across the extent of the city, a metric called the personal space measure. The personal space measure is juxtaposed with the conventional population density measurements to provide a unique perspective on how population is concentrated across the urban space. The personal space metric demonstrates how improved metrics can be employed to better understand the social and structural landscape of cities. Chicago, with a large population and a high vertical extent, makes an ideal case study to develop a methodology to capture the phenomena of urban living in the 21st century and to explain alternative approaches to accurately and intelligently analyze the contemporary urban space.
Effect of 8-hydroxy-2-(N,N-di-n-propylamino)tetralin and MDMA on the discriminative stimulus effects of the classical hallucinogen DOM in rats

Abstract Co-administration of the 5-HT 1A serotonin receptor agonist (±)8-hydroxy-2-( N , N -di- n -propylamino)tetralin [(±)8-OH DPAT] enhances the discriminative stimulus effects of the classical hallucinogen 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylphenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOM) in rats. In the present investigation, using Sprague–Dawley rats trained to discriminate DOM (1.0 mg/kg) from saline vehicle under a VI-15 s schedule of reinforcement, it was shown that the stimulus-enhancing actions of 8-OH DPAT are related more to its R(+)-isomer than to its S(−)-enantiomer, and that the (±)- and R(+)8-OH DPAT-induced effects are antagonized by the 5-HT 1A receptor antagonist NAN-190. (±)8-OH DPAT and its isomers substitute in rats trained to discriminate the designer drug N -methyl-1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (MDMA; methylenedioxymethamphetamine) from vehicle indicating some similarity of effect. On this basis, it was hypothesized that MDMA might be capable of enhancing the DOM stimulus. Co-administration of MDMA with low (i.e., 0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg) doses of DOM resulted in greater DOM-appropriate responding than engendered by administration of DOM alone. As such, the present findings are the first to demonstrate an MDMA-induced enhancing effect on the discriminative stimulus actions of a classical hallucinogen. The results also suggest that a 5-HT 1A serotonin receptor mechanism might contribute to this phenomenon.
New Wake Models With Capability of Capturing Nonlinear Physics

We developed reduced-order models for the wake (in terms of the amplitude of the induced lift force) of a forced circular cylinder using analytical techniques. We first considered several forced oscillators (existing and proposed) and evaluated their suitability to model the synchronized wake, where the lift frequency is synchronized with the forcing frequency. These forced oscillators differ in the nature of the forcing terms used to represent the influence of the cylinder motion on the lift. Existing wake oscillators for a moving cylinder do not capture the important nonlinear phenomena, such as the multi-valuedness and the abrupt changes that occur as the parameters (e.g., the reduced velocity) change. These phenomena occur when one mode of the wake loses stability through a bifurcation to another mode. We then proposed two new oscillators that are capable of generating the correct wake response over the entire frequency range of synchronization even across the discontinuity. The forcing terms are a combination of external and parametric terms. Current models use only external (ideal) forcing, which we show to be insufficient. We then investigated the effect of the oscillators parameters on the modeled lift.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Antitumor Agents from Bursera microphylla (Burseraceae) II: Isolation of a New Lignan—Burseran

Bursera microphylla (Burseraceae) A. Gray has yielded a second component which has demonstrated activity in the cell culture test system of the Cancer Chemotherapy National Service Center (CCNSC). On the basis of NMR, mass, and IR spectrometry, the structure of a new lignan, 3-(3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl)-4-(3“,4”,5-trimethoxybenzyl) tetrahydrofuran (named burseran), is proposed.
The MORC family: New epigenetic regulators of transcription and DNA damage response

Microrchidia (MORC) is a highly conserved nuclear protein superfamily with widespread domain architectures that intimately link MORCs with signaling-dependent chromatin remodeling and epigenetic regulation. Accumulating structural and biochemical evidence has shed new light on the mechanistic action and emerging role of MORCs as epigenetic regulators in diverse nuclear processes. In this Point of View, we focus on discussing recent advances in our understanding of the unique domain architectures of MORC family of chromatin remodelers and their potential contribution to epigenetic control of DNA template-dependent processes such as transcription and DNA damage response. Given that the deregulation of MORCs has been linked with human cancer and other diseases, further efforts to uncover the structure and function of MORCs may ultimately lead to the development of new approaches to intersect with the functionality of MORC family of chromatin remodeling proteins to correct associated pathogenesis.
Measurements of slider-disk contacts during dynamic load-unload

The laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) and acoustic emission (AE) have been used to investigate the slider dynamics and to detect possible slider-disk contacts during dynamic load-unload. One of the puzzling aspects of previous work has been the AE indication of contacts at an LDV measured spacing of about 8 mu m. The procedure of LDV spacing measurement for load-unload is investigated, and three sources of possible error are found and verified by experiment. First is the deviation between single shot and average measurements. Second is the disk motion that occurs during loading. Third is the elevation difference at the measured point and the closest point during loading, which depends on the unloaded pitch and roll angles. It is found that the jump in the velocity signal of single shot LDV measurement gives a good indicator of contacts. The electrical resistance method is applied to the detection of contacts during dynamic load-unload and compared with the results obtained by the LDV and AE. Its contact signal is in good agreement with the jump in the LDV velocity signal and more distinguishable than the AE signal. >
In silico characterization of an atypical MAPK phosphatase of Plasmodium falciparum as a suitable target for drug discovery.

Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of malaria, contributes to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Forward genetic analysis of the blood-stage asexual cycle identified the putative phosphatase from PF3D7_1305500 as an important element of intraerythrocytic development expressed throughout the life cycle. Our preliminary evaluation identified it as an atypical mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase. Additional bioinformatic analysis delineated a conserved signature motif and three residues with potential importance to functional activity of the atypical dual-specificity phosphatase domain. A homology model of the dual-specificity phosphatase domain was developed for use in high-throughput in silico screening of the available library of antimalarial compounds from ChEMBL-NTD. Seven compounds from this set with predicted affinity to the active site were tested against in vitro cultures, and three had reduced activity against a ∆PF3D7_1305500 parasite, suggesting PF3D7_1305500 is a potential target of the selected compounds. Identification of these compounds provides a novel starting point for a structure-based drug discovery strategy that moves us closer toward the discovery of new classes of clinical antimalarial drugs. These data suggest that mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatases represent a potentially new class of P. falciparum drug target.
Microwave, infrared and Raman spectra of 1-fluorocyclohexene

Abstract The microwave spectrum of 1-fluorocyclohexene has been recorded from 18.0 to 39.5 GHz. Only a-type R-branch transitions were observed and assigned for the ground and three vibrationally excited states. The ground state rotational constants are: A = 4557.16 ± 0.08, B = 2297.77 ± 0.01, C = 1630.41 ± 0.01 MHz. It is shown that the quantity Ia + Ib − Ic = 20.87 U·A2 cannot arise totally from the eight hydrogens on the four CH2 groups but that the heavy atom skeleton contributes to it, which indicates that the heavy atom skeleton is nonplanar. The rotational constants are shown to be consistent with reasonably assumed heavy atom structural parameters in the half chair configuration with a dihedral angle of puckering of approximately 30°. From the Stark effect the dipole moment components were determined to be: ∥μa∥ = 1.886 ± 0.012, ∥μb∥ = 0.463 ± 0.031 and ∥μc∥ ≅ 0 with ∥μt∥ = 1.942 ± 0.001 D. From relative intensity measurements it was estimated that the first, second and third excited vibrational states would occur at frequencies of 150 ± 15,234 ± 20 and 282 ± 20 cm−1, respectively. The i.r. (3500-80 cm−1) spectra of the gas and liquid and the Raman spectrum (3500-100 cm−1) of the liquid have been recorded. All of the normal modes have been assigned based on i.r. band contours, relative intensities and group frequencies. The ring-twisting and ring-bending modes have been assigned to i.r. bands at 239.8 and 139.3 cm−1, respectively, and both modes have associated “hot bands” falling to lower frequencies. From these progressions the barrier to interconversion is estimated to be in the range 2500–4400 cm−1 (7.15–12.6 kcal/mol) with a barrier to planarity in the range 7600–14,000 cm−1 (21.6–40.0 kcal/mol). These results are compared to the corresponding quantities in some similar molecules.
Exploring the design space for personal information management tools

The storing and retrieval of personal and work-related information from large capacity storage devices has become tedious and haphazard especially for individuals that are not technologically or computer literate. There must be a better a way to help people remember where information has been stored, implicate its temporal importance and manage daily tasks. This paper discusses a study currently investigating personal information management and archiving, with an objective of designing software tools to assist the process.
Synthesis and characterization of 1,8-dithia-4,11-diazacyclotetradecane

Abstract The synthesis of 1,8-dithia-4,11-diazacyclotetradecane L3, a member of a series of [14]aneN2S2 ligands, has been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structures of [1,8-dithia-4,11-diazacylotetradecane] L3 and [1,8-dithia-4,11-diazayclotetradecane dihydrochloride] L3·2HCl are presented.
Phylogeography of Beck's Desert Scorpion, Paruroctonus becki, reveals Pliocene diversification in the Eastern California Shear Zone and postglacial expansion in the Great Basin Desert.

Abstract The distribution of Beck’s Desert Scorpion, Paruroctonus becki ( Gertsch and Allred, 1965 ), spans the ‘warm’ Mojave Desert and the western portion of the ‘cold’ Great Basin Desert. We used genetic analyses and species distribution modeling to test whether P. becki persisted in the Great Basin Desert during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), or colonized the area as glacial conditions retreated and the climate warmed. Phylogenetic and network analyses of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 (cox1), 16S rDNA, and nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2) DNA sequences uncovered five geographically-structured groups in P. becki with varying degrees of statistical support. Molecular clock estimates and the geographical arrangement of three of the groups suggested that Pliocene geological events in the tectonically dynamic Eastern California Shear Zone may have driven diversification by vicariance. Diversification was estimated to have continued through the Pleistocene, during which a group endemic to the western Great Basin diverged from a related group in the eastern Mojave Desert and western Colorado Plateau. Demographic and network analyses suggested that P. becki underwent a recent expansion in the Great Basin. According to a landscape interpolation of genetic distances, this expansion appears to have occurred from the northwest, implying that P. becki may have persisted in part of the Great Basin during the LGM. This prediction is supported by species distribution models which suggest that climate was unsuitable throughout most of the Great Basin during the LGM, but that small patches of suitable climate may have remained in areas of the Lahontan Trough.
Intranasal Drainage for Pediatric Nasal Abscesses

Nasal abscesses of the tip or soft tissues are uncommon in children. We describe an endonasal surgical approach for nasal abscesses based on our experience with 3 children at our tertiary care, academic children's hospital. All presented with significant nasal pain out of proportion to the physical examination findings, along with edema, induration, and some intermittent bleeding and discharge of sebaceous and/or keratinous debris. Parenteral antibiotics were administered for an initial period of at least 24 hours in all cases, without any significant improvement in the patients' symptoms. Computed tomography (CT) with intravenous contrast was diagnostic in all cases. Symptomatic relief was achieved immediately postoperatively. No child required a second drainage procedure, and all children had an uneventful recovery.
Iterative reconstruction improves image quality and preserves diagnostic accuracy in the setting of blunt solid organ injuries.

This study aims to investigate the effect of iterative reconstruction (IR) on MDCT image quality and radiologists’ ability to diagnose and grade blunt solid organ injuries. One hundred (100) patients without and 52 patients with solid organ injuries were scanned on a 64-slice MDCT scanner using reference 300 mAs, 120 kVp, and fixed 75 s delay. Raw data was reconstructed using filtered back projection (FBP) and three levels of iterative reconstruction (Philips iDose levels 2, 4, and 6). Four emergency radiologists, blinded to the reconstruction parameters and original interpretation, independently reviewed each case, assessed image quality, and assigned injury grades. Each reader was then asked to determine if they thought that IR was used and, if so, what level. There was no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy between FBP and the various IR levels or effect on the detection and grading of solid organ injuries (p > 0.8). Images reconstructed using iDose level 2 were judged to have the best overall image quality (p < 0.01). The radiologists had high sensitivity in detecting if IR was used (80 %, 95 % CI 76–84 %). IR performed comparably to FBP with no effect on radiologist ability to accurately detect and grade blunt solid organ injuries.
Protecting intellectual capital in international alliances

Abstract Many firms have found that the benefits of interorganizational cooperation may be outweighed by costs arising from unintended leaks in product or process technology, market insight, and other knowledge-based assets to the alliance partner. Successful alliance management involves a process of designing, staffing, and monitoring the collaborative interface to balance the requirements for learning and information sharing with protection of intellectual capital. This work describes a framework for assessing and implementing this process.
Effect of Glyphosate on Growth, Chlorophyll, and Nodulation in Glyphosate-Resistant and Susceptible Soybean (Glycine max) Varieties

ABSTRACT Greenhouse and growth chamber experiments were conducted to examine glyphosate [isopropylamine salt of N-(phosphono-methyl) glycine] effects on growth, chlorophyll content, nodulation, and nodule leghemoglobin content of glyphosate-resistant and susceptible soybean (Glycine max[L.] Merr.) varieties. In susceptible soybean, a single application of 0.28 kg/ha reduced chlorophyll content (49%), and shoot and root dry weight (50 and 57%, respectively) at 2 wk after treatment. In glyphosate-resistant soybean, there were no significant effects on these parameters by single application up to 1.12 kg/ha, but 2.24 kg/ha reduced shoot and root dry weight by 25 to 30%. Application of glyphosate 1.12 kg/ha, followed by sequential applications at 0.56 or 1.12 kg/ha, did not affect plant growth and chlorophyll content, but application of 2.24 kg/ha followed by sequential application of 2.24 kg/ha reduced root growth. In glyphosate-resistant soybean, an application of 1.12 kg/ha 3 wk after planting did not affe...
Activated carbon spheres for CO2 adsorption.

A series of carbon spheres (CS) was prepared by carbonization of phenolic resin spheres obtained by the one-pot modified Stober method. Activated CS (ACS), having diameters from 200 to 420 nm, high surface area (from 730 to 2930 m2/g), narrow micropores (<1 nm) and, importantly, high volume of these micropores (from 0.28 to 1.12 cm3/g), were obtained by CO2 activation of the aforementioned CS. The remarkably high CO2 adsorption capacities, 4.55 and 8.05 mmol/g, were measured on these AC spheres at 1 bar and two temperatures, 25 and 0 °C, respectively.