cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A survey on spectrum management in cognitive radio networks

Cognitive radio networks will provide high bandwidth to mobile users via heterogeneous wireless architectures and dynamic spectrum access techniques. However, CR networks impose challenges due to the fluctuating nature of the available spectrum, as well as the diverse QoS requirements of various applications. Spectrum management functions can address these challenges for the realization of this new network paradigm. To provide a better understanding of CR networks, this article presents recent developments and open research issues in spectrum management in CR networks. More specifically, the discussion is focused on the development of CR networks that require no modification of existing networks. First, a brief overview of cognitive radio and the CR network architecture is provided. Then four main challenges of spectrum management are discussed: spectrum sensing, spectrum decision, spectrum sharing, and spectrum mobility.
X-ray Crystal Structure of Teicoplanin A2-2 Bound to a Catalytic Peptide Sequence via the Carrier Protein Strategy.

We report the X-ray crystal structure of a site-selective peptide catalyst moiety and teicoplanin A2-2 complex. The expressed protein ligation technique was used to couple T4 lysozyme (T4L) and a synthetic peptide catalyst responsible for the selective phosphorylation of the N-acetylglucosamine sugar in a teicoplanin A2-2 derivative. The T4L-Pmh-dPro-Aib-dAla-dAla construct was crystallized in the presence of teicoplanin A2-2. The resulting 2.3 A resolution protein–peptide–teicoplanin complex crystal structure revealed that the nucleophilic nitrogen of N-methylimidazole in the Pmh residue is in closer proximity (7.6 A) to the N-acetylglucosamine than the two other sugar rings present in teicoplanin (9.3 and 20.3 A, respectively). This molecular arrangement is consistent with the observed selectivity afforded by the peptide-based catalyst when it is applied to a site-selective phosphorylation reaction involving a teicoplanin A2-2 derivative.
A sensitive radiochemical assay for serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase

Abstract The action of glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase on aspartate labeled with tritium in position 2 leads to the release of the label as tritiated water. The incubation mixture is applied to a small colum of Dowex-1-OH. The labeled substrate is retained and the tritiated water is washed into a scintillation vial for counting. The radioactivity of the effluent is proportional to time of incubation and to enzyme concentration. Results obtained with human sera correlate very well with those obtained by a standard spectrophotometric assay. The radiochemical assay permits the use of serum samples of 10 μl or less. It has been used to study hepatotoxicity in mice.
Another formula to determine the prognosis of patients with acute liver failure.

Background/Aims: King's College Hospital (KCH) criteria and the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score are useful and widely-employed prognostic markers for acute liver failure (ALF). We previously reported that liver atrophy is an important prognostic factor for ALF. The aim of the present study was to assess the value of liver volumetry and to generate a new prognostic formula. Methods: Computed tomography-derived liver volume (CTLV) and standardized liver volume (SLV) of 30 adult ALF patients were calculated at the time of diagnosis. Patients were assigned to one of two groups: group A consisted of 13 patients who recovered without surgical intervention, and group B consisted of 17 patients who died due to liver failure or who underwent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Results: The median CTLV/SLV ratios of groups A and B were 1.019 and 0.757, respectively (P = 0.0009). The difference was most significant (P = 0.0002) at the probability cutoff point of 0.80 for CTLV/SLV ratio; the sensitivity and specificity were 76.5% and 92.3%, respectively. Serum total bilirubin (TB) levels and CTLV/SLV ratio were selected as independent prognostic factors by multivariate analysis. A prognostic formula including volumetric analysis was established: Z = -2.3813 - [0.15234 x TB (mg/dl)] + [4.5734 x CTLV/SLV] (AUC = 0.87783, P = 0.0002). Conclusions: The CTLV/SLV ratio is a very useful marker for predicting the prognosis of adult ALF. Our prognostic formula including only the CTLV/ SLV ratio and TB is simple and useful and awaits validation in a future larger-scale prospective study.
A non-peroxide norsesterterpene from a marine sponge Hyrtios erecta

A new norsesterterpene, hyrtial4, and known sesterterpenes,1–3, have been isolated from an anti-inflammatory active crude extract of the spongeHyrtios erecta.
A theory for buckling of the mantle lithosphere and Moho during compressive detachments in continents

Abstract Current knowledge of rock mechanics suggests a strength minimum in the lowermost continental crust, along which simple shear could occur if a strong force drove the mantle lithosphere. We examine the change of shape of the Moho during this process, assuming plane strain, a depth-dependent, effectively-Newtonian crustal viscosity, and small-amplitude sinusoidal waves. Under the assumption that effective crustal viscosity is η min exp [ k ( c − z )/ c ], waves will propagate at speeds relative to the surface of between V m / k and V m , where c is crustal thickness, z is depth, and V m is mantle lithosphere velocity. If the mantle lithosphere is in relative horizontal tension (“pulled”), then all wavelengths are damped. If it is in relative horizontal compression (“pushed”), waves with wavelengths less than a critical value will grow exponentially. The wavelength of the fastest-growing wave varies in proportion to: the crustal thickness, c ; the amount of horizontal compression I to a power ⩽ 1 2 ; the maximum viscous compliance (1/ η min ) to a power ⩽ 1 6 ; and the viscous flexural rigidity of the mantle lithosphere D to a power ⩽ 1 6 . For reasonable parameter values the wavelength that eventually dominates will be in the range 80–300 km. This wave propagates relative to the surface at 70–100% of V m , and for some parameter combinations is almost fixed in the mantle lithosphere reference frame. Thus this is best understood as a buckling process. After deformation ends, the rise in effective viscosities would tend to retard the decay of Moho topography. Slow isostatic equilibration could allow these waves to be expressed as parallel surface structures.
The glycosphingolipid composition of the placenta of a blood group P fetus delivered by a blood group Pk1 woman and analysis of the anti-globoside antibodies found in maternal serum.

To further define the molecules that may mediate spontaneous abortion due to maternal-fetal blood group incompatibility within the P blood group system, we have examined the fine specificities of maternal antibodies and the glycolipid antigens from the placenta of a P infant born to a Pk1 mother. Maternal antibodies obtained during therapeutic plasmapheresis were analyzed to determine their reactivities with placental glycolipid extracts on thin-layer plates. Second antibodies specific for IgM, IgG, and IgA revealed immunoglobulins of all of these classes strongly reactive with one major placental glycolipid that comigrates with globoside. GC/MS analysis confirmed that the major P-active pentaglycosylceramide of placenta has the same structure as that previously shown for the P antigen of red blood cells: GalNAc beta 1-3Gal alpha 1-4Gal beta 1-4Glc-Cer. Serum antibodies partially purified by affinity chromatography on globoside-octyl-Sepharose specifically recognize glycolipids that contain terminal GalNAc beta 1-3Gal . . . residues and also recognize the same sequence as an internal determinant in some, but not all, glycolipids with extended globoside core regions. Thus, in the blood group P incompatible fetus, the major P antigen present in placenta has the same carbohydrate structure as the P antigen present in fetal and adult erythrocytes and might be a target for the maternal immune system.
Neoadjuvant hormonal therapy improves the therapeutic ratio in patients with bulky prostatic cancer treated with three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy

Abstract Purpose : To determine the extent of reduction of volume of normal tissue structures exposed to high doses of radiation therapy (RT) after administration of neoadjuvant hormonal therapy (NHT) in patients with bulky, geometrically unfavorable prostatic cancers. Methods and Materials : Twenty-two patients with bulky prostatic cancers were treated with a 3 month course of neoadjuvant leuprolide acetate and eulexin prior to three-dimensional (3-D) conformal radiotherapy. Patients were included if 3-D treatment planning revealed that either > 30% of the rectal wall would receive 95% of the prescription dose (D95) (n = 13) ; ≥ 50% of the bladder wall would receive D95 (n = 10); or that any volume of small bowel would receive ≥ 65% of the prescription dose (n = 16). All patients underwent simulation and conformal treatment planning before and after NHT. Pre and posthormone cumulative dose volume histogram (DVH) calculations for all normal tissue structures were analyzed and compared for each patient. Results : The median percentage of target volume reduction after NHT was 25% (range: 3–52%). Ten of 13 patients (78%) whose prehormone rectal DVH demonstrated > 30% of the rectal wall receiving D95 responded to NHT with a median 25% (range: 16–48%) reduction of rectal volume receiving the D95. A median reduction of 50% (range: 6–64%) of the bladder volume receiving D95 was observed in nine of ten patients (90%), while 13 of 16 (81%) showed a reduction of small bowel volume to a median percentage of 88% (range: 67–100%) of the prehormonal values. Conclusion : Neoadjuvant hormonal therapy is an effective method for decreasing the size of bulky prostatic tumors as well as for optimizing the geometry of the target volume in relation to the adjacent normal tissue structures prior to radiation therapy. Such an approach allows for reduction of the volume of normal tissues exposed to high doses in the majority of treated patients. Currently, studies are underway to determine whether NHT will lead to a decreased likelihood of long-term complications associated with radiotherapy of bulky, geometrically unfavorable prostatic tumors, and permit the safe delivery of escalated dose levels using conformal treatment techniques.
Heavy vector mesons and the anomalous eμ events in e+e− annihilation

Abstract As a possible explanation of the SLAC anomalous eμ events, we computed the cross section for e + + e − → V + + V − → μ ± + e ± + neutrinos, taking into account the spin correlations of V ± . If one assumes that the vector meson has an anomalous magnetic moment ( κ ≈ 1), the spin effects are considerable. The V ± production hypothesis seems to be a viable alternative to that of the heavy lepton production.
Clinical investigation survival prediction in high-grade gliomas by MRI perfusion before and during early stage of RT

Purpose: To determine whether cerebral blood volume (CBV) and cerebral blood flow can predict the response of high-grade gliomas to radiotherapy (RT) by taking into account spatial heterogeneity and temporal changes in perfusion. Methods and Materials: Twenty-three patients with high-grade gliomas underwent conformal RT, with magnetic resonance imaging perfusion before and at Weeks 1–2 and 3–4 during RT. Tumor perfusion was classified as high, medium, or low. The prognostic values of pre-RT perfusion and the changes during RT for early prediction of tumor response to RT were evaluated. Results: The fractional high-CBV tumor volume before RT and the fluid-attenuated inversion recovery imaging tumor volume were identified as predictors for survival ( p = 0.01). Changes in tumor CBV during the early treatment course also predicted for survival. Better survival was predicted by a decrease in the fractional low-CBV tumor volume at Week 1 of RT vs. before RT, a decrease in the fractional high-CBV tumor volume at Week 3 vs. Week 1 of RT, and a smaller pre-RT fluid-attenuated inversion recovery imaging tumor volume ( p = 0.01). Conclusion: Early temporal changes during RT in heterogeneous regions of high and low perfusion in gliomas might predict for different physiologic responses to RT. This might also open the opportunity to identify tumor subvolumes that are radioresistant and might benefit from intensified RT.
The mechanical properties of the dislocation core

Abstract Dislocations are topological defects in crystal structure, with primary importance in the phenomenon of plasticity. Their presence in otherwise perfect crystals can lead to a reduction in mechanical strength by a factor of 104. Most properties of dislocations are governed by their continuum elastic strain fields and hence are independent of lattice structure. An exception to this rule is the elastic limit. Close-packed crystals yield plastically at a nearly temperature-independent stress of about 10−5p (μ is the elastic shear modulus) and show no intrinsic plastic anisotropy. Body-centred cubic crystals have an intrinsic elastic limit which depends strongly on temperature and orientation, reaching a magnitude of 5 × 10−3 μ at low temperatures and varying by a factor of three with orientation. Computer modelling suggests that the origin of this structural discrepancy lies in the dislocation core, that region close to the dislocation line in which the discreteness of the lattice becomes important a...
Phenotypic Heterogeneity of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells In Vitro and In Situ

Abstract We have previously developed methods based upon differential cell adhesion to select for cells of two different phenotypes, epithelioid and fusiform, from cultures of human RPE. Here we considered whether the differences in cell shape correlated with differences in protein tyrosine phosphorylation since it is known that elevated phosphorylation perturbs the stability of the adherens junction, a major determinant of epithelial phenotype. In cultures of both phenotypes we found low tyrosine phosphorylation levels in postconfluent cultures, and the same complement of tyrosine phosphoproteins after treatment with a phosphatase inhibitor. However, in contrast to epithelioid cells, fusiform RPE failed to localize the phosphoproteins to junctional sites on the cell periphery. We also re-evaluated primary and passaged RPE cultures for additional cell shape variants. Several discrete phenotypes were identified within the same cultures. They required several weeks at confluency to develop in primary as well as in passaged cultures, but after developing they remained stable for months. Since explanted RPE cells manifest several shape variants in an identical culture environment we examined bovine RPE cells in situ to determine whether the cells were heterogeneous with regards to some cell surface and cytoskeletal proteins that might contribute to cell shape. Circumferential actin microfilament bundles and the occluding junction protein ZO-1 had fairly uniform distributions among cells in the monolayer, but the intermediate filament protein vimentin and the pericellular expression of phosphotyrosine varied among individual cells. Therefore, despite its grossly homogeneous appearance, the RPE monolayer in situ might be considered a mosaic of structurally heterogeneous cells which can give rise to phenotypically-distinct subpopulations when propagated in vitro.
Tracker development for the Starfire Optical Range 3.5-meter telescope adaptive optics system

A new tracker is under development at the Starfire Optical Range (SOR). The tracker system's tilt sensor is based on an optical pyramid that creates a quad-cell effect into avalanche photo diodes, sampled at 5000 frames per second. A suite of hardware and software that allows unprecedented flexibility in control system design and implementation delivers the mirror control signals. The control problems associated with this tracking system are interesting due to lightly damped mirror resonances; these dynamics are handled via a tight inner cage loop. Thus, the controller makes use of both optical feedback and mirror position feedback. This paper discusses the design and implementation of the entire tracker system, including sensor characteristics, steering mirror characteristics, electronics, and control algorithms implemented. Experimental results are presented.
Adolescent exposure to Bisphenol-A increases anxiety and sucrose preference but impairs spatial memory in rats independent of sex

The endocrine disruptor Bisphenol-A (BPA) has been shown to modulate estrogenic, androgenic, and anti-androgenic effects. The effects of BPA exposure during early organizational periods of development have been well documented. The current study focuses on the effects of short term, low-dose BPA exposure on anxiety, spatial memory and sucrose preference in adolescent rats. Seven week old Sprague Dawley rats (n=18 male, n=18 female) received daily subcutaneous injections (40 µg/kg body weight) of BPA or vehicle for 12 days. Starting on day 6 of injections, subjects were tested on the elevated plus maze which provides a measure of anxiety, the open field test which provides a measure of anxiety and locomotor activity, and object placement, a measure of spatial memory. On the twelfth day of BPA administration, sucrose preference was tested using a standard two-bottle choice (tap versus sucrose solution). All rats gained weight during the study; there was a main effect of sex, but not BPA treatment on body weight. The results indicate that BPA exposure, regardless of sex, increased anxiety on both the elevated plus maze and open field. Spatial memory was impaired on the object recognition task with BPA animals spending significant less time with the object in the novel location than controls. Finally, a significant increase in sucrose consumption for both male and female subjects exposed to BPA was observed. The current data shows that short term BPA exposure, below the current reference safe daily limit of 50 µg/kg day set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, during adolescent development increases anxiety, impairs spatial memory, and increases sucrose consumption independent of sex.
Linkages of project environment to performance: lessons for team leadership

Abstract This field study of 76 technology-based project teams examines the influences of the project environment on team performance. The results show that in spite of cultural differences among organizations a general agreement exist on the factors that drive team performance. One of the most striking finding is the large number of performance factors that is derived from the human side. Organizational components that satisfy personal and professional needs seem to have a strong effect on cooperation, commitment, risk management, and ultimately drive overall team performance. Other influences are derived from the organizational process, which often have their locus outside the project organization. The findings help to better understand the linkages between team environment and performance, and more effectively manage project teams, especially in complex work environments.
Discriminating between the directional and proximity spatial models of electoral competition

Abstract The directional spatial model of electoral competition – recently introduced by Rabinowitz and Macdonald – specifies utility as keyed to intensity of preference and communality of direction between voters and candidates on dichotomous issues. This models stands in contrast to the traditional proximity spatial model which represents utility as a declining function of distance between voter and candidate ideal positions. This paper tests the contrasting predictions of the proximity and directional spatial models, employing data from American and Norwegian Election Studies and controlling for the effects of voter sophistication and issue-placement of candidates by voters. In contrast to previous studies which heavily favour the directional model, the current analysis does not support either pure model over the other but rather a mixed model, which reflects both similarity in issue positions between voters and candidates and the intensities of the voters' and candidates' positions on these issues.
Deuteriding of thin titanium films: The effect of carbon monoxide surface contamination

Abstract The effect of adsorbed CO on the deuteriding of thin titanium films at room temperature was measured at D 2 pressures between 10 to 25 mtorr on films contaminated with CO from exposures ranging between ∼10 −8 torr-sec to 10 −4 torr-sec. In all measurements, for deuterium/ titanium atom ratios > 0.2, the deuteriding appeared to be initially limited by the sticking of D 2 on the clean or contaminated titanium deuteride surface; the effective sticking coefficient on a clean titanium deuteride surface was determined to be ∼3 × 10 −3 , while on a surface contaminated by an exposure of 10 −4 torr-sec to CO, the coefficient was reduced to ∼2 × 10 −4 . The pumping speeds of a Ti film was dramatically different when the film was evaporated over TiD 2 . These changes were attributed to the presence of deuterium which diffused from the substrate film into the overlayer film.
Effects of temperature on calcium deposition in the hard-shell clam, Mercenaria mercenaria

Abstract A radiographic technique was developed and employed to determine the effects of temperature variation on the rate and distributive pattern of calcium deposition in the shell of the marine clam Mercenaria mercenaria (Linne). Both the rate and pattern of calcification were found to be significantly affected by temperature variation. Two optimal temperatures for maximum overall shell growth were found at approx. 12.8–15.6 and 23.9°C. At all temperatures but the lowest one tested (4.4°C), a higher rate of calcification was found peripherally than centrally in the shell. The pattern of calcium incorporation in the central portions of the shell was irregular and often discontinuous.
Preparation of hydrazides using silicon tetrachloride as coupling agent.

Abstract Silicon tetrachloride proved to be an effective reagent for the preparation of hydrazides from carboxylic acids. Yields were comparable to those obtained via N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) and the procedure was used to synthesize some hydrazides which are difficult to obtain otherwise.
Fairbanks: A Gold Rush Town that Beat the Odds – By Dermot Cole

The author of this book provides a concise, enjoyable story of one of the last true frontier towns of the American West. This centennial history of Fairbanks tells the account of a rough‐and‐tumble...
The Multispanning Membrane Protein Ste24p Catalyzes CAAX Proteolysis and NH2-terminal Processing of the Yeast a-Factor Precursor

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ste24p is a multispanning membrane protein implicated in the CAAXproteolysis step that occurs during biogenesis of the prenylated a-factor mating pheromone. Whether Ste24p acts directly as a CAAX protease or indirectly to activate a downstream protease has not yet been established. In this study, we demonstrate that purified, detergent-solubilized Ste24p directly mediates CAAX proteolysis in a zinc-dependent manner. We also show that Ste24p mediates a separate proteolytic step, the first NH2-terminal cleavage in a-factor maturation. These results establish that Ste24p functions both as a bona fideCOOH-terminal CAAX protease and as an a-factor NH2-terminal protease. Importantly, this study is the first to directly demonstrate that a eukaryotic multispanning membrane protein can possess intrinsic proteolytic activity.
A proposed nomenclature for bile acids

A proposal is made for a system of nomenclature of the more common unconjugated and conjugated bile acids. Acceptable trivial names for bile acids are tabulated, and guidelines are proposed for using these existing trivial names as roots to create acceptable semi-systematic names for other bile acids, as well as for new natural bile acids that will be discovered in the future. The term alpha-hyocholic is recommended to replace hyocholic, and beta-hyocholic to replace omega-muricholic. The term murideoxycholic acid is recommended for 3 alpha,6 beta-dihydroxy-5 beta-cholan-24-oic acid. Proposals are also made for bile acids with epimeric hydroxy groups, for unsaturated bile acids, and for bile acids with oxo- and/or hydroxy-oxo- substituents on the nucleus and/or on the side chain. For conjugated bile acids, the term "aminoacyl amidates" is recommended to replace "amidates" for bile acids conjugated in N-acyl linkage with amino acids. Nomenclature for other types of conjugates (sulfates, glucuronides, glucosides) is included as well as abbreviations. It is recommended that the historic tradition of naming a newly discovered bile acid after the species from which it was isolated be abandoned, and that in the future such a bile acid should be named using the principles contained in this paper.
Zero- to one-dimensional transition and Auger recombination in semiconductor quantum rods

Studies of Auger recombination in size/shape-controlled CdSe nanoparticles reveal that elongated nanocrystals provide almost independent control of the emission wavelength (diameter) and the Auger recombination rate (length). The results suggest that shape control may be the key to developing practical lasing applications.
The Evolution of Rogers' Science of Unitary Human Beings: 21st Century Reflections

The purpose of this article is to reflect on the state of Martha E. Rogers' science of unitary human beings as it has evolved over the past 40 years, with particular attention to the decade since her death. Although Rogers never updated her 1970 book, revised concepts and principles of homeodynamics, as reported in other publications, are discussed. In more than a decade since Rogers' death, nurse scientists have been prolific in explicating the science in scholarly research and writing. An example of theories derived from the science, as well as concepts under study, and research methods are identified. Twenty-first century thoughts on the science of unitary human beings, as expressed by three founders of the Society of Rogerian Scholars, are highlighted from an interview conducted by Fawcett. Rogers suggested that the development of a science of unitary human beings is a never ending process.
Asymmetries in regional labor markets, migration and economic geography

The paper extends the Krugman (J Polit Econ 99:483–499, 1991) new geography model to include asymmetries in regional labor markets. The particular labor market considered is a two-region variant of the Shapiro and Stiglitz (Am Econ Rev 74:433–444, 1984) model where the rate of job breakup or shirker detection may vary between regions. It is shown that in the presence of such asymmetries agglomeration may occur in the region that initially has the smaller population. The paper also examines the spatial pattern of unemployment in the case of both symmetric and asymmetric labor markets. It is shown that, in either case, aggregate unemployment is decreasing in regional agglomeration.
APPLE QUALITY AS INFLUENCED BY METHOD OF CaCl2 APPLICATION1

Pressurized CaCl2 treatment of apple fruits enhanced storage quality of both ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Lord Lambourne’ apples. Calcium dip treated apples were similar in storage quality to untreated apples. Apple fruits that were pressure treated with CalCl2 were firmer than calcium dip treated or untreated apples. Calcium treatment, either pressure or dip treated, reduced pH and total browning. Quality parameters were influenced more by CaCl2 at the first harvest than in a subsequent harvest.
Extensive chromatin fragmentation improves enrichment of protein binding sites in chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments

Extensive sonication of formaldehyde-crosslinked chromatin can generate DNA fragments averaging 200bp in length (range 75–300bp). Fragmentation is largely random with respect to genomic region and nucleosome position. ChIP experiments employing such extensively fragmented samples show 2- to 4-fold increased enrichment of protein binding sites over control genomic regions, when compared to samples sonicated to a more conventional size range (300–500bp). The basis of improved fold enrichments is that immunoprecipitation of protein-bound regions is unaffected by fragment size, whereas immunoprecipitation of control genomic regions decreases progressively along with reduced fragment size due to fewer nonspecific binding sites. The use of extensively sonicated samples improves mapping of protein binding sites, and it extends the dynamic range for quantitative measurements of histone density. We show that many yeast promoter regions are virtually devoid of histones.
Data exploration in phylogenetic inference: scientific, heuristic, or neither

The methods of data exploration have become the centerpiece of phylogenetic inference, but without the scientific importance of those methods having been identified. We examine in some detail the procedures and justifications of Wheelers sensitivity analysis and relative rate comparison (saturation analysis). In addition, we review methods designed to explore evidential decisiveness, clade stability, transformation series additivity, methodological concordance, sensitivity to prior probabilities (Bayesian analysis), skewness, computer-intensive tests, long-branch attraction, model assumptions (likelihood ratio test), sensitivity to amount of data, polymorphism, clade concordance index, character compatibility, partitioned analysis, spectral analysis, relative apparent synapomorphy analysis, and congruence with a ‘‘known’’ phylogeny. In our review, we consider a method to be scientific if it performs empirical tests, i.e., if it applies empirical data that could potentially refute the hypothesis of interest. Methods that do not perform tests, and therefore are not scientific, may nonetheless be heuristic in the scientific enterprise if they point to more weakly or ambiguously corroborated hypotheses, such propositions being more easily refuted than those that have been more severely tested and are more strongly corroborated. Based on common usage, data exploration in phylogenetics is accomplished by any method that performs sensitivity or quality analysis. Sensitivity analysis evaluates the responsiveness of results to variation or errors in parameter values and assumptions. Sensitivity analysis is generally interpreted as providing a measure of support, where conclusions that are insensitive (robust, stable) to perturbations are judged to be accurate, probable, or reliable. As an alternative to that verificationist concept, we define support objectively as the degree to which critical evidence refutes competing hypotheses. As such, degree of support is secondary to the scientific optimality criterion of maximizing explanatory power. Quality analyses purport to distinguish good, reliable, accurate data from bad, misleading, erroneous data, thereby assessing the ability of data to indicate the true phylogeny. Only the quality analysis of character compatibility can be judged scientific—and a weak test at that compared to character congruence. Methods judged to be heuristic include Bremer support, long-branch extraction, and safe taxonomic reduction, and we underscore the great heuristic potential of a posteriori analysis of patterns of transformations on the total-evidence cladogram. However, of the more than 20 kinds of data exploration methods evaluated, the vast majority is neither scientific nor heuristic. Given so little demonstrated cognitive worth, we conclude that undue emphasis has been placed on data exploration in phylogenetic inference, and we urge phylogeneticists to consider more carefully the relevance of the methods that they employ.
The Stanford Achievement Test, 9th Edition: National Norming and Performance Standards for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students

This article presents a rich context of information for interpreting Stanford Achievement Test scores and for describing the achievement of deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The publisher's national norming of the Stanford Achievement Test provides a context of actual performance of hearing students. The publisher's Performance Standards provide a context of expectations for hearing students as determined by a panel of experts. The Gallaudet Research Institute's norming of the test on a national sample of deaf and hard-of-hearing students provides a context of test performance by this special population. A smaller subsample of the deaf and hard-of-hearing students who take the same test levels as hearing students provides an additional reference group with respect to the Performance Standards. Information from these sources is brought together into two graphical contexts to address these questions: Can the normative data from the publisher's national standardization of the test with hearing students, and the normative data from the GRI's national norming of the test with deaf and hard-of-hearing students provide a useful context for the interpretation of individual test scores? Can they provide a useful way to examine achievement of groups of students? Can the new Performance Standards defined by the test publisher offer a useful context for test score interpretation for high-achieving deaf and hard-of-hearing students?
The Effect of Perioperative Ketorolac on the Clinical Failure Rate of Meniscal Repair

Background:There has been recent interest in the effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications on musculoskeletal healing. No studies have yet addressed the effect of these medications on me...
Spatial decoupling of targets and flashing stimuli for visual brain–computer interfaces

Objective. Recently, paradigms using code-modulated visual evoked potentials (c-VEPs) have proven to achieve among the highest information transfer rates for noninvasive brain–computer interfaces (BCIs). One issue with current c-VEP paradigms, and visual-evoked paradigms in general, is that they require direct foveal fixation of the flashing stimuli. These interfaces are often visually unpleasant and can be irritating and fatiguing to the user, thus adversely impacting practical performance. In this study, a novel c-VEP BCI paradigm is presented that attempts to perform spatial decoupling of the targets and flashing stimuli using two distinct concepts: spatial separation and boundary positioning. Approach. For the paradigm, the flashing stimuli form a ring that encompasses the intended non-flashing targets, which are spatially separated from the stimuli. The user fixates on the desired target, which is classified using the changes to the EEG induced by the flashing stimuli located in the non-foveal visual field. Additionally, a subset of targets is also positioned at or near the stimulus boundaries, which decouples targets from direct association with a single stimulus. This allows a greater number of target locations for a fixed number of flashing stimuli. Main results. Results from 11 subjects showed practical classification accuracies for the non-foveal condition, with comparable performance to the direct-foveal condition for longer observation lengths. Online results from 5 subjects confirmed the offline results with an average accuracy across subjects of 95.6% for a 4-target condition. The offline analysis also indicated that targets positioned at or near the boundaries of two stimuli could be classified with the same accuracy as traditional superimposed (non-boundary) targets. Significance. The implications of this research are that c-VEPs can be detected and accurately classified to achieve comparable BCI performance without requiring potentially irritating direct foveation of flashing stimuli. Furthermore, this study shows that it is possible to increase the number of targets beyond the number of stimuli without degrading performance. Given the superior information transfer rate of c-VEP paradigms, these results can lead to the development of more practical and ergonomic BCIs.
Depressive Illness and Learning Difficulties Research Needs and Practical Implications.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) in children is a subject of much recent interest in psychiatry. In addition to the direct effects of MDD on learning and cognition in general, some investigators have suggested that there may be relationships of MDD to learning disabilities in general or to dysfunction to the right hemisphere of the brain in particular. In this report I briefly review the basis for these ideas, suggest some testable hypotheses, and discuss the potential implications of the hypotheses for educators and mental health professionals.
CULTURE STUDIES ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SCHIZYMENIA AND HAEMATOCELIS (GIGARTINALES, RHODOPHYCEAE) FROM THE PACIFIC COAST OF NORTH AMERICA1

Carpospores from Schizymenia pacifica (Kylin) Kylin (Gymnophlaeaceae) from California formed crusts anatomically identical to Haematocelis rubens J. Agardh (Cruoriaceae). Tetraspores of H. rubens from Monterey, California, and Baja California, Mexico, germinated to form basal discs from which arose upright multiaxial blades with a filamentous medulla and cortical gland cells. Pro-carps and spermatangia were present on the same blades; subsequently, cystocarps characteristic of Schizymenia pacifica developed. Re-examination of herbarium specimens suggests that the foliose tetrasporangial phases previously reported as S. pacifica are referable to Halymenia, Dilsea, Cryptonemia, or Turnerella. Schizymenia pacifica (type locality: San Juan Islands, Washington) thus is considered to be the gametophyte in the life history of Haematocelis rubens (type locality: Brest, France), which has also been reported to be the tetrasporophyte of S. dubyi (Chauvin ex Duby) J. Agardh (type locality: Cherbourg, France). Atlantic and Pacific gametophytes and tetrasporophytes are anatomically very similar, suggesting that only one species is involved, but critical studies must be made before a decision on this taxonomic question can be reached. Haematocelis zonalis Dawson et Neushul (type locality: Anacapa Island, California) is considered to be a growth form of the tetrasporangial phase of S. pacifica.
Genetically Low Triglycerides and Mortality: Further Support for “the Earlier the Better”?

In this issue of Clinical Chemistry , Mette Thomsen and colleagues contribute another gem from the treasure trove that is the Copenhagen City Heart Study (1). This mendelian randomization study builds upon the investigators' prior work linking genetically increased circulating triglyceride concentrations (a marker of remnant lipoproteins) with higher risk of ischemic heart disease (2). The present study gives the other bookend, linking genetically lower nonfasting circulating triglyceride concentrations with lower all-cause mortality. This work at the intersection of lipidology and preventive cardiology will be of interest to those working at many different scientific and clinical levels to improve the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Strengths of the study include the long duration of follow-up spanning 2 decades and the completeness of outcome ascertainment, with 100% of patients accounted for thanks to the Danish Central Person Register. In addition, the study takes advantage of a modern epidemiologic technique—the so-called “randomized trial of biomarkers”—mendelian randomization. In linking genetic information with biomarker concentrations and clinical outcomes, this technique is thought to limit much of the bias in traditional epidemiologic approaches and allow causal inference. An additional strength of this study is the nonfasting measurement of circulating triglyceride concentrations. Indeed, we as humans spend most of our lives in a nonfasting state and nonfasting triglyceride concentrations have a stronger association with incident cardiovascular events than fasting values (3). Triglycerides measured 2–4 h postprandially have an especially strong association with cardiovascular disease risk, illuminating the importance of postprandial lipid metabolism in cardiovascular disease. The authors took a 2-pronged approach, beginning with observational analyses of 13 957 persons who were followed for 24 years with 9991 deaths. A concentration-dependent association of nonfasting triglycerides with all-cause mortality was observed. Compared to the reference group with triglycerides of 266–442 mg/dL (3–5 mmol/L), there was a graded decrease in …
The Pg-Pn method of determining depth of focus with applications to Nevada earthquakes

Abstract The P g -P n method is theoretically developed, including a complete error analysis, and then applied to some Nevada earthquakes. It is found that, as expected, the method is very sensitive to the crustal model used, and the appearance of large errors in depths of focus calculated for some earthquakes leads to the conclusion of a major discontinuity in crustal thickness (ca. 10 km) north and east of Walker Lake, Nevada. This discontinuity may have its surface expression in the Walker Lane, a major right-lateral shear zone which has been defined on both physiographic and geologic grounds.
SUSTENTABILIDADE EM FUNÇÃO DO USO NÃO SUSTENTÁVEL DOS RECURSOS NATURAIS NO OESTE BAIANO E EAGLE FORD TEXANO

El articulo compara dos regiones con base en los discursos publicados em publicaciones bien diseminadas, complementada con investigacion de campo. La region Oeste de Bahia, con agricultura intensive, comparase con el Eagle Ford Shale, region de produccion no convencional de petroleo e gas natural. El trabajo focalizase en como las elites usan la sustentabilidad en la gobernanza ambiental para justificar el uso de los recursos naturales en la agricultura e los hidrocarbonos. Enfatizo como el espetaculo sirve para augmenter el "prestigio regional" (CHASE, 2003) e como los aspectos sociales de la sustentabilidad ajudan a consolidar las ambiciones de explotacion de los recursos naturales. En los dos casos las elites regionals no reproducem verbatim los discursos nacionales, pero si las elites investen en traduzir los discursos en formato regional o canalizar las preocupaciones regionales e los parametros regionales en nuevas soluciones discursivos para mantener la explotacion de los recursos naturales.
Burning Rubber: Proposed Duties on Chinese Tires Whiff of Senseless Protectionism

Although the stew that is the U.S.-China trade relationship has the potential to reach a full boil, it has been on a low simmer since before the start of the financial crisis and subsequent global economic slowdown. Despite pork bans, poultry bans, a steady stream of antidumping and countervailing duty investigations, dispute settlement judgments from the World Trade Organization, accusations of currency manipulation, admonitions regarding China’s dependence on export-led growth, and China’s concerns about the impact of profligate U.S. government spending on its U.S. debt holdings, the relationship has held up fairly well. But that could all change quickly. By September 17 President Obama is required to render a decision in a potentially combustible case concerning automobile tire imports from China. Pursuant to a petition filed by the United Steelworkers of America under Section 421 of the Trade Act of 1974 — known colloquially as the “China-Specific Safeguard” — the U.S. International Trade Commission has already recommended that Obama impose duties of 55 percent on imports of consumer tires from China. Under the law, the president can adopt, modify, or reject that recommendation. Although this may sound like just another day in Washington, Obama’s decision will be consequential. It will help clarify his administration’s heretofore opaque trade policy objectives. It will set the tone for U.S.-China trade relations for the foreseeable future. And it will affect broader international trade relations, for better or for worse, as America honors or disavows its pledge to the Group of 20 nations to avoid new protectionist measures. Under the statute, the president has discretion to deny import “relief” if he determines that such restrictions would have an adverse impact on the U.S. economy that is clearly greater than its benefits, or if he determines that such relief would cause serious harm to the national security of the United States. The first condition is met overwhelmingly. And, for good measure, there is a very strong argument that the second is met, too. But at the end of the day the president is a politician, who is presumed to owe Big Labor for his election last November. Will the president do what is overwhelmingly in the best interest of the country? Or will he do what he thinks is best for himself politically? This paper provides some law and case background and then summarizes why the president should reject the recommendations of the USITC and deny import restrictions altogether.
Optimal Contracting and Incentives to Manage Risk

This paper presents a framework to explore optimal compensation contracts and examine the incentives of managing risk. I show that convex contracts consisting of options and other components are optimal to motivate a risk averse executive to take on investment risks. The results of the paper establish a negative correlation between the value of option component and firm performance and a positive correlation between the cash compensation and firm performance. Both relations are supported by empirical evidence of Murphy (1985). The low correlation between top- management pay and firm performance (Jensen and Murphy (1990)) is also shown to be consistent with the theory advanced here.
Social Networking

In the context of today's electronic media, social networking has come to mean individuals using the Internet and Web applications to communicate in previously impossible ways. This is largely the result of a culture-wide paradigm shift in the uses and possibilities of the Internet itself. The current Web is a much different entity than the Web of a decade ago. This new focus creates a riper breeding ground for social networking and collaboration. In an abstract sense, social networking is about everyone. The mass adoption of social-networking Websites points to an evolution in human social interaction.
Development and Validation of a Risk Stratification System for Pulmonary Embolism After Elective Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty

Abstract Introduction Stratification of patients into different risk categories for pulmonary embolism (PE) after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) may allow clinicians to individualize venous thromboembolism prophylaxis based on an appropriate risk-benefit scale. Methods Patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) as part of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program were identified. Independent risk factors for PE within 30 days of surgery were identified and used to develop a point-scoring system to estimate the relative risk for PE. For validation, the system was tested on patients undergoing TJA at a single institution. Results A total of 118,473 patients were identified, including 72,673 (61.3%) undergoing TKA and 45,800 (38.7%) undergoing THA. The incidence of PE within 30 days of the index arthroplasty was 0.50%. The risk factors associated with PE were age ≥70, female gender, higher body mass index (25-30 kg/m 2 and ≥30 kg/m 2 ), and TKA (vs THA); anemia was protective. The point scores derived for each of these factors were as follows: anemia: −2; female: +1; body mass index 25-30 kg/m 2 : +2; body mass index ≥30 kg/m 2 : +3; age ≥70 years: +3; TKA: +5. The point-scoring system was then applied to 17,384 patients from a single institution. Single-institution patients categorized as low risk using the point-scoring system had a 0.44% 90-day risk for PE (95% CI = 0.29%-0.58%); medium risk, 1.51% (95% CI = 1.18%-1.84%); and high risk, 2.60% (95% CI = 2.09%-3.10%). Conclusion This point-scoring system predicts risk for PE after TJA and may help surgeons to optimize selection of chemical prophylaxis.
Introducing the JMBE Themed Issue on Scientific Citizenship.

In this Editorial, the three Guest Editors for JMBE's first standalone themed issue introduce the topic of scientific citizenship and provide an overview of the current ideas and best practices contained within the issue.