cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Event-related potentials and behavior performance scores in children with sleep-disordered breathing.

Abstract Objective To explore impaired cognition characteristics and abnormal behavior in children with Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB) via Event-Related Potentials (ERPs), continuous performance testing (CPT), and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Methods A total of 108 children aged 6–8 years old were recruited, including fifty-four children (28 boys) with SDB and fifty-four normal children (28 boys). CBCL and Chinese version of the OSA-18 questionnaire were administered. Nineteen children with SDB (OSA-18 questionnaire value >60) and Nineteen normal children completed a CPT task. ERP was extracted using the BESA software. Results No significant differences in the correct number, reaction time, or the number of commission error were noted between the CPT of the two groups (P > 0.05). The ERP Go-P3 amplitudes at F3, Fz and F4 of the SDB group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P Conclusion Children with SDB demonstrate significant functional deficits in regard to conflict monitoring, attention, and inhibition. The frontal region is the primary area of dysfunction, especially in the left brain region, and inhibition function dysfunction may be a common pathogenesis of SDB and ADHD. Moreover, boys with SDB may exhibit more behavior problems when compared to girls.
3 Understanding RFID Technologies

One of the struggles I faced when I first started researching RFID was figuring out just what RFID is. Popular and academic sources sometimes confuse terms when discussing the technology, tending to define RFID in limited terms and ignoring that RFID includes a fairly broad suite of technologies that have different technical capabilities. Take the difference between an RFID-enabled credit card and an active RFID transponder as an example. The credit card has no internal power source and a read range of a few centimeters; the active transponder requires a battery and can be read from as far as one hundred meters away. Conflating the two is like confusing an intercom system with a mobile phone. Those conflations lead to confusion about what RFID is, what RFID can do, and what people should worry about when they worry about RFID.
A transdiagnostic model of psychiatric symptom co-occurrence and autism spectrum disorder

Understanding whether the co-occurrence of psychiatric symptoms within autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are specific to the ASD diagnosis or reflect similar higher-order patterns observed in both ASD and non-ASD samples, or a confluence of the two, is of critical importance. If similar, it would suggest that comorbid psychiatric conditions among individuals with ASD are not symptoms of specific, non-ASD psychiatric disorders per se, but reflect a general liability to psychopathology associated with ASD. To this end, the current study examined whether the higher-order structure of co-occurring psychiatric symptoms was the same within ASD and non-ASD youth. Parents of clinic-referred youth with (n = 280) and without (n = 943) ASD completed a DSM-IV-referenced psychiatric symptom rating scale. A confirmatory factor analytic framework was used to examine four levels of measurement invariance across groups to determine the extent to which transdiagnostic factors were comparable. Transdiagnostic factors were characterized by symptoms of the same disorders (configural invariance) and the same factor loadings across groups (metric invariance). Furthermore, both groups evidenced equivalent numbers of symptoms of most psychiatric conditions with the notable exceptions of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and social anxiety (partial strong invariance), which were higher in the ASD sample. It was concluded that disparities in the co-occurrence of psychiatric symptoms between youth with and without ASD may be largely reflective of transdiagnostic factor level differences associated with ASD and not indicative of the ASD diagnosis per se. However, for ADHD and social anxiety, there appears to be some specific associations with the ASD diagnosis. Autism Res 2020, 13: 579-590. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: Few transdiagnostic dimensions relate common mental disorder diagnoses with one another. These dimensions explain psychiatric comorbidity (i.e., the finding that many persons possess several disorder diagnoses simultaneously). However, it is unclear if these dimensions differ among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), compared with their non-ASD counterparts. The results of this study demonstrate that underlying transdiagnostic dimensions are similar in both ASD and non-ASD children. However, there appear to be ASD-specific differences when it comes to social anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Robust RNA-Seq of aRNA-amplified single cell material collected by patch clamp.

Most single cell RNA sequencing protocols start with single cells dispersed from intact tissue. High-throughput processing of the separated cells is enabled using microfluidics platforms. However, dissociation of tissue results in loss of information about cell location and morphology and potentially alters the transcriptome. An alternative approach for collecting RNA from single cells is to re-purpose the electrophysiological technique of patch clamp recording. A hollow patch pipette is attached to individual cells, enabling the recording of electrical activity, after which the cytoplasm may be extracted for single cell RNA-Seq (“Patch-Seq”). Since the tissue is not disaggregated, the location of cells is readily determined, and the morphology of the cells is maintained, making possible the correlation of single cell transcriptomes with cell location, morphology and electrophysiology. Recent Patch-Seq studies utilizes PCR amplification to increase amount of nucleic acid material to the level required for current sequencing technologies. PCR is prone to create biased libraries – especially with the extremely high degrees of exponential amplification required for single cell amounts of RNA. We compared a PCR-based approach with linear amplifications and demonstrate that aRNA amplification (in vitro transcription, IVT) is more sensitive and robust for single cell RNA collected by a patch clamp pipette.
The Recognition Project: Feminist History of Philosophy

The question “Why does the history of philosophy matter to feminist philosophy?” is a particular version of the question “Why does the history of philosophy matter to philosophy?” And the latter question opens up into debates over the methods and purposes of those philosophers who engage with the history of philosophy. But, of course, there is more than one way for the history of philosophy to matter. In this paper, I suggest that feminist historians of philosophy who are recovering the forgotten work of women philosophers are engaged in a project, which I call the recognition project. Furthermore, I argue that if we focus on the theme of recognition in both its epistemic and political aspects, we will be motivated to add “feminists” to the categorization of scholarly work in the history of philosophy.
Acceleration of Type 2 Spicules in the Solar Chromosphere. II. Viscous Braking and Upper Bounds on Coronal Energy Input

A magnetohydrodynamic model is used to determine conditions under which the Lorentz force accelerates plasma to type 2 spicule speeds in the chromosphere. The model generalizes a previous model to include a more realistic pre-spicule state, and the vertical viscous force. Two cases of acceleration under upper chromospheric conditions are considered. The magnetic field strength for these cases is ?12.5 and 25?G. Plasma is accelerated to terminal vertical speeds of 66 and 78?km?s?1 in 100?s, compared with 124 and 397?km?s?1 for the case of zero viscosity. The flows are localized within horizontal diameters ~80 and 50?km. The total thermal energy generated by viscous dissipation is ~10?times larger than that due to Joule dissipation, but the magnitude of the total cooling due to rarefaction is this energy. Compressive heating dominates during the early phase of acceleration. The maximum energy injected into the corona by type 2 spicules, defined as the energy flux in the upper chromosphere, may largely balance total coronal energy losses in quiet regions, possibly also in coronal holes, but not in active regions. It is proposed that magnetic flux emergence in intergranular regions drives type 2 spicules.
Untethered and HIPAA-compliant Interactive Livestreaming of Surgery to Residents and Medical Students

Traditional livestreaming of surgery to an audience requires stationary video broadcasting infrastructure, with viewers congregating in front of a screen, while audiovisual technicians provide support in the background. In recent years, livestreaming technologies from cameras to teleconference platforms have advanced dramatically, even to allow for compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 with web-based encryption. The objective of this article is to show that livestreaming surgery in medical education is possible using portable devices, with the resident and medical students as audience at home interacting on their computer or smart devices. The surgeon utilizes a head-mounted camera transmitting video feed using a wireless transmitter broadcasting to a laptop computer, which is hosting a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant version of Zoom. The entire setup is portable, and the surgeon is tethered neither to a cord nor to the institution's audiovisual enterprise. This prototype setup allows the surgeon to broadcast live surgery interactively at any time and from any operating room with remote medical students and surgical residents. We posit that our medical education industry would need to condense the devices into a turnkey livestreaming camera system with optimized frames per second reception.
Provably Safe Cruise Control of Vehicular Platoons

We synthesize performance-aware safe cruise control policies for longitudinal motion of platoons of autonomous vehicles. Using set-invariance theories, we guarantee infinite-time collision avoidance in the presence of bounded additive disturbances, while ensuring that the length and the cruise speed of the platoon are bounded within specified ranges. We propose: 1) a centralized control policy and 2) a distributed control policy, where each vehicle’s control decision depends solely on its relative kinematics with respect to the platoon leader. Numerical examples are included.
High-dose olanzapine in treatment resistant schizophrenia. A case report and literature review

Objective We report a case of a 58-year-old gentleman who was hospitalised intermittently for one year due to treatment resistant schizophrenia. Prior to hospitalisation he had been prescribed standard antipsychotics for decades without full resolution of positive psychotic symptoms. During his final admission lasting six months he was guarded, suspicious, irritable, constantly paced the corridor and displayed thought block and paranoid persecutory delusions. He would not enter the assessment room or allow any blood or ECG monitoring, however, he was compliant with oral medication. He was successfully treated with high dose olanzapine (40mg/day) and was discharged to the community. The aim of this study is to bring awareness and add to the body of evidence for the use of high-dose olanzapine in patients with treatment resistant schizophrenia in whom a trial of clozapine is not possible. Case report The patient gave written consent for this case report to be written and presented. An extensive literature review was performed and key papers were identified. Discussion focuses on the key areas in the literature. Discussion This case demonstrates that high-dose olanzapine can be used effectively as an alternative to clozapine in treatment resistant schizophrenia. Conclusion This case highlights the need for further evaluation of high-dose olanzapine as an alternative to clozapine in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
Asymmetry by Design? Identity Obfuscation, Reputational Pressure, and Consumer Predation in U.S. For-Profit Higher Education:

This article develops and tests an identity-based account of malfeasance in consumer markets. We hypothesize that multi-brand organizational structures help predatory firms short-circuit reputation...
Diffuse Optical Tomography: Principles and Applications

Introduction Diffuse Optical Tomography Image Reconstruction Reconstruction Algorithms Introduction/Historical Account Reconstruction Algorithm Experimental Materials and Methods Results Discussion Instrumentation and Calibration Methods Introduction/Historical Account Single-Wavelength Automatic Scanning DOT System Three-Wavelength Multi-channel DOT System Ten-Wavelength 64x64-Channel DOT System Computational-based Calibration Method Hybrid Calibration Method Contrast, Spatial Resolution, and Uniqueness of Inverse Solution Introduction/Historical Account Contrast, Spatial Resolution and Multiple Targets Uniqueness and Cross-talk Issues in DOT Image Enhancement Schemes Introduction/Historical Account Total Variation Minimization Scheme Dual Mesh Scheme Adaptive Mesh Scheme Reconstruction based on the third-order diffusion equations Modified Newton Method Fluorescence and Bioluminescence DOT Introduction/Historical Account Fluorescence DOT Fluorescence DOT using an oxygen-sensitive dye DOT-Guided fluorescence DOT of arbitrarily shaped objects Bioluminescence DOT DOT-Guided Bioluminescence Tomography New Contrast Mechanisms and Multi-Modality Approaches Introduction/Historical Account Phase-Contrast DOT Enhanced Phase-Contrast DOT: Two-Step Multi-Region Approach Multi-spectral Cellular DOT Multi-Modality Approaches: Ultrasound Tomography-Guided DOT Multi-Modality Approaches: X-Ray-Guided DOT Clinical Applications and Animal Studies Introduction/Historical Account Breast Imaging Joint Imaging Brain Imaging
Thalictrum alkaloids—VII : Tetrahydrothalifendine, N-methylthalidaldine and N-methylcorydaldine☆

Abstract Three new alkaloids have been obtained from T. fendleri, tetrahydrothalifendine (1), N-methylthalidaldine (2) and N-methylcorydaldine (3). Another alkaloid also present is veronamine (4).1
Supersymmetric Yukawa sum rule and LHC tests

Laboratory for Elementary Particle Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850(Dated: August 4, 2010)We propose the \supersymmetric (SUSY) Yukawa sum rule", a relationship between physicalmasses and mixing angles of the third-generation quarks and squarks. The sum rule follows directlyfrom a relation between quark and squark couplings to the Higgs, enforced by SUSY. It is exactlythis relation that ensures the cancellation of the one-loop quadratic divergence in the Higgs massfrom the top sector. Testing the sum rule experimentally would thus provide a powerful consistencycheck on SUSY as the solution to the gauge hierarchy problem. While such a test will most likelyhave to await a future next-generation lepton collider, the LHC experiments may be able to makesigni cant progress towards this goal. If some of the terms entering the sum rule are measuredat the LHC, the sum rule can be used (within SUSY framework) to put interesting constraints onthe other terms, such as the mixing angles among third-generation squarks. We outline how therequired mass measurements could be performed, and estimate the accuracy that can be achievedat the LHC.
Transitions: An Interactive Reading, Writing, and Grammar Text

PART I: DESCRIPTIVE PARAGRAPHS 1: Writing about a Treasured Possession 2: Writing about a Special Place PART II: EXPOSITORY PARAGRAPHS 3: Writing about a Favorite Activity or Hobby 4: Writing about a Custom 5: Writing about Choosing a Field of Study 6: Writing about a Family or Cultural Value PART III: WRITING ESSAYS 7: Writing about a Decision 8: Writing about the Value of an Ethnic Studies Course 9: Writing about Overcoming the Odds 10: Writing about the Way Males and Females Are Raised 11: Writing about Arranged Marriages.
The scientist as an analogical reasoner : a critique of the metaphor theory of innovation

Recent, well-known explorations of the role of models in science suggest a theory of scientific innovation which links innovation to a creative extension of knowledge brought about by the invokation of a metaphor. At the same time, concrete evidence about actual procedures of scientific investigation have for the first time become available from anthropological observation studies of scientific laboratories. This paper draws upon one year of observations done in 1976—77 in a group working on chemical, microbiological, toxicological and technological aspects of plant proteins and plant protein generation at a research institute employing more than 300 scientists in Berkeley, Ca. and upon interviews done with scientists of various other groups at the same institute. The paper attempts to reconsider the role of metaphor in the light of the observer’s account of the research process in the laboratory, and in the light of the scientists’ accounts of research efforts they considered innovative. Both the scientists’ and the observer’s account suggest that reference to metaphor needs to be extended to include, in accordance with some earlier conceptual investigations, the more general phenomenon of analogical reasoning. At the same time they suggest that the metaphor- or analogy- theory needs to be restricted in its claim to account for innovation, and that innovation must be linked to the active constructions of the process of production and reproduction of research.
Mass spectra of heteroaromatic boron compounds : Interpretation of β-cleavage reactions using the PMO method

Abstract Low and high resolution fragmentation patterns for derivatives of 10,9-borazarophenanthrene, 2,1-borazaronaphthalene and 4,3-borazaroisoquinoline are reported. The spectra are qualitatively similar to the present aromatic systems, however, if one heteroatom is eliminated the boron atom usually remains with the charged particle. Application of the PMO method1 to the interpretation of β-cleavage reactions in heteroaromatic systems has been reviewed. The PMO approach is shown to give a sound qualitative account of the observed β-cleavage reactions.
Maternal Phenylketonuria: Long-term Outcomes in Offspring and Post-pregnancy Maternal Characteristics.

Maternal phenylketonuria (MPKU) is a well-recognized complication of PKU and one of the most potent teratogenic syndromes of pregnancy. Virtually all offspring from untreated pregnancies in women with classic PKU have intellectual disabilities and microcephaly. Congenital heart disease and intrauterine growth retardation occur many times more often than expected in the general population. Control of maternal blood phenylalanine during pregnancy prevents most if not all of these complications. Previous studies demonstrated the benefits of treatment in terms of birth parameters and early development. In this study, physical examinations, a medical history, and neuropsychological evaluation were obtained in 47 children from 24 mothers with PKU who received treatment during pregnancy. Mothers were interviewed and administered an abbreviated IQ test. Associations between maternal factors and offspring outcomes were also analyzed.
Diffuse Circumstellar Bands

A review of searches for diffuse circumstellar bands is presented. There have been several recent articles reporting the detection of diffuse bands in the circumstellar environment. The most important instances are reviewed and discussed, with the conclusion that there remain enough ambiguities in the interpretation of the data to leave the matter uncertain. The largest problem area is in distinguishing the circumstellar material from foreground interstellar material. Because of this uncertainty, the reported detections cannot put hard constraints on the various proposed diffuse band carriers. However, the non-dectection of bands in targets with circumstellar material can and does constrain the carrier theories. The detection of PAHs in targets without diffuse bands implies that neutral PAHs cannot be the carriers. Observations of bands in dark clouds are also reviewed briefly, showing that the bands are weaker in these high density environments. Together, the circumstellar and dark clouds observations present a challenge that must be met by any successful carrier theory.
Director Inattention and Director Protection under Delaware General Corporation Law Section 102(B)(7): A Proposal for Legislative Reform

Disinterested directors of Delaware corporations face virtually no threat of personal liability for inattentive corporate decision-making. Among other tools, Delaware General Corporation Law section 102(b)(7) insulates disinterested Delaware directors from personal liability for "merely" inattentive conduct. Yet behavioral psychology research indicates that the threat of punishment is an important motivator of actor behavior. Assuming it is sensible to motivate directors to be engaged, attentive corporate monitors, it is important to revise section 102(b)(7) so that directors face some credible threat of personal liability for inattentive conduct at the corporate helm. In this article, such revisions are proposed in the form of a liability cap. A capped liability statute will encourage Delaware jurists to hold directors accountable for inattentive conduct because the liability exposure of inattentive, but nonvenal, directors will be limited to a reasonable dollar amount that is not draconian.
A 1-Meter Cryogenic Telescope for the Space Shuttle

It has become clear in the last few years that infrared astronomy is ready for the leap into space. Indeed, the first steps in this direction have already been taken. NASA’s airborne observatories, particularly the 91-cm telescope mounted in a C-141, and an expanded balloon program have opened up for study new and exciting wavelength regions inaccessible from the ground. Astronomical observations with cryogenically cooled telescopes carried into space by rockets have been made, confirming the very low infrared backgrounds outside the Earth’s atmosphere [1] and the potential for high-sensitivity, high-speed observations [2].
Adaptive control of compound manipulators

This paper presents the motion control of a kinematically redundant manipulator. The controller is a direct adaptive control strategy that is stable and is applied through computer simulations with a nine degree-of-freedom compound manipulator consisting of a small, fast six DOF manipulator mounted on a large three DOF positioning device. >
A Dijkstra's algorithm shortest path assignment using the Google Maps API: poster session

An assignment involving a hands-on implementation of Dijkstra's Algorithm for computing single-source shortest paths is a useful supplement to a class discussion and readings about graph structures and algorithms in a data structures course. Ideally, the graph data used needs to be small enough to be manageable, but large enough to be interesting. This might consist of a small road system, airline schedules, or even the layout of a campus or building. This poster presents a variation on a Dijkstra's Algorithm assignment that uses the Google Maps API [2] and highway routing data from the Clinched Highway Mapping (CHM) Project [3] that allows students to compute and display, in Google Maps, real routings between locations.
Narrative and the rhetoric of possibility

Disclosing creative possibilities of thought and action is an important function of communication, especially of narrative rhetoric. This essay describes some of the problems which must be addressed in developing a rhetoric of possibility. Then it examines how rhetors disclose the human capacity for various states of mind. After showing why such possibilities are significant, it explores two ways of disclosing them. Rhetors may tell stories of deeds which reflect characters’ states of mind, or they may enable or challenge people to perform such acts themselves, with striking consequences for their own life stories. Often, however, performances disclose specific states of mind only when rhetors make them revealing through commentary or the careful stipulation of narrative details. While both methods are useful, they have different rhetorical implications.
Complexity of Measuring “Cigar Use” in Adolescents: Results From a Split Sample Experiment

INTRODUCTION Inclusion of brand-specific examples (BE) in health surveys assessing lifetime and current cigar use has been shown to impact response rates. A split sample experimental design was used to investigate whether these rates are consistent by race, gender, and geographic locale. METHODS The 2009 Cuyahoga County Youth Risk Behavior Survey was conducted among 20 randomly selected high schools. Two versions of the survey were created; the first included items assessing lifetime and current cigar use with no brand-specific examples (NBE) while the second included BE in the items assessing cigar use. Both survey versions were distributed randomly within selected classrooms in participating schools. RESULTS Within the City, both White and Black BE respondents reported higher lifetime cigar product use prevalence and current cigar product use compared to the NBE group; however, the difference was only significant among Black respondents (odds ratio [OR] = 1.45, 95% CI 1.02-2.06). In the Outer Ring, White BE respondents were significantly less likely to report lifetime cigar use (OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.54 - 0.98) and current cigar use (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.44-0.99) when compared with White NBE respondents. CONCLUSIONS Inclusion of BE in current measures of cigar product use may improve product use estimates in at-risk groups. However, better estimation of cigar product use may be accomplished by creating additional items to assess the use of subtypes of cigars.
Morphological, chemical and antigenic characterization of M-1 N-acetylmuramidase-digested cell walls of the oral pathogenic bacterium Actinomyces viscosus T14V and T14AV

Abstract The cell walls were enzymically solubilized with M-1 N-acetylmuramidase. The minimum amount of enzyme required for maximum response was 70 μg/mg of wall. The action of the enzyme seemed localized, producing holes in the wall structure. Chemistry and morphology suggested that all of the wall was solubilized. Antigenically, anti-T14AV formed precipitates with 11–14 antigens from the solubilized walls, of which 3 are unique to strain T14AV. Many of these antigens have not been observed previously due to the physical and/or chemical degradation associated with the extraction procedures. Antisera prepared against strain T14V whole cells formed precipitates with only a few antigens common to both strains. The results suggest that immunological processing and/or surface localization of these antigens are different.
In vivo hyperthermia induces expression of HSP70 mRNA in brain regions controlling the neuroendocrine response to stress

Regional localization of HSP70 expression in brain of rats exposed to increased ambient temperatures was examined using in situ hybridization. In addition to the cerebellar granule cell layer and choroid plexus, selective hybridization was observed in the hippocampal dentate gyrus, paraventricular and dorsomedial hypothalamic nuclei, median eminence, and medial habenula. Apparently, cells in brain regions coordinating the neuroendocrine response to stress show a preferential induction of cellular stress proteins in response to heat.
Phase-transfer catalysed synthesis of disubstituted poly(phenylene vinylene)

Abstract An attempt to synthesize a series of phenyl ring disubstituted poly(o-, m- and p-phenylene vinylene) is reported. In this ‘one-pot’ reaction, a phase-transfer catalyst was used to promote the extraction of strong base deprotonated bischloromethyl aromatic anions from the aqueous to the organic phase to sustain a nucleophilic substitution reaction with the remaining bischloromethyl monomers. The polymers obtained were characterized for their chemical compositions and physical properties by elemental, i.r. and u.v. spectroscopic, and thermal analyses. The o-substituted polymers were found to have low melting temperatures, good solubilities and high molecular weights, but low yields. The m-substituted monomers, however, produced only non-conjugated poly-m-xylylenes. The p-substituted polymers offered the best combination of yield and physical properties. Films cast from soluble poly(2,5-dibutoxy-p-phenylene vinylene) have electrical volume resistivity in the range 300–500 ohm cm when doped with concentrated sulfuric acid.
Variations in the response of normal persons and cardiac patients to the Nylin heart function test.

Abstract 1. 1. The Nylin staircase cardiac function test was performed repeatedly on normal individuals and on a group of cardiac patients. 2. 2. Results and statistical characteristics indicate that the mean figures obtained from a group of persons studied had wide variations, but could be satisfactorily compared. 3. 3. The spontaneous daily variation seen in the response of an individual to the test is of such a magnitude that the test was not satisfactory to follow a single individual's cardiac status.
Genotype, LSD and T-maze Learning in Mice

VARIATION in T-maze learning in mice is determined by genetic and environmental (treatment) effects and interactions among them1–4. Lysergic acid diethylamide-25 (LSD-25) affects attack and inhibition behaviour, gross locomotor activity and swimming time in a water T-maze5–7. Strain differences in aggressive behaviour reaction to LSD, that is to say, a genotype × treatment interaction, have been suggested5. Here we evaluate the effect of LSD-25 and genotype on T-maze learning and demonstrate a significant genotype × treatment interaction for some components.
Millimeter-scale nearly perpetual sensor system with stacked battery and solar cells

Sensors with long lifetimes create new applications in medical, infrastructure and environmental monitoring. Due to volume constraints, sensor systems are often capable of storing only small amounts of energy. Several systems have increased lifetime through V DD scaling [1][2][3]. This necessitates voltage conversion from higher-voltage storage elements, such as batteries and fuel cells. Power is reduced by introducing ultra-low-power sleep modes during idle periods. Sensor lifetime can be further extended by harvesting from solar, vibrational and thermal energy. Since the availability of harvested energy is sporadic, it must be detected and stored. Harvesting sources often do not provide suitable voltage levels, so DC-DC up-conversion is required.
RPK1 and TOAD2 Are Two Receptor-like Kinases Redundantly Required for Arabidopsis Embryonic Pattern Formation

Although the basic plant body plan is established during embryogenesis, the molecular basis of embryonic patterning remains to be fully understood. We have identified two receptor-like kinases, RECEPTOR-LIKE PROTEIN KINASE1 (RPK1) and TOADSTOOL2 (TOAD2), required for Arabidopsis embryonic pattern formation. Genetic analysis indicates that RPK1 and TOAD2 have overlapping embryonic functions. The zygotic gene dosage of TOAD2 in an rpk1 background is of critical importance, suggesting that signaling mediated by RPK1 and TOAD2 must be above a threshold level for proper embryo development. The localization of RPK1 and TOAD2 translational fusions to GFP coupled with the analysis of cell-type-specific markers indicate that RPK1 and TOAD2 are redundantly required for both pattern formation along the radial axis and differentiation of the basal pole during early embryogenesis. We propose that RPK1 and TOAD2 receive intercellular signals and mediate intracellular responses that are necessary for embryonic pattern formation.
SIR repression of a yeast heat shock gene: UAS and TATA footprints persist within heterochromatin.

Previous work has suggested that products of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Silent Information Regulator ( SIR ) genes form a complex with histones, nucleated by cis ‐acting silencers or telomeres, which represses transcription in a position‐dependent but sequence‐independent fashion. While it is generally thought that this Sir complex works through the establishment of heterochromatin, it is unclear how this structure blocks transcription while remaining fully permissive to other genetic processes such as recombination or integration. Here we examine the molecular determinants underlying the silencing of HSP82 , a transcriptionally potent, stress‐inducible gene. We find that HSP82 is efficiently silenced in a SIR ‐dependent fashion, but only when HMRE mating‐type silencers are configured both 5′ and 3′ of the gene. Accompanying dominant repression are novel wrapped chromatin structures within both core and upstream promoter regions. Strikingly, DNase I footprints mapping to the binding sites for heat shock factor (HSF) and TATA‐binding protein (TBP) are strengthened and broadened, while groove‐specific interactions, as detected by dimethyl sulfate, are diminished. Our data are consistent with a model for SIR repression whereby transcriptional activators gain access to their cognate sites but are rendered unproductive by a co‐existing heterochromatic complex.
The effects of selective ibotenate lesions of the hippocampus on conditioned inhibition and extinction

Previously, Solomon (1977) reported that aspiration lesions of the dorsal hippocampus in rabbits had no effect either on the acquisition of Pavlovian conditioned inhibition or on performance during a subsequent retardation test. The present experiment confirmed and extended these findings by showing that rats with ibotenate lesions of the complete hippocampus (the dorsal and ventral hippocampus and the dentate gyrus) were also unimpaired on the same types of tasks. Additional tests with the same rats showed that removing the hippocampus significantly impaired extinction of responding to a stimulus that had been previously trained with an appetitive unconditioned stimulus. The performance of the lesioned rats on a summation test was also marginally, but not significantly, different from that of controls. The data are discussed with reference to the idea that the hippocampus is involved with the formation of some, but not all, types of inhibitory associations.
On a theorem of K. Schmidt

Abstract Schmidt (1977) proved that if the family of distributions of the partial sums of a strictly stationary (say ergodic) random sequence is tight, then that sequence is a “coboundary”. Here that result is generalized to nonstationary sequences.
An Exciting Release on TRPM7

Following fusion, synaptic vesicles do not always release all of their neurotransmitter. According to one model, neurotransmitters bind to a charged matrix within secretory vesicles, and release requires entry of counterions. In the current issue of Neuron, Krapivinsky et al. demonstrate that TRPM7 is localized to synaptic vesicles and is required for release of the positively charged neurotransmitter acetylcholine. The results raise the possibility that TRPM7 is the enigmatic channel that supplies counterions for neurotransmitter release.
Restriction endonuclease cleavage maps of rat and mouse mitochondrial DNAs

Mitochondrial DNA from an Old World mouse, Mus musculus, and from an Old World rat, Rattus norvegicus, contain 19 and 22 distinct sites, respectively, for the 8 restriction endonucleases, BamHI, EcoRI, HaeII, HhaI, HincII, HindIII, HpaI and PstI. The relative positions of the sites have been mapped by the study of partial and double enzyme digests. Some sites may been conserverd between the mouse and rat mitochondrial genomes.
Histological and histochemical examination of American Indian scalps, mummies, and a shrunken head

The histological and histochemical detail remaining in Jivaro shrunken heads, North American Indian scalps, and mummified remains from Peru, Chile, and the American southwest, is remarkable when these specimens are rehydrated and fixed by Sandison's methods. Special techniques and stains used frequently in the histochemistry of the skin brought out details which were less evident or not apparent in the routine hematoxylin and eosin preparations. The polarizing microscope was particularly useful in demonstrating keratin and collagen fibers. Use of the silver stain for melanin not only aided in demonstrating hairs, but also outlined the pattern of epidermal detail by supranuclear accumulation and melanin dust in the stratum corneum. The hematoxylin-phloxine-alcian blue orange G stain for prekeratin, keratin, and mucin showed long persistence of the prekeratin and keratin staining properties. The stain identified strands as epidermis where they would otherwise have been overlooked. The Luxol Fast Blue stain, birefringence, and appearance with phase contrast microscopy are promising means for evaluating the degradation of skin collagen under conditions of dry preservation. The first loss of histological information occurs in extravascular cells of the dermis; mast cells, eosinophils, and other perivascular cells could not be identified in any of the specimens. Fine elastic fibers near the epidermis disappear before the larger, mid-dermal elastic fibers. Some of the disease processes which could be diagnosed in very old mummified skin are discussed in terms of the remaining structures.
Seeding Rate Effects on Soybean Maturity Group IV–VIII for the Southeastern Production System: I. Vegetation Indices

Increasing seeding rates in wide row spacing soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] may improve vegetation growth. This study evaluated vegetation indices of five maturity groups (MGs) at six seeding rates (68,000; 136,000; 204,000; 272,000; 340,000; and 408,000 seeds ha -1 ) under dryland conditions for soybean production system on the southeastern coastal plain in 2007-2009. In this region, MG IV is part of early soybean production system (April planted), MG V and VI are full-season soybean (May planted), and MG VII and VIII for double-cropping system (June planted). Leaf area index (LAI) varied with seeding rate by linear functions at 60 and 90 days after planting (DAP) for MG IV in 2008/2009, V in 2007/2008, and VIII in 2008; by quadratic functions at 60 and 90 DAP for MG V and VI in 2009, 60 DAP for MG VII in 2007, and 90 DAP for MG IV in 2007 and VII in 2008. Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) increased with seeding rate linearly at 60 DAP for MG IV, V, VI, and VIII in 2008, IV and V in 2009; at 90 DAP for MG IV in 2008, VI and VII in 2009. Quadratic responses of NDVI to seeding rate were found at 60 DAP for MG VI in 2009 and VII in 2008; 90 DAP for MG IV and V in 2009, VII and VIII in 2008. Results suggest that increasing seeding rate may improve soybean growth at early development stages; however, increase of seeding rate above 272,000 seeds ha -1 may not achieve significant improvement of vegetation growth.
Fabrication and testing of a microstrip particle detector based on highly oriented diamond films

Abstract A particle detector for high flux applications has been fabricated based on highly oriented diamond (HOD) films. Relatively thick HOD films were achieved by combining the bias enhanced nucleation (BEN) in a microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) reactor and high rate growth process in a low pressure combustion flame (LPCF) reactor. Following the diamond deposition, Si substrate was etched away to obtain a free standing, 4 mm diameter diamond membrane. A Ti/Au microstrip electrode pattern was applied to one side of the detector to provide spatial resolution. The detector performance was tested by measuring the energy spectra of α-particles emitted from an 241Am source. As compared to the performance of a polycrystalline diamond detector, the HOD detector showed a three to four fold improvement in performance, which was close to that obtained for single crystalline diamond detectors.
Free form property rights for fisheries: The decentralized design of rights-based management through groundfish “sectors” in New England

Abstract Harvest cooperatives were implemented in several US fisheries over the last decade during a period when US law prohibited implementation of any new individual fishery quota (IFQ) systems. Harvest cooperatives provided an alternative to individual quotas as a means to end the race for fish and increase fishery profitability. The prohibition on new IFQ systems in the US was lifted, but harvest cooperatives remain a more feasible and perhaps a superior alternative to IFQs for some fisheries. The New England Fishery Management Council is on the verge of implementing a new management system for the groundfish fishery based on harvest cooperatives known as “sectors”. This paper describes the New England sector management system and discusses a number of advantages but also some drawbacks relative to IFQs. It argues that a hybrid of the two approaches could have advantages over either.
Models for improving patient throughput and waiting at hospital emergency departments.

Abstract Background Overcrowding diminishes Emergency Department (ED) care delivery capabilities. Objectives We developed a generic methodology to investigate the causes of overcrowding and to identify strategies to resolve them, and applied it in the ED of a hospital participating in the study. Methods We utilized Discrete Event Simulation (DES) to capture the complex ED operations. Using DES results, we developed parametric models for checking the effectiveness and quantifying the potential gains from various improvement alternatives. We performed a follow-up study to compare the outcomes before and after the model recommendations were put into effect at the hospital participating in the study. Results Insufficient physicians during peak hours, the slow process of admitting patients to inpatient floors, and laboratory and radiology test turnaround times were identified as the causes of reduced ED throughput. Addition of a physician resulted in an almost 18% reduction in the ED Main discharged patient length of stay. Conclusion The case study results demonstrated the effectiveness of the generic methodology. The research contributions were validated through statistically significant improvements seen in patient throughput and waiting time at the hospital participating in the study.
Regulation of membrane lipid fluidity in Acholeplasma laidlawii: effect of carotenoid pigment content.

Abstract Acholeplasma laidlawii (oral strain) cells were grown in a lipid-extracted medium supplemented with arachidic acid (C20:0). The carotenoid content of the plasma membrane was appreciably dependent upon the levels of acetate or propionate present in the growth medium. 1. 1. Membranes isolated from cells grown in propionate (5 g/l) contained a low level of carotenoids, approximately 11 wt% of the total lipids. Neither the fatty acyl composition nor the membrane lipid/protein ratio was altered. However, spin-labelling experiments demonstrated a greater lipid fluidity in those membranes, as compared to those from cells grown in an acetate containing growth medium. Membranes isolated from cells grown in acetate (5 g/l) were characterized by a higher buoyant density, higher osmotic fragility and lower glycerol permeability. 2. 2. Growing cells in a medium containing 20 g/l of propionate instead of acetate, the membrane carotenoid content decreased by 57-fold. For cells grown in an acetate medium (20 g/l), high levels of carotenoid pigments (about 38 wt% of the total lipids) were obtained; fewer arachidoyl and more unsaturated acyl groups were found in the membrane lipids. Spin-labelling experiments showed only a very slight difference in lipid fluidity between the two types of membrane. 3. 3. These results suggest that carotenoid pigments rigidify the Acholeplasma membrane and the organism maintains its membrane fluidity within a narrow range by modifying the fatty acyl composition of the membrane lipids.
Roles of Retinoic Acid in Induction of Immunity and Immune Tolerance

It has long been recognized that vitamin A and its metabolites have immune-regulatory roles but the mechanism has been unclear. Recently, there has been a significant progress in elucidating the functions of retinoic acid in regulation of immune cell development. Retinoic acid (all-trans and 9-cis retinoic acid) is produced from the cells of the intestine such as dendritic cells and provides an intestine-specific environmental cue to differentiating immune cells. When T cells and B cells are activated in the intestine and associated-lymphoid tissues, gut homing receptors are induced on the cells in a retinoic acid and antigen-dependent manner. Retinoic acid, produced by gut dendritic cells, is also an important signal that induces IgA-producing B cells. The gut homing T cells and B cells play essential roles in protecting the digestive tract from pathogens. Retinoic acid is required also for production of mature phagocytes in bone marrow. On the other hand, retinoic acid induces a subset of FoxP3+ regulatory T cells which is important for maintaining immune tolerance in the gut. Therefore, retinoids provide both positive and negative regulatory signals to fine-control the mucosal immune system.
Structures of fd gene 5 protein.nucleic acid complexes: a combined solution scattering and electron microscopy study.

Small-angle scattering and electron microscopy studies of fd gene 5 protein (g5p) and reconstituted g5p.nucleic acid complexes have been used to test models for the complexes and evaluate their uniqueness. In addition, we have obtained new information on the dependence of nucleotide type and protein/nucleotide (P/N) ratio on the structure of the complexes. Reconstituted complexes were made with single-stranded fd viral DNA (fd ssDNA), poly[d(A)] and poly[r(A)]. All complexes form similar left-handed, flexible superhelices having approximately the same diameter, but the pitch differs among these complexes. The g5p protein is a dimer in solution and the dimers associate to form a superhelical framework to which the polynucleotide is attached. The combined X-ray and neutron scattering data confirm the nucleic acid is inside the protein superhelix. A Monte Carlo integration modeling procedure applied to the scattering data was used to systematically test large numbers of possible models for each complex, and previously proposed models based on parameters obtained from electron microscopy were found to be essentially correct and unique. The data on the complexes with different P/N ratios showed that mass per unit length values decreased while the rise per dimer and pitch of the superhelix increased for g5p.fd-ssDNA complexes with decreasing P/N ratios.
Rapid thin-layer chromatographic separation of cocaine from codeine, heroin, 6-monoacetylmorphine, morphine and quinine on microscope slides

Abstract A thin-layer chromatographic method is reported for the separation of cocaine from codeine, heroin, 6-monoacetylmorphine, morphine and quinine on microscope slides. The method involves the use of sodium hydroxide-impregnated silica gel G microchromatoplates and acetone-benzene (50:50) as developer. Cocaine separates as a distinct spot while quinine and the morphinoid alkaloids separate collectively as one large spot near the point of application. Preliminary data suggest that the procedure will separate cocaine from aspirin and caffeine, and also from mixtures containing aspirin, caffeine, quinine, codeine, heroin. 6-monoacetylmorphine and morphine.
Off-axis complex-argument polynomial-Gaussian beams in optical systems

Off-axis light-beam propagation in optical systems representable by complex ABCD matrices is considered in detail. The results are presented in terms of modal parameter transformations similar to Kogelnik’s ABCD law. The modes emphasized here can be expressed in terms of polynomial-Gaussian functions of complex argument. These modes may be both astigmatic and asymmetric and can describe the propagation of off-axis beams of light in lenslike media with spatial gain or loss variation.