cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stochastic guidance laws in satellite pursuit-evasion

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the stochastic guidance laws in satellitepursuit-evasion. A simple but plausible dynamic model of the one-on-one satellite pursuit-evasion guidance problem has been analyzed from a statistical standpoint and applied to a specific two spacecraft encounter. Two player pursuit-evasion differential games have been denned and solved for many low-order deterministic versions of the problem. In these formulations of the game, both players are assumed to have exact knowledge of the state and the control capabilities of each. Solution requires that the optimal min-max controls be found in terms of the state, for a specific index of performance. This means that trajectories should be determined in the state space, by retrograde integration of the dynamic equations. In a statistical version of the pursuit-evasion problem, the number of state variables is tripled, and new considerations arise.
Topographically-patterned porous membranes in a microfluidic device as an in vitro model of renal reabsorptive barriers

Models of reabsorptive barriers require both a means to provide realistic physiologic cues to and quantify transport across a layer of cells forming the barrier. Here we have topographically-patterned porous membranes with several user-defined pattern types. To demonstrate the utility of the patterned membranes, we selected one type of pattern and applied it to a membrane to serve as a cell culture support in a microfluidic model of a renal reabsorptive barrier. The topographic cues in the model resemble physiological cues found in vivo while the porous structure allows quantification of transport across the cell layer. Sub-micron surface topography generated via hot-embossing onto a track-etched polycarbonate membrane, fully replicated topographical features and preserved porous architecture. Pore size and shape were analyzed with SEM and image analysis to determine the effect of hot embossing on pore morphology. The membrane was assembled into a bilayer microfluidic device and a human kidney proximal tubule epithelial cell line (HK-2) and primary renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTEC) were cultured to confluency on the membrane. Immunofluorescent staining of both cell types revealed protein expression indicative of the formation of a reabsorptive barrier responsive to mechanical stimulation: ZO-1 (tight junction), paxillin (focal adhesions) and acetylated α-tubulin (primary cilia). HK-2 and RPTEC aligned in the direction of ridge/groove topography of the membrane in the device, evidence that the device has mechanical control over cell response. This topographically-patterned porous membrane provides an in vitro platform on which to model reabsorptive barriers with meaningful applications for understanding biological transport phenomenon, underlying disease mechanisms, and drug toxicity.
Career Strategies in Capitalism and Socialism: Work Values and Job Rewards in the United States and Hungary

This paper compares work values and job rewards in Hungary and the United States, using data from a recent study of workers in these two countries (the 1989 International Social Survey Program). We argue that individuals' career strategies and attainments are shaped by their nation's structures of employment relations. The results indicate that Hungarians placed greater importance on economic incentives and on having more "leisure" time from their main jobs, which they can then presumably use to maximize their earnings in second economy jobs. Workers in the United States were more concerned with promotion and advancement opportunities. CAREER STRATEGIES IN CAPITALISM AND SOCIALISM: WORK VALUES AND JOB REWARDS IN THE UNITED STATES AND HUNGARY
The Use of Barley in High-Efficiency Broiler Rations 1. The Influence of Methionine, Grit and Stabilized Animal Fat on Efficiency of Utilization

Abstract IT IS the purpose of this paper to report our findings on the use of supplementary methionine, grit and stabilized animal fat in improving the efficacy of barley in broiler rations. Considerable data are available on the comparative value of barley versus wheat or corn in chick rations. The earlier literature on this subject has been reviewed by Crampton (1936). In summary of these early observations and findings concerning the use of barley in chick rations, it would appear that barley, corn and wheat can be used interchangeably provided vitamin A is added to the diets containing barley or wheat. Little information is available, however, regarding the use of barley in high-efficiency broiler rations. On the basis of the productive energy values of Fraps (1946), barley is given a value of approximately 70% that of corn. Bearse (1952) has indicated that barley can replace up to 50% of the corn …
Putting Students First: Creating a Climate of Support and Challenge

In our soon to be published book entitled Putting Students First: How Colleges Develop Students Purposefully (Anker Press), we call for a reinvigoration of higher education's commitment to "put stu...
Closing the gaps: toward unifying and deepening the study of creativity

We propose that the study of creativity would benefit from more efforts to unify methods and results from disparate modes of inquiry and domains. We illustrate one approach for combining two perspectives: Martindale's regressive imagery and computer-based text analysis; and Ericsson and Simon's articulation of concurrent verbal protocol analysis for studying creative problem solving. We examine two domains: visual arts and computer programming. Our approach yields data suggestive of potentially key differences across domains, thereby suggesting that such hybrid techniques may inform creative problem solving in basic and unprecedented ways.
The global CMT project 2004–2010: Centroid-moment tensors for 13,017 earthquakes

Earthquake moment tensors reflecting seven years of global seismic activity (2004–2010) are presented. The results are the product of the global centroid-moment-tensor (GCMT) project, which maintains and extends a catalog of global seismic moment tensors beginning with earthquakes in 1976. Starting with earthquakes in 2004, the GCMT analysis takes advantage of advances in the mapping of propagation characteristics of intermediate-period surface waves, and includes these waves in the moment-tensor inversions. This modification of the CMT algorithm makes possible the globally uniform determination of moment tensors for earthquakes as small as MW = 5.0. For the period 2004–2010, 13,017 new centroid-moment tensors are reported.
Moon: ‘ghost’ craters formed during mare filling

This paper discusses formation of ‘pathological’ cases of crater morphology due to interaction of craters with molten lavas. Terrestrial observations of such a process are discussed. In lunar maria, a number of small impact craters (D < 10 km) may have been covered by thin layers of fluid lavas, or formed in molten lava. Some specific lunar examples are discussed, including unusual shallow rings resembling experimental craters deformed by isostatic filling.
DYNAMICS OF DROPLETS IN RANDOM ISING MAGNETIC SYSTEMS

We calculate the spin autocorrelation functions in random Ising magnets, within the framework of a Fokker-Planck model for the evolution of the droplet size. This model, which is equivalent to a diffusion process in a one-dimensional disordered medium, is treated by means of an effective-medium-type theory. Our analysis predicts a power-law decay for the autocorrelations in random-bond ferromagnets, of the form ${\mathit{t}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{Y}}$, where the nonuniversal exponent Y depends on both the temperature and the properties of the random-bond distribution. For weakly frustrated random-bond systems, with a finite fraction of antiferromagnetic defect bonds, the variation of Y with the parameters of the system exhibits a nonanalytic behavior at a freezing-type transition. We argue, however, that there are no corresponding nonanalyticities in the thermodynamic properties of the system. Spin autocorrelations in Ising spin glasses are also considered, by means of the effective-medium theory and the zero-temperature scaling hypothesis of Bray and Moore, Huse, and Fisher, and McMillan for the droplet energies. Our results are in agreement with the form of decay of autocorrelations proposed by Huse and Fisher.
Cost Finding and control for Flexible Manufacturing Systems

The use of robots to supplant direct labor, automated materials handling, computer controlled flexible manufacturing systems which are capable of producing a number of products within the same product line, and just‐in‐time production and distribution are creating a new manufacturing environment. As in the past, the need for assignment and control of direct material costs remains; however, the allocation and control of conversion costs can no longer be based on direct labor hours or labor costs. Further, since different products are produced in the same assembly line, the allocation and control of conversion costs, based on the materials used or units produced, is not possible. A machine cost per minute is, therefore, developed in order to allocate conversion costs to products and effectuate control over such costs.
Less is More: an Adaptive Branch-Site Random Effects Model for Efficient Detection of Episodic Diversifying Selection

Over the past two decades, comparative sequence analysis using codon-substitution models has been honed into a powerful and popular approach for detecting signatures of natural selection from molecular data. A substantial body of work has focused on developing a class of “branch-site” models which permit selective pressures on sequences, quantified by the ω ratio, to vary among both codon sites and individual branches in the phylogeny. We develop and present a method in this class, adaptive branch-site random effects likelihood (aBSREL), whose key innovation is variable parametric complexity chosen with an information theoretic criterion. By applying models of different complexity to different branches in the phylogeny, aBSREL delivers statistical performance matching or exceeding best-in-class existing approaches, while running an order of magnitude faster. Based on simulated data analysis, we offer guidelines for what extent and strength of diversifying positive selection can be detected reliably and suggest that there is a natural limit on the optimal parametric complexity for “branch-site” models. An aBSREL analysis of 8,893 Euteleostomes gene alignments demonstrates that over 80% of branches in typical gene phylogenies can be adequately modeled with a single ω ratio model, that is, current models are unnecessarily complicated. However, there are a relatively small number of key branches, whose identities are derived from the data using a model selection procedure, for which it is essential to accurately model evolutionary complexity.
Atomically Precise Arrays of Fluorescent Silver Clusters: A Modular Approach for Metal Cluster Photonics on DNA Nanostructures

The remarkable precision that DNA scaffolds provide for arraying nanoscale optical elements enables optical phenomena that arise from interactions of metal nanoparticles, dye molecules, and quantum dots placed at nanoscale separations. However, control of ensemble optical properties has been limited by the difficulty of achieving uniform particle sizes and shapes. Ligand-stabilized metal clusters offer a route to atomically precise arrays that combine desirable attributes of both metals and molecules. Exploiting the unique advantages of the cluster regime requires techniques to realize controlled nanoscale placement of select cluster structures. Here we show that atomically monodisperse arrays of fluorescent, DNA-stabilized silver clusters can be realized on a prototypical scaffold, a DNA nanotube, with attachment sites separated by <10 nm. Cluster attachment is mediated by designed DNA linkers that enable isolation of specific clusters prior to assembly on nanotubes and preserve cluster structure and spe...
Argentaffin Cells in the Intestinal Epithelium of Human Embryos

THE embryological appearance and derivation of the argentaffin cells (enterochromaffin) of the gastrointestinal epithelium in human beings remains somewhat obscure. Masson1, in 1928, stated that on the basis of his embryological work, the argentaffin cells appeared in the intestinal epithelium “about the fourth month of fœtal life in man” and arose directly from the entoderm. According to Masson these observations were confirmed by Parat, although no reference was cited.
The isolation and characterization of the first examples of pairs of α- and β-isomers of dirhenium(II) of type Re2X4(LL)2 (X = Cl or Br, LL = bidentate phosphine ligand)

Abstract The complexes Re2Br4(depe)2 and Re2X4(dppee)2 (X = Cl or Br, depe = Et2PCH2CH2PEt2, dppee = cis-Ph2PCHCHPPh2) have been prepared in their α- (eclipsed rotational geometry, chelating phosphine ligands) and β- (staggered rotational geometry, bridging phosphine ligands) isomeric forms. The chloro complex β-Re2Cl4(depe)2 has also been isolated. In the case of α- and β- Re2Br4(depe)2, the preparations involve the reactions of Re2Br4(P-n-Pr3)4 with depe in toluene-ethanol. While α-Re2X4(dppee)2 are prepared from the reactions of (n-Bu4N)2Re2X8 with dppee in various solvents, the β-isomers are obtained upon reacting Re2X4(PR3)4 (R = Et or n-Pr) with dppee in benzene. These are the first examples of triply bonded dirhenium(II) complexes that have been isolated in both their α- and β-forms. β-Re2X4(dppee)2 (X = Cl or Br) constitute the first examples of complexes of this structural type which contain both CC and MM units within the same fused decalin-like ring system. The isomers β-Re2Cl4(depe)2 and β-Re2X4(dppee)2 (X = Cl or Br) are oxidized by NOPF6 in acetonitrile to give paramagnetic β-[Re2Cl4(depe)2]PF6 and β-[Re2X4(dppee)2]PF6. These oxidized complexes in turn react with CH3CN in the presence of T1PF6 to afford β-[Re2Cl3(depe)2(NCMe)](PF6)2 and β-[Re2X3(dppee)2(NCMe)](PF6)2, respectively. The cleavage of the ReRe bonds of α- and β-Re2Cl4(dppee)2 occurs upon their reaction with CCl4-CH2Cl2 to give cis-ReCl4(dppee). The related bromo complex cis-ReBr4(dppee) is formed when β-Re2Br4(dppee)2 is reacted with CH2Cl2-Br2.
The Thyrotropin (TSH)-Releasing Hormone Receptor: Interaction with TSH and Autoantibodies

I. Introduction II. TSHR Ectodomain Structure A. Primary amino acid structure B. Subunit structure C. Disulfide bonds in the TSHR ectodomain D. Carbohydrate moieties in the TSHR ectodomain E. TSHR dimerization III. Recombinant TSHR Expression A. Approaches to TSHR expression B. TSHR expression in prokaryotes C. TSHR expression as cell-free translates or as synthetic peptides D. TSHR expression in eukaryotic insect cells E. TSHR expression in mammalian cells IV. TSH and Autoantibody Binding to the TSHR Ectodomain A. Holoreceptor vs. ectodomain B. Conformational nature of binding sites C. TSHR carbohydrate: part of the binding site? D. TSHR amino acid residues in TSH-binding site E. Autoantibody epitopes V. TSHR Autoantibody Assays A. Historical background B. In vivo and in vitro bioassays C. Indirect TBI assays D. Direct assays for TSHR autoantibodies E. Confusion on the terminology and types of TSHR autoantibodies VI. Monoclonal Autoantibodies to the TSHR Ectodomain A. Introduction B. Mouse TSHR mAb C. Hu...
A Lipophilic Thioflavin-T Derivative for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Imaging of Amyloid in Brain

The synthesis of a new lipophilic thioflavin-T analogue (2-[4' -(methylamino)phenyl]benzothiazole, 6) with high affinity for amyloid is reported. Intravenous injection of [(11)C]-labeled 6 in control mice resulted in high brain uptake. Amyloid deposits were imaged with multiphoton microscopy in the brains of living transgenic mice following the systemic injection of unlabeled 6. [(11)C]6 is a promising amyloid imaging agent for Alzheimer's disease.
How the law will think about robots (and why you should care)

As robots and robotic devices begin to enter our everyday lives in the coming years, legislation will be written to govern them. This legislation will typically not be written by robot-savvy technologists. It will be written and passed by lawyers and legal scholar, based on their understanding of what a robot is, and what it can do. How we talk to lawmakers about robots and robotics technologies will have a profound impact on what laws are passed and on the legal frameworks that emerge. In this paper, we argue that we must be careful about the metaphors we use to describe our systems when talking to lawmakers, and draw some parallels from the now well-established field of cyberlaw. We briefly discuss what it means to “think like a lawyer”, and show how using different metaphors for our systems could lead to radically different legislation being passed. Finally, we describe and discuss what we call the Android Fallacy; the pitfall of thinking about robots as anything other than (potentially very sophisticated) deterministic machines.
NuMA after 30 years: the matrix revisited

The large nuclear mitotic apparatus (NuMA) protein is an abundant component of interphase nuclei and an essential player in mitotic spindle assembly and maintenance. With its partner, cytoplasmic dynein, NuMA uses its cross-linking properties to tether microtubules to spindle poles. NuMA and its invertebrate homologs play a similar tethering role at the cell cortex, thereby mediating essential asymmetric divisions during development. Despite its maintenance as a nuclear component for decades after the final mitosis of many cell types (including neurons), an interphase role for NuMA remains to be established, although its structural properties implicate it as a component of a nuclear scaffold, perhaps as a central constituent of the proposed nuclear matrix.
AN/ASQ-197 provides commonality to Recce systems and avionics upgrades

In an attempt to strike a balance between increases in multi-role tactical air reconnaissance mission tasking and simultaneous decreases in defense spending, many users are evaluating upgrades to existing sensors and reconnaissance systems. At the heart of any cost-effective reconnaissance system upgrade must be a flexible reconnaissance management system, capable of filling multiple rolls in today's film backed reconnaissance system, while enabling successful transition to the Electro-Optical (EO) system of tomorrow. As a case in point this paper describes enhanced effectiveness and growth potential that Fairchild's AN/ASQ-197 Sensor Control-Data Display Set (SC-DDS) can provide.
Effect of dexamethasone on expression of endogenous mouse mammary tumor virus sequences in BALB/c tumor cell lines.

Abstract BALB/c mammary tumor cell lines which contain only endogenous murine mammary tumor virus (MMTV) sequences respond to dexamethasone (DXS) treatment with minimal (approximately 2-fold) increases in MMTV RNA. This is in marked contrast to the 10− to 20-fold increases observed with cell lines harboring exogenous MMTV variants. Comparison of hybridization results obtained with two complementary DNA probes representative of either the entire MMTV RNA genome or its poly(A)-adjacent sequences suggests that the DXS response of BALB/c lines is also qualitatively different from that of exogenous MMTV-producer cell lines. Thermal stability studies suggested a 2–3% divergence between the RNA sequences of endogenous BALB/c and exogenous C3H viruses, with the 3′-end of the viral RNA appearing to be conserved relative to the rest of the genome.
Making a case for a Green500 list

For decades now, the notion of "performance" has been synonymous with "speed" (as measured in FLOPS, short for floating-point operations per second). Unfortunately, this particular focus has led to the emergence of supercomputers that consume egregious amounts of electrical power and produce so much heat that extravagant cooling facilities must be constructed to ensure proper operation. In addition, the emphasis on speed as the performance metric has caused other performance metrics to be largely ignored, e.g., reliability, availability, and usability. As a consequence, all of the above has led to an extraordinary increase in the total cost of ownership (TCO) of a supercomputer. Despite the importance of the TOP500 List, we argue that the list makes it much more difficult for the high-performance computing (UPC) community to focus on performance metrics other than speed. Therefore, to raise awareness to other performance metrics of interest, e.g., energy efficiency for improved reliability, we propose a Green500 List and discuss the potential metrics that would be used to rank supercomputing systems on such a list.
Fantasy and Sexual Arousal in College Women: An Empirical Investigation:

Reports regarding response to intercourse were collected from fifty-six female undergraduates. These women also read three stories, one erotic, one romantic, and one containing a mixture of romanti...
DO CONVERSATIONAL IMPLICATURES EXPLAIN SUBSTITUTIVITY FAILURES

: The Russellian approach to the semantics of attitude ascriptions faces a problem in explaining the robust speaker intuitions that it does not predict. A familiar response to the problem is to claim that utterances of attitude ascriptions may differ in their Gricean conversational implicatures. I argue that the appeal to Grice is ad hoc. First, we find that speakers do not typically judge an utterance false merely because it implicates something false. The apparent cancellability of the putative implicatures is irrelevant, since cancellability does not indicate conversational implicature. Finally, the appeal assumes, implausibly, that ordinary speakers generally subscribe to a particular philosophical theory about belief.
Functional Effects of Rho-Kinase–Dependent Phosphorylation of Specific Sites on Cardiac Troponin

We tested the hypothesis that activation of Rho-A–dependent kinase (ROCK-II) alters cardiac myofilament response to Ca 2+ by mechanisms involving phosphorylation of thin filament proteins. We determined effects of a constitutively active form of ROCK-II on ATPase activity and tension development in detergent-extracted (skinned) fiber bundles isolated from mouse left ventricular papillary muscles. ROCK-II induced a depression in maximum ATPase rate and tension, which was associated with phosphorylation of troponin T (TnT), troponin I (TnI), and myosin-binding protein C (C-protein). This effect of ROCK-II was retained in fiber bundles isolated from transgenic (TG) mice in which phosphorylation sites (S14, S15, and S19) of myosin light chain 2 were mutated to alanine. Moreover, exchange of ROCK-II–phosphorylated Tn complex with the native Tn complex in the fiber bundles resulted in inhibition of maximal Ca 2+ activation of tension and ATPase activity. Mass spectrometric analysis demonstrated that ROCK-II phosphorylated cardiac TnI (cTnI) at S23, S24, and T144 and cardiac TnT (cTnT) at S278 and T287. An important role for these cTnT sites is indicated by results demonstrating that ROCK-II induced a depression in tension and ATPase activity in skinned fiber bundles from a TG model in which cTnI is replaced by slow skeletal TnI, which lacks S23 and S24 and in which T144 is replaced by proline. Our data provide the first evidence that ROCK-II phosphorylation of the Tn complex, most likely at cTnT, has an important role in functional effects of signaling through the Rho-A pathway.
A Self-Report Instrument That Describes Urogenital Atrophy Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors:

Urogenital atrophy affects the lower urinary and genital tracts and is responsible for urinary, genital, and sexual symptoms. The accurate identification, measurement, and documentation of symptoms are limited by the absence of reliable and valid instruments. The Urogenital Atrophy Questionnaire was developed to allow self-reporting of symptoms and to provide clinicians and researchers an instrument to identify, measure, and document indicators of urogenital atrophy. A pilot study (n = 30) measured test-retest reliability (p .01) and divergent validity (p < .000) were established. A questionnaire resulted that enables women, regardless of sexual orientation, partner status, and levels of sexual activity to accurately report symptoms.
The Greening of the Squares of London: Transformation of Urban landscapes and Ideals

Abstract The residential squares of London developed in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries into a unique urban landscape form that introduced rural landscape values into the urban fabric in ways that continue to shape urban landscape ideals today. This study takes the viewpoint of cultural geography to look at the gardens in the squares as symbolic statements expressing social values in a critical period in the history of European cities, as property and social relations were in transition from late feudal to early capitalist modes. The open spaces of the squares were changed from open plazas in the seventeenth century to enclosed private parks at the end of the eighteenth century, based on the social values of the aristocracy, later adopted by the middle classes. Public rights of access were extinguished and the gardens were planted with trees and shrubs reminiscent of rural landscape parks. The squares and their surrounding residential districts represented some of the first expressions of the desire for class segregation, domestic isolation, and privatized open space that later were toform the basis of suburban living. They also were a major arena for playing out the tension between classes over access to open space and they influenced the development of early public parks. The residential squares and their gardens inspired imitation beyond London, including in the U.S. during the first third of the nineteenth century.
Label-free, single-object sensing with a microring resonator: FDTD simulation

Label-free, single-object sensing with a microring resonator is investigated numerically using the finite difference time-domain (FDTD) method. A pulse with ultra-wide bandwidth that spans over several resonant modes of the ring and of the sensing object is used for simulation, enabling a single-shot simulation of the microring sensing. The FDTD simulation not only can describe the circulation of the light in a whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) microring and multiple interactions between the light and the sensing object, but also other important factors of the sensing system, such as scattering and radiation losses. The FDTD results show that the simulation can yield a resonant shift of the WGM cavity modes. Furthermore, it can also extract eigenmodes of the sensing object, and therefore information from deep inside the object. The simulation method is not only suitable for a single object (single molecule, nano-, micro-scale particle) but can be extended to the problem of multiple objects as well.
Quantitative PCR used to assess HIV-1 integration and 2-LTR circle formation in human macrophages, peripheral blood lymphocytes and a CD4+ cell line.

Background Integration is an intermediate step in the HIV life cycle and is defined as the insertion of HIV-1 proviral DNA into the host chromosome. If integration does not occur when HIV-1 cDNA enters the nucleus, it circularizes upon itself and forms a 2-LTR circle. Monitoring the level of integrated HIV-1 cDNA in different primary cell subsets is very important, particularly regarding the effect of HAART in HIV-1 infected individuals. Because of limitations of prior HIV-1 integration assays, there is limited data on the level of integration and 2-LTR circle formation in primary cell subsets, particularly in human monocyte-derived macrophages and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL).
Responses to CES-D: European American versus Korean American adolescents.

Problem No study has examined variations in the responses to CES-D (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale) scoring among different ethnic group adolescents. Methods This study compared response differences to CES-D between 51 European American and 58 Korean American (KA) adolescents. Findings Thirty-nine percent of KA adolescents reported higher depressive symptoms compared to 33% European American adolescents. Controlling for child age, significant mean differences were found on six items between the two groups. When within-group difference was examined among KA adolescents using a bi-dimensional acculturation approach, no differences were found except one item. Conclusions KA adolescents did not show response bias toward positive affect items in CES-D when compared to European American adolescents.
Carotenoid Composition of Serum and Egg Yolks of Hens Fed Diets Varying in Carotenoid Composition

Abstract High performance liquid chromatography of yolks of hens fed a diet based on yellow corn, alfalfa, and soybeans revealed over 20 cartenoids. Lutein, lutein monester, lutein diester, 3′-oxolutein, cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, β-carotene, and zeacarotene were identified by their retention times, visible absorption spectra, behavior on saponification, and their presence or absence when lutein was the primary carotenoid fed. Three weeks after placing the hens on a white corn-soy-based diet supplemented with lutein (20 μg/g diet), cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and zeacarotene were undetectable in the yolk and lutein, lutein monoester, lutein diester, and 3′-oxolutein assumed new equilibrium concentrations. The data imply an esterification pathway and an oxidative pathway in laying hens for the metabolism of hydroxycarotenoids. Consideration of the concentrations and ratios of lutein and its metabolites in serum and yolk suggest a nonovarian site for the metabolism of lutein in laying hens.
An Analysis of Hair Structure and Its Phylogenetic Implications among Heteromyid Rodents

Hair morphology of 36 species of the family Heteromyidae including the genera Dipodomys, Perognathus, Microdipodops, Liomys , and Heteromys was studied using both light and scanning electron microscopy. Variables investigated included length and width of hair, imbricate scale pattern, external and cross-section form of hair, and medullary characteristics. Although the hair of individual species could be characterized with detailed study, we do not believe that hair structure will be of value in evolutionary studies of this group below the generic level. The overhair of heteromyid rodents falls into two morphological types—hair which is round to oval in outline and hair which has a trough along the dorsal surface. Hair of the first type is found in most perognathines, and all members of the genera Dipodomys and Microdipodops . Troughed hairs are found in all chaetodipines, Liomys , and Heteromys and the perognathines, P. ampulus and P. formosus .
Mutations Affecting Light Regulation of Nuclear Genes Encoding Chloroplast Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase in Arabidopsis

Expression of nuclear genes that encode the A and B subunits of chloroplast glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase ( GAP A and GAP B) of Arabidopsis is known to be regulated by light. We used a negative selection approach to isolate mutants that were defective in light-regulated expression of the GAPA gene. Two dominant mutants belonging to the same complementation group, uga 1-1 and uga 1-2, were then characterized. These two mutants showed a dramatic reduction in GAPA mRNA level in both mature plants and seedlings. Surprisingly, mutations in uga 1-1 and uga 1-2 had no effect on the expression of GAP B and several other light-regulated genes. In addition, we found that the chloroplast glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme activity of the mutants was only slightly lower than that of the wild type. Western-blot analysis showed that the GAPA protein level was nearly indistinguishable between the wild-type and the uga mutants. These results suggested that posttranscriptional control was involved in the up-regulation of the GAPA protein in the mutants. The uga 1-1 mutation was mapped to the bottom arm of chromosome V of the Arabidopsis genome.
Feedforward control of a non-linear pneumatic muscle system using fuzzy logic

Inverse dynamics is a commonly used technique in the control of dynamic systems. A fuzzy inverse dynamics controller (feedforward control) for a Pneumatic Muscle system is designed using two methods: Weighted Average and the Least Squared Error. Both methods use data collected from the system. The inverse model obtained using the two methods are tested for its trajectory tracking capabilities and the results are compared. Simulation results show that the feedforward controller obtained using Least Squared Error method has better trajectory tracking capabilities than the weighted average scheme.
Chiari I Malformation in Nephropathic Cystinosis.

Objective To determine the relative incidence of Chiari I malformations in children with cystinosis compared with those in the general population. Study design Magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed on 53 patients with nephropathic cystinosis and 120 controls, age range 3-18 years. Results Ten of 53 (18.9%) patients with cystinosis had Chiari I or tonsillar ectopia, and only 2 of 120 controls (1.6%) had a similar finding. At least 2 of the patients had symptoms or signs thought to be related to the malformation, and one had surgical decompression. Two had an associated cervical syrinx. Conclusions Children with cystinosis have a 12-fold higher prevalence of Chiari I malformations than the general pediatric population. Chiari I malformations should be high on the differential diagnosis when individuals with cystinosis develop neurologic signs and symptoms, and magnetic resonance imaging scans should be performed on children with cystinosis who present with new-onset headache, ataxia, incontinence, or other unexplained neurologic symptoms.
Synthesis of (N-[11C]methyl)Y-29794, a competitive inhibitor of prolyl endopeptidase

SUMMARY Prolyl endopeptidase (PEP: [E.C.3.4.21.26]) is a widely distributed serine peptidase that cleaves a variety of oligopeptides in the brain and peripheral tissues. Y-29794 ((2-(8-dimethylaminooctylthio)-6-isopropyl-3pyridyl-2-thienyl ketone) is a potent competitive reversible inhibitor of this enzyme. In order to study the biodistribution of PEP in vivu we have synthesized (N-" C]methyl)Y-29794, by [11C]alkylation of the Ndesmethyl precursor. The radiotracer was purified by silica gel Sep-Pak and was obtained in 10-17% yields (EOB: synthesis times shorter than 45 min) with >98% radiochemical purities and specific activities >550 Ci/mmol (EOS).
Importance of Native Amphibians in the Diet and Distribution of the Aquatic Gartersnake (Thamnophis atratus) in the San Francisco Bay Area of California

We investigated the role of amphibian prey in the diet and distribution of the Aquatic Gartersnake (Thamnophis atratus) in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, USA. During surveys for amphibians and snakes at 185 ponds, we captured 139 T. atratus, of which 60 contained identifiable stomach contents. Native amphibians were found in 93% of the snakes containing food. Analysis of stomach contents indicated that Pacific Chorus Frogs (Pseudacris regilla) were the most important amphibian prey, followed by Western Toads (Anaxyrus [=Bufo] boreas), California Newts (Taricha torosa), and California Red-legged Frogs (Rana draytonii). The occurrence of T. atratus at a pond associated positively with the presence of all native amphibian species but negatively associated with the presence of introduced American Bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus [=Rana catesbeiana]). The mean species richness of native amphibians at ponds where we detected T. atratus was also higher than that in ponds without Gartersnakes (2.45 vs. 1.74), and the odds of finding T. atratus at ponds with native amphibians was 12 times greater than at ponds without native amphibians. Our results underscore both the importance of native amphibians in the diet and distribution of T. atratus and the potential implications of ongoing amphibian declines for animals that prey on amphibians.
A Preliminary Analysis of Sleep-Like States in the Cuttlefish Sepia Officinalis

Sleep has been observed in several invertebrate species, but its presence in marine invertebrates is relatively unexplored. Rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep has only been observed in vertebrates. We investigated whether the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis displays sleep-like states. We find that cuttlefish exhibit frequent quiescent periods that are homeostatically regulated, satisfying two criteria for sleep. In addition, cuttlefish transiently display a quiescent state with rapid eye movements, changes in body coloration and twitching of the arms, that is possibly analogous to REM sleep. Our findings thus suggest that at least two different sleep-like states may exist in Sepia officinalis.
A Role for Representation in Cognitive Neurobiology

What role does the concept of representation play in the contexts of experimentation and explanation in cognitive neurobiology? In this article, a distinction is drawn between minimal and substantive roles for representation. It is argued by appeal to a case study that representation currently plays a role in cognitive neurobiology somewhere in between minimal and substantive and that this is problematic given the ultimate explanatory goals of cognitive neurobiological research. It is suggested that what is needed is for representation to instead play a substantive role.
Island Epidemics . By Andrew D. Cliff, Peter Haggett, and Matthew R. Smallman-Raynor. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000. Pp. xxi, 563. $120.00.

Islands are natural laboratories for the study of biological phenomena in general, and diseases and epidemics in particular; their isolation makes them ideal places to study the biological and social processes that combine to cause disease patterns. Questions such as the minimum community size to permit continuous (endemic) transmission of a disease are ideally answered by isolated populations of varying sizes, and islands are an approximation to this. This is especially true historically, before fast ships and airplanes made islands less socially isolated. Island Epidemics is a tour d'horizon by three scientists whose prior work—much of it also as a trio—eminently qualifies them to survey this fascinating and important intersection of history, epidemiology, biology, geography, and the social sciences in general. The book is not only an assessment of the state-of-the-science of island epidemiology, but also an intellectual history of the subject, with accounts of how key breakthroughs were made, and by whom.
Proximate Causes of a Phylogenetic Constraint on Clutch Size in Parthenogenetic Aspidoscelis neotesselata (Squamata: Teiidae) and Range Expansion Opportunities Provided by Hybridity

Abstract Aspidoscelis neotesselata (Squamata: Teiidae), the triploid, parthenogenetic lizard endemic to southeastern Colorado, originated from a hybridization event involving normally parthenogenetic Aspidoscelis tesselata and bisexual Aspidoscelis sexlineata. A previous study of a sympatric assemblage of these taxa in the Higbee vicinity, Otero County, Colorado, found that A. neotesselata resembled A. tesselata in snout–vent length (SVL) and the much smaller A. sexlineata in clutch size, a pronounced departure from the clutch size predicted from the mean SVL of gravid females. The phylogenetic constraint hypothesis, that clutch size in A. neotesselata is influenced disproportionately by the genome acquired from A. sexlineata, was proposed to explain this enigma. Use of new characters in recently acquired samples of A. tesselata Pattern Class C (N = 44), A. neotesselata Pattern Classes A, B, and C (N = 132), and A. sexlineata (N = 31), revealed that clutch size in A. neotesselata is genetically constraine...
Spotlight on tavaborole for the treatment of onychomycosis

Onychomycosis is a fungal nail plate infection that has been increasing in prevalence. A variety of oral and topical anti-fungal agents are currently available but their use is limited by their adverse effect profile, drug-drug interactions, and limited efficacy. Therefore, there is a great need for newer anti-fungal agents. Tavaborole is one of these newer agents and was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in July 2014 for the topical treatment of mild to moderate toenail onychomycosis. Tavaborole is a novel, boron-based anti-fungal agent with greater nail plate penetration than its predecessors, due to its smaller molecular weight. It has proven through several Phase II and III trials that it can be a safe and effective topical agent for the treatment of mild to moderate toenail onychomycosis without the need for debridement. In this paper, we review the landscape of topical and systemic treatment of onychomycosis, with particular attention to the pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of topical tavaborole.
Low allelochemical concentrations detected in garlic mustard-invaded forest soils inhibit fungal growth and AMF spore germination

Garlic mustard’s (Alliaria petiolata, Brassicaceae) invasive success is attributed in part to its release of allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) into the soil. AITC can disrupt beneficial arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) associated with native plant roots, which limits their soil resource uptake. However, AITC and its precursor, sinigrin, have never been detected in garlic mustard-invaded forest soils. Here, we use high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to assess the concentration and bioactivity of these putative allelochemicals in paired forest plots uninvaded or invaded by garlic mustard. Our methods detected AITC and sinigrin only where garlic mustard was present and our recovery of AITC/sinigrin coincided with adult senescence. A bioassay of in situ fungal hyphae abundance revealed significantly reduced hyphal abundance in the presence of garlic mustard relative to uninvaded soils. Finally, the lowest concentration of AITC measured in the field (~0.001 mM) is highly inhibitory to the spore germination of a forest AMF species, Glomus clarum. Together, our data provide the first direct evidence of garlic mustard-produced sinigrin and AITC in forest soils and demonstrate that even low levels of these chemicals have the potential to significantly suppress AMF growth and spore germination, strengthening their status as allelopathic novel weapons.
Growing Pains: Using the False Claims Act to Combat Health Care Fraud

The False Claims Act (FCA), 31 U.S. C. 3729, has had and will continue to have a tremendous impact on how the government deals with white collar criminals. This article discusses how the FCA works and how it offers important advantages, primarily flexibility in dealing with misconduct in complex regulatory areas where intent is difficult to determine and incentives are needed for those most knowledgeable about fraud to come forward. The FCA presents challenges however, as this article also discusses. Its hybrid criminal/civil nature and public/private plaintiff structure present unique nuances for litigants and courts. These nuances have caused splits in the courts on basic and important issues of FCA jurisprudence. While scatter-shot development of the law is to be expected when new legislation is enacted, the uncertainty surrounding the FCA is exorbitant, causing unfairness for parties and inefficiencies in the courts. Since the FCA's effectiveness as a law enforcement and consumer protection tool will not be realized until FCA case law has matured, its brightest days almost certainly lie ahead. For that reason, lawyers of tomorrow must have a working knowledge of the FCA. Given the federal government's active role as a purchaser and consumer in the health care arena, few health care providers will practice outside the FCA's reach.
A Comparison of New Pharmacological Agents for the Treatment of Obesity

Objective: To review and compare the phase 3 clinical trial evidence on the 4 new pharmacological agents approved for the management of overweight and obesity. Data Sources: Searches were performed (from 1966 through January 2016) in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scientific Citation Index, and product package inserts to identify key phase 3 clinical trials that were used in the approval of each agent. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Phase 3 clinical trials that listed end points of ≥5% and ≥10% weight loss benchmarks from baseline as well as total percentage of weight loss by participants were selected for the review. Data Synthesis: No head-to-head trials have been identified between these agents at this point, which limits comparisons across agents. Phentermine/topiramate ER appeared to have the best overall average weight loss from baseline as well as highest percentages of patients achieving both ≥5% and ≥10% weight loss benchmarks, followed second by naltrexone/bupropion, and then liraglutide, with lorcaserin...
Posterior Bone-Grafting of the Tibia for Non-Union

1. Posterior bone-grafting of the tibia was used in twenty-six patients with non-union with known successful union in twenty-two. 2. Posterior bone-grafting with autogenous iliac bone for non-union of the shaft of the tibia complicated by infection or scarred soft tissues over the anterior surface of the tibia is a safe physiological procedure that results in a high incidence of union. 3. Posterior bone-grafting of the tibia should probably be given at least one trial before amputation is considered in the management of non-union with osteomyelitis of the tibia. 4. Once union is established through the posterior onlay grafts, the remainder of the fibrous union ossifies. 5. When union is established, the osteomyelitis becomes quiescent and is much easier to manage. 6. Excessive delay in an attempt to control infection before using this procedure is not advisable. Once free drainage of the osteomyelitis has been established and cellulitis has subsided, the operation may be performed safely, even in the presence of drainage anteriorly.
Hierarchical quantitative structure-activity relationships (HiQSARs) for the prediction of physicochemical and toxicological properties of chemicals using computed molecular descriptors

Attempts have been made to formulate quantitative structure=activity relationships (QSARs) for the prediction of property/ bioactivity of chemicals from their experimental test data as well as properties that can be computed directly from molecular structure without the input of any other experimental property. Because both in drug design and hazard assessment of chemical scenarios relevant experimental data for property/ bioactivity estimation are not available for the majority of candidate chemicals, QSARs based on computed molecular descriptors are emerging as methods of choice for property/ bioactivity estimation in many cases. Numerical graph invariants or topological indices, viz., topostructural (TS) indices, topochemical (TC) indices, as well as three-dimensional (3-D) descriptors, and quantum chemical (QC) indices have been used for QSAR formulation based on computed descriptors. In the 1990s, Basak et al formulated the concept of hierarchical quantitative structure=activity relationships (HiQSAR) in which TS, TC, 3-D, and QC descriptors were used in a graduated manner, the more computationally demanding descriptors being used only if the simpler ones did not give acceptable QSAR models. Our experience with a substantial number of HiQSARs for physical, pharmacological, and toxicological properties of different congeneric as well diverse sets chemicals indicate that the combinations of TS + TC descriptors are capable of giving good quality QSARs in most situations. The addition of 3-D or QC descriptors make marginal or no improvement in model quality after the use of TS+ TC descriptors. At this age of “big data screening and analysis” this is a good news because QSARs derived from the less expensive and practically useful TS+ TC combination can be effective tools in the screening of large chemical libraries. .