cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vaccine immunotherapy for prostate cancer: from mice to men

Preclinical studies demonstrated the ability of an adenovirus/PSA (Ad/PSA) vaccine to induce strong anti-PSA immune responses, and these responses were capable of destroying prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-secreting mouse prostate tumors. A series of preclinical studies have demonstrated the superiority of the Ad/PSA vaccine to other PSA vaccines for the induction of anti-PSA immune responses, the ability of Ad/PSA vaccination combined with cytokine gene therapy and the TLR9 agonist CpG to enhance the anti-prostate tumor immunotherapy, and the reduction of negative regulatory elements when the vaccine was combined with 5-fluoruracil administration. A phase I clinical trial of the Ad/PSA vaccine in men with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer demonstrated the safety of the vaccine even at the highest single dose permitted by the FDA. Currently, a phase II trial of the Ad/PSA vaccine is underway treating patients in two protocols. Thus far 81 patients have been enrolled and vaccinated. Early results from the patients evaluated to date demonstrated the induction of anti-PSA T cell responses, and the majority of patients evaluated at this time had demonstrated an increase in PSA doubling times.
A ''source surface theory'' corollary - The mean solar field-interplanetary field correlation

Correlation of daily mean solar magnetic field with polarity of interplanetary magnetic fields near earth
Comparing Urban and Rural Perceptions of and Familiarity With the Management of Forest Ecosystems

Forests generate market (e.g., timber) and nonmarket (e.g., wildlife) values to individuals, and multiple-use forest management involves making trade-offs between different management goals. This research uses results from six focus-groups to understand how the public perceives these trade-offs and examines differences between urban and rural groups in Michigan's Central Upper Peninsula. Results reveal differences between rural, timber-dependent and urban, non-timber-dependent participants' familiarity with forest management and ecological interactions within forests. Results support the idea that rural, timber-dependent community members are very concerned about the continued provision of both market and nonmarket forest outputs. Urban, non-timber-dependent community residents have milder concerns for sustaining multiple forest outputs but expressed strong concerns for maintaining recreational opportunities for personal uses. The results do not support the hypothesis that rural/urban views lie as expecte...
An ultrastructural analsis of neurites in the basal lamina of capillaries in the chinchilla cochlear nucleus

In an ultrastructural study of the chinchilla anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN), we found innervated capillaries in the layer of granule cells that comprises the dorsolateral portion of the AVCN and forms a cap over the principal portion of the nucleus. In 66% of 215 capillaries we examined in the granule cell layer of various levels of the AVCN, we found structures having ultrastructural features of axons that (1) were within the brain parenchyma and were in direct contact with the pericapillary basal lamina, or (2) were separate fro, the adjacent neuropil and, often in the company of astrocytic processes, were completely enveloped by the pericapillary basal lamina. An analysis of serial sections confirmed that neurites within the pericapillary basal lamina were in continuity with neurites in the brain parenchyma. Most neurites within the basal lamina of capillaries were next to pericytes, but some neurites were next to endothelial cells. None of the neurites adjoining capillaries had the abundance of synaptic vesicles typical of autonomic vasomotor nerve endings and synaptic terminals. Consequently, they may be sensory, responding perhaps to changes in hydrostatic pressure or chemical composition of the blood or cerebrospinal fluid. However, we cannot exclude the possibility that neurites which accompany capillaries in the AVCN terminate elsewhere. In the AVCN the innervation of capillaries is restricted to the superficial layer of granule cells. In none of 177 capillaries of the principal portion of the AVCN did we find an example of a neurite in contact with the pericapillary basal lamina, a pericyte, or an endothelial cell, although it was sometimes necessary to examine specimens at various angles of tilt to confirm that the pericapillary glial sleeve was continuous. Furthermore, we found no innervated blood vessels among 266 capillaries examined in the granular and molecular layers of the cerebellar cortex.
Temporal phases of activity-dependent plasticity and memory are mediated by compartmentalized routing of MAPK signaling in aplysia sensory neurons.

Summary An activity-dependent form of intermediate memory (AD-ITM) for sensitization is induced in Aplysia by a single tail shock that gives rise to plastic changes (AD-ITF) in tail sensory neurons (SNs) via the interaction of action potential firing in the SN coupled with the release of serotonin in the CNS. Activity-dependent long-term facilitation (AD-LTF, lasting >24hr) requires protein synthesis dependent persistent mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation and translocation to the SN nucleus. We now show that the induction of the earlier temporal phase (AD-ITM and AD-ITF), which is translation and transcription independent, requires the activation of a compartmentally distinct novel signaling cascade that links second messengers, MAPK and PKC into a unified pathway within tail SNs. Since both AD-ITM and AD-LTM require MAPK activity, these collective findings suggest that presynaptic SNs route the flow of molecular information to distinct subcellular compartments during the induction of activity-dependent long-lasting memories.
Chinese policy toward the third world in the UN general assembly

This analysis of 414 selected votes in four major issue areas in the UN General Assembly in the period 1971 to 1978 attempts to define Chinces policy toward Third World nations in the context of its voting toward Communist and Western bloc nations. The basic findings are: 1) China was much more favorable to the developing nations than to the West, and a little more favorable to the Third World than to the Communist bloc; 2) Among the four regions of the Third World, China was most friendly to the Middle East, least amenable to Latin America, and friendlier to Africa than Asia; 3) Chinese attitudes toward the Third World and its regions largely reflected a combined influence of national age, size and wealth, with wealth generally the most important consideration; 4) While economic considerations dominated Chinese votes, concern over national independence and security of new developing nations also guided Chinese foreign policy to a large extent.
Sampling-based ensemble segmentation against inter-operator variability

Inconsistency and a lack of reproducibility are commonly associated with semi-automated segmentation methods. In this study, we developed an ensemble approach to improve reproducibility and applied it to glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain tumor segmentation on T1-weigted contrast enhanced MR volumes. The proposed approach combines samplingbased simulations and ensemble segmentation into a single framework; it generates a set of segmentations by perturbing user initialization and user-specified internal parameters, then fuses the set of segmentations into a single consensus result. Three combination algorithms were applied: majority voting, averaging and expectation-maximization (EM). The reproducibility of the proposed framework was evaluated by a controlled experiment on 16 tumor cases from a multicenter drug trial. The ensemble framework had significantly better reproducibility than the individual base Otsu thresholding method (p<.001).
Carbohydrate- and protein-conditioned flavor preferences: Effects of nutrient preloads

Food-deprived rats were trained to associate one flavor (CSProt) with intragastric (IG) infusions of protein (PROT; 10% calcium caseinate), a second flavor (CSCHO) with IG infusions of carbohydrate (CHO; 10% protein), and a third flavor (CS−) with IG water infusions during 30 min/day training sessions. (The CS flavors were cherry, grape, and orange saccharin solutions.) In subsequent two-bottle tests the rats reliably preferred both the CSProt and CSCHO to the CS− and equally preferred the CSProt and CSCHO. The preference for the two nutrient-paired flavors was not altered by IG preloads of PROT or CHO delivered CSProt + IG PROT 45 min prior to test selectively increased the preference for the CSProt and CSCHO, respectively. In subsequent gastric-only and oral-only tests single IG preloads of PROT and CHO, but not CSProt and CSCHO preloads, selectively altered the rats' preference for CSCHO vs. CSProt. In a second experiment with new rats, oral + gastric preloads again selectively altered the preference for the CSCHO vs. CSProt, but gastric-only preloads failed to have this effect. These results demonstrate that rats can learn to associate different flavors with the postingestive effects of different nutrients, and modify their flavor preferences after nutrient preloads. Oral + gastric preloads were most effective in altering flavor preferences, whereas gastric-only preloads had inconsistent effects and oral-only preloads were ineffective.
Epitaxy of NaCl on muscovite

Abstract NaCl films (1500 to 2500 A thick) were formed in an ultra high vacuum reflection high energy electron diffraction (UHV-RHEED) camera at pressures below 9 × 10 -9 torr on air cleaved muscovite at 25°, 100°, 200°, 250°, 300° and 380°C by vapor deposition. In situ RHEED studies showed that all films were (111) oriented monocrystals containing twins. In situ surface replicas of these films were prepared and examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The RHEED patterns showed structural features that were correlated with the type of facets observed from the surface replicas. The results of these studies were compared with earlier work carried out in a technical vacuum (TV) of the order of 10 -6 torr. It was shown that there were relatively minor differences between UHV and TV films. Surface replicas of 25 to 1000 A thick NaCl films formed in TV also were made. In the TV case, the surface microstructures of films formed at 25°C on unbaked and vacuum baked muscovite were compared. Vacuum baking consisted of in situ heating of the muscovite inside the vacuum chamber before cooling to the deposition temperature (25°C). The surface microstructure of films formed on baked substrates depended upon the details of the baking process. Relatively large tetrahedral growth features with side faces parallel to {100} were observed on the surfaces of some of the films formed on the baked substrates. Two plausible explanations were considered to explain the formation of these tetrahedral growth features. The first is based on the dehydroxylation stages of muscovite that occur during heating. The other explanation involves a carbon layer that forms on air cleaved mica during vacuum baking. The latter explanation is preferred since it was consistent with both the TV and UHV results obtained in the present study.
Temporal bone histopathology related to cochlear implantation in congenital malformation of the bony cochlea.

Hypothesis Histopathologic findings in temporal bones with congenital malformations of the bony cochlea may provide insight into cochlear implantation planning, surgical approach, and complications. Background Patients with congenitally malformed cochleae account for an increasing percentage of candidates for cochlear implantation. Few studies on the relationship between histopathologic findings of temporal bones with malformation of the bony cochlea and cochlear implantation have been reported. Methods We studied 21 temporal bones from 12 cases with congenital malformations of the bony cochlea. Ages ranged from stillborn to 50 years. Length of the cochleae and dimensions of facial recesses were measured with light microscopy. Other malformations associated with a shortened cochlea were determined, emphasizing how they affect cochlear implantation. Results The average length of the malformed cochlear duct was 22.84 +/- 0.69 mm. Average dimensions of facial recesses were not significantly different between malformed cochleae and the controls. Other malformations included enlarged cochlear aqueduct (43%), abnormal facial nerve course (57%), enlarged vestibular aqueduct (52%), aplasia of the middle ear (19%), malformed ossicles (67%), abnormal oval window (57%), and abnormal round window (29%). Conclusion A shortened cochlear duct may cause an incomplete insertion of the implant electrode. Because dimensions of the facial recesses are similar to normal cases, a facial recess surgical approach is recommended. An enlarged cochlear aqueduct may cause perilymphatic oozing or gushing on fenestration of the cochlea. An anomalous course of the facial nerve is a common finding. Tympanic malformations such as round and oval window deformities and small middle ear cleft should be noted preoperatively to better guide surgery.
Sequence alignment for masquerade detection

The masquerade attack, where an attacker takes on the identity of a legitimate user to maliciously utilize that user's privileges, poses a serious threat to the security of information systems. Such attacks completely undermine traditional security mechanisms due to the trust imparted to user accounts once they have been authenticated. Many attempts have been made at detecting these attacks, yet achieving high levels of accuracy remains an open challenge. In this paper, we discuss the use of a specially tuned sequence alignment algorithm, typically used in bioinformatics, to detect instances of masquerading in sequences of computer audit data. By using the alignment algorithm to align sequences of monitored audit data with sequences known to have been produced by the user, the alignment algorithm can discover areas of similarity and derive a metric that indicates the presence or absence of masquerade attacks. Additionally, we present several scoring systems, methods for accommodating variations in user behavior, and heuristics for decreasing the computational requirements of the algorithm. Our technique is evaluated against the standard masquerade detection dataset provided by Schonlau et al. [Schonlau, M., DuMouchel, W., Ju, W.H., Karr, A.F., Theus, M., Vardi, Y., 2001. Computer intrusion: Detecting masquerades. Statistical Science 16 (1), 58-74], and the results show that the use of the sequence alignment technique provides, to our knowledge, the best results of all masquerade detection techniques to date.
Risk Factors for Perinatal Arterial Stroke: A Study of 60 Mother-Child Pairs

The objective of the present study was to examine demographic, historical, and prothrombotic risk factors in infants with perinatal arterial stroke and their mothers. Risk factors were evaluated in 60 mother-child pairs with perinatal arterial stroke. Prothrombotic factors analyzed included the DNA mutations factor V Leiden, prothrombin 20210, MTHFR C677T and A1298C; serum activity levels for protein C, protein S, and antithrombin III; serum levels of lipoprotein(a); and, in the mothers, antiphospholipid antibodies. Boys predominated, 36:24. There were four twin sets. Sixty percent were term and 22% were post-date. Ten were large for gestational age. Five mothers had abdominal trauma. Nine mothers (15%) had preeclampsia. Emergency caesarean section was performed in 17 cases (28%). Eight placental exams revealed seven with abnormalities. Seizures were the presenting sign in 70%, and 30% presented with early handedness or cerebral palsy. Prothrombotic risk factors were found in 28 of 51 mothers (55%) and 30 of 60 children (50%). Forty-one pairs (68%) had at least one abnormality in mother, child, or both. Long-term sequelae included cerebral palsy (40 of 51; 78%), cognitive impairment (35 of 51; 68%), seizures (23 of 51; 45%), and microcephaly (26 of 51; 51%). Perinatal arterial stroke is the result of multifactorial, synergistic fetal and maternal factors among which the prothrombotic factors, both fetal and maternal, appear significant.
Estimating crustal deformations from a combination of baseline measurements and geophysical models

Three possible estimation algorithms are presented for the monitoring of crustal deformations from a combination of repeated baseline measurements and prior deformation information. Attention is given to best linear minimum bias estimation, best linear estimation, and Bayesian estimation. The application of the deformation estimators to the maintenance of a conventional terrestrial reference system is considered. It is shown that if no prior deformation model is available, the free adjustment is the preferred algorithm. In the presence of prior information, however, it is better to use a somewhat incorrect model than to ignore it altogether. The best estimation model of the ones tested is the best linear estimation.
Effects of tibial rotations on patellar tracking and patello-femoral contact areas

The object of this study is to determine the effect of tibial rotations on the three-dimensional patello-femoral motions and contact areas during a physiological loading condition, the knee-extension exercise. A commercially available device, the 3-SPACE digitizer and tracker system, was used to collect the motion data, utilizing cadaveric human lower limbs as well as the geometric measurements describing the articular surfaces at the patello-femoral joint. It was found that tibial rotations caused statistically significant differences, at the 0.05 level, in patellar tilt, patellar rotation and patellar medial-lateral shift. It was also found that while the magnitude of the total contact area at a given knee flexion angle did not change significantly with tibial rotations, medial and lateral components of the total contact areas were affected by tibial rotations. Medical femoral contact areas increased with internal tibial rotations at all flexion angles; lateral femoral contact areas increased with external tibial rotations at all flexion angles. This correlates well with the kinematic data since it was found that the patella shifted medially with internal tibial rotations at all flexion angles, and titled more medially near full-extension causing an increase in the medial contact areas and a decrease in the lateral contact areas.
Family abductions: An examination of the role of offender gender

Utilizing data from a national study of missing children, this article compares family abductions perpetrated by men and women. Comparisons focus on the incidence, outcomes, and institutional responses to the abductions. Also, the relationship between the abductor and child(ren), harm to the child(ren), the use of concealment, and the characteristics of abductors and children are examined. Women perpetrated approximately one third of the abductions in the study. Female perpetrated abductions were more likely to involve concealment of the child, and were of longer duration. The relationship between these patterns and patterns of custody and societal expectations regarding parental roles of men and women are discussed. Broader implications for the understanding of female criminality are also explored.
Real-space diffusion theory of multiparticle quantum systems.

A three-dimensional stochastic process which has the particle density as its probability density is constructed from Nelson's stochastic mechanics, yielding a particle trajectory picture for density-functional theory. This diffusion process enables simulating the detailed behavior of multiparticle quantum systems with substantial computational economy. A stochastic-mechanical form of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle holds in the new context. Moreover, a kinetic energy functional is defined and shown to be connected with other kinetic energy expressions, and in the case of a time-independent ground state a formal dynamics for the process is proposed. A related real-space version is developed of Bohm's quantum potential formalism.
GPU-accelerated computation for robust motion tracking using the CUDA framework

In this paper, we discuss our implementation of a graphics hardware acceleration of the Vector Coherence Mapping vision processing algorithm. Using this algorithm as our test case, we discuss our optimization strategy for various vision processing operations using NVIDIA's new CUDA programming framework. We also demonstrate how flexibly and readily vision processing algorithms can be mapped onto massively parallelized GPU architecture. Our results and analysis show the GPU implementation exhibits a performance gain of more than 40-fold of speedup over state-of-art CPU implementation of VCM algorithm.
The Priority of Politics and Procedure over Perfectionism in Penal Law, or, Blackmail in Perspective

Criminal law theory concerns itself with the justification of punishment. Conflicting moral theories of punishment will be held in liberal democracies. The positive law therefore neither will nor should reflect exclusively a single moral theory of punishment. Like the institutions for making law, the institutions for enforcing it will cause punishments imposed to deviate from what pure moral theory might prescribe. These claims are illustrated by the debate over blackmail prohibition. The best rationale for prohibition is not the moral argument that blackmailers culpably cause harm, but the political argument that blackmailers threaten the state’s claimed monopoly on punishing crime.
Chemoprevention with chlorophyllin in individuals exposed to dietary aflatoxin

Because of the multiplicative interaction between dietary aflatoxins and hepatitis B virus infection in the etiology of liver cancer, efforts to reduce the consequences of either chemical or viral component are likely to have substantial public health benefit. Chlorophyllin (CHL), a water-soluble form of chlorophyll, was recently evaluated as a chemopreventive agent in a population at high risk for exposure to aflatoxin and subsequent development of hepatocellular carcinoma. CHL, which is used extensively as a food colorant and has numerous medicinal applications, is an effective anticarcinogen in experimental models including aflatoxin-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. CHL is thought to form molecular complexes with carcinogens, thereby blocking their bioavailability. In the clinical trial, administration of CHL three times a day led to a 50% reduction in the median level of urinary excretion of aflatoxin-N(7)-guanine compared to placebo. This excreted DNA adduct biomarker is derived from the ultimate carcinogenic metabolite of aflatoxin B(1), aflatoxin-8,9-epoxide, and is associated with increased risk of developing liver cancer in prospective epidemiologic studies. Compliance in the intervention was outstanding and no toxicities were observed. Thus, CHL has been found to be a safe and effective agent suitable for use in individuals unavoidably exposed to aflatoxins.
Effects of cortisol and aminophylline upon survival, pulmonary mechanics, and secreted phosphatidyl choline of prematurely delivered rabbits.

Effects of Cortisol and Aminophylline upon Survival, Pulmonary Mechanics, and Secreted Phosphatidyl Choline of Prematurely Delivered Rabbits
Compactification of complete Kähler surfaces with negative Ricci curvature

It is a classical result of Satake [17], Baily-Borel [3] and Ash-Mumford-Rapoport-Tai [2] that quotients of bounded symmetric domain by arithmetic groups of automorphism can be compactified. The methods employed are essentially algebraic in nature. Along another direction, Andreott i-Grauert [1], Siu-Yau [19] and Nadel-Tsuji [14] obtained results which cover the above manifolds using the analytic properties of pseudoconcavity. On the other hand, it is believed that complete K/ihler manifolds satisfying purely differential geometric conditions of bounded sectional curvature and negative Ricci curvature can be compactified using differential geometric methods. In [12], Mok started a systematic scheme of attacking the problem and results in the work of Mok-Zhong [13]. The present article can be considered as a continuation of this scheme. In particular, we prove the conjecture in case of dimensional two. More precisely, we prove
Non-invasive optical biosensor for assaying endogenous G protein-coupled receptors in adherent cells.

Abstract Introduction Screening drugs against G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) — the single largest family of drug targets in the human genome — is still a major effort in pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Conventional cell-based assays generally measure a single cellular event, such as the generation of a second messenger or the relocation of a specific protein target. However, manipulation or engineering of cells is often a prerequisite for these technologies to achieve desired sensitivities. The present study is focused on the use of non-invasive and manipulation-free optical biosensors for assaying endogenous GPCRs in adherent cells. Methods Resonant waveguide grating (RWG) biosensor was applied to manifest ligand-induced dynamic mass redistribution (DMR) within the bottom portion of adherent cell layer. The DMR signatures mediated through the activation of several endogenous GPCRs in cells were characterized. Endogenous receptor panning was examined at cell system level by using a panel of agonists known to activate many GPCRs, and also at family receptor level by determining the efficacies of a set of family-specific agonists. Results Three major types of optical signatures were identified; each was correlated with the activation of a class of GPCRs, depending on the G protein with which the receptor is coupled (i.e., G q , G s and G i ). The characteristics of DMR signals, mostly the amplitude and kinetics of a DMR event, were dependent on the doses of agonists and the expression levels of endogenous receptors. All three classes of endogenous receptors were found in human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells. Interestingly, the dose-dependent switching from one type of DMR signal to another was observed for several GPCR agonists examined. A small panel of P2Y receptor agonists exhibited distinct efficacies in three cell lines examined. Discussions The RWG biosensors were applicable to study the activation of endogenous GPCRs. Like second messengers or gene expression, the DMR signals obtained could be considered as novel and quantifiable physiological responses of living cells mediated through GPCRs and used for studying receptor biology.
Protease‐activated receptors‐1 and ‐2 can mediate endothelial barrier protection: role in factor Xa signaling

Summary. Coagulation and inflammation are intimately linked and cellular signaling by coagulation proteases through protease-activated receptors (PARs) may affect pro- and anti-inflammatory responses. Permeability of the endothelial cell barrier at the blood–tissue interface plays a key role in inflammatory disorders such as sepsis. We have recently shown that PAR1 signaling by activated protein C or low concentrations of thrombin can enhance endothelial barrier integrity. In the present study, we analyzed effects of coagulation factor Xa (FXa), which is known to activate both endothelial cell PAR1 and PAR2, on monolayer integrity using a transformed human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) line in a dual-chamber system. Preincubation with FXa potently reduced high-dose thrombin-mediated hyperpermeability and basal permeability. FXa was protective at concentrations of 5 nm or higher and proteolytic activity was required. Barrier protective FXa signaling was not affected by cleavage-blocking anti-PAR1 antibodies or by a PAR1 antagonist. Similarly, cleavage-blocking anti-PAR2 alone had no effect, but blocking both PAR1 and PAR2 inhibited barrier protection by FXa. Incubation of the cell layer with a PAR2-specific agonist peptide reduced thrombin-mediated hyperpermeability and basal permeability similar to FXa. In conclusion, not only PAR1, but also PAR2 can mediate barrier protection in endothelial cells and FXa can use either receptor to enhance barrier integrity. Although it is currently unknown whether PAR signaling by FXa has a physiological role, the results suggest a potential protective effect of FXa and other agonists of endothelial PAR2, which should be explored in models of local and systemic inflammation in vivo.
Charge trapping related threshold voltage instabilities in high permittivity gate dielectric stacks

An experimental and modeling study of charge trapping related threshold voltage shifts in Al2O3 and HfO2 n-type field effect transistors (nFET) is reported. The dependence of threshold voltage, subthreshold slope, and gate leakage currents on stressing time and injected charge carrier density are investigated as a function positive bias stress voltage and temperature. Based on experimental data, a model for trapping of charges in the existing traps is developed. The model is similar to SiO2 charge trapping models with one exception. Unlike SiO2 models, the model assumes a continuous distribution in trapping capture cross sections. The model predicts that threshold voltage would increase with a power law dependence on stressing time and injected charge carrier density (Ninj) in the initial stages of stressing. The model calculates threshold voltage shifts as a function of stress time and Ninj, thereby provides estimates of threshold voltage shifts after 10 years lifetime. It also provides insights into the...
Distribution and axial diffusion of retinol in bleached rod outer segments of frogs (Rana pipiens)

Isolated retinas and rod outer segments from frogs (Rana pipiens) were exposed to light that produced axially uniform total bleaches of rhodopsin. Using fluorescence video microscopy, it was shown that the formation and equilibrium distribution of all-trans-retinol, the final chromophore product of rhodopsin bleaching is axially uniform. This result shows that the rate and amount of oxidoreductase-mediated reduction of all-trans-retinal to all-trans-retinol is not affected by the relative age of the disk membranes to which the enzymes are bound. Therefore previously reported axial differences in regeneration of rhodopsin and recovery of photocurrent after exposure to bright light probably are not due to axial differences in the formation of rhodopsin photoproducts. In addition, measurements on individual rod cells show that there is no significant redistribution of retinol for up to 2 hr following localized partial bleaches of rhodopsin. This raises the perplexing question of how retinol is shuttled between disk membranes and the pigment epithelium during visual pigment regeneration following substantial bleaches.
A new brain stem pathway for vocal control in the zebra finch song system.

PROJECTIONS from the telecephalic vocal control nucleus robustus archistriatalis (RA) to the brain stem were studied with anterograde and retrograde tracers in adult male Zebra finches. A previously undescribed projection to the ventrolateral medulla that originates in a dorsal subregion of the RA was found, in addition to the known projections to the tracheosyringeal portion of the hypoglossal nucleus (nXIIts) and to the dorsomedial nucleus of the intercollicular complex (DM), a mesencephalic vocal area. The DM was also found to project to the same area of the lateral medulla, which in turn projects to the nXIIts. This area in the lateral medulla includes the nucleus ambiguus, and may be part of a pathway that links the telencephalic vocal pathway with respiratory control areas.
Improving door-to-balloon time by decreasing door-to-ECG time for walk-in STEMI patients.

Introduction: The American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines recommend rapid door-to-electrocardiography (ECG) times for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Previous quality improvement research at our institution revealed that we were not meeting this benchmark for walk-in STEMI patients. The objective is to investigate whether simple, directed changes in the emergency department (ED) triage process for potential cardiac patients could decrease door-to-ECG times and secondarily door-to-balloon times. Methods: We conducted an interventional study at a large, urban, public teaching hospital from April 2010 to June 2012. All patients who walked into the ED with a confirmed STEMI were enrolled in the study. The primary intervention involved creating a chief complaint-based “cardiac triage” designation that streamlined the evaluation of potential cardiac patients. A secondary intervention involved moving our ECG technician and ECG station to our initial triage area. The primary outcome measure was door-to-ECG time and the secondary outcome measure was door-to-balloon time. Results: We enrolled 91 walk-in STEMI patients prior to the intervention period and 141 patients after the invention. We observed statistically significant reductions in door-to-ECG time (43±93 to 30±72 minutes, median 23 to 14 minutes p<0.01), ECG-to-activation time (87±134 to 52±82 minutes, median 43 to 31 minutes p<0.01), and door-to-balloon time (134±146 to 84±40 minutes, median 85 -75 minutes p=0.03). Conclusion: By creating a chief complaint-based cardiac triage protocol and by streamlining ECG completion, walk-in STEMI patients are systematically processed through the ED. This is not only associated with a decrease in door-to-balloon time, but also a decrease in the variability of the time sensitive intervals of door-to-ECG and ECG-to-balloon time. [West J Emerg Med. 2015;16(1):–0.]
Drug abuse treatment process components that improve retention

Abstract Background: Longer retention has been the most consistent predictor of favorable drug abuse treatment outcomes, but key therapeutic and patient engagement indicators of treatment process need to be more clearly established. Methods: An integrative model representing treatment dynamics was tested for explaining long-term program retention. It was based on a multisite sample of 527 daily opioid users who remained in methadone maintenance a minimum of 3 months. All had been assigned randomly to a counseling condition at admission (i.e., cognitively enhanced or standard), and information obtained from patient files, as well as periodic assessments completed by patients and their counselors in the first 90 days after admission were the sources of predictors. Results: Counseling enhancements (using node-link mapping, a visual representation tool for improving communication and problem solving) contributed to stronger therapeutic relationships between counselor and patient, which in turn had a positive reciprocal relationship with patient engagement (session attendance). Pretreatment motivation measured at intake was also related to higher engagement. More positive therapeutic relationships (in months 1 and 2) led to lower levels of during-treatment drug use (defined from urinalysis results in months 2 and 3), and better session attendance and therapeutic relationships both predicted longer retention. In addition, lower drug use during treatment was related to longer retention. Conclusions: Major conceptual domains of drug abuse treatment process were identified in community-based programs and their interrelationships with retention specified. As intermediate (during treatment) criteria, they can help guide functional improvements in program effectiveness as illustrated with our counseling enhancements.
Liberator: A round white chip- processing variety with resistance to scab

Liberator is a round white chip-processing selection with medium-high specific gravity and resistance to scab (Streptomyces scabies Thaxter). The tubers will chip process out of the field and from 10 C storage. The tuber appearance is similar to Norchip. Post-harvest tuber tests indicate a tolerance to fusarium dry rot. Liberator was tested in the North Central Regional Trials and the National Snack Food Association Trials. Under irrigated conditions the yield and specific gravity are similar to Snowden and Atlantic. Liberator has a full-season vine maturity that is similar to Snowden and tuber dormancy equal to Atlantic.
067 Electroporation‐Enhanced Gene Therapy with KGF‐1 Corrects Healing Impairment in Older Diabetic Mice

Introduction: Diabetes is known to impair wound healing. We assessed the effect of aging on this impairment and further explored the possibility of repairing age-dependant impairment by replenishing levels of the growth factor KGF-1 using our system of electroporation enhanced gene therapy. Methods: Female BKS.Cg-m+/+Leprdb/J mice (diabetic) were obtained from the Jackson Laboratory (Bar Harbor, ME). Mice at time of study were 7, 27, and 84 weeks, respectively. Two wounds were created using a 5 mm punch biopsy. Plasmid DNA encoding KGF-1 was injected at 40 μg / wound. Electroporation was carried out with six square wave pulses, at 1800 volts for 100 μs; with aninterval of 125 ms. Wounds were assessed planometrically over a 14-day period. Results: We found that wound healing is severely impaired in older, but not young diabetic mice (7-week-old mice displayed a threefold smaller wound area than 84-week-old mice on day 9). Glucose levels were similar in old and young groups ruling out differences in intensity of the metabolic derangement to explain this disparity (old: 334 +/− 41 mg/dl vs. young: 290 +/− 33 mg/dl). Treatment with KGF-1 gene therapy increased wound closure in aged mice 5.9-fold as compared to untreated aged mice 5 days after wounding (treated: 3724 +/− 631 vs. untreated: 632 +/− 517, P = 0.002). Aged KGF-1 gene therapy-treated mice closed wounds 10-fold faster than treated young mice 5 days after wounding (old: 3724: +/− 631 vs. young 358 +/− 871, P = 0.004). Conclusions: We conclude that progressive damage to the tissues capability to heal occurs in individuals with diabetes. Treatment with KGF-1 gene therapy is more effective in aged mice than young mice. With an increasing geriatric diabetic population, gene therapy to replenish growth factors may be worth exploring.
Genetics in the epilepsies

Abstract Seizures are complex phenomena with considerable heterogeneity in etiology. Recent studies at the tissue and cellular levels have clarified some of the factors involved in neuronal hypersensitivity, but many questions remain. Meanwhile, there is convincing evidence for the role of genetic variability, and intensive use of the full range of genetic methodologies should help in achieving a more integrated view.
Autoimmunity in psoriasis

The stratum corneum (SC) antibodies are present in all human sera as seen by indirect immunofluorescent (IF) staining. They appear to bind in vivo to the stratum corneum of psoriatic lesions. They fix complement in vitro in a two step complement IF test system using either anti C4 or anti C3 conjugates as indicators. IF tests with proper controls showed that the SC antigen in psoriatic scales is coated not only with IgG but in a majority of the lesions also with complement. In the present studies in fully developed lesions complement was detectable in 88% of the specimens studied and in about 50% of very fresh linear lesions of unintentional Kobner type. These as well as some previously published observations afford indirect evidence for the participation of SC antibodies and the ensuing fixation of complement in the development of psoriatic lesions.
The occurrence of pre-eclampsia in a bilaterally adrenalectomized woman.

ABSTRACT A case is reported of pre-eclampsia developing during the eighth month of pregnancy in a woman who had undergone total bilateral adrenalectomy because of Cushing's syndrome. During the time that she had pre-eclampsia (as manifested by hypertension, edema, albuminuria and an elevated concentration of serum uric acid and confirmed by functional and anatomic changes in the placenta) the levels of plasma and urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroids were low. At the same time the urinary excretion of aldosterone, also low, was comparable to that reported for normal pregnancies in adrenalectomized women. Hypertension persisted in spite of withdrawal of adrenal steroid therapy and the development of adrenal insufficiency. These events cast doubt on the etiologic role of the adrenal steroids in toxemia of pregnancy.
Scaffold attachment factors SAFB1 and SAFB2: Innocent bystanders or critical players in breast tumorigenesis?

Scaffold attachment factor B1 (SAFB1) and SAFB2 are large, multifunctional proteins that have been implicated in numerous cellular processes including chromatin organization, transcriptional regulation, RNA splicing, and stress response. While the two homologous proteins show high similarity, and functional domains are highly conserved, evidence suggests that they also have unique properties. For example, SAFB2 can be found in both the nucleus and cytoplasm, whereas SAFB1 seems to be mainly localized in the nucleus. In breast cancer cells, SAFBs function as estrogen receptor corepressors and growth inhibitors. SAFB protein expression is lost in approximately 20% of breast cancers. Interestingly, the two genes reside in close proximity, oriented head-to-head, on chromosome 19p13, a locus which is frequently lost in clinical breast cancer specimens. Furthermore, SAFB1 mutations have been identified in breast tumors that were not present in adjacent normal tissue. The possibility that SAFB1 and SAFB2 are novel breast tumor suppressor genes, and how they might function in this role, are discussed.
Voices of Experience: Renewing Higher Education with Alumni Studies

Abstract This paper presents an alumni research study as a model for assessing how well higher education prepares graduates for changing professional and labour market realities. Results revealed that, while alumni valued the innovative curriculum, they recommended increased focus on functional skills; more balance between team work and individual work; and expansion of the programme's area of specialisation. Policy recommendations advocated strengthening the emphasis on functional skills; intensifying the rigour of technical and financial courses; linking the faculty as mentors to students for career development; and expanding the school's reputation for excellence in finance as well as in entrepreneurship.
Inhibition of positronium formation in an irradiated organic solid

Abstract Positron annihilation lifetime spectra and two-gamma angular distributions have been measured for DL-leucine before and after γ-irradiation. The free radicals produced inhibit the formation of positronium rather than effect its ortho-to-para conversion.
Lithium fluoride (LiF) crystal for parametric X-ray (PXR) production

Parametric X-ray (PXR) production is reported using lithium fluoride (LiF) as a target crystal interacting with 56 MeV electrons from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) linear accelerator. Target crystals of Si, Ge, W, Cu, HOPG (graphite), and LiF have been studied. LiF shows the most promise for achieving an intense, quasi-monochromatic X-ray source for energies less than 40 keV. At these energies, photon absorption demands a low Z PXR target crystal for optimum yield. While HOPG graphite also meets this criterion, LiF can produce PXR with an energy linewidth narrower than achievable with graphite with 0.4° mosaic spread and at larger Bragg angles than necessary to produce equivalent PXR energies with graphite. PXR from 1.5 mm-thick LiF crystals is produced with electron beam currents up to 1.3 μA. Bragg and Laue geometries for PXR production with large LiF crystals (5 cm diameter) are compared for their Bremsstrahlung production. Reflection of PXR using a second crystal was experimentally performed.
Local Delivery of a PKCε-activating Peptide Limits Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in the Aged Female Rat Heart

Reduced efficacy of cardioprotective interventions in the aged female heart, including estrogen replacement, highlights the need for alternative therapeutics to reduce myocardial ischemia-reperfusi...
Acute ischemia of the hand following intra-arterial oxymetazoline injection

Acute ischemia of the hand following intra-arterial injection of a drug is an infrequent problem, but it requires urgent medical attention. In this report, a patient injected a nasal decongestant, oxymetazoline hydrochloride (Afrin), into his radial artery. This resulted in severe burning pain, and cyanotic, cold, and pulseless hand, suggestive of acute ischemia. Intra-arterial papaverine, nifedipine, anticoagulation with heparin, prednisone, and stellate ganglion block did not improve the hand circulation. Development of gangrene necessitated a disarticulation at the wrist joint. Diagnosis, complications, and therapeutic measures of acute hand ischemia secondary to intra-arterial drug injection are discussed.
Acute Cardiovascular Response to Sign Chi Do Exercise

Safe and gentle exercise may be important for older adults overcoming a sedentary lifestyle. Sign Chi Do (SCD), a novel form of low impact exercise, has shown improved balance and endurance in healthy older adults, and there have been no SCD-related injuries reported. Sedentary older adults are known to have a greater cardiovascular (CV) response to physical activity than those who regularly exercise. However their CV response to SCD is unknown. This study explored the acute CV response of older adults to SCD. Cross-sectional study of 34 sedentary and moderately active adults over age 55 with no previous experience practicing SCD. Participants completed a 10 min session of SCD. CV outcomes of heart rate, blood pressure, rate pressure product were recorded at 0, 5, 10 min of SCD performance, and after 10 min of rest. HR was recorded every minute. There was no difference in CV scores of sedentary and moderately active older adults after a session of SCD-related activity. All CV scores increased at 5 min, were maintained at 10 min, and returned to baseline within 10 min post SCD (p < 0.05). SCD may be a safe way to increase participation in regular exercise by sedentary older adults.
Periodic Monopoles in String Theory

Periodic solutions of Bogomolny equation have novel Gravitational Instantons as their moduli spaces. String theory allows to identify these moduli spaces with moduli spaces of Hitchin systems as well as with Coulomb branches of Seiberg-Witten gauge theories on a space with one compact direction. We classify these Gravitatial Instantons. We also perform Nahm transform of Periodic Monopoles establishing the correspondence with Hitchin systems predicted by String Theory.
Juvenile Hallucinogen Use: What do Multiple Theories Say about It?

The purpose of the present study is to examine hallucinogen use using multiple criminological theories. The study uses self-control theory, social learning theory, and problem behavior theory to understand hallucinogen use. Using over 2,000 nationally representative observations from the 2011 Monitoring the Future survey, the results show support for self-control theory, social learning theory, and problem behavior theory. We conclude that all three of these theories may be necessary to better understand this behavior.
Letter by Tracey regarding article, "Bypassing big pharma".

To the Editor: As a pharmaceutical industry scientist who has both spent many years trying to identify effective therapies for myocardial ischemic injury and been involved in past collaborations with Drs Downey and Cohen, I was disappointed by the tone of their recent editorial.1 The authors describe the reality of drug discovery: that identifying novel therapies is inherently risky and that numerous approaches unfortunately more often lead to failure than success. Whereas …