cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthetic CT: simulating arbitrary low dose single and dual energy protocols

CT protocol selection (kVp, mAs, filtration) can greatly affect the dose delivered to a patient and the quality of the resulting images. While it is imperative to get diagnostic quality images from a study, the dose to the patient should be minimized. With synthetic CT, protocol optimization is made simple by simulating realistic scans of arbitrary low dose protocols from a previously acquired dual energy scan. For single energy protocols, the simulated projections have the same statistical properties as projections from an actual scan. The reconstruction of these synthesized projections then provides realistic images at a different protocol. For dual energy protocols, the material decomposition of the simulated protocol is directly synthesized. Moreover, the dose distribution from an arbitrary protocol (single or dual energy) can be found and used in conjunction with the predicted image quality for protocol design. We demonstrate single energy synthetic CT on a clinical study by synthesizing a 120 kVp image from a dual energy dataset. The synthesized image is compared to an actual 120 kVp image on the same patient, showing excellent agreement. We also describe a framework for implementing synthetic CT in software that is intuitive to use and allows radiologists to see the impact of protocol selection on image quality and dose distribution. A simple GUI demonstrates the vision for synthetic CT by allowing for the comparison of several dose reduction techniques: filtration, mA modulation, partial scan, or shielding. In particular, objects such as a breast shield can be simulated and virtually inserted as part of the original scan. In each case, the kVp and mAs can be adjusted while the synthesized image and dose profile are updated in real-time. With such software, synthetic CT can be applied as an educational and scientific tool for radiologists concerned with dose and image quality.
Response to Senechal—courage and care in “Blackian” social theory: A word in praise of Senechal de la Roche

L'A. s'efforce de repondre a Roberta Senechal de la Roche et plus particulierement a sa presentation de la theorie du controle social de D. Black. Dans ce but il examine les theses defendues par ce dernier, le cadre conceptuel qu'il elabore ou il souligne l'importance de quatre variables : la culture relationnelle, la distance culturelle, l'independance fonctionnelle et l'inegalite en terme de capacite d'action. Il s'attache ensuite a mettre au clair l'interpretation que Senechal de la Roche en donne. Il montre que celle-ci met en relief quatre formes de violence collective : le lynchage, l'emeute, le terrorisme et la surveillance
Partitioning the respiratory effects of airway citric acid and normal saline in lambs.

Aspiration is common in the intubated human neonate. Thus, the ventilatory and blood gas responses to citric acid and saline instillation into different airway sites were studied in ten awake, unanesthetised lambs, breathing spontaneously via a tracheostomy tube. With a system of balloons, 1 ml of saline or citric acid was placed selectively into the midtrachea, the laryngeal area, or the lower trachea (lower tr). Changes in minute ventilation (VE), after a 30 sec baseline period, were measured 30 sec and 1 and 2 min after the challenge. Arterial blood gas changes were measured at 30 sec and 2 min. Major increases in VE were seen only when saline or citric acid was instilled into the lower tr, the citric acid responses exceeding saline ones. The arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) fell after lower tr saline, whereas the arterial CO2 tension (Pa) fell with midtracheal saline instillation. A rise in pH and a fall in Pa accompanied citric acid given into the lower tr. An initial rise in PaO2 after citric acid into the lower tr was followed by a return to baseline despite hyperventilation. The ventilatory and blood gas changes with saline and citric acid depend on the site of airway instillation. Pediatr Pulmonol 1987; 3:45–50.
Sex, sex guilt, and authoritarianism: Differences in responses to explicit heterosexual and masturbatory slides

The relationships of sex, sex guilt, and authoritarianism to affective and arousal responses after viewing explicit heterosexual and opposite‐ and same‐sex masturbation slides were investigated. Compared to females, males expressed more positive affect and higher sexual arousal in response to all but the same‐sex masturbatory theme. Participants with higher sex guilt expressed less positive affect about the stimuli, with the least positive affect expressed by high‐guilt participants after exposure to slides showing same‐sex autoeroticism. Authoritarianism was also negatively related to positive feelings about the same‐sex slides. The association of these affective responses with attributions about, and attraction toward, the experimenter were explored. Compared to other groups, females with low positive feelings about the heterosexual and same‐sex masturbation pictures accepted less responsibility for slide‐watching and expressed more derogation and dislike of the experimenter. The Sexual Behavior Sequenc...
Geochemical tracers of sediment sources to San Francisco Bay

River inflow and suspended-sediment flux to San Francisco Bay are dominated by the Sacramento and San Joaquin River systems. Suspended sediments collected from rivers within the Sacramento and San Joaquin drainage basinsshow distinct chemical and Sr isotope signatures, reflecting their distinct bedrock lithologies. Concentrations of Sm, Nd, K, and Rb and 8 7 Sr/ 8 6 Sr ratios in suspended sediments increase from north to south in Sierra Nevada rivers and are significantly higher in the San Joaquin drainage than in the Sacramento drainage. We show that variations in the geochemistry of fine-grained detrital sediments cored beneath the bay can be used to assess the relative contributions of suspended sediment and inflow from these two major drainages in California. For the sampled intervals over the past 1850 yr, the proportion of suspended sediment from the Sacramento drainage relative to the San Joaquin drainage ranged between 5% and 85% (average value of 55%), compared with a modern value of ∼91%. The current predominance of sediment entering San Francisco Bay from the Sacramento drainage may be the result of greater trapping of sediments by reservoirs within the San Joaquin drainage basin. Changes in the relative proportion of sediment from the Sacramento and San Joaquin drainages may reflect changes in the position of the storm track over California.
STRAIGHT GROWTH OF THE AVENA COLEOPTILE IN RELATION TO DIFFERENT CONCENTRATIONS OF CERTAIN ORGANIC ACIDS AND THEIR POTASSIUM SALTS

NUMEROUS ORGANIC substances, including many synthetic chemical compounds as well as some occurring naturally in plant tissues, have been tested for their ability to stimulate plant growth. Such tests are made most commonly by use of the well-known Avena coleoptile curvature method. Othertest methods have been used, such as the ability of substances to bring about root formation, or to cause increased growth in length of short excised coleoptile cylinders, etc. Various synthetic compounds have been reported active in one or more of these tests, but not in others (Thimann, 1935; Haagen Smit and Went, 1935), their activity probably being dependent upon the extent and polarity of their movement and their ability to promote cell elongation. It has been shown recently (Avery, Burkholder, and Creighton, 1937) that the Avena coleoptile curvature method is of limited value in measuring the growth-promoting activity of a chemical substance. These workers show that at higher concentrations active compounds, if applied unilaterally in agar blocks to decapitated Avena coleoptiles, not only move longitudinally, but also spread transversely through the tissues; the resultant curvature, which is used as a measure of the activity of the substance, is far less than it would be if transverse spreading were not involved. In the light of these facts, the growth-promoting effectiveness of four synthetic organic substances has been studied by measuring total increase in length of decapitated Avena coleoptiles (straight growth), as contrasted with unilateral growth, producing curvature. The aim has been to establish (1) the range of concentration over which the compounds are effective as promoters of straight growth, (2) whether higher concentrations are toxic, and (3) the distribution of growth stimulation in the coleoptile in response to treatment with these substances. MIATERIALS AND METHODS.-The following four compounds were used: the two acids, 3-indole acetic acid (Eastman Kodak Co.) (Cl0H 02N) and m-naphthalene acetic acid (Keach) (C 2H 002), and the potassium salts of these acids, potassium 3-indole acetate (C, ,H O NK) and potassium x-naphthyl acetate (C12H.02K) (obtained by courtesy of the Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research). The samples tested were the same as those used by Avery, Burkholder, and Creighton (1937), and it should be possible to duplicate the results within the limits of the purity of the compounds. The concentrations tested ranged from 1 part in 51,200,000 to 1 part in
Performance Study of a High-Rate Multiuser Transmitted Reference Ultra-Wideband Transceiver

Inheriting all merits of a multiuser transmitted reference (MTR) ultra-wideband (UWB) transceiver, a biorthogonal MTR (BO-MTR) transceiver for high data-rate communication has been recently reported. It utilizes 4-ary biorthogonal signaling to carry two bits of each user's information in amplitude and position of the data pulse simultaneously. Assisted by a simple coding scheme, both bits are independently decoded using low complexity correlators whose templates are obtained from aggregated reference signals spanning multiple symbol intervals. This paper further studies its performance in different scenarios. In a multipath-free fading scenario, the receiver's symbol error rate (SER) performance is shown to be optimal while no complex joint detection of two bits is necessary, and the bit error rate (BER) performance of each detector is balanced. For multipath channels, when channel parameters are either deterministic and estimated with errors, or random in Rician distribution, the Chernoff bounds are derived for BER of each detector. A much tighter bound is also provided according to the property of the complementary Gaussian distribution function.
The Process of Infantilization.

Infantilization was identified by David Levy as one form of maternal over-protection. Recent research on child neglect in rural Appalachia suggested an intergenerational “cycle of infantilization” among mothers. A study was made, linking IQ decrement among a group of mildly retarded children to specific child-rearing practices of their mothers. The results clarify the development of the infantile personality, especially among handicapped children.
The electrocardiogram, spatial vectorcardiogram, and ventriculer gradient in congenital ventricular septal defect

The ECG, sVCG, and Ĝ were studied in 110 patients with isolated ventricular septal defect. The electrocardiographic pattern consisted of an S1,S2,S3 pattern in the standard leads, a qR or RSR′ pattern in Lead V1, deep S waves in Leads V4, V5, and V6, and a Q wave of large magnitude in Lead V6. The sVCG characteristically displayed prolongation of the terminal vectors of ventricular activation. Isolated or combined LVH was relatively uncommon. The ventricular gradient was abnormal in about half of the patients; T-wave abnormalities, however, were seen in only 18 per cent of the electrocardiograms. It is suggested that the ventricular gradient may be useful in distinguishing hypertrophy alone from hypertrophy associated with myocardial degeneration in patients with congenital heart disease.
Expression of the platencin biosynthetic gene cluster in heterologous hosts yielding new platencin congeners.

Platensimycin (PTM) and platencin (PTN) are potent and selective inhibitors of bacterial and mammalian fatty acid synthases and have emerged as promising drug leads for both antibacterial and antidiabetic therapies. We have previously cloned and sequenced the PTM–PTN dual biosynthetic gene cluster from Streptomyces platensis MA7327 and the PTN biosynthetic gene cluster from S. platensis MA7339, the latter of which is composed of 31 genes encoding PTN biosynthesis, regulation, and resistance. We have also demonstrated that PTM or PTN production can be significantly improved upon inactivation of the pathway-specific regulator ptmR1 or ptnR1 in S. platensis MA7327 or MA7339, respectively. We now report engineered production of PTN and congeners in a heterologous Streptomyces host. Expression constructs containing the ptn biosynthetic gene cluster were engineered from SuperCos 1 library clones and introduced into five model Streptomyces hosts, and PTN production was achieved in Streptomyces lividans K4-114. I...
Pervasive developmental disorders: a 10-year review.

ABSTRACT Objective To summarize recent advances about the nature, diagnosis, and treatment of pervasive developmental disorders. Method Review of Medline databases, books, and book chapters published between July 1989 and November 1999. Results Clinical and genetic studies support expansion of the concept of autism to include a broader spectrum of social communication handicaps. The prevalence of autism is approximately 1 per 2,000; the prevalence of autism and Asperger's disorder together is 1 per 1,000. The Checklist for Autism in Toddlers is a useful screening instrument for 18-month-old children; the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule are instruments of choice for research. Although twin and family studies clearly support genetic factors as important in autism, linkage analysis studies indicate that many genes may be involved. There is no one treatment of choice. Social-pragmatic approaches, augmented by individualized strategies and social coaching, may be best for teaching social communication skills. Pharmacological interventions have a limited role in improving social communication, but selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and atypical neuroleptic medications may help ameliorate aggression, hyperactivity, and other secondary problems. Conclusions Private and government agencies must continue to support basic and applied research.
Chemistry and mineralogy of garnet pyroxenites from Sabah, Malaysia

Garnet pyroxenites and corundum-garnet amphibolites from the Dent peninsula of eastern Sabah (North Borneo) occur as blocks in a slump breccia deposit of late Miocene age. The earliest formed minerals include pyrope-almandine garnet, tschermakitic augite, pargasite, and rutile. Cumulate textures are present in two of the six specimens studied. The earlier fabric has been extensively brecciated and partly replaced by plagioclase, ilmenite, and a fibrous amphibole. The bulk composition and mineralogy of these rocks are similar to those of garnet pyroxenite lenses within ultramafic rocks. Estimated temperature and pressure for the origin of the Sabah garnet pyroxenites is 850±150° C and 19±4 kbar.
Pollen morphology and taxonomy of Cuphea (Lythraceae)

The genus Cuphea is the largest and evolutionarily the most advanced member of the Lythraceae. Approximately 490 names have been applied, but Cuphea is in need of revision, and it is estimated there are about 260 valid species. A survey of Cuphea pollen reveals that the genus is eurypalynous. From 125 species examined, several pollen categories are recognized, including diporate grains from nine species reported here for the first time. The remaining species are oblate, tricolporate, tectate, commonly striate, and often syncolpate. Among the taxonomic conclusions that may be derived from a study of the pollen there are the following: Cuphea pseudosilene pollen is distinctly different from other members of the Section Brachyandra, Subsection Melanium, and more closely compares to C. parsonsia of the Subsection Balsamonella. Cuphea aperta and C. micrantha have pollen similar to members of the Section Trispermum, rather than other members of their present Section Brachyandra. Section Euandra, Subsection Oidemation is heterogeneous in pollen types, and probably does not represent a natural assemblage. Pollen size and morphology has demonstrated hybrids between C. wrightii subsp. wrightii and C. wrightii subsp. compacta. These and other data are proving useful in the revision currently underway of this difficult genus.
On the ortho-para equilibrium of H2 in the atmospheres of the Jovian planets☆

Abstract The ratio for the equivalent widths for the unsaturated H 2 quadrupole transitions observed in the Jovian planets is calculated and compared with a large number of observations. The comparison indicates that equilibrium hydrogen may be present in Jupiter and Saturn, while Uranus and Nepture exhibit ratios not in accord with equilibrium hydrogen. Observations which can differentiate among the possible states of H 2 are proposed.
Purification of Three Spectral Isoforms of Recombinant Fluorescent Protein from Insect Bioreactors Infected with Recombinant Baculovirus

Recombinant peptides and proteins have a wide range of applications, especially in medicine and biomedical research. Methods to rapidly and inexpensively manufacture recombinant proteins are needed to realize the full potential of proteins in medicine and to broaden their applications. A one-semester-length laboratory exercise is reported here demonstrating the use of the insect bioreactor system to create recombinant proteins. These laboratory exercises are suitable for students majoring in biochemistry or biotechnology and can be used to teach students basic biochemistry laboratory techniques including bacterial transformation, plasmid DNA isolation, insect cell culture, production of recombinant virus, use of recombinant viruses to deliver transgenes to a living organism, protein isolation by precipitation and chromatography, and protein quantification and protein characterization by electrophoresis and western blotting. The techniques acquired can also be used as the basis for related independent research projects in the second semester.
To “buzz lamenting doings in the air”: Romantic Flies, Insect Poets, and Authorial Sensibility

Taking the fly scene in Titus Andronicus as a point of departure, this essay examines several Romantic texts that use a fly as a trope to negotiate authorial anxieties about a literary marketplace that increasingly turned all texts into commodities, even as value-laden distinctions between the literary and the ephemeral (newspapers, journals, chapbooks) developed. I argue that self-conscious fly texts – ephemera about ephemera – by Coleridge, Blake, Southey, and Robinson disclose complex authorial stances that reach beyond sympathetic concern for insects and reveal how ephemera both defy and constitute the Romantic literary. Seemingly trivial, these fly poems, in fact, reveal complex meditations on the nature of Romantic authorship.
Cesar: a static sequencing constraint analyzer

This paper relates experience with building and using a programmable sequencing analyzer based on data flow analysis algorithms. An earlier paper described both the motivation for and the specification of Cecil, a powerful language for defining constraints on the sequencing of events and gave an algorithm for mapping the sequencing specifications defined by Cecil to data flow analysis algorithms. In this paper, we sketch the architecture of Cesar, a system for carrying out the analysis of Cecil sequencing constraints, describe the problems arising in the analysis of real-world programs, and indicate how we resolved these problems. Finally, we describe our experience in using Cesar, citing speed and efficiency characteristics of the current implementation, and suggesting the error-detection features and powers of Cesar.
A Dual Receptor Crosstalk Model of G-Protein-Coupled Signal Transduction

Macrophage cells that are stimulated by two different ligands that bind to G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) usually respond as if the stimulus effects are additive, but for a minority of ligand combinations the response is synergistic. The G-protein-coupled receptor system integrates signaling cues from the environment to actuate cell morphology, gene expression, ion homeostasis, and other physiological states. We analyze the effects of the two signaling molecules complement factors 5a (C5a) and uridine diphosphate (UDP) on the intracellular second messenger calcium to elucidate the principles that govern the processing of multiple signals by GPCRs. We have developed a formal hypothesis, in the form of a kinetic model, for the mechanism of action of this GPCR signal transduction system using data obtained from RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Bayesian statistical methods are employed to represent uncertainty in both data and model parameters and formally tie the model to experimental data. When the model is also used as a tool in the design of experiments, it predicts a synergistic region in the calcium peak height dose response that results when cells are simultaneously stimulated by C5a and UDP. An analysis of the model reveals a potential mechanism for crosstalk between the Gαi-coupled C5a receptor and the Gαq-coupled UDP receptor signaling systems that results in synergistic calcium release.
757. Engineered Expression of Novel TRIM5 Isoforms Inhibits HIV-1 Infection in CD34 Hematopoietic Stem Cell Derived Macrophages

Top of pageAbstract Species specific innate resistance against viral infections offers novel avenues for antiviral therapeutic and prophylactic approaches. The retroviral and lentiviral restriction factors Ref1 and Lv1 are variants of the tripartite motif protein, TRIM5a, a component of cytoplasmic bodies. TRIM5a severely restricts productive retroviral infections at the level of post-entry and pre-integration by destabilizing the incoming viral capsid via ubiquitination. Using this approach, resistance to HIV-1 infection could be conferred by TRIM5arh expression in otherwise susceptible cells. Here we show that stable expression of simian TRIM5arh via a lentiviral vector in a permissive cell culture line, Magi-CXC4, conferred resistance to HIV-1. To translate these findings into a stem cell gene therapy setting, the TRIM5arh transgene was stable introduced into CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells to derive transgenic macrophages. Upon viral challenge, TRIM5arh expressing macrophages were highly resistant to HIV-1 infection compared to control cells. Human macrophages expressing TRIM5arh were also found to be phenotypically and functionally normal expressing the characteristic surface markers CD14, CD4, CCR5, CXCR4, MHCII, and B7.1. Based on these promising results, we sought to further improve the TRIM5a inhibiting action by designing more novel constructs by modifying the native human isoform of TRIM5a. These modified isoforms have also been shown to be effective in conferring viral resistance. These results demonstrate that the species specific restriction factor TRIM5arh is effective in conferring HIV-1 resistance in a stem cell setting thus paving the way for its application in AIDS gene therapy.
The ontogeny of apomorphine-induced alterations of neostriatal dopamine release: Effects on potassium-evoked release

The effects of apomorphine (0.05, 0.1, and 1.0 mg/kg, s.c.) on K+-evoked dopamine release were studied through the use of in vivo microdialysis in the neostriatum of developing and adult rats. Fifteen-minute samples were collected from urethane-anesthetized rats 5, 10–11, 21–22, 35–36 days of age, and adults, and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Apomorphine attenuated K+-evoked dopamine release in all age groups, suggesting that the dopamine autoreceptor modulating release in the neostriatum is functional by 5 days of age. A dose-response effect of apomorphine was observed in all age groups except at 5 and 10 days of age. Absolute levels of extracellular dopamine were significantly lower at 5 and 10 days of age compared with the other ages, and the effectiveness of a high-K+ artificial cerebrospinal fluid to evoke dopamine release increased with age.
We Should All Have a Little List

The Checklist Manifesto How to Get Things Right by Atul Gawande Metropolitan Books (Henry Holt), New York, 2010. 221 pp. $24.50, C$29.50. ISBN 9780805091748. Gawande demonstrates that following simple do-this lists helps avoid serious errors in settings from airplane cockpits to operating rooms.
Astrocytes Give Rise to Oligodendrogliomas and Astrocytomas after Gene Transfer of Polyoma Virus Middle T Antigen in Vivo

The cells of origin for oligodendrogliomas and astrocytomas are not known but are presumed to be oligodendrocyte and astrocyte precursors, respectively. In this paper we report the generation of mixed gliomas from in vivo transformation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive cells (differentiated astrocytes) with polyoma virus middle T antigen (MTA). MTA is a powerful oncogene that activates a number of signal transduction pathways, including those proposed to be involved in gliomagenesis, and has been shown to induce tumors in many cell types. We have achieved transfer of MTA expression specifically to GFAP+ cells in vivo using somatic cell gene transfer, and find resultant formation of anaplastic gliomas with mixed astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma morphological features. We conclude that GFAP- expressing astrocytes, with appropriate signaling abnormalities, can serve as the cell of origin for oligodendrogliomas, astrocytomas, or mixed gliomas.
Three new species of Tigridia (Iridaceae) from Mexico

Tigridia durangense, T. chiapensis, andT. huajuapanensis are described as new. The first species is known from llanos near La Ciudad and El Salto, Durango ; the second from the highlands of central Chiapas; and the third from a single locality near Huajuapan de Leon, Oaxaca.
Noncentral and central chi-square, f and beta distribution functions as special cases of the distribution function of an indefinite quadratic form

The distribution functions of central and noncentral chi-square, F and β random variables are expressed as special cases of the distribution function of an indefinite quadratic form. Some of these distribution functions, particularly the doubly noncentral cases, have traditionally involved fairly complicated expressions. The form presented in this paper is computationally straightforward and is attractive because it presents these related distributions as special cases of a single equation.
Leaf silica concentration in Serengeti grasses increases with watering but not clipping: insights from a common garden study and literature review

Grasses (Poaceae) lack the complex biochemical pathways and structural defenses employed by other plant families; instead they deposit microscopic silica (SiO2) granules in their leaf blades (i.e. phytoliths) as a putative defense strategy. Silica accumulation in grasses has generally been considered an inducible defense; other research suggests silica accumulation occurs by passive diffusion and should therefore be closely coupled with whole plant transpiration. We tested the hypothesis that grasses increase leaf silica concentration in response to artificial defoliation in a common garden study in the Serengeti ecosystem of East Africa. Additionally, a watering treatment tested the alternative hypothesis that leaf silica was largely driven by plant water status. Leaf silica content of two dominant C4 Serengeti grass species, Themeda triandra and Digitaria macroblephara, was quantified after a 10-month clipping x water experiment in which defoliation occurred approximately every two months and supplementary water was added every two weeks. Themeda had greater silica content than Digitaria, and Themeda also varied in foliar silica content according to collection site. Clipping had no significant effect on leaf silica in either species and watering significantly increased silica content of the dominant tall grass species, Themeda, but not the lawn species, Digitaria. Our data, and those collected as part of a supplementary literature review, suggest that silicon induction responses are contingent upon a combination of plant identity (i.e., species, genotype, life history limitations) and environmental factors (i.e., precipitation, soil nutrients, grazing intensity). Specifically, we propose that an interaction between plant functional type and water balance plays an especially important role in determining silica uptake and accumulation.
I-shaped thermally actuated VHF resonators with submicron components

Abstract Thermally actuated piezoresistive readout single crystal silicon (SCS) resonators with a device footprint of ∼110 μm 2 have been experimentally demonstrated at operating frequencies of 112–176 MHz. An SOIMEMS fabrication process was developed which incorporates electron beam lithography to achieve submicron dimensions. Demonstrated performance under vacuum (50–70 Torr) includes a Q = 5750 and motional conductance of 89.6 μA/V. Frequency tunability of 2.1% in ambient and 3.66% under vacuum is achieved by variation of the DC bias current. The effects of asymmetry of the devices on operating frequency due to fabrication imperfections are considered qualitatively using commercial modeling software.
Sleep and sleep regulation in the ferret (Mustela putorius furo).

We investigated sleep-wake (S-W) architecture and sleep regulation in the ferret: a phylogenetically primitive mammal increasingly used in neurobiological studies. Twenty-four hour S-W baseline data were collected in eight adult ferrets. Seven ferrets were then sleep deprived for 6 h at the beginning of the light period. Like other placental mammals, ferrets exhibited the main vigilance states of wakefulness, rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep and non-REM (NREM) sleep. Interestingly, the amount of REM sleep in the ferret was considerably higher (24.01 ± 1.61% of total recording time) than typically reported in placental mammals. Ferret sleep was homeostatically regulated as sleep deprivation produced a significant increase in NREM EEG delta power during the recovery period. Therefore, ferret sleep in most respects is comparable to sleep in other placental mammals. However, the large amount of REM sleep in this phylogenetically more ancient species suggests that REM sleep may have been present in greater amounts in early stages of mammalian evolution.
A Characterization of Local LOINC Mapping for Laboratory Tests in Three Large Institutions

Objectives: We characterized the use of laboratory LOINC® codes in three large institutions, focused on the following questions: 1) How many local codes had been voluntarily mapped to LOINC codes by each institution? 2) Could additional mappings be found by expert manual review for any local codes that were not initially mapped to LOINC codes by the local institution? and 3) Are there any common characteristics of unmapped local codes that might explain why some local codes were not mapped to LOINC codes by the local institution? Methods: With Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, we obtained deidentified data from three large institutions. We calculated the percentage of local codes that have been mapped to LOINC by personnel at each of the institutions. We also analyzed a sample of unmapped local codes to determine whether any additional LOINC mappings could be made and identify common characteristics that might explain why some local codes did not have mappings. Results: Concept type coverage and concept token coverage (volume of instance data covered) of local codes mapped to LOINC codes were 0.44/0.59, 0.78/0.78 and 0.79/0.88 for ARUP, Intermountain, and Regenstrief, respectively. After additional expert manual mapping, the results showed mapping rates of 0.63/0.72, 0.83/0.80 and 0.88/0.90, respectively. After excluding local codes which were not useful for inter-institutional data exchange, the mapping rates became 0.73/0.79, 0.90/0.99 and 0.93/0.997, respectively. Conclusions: Local codes for two institutions could be mapped to LOINC codes with 99% or better concept token coverage, but mapping for a third institution (a reference laboratory) only achieved 79% concept token coverage. Our research supports the conclusions of others that not all local codes should be assigned LOINC codes. There should also be public discussions to develop more precise rules for when LOINC codes should be assigned
A final brief in the case against agrammatism: the role of theory in the selection of data.

3. Summary The utility of an abstraction derives from the sorts of insights that can be validly derived from it. In the case of abstractions like agrammatism (and other clinical categories of aphasia), we have cited several considerations concerning why they do not allow one to reason from impaired performance to an understanding of normal language processing abilities. Nor are these categories of any help in understanding individual cases of deficit: the clinical category may include variation which, when averaged out in analyses of the performance of the group, only leaves a residue of patterns of impaired performance that are not amenable to an explanation in terms of the normal language system. There is no way to settle this point prior to the development of adequate models of language processing (models that are capable of accounting for the individual cases), so there is no real point to holding on to the clinical categories for this purpose either. Using the clinical category as a starting point for such analyses simply amounts to prejudging the issue. Of course, if the clinical category is not a valid tool for explaining individual cases of aphasia, then it is difficult to see just what role these categories may serve. Thus, we continue to view categories like agrammatism as impediments to useful analysis in neurolinguistics and cognitive neuropsychology, and reaffirm our position as to their place in this research: they have none.
Seasonal variability in spatial defence by free-ranging rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

Abstract Data on the rhesus monkeys ( Macaca mulatta ) of Cayo Santiago demonstrate both intergroup and seasonal variability in spatial defence. Of the five groups only one defends an area, and only during the birth season. The four non-defensive groups share two feeding stations and live in such close proximity that spatial defence would require high outputs of energy. In contrast, the group that maintains an exclusive area has its own feeding station and lives in semi-isolation on an easily defensible end of the island. Its defence of this end of the island during the birth season provides a protected area for infants and assures the group exclusive access to flowering and fruiting plants. Relaxation of this defensive behaviour during the mating season maximizes opportunities for intergroup matings.
Low energy p physics at FNAL

Abstract The charmonium formation experiment is the only low energy p experiment at FNAL. This paper describes the performance of the Fermilab p Accumulator during fixed target run for the experiment and the planned upgrades. We also discuss the proposal for the direct CP violation search in p + p → Λ − + Λ → p π + + pπ − .
Prevention of stent thrombosis: challenges and solutions

Stent thrombosis is an uncommon but serious complication which carries with it significant mortality and morbidity. This review analyzes the entity of stent thrombosis from a historical and clinical perspective, and chronicles the evolution of this condition through the various generations of stent development, from bare metal to first-generation, second-generation, and third-generation drug-eluting stents. It also delineates the specific risk factors associated with stent thrombosis and comprehensively examines the literature related to each of these risks. Finally, it highlights the preventative strategies that can be garnered from the existing data, and concludes that a multifactorial approach is necessary to combat the occurrence of stent thrombosis, with higher risk groups, such as patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction, meriting further research.
A sensitive new assay for the oxidation of 3,4-dihydroxy L-phenylalanine by tyrosinase.

Abstract A sensitive new assay for the oxidation of 3,4-dihydroxy- l -phenylalanine (dopa) employs [2,5,6-3H]dopa and involves the measurement of 3H+ released from the 6-position when the dihydroindole ring is formed. At its lower limit of sensitivity the assay will measure the oxidation of about 0.8 nmol min−1 of dopa and also permits the measurement of this activity in homogenates and turbid solutions. Use of the radiometric assay proves that the slow step in the overall conversion of dopa to dopachrome is the oxidation of 2,3-dihydro-5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylate to dopachrome.
Aftereffects and sense of presence in virtual environments: formulation of a research and development agenda.

This report represents a committee summary of the current state of knowledge regarding aftereffects and sense of presence in virtual environments (VEs). The work presented in this article, and the proposed research agenda, are the result of a special session that was set up in the framework of the Seventh International Conference on Human Computer Interaction Recommendations were made by the committee regarding research needs in after effects and sense of presence, and, where possible, priorities were suggested. The research needs were structured in terms of the short medium, and long term and, if followed, should lead toward the effective use of VE technology. The 2 most critical research issues identified were (a) standardization and use of measurement approaches for aftereffects and (b) identification and prioritization of sensorimotor discordances that drive after effects. Identification of aftereffects countermeasures (i.e., techniques to assist users in readily transitioning between the real and vir...
Differential effects of self-reported lifetime marijuana use on interleukin-1 alpha and tumor necrosis factor in African American adults

It is unknown how lifetime marijuana use affects different proinflammatory cytokines. The purpose of the current study is to explore potential differential effects of lifetime marijuana use on interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in a community based sample. Participants included 168 African American adults (51 % female, median age = 47 years). Upon study entry, blood was drawn and the participants completed questions regarding illicit drug use history whose answers were used to create three groups: lifetime non-drug users (n = 77), lifetime marijuana only users (n = 46) and lifetime marijuana and other drug users (n = 45). In the presence of demographic and physiological covariates, non-drug users were approximately two times more likely (AOR 2.73, CI 1.18, 6.31; p = .03) to have higher TNF levels than marijuana only users. Drug use was not associated with IL-1α. The influence of marijuana may be selective in nature, potentially localizing around innate immunity and the induction of cellular death.
Soil fumigation and compost amendment alter soil microbial community composition but do not improve tree growth or yield in an apple replant site

Abstract Apple replant disease (ARD) is a disease complex that reduces survival, growth and yield of replanted trees, and is often encountered in establishing new orchards on old sites. Methyl bromide (MB) has been the fumigant used most widely to control ARD, but alternatives to MB and cultural methods of control are needed. In this experiment, we evaluated the response of soil microbial communities and tree growth and yield to three pre-plant soil treatments (compost amendment, soil treatment with a broad-spectrum fumigant, and untreated controls), and use of five clonal rootstock genotypes (M.7, M.26, CG.6210, G.30 and G.16), in an apple replant site in Ithaca, New York. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)—denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis was used to assess changes in the community composition of bacteria and fungi in the bulk soil 8, 10, 18 and 22 months after trees were replanted. PCR-DGGE was also used to compare the community composition of bacteria, fungi and pseudomonads in untreated rhizosphere soil of the five rootstock genotypes 31 months after planting. Tree caliper and extension growth were measured annually in November from 2002 to 2004. Apple yield data were recorded in 2004, the first fruiting year after planting. Trees on CG.6210 rootstocks had the most growth and highest yield, while trees on M.26 rootstocks had the least growth and lowest yield. Tree growth and yield were not affected by pre-plant soil treatment except for lateral extension growth, which was longer in trees growing in compost-treated soil in 2003 as compared to those in the fumigation treatment. Bulk soil bacterial PCR-DGGE fingerprints differed strongly among the different soil treatments 1 year after their application, with the fingerprints derived from each pre-plant soil treatment clustering separately in a hierarchical cluster analysis. However, the differences in bacterial communities between the soil treatments diminished during the second year after planting. Soil fungal communities converged more rapidly than bacterial communities, with no discernable pattern related to pre-plant soil treatments 10 months after replanting. Changes in bulk soil bacterial and fungal communities in response to soil treatments had no obvious correlation with tree performance. On the other hand, rootstock genotypes modified their rhizosphere environments which differed significantly in their bacterial, pseudomonad, fungal and oomycete communities. Cluster analysis of PCR-DGGE fingerprints of fungal and pseudomonad rhizosphere community DNA revealed two distinct clusters. For both analyses, soil sampled from the rhizosphere of the two higher yielding rootstock genotypes clustered together, while the lower yielding rootstock genotypes also clustered together. These results suggest that the fungal and pseudomonad communities that have developed in the rhizosphere of the different rootstock genotypes may be one factor influencing tree growth and yield at this apple replant site.
Retinoic acid and development of the retina

Abstract Retinoic acid (RA) is known as the activating trigger for a large number of processes in developing and mature vertebrates, and it plays a pivotal role in eye development. We present here a brief review of the RA system in general, and we summarize the evidence for a determining role of RA in the embryonic eye. The earliest and most significant ocular feature influenced by RA is the dorso-ventral axis. A lasting differential expression of different RA generating enzymes along the retinal dorso-ventral axis then creates very high endogenous RA levels, as well as a ventro-dorsal RA gradient, features that are likely to direct morphogenesis along this axis in the embryonic eye. RA is also likely to play a significant role in the function of the mature eye, as some of the chromophore released from photo-bleached rhodopsin is converted to RA, a mechanism for light to directly influence gene expression. The pivotal role of RA in eye morphogenesis may represent a developmental correlate of an evolutionary origin of RA-mediated transcriptional regulation from retinoid usage in vision.
Extending the range of phased array non-contact vital signs monitoring in an office cubicle setting

Doppler-based non-contact vital signs (NCVS) sensor systems have the ability to monitor heart and respiration rates of patients without physically contacting them. Because the accuracy of a NCVS sensor can deteriorate rapidly with distance when in a noisy or cluttered environment, we developed a highly directive phased-array antenna NCVS system capable of increasing the accuracy and the monitoring distance in a realistic office cubical setting. The NCVS system prototype can achieve heart rate accuracies close to 90% within ±2 BPM for continuous monitoring at distances up to 2 meters.
Modulation of free intracellular calcium levels [(Ca++)i] in brain and spinal cord of morphine-tolerant rats and mice.

Abstract Evaluation of the effects of tolerance to morphine in vivo on free intracellular calcium levels [(Ca++)i] in whole brain synaptosomes from rats and synaptosomes from brain regions and spinal cords of both rats and mice indicated that in whole brain and spinal cord synaptosomes, [Ca++]i levels are significantly higher in morphine-tolerant mice. Although levels do not differ between nontolerant and tolerant preparations from the rat spinal cord, [Ca++]i brain levels are significantly higher in morphinetolerant rats. Evaluation of three brain regions from both nontolerant and tolerant rats and two brain regions from mice indicated no significant differences in basal [Ca++]i, with the exception that lower basal levels of calcium were observed in the midbrain of the tolerant rat. In vivo, mice tolerant to morphine (SC) were cross tolerant to DAMGO (IT and ICV). Cross tolerance between morphine and DAMGO was observed in vitro. No cross-tolerance was observed between morphine (SC) and the δ-agonist, DPDPE (IT or ICV), or the κ-agonist, U50,488H (U50, IT or ICV) in vivo. Similarly, no cross tolerance was observed between morphine (SC) and DPDPE or U50 in vitro. These data indicate that tolerance in vivo induced a change in synaptosomal calcium modulation such that tolerance could be observed in vitro. Thus, a membrane component may be altered by the development of tolerance to morphine leading to an alteration in [Ca++]i in both the brain and spinal cord.
Mechanism for the autogenous control of the crp operon: transcriptional inhibition by a divergent RNA transcript.

Abstract Expression of the crp gene is negatively autoregulated by the complex of cyclic AMP and its receptor protein (cAMP-CRP). We find a second promoter in this region that is strongly activated in vitro and in vivo by cAMP-CRP. Transcription from this promoter is initiated 3 nucleotides upstream and on the opposite strand from the start of crp mRNA. The addition of the purified 5' segment of the divergent RNA specifically inhibits crp transcription in vitro. cAMP-CRP does not block crp expression if the new promoter is altered so that divergent RNA cannot be made. The initial nucleotides of the divergent RNA are complementary to 10 of the first 11 nucleotides of the crp mRNA. Since the next 11 nucleotides of crp mRNA are A + U-rich, and RNA hybrid between the divergent RNA and the 5' end of crp mRNA could produce a structure similar to a rho-independent terminator, leading to inhibition of crp transcription.
Insulin Inhibits Lipolysis in Adipocytes via the Evolutionarily Conserved mTORC1-Egr1-ATGL-Mediated Pathway

One of the basic functions of insulin in the body is to inhibit lipolysis in adipocytes. Recently, we have found that insulin inhibits lipolysis and promotes triglyceride storage by decreasing transcription of adipose triglyceride lipase via the mTORC1-mediated pathway (P. Chakrabarti et al., Diabetes 59:775-781, 2010), although the mechanism of this effect remained unknown. Here, we used a genetic screen in Saccharomyces cerevisiae in order to identify a transcription factor that mediates the effect of Tor1 on the expression of the ATGL ortholog in yeast. This factor, Msn4p, has homologues in mammalian cells that form a family of early growth response transcription factors. One member of the family, Egr1, is induced by insulin and nutrients and directly inhibits activity of the ATGL promoter in vitro and expression of ATGL in cultured adipocytes. Feeding animals a high-fat diet increases the activity of mTORC1 and the expression of Egr1 while decreasing ATGL levels in epididymal fat. We suggest that the evolutionarily conserved mTORC1-Egr1-ATGL regulatory pathway represents an important component of the antilipolytic effect of insulin in the mammalian organism.