cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reply to Humphreys and Freedman's Review of Causation, Prediction, and Search

In an essay in this journal entitled 'The Grand Leap' (Humphreys and Freedman [1996]) Paul Humphreys and David Freedman have offered a highly critical review of our book Causation, Prediction, and Search (Spirtes, Glymour, and Scheines [1993];1 henceforth CPS). By omission and commission, their essay repeatedly and systematically misdescribes what we wrote, so much so that it is impossible for a reader of their article to glean even the most basic understanding of what we claimed. Their review is riddled with false claims about what the procedures we described can and cannot do, and fundamental technical errors. Many of the objections Humphreys and Freedman lodge against us would equally be objections to methods of causal inference (e.g. randomized clinical trials) that are universally accepted; still other of their 'criticisms' are simply repetitions, without attribution, of cautions we made in the book they purport to review. In still other cases Humphreys and Freedman contrast our work with efforts they think better when, in fact, the work they praise derived directly from Causation, Prediction, and Search, and that legacy is explicitly acknowledged by the authors. What we did in Causation, Prediction, and Search was straightforward. We used an existing formalism-parametrized directed acyclic graphs, sometimes known as Bayes networks-to represent both the causal claims and the probability constraints of otherwise diverse classes of statistical models that are used in causal explanations for continuous and categorical data. Under a variety of explicit, formal assumptions relating causal hypotheses (in the form of directed graphs) to constraints on associated probability distributions, we characterized statistical indistinguishability; that is, we showed how to decide whether two or more alternative causal explanations are indistinguishable from probabilities or from constraints on probabilities.
Experimental survey of semiconductor power device operation at low temperature

The authors report the results of an initial study of the behavior of various semiconductor power devices down to 77 K, including MOS, bipolar, and merged MOS/bipolar structures. It is found that all the devices tested continue to exhibit usable static characteristics at temperatures down to 77 K. As one might expect, the characteristics of power MOSFETs improve as temperature is reduced, and MOSFETs can be useful over the full temperature range 300 K-77 K. Even devices with bipolar structures, such as the bipolar junction transistor, silicon-controlled rectifier, and IGBT, continue to operate down to liquid-nitrogen temperature. >
Letter by Papangeli et al Regarding Article, "The ERG-APLNR Axis Controls Pulmonary Venule Endothelial Proliferation in Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease".

We have read with great interest the article by Lathen and colleagues titled “The ERG–APLNR Axis Controls Pulmonary Venule Endothelial Proliferation in Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease,” and congratulate the authors for their thorough approach using human samples and modern genetic techniques.1 However, there are 2 key points that, in our opinion, deserve attention. First, following a literature review, the authors conclude that “These studies point to the concept that Aplnr signaling has direct and unique effects on the venous circulation.” However, the majority of the cited studies do not describe venous-specific mechanisms. Cheng et al2 demonstrated that apelin administration decreased both the mean arterial …
Searching for Proportionality in U.S. Administrative Law

There is no such thing as “proportionality review” in American administrative law, but instead, a number of doctrines that courts deploy to evaluate agency exercises of discretion. In some respects, these frameworks for review resemble proportionality in operation, but there are also notable differences. This essay surveys the doctrines governing judicial review of administrative discretion in the United States, highlighting three distinguishing features of the American approach. First, American judicial review is characterized by a high degree of unpredictability, not only with respect to outcomes, but often with respect to what framework of review is applicable. Second, while classical proportionality review is designed to detect and correct a particular kind of administrative failure — an overreach, in which the government uses measures that are excessive in relation to the ends they are designed to achieve — the American approach is more symmetrical, in that the agency bears the same burden of justification whether it is claimed that its actions go too far or not far enough. Third, reviewing courts in American administrative law tend to “proceduralize” substantive review, focusing more on the agency’s failures to thoroughly ventilate the relevant issues than the merits of the agency’s conclusions, with consequences both for the burdens agencies face before reviewing courts and for the ultimate ability of agencies to realize favored policy options.
An Automata-Theoretic Dynamic Completeness Criterion for Bounded Model-Checking

Bounded model-checking is a technique for finding bugs in very large designs. Bounded model-checking by itself is incomplete: it can find bugs, but it cannot prove that a system satisfies a specification. A dynamic completeness criterion can allow bounded model-checking to prove properties. A dynamic completeness criterion typically searches for a "beginning" of a bug or bad behavior; if no such "beginning" can be found, we can conclude that no bug exists, and bounded model-checking can terminate. Dynamic completeness criteria have been suggested for several temporal logics, but most are tied to a specific bounded model-checking encoding, and the ones that are not are based on nondeterministic Buchi automata. In this paper we develop a theoretic framework for dynamic completeness criteria based on alternating Buchi automata. Our criterion generalizes and explains several existing dynamic completeness criteria, and is suitable for both linear-time and universal branching-time logic. We show that using alternating automata rather than nondeterministic automata can lead to much smaller completeness thresholds.
Controlled activity polymers. X synthetically tailored monomers and copolymers with hydrolytically-labile pendent esters of allelopathic phenols

Abstract Monomers containing hydrolytically-labile ester linkages to allelopathic compounds: phenol, 2-isopropylphenol, 2,6-diisopropylphenol, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid and naphthoic acid were synthesized for incorporation into hydrophilic copolymers. Phenyl acrylate (PA), 2-isopropylphenyl acrylate (IPPA), 2,6-diisopropylphenyl acrylate (DIPPA), 2-acryloxybenzoic acid (2ABA) and 2-acryloxy-1-naphthoic acid (2ANA) were synthesized by esterification of the parent phenol with acryloyl chloride. These monomers were subsequently copolymerized with acrylic acid (AA) using AIBN as initiator in benzene or tetrahydrofuran at 70°C. PA was copolymerized with acrylamide (AM) and N-vinylpyrrolidinone (NVP) using AIBN in tetrahydrofuran and benzene, respectively, at 70°C. Copolymer compositions were determined by 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, FTIR and UV-VIS spectroscopy. The copolymerization reactivity ratios were determined from 1 H NMR data using Fineman-Ross (F-R), Kelen-Tudos (K-T) and nonlinear least-squares (NLS) methods. Copolymer statistical data were determined from K-T reactivity ratios. The resulting water soluble copolymers are potentially useful as plant growth regulators through the hydrolytic release of phenolic and naphthoic compounds. Selected polymers from these structurally-tailored series were chosen for controlled release studies in aqueous media reported in the subsequent paper of the series.
Solution growth and characterization of silver sulfide films

Abstract Silver sulfide (Ag 2 S) thin films were grown by an electroless chemical deposition technique at 50°C and pH = 10. Silver ions were first complexed by ammonia, and then sodium thiosulfate solution was introduced. Upon hydrolytic decomposition, uniform thin silver sulfide films were grown on either glass or polyester substrates. X-ray studies confirmed that the deposited material was Ag 2 S. Optical studies were carried out in the spectral region 0.3-2.5 μm. The absorption coefficient of the films was found to decrease with increasing wavelength, which makes the Ag 2 S films suitable as IR detectors. The optical band-gap energy of the films was found to be 2.2 eV. The resistivity was 14–20 Ω·m, and the films were of p-type.
Modulation of the aversive qualities of shock through a central inhibitory cholinergic system in the rat

Abstract Evidence has been supplied which suggests that a central inhibitory cholinergic (i.e., muscarinic) system may be involved in modulating the aversive qualities of electric shock in the rat. Central cholinergic stimulation via the administration of pilocarpine or arecoline elevated the threshold for grid shock, while central acting anticholinergics (i.e., scopolamine and atropine) produced decrements in the threshold. Peripheral acting anticholinergics (e.g., methyl scopolamine, methyl atropine) were less potent than central acting drugs given in equivalent doses, while peripheral cholinergic stimulants (i.e., neostigmine, carbachol) were inactive. In addition, only the central acting stimulant pilocarpine, and not carbachol, was able to block the decrements noted in response to scopolamine hydrobromide administration. Finally, only arecoline, and not nicotine, was able to elevate the aversive threshold indicating that muscarinic receptor sites are probably involved in mediating the effects of central cholinergic stimulants.
High-spin assignments in the 1p-shell obtained with the J-dependent (p,α) reaction

Abstract Direct (p, α) pickup reactions within the 1p-shell induced by 43.7 to 54.1 MeV protons are shown to possess angular distributions with characteristics behavior for J= 1 2 , 3 2 , 5 2 , and 7 2 transitions. This behavior permits J π = 7 − 2 assignments in 9 B and 13 N.
INTER- AND INTRASUBJECT VARIATIONS IN DRUG ABSORPTION KINETICS.

Inter- and intrasubject variations in drug absorption kinetics were studied in 15 subjects who ingested 975 mg. of aspirin in compressed tablets on two separate occasions. The group included unusually rapid and unusually slow eliminators of salicylate. Average as well as individual absorption data could be described as firstorder processes preceded by a short induction period. The magnitude of variations in rate constants and induction times between subjects and between tests in any one subject has been determined, and the possible existence of consistently slow and rapid drug absorbers has been examined. In vitro dissolution of drug from the dosage form was describable as a first-order process, and a quantitative correlation between in vitro dissolution and in vivo absorption data has been obtained. Acceptance of a given mathematical model, based on average data, as a description of drug absorption and elimination processes is justified only if the model fits the majority of the individual data. It also must be appreciated that considerable inter- and intrasubject variations in rate constants may exist.
IMINIUM SALT BENZOCHLORINS: STRUCTURE‐ACTIVITY RELATIONSHIP STUDIES

An iminium salt of copper(II) octaethylbenzochlorin (CDS1) is an effective new photosensitizer despite the fact that it does not produce singlet oxygen, does not fluoresce and the triplet state lifetime can only be less than 20 ns. A number of octaethylbenzochlorin derivatives were synthesized in order to determine the structural component(s) that is(are) responsible for the photodynamic action of these new photosensitizers. Studies utilizing the N-(4-[5-nitro-2-furyl]-2-thiazolyl)formamide-induced urothelial tumor revealed that the coexistence of the copper inside the aromatic ring and the iminium group at the meso position are required for the photodynamic effect.
Molecular phylogenetic study of Tephritidae (Insecta: Diptera) using partial sequences of the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal DNA.

Abstract We analyzed sequence data from 925 base pairs within the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal DNA from 34 tephritid species and two outgroup taxa. DNA sequences were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction and sequenced by the dideoxy chain-termination method. Patterns of nucleotide composition and substitution were assessed based on sequence comparison. Phylogenetic relationships among the included taxa were inferred using neighbor-joining and maximum parsimony methods. The trees were congruent with the morphological classification and suggested the following phylogenetic relationships: (1) monophyly of the tribe Trypetini, s. str., excludingParastenopa;(2) a possible sister group relationship betweenPlatypareaand the subfamily Tephritinae; (3) a sister group relationship betweenHexachaetaand the tribe Toxotrypanini; (4) monophyly of the Dacinae and possible relationship ofOedicarenato this subfamily; (5) monophyly of the tribe Adramini; and (6) the nonmonophyletic nature of the genusRhagoletis.We propose that the 16S rDNA shows great promise for helping to create a phylogenetically based higher classification of the Tephritidae.
Results of a Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Exercise and Long-Term Survival in Myocardial Infarction Patients: The National Exercise and Heart Disease Project (NEHDP)

Background—This study examined whether a supervised exercise program improved 19-year survival in 30- to 64-year-old male myocardial infarction patients. Methods and Results—The men (n=651) were pa...
Is there a role for a brachytherapy vaginal cuff boost in the adjuvant management of patients with uterine-confined endometrial cancer?

Abstract Purpose/Objective: Many patients who have uterine-confined endometrial cancer with prognostic factors predictive of recurrence are treated with adjuvant pelvic radiation. The addition of a brachytherapy vaginal cuff boost is controversial. Materials and Methods: Between 1983 and 1993, 270 patients received adjuvant postoperative pelvic irradiation following hysterectomy for Stage I or II endometrial cancer. Group A includes 173 patients who received external beam irradiation alone (EBRT), while group B includes 97 patients who received EBRT with a vaginal brachytherapy application. The median dose of EBRT was 45 Gy. Vaginal brachytherapy consisted of a low dose rate ovoid or cylinder in 41 patients, a high dose rate cylinder in 54 patients, and a radioactive gold seed implant in two patients. The median follow-up time was 64 months. The two groups were compared in terms of age, histologic grade, favorable versus unfavorable histology, capillary space invasion, depth of myometrial invasion, and pathologic stage. Results: Chi-square analysis revealed that the only difference between the two groups was the presence of more Stage II patients in group B (38% versus 14%). No difference was detected for 5 year pelvic control and disease-free survival rates between groups A and B. Conclusion: There is no suggestion that the addition of a vaginal cuff brachytherapy boost to pelvic radiation is beneficial for pelvic control or disease-free survival for patients with Stage I or II endometrial cancer. Prospective randomized trials designed to study external irradiation alone versus external beam treatment plus vaginal brachytherapy are unlikely to show a positive result. Because EBRT provides excellent pelvic control, protocol development for uterine-confined corpus cancer should focus on identifying patients at risk for recurrence as well as other means of augmenting EBRT (e.g. addition of chemotherapy) in order to improve disease free survival in those subgroups.
Herpes Simplex Type-2 Meningitis: Presentation and Lack of Standardized Therapy

BACKGROUND: Herpes simplex type-2 (HSV-2) causes both primary and recurrent lymphocytic meningitis, but optimal patient management is not well defined. METHODS: In this retrospective observational study, we reviewed the medical records of patients with HSV-2-positive cerebrospinal fluid samples in our laboratory between January 2001 and January 2005. RESULTS: During the study period, 23 patients, aged 16 to 83 years, had HSV-2 detected in spinal fluid. Nineteen (83%) had meningitis and 4 (17%) had evidence of meningoencephalitis. Seventy-four percent were female. Two (8.7%) had a history of prior genital herpes, and one (4.3%) had genital lesions noted at the time of presentation. Genital examinations were performed at presentation in only 3 patients. Seven (30.4%) patients reported previous episodes of meningitis. Two celibate women developed HSV-2 meningitis or meningoencephalitis following lumbar steroid injection for spinal stenosis. One woman developed HSV-2 meningoencephalitis 3 days postpartum following cesarean section. Antiviral treatment for uncomplicated HSV-2 meningitis varied from none (4 patients) to 14-21 days of intravenous (IV) acyclovir therapy (4 patients). The 11 remaining patients with meningitis received 1-7 days of IV therapy, followed by 7-21 days of oral antiviral therapy. Three of 4 patients with meningoencephalitis received 21 days of IV acyclovir, and one received 3 days IV acyclovir followed by 14 days of oral therapy. CONCLUSIONS: HSV-2 meningitis presents most often without a history of genital herpes, recurrent meningitis, or genital symptoms. Current management practices are highly variable and may lead to unnecessary hospitalization and prolonged intravenous therapy.
Overview of Training Effectiveness Analysis

U S Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) training effectiveness analysis (TEA) began in 1975 and has evolved into today's TRADOC TEA System, An overview of the TEA System history, characteristics, methodology, scope, and lessons-learned are presented in this paper.
First- and second-order theory of supersonic flow past bodies of revolution

Methods are studied for improving the existing perturbation theories of supersonic flow past bodies of revolution. Applicability of the theory at high Mach Numbers is emphasized. For axial flow, a second-order solution isfound which represents a considerable improvement over the first-order result. For inclined flow, a second-order solution is not feasible except for a cone. Comparison with the exact solutions for cones shows that the slender-body series expansion causes large inaccuracies in both axial and inclined flow. The conclusion that first-order theory predicts the flow no better than slender-body theory is shown to be erroneous. When first-order theory is properly used,making no unnecessaryapproximations, greatly improved agreement is found with exact solutions and with experiment. The order estimates used to justify the approximations are shown to be invalid in most practical cases. A "hybrid" theory, combining first-order cross flow and second-order axial flow, gives further improvement. A physical explanation is advanced for the marked superiority of first-order theory over the true "linearized" theory. Nonlinearity in lift is shown to result primarily from viscous separation of the cross flow along the after portions of a long body. The magnitude of the resulting normal force can be estimated with reasonable accuracy using two-dimensional viscous sweep-back theory.
Environmental antiecdysteroids alter embryo development in the crustacean Daphnia magna

The role of ecdysteroids in crustacean embryo development and the susceptibility of the developing embryo to the antiecdysteroidal properties of an environmental chemical were evaluated. The agricultural fungicide fenarimol was shown to exhibit antiecdysteroidal activity to the crustacean Daphnia magna by lowering endogenous ecdysone levels and delaying molting in a concentration-dependent fashion that was mitigated by co-exposure to exogenous 20-hydroxyecdysone. Exposure of either gravid maternal organisms or isolated embryos to fenarimol resulted in embryo abnormalities ranging from early partial developmental arrest to incomplete development of antennae and shell spines. Developmental abnormalities were associated with suppressed ecdysone levels in the embryos and the abnormalities could be prevented by co-exposure to 20-hydroxyecdysone. Developmental abnormalities caused by the antiecdysteroid were associated with reduced fecundity of the parental organisms. These results demonstrate that ecdysteroids are critical to normal crustacean embryo development and environmental antiecdysteroids can disrupt normal embryo development and compromise the production of viable offspring. Antiecdysteroidal activity may provide a means by which environmental chemicals impact crustacean species while not affecting vertebrates.
The caregiver‐parent relationship: Guidelines for implementing and assessing center policies

The caregiver‐parent relationship is taking on greater significance as child care enrollments increase. While the relationship between child caregivers and parents can at times become strained, both caregivers and parents have much to gain from maintaining an open line of communication and a sense of trust between one another. Strategies for implementing and assessing a strong caregiver‐parent relationship are reviewed in this paper.
Onboarding to improve library retention and productivity

Purpose – The purpose of this column is to examine the onboarding process and its importance for new hires. A well-designed and coordinated onboarding process assimilates new employees into the organization and equips them with the tools and resources needed for professional and personal success. Design/methodology/approach – Recognizing the importance of prudent expenditures within tight budgets, decreasing the time and money for new hires can result in reduced duplication of efforts, accelerating the time to productivity and increasing the satisfaction levels and retention potential among new employees. Findings – The column highlights five steps that a library administrator can take to design and implement an effective onboarding process. Originality/value – Original opinion piece.
Defining the impact of maternal cell contamination on the interpretation of prenatal microarray analysis.

Defining the impact of maternal cell contamination on the interpretation of prenatal microarray analysis
Isolation and serial cultivation of rabbit skin epithelial cells.

A method to isolate and to serially cultivate rabbit skin epithelial cells from adult trunk skin has been developed. Using a collagen gel as substrate and trypsin and EDTA to dissociate cells, nonproliferative primary cultures of rabbit cells may be converted to proliferative populations, and at least 3 serial passages achieved. In the presence of large concentrations of methotrexate (up to 1000 μg/ml), epithelial cells in primary culture show no decrease in their ability to attach, spread, or keratinize. Following conversion to proliferative populations by trypsin and EDTA low concentrations of methotrexate (1 μg/ml) are strongly cytotoxic. When the incorporation of 32 PO 4 3- and 3 H-thymidine into DNA of proliferative and nonproliferative cells is compared, the incorporation of 32 PO 4 3- , but not that of 3 H-thymidine, correlates with changes in cell number and DNA content. In both primary and serially cultivated cells, L-serine is required for optimal growth.
Effects of the Student Success Skills Program on Executive Functioning Skills, Feelings of Connectedness, and Academic Achievement in a Predominantly Hispanic, Low-Income Middle School District

The authors examined the effects of the Student Success Skills program on executive functioning, feelings of connectedness, and academic achievement of a sample of 193 middle school students in a predominantly Hispanic and economically challenged school district in the southwestern United States. Using multilevel regression analyses in a two-level randomized design, the authors found treatment effects for multiple executive functioning scales, feelings of connectedness to classmates, and mathematics and reading achievement.
Familial sinistrality, sex, and laterality differences in naming and Lexical Decision Latencies of right-handers

Abstract Sixty-four subjects, divided into four groups of 16 according to sex and familial sinistrality (FS), were given a lateralized Object-Naming Latency Task (ONLT) and a Lexical Decision Latency Task (LDLT). Both tasks showed RVF superiorities. On the ONLT a sex × FS × visual field interaction was obtained, with FS− females and FS+ males showing comparably smaller RVF superiorities than FS+ females and FS− males. On the LDLT an FS by Stimulus Type (word-nonword) interaction was found, FS− subjects being more RVF superior for non word trials and FS+ subjects more RVF superior for word trials. If one compared only FS− males and females, as some studies have done, greater RVF superiorities obtained for males than females on both the ONLT and word trials of the LDLT. However, FS+ subjects showed the opposite pattern. The data support neither the simple model of FS nor sex influence on language laterality. Data aslso suggest that a history of maternal versus paternal left-handedness may affect lateralization differently in the sexes.
A redetermination of the LaNi phase diagram from LaNi to LaNi5 (50–83.3 at.% Ni)

Abstract The La-Ni phase diagram was re-investigated over the composition range (50–83.3 at.% Ni). The major changes from the earlier published phase diagrams are: 1. (1) the non-existence of the LaNi 2 Laves phase as an equilibrium phase; 2. (2) the existence of La 0.875 Ni 2 (LaNi 2.286 ), a pseudo-Laves-like phase; 3. (3) the liquidus region between 58 and 70 at.% Ni; the α-β transformation in La 2 Ni 7 at 976 °C (previously no transformation was reported); and 4. (4) the peritectic melting temperature for LaNi 3 at 811 °C (previously reported at 975 °C). Minor differences were found for several invariant temperature horizontals (eutectic and peritectic temperatures) and the compositions of the LaNi-“La 2 Ni 3 ” eutectic and the so-called “La 2 Ni 3 ” phase.
Erythropoietin retards DNA breakdown and prevents programmed death in erythroid progenitor cells

The mechanism by which erythropoietin controls mammalian erythrocyte production is unknown. Labeling experiments in vitro with [3H]thymidine demonstrated DNA cleavage in erythroid progenitor cells that was accompanied by DNA repair and synthesis. Erythropoietin reduced DNA cleavage by a factor of 2.6. In the absence of erythropoietin, erythroid progenitor cells accumulated DNA cleavage fragments characteristic of those found in programmed cell death (apoptosis) by 2 to 4 hours and began dying by 16 hours. In the presence of erythropoietin, the progenitor cells survived and differentiated into reticulocytes. Thus, apoptosis is a major component of normal erythropoiesis, and erythropoietin controls erythrocyte production by retarding DNA breakdown and preventing apoptosis in erythroid progenitor cells.
Addressing a vascular endothelium array with blood components using underlying microfluidic channels

Here, we show that an array of endothelial cells, addressable by an underlying microfluidic network of channels containing red blood cells, can be employed as an in vitro model of in vivo circulation to monitor cellular communication between different cell types in the drug discovery process.
Ascitic fluid chemical analysis before, during and after spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

A retrospective analysis of 22 patients whose ascitic fluid had been analyzed prior to the onset of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, during infection and/or after treatment of peritonitis revealed that neither the ascitic fluid total protein nor the absolute ascitic fluid glucose changed during the infection or after treatment of the infection although the ascitic fluid/serum glucose ratio did decrease (p less than 0.001) with infection. The ascitic fluid lactate dehydrogenase increased significantly (p less than 0.05) during infection compared to the baseline value. Contrary to the typical findings in infected body fluids, the total protein content and absolute glucose content of "spontaneously" infected ascitic fluid do not measurably change.
Micro-telerobot for manipulation of microscopic objects immersed in a liquid layer

A micro-telerobot for manipulating microscopic objects such as macromolecules and living microorganisms immersed in a liquid layer is proposed. The basic idea is to inject a small number of microscopic solid ferromagnetic or magnetostrictive particles into the liquid layer either before or after the insertion of the microscopic objects to be manipulated. They serve as end-effectors for the micro-telerobot. These end-effectors are activated and steered by an electromagnetic probe located outside the liquid layer. A nonlinear mathematical model describing the dynamic behavior of the micro-telerobot is developed. It is shown that the equilibrium state of an activated end-effector is unstable. The use of a linear feedback control for stabilization is explored. Appropriate values for the feedback gains are obtained with the aid of computer simulation using the nonlinear mathematical model. The article concludes with a discussion of the physical implementation of the proposed micro-telerobot. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Macrophages, microglia, and astrocytes are rapidly activated after crush injury of the goldfish optic nerve: A light electron microscopic analysis

Several matrix and adhesion molecules in fish optic nerve, which are constitutively expressed, are increased during axonal regeneration and are primarily associated with nonneuronal cells (W.P. Battisti, Y. Shinar, M. Schwartz, P. Levitt, and M. Murray [1992] J. Neurocytol. 21:557-573). The current study examines the reactions of specific cell types to optic nerve crush and axonal regeneration. The goldfish optic nerve contains macroglia and microglia as well as a population of monocyte-derived cells (granular macrophages) unique to goldfish. Two cell types were OX-42 positive (granular macrophages and microglia), indicating monocyte lineage, each with a distinct morphology and distribution within the nerve. Within hours of the optic nerve crush, the number of OX-42-labeled cell profiles increased near the crush site, remained elevated during the time axons were elongating, and then declined. Microglia, but not granular macrophages, were phagocytically active. Astrocytes are readily identified in the normal optic nerve, but they exhibited marked morphologic changes within hours of injury, which is consistent with the contribution these cells make to the altered environment. Oligodendroglia could not be reliably identified in regenerating optic nerves until myelin was formed. A comparison of the distribution of OX-42-labeled cells with that of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta 1) and tenascin suggests that these molecules are expressed by granular macrophages. Tenascin staining may be additionally associated with astrocytes and/or microglia. The rapid response of these nonneuronal cells to injury, their rapid phagocytic activity, and the secretion of growth-promoting factors by these cells likely contributes to the environment that supports robust regeneration by optic axons in the goldfish.
Paleoclimatology and paleobotany of the Eocene Chumstick formation, cascade range, Washington (USA): a rapidly subsiding alluvial basin

Abstract The Middle to Late Eocene Chumstick Formation comprises >12 km of fluvial and lacustrine strata deposited in a strikeslip basin in Washington State. The Chumstick paleoflora is a mixed suite of broad-leaved evergreen and broad-leaved deciduous taxa, with physiognomic characteristics intermediate between paratropical and subtropical rainforest types. The Chumstick paleoflora probably occupied an intermediate paleogeographic position between lowland and montane rainforest, in a setting about 150 km inland from the Pacific coast at elevations up to about 750 m. Most plant macrofossils are found in proximal overbank sequences or on the preserved tops of emergent mid-channel bars. Certain taxa are more typical of floodplain versus channel-margin sites. Key differences were also noted between “upland” (proximal to fault scarps) and “lowland” taxa, which may be related to soil drainage. Chumstick paleosols include entisols (poor horizontal development), inceptisols (incipient Cca or K horizon development) and histosols (histic epipedons containing up to 6% total organic carbon). Paleovegetation had a significant effect on fluvial deposition in the Chumstick Formation. Even in coarse-grained, fault-proximal facies there is evidence for bank cohesion and stability, bank undercutting and failure, soil erosion, and overbank deposits. The dominance of vertical accretion over lateral channel migration in more distal deposits can be attributed to rapid subsidence, coupled with bank stability imparted by vegetation.
Transformation in yeast: Development of a hybrid cloning vector and isolation of the can1 gene

We have constructed a plasmid, YEp13, which when used in conjunction with transformation in yeast is a suitable vector for isolating specific yeast genes. The plasmid consists of pBR322, the LEU2 gene of yeast, and a DNA fragment containing a yeast origin of replication from 2 mu circule. We have demonstrated the utility of this cloning system by isolating the yeast gene encoding the arginine permease, CAN1, from a pool of random yeast DNA fragments inserted into YEp13.
Calculation of diamagnetic susceptibilities and shielding in polyatomic molecules, with analysis of wavefunctions and the importance of multicenter integrals in the theory

Abstract The diamagnetic susceptibility tensor and shielding constants are calculated for different nuclei in a representative set of molecules by use of the Van Vleck and Ramsey equations, respectively. Both IEHT wavefunctions, representing the complete electronic density, and CNDO wavefunctions with systematic neglect of two-center densities were employed. Integrals over atomic densities were calculated in exact form and by integration of the Taylor expansion of the operator over respective densities. The relative importance of the various integrals in the theory as well as the convergence of the expansion are examined. The inclusion of two-center overlap densities is found to be essential. The IEHT wavefunctions are shown to give very good agreement with experimental values of the diamagnetic susceptibility tensors. The truncation of the Taylor expansion for the integrals is shown to be of sufficient accuracy when terms up to dipole are included.
Potential influence of climate change on vector-borne and zoonotic diseases: a review and proposed research plan.

BackgroundBecause of complex interactions of climate variables at the levels of the pathogen, vector, and host, the potential influence of climate change on vector-borne and zoonotic diseases (VBZD...
Time-Distribution Examination of the in vivo Incorporation of Selenium into Cytochrome c of the Rat and its Turnover

Time-Distribution Examination of the in vivo Incorporation of Selenium into Cytochrome c of the Rat and its Turnover
Characterizing the interaction between routing and MAC protocols in ad-hoc networks

We empirically study the effect of mobility and interaction between various input parameters on the performance of protocols designed for wireless ad-hoc networks. An important objective is to study the interaction of the routing and MAC layer protocols under different mobility parameters. We use three basic mobility models: grid mobility model, random waypoint model, and exponential correlated random model. The performance of protocols is measured in terms of various quality of service measures including (i) latency, (ii) throughput, (iii) number of packets received and (iv) long term fairness. Three different commonly studied routing protocols are used: AODV, DSR and LAR scheme 1. Similarly three well known MAC protocols are used: MACA, 802.11 and CSMA.Our main contribution is simulation based experiments coupled with emph rigorous statistical analysis to characterize the emph interaction between the above stated parameters. Such methods allow us to analyze complicated experiments with large input space in a systematic manner. From our results, we conclude the following: No single MAC or routing protocol dominated the other protocols in their class. More interestingly, no MAC/routing protocol combination was better than other combinations over all mobility models and response variables.In general, it is not meaningful to speak about a MAC or a routing protocol in isolation. Presence of interaction leads to trade-offs between the amount of control packets generated by each layer. The results raise the possibility of improving the performance of a particular MAC layer protocol by using a cleverly designed routing protocol or vice-versa..
Suppression of turbulence and transport by sheared flow

The role of stable shear flow in suppressing turbulence and turbulent transport in plasmas and neutral fluids is reviewed. Localized stable flow shear produces transport barriers whose extensive and highly successful utilization in fusion devices has made them the primary experimental technique for reducing and even eliminating the rapid turbulent losses of heat and particles that characterize fusion-grade plasmas. These transport barriers occur in different plasma regions with disparate physical properties and in a range of confining configurations, indicating a physical process of unusual universality. Flow shear suppresses turbulence by speeding up turbulent decorrelation. This is a robust feature of advection whenever the straining rate of stable mean flow shear exceeds the nonlinear decorrelation rate. Shear straining lowers correlation lengths in the direction of shear and reduces turbulent amplitudes. It also disrupts other processes that feed into or result from turbulence, including the linear instability of important collective modes, the transport-producing correlations between advecting fluid and advectants, and large-scale spatially connected avalanchelike transport events. In plasmas, regions of stable flow shear can be externally driven, but most frequently are created spontaneously in critical transitions between different plasma states. Shear suppression occurs in hydrodynamics and represents an extension of rapid-distortion theory to a long-time-scale nonlinear regime in two-dimensional stable shear flow. Examples from hydrodynamics include the emergence of coherent vortices in decaying two-dimensional Navier-Stokes turbulence and the reduction of turbulent transport in the stratosphere.
Courses in Writing beyond the University: A Caveat

This paper outlines the common failures of those in-service education programs which attempt to promote good writing among professionals through courses modeled on college composition curricula. It...
Strategies aimed at controlling misuse and abuse of opioid prescription medications in a state Medicaid program: a policymaker’s perspective

Society in America, like many others, continues to wrestle with the problem of misuse and abuse of prescription opioids. The implications of this struggle are widespread and involve many individuals and institutions including healthcare policymakers. State Medicaid pharmacy programs, in particular, undergo significant scrutiny of their programs to curtail this problem. While recent efforts have been made by government agencies to both quantify and offer methods for curbing this issue, it still falls to each state's policymakers to protect its resources and the population it serves from the consequences of misuse and abuse. This paper details the history of one state Medicaid's management of this issue at the pharmacy benefit level. Examples of various methods employed and the results are outlined and commentary is provided for each method. Regardless of the methods used to address this issue, the problem must still be a priority at all levels, not just for payers.
Electrophysiological findings in cortical blindness. Report of a case

Abstract Spontaneous cerebral activity and visual evoked responses have been described in a patient with post-traumatic cortical blindness who was studied over a period of 4 weeks. The resting occipital pattern was extremely small in amplitude but composed of frequencies largely within the normal alpha range. No evidence of light-induced alpha blocking could be detected. Averaged evoked responses derived from leads placed over the occipital poles were abnormal, in that they were rudimentary and inconsistent, none of the normal initial 5 waves being identifiable with certainty. The presence of a light-evoked, prominent vertex wave, dissimilar from that evoked by sound, was noteworthy in view of the virtual absence of an occipital response and severity of visual deficit.
Minding the Gate: Challenges of High-Stakes Assessment and Literacy Teacher Education

As four teacher educators teaching a course associated with state-mandated assessment of literacy subject matter knowledge and instructional practices, we conducted a self-study of our experiences. In this article, we describe how high-stakes assessment further compounds the problematic nature of teaching and learning literacy in coursework. We discuss challenges associated with curriculum, instruction, assessment, and the social milieu of the course, as well as the ways that we have dealt with these challenges. Implications for teacher educators are discussed, as we all must deal with important issues in this era of accountability.
Scanning electron-microscopic evidence for attachment of a nonpersistently transmitted virus to its vector's stylets.

Abstract A nonpersistently transmitted virus, pea seed-borne mosaic virus (PSbMV) was localized by an indirect immunospecific latex label on stylets of its vectors, the New London and Madison biotypes of potato aphids, Macrosiphum euphorbiae Thomas. On the efficient New London biotype, large quantities of label were observed mostly on the inner surfaces of the mandibles at about 50 μm from the tip. No specific label was found on the mandibular ridges, maxillary projections, food duct, common food chamber, or extraneous materials carried externally on the stylets. The transmissible nature of the virus labeled at 5-min acquisition was confirmed by the decreased labeling with two different inoculation feedings. The sparse label observed on the Madison biotype aphids indicated that this vector was inefficient because insufficient amounts of virus were acquired for effective transmissions.
Application of fuzzy expert systems in assessing operational risk of software

Abstract Risk is the potential for realization of undesirable consequences of an event. Operational risk of software is the likelihood of untoward events occurring during operations due to software failures. NASA IV&V Facility is an independent institution which conducts Independent Assessments for various NASA projects. Its responsibilities, among others, include the assessments of operational risks of software. In this study, we investigate Independent Assessments that are conducted very early in the software development life cycle. Existing risk assessment methods are largely based on checklists and analysis of a risk matrix, in which risk factors are scored according to their influence on the potential operational risk. These scores are then arithmetically aggregated into an overall risk score. However, only incomplete project information is available during the very early phases of the software life cycle, and thus, a quantitative method, such as a risk matrix, must make arbitrary assumptions to assess operational risk. We have developed a fuzzy expert system, called the Research Prototype Early Assessment System, to support Independent Assessments of projects during the very early phases of the software life cycle. Fuzzy logic provides a convenient way to represent linguistic variables, subjective probability, and ordinal categories. To represent risk, subjective probability is a better way than quantitative objective probability of failure. Furthermore, fuzzy severity categories are more credible than numeric scores. We illustrated how fuzzy expert systems can infer useful results by using the limited facts about a current project, and rules about software development. This approach can be extended to add planned IV&V level, history of past NASA projects, and rules from NASA experts.
Allocative and X-efficiency in state-owned mining enterprises: Comparisons between Bolivia and Indonesia☆

Abstract This paper deals with “efficiency” issues in state-owned enterprises mining minerals in Indonesia and Bolivia. In the enterprises under comparison, welfare losses from Alocative inefficiency appear to be decidedly nontrivial. Cases of behavior consistent with X-efficiency theory are also presented, but no determination of the relative quantitative importance of allocative and X-inefficiencies is attempted. Nevertheless, many of the insights offered by X-efficiency theory may be promising complementary tools for understanding and evaluating the performance of state-owned enterprises in mixed economies.
Corticosterone suppresses vasotocin-enhanced clasping behavior in male rough-skinned newts by novel mechanisms interfering with V1a receptor availability and receptor-mediated endocytosis.

Abstract In rough-skinned newts, Taricha granulosa, exposure to an acute stressor results in the rapid release of corticosterone (CORT), which suppresses the ability of vasotocin (VT) to enhance clasping behavior. CORT also suppresses VT-induced spontaneous activity and sensory responsiveness of clasp-controlling neurons in the rostromedial reticular formation (Rf). The cellular mechanisms underlying this interaction remain unclear. We hypothesized that CORT blocks VT-enhanced clasping by interfering with V1a receptor availability and/or VT-induced endocytosis. We administered a physiologically active fluorescent VT conjugated to Oregon Green (VT–OG) to the fourth ventricle 9 min after an intraperitoneal injection of CORT (0, 10, 40 μg/0.1 mL amphibian Ringers). The brains were collected 30 min post-VT–OG, fixed, and imaged with confocal microscopy. CORT diminished the number of endocytosed vesicles, percent area containing VT–OG, sum intensity of VT–OG, and the amount of VT-V1a within each vesicle; indicating that CORT was interfering with V1a receptor availability and VT-V1a receptor-mediated endocytosis. CORT actions were brain location-specific and season-dependent in a manner that is consistent with the natural and context-dependent expression of clasping behavior. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the Rf to CORT was much higher in animals during the breeding season, arguing for ethologically appropriate seasonal variation in CORT's ability to prevent VT-induced endocytosis. Our data are consistent with the time course and interaction effects of CORT and VT on clasping behavior and neurophysiology. CORT interference with VT-induced endocytosis may be a common mechanism employed by hormones across taxa for mediating rapid context- and season-specific behavioral responses.
Adhesion and Tear Resistance of Coated Fabrics from Polyester and Nylon

The objective of this presentation is to show the different types of bonding agents that are used for coating with vinyl and rubber to obtain a high level of adhesion by chemical bonding. There is no doubt that today a lot of bonding agents for all the different coatings are available. This article points out that adhesion and tear propagation resistance are influenced by a number of parameters. Only under specific conditions does tear resistance exhibit a clear dependence on adhesion. To produce a high quality coated fabric, the coater has to know about these de pendencies ; this article may provide guidance for him.