cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An analysis of behavioral thermoregulation in the lizard, Dipsosaurus dorsalis

Abstract 1. 1.A thermal shuttle box was used to determined the high and low body temperatures at which the desert iguana, Dipsosaurus, shuttles between a cold and hot environment. The high and low body temperatures at shuttling, designed HBTS and LBTS, respectively, were recorded for 1 to 3 days. 2. 2.The mean and standard deviation of the HBTS's and LBTS's for each lizard is reported. The average mean HBTS is 41.7 ± 1.66°C and the average mean LBTS is 36.41 ± 1.12°C. The average of the standard deviation of the mean LBTS of each lizard (1.91 ± 0.40 S.D.) for 36 Dipsosaurus is 1.5 times the average of the S.D. of the mean HBTS (1.21 ± 0.29 S.D.). 3. 3.A linear regression analysis was done of the high and low body temperatures at shuttling for each lizard, to determine if the previous HBTS determined the subsequent LBTS (HBTS-LBTS correlation pair) and if the previous LBTS determined the following HBTS (LBTS-HBTS correlation pair). These two correlation pairs compose a correlation pair type for each lizard. Fifteen lizards regulated their high and low body temperatures at shuttling independently of each other. Thirteen lizards demonstrated at least one positive correlation pair while only eight lizards displayed at least one negative correlation pair. Different correlation pair types do occur in the same lizard between runs. The correlation pair types are independent of the ambient air temperature of the hot or cold sides of the shuttle box. 4. 4.The data obtained from the behavioral response of Dipsosaurus in a thermal shuttle box were combined with information from studies of the reptilian nervous system in order to propose a hypothetical neural model of behavioral thermoregulation.
In vivo cerebral metabolism and central benzodiazepine-receptor binding in temporal lobe epilepsy.

Positron emission tomography measured interictal cerebral glucose metabolism with [ 18 F]fluorodeoxyglucose and central benzodiazepine-receptor binding with [ 11 C]flumazenil in 10 mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients and in normal subjects. Eight TLE patients had mesial temporal, lateral temporal, and thalamic hypometabolism ipsilateral to EEG ictal onsets, with additional extratemporal hypometabolism in four. One had unilateral anterior mesial temporal hypometabolism only, and one had normal metabolism. Each patient had decreased benzodiazepine-receptor binding in the ipsilateral anterior mesial temporal region, without neocortical changes. Thus, interictal metabolic dysfunction is variable and usually extensive in TLE, whereas decreased central benzodiazepine-receptor density is more restricted to mesial temporal areas. Metabolic patterns in TLE may reflect diaschisis, while benzodiazepine-receptor changes may reflect localized neuronal and synaptic loss that is specific to the epileptogenic zone. [ 11 C]Flumazenil imaging maybe useful in presurgical evaluation of refractory complex partial seizures.
Carcinoid tumors of the stomach

Interest in gastric carcinoid tumors has in recent time amplified considerably as the understanding of both their biological background and clinical significance has developed. The increase in identification associated with the widespread availability of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy has facilitated diagnosis. In addition concern related to the consequences of long-standing hypergastrinemia generated by the use of potent acid-suppressive medications has augmented both clinical and scientific focus on gastric neuro endocrine issues. The elucidation of the regulatory mechanisms of the progenitor cell (ECL cell) of the gastric carcinoid tumor, the refinement of a pathological grading system for ECL cell proliferation, and the availability of specific immunohistologic identification techniques have further amplified the characterization of this lesion. Although the putative malignant potential of gastric carcinoids may ultimately be of only modest concern in a background of hypergastrinemia its relationship to gastric adenocarcinoma is still enigmatic and worthy of further consideration. This review will describe the molecular interrelationship between low-acid states, gastrin, and ECL cell proliferation and will discuss the pathological classification of the distinct types of gastric carcinoid tumors. In addition, the clinical rationale of current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies will be examined, providing a logical basis for the formulation of appropriate management strategies for patient care.
Image quality and performance modeling for automated target detection

Several methods have been developed for quantifying the information potential of imagery exploited by a human observer. The National Imagery Interpretability Ratings Scale (NIIRS) has proven to be a useful standard for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) applications. A comparable standard for automated information extraction would be useful for a variety of applications, including tasking and collection management. This paper examines the applicability of NIIRS to automated exploitation methods. In particular, we compare image-based estimates of the NIIRS to observed performance of an automated target detection (ATD) algorithm. In addition, we examine other image metrics and their relationship to ATD performance. The findings indicate that NIIRS is not a good predictor of ATD performance, but methods that quantify the complexity of the clutter hold promise.
Somatic embryogenesis in slash pine (Pinus elliottii) from immature embryos cultured in vitro

Abstract Embryogenic callus development was initiated in cultured immature embryo explants of four different genotypes of slash pine (Pinus elliottii) on several culture media supplemented with auxin and cytokinin. Callus induction, either from the suspensor cells at the base of immature embryos or from the cotyledons of immature embryos, started after 1–2 weeks. As the callus started to proliferate, three types of calli were distinguished; white mucilaginous, loose globular, and light green-loose. Histochemical staining, with acetocarmine, indicated that only white mucilaginous calli were embryogenic. Non-embryogenic loose globular and light green-loose calli continued to retain their nature even after several subcultures. The origin of somatic proembryos in Pinus elliottii was from single cells of the suspensor cell callus. The developmental stage of the zygotic immature embryos, genotype and culture medium are critical factors for the production of embryogenic callus. Somatic proembryos are being cultured for further development.
Jumonji represses α-cardiac myosin heavy chain expression via inhibiting MEF2 activity

Abstract Expression of α-cardiac myosin heavy chain gene (αMHC) is developmentally regulated in normal embryonic hearts and down-regulated in cardiac myopathy and failing hearts. Jumonji (JMJ) has been shown to be critical for normal cardiovascular development and functions as a transcriptional repressor. Here, we demonstrate that JMJ represses αMHC expression through inhibition of myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) activity. In primary cardiomyocytes, overexpression of JMJ leads to marked reduction of endogenous αMHC expression. JMJ represses the synergistic activation of αMHC by MEF2 and thyroid hormone receptor (TR). Interestingly, JMJ inhibits transcriptional activities of all MEF2 isoforms, but not the TR-dependent activation. The transcriptional repression domain of JMJ interacts with the N-terminal part of MEF2A, resulting in the repression of MEF2A activities. These results suggest that JMJ represses αMHC expression via protein–protein interaction with MEF2A.
EVALUATION OF THE E‐RATER® SCORING ENGINE FOR THE GRE® ISSUE AND ARGUMENT PROMPTS

Automated scoring models for the e-rater® scoring engine were built and evaluated for the GRE® argument and issue-writing tasks. Prompt-specific, generic, and generic with prompt-specific intercept scoring models were built and evaluation statistics such as weighted kappas, Pearson correlations, standardized difference in mean scores, and correlations with external measures were examined to evaluate the e-rater model performance against human scores. Performance was also evaluated across different demographic subgroups. Additional analyses were performed to establish appropriate agreement thresholds between human and e-rater scores for unusual essays and the impact of using e-rater on operational scores. The generic e-rater scoring model with operational prompt-specific intercept for the issue-writing task and prompt-specific e-rater scoring model for the argument writing task were recommended for operational use. The two automated scoring models were implemented to produce check scores at a discrepancy threshold of 0.5 with human scores.
Microbiology and epidemiology of oral yeast colonization in hemopoietic progenitor cell transplant recipients

Objective We monitored the epidemiology and microbiology of oral yeast colonization in patients undergoing hemopoietic progenitor cell transplantation (HPCT) to examine associations between yeast colonization and oral mucositis. Study Design One hundred twenty-one consecutive HPCT patients were sampled for oral yeasts prior to fluconazole (FLC) prophylaxis, at transplantation, and weekly until discharge. Clinical oral mucositis screenings were performed triweekly. Results Yeast colonization was evident at 216 of 510 total visits. Candida albicans and Candida glabrata were the predominant organisms. Eight patients showed elevated minimal inhibitory concentrations to FLC. One patient developed fungal septicemia. Patients with oral mucositis assessment scale scores Conclusions FLC is effective in controlling a variety of oral yeasts in HPCT recipients. FLC-resistant yeasts do emerge and can be the source of fungal sepsis. A positive association was not shown between yeast colonization and the presence or severity of oral mucositis.
Superconducting temperatures of quenched thoriumzirconium alloys

Abstract The superconducting transition temperatures of thorium-zirconium alloys containing 66–100 at.% Zr and quenched from the β region were determined. These alloys were b.c.c. at high temperature but quenching resulted in f.c.c., b.c.c., orthorhombic and h.c.p. structures. All these phases had superconducting transition temperatures above those of pure thorium or zirconium. No evidence for an ω phase was observed.
Game design principles for engaging cooperative play: core mechanics and interfaces for non-mimetic simulation of fire emergency response

Core mechanics are the activities that players repeat to play a game, the central aspects of play constrained by rules. Interfaces mediate play experiences, impacting engagement with core mechanics. We design core mechanics for gathering, integrating, and sharing information, based on team coordination practices of fire emergency responders. We connect these mechanics with interfaces that impact player engagement. Mechanics and interfaces combine into a non-mimetic simulation game, which eschews fire and smoke, in favor of re-creating information flows and team structures.We describe the iteration of mechanics and interface components as shaped by practice, pilot games, participatory redesign sessions, and long-term user studies. The result is integrated core mechanics that we develop from work practice and interface components that support engagement with them. From this data, we construct game design principles for engaging cooperative play: information distribution, modulating visibility, providing the right information in the right time, making predictable, and understandable representations for shared mental models.
A Historical Perspective on Closing Achievement Gaps.

Although much has been written recently about gaps in the achievement of different groups of students, the problem has been with us for many years. This manuscript presents a historical perspective of the problem, viewing it as one of reducing variation in students' achievement. Specifically, it reviews the work of renowned educator Benjamin S. Bloom, who argued that to reduce variation in students' achievement and have all students learn well, we must increase variation in instructional approaches and learning time. Bloom also outlined a specific strategy to accomplish this instructional differentiation, labeling it "mastery learning."Bloom's work is described, along with common misinterpretations of his ideas and the results of research on the effectiveness of their implementation.
Re(V) and Re(III) Complexes with Sal2phen and Triphenylphosphine: Rearrangement, Oxidation and Reduction

Reactions of ReV, tetradentate Schiff base complexes with tertiary phosphines have previously yielded both rearranged ReV and reduced ReIII complexes. To further understand this chemistry, the rigid diiminediphenol (N2O2) Schiff base ligand sal2phen (N,N′-o-phenylenebis(salicylaldimine)) was reacted with (n-Bu4N)[ReOCl4] to yield trans-[ReOCl(sal2phen)] (1). On reaction with triphenylphosphine (PPh3), a rearranged ReV product cis-[ReO(PPh3)(sal2phen*)]PF6 (2), in which one of the imines was reduced to an amine during the reaction, and the reduced ReIII products trans-[ReCl(PPh3)(sal2phen)] (4) and trans-[Re(PPh3)2(sal2phen)]+ (5) were isolated. Reaction of sal2phen with [ReCl3(PPh3)2(CH3CN)] resulted in the isolation of [ReCl2(PPh3)2(salphen)] (3). The compounds were characterized using standard spectroscopic methods, elemental analyses and single crystal X-ray crystallography.
Pathophysiology and Management of Opioid-Induced Pruritus

Pruritus occurs frequently following opioid use, particularly after neuraxial administration. Although not life threatening, pruritus is discomforting and may decrease patient satisfaction. Even though the mechanism of opioid-induced pruritus is not yet fully understood, there is increasing evidence of the important role played by μ opioid receptors. Animal experiments pointing to the role of the μ opioid receptor and the efficacy of μ opioid receptor antagonists for opioid adverse effect prophylaxis and treatment have been replicated in several studies. Serotonin and dopamine D2 receptors, prostaglandins and spinal inhibitory pathways may also be involved in the genesis of pruritus.
Trauma as an etiology of parkinsonism: a historical review of the concept

The relationship between trauma and the development of Parkinson's disease has been an issue in neurology since James Parkinson's initial 1817 essay. This paper will delineate the historical development of the concept of trauma as an etiologic agent in Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism. The strong influence of socioeconomic societal forces in the 1870s with regard to liability laws and the subsequent acceptance in the medical community of the role of peripheral trauma in producing Parkinson's disease is presented. We will also review present-day criteria for assigning head trauma an etiologic role in parkinsonism. The discussion will stress current knowledge regarding trauma and parkinsonism, and it will also review the issues of the possible role of the current litigious society's influence on determining a role for trauma in Parkinson's disease.
Maternal and infant urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations: are they related?

Background Phthalates are synthetic chemicals that are ubiquitous in our society and may have adverse health effects in humans. Detectable concentrations of phthalate metabolites have been found in adults and children, but no studies have examined the relationship between maternal and infant phthalate metabolite concentrations.
The Teacher From the Black Lagoon: Revenge of the Bad Teacher

School teachers have been used as heroic characters in movies for a long time. Their heroism compensates for the failures of social life in our society by treating problems in the classroom, not the real world, and by acting as the mediators between diverse sub-cultures and the larger society. They are the agents of rationality, scholarship, and inclusiveness in addressing great social issues. In recent years, many movies about bad workers have appeared, including comedies and melodramas. Bad Teacher is a new kind of movie that treats the usually heroic teacher as a kind of bad worker. The critique of the teacher comes at a time when school teachers are being demonized in political discourse, and it makes use of disparaging stereotypes for dramatic effect.
An Application of a Product Positioning Model to Pharmaceutical Products

This paper describes a case application of SIMOPT, a product positioning model and decision support system.
Beta blockers, norepinephrine, and cancer: an epidemiological viewpoint

There is growing evidence that the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE) and its sister molecule epinephrine (EPI) (adrenaline) affect some types of cancer. Several recent epidemiological studies have shown that chronic use of beta blocking drugs (which antagonize NE/EPI receptors) results in lower recurrence, progression, or mortality of breast cancer and malignant melanoma. Preclinical studies have shown that manipulation of the levels or receptors of NE and EPI with drugs affects experimentally induced cancers. Psychological stress may play an etiological role in some cases of cancer (which has been shown epidemiologically), and this could be partly mediated by NE and EPI released by the sympathetic nervous system as part of the body’s “fight or flight” response. A less well-appreciated phenomenon is that the genetic tone of NE/EPI may play a role in cancer. NE and EPI may affect cancer by interacting with molecular pathways already implicated in abnormal cellular replication, such as the P38/MAPK pathway, or via oxidative stress. NE/EPI-based drugs other than beta blockers also may prevent or treat various types of cancer, as may cholinesterase inhibitors that inhibit the sympathetic nervous system, which could be tested epidemiologically.
Doped carrier formulation and mean-field theory of the tt ' t ″ J model

In the generalized-$tJ$ model the effect of a large local Coulomb repulsion is accounted for by restricting the Hilbert space to states with at most one electron per site. In this case the electronic system can be viewed in terms of holes hopping in a lattice of correlated spins, where holes are the carriers doped into the half-filled Mott insulator. To explicitly capture the interplay between the hole dynamics and local spin correlations we derive a formulation of the generalized-$tJ$ model where doped carrier operators are used instead of the original electron operators. This ``doped carrier'' formulation provides a starting point to address doped spin systems, and we use it to develop a fully fermionic, mean-field description of doped Mott insulators. This mean-field approach reveals a mechanism for superconductivity\char22{}namely, spinon-dopon mixing\char22{}and we apply it to the $t{t}^{\ensuremath{'}}{t}^{\ensuremath{''}}J$ model as of interest to high-temperature superconductors. In particular, we use model parameters borrowed from band calculations and from fitting angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy data to obtain a mean-field phase diagram that reproduces semiquantitatively that of hole- and electron-doped cuprates. The mean-field approach hereby presented accounts for the local antiferromagnetic and $d$-wave superconducting correlations which, we show, provide a rational for the role of ${t}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ and ${t}^{\ensuremath{''}}$ in strengthening superconductivity as expected by experiments and other theoretical approaches. As we discuss how $t$, ${t}^{\ensuremath{'}}$, and ${t}^{\ensuremath{''}}$ affect the phase diagram, we also comment on possible scenarios to understand the differences between as-grown and oxygen-reduced electron-doped samples.
Asymmetry in the relationship between finger temperature changes and emotional state in males.

Eighty male college students each listened to monaural music that was intended to cause either positive-valence emotions (e.g., happiness) or negative-valence emotions (e.g., unhappiness). When the music was to the left ear, subjects' finger temperature changes during the music correlated significantly with the subjects' ratings of the valence of the emotions they experienced during the music. When the music was to the right ear, finger temperature changes were not different during positive- versus during negative-valence music, and the subjective reports did not correlate significantly with the finger temperature changes. The results are interpreted as indicating that the extent to which males' autonomic responses, such as finger temperature changes, reflect the emotional state of the subject depends upon which cerebral hemisphere is more involved in the processing of the emotion-generating stimulus. Theoretical and practical aspects of this finding are discussed.
Risk of sudden versus nonsudden cardiac death in patients with coronary artery disease

Abstract Background Patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death, yet at low risk of nonsudden death, might be ideal candidates for antiarrhythmic drugs or devices. Most previous studies of prognostic markers for sudden cardiac death have ignored the competitive risk of nonsudden cardiac death. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the ability of clinical factors to distinguish the risks of sudden and nonsudden cardiac death. Methods We identified all deaths during a 3.3-year follow-up of 30,680 patients discharged alive after admission to the cardiac care unit of a Seattle hospital. Detailed chart reviews were conducted on 1093 subsequent out-of-hospital sudden deaths, 973 nonsudden cardiac deaths, and 442 randomly selected control patients. Results Patients who died in follow-up (suddenly or nonsuddenly) were significantly different for many clinical factors from control patients. In contrast, patients with sudden cardiac death were insignificantly different for most clinical characteristics from patients with nonsudden cardiac death. The mode of death was 20% to 30% less likely to be sudden in women, patients who had angioplasty or bypass surgery, and patients prescribed β-blockers. The mode of death was 20% to 30% more likely to be sudden in patients with heart failure, frequent ventricular ectopy, or a discharge diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. A multivariable model had only modest predictive capacity for mode of death (c-index of 0.62). Conclusion Standard clinical evaluation is much better at predicting overall risk of death than at predicting the mode of death as sudden or nonsudden. (Am Heart J 2002;144:390-6.)
Evaluating SPUR model for predicting animal gains and biomass on eastern hill land pastures

Abstract The SPUR (simulation of production and utilization of rangelands) model was evaluated for use on eastern hill land pastures. The model was calibrated using the first year of soil fertility, weather, and animal data collected from a four-year study involving crossbred beef cattle grazing tall fescue. Calibration involved adjusting of plant inputs for maximum photosynthetic rate, leaf area index, root to shoot ratio, and the effect of trampling on biomass. Once calibrated, SPUR was used to simulate animal weight gains and biomass production using data collected in the last three years of the study. Simulated animal gains agreed well with the observed animal gains. However, simulated plant biomass did not agree with observed plant biomass.
Do 2-year-olds disambiguate and extend words learned from video?

This study investigated whether children learned, disambiguated, and extended words presented via video. Eighteen 2-year-olds saw a series of short videos. Each video depicted a novel target object that was labeled with a novel word. Then the target object was replaced on screen with a pair of objects (which varied by condition) and children were asked to select the object that best matched a novel word. In the baseline and disambiguation conditions, children saw the target and a novel distracter. In the extension condition, children saw an exemplar of the target and a novel distracter. Results showed that children selected the target at above chance levels in the baseline condition and the exemplar at above chance levels in the extension condition. Results also showed that children's selection in the disambiguation condition did not differ from chance. Possible reasons for children's inability to disambiguate are discussed.
THE PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC WORKABILITY OF THE POOR

\\'c shall probably di scover that the poor arc even less ready (0 part with their neuroses than the rich, bcCIUSC t h e hard lif e that awaits them when they recover has no attraction, and illn ess in them gives them more claim to the help of others. Possibly we may oflen onl y be able to achieve something if we combine aid for the mind with some material support, in the manner of Emperor Joseph. SIGMUND FREUD, 1919
Reply: the role of ultrasound in pediatric salivary gland imaging

Sir, We would like to thank Sodhi et al. [1] for their comments regarding our pictorial essay titled “Pediatric salivary gland imaging” [2]. We agree that CT imaging in children should be used quite judiciously in order to limit radiation exposure. We included CT images of infantile hemangiomas and parotitis for educational purposes and did not mean to imply that this was the recommended initial modality for imaging. We appreciate the comments regarding sialoadenosis and agree with the description given by Sodhi et al. [1].
Eutectic phase in water-ice: a self-assembled environment conducive to metal-catalyzed non-enzymatic RNA polymerization.

Information and catalytic polymers play an essential role in contemporary cellular life, and their emergence must have been crucial during the complex processes that led to the assembly of the first living systems. Polymerization reactions producing these molecules would have had to occur in aqueous medium, which is known to disfavor such reactions. Thus, it was proposed early on that these polymerizations had to be supported by particular environments, such as mineral surfaces and eutectic phases in water-ice, which would have led to the concentration of the monomers out of the bulk aqueous medium and their condensation. This review presents the work conducted to understand how the eutectic phases in water-ice might have promoted RNA polymerization, thereby presumably contributing to the emergence of the ancient information and catalytic system envisioned by the ‘RNA-World’ hypothesis.
Activation of natural killer cells in vitro by a product of β-hemolytic streptococci

Abstract Streptokinase-streptodornase (SK-SD), a product of Group A and Group C β-hemolytic streptococci, activates natural killer (NK) cells in vitro. This effect appears to occur without the induction of interferon. It is not present in every individual but is reproducible. There appears to be no correlation between NK activation and assays for cellular immunity such as in vivo delayed skin reactions and/or in vitro cell proliferation.
Masked priming for prefixed words with bound stems: Does submit prime permit?

Masked priming effects for prefixed words sharing a bound stem (e.g., submit-PERMIT) are compared with priming effects for semantically transparent prefixed words (e.g., fold-UNFOLD). In three experiments, priming effects were obtained for both types with no significant difference between them. These results suggest that semantic transparency is not critical for priming in this paradigm. However, in Experiment 2, priming in the bound stem condition did not differ significantly from an orthographic control condition (e.g., shallow-FOLLOW). In Experiment 3, form priming effects were suppressed by the use of close distractors and a longer prime duration. The morphological effects remained unaltered, indicating that they were not a product of orthographic overlap. The magnitude of bound stem priming was also found to be related to productivity of the stem.
Recent refurbishment of the Oak Ridge Electron Linear Accelerator neutron source

For almost 40 years the Oak Ridge Electron Linear Accelerator (ORELA) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has been operational and has provided high-resolution neutron cross-section data for many isotopes in the energy range from thermal up to 60MeV. ORELA is a four-section radiofrequency electron linear accelerator with a water-cooled tantalum neutron production target. Short (2-30ns) electron burst widths together with available long flight paths lead to excellent time-of-flight resolution. The electron beam energy can range up to 180MeV and at 50kW of beam power yields a neutron production rate 10 14 n/s. We report on recent refurbishment activities that included improvements to the accelerator vacuum and electron gun design and other upgrades. The current ORELA program is focused on high-resolution neutron cross-section measurements for the Nuclear Criticality Safety Program for nuclides for which deficiencies in existing data have been identified. Additionally neutron cross-section measurements for nuclear astrophysics are performed to support studies of heavy element synthesis in Asymptotic Giant Branch stars. Detection and data analysis capabilities have been developed for making highly accurate measurements of neutron capture, neutron total, and (n,α) cross sections simultaneously on different beam lines.
Raman phase conjugate resonator for intracavity aero-optic turbulence aberration correction

Abstract A cw degenerate phase conjugate resonator (PCR) with intracavity aero-optic turbulent flow is demonstrated using sodium vapor pumped with a low intensity cw laser. A turbulent helium jet at a high flow velocity of 250 m/s and forcing frequency of 18 kHz generated the spatio-temporal aberrations. The intracavity normalized peak-to-peak intensity fluctuations at 18 kHz measured with a pinhole-detector are ten times smaller in the corrected beam than in the aberrated beam. The threshold pump intensity for the resonator is ∼4.5 W/cm2 in the absence of the turbulent flow. The pump frequency is tuned well within the Doppler width of the Na D1 transition. Evidence of a degenerate (laboratory frame) double-Λ mechanism involving Zeeman sublevels is also shown.
Conditional term rewriting as a formal basis for analysis of active database rules

Incorporating active capabilities in an object-oriented database requires a means to guarantee correctness and predictability of active rule behavior. The properties of termination and confluence are particularly important for a wide class of active database applications, including maintaining database consistency upon ad-hoc updates. We model active database rules as conditional term rewrite rules that rewrite the current database state. Rules communicate using messages that represent update requests and occurrences of events. By capturing database dynamics through conditional rewrites, the authors demonstrate the potential of using termination and confluence results developed for conditional term rewrite systems in the analysis of active database rules. These results can serve as a basis for establishing criteria for the development of well-behaved active database applications. >
Integrated Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis with an Application to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Systems biologic approaches such as Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) can effectively integrate gene expression and trait data to identify pathways and candidate biomarkers. Here we show that the additional inclusion of genetic marker data allows one to characterize network relationships as causal or reactive in a chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) data set. We combine WGCNA with genetic marker data to identify a disease-related pathway and its causal drivers, an analysis which we refer to as "Integrated WGCNA" or IWGCNA. Specifically, we present the following IWGCNA approach: 1) construct a co-expression network, 2) identify trait-related modules within the network, 3) use a trait-related genetic marker to prioritize genes within the module, 4) apply an integrated gene screening strategy to identify candidate genes and 5) carry out causality testing to verify and/or prioritize results. By applying this strategy to a CFS data set consisting of microarray, SNP and clinical trait data, we identify a module of 299 highly correlated genes that is associated with CFS severity. Our integrated gene screening strategy results in 20 candidate genes. We show that our approach yields biologically interesting genes that function in the same pathway and are causal drivers for their parent module. We use a separate data set to replicate findings and use Ingenuity Pathways Analysis software to functionally annotate the candidate gene pathways. We show how WGCNA can be combined with genetic marker data to identify disease-related pathways and the causal drivers within them. The systems genetics approach described here can easily be used to generate testable genetic hypotheses in other complex disease studies.
Impact of a modified data capture period on Liu comorbidity index scores in Medicare enrollees initiating chronic dialysis

Background: The Liu Comorbidity Index uses the United States Renal Data System (USRDS) to quantify comorbidity in chronic dialysis patients, capturing baseline comorbidities from days 91 through 270 after dialysis initiation. The 270 day survival requirement results in sample size reductions and potential survivor bias. An earlier and shorter time-frame for data capture could be beneficial, if sufficiently similar comorbidity information could be ascertained. Methods: USRDS data were used in a retrospective observational study of 70,114 Medicare- and Medicaid-eligible persons who initiated chronic dialysis during the years 2000–2005. The Liu index was modified by changing the baseline comorbidity capture period to days 1–90 after dialysis initiation for persons continuously enrolled in Medicare. The scores resulting from the original and the modified comorbidity indices were compared, and the impact on sample size was calculated. Results: The original Liu comorbidity index could be calculated for 75% of the sample, but the remaining 25% did not survive to 270 days. Among 52,937 individuals for whom both scores could be calculated, the mean scores for the original and the modified index were 7.4 ± 4.0 and 6.4 ± 3.6 points, respectively, on a 24-point scale. The most commonly calculated difference between scores was zero, occurring in 44% of patients. Greater comorbidity was found in those who died before 270 days. Conclusions: A modified version of the Liu comorbidity index captures the majority of comorbidity in persons who are Medicare-enrolled at the time of chronic dialysis initiation. This modification reduces sample size losses and facilitates inclusion of a sicker portion of the population in whom early mortality is common.
Snakes in the Ladies' Room: Navajo Views on Personhood and Effect

In the summer of 1994 snakes were sighted in a public restroom facility on the Navajo reservation. In this article I analyze the reactions of Navajo involved in this incident in order to illustrate the philosophical principles governing Navajo views of the cultural construction of the human body, self, personhood, and effect. The philosophical system, which provides a cultural context for explaining this disturbing event, is in part based on the principle of synecdoche—the premise that parts of the body (hair, fingernails) and bodily secretions (saliva, blood, skin oil, urine) retain lifelong influence and can thereby affect the well-being of the individual from whom they originated for a long time after their detachment or expulsion. This analysis of the Navajo case contributes to broader disciplinary concerns about the opposition of “self” and “person” found in classic anthropological discourse, [self, the human body, personhood, effect, Navajo, Native America]
Estimating detrusor pressure at home in pediatric patients with myelomeningocele.

ABSTRACTPurpose: We evaluated a method of estimating detrusor pressure at home in patients with myelomeningocele who perform clean intermittent catheterization to empty the bladder.Materials and Methods: Patients with myelomeningocele who perform clean intermittent catheterization underwent cystometry. At home they determined bladder pressure before draining a full bladder and after partial draining with the bladder almost empty. Home estimate of detrusor pressure was calculated using the formula, full bladder pressure - almost empty bladder pressure.Results: A total of 4 boys and 5 girls with a mean age plus or minus standard deviation of 9.6 ± 7.9 years who were enrolled in our study made 16.9 ± 15.2 home bladder pressure and volume recordings weekly each during a mean of 5.8 ± 4.3 months. Mean bladder capacity determined at home was significantly greater than cystometric capacity (354 ± 185 versus 250 ± 146 ml.). At a mean home and cystometric volume of 190 ± 110 ml. full bladder pressure at home was n...
The cold‐water climate shield: delineating refugia for preserving salmonid fishes through the 21st century

The distribution and future fate of ectothermic organisms in a warming world will be dictated by thermalscapes across landscapes. That is particularly true for stream fishes and cold-water species like trout, salmon, and char that are already constrained to high elevations and latitudes. The extreme climates in those environments also preclude invasions by most non-native species, so identifying especially cold habitats capable of absorbing future climate change while still supporting native populations would highlight important refugia. By coupling crowd-sourced biological datasets with high-resolution stream temperature scenarios, we delineate network refugia across >250 000 stream km in the Northern Rocky Mountains for two native salmonids-bull trout (BT) and cutthroat trout (CT). Under both moderate and extreme climate change scenarios, refugia with high probabilities of trout population occupancy (>0.9) were predicted to exist (33-68 BT refugia; 917-1425 CT refugia). Most refugia are on public lands (>90%) where few currently have protected status in National Parks or Wilderness Areas (<15%). Forecasts of refuge locations could enable protection of key watersheds and provide a foundation for climate smart planning of conservation networks. Using cold water as a 'climate shield' is generalizable to other species and geographic areas because it has a strong physiological basis, relies on nationally available geospatial data, and mines existing biological datasets. Importantly, the approach creates a framework to integrate data contributed by many individuals and resource agencies, and a process that strengthens the collaborative and social networks needed to preserve many cold-water fish populations through the 21st century.Related website:Climate Shield Cold-Water Refuge Streams for Native Trout
Effect of kidney transplantation on left ventricular systolic dysfunction and congestive heart failure in patients with end-stage renal disease.

Objectives We examined the impact of kidney transplantation on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Background The ESRD patients with decreased LVEF and a poor New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class are not usually referred for transplant evaluations, as they are considered to be at increased risk of cardiac and surgical complications. Methods Between June 1998 and November 2002, 103 recipients with LVEF ≤40% and CHF underwent kidney transplantation. The LVEF was re-assessed by radionuclide ventriculography gated-blood pool (MUGA) scan at six and 12 months and at the last follow-up during the post-transplant period. Results Mean pre-transplant LVEF% increased from 31.6 ± 6.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 30.3 to 32.9) to 52.2 ± 12.0 (95% CI 49.9 to 54.6, p = 0.002) at 12 months after transplantation. There was no perioperative death. After transplantation, 69.9% of patients achieved LVEF ≥50% (normal LVEF). A longer duration of dialysis (in months) before transplantation decreased the likelihood of normalization of LVEF in the post-transplant period (odds ratio 0.82, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.91; p 50% was the only significant factor associated with a lower hazard for death or hospitalizations for CHF (relative risk 0.90, 95% CI 0.86 to 0.95; p Conclusions Kidney transplantation in ESRD patients with advanced systolic heart failure results in an increase in LVEF, improves functional status of CHF, and increases survival. To abrogate the adverse effects of prolonged dialysis on myocardial function, ESRD patients should be counseled for kidney transplantation as soon as the diagnosis of systolic heart failure is established.
Steelhead Genetic Diversity at Multiple Spatial Scales in a Managed Basin: Snake River, Idaho

We investigated the genetic diversity of steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss in 74 wild populations and 5 hatchery stocks in Idaho's Snake River basin at the drainage, watershed, and population spatial scales using 11 microsatellite loci. We found significant genetic diversity at multiple spatial scales. Analysis of molecular variance showed that genetic diversity was greater among watersheds within drainages (3.66%) than among drainages (1.97%). Over 94% of the genetic diversity found in the Clearwater, Salmon, and Snake River drainages occurred within individual populations. Estimated effective population sizes ranged from 213 to 486.6 at the drainage scale, from 81.2 to 610.4 at the watershed scale, and from 8.4 to 4,845 at the population scale. The Middle Fork Salmon, South Fork Salmon, Lochsa, and Selway rivers—watersheds managed for wild fish—formed distinct groups in our consensus neighbor-joining (NJ) trees. At the watershed scale our analyses support differentiation of all hatchery and wild stocks. However, this was not the case for analyses at the population scale, where 236 FST pairwise comparisons out of 3,081 (wild and hatchery) were not significantly different. The distribution of genetic diversity across the landscape does not appear to be organized by the A run or B run management designations for anadromous steelhead. The Dworshak hatchery stock was significantly different from all but one population (O'Hara Creek, Selway River) in pairwise F ST comparisons and grouped with other Clearwater River drainage populations in our NJ trees. The Oxbow, Sawtooth, and Pahsimeroi hatchery stocks were indistinguishable from each other based on F ST analysis. Currently, this study represents the most comprehensive evaluation of genetic diversity in Idaho's steelhead populations across multiple scales with different management histories.
Trends in Decision Support Systems for Cropping Systems Analysis: Examples from Nebraska

SUMMARY Over the past 20 years, decision support systems (DSS) have been applied to a number of important problems in cropping systems analysis. Seven interrelated information technologies are currently driving new opportunities for decision support systems: global positioning systems (GPS), sensors for direct field measurements, variable rate application technology, remote sensing, data communication systems, geographic information systems (GIS), and personal computers. These technologies were used in three modeling examples designed to develop DSS at three different levels: competition between individual plants in an uneven stand (modeled at hourly time steps and sub-meter resolution), historical analysis of county-level yields (100 year sequence at multi-kilometer resolution), and yield map modeling (daily time step for a 64 ha field). In each case, a sequential analysis of model predictions helped identify additional data or algorithms needed to model the system at its appropriate scale. Continued pro...
Translating machine displayable information and documentation

Discusses the need for translating machine-displayable information and documentation for software products and the need for worldwide related products. Guidelines to follow for translation and linguistic sensitivities are suggested. All products should provide the user with a language that makes it possible to enter, display, store retrieve, distribute, print, and process data. When the English product is designed with the intent that it will be translated, the quality of the translation will make it a more usable and marketable product. >
Comparison of mechanisms of action of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) antagonist cetrorelix and LHRH agonist triptorelin on the gene expression of pituitary LHRH receptors in rats.

The mechanisms through which luteinizing hormone (LH)-releasing hormone (LHRH) antagonists suppress pituitary gonadotroph functions and LHRH-receptor (LHRH-R) expression are incompletely understood. Consequently, we investigated the direct effect of LHRH antagonist cetrorelix in vitro on the expression of the pituitary LHRH-R gene and its ability to counteract the exogenous LHRH and the agonist triptorelin in the regulation of this gene. We also compared the effects of chronic administration of cetrorelix and triptorelin on the LHRH-R mRNA level and gonadotropin secretion in ovariectomized (OVX) and normal female rats. The exposure of pituitary cells in vitro to 3-min pulses of 1 nM LHRH or 0.1 nM triptorelin for 5 h increased the LHRH-R mRNA level by 77–88%. Continuous perfusion of the cells with 50 nM cetrorelix did not cause any significant changes, but prevented the stimulatory effect of LHRH pulses on the receptor mRNA expression. In OVX rats, 10 days after administration of a depot formulation of cetrorelix, releasing 100 μg of peptide daily, the elevated LHRH-R mRNA level was decreased by 73%, whereas daily injection of 100 μg of triptorelin caused a 41% suppression. In normal female rats, cetrorelix treatment suppressed the LHRH-R mRNA level by 33%, but triptorelin increased it by 150%. The highly elevated serum LH levels in OVX rats and the normal LH concentration of cycling rats were rapidly and completely suppressed by cetrorelix. Triptorelin decreased the serum LH in OVX rats to the precastration level, but had no effect on basal LH in normal rats. Our results confirm that LHRH antagonists, such as cetrorelix, inhibit the gene expression of pituitary LHRH-R indirectly, by counteracting the stimulatory effect of LHRH. A rapid suppression of serum LH by LHRH antagonists would be advantageous in the treatment of sex hormone-dependent tumors and other conditions.
Amplifying ZPP^SAT[1] and the Two Queries Problem

This paper shows a complete upward collapse in the Polynomial Hierarchy (PH) if for ZPP, two queries to a SAT oracle is equivalent to one query. That is, ZPPSAT[1] = ZPPSAT||[2] rArr ZPPSAT[1] = PH. These ZPP machines are required to succeed with probability at least 1/2 + 1/p(n) on inputs of length n for some polynomial p(n). This result builds upon recent work by Tripathi who showed a collapse of PH to S2 P. The use of the probability bound of 1/2 + 1/p(n) is justified in part by showing that this bound can be amplified to 1 - 2-nk for ZPPSAT[1] computations. This paper also shows that in the deterministic case, PSAT[1] = PSAT||[2] rArr PH sube ZPPSAT[1] where the ZPPSAT[1] machine achieves a probability of success of 1/2 - 2-nk.