cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A study of suprathermal oxygen atoms in Mars upper thermosphere and exosphere over the range of limiting conditions

Abstract As a part of a global effort, the dynamics of energetic particles flowing through the martian upper atmosphere is studied. Most of the production of hot atomic oxygen occurs deep in the day-side thermosphere of Mars, where dissociative recombination (DR) of O 2 + ion is the dominant source. The study of an upper atmosphere is complicated by the change in the flow regime from a thermospheric collisional to an exospheric collisionless domain. To understand the martian exosphere, it is then highly desirable to employ a global kinetic model that includes a self-consistent description of both thermospheric and exospheric regions. In this work, a combination of our Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) model [Tenishev, V., Combi, M.R., 2005. Monte-Carlo model for dust/gas interaction in rarefied flows. AIAA, 2005–4832] and the 3D Mars Thermosphere General Circulation Model (MTGCM) [Bougher, S.W., Bell, J.M., Murphy, J.R., Lopez-Valverde, M.A., Withers, P.G., 2006. Geophys. Res. Lett. 32, doi:10.1029/2005GL024059. L02203] is used to describe self-consistently the exosphere and the upper thermosphere. Along with the effect of ionization, the model provides profiles of density and temperature, atmospheric loss rates and return fluxes as functions of the Solar Zenith Angle (SZA) for all cases considered. To present a complete description of the effects of a 3D thermosphere onto the exosphere, several of the most limiting cases spanning spatial and temporal domains are examined. Along with solar activity variability, the influences of position on the planet and of different seasons are investigated and their relative contribution to the atmospheric loss is shown to be of the same order.
Enhanced calmodulin binding concurrent with increased kinase-dependent phosphorylation of cytoskeletal proteins following a single subcutaneous injection of diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate in hens

Diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate (DFP) produces Type I organophosphorus compound-induced delayed neurotoxicity (OPIDN) in adult female chickens. We have proposed that calcium/calmodulin protein kinase II (CaM kinase II) plays a role in the development of OPIDN by increasing the phosphorylation of cytoskeletal proteins. We investigated in vivo the effects of treatment of DFP on CaM kinase II-dependent phosphorylation. In isolated brain supernatants from DFP-treated hens, calmodulin binding increased concurrent with increases in CaM kinase II-dependent autophosphorylation and phosphorylation of cytoskeleton proteins. There were no changes in the relative amounts of the enzyme based on immunobinding studies of antibodies to the CaM kinase II. In the absence of any exogenously added substrate. CaM kinase II and microtubule associated protein-2 (MAP-2) exhibited substantially increased phosphorylation, 833 and 275%, respectively, over brain supernatants from untreated hens. Moreover, isolated brain supernatants from treated hens with exogenously added cytoskeletal proteins and myelin basic protein (MBP) exhibited significant increases in phosphorylation over control, 233, 332 and 60%, for MAP-2, tubulin, and MBP, respectively. 125I-Calmodulin binding studies revealed a 136% increase in calmodulin binding to CaM kinase II in treated hens when compared to control groups. The data suggest that in vivo DFP treatment increases the percentage of unphosphorylated, active CaM kinase II resulting in increased calmodulin binding and subsequent enhanced phosphorylation of cytoskeletal proteins that leads to their aggregation and the production of axonal degeneration.
Effect of hypokalemia on susceptibility to ventricular fibrillation in the normal and ischemic canine heart

To examine the impact of hypokalemia on cardiac electrical stability, the thresholds for repetitive extrasystole and ventricular fibrillation were determined before and after potassium depletion in 15 chloralose-anesthetized dogs. A reduction in serum potassium concentration from 3.6 to 2.1 mEq/L induced by hemodialysis decreased the repetitive extrasystole threshold by 30% and the ventricular fibrillation threshold by 25% (p < 0.01). The increase in ventricular vulnerability following acute coronary occlusion was markedly augmented by concomitant potassium depletion. Thus, hypokalemia enhances the propensity for ventricular fibrillation in the normal as well as in the ischemic canine heart. These findings shed light on clinical observations of enhanced susceptibility to life-threatening arrhythmias during acute myocardial ischemia in hypokalemic patients.
Cytokine Preconditioning Promotes Codifferentiation of Human Fetal Liver CD133+ Stem Cells Into Angiomyogenic Tissue

Background— CD133 (AC133) is a surface antigen that defines a broad population of stem cells, including myogenic and endothelial progenitors. CD133+ cells are rare in adult tissues, and the factors that support their differentiation into mature angiomyogenic cells are not known. These hurdles have hampered the use of CD133+ cells for therapeutic purposes. Because human fetal liver is a rich source of CD133+ cells, we sought to identify the growth factors that promote codifferentiation of these cells into angiogenic and myogenic cells. Methods and Results— Human fetal liver CD133+ and CD133− cell subpopulations were cultured with 5′-azacytidine or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF165) and/or brain-derived nerve growth factor (BDNF). CD133+ but not CD133− cells from human fetal liver codifferentiated into spindle-shaped cells, as well as flat adherent multinucleated cells capable of spontaneous contractions in culture. The resulting spindle-shaped cells were confirmed to be endothelial cells by immun...
Aerodynamic shattering of liquid drops.

High velocity gas stream induced shattering of liquid drops, disintegration rate and breakup time
Expression of α2-adrenergic receptors in rat primary afferent neurones after peripheral nerve injury or inflammation

After nerve injury some primary afferent neurones, particularly nociceptors, develop a novel excitatory response to sympathetic efferent activity or exogenously applied adrenergic agonists (Sato & Perl, 1991; Bossut & Perl, 1995; O'Halloran & Perl, 1997; Abdulla & Smith, 1997). Similarly, afferent fibres terminating in a neuroma formed after transection of a peripheral nerve become responsive to adrenergic agents (Wall & Gutnick, 1974). A partial loss of sympathetic innervation also induces an adrenergically produced excitation of cutaneous nociceptors (Bossut et al. 1996). The sympathetic adrenergic excitation takes place at the peripheral terminals of nociceptors or the cell body of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurones and is reversibly blocked by α2-adrenergic antagonists. Excitation of nociceptors by adrenergic agents and sympathetic stimuli has also been reported to be associated with inflammation (Hu & Zhu, 1989; Sato et al. 1993). It is possible that denervation and inflammation serve as stimuli for alterations in expression of adrenergic receptors by DRG neurones. Increased catecholaminergic innervation of DRG after peripheral nerve injury (McLachlan et al. 1993) also is possibly related to altered expression of adrenergic receptors. Causalgia and related dystrophies are syndromes in which injury to regional innervation leads to a spontaneous burning pain accompanied by allodynia (pain resulting from non-noxious stimuli) and hyperalgesia in a partially denervated area (Nathan, 1947; Janig, 1992). These symptoms are often relieved or modified, at least temporarily, by sympathectomy (see review by Gybels & Sweet, 1989). Several proposals have been put forth to explain the relationship of the sympathetic system to pain after nerve injury or denervation, including the possibility that primary afferent neurones develop novel adrenergic receptors (Nathan, 1947; Devor & Janig, 1981; Sato & Perl, 1991; Perl, 1994). Two α2-adrenergic receptor subtypes (A and C) have wide distribution in the central nervous system (Nicholas et al. 1993; Scheinin et al. 1994; Rosin et al. 1996; Talley et al. 1996; Gold et al. 1997). Our experiments were directed at determining whether the number and spectrum of primary afferent neurones expressing these adrenergic receptors alters as a consequence of either injury to a mixed somatosensory nerve or an artificially induced inflammation. These observations have been reported in a preliminary fashion (Birder & Perl, 1996).
Ideological Voting in 1980 Republican Presidential Primaries

Primary voters compare candidate ideologies and support the "one most like their own." This rule was tested with data from CBS News/New York Times exit polls for the 1980 Republican presidential primaries in Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. When primary voters perceived a difference in candidate ideologies, they usually supported the candidate closer to their own ideology. The rule postulates that ideologies guide voters' choices. The evidence suggested that voters probably used ideologies to rationalize their choices.
Selection criteria for placement of left ventricular assist devices.

Abstract The 2000 heart donors available annually continue to be inadequate for the 50,000 patients with end-stage congestive heart failure who require heart transplantation to survive. This discrepancy has led to the successful use of long-term implantable LVADs as a bridge to transplantation and has raised the issue of permanent device implantation in lieu of transplantation. The recent support by Food and Drug Administration medical advisory panel for widespread release of an implantable, long-term LVAD as a bridge to transplantation makes more widespread of the devices likely and mandates improved clinician awareness of the benefits and limitations of this new technology. We outline our indications and contraindications for insertion of implantable LVADs based on our 4-year clinical experience with 29 patients.
Response of rat thymic nuclear RNA polymerase to cortisol injection.

Properties of the RNA polymerase of rat thymic nuclei have been examined with the view of assessing alterations in activity of this enzyme in response to cortisol injection. The polymerase resembled closely that described for other mammalian tissues. The presence of all 4 nucleoside triphosphates was necessary for maximal enzymatic activity. The polymerase was inhibited by actinomycin D or RNase. Injection of cortisol (5 mg/100 g body weight) into rats 3 hr prior to sacrifice resulted in a significant lowering of the rate of incorporation of triphosphatesinto nuclear RNA. Thymic nuclei also incorporated nucleoside mono- and diphosphates but not uridine into RNA; cortisol injection inhibited the rate of incorporation of these nucleoside phosphates. RNA polymerase activity was also decreased in aggregate enzyme preparations obtained from nuclei of thymic tissue from cortisol injected rats. The effect of the steroid appears to be independent of intranuclear pool sizes of RNA precursors or of nuclear transpor...
Fixed zeros in the model matching problem for systems over semirings

In this paper, solution existence conditions for the model matching problem are studied for systems over semirings, which are used in many applications, such as queueing systems, communication networks, and manufacturing systems. The main contribution is the discovery of fixed pole structure in solutions to the model matching problem. This fixed pole structure provides essential information contained in all the solutions to the model matching problem. For a discrete-event dynamic system example, a common Petri net component in the solutions of the model matching problem can be discovered from the fixed pole structure.
Results of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty by multiple relatively low frequency operators

Abstract Results of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) were analyzed from July 1983 through April 1985. Sixteen physicians performed 131 PTCAs from July 1983 through June 1984 (1983/84) (mean 0.7 PTCAs per physician per month) and 279 from July 1984 through April 1985 (1984/85) (mean 1.7 PTCAs per physician per month). Success rates rose from 76% in 1983/84 to 84% in 1984/85 (difference not significant [NS]). The incidence of emergency coronary artery bypass surgery fell from 11% in 1983/84 to 5.4% in 1984/85 (p
Speech recognition in a unification grammar framework

The authors describe a stochastic unification grammar system that is a generalization of the conventional hidden Markov model (HMM) approach. Unification grammars concisely model context, providing a more powerful characterization of the acoustic data than the first-order Markov process. It is shown that this approach generalizes traditional FSA (finite-state automaton)-based HMM systems and that a stochastic chart parsing algorithm produces the exact same solutions as an existing FSA-based system. The shift from automata to grammars allows efficient processing of complex language models by hypothesizing symbols once per frame, no matter how many times they are needed. As an added benefit, the chart parsing algorithm allows parallel processing of lower level hypotheses autonomously with no fundamental algorithm changes. >
Consistent information multivariate density optimizing methodology

The estimation of the profit and loss distribution of a loan portfolio requires the modelling of the portfolio’s multivariate distribution. This describes the joint likelihood of changes in the credit-risk quality of the loans that make up the portfolio. A significant problem for portfolio credit risk measurement is the greatly restricted data that are available for its modelling. Under these circumstances, convenient parametric assumptions are frequently made in order to represent the nonexistent information. Such assumptions, however, usually do not appropriately describe the behaviour of the assets that are the subject of our interest, loans granted to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), unlisted and arm’s-length firms. This paper proposes the Consistent Information Multivariate Density Optimizing Methodology (CIMDO), based on the cross-entropy approach, as an alternative to generate probability multivariate densities from partial information and without making parametric assumptions. Using the probability integral transformation criterion, we show that the distributions recovered by CIMDO outperform distributions that are used for the measurement of portfolio credit risk of loans granted to SMEs, unlisted and arm’s-length firms.
Quality assessment of U.S. marketplace vancomycin for injection products using high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and potency assays.

ABSTRACT In response to a published concern about the potency and quality of generic vancomycin products, the United States Food and Drug Administration investigated a small sampling of the vancomycin products available in North America with regard to purity, content, and potency. To facilitate identification of impurities, a new liquid chromatography method was developed using high-resolution mass spectrometry in addition to diode array detection to characterize impurities in several commercial products. Furthermore, a microbiological assay was utilized to link the analytical profiles with an in vitro potency. All products tested met the quality specifications outlined in the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) (vancomycin hydrochloride for injection monograph) for impurities and potency (USP, Vancomycin hydrochloride for injection. United States Pharmacopeia and National Formulary, vol USP 34-NF 29, 2011).
The Limiting Distribution of Post‐sample Stability Tests for GMM Estimation when the Potential Break Date is Unknown

Recent papers have proposed a split-sample prediction method to test for structural stability in GMM estimation when the potential break date is treated as known. In this note we derive the limiting distribution of the supremum of this test over all possible break dates, thus allowing for endogenous determination of the potential break date.
Estimation of the Center of Simulated Planetary Bodies

The task of centering the simulated image of a planetary body on a display representing the viewscreen of a satellite was investigated in a study employing both male and female subjects. It was found that task performance, as measured by relative radial error, is significantly poorer for crescent and gibbous bodies than for full-phase bodies, and that a circular screen is significantly better than a rectangular one. No significant difference appears for the three diameters of planetary image which were tested. There occur large differences among individuals within the subject group, and the male group exhibits lower error scores than the female. The best subject performed at a level of approximately 1 per cent estimation for all conditions. This amount of operator error is theoretically compatible with the requirements for attitude control during the re-entry of a satellite vehicle.
Thermal oxidation of silicon in the ultrathin regime

Abstract This article reviews our present understanding of silicon oxidation kinetics in the ultrathin-film regime. Experimental results obtained at the onset of oxidation at room temperature, low temperatures and high temperatures are divided into two phases. In the incubation phase observed at the onset of oxidation, the oxide does not grow. Following the incubation phase, the oxide growth phase begins. Modeling the incubation phase and the growth phase are then described and correlated. A model consistent with both sets of observations is introduced. This model considers the role of silicon-monoxide molecules and silicon self-vacancies in the incubation and growth phases.
Light-induced phosphorylation and degradation of the negative regulator PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR1 from Arabidopsis depend upon its direct physical interactions with photoactivated phytochromes.

The phytochrome (phy) family of photoreceptors regulates changes in gene expression in response to red/far-red light signals in part by physically interacting with constitutively nucleus-localized phy-interacting basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors (PIFs). Here, we show that PIF1, the member with the highest affinity for phys, is strongly sensitive to the quality and quantity of light. phyA plays a dominant role in regulating the degradation of PIF1 following initial light exposure, while phyB and phyD and possibly other phys also influence PIF1 degradation after prolonged illumination. PIF1 is rapidly phosphorylated and ubiquitinated under red and far-red light before being degraded with a half-life of ∼1 to 2 min under red light. Although PIF1 interacts with phyB through a conserved active phyB binding motif, it interacts with phyA through a novel active phyA binding motif. phy interaction is necessary but not sufficient for the light-induced phosphorylation and degradation of PIF1. Domain-mapping studies reveal that the phy interaction, light-induced degradation, and transcriptional activation domains are located at the N-terminal 150–amino acid region of PIF1. Unlike PIF3, PIF1 does not interact with the two halves of either phyA or phyB separately. Moreover, overexpression of a light-stable truncated form of PIF1 causes constitutively photomorphogenic phenotypes in the dark. Taken together, these data suggest that removal of the negative regulators (e.g., PIFs) by light-induced proteolytic degradation might be sufficient to promote photomorphogenesis.
Human Endothelial Progenitor Cells

Human endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been generally defined as circulating cells that express a variety of cell surface markers similar to those expressed by vascular endothelial cells, adhere to endothelium at sites of hypoxia/ischemia, and participate in new vessel formation. Although no specific marker for an EPC has been identified, a panel of markers has been consistently used as a surrogate marker for cells displaying the vascular regenerative properties of the putative EPC. However, it is now clear that a host of hematopoietic and vascular endothelial subsets display the same panel of antigens and can only be discriminated by an extensive gene expression analysis or use of a variety of functional assays that are not often applied. This article reviews our current understanding of the many cell subsets that constitute the term EPC and provides a concluding perspective as to the various roles played by these circulating or resident cells in vessel repair and regeneration in human subjects.
Effects of aspartame and glucose administration on brain and plasma levels of large neutral amino acids and brain 5-hydroxyindoles.

Administration of the artificial sweetener aspartame (L-aspartylphenylalanyl- methyl ester, 200 mg/kg) by gavage to rats caused large increments in brain and plasma levels of phenylalanine and its product tyrosine. Glucose administration (3 g/kg, by gavage, a dose sufficient to cause insulin-mediated reductions in plasma levels of the large neutral amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine) also elevated brain phenylalanine and tyrosine, and enhanced the increments caused by the aspartame, nearly doubling the rise in brain phenylalanine. Each animal's brain phenylalanine or tyrosine levels were highly correlated (r = 0.97 and 0.99, respectively) with its plasma phenylalanine or tyrosine ratios, affirming that aspartame's effects on the brain amino acids result from the changes it produces in plasma composition. As described previously, glucose consumption increased brain tryptophan levels, and consequently, brain levels of the 5-hydroxyindoles serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. Aspartame alone had no effect on these compounds but completely blocked the changes in 5-hydroxyindoles caused by glucose. Each animal's brain level of tryptophan (r = 0.89) and 5-hydroxyindoles (r = 0.74) was also significantly correlated with its plasma tryptophan ratio, affirming that the effects of glucose or aspartame on these brain constituents also result from the changes they produce in plasma composition. The aspartame-glucose combination also reduced brain levels of leucine, isoleucine, and valine to a significantly greater extent than aspartame or glucose alone. These observations indicate that high aspartame doses can generate major neurochemical changes in rats, especially when consumed along with carbohydrate-containing foods. However, they should not in any way be interpreted as demonstrating that aspartame significantly affects the human brain. AmJClinNutr 1984;40:l-7.
Game theoretic analysis of cooperation in autonomous multi hop networks: The consequences of unequal traffic load

Researchers have investigated non cooperative issues in wireless sensor networks and mobile ad hoc networks in the past decade. In particular, packet forwarding is of critical importance in such multi hop networks. This is because there are no preexisting infrastructures. Each node must not only send and receive its own packets but also relay packets to other nodes. However, most work overlooks the fact that the traffic load at the center of the network is significantly higher than at the border when using existing routing protocols. Therefore, a node at the center is requested to forward more packets than a node at the border of the network. This inequality in traffic load can break down many solutions proposed to motivate nodes cooperation. In this paper, we quantify the number of packets a node is requested to forward as a function of its position. We show that, if a load balancing algorithm is not used in a distributed static network, cooperation ultimately breaks down as the number of nodes increases. We support our result by mathematical proofs.
Worst-case design in the time domain: The maximum principle and the standardH∞ problem

This paper presents a time-domain, optimal-control approach to worst-case design, an alternative to frequency-domainH∞ techniques. The generic linear-quadratic set-up of the “standardH∞ problem” is discussed. The resultsinclude a characterization of suboptimal values, as well as a parametrization of all suboptimal compensators, interms of two coupled indefinite Riccati equations. Both the usual infinite-horizon, time-invariant case and the finite-horizon, time-varying case, are treated. The latter is beyond the scope of frequency-domain analysis.
Using Positron Emission Tomography 2-Deoxy-2-[18F]Fluoro-D-Glucose, 11CO, and 15O-Water for Monitoring Androgen Independent Prostate Cancer

Abstract PURPOSE: Monitoring of androgen independent prostate cancer (AIPC) therapy involves monitoring prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood serum concentrations; however, the reliability of small changes in PSA values has been questioned. We performed a small pilot study to determine whether PET might be a useful monitor of changes during anti-angiogenic therapy in AIPC. PROCEDURES: Changes in tumor blood flow ([ 15 O] water), blood volume ([ 11 C]CO), 2-deoxy-2-[ 18 F]fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) uptake and metabolic volume were measured before and during thalidomide treatment and compared with changes in PSA in six patients with AIPC. RESULTS: The percent change in PSA correlated with the FDG Δ%SUV mean (r = 0.94, P P P = 0.14). Percent change blood flow values showed an inverse correlation with percent changes in PSA (r = −0.83, P = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: PET measures of tumor blood flow and metabolism may have use in monitoring the physiologic changes occurring during anti-angiogenic therapy in AIPC.
Professional Decision Modeling: Details of a Short MBA Practice Course

This article describes the week-to-week dynamics of a five-week decision science elective practice course in Dartmouth's MBA program. The course begins with a refresher assignment in simulation and optimization. Next come two intense weeks of spreadsheet modeling to value an industrial asset in the status quo and with capital investments. The course then focuses on negotiating with potential buyers. I urge students to craft effective arguments to persuade decision makers of the best course of action. In closing, I propose an effort by faculty from multiple business schools to develop jointly a suite of multi-week cases, to be taught concurrently, with modest prizes for the best student work.
Scattering by small thin dielectric particles

In the analysis of electromagnetic scattering by distributions of small dielectric particles an approximation to the scattered field can be obtained by representing the electrical interaction of the particles in terms of the dipole moments of the individual particles. The calculation of the moments necessitates the solution of certain static scattering problems, and this becomes numerically difficult when the particles are thin. An integral equation formulation of the static scattering problem specialized to the case of thin planar dielectric plates is presented, along with an efficient numerical routine. Dipole moments are obtained over a range ofpermittivities for plates with several thicknesses and a variety of cross-sectional shapes, and the shape dependence is discussed.
Professional Negotiations in Education

Summary I have identified three pure types of employed professional relationships: (1) the general employed professional model, (2) the ideal academic professional model, and (3) the professional union model. Experience with these models, in particular a review of the California approach to professional negotiations in public education, leads to a forecast that organizations of professional employees—both those which call themselves unions and those which do not—will increasingly take their ideology and their rhetoric from the general employed professional model, their goals and status aspirations from the academic model, and their tactics from the union model. In brief, they will do their best to look and sound like professional societies, but, if necessary, will act more like unions.
Lower extremity injuries in automobile crashes

The new United States National Crash Severity Study (NCSS) data on tow-away automobile crashes was reviewed to determine the details of the more severe injuries of the lower extremity. This review includes the frequency of injury by limb segments (pelvis, thigh, knee, leg and ankle/foot), the vehicle structure contacted to produce these injuries, and the injuries/contact differences among car occupants. Some of the finds are: of the various body regions having the more severe injuries, the lower extremity ranks second only to the thorax; lap-shoulder belted occupants hardly ever sustain the more severe lower extremity injuries; and severe lower extremity injuries occur primarily in frontal crashes. Extrapolation of the NCSS data for national estimates indicates that the more serious lower extremity injuries in car crash survivors approximately equals the total number of passenger car occupants who are killed annually (27,000).
Model Specification: The Views of Fisher and Neyman, and Later Developments

Since Fisher’s formulation in 1922 of a framework for theoretical statistics, statistical theory has been concerned primarily with the derivation and properties of suitable statistical procedures on the basis of an assumed statistical model (including sensitivity to deviations from this model). Until relatively recently, the theory has paid little attention to the question of how such a model should be chosen. In the present paper, we consider first what Fisher and Neyman had to say about this problem and in Section 2 survey some contributions statistical theory has made to it. In Section 3 we study a distinction between two types of models (empirical and explanatory) which has been discussed by Neyman, Box, and others. A concluding section considers some lines of further work.
TESTING HYPOTHESES OF CONVERGENCE WITH MULTIVARIATE DATA: MORPHOLOGICAL AND FUNCTIONAL CONVERGENCE AMONG HERBIVOROUS LIZARDS

Despite its importance to evolutionary theory, convergence remains an understudied phenomenon and is usually investigated using qualitative data. This paper advances a new, multidimensional view of convergence. Three patterns indicative of convergence are discussed, and techniques to discover and test convergent patterns in a quantitative framework are developed. These concepts and methods are applied to a dataset of digitized coordinates on 1554 lizard skulls and 1292 lower jaws to test hypotheses of convergence among herbivorous lizards. Encompassing seven independent acquisitions of herbivory, this lizard sample provides an ideal natural experiment for exploring ideas of convergence among different systems (here, morphological and functional). Three related questions are addressed: (1) Do herbivorous lizards show evidence of convergence in skull and lower jaw morphology? (2) What, if any, is the morphospace pattern associated with this convergence? (3) Is it possible to predict the direction of convergence using functional models? Relative warp analysis and permutation tests reveal that the skulls and lower jaws of herbivorous lizards do show evidence of convergence. Herbivore skulls deviate from their carnivorous or omnivorous sister groups toward the same area of morphospace. Without a phylogenetic perspective, this pattern would not be recognizable. Lower jaws of herbivores are not convergent in morphology but are convergent in function: herbivores deviate away from their carnivorous sister groups toward higher values of mechanical advantage. These results illustrate the desirability of quantitative methods, informed by phylogenetic information, in the study of convergence.
A new view of "dream enactment" in REM sleep behavior disorder

Patients with REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) exhibit increased muscle tone and exaggerated myoclonic twitching during REM sleep. In addition, violent movements of the limbs, and complex behaviors that can sometimes appear to involve the enactment of dreams, are associated with RBD. These behaviors are widely thought to result from a dysfunction involving atonia-producing neural circuitry in the brainstem, thereby unmasking cortically generated dreams. Here we scrutinize the assumptions that led to this interpretation of RBD. In particular, we challenge the assumption that motor cortex produces twitches during REM sleep, thus calling into question the related assumption that motor cortex is primarily responsible for all of the pathological movements of RBD. Moreover, motor cortex is not even necessary to produce complex behavior; for example, stimulation of some brainstem structures can produce defensive and aggressive behaviors in rats and monkeys that are strikingly similar to those reported in human patients with RBD. Accordingly, we suggest an interpretation of RBD that focuses increased attention on the brainstem as a source of the pathological movements and that considers sensory feedback from moving limbs as an important influence on the content of dream mentation.
Mind, Brain, and Consciousness: The Organization of Competence and Conduct

The history of psychology in this century can be charted in terms of the issue that dominated each decade of exploration. Early studies on classical conditioning and Gestalt principles of perception were followed subsequently by two decades of behaviorism. In the 1950s information measurement took the stage to be supplanted in the 1960s by an almost frenetic endeavor to catalogue memory processes, an endeavor which culminated in the new concepts of a cognitive psychology. Currently, the study of consciousness as central to the mind-brain problem has emerged from the explorations of altered and alternative states produced by drugs, meditation, and a variety of other techniques designed to promote psychological growth.
The Art of Euphemism

Lawyers should avoid euphemisms whenever possible, because clear, precise, and straightforward language is so important in the law. But euphemisms can actually be useful in some instances. For example, a euphemisms may be more tactful or polite, and over time a euphemism may replace a harsher term or one that has acquired excess baggage. Within a discipline such as law, a euphemism may be recognized as a term of art, carrying a specialized and more precise meaning. And euphemisms can be useful in advocacy, by avoiding connotations of alternative expressions or suggesting connotations of their own.
Raising expectations in GDA agents acting in dynamic environments

Goal-driven autonomy (GDA) agents reason about goals while introspectively examining if their course of action matches their expectations. Many GDA agents adopt a hierarchical planning model to generate plans but limit reasoning with expectations to individual actions or projecting the expected state. In this paper we present a relaxation of this limitation. Taking advantage of hierarchical planning principles, our GDA agent elicits expectations that not only validate the next action but the overall plan trajectory without requiring validation against the complete state. We report on (1) a formalization of GDA's expectations that covers trajectories, (2) an implementation of these ideas and (3) benchmarking on two domains used in the GDA literature.
'Education, Education, Education': Commodity for Sale or Property Right?

Those complaining about the current state of education often put the blame on the so-called 'commodification' of education. This paper points out, however, that education has always been commodified. What is of much more interest is whether - in England and Wales at least - a right to education has evolved which is more than just some sort of moral claim but actually has the status of a property right.
Measuring teachers’ knowledge of vocabulary development and instruction

This article describes the development of an instrument to measure teachers’ knowledge of vocabulary development and instruction, the Teacher Knowledge of Vocabulary Survey (TKVS). This type of knowledge has become increasingly important as all classroom teachers are expected to help students meet language and literacy standards that include vocabulary acquisition. While a few studies have measured teacher knowledge of reading, there are no known instruments for measuring teachers’ knowledge of vocabulary development and instruction. However, vocabulary is a crucial determinant of reading comprehension and content area knowledge, particularly for English learners (Graves, August, & Mancilla-Martinez, 2013). Statements about vocabulary development and instruction were gathered from foundational texts, reviewed by subject matter experts, and researched in cognitive labs for possible inclusion as items in the TKVS. The survey’s 52 statements comprise 6 categories, including one section on vocabulary development, four sections on instruction, and one section on instruction specifically for English learners. Ratings of item difficulty by subject matter experts were then used to distinguish three levels of teacher knowledge of vocabulary: emergent, intermediate, and expert. Fifty teachers completed the TKVS, and their performance was found to correlate with the experts’ predicted difficulties of the items. Initial analyses provide evidence for the content and construct validity of the TKVS as a measure of teacher knowledge of vocabulary development and effective instruction. The discussion considers implications for the use of the instrument, including as a needs assessment or guide for professional development for both preservice and inservice teachers.
Wind tunnel study of ascent heating of multiple re-entry vehicle configurations

A wind-tunnel study was conducted at Mach 8 to provide design information for the multiple re-entry vehicle ascent heating problem. The phase change paint technique identified shock impingement hot spots having heating rates as high as 30X the undisturbed values. Evidence of bistable shock structure was obtained from shadowgraphs. Evaluation of the data provided a simple flow model and interaction heating prediction technique for use in design analysis.
The Hymenopterous Family Xyelidæ in North America

The Xyelidae are considered by most authors as comprising the most primitive family of the Hymenoptera, and there are many morphological arguments for upholding this viewpoint. The typical venation of the wings, the transverse pronotum, the sterno-pleural suture, and many other characters support the idea of its primitive relationships, but at the same time such characters as the modification of the third antennal segment, the development and structure of the maxillae, and the reduction of the male genital plates, show that in addition to being of great antiquity, the family has followed lines of variation and deviation very different from most of the other sawfly groups.
Platelet Studies in Menstruation and Hemophilia: Total and Differential Counts, Disintegration Rates and Lipid Distributions

SummaryA definitely delayed platelet disintegration rate in menstruation is demonstrated by these studies. Hemophilia also shows similar changes. Lipid analysis of the platelets demonstrates no def...
Correlation of clinical profile and specific histopathological features of temporal artery biopsies.

Background This study sought to correlate the clinical features of patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) who present with ophthalmic symptoms and signs, with 2 specific histopathological findings-the presence of giant cells and arterial wall neoangiogenesis. The goal was to assess if these pathological features might be useful in guiding the approach to patient management. Methods Medical charts were retrospectively reviewed from 58 patients who underwent a temporal artery biopsy at a single institution. Detailed information was collected about the clinical presentation and course, with an emphasis on visual function. Histopathological and immunohistochemical techniques were used to examine temporal artery biopsies for evidence of inflammation. Correlations were made between the clinical data and the presence of giant cells and neoangiogenesis. Results Twenty-one (34%) biopsies were positive for inflammation consistent with GCA. Although the percentage of positive biopsies with giant cells was high, neither the presence of giant cells nor neoangiogenesis was predictive of a patient's presenting visual symptoms, severity and bilaterality of vision loss, other ophthalmic manifestations of GCA, presence of headache or jaw claudication, or erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Giant cells were more common in patients with recent weight loss. Immunohistochemistry confirmed diagnoses but did not alter the clinical course or treatment plan. Conclusions There was no correlation between the clinical, specifically visual, features of GCA and the presence or absence of giant cells or neoangiogenesis in temporal artery biopsy specimens. Although the presence of neoangiogenesis may be important in the pathogenesis of GCA, our study showed no correlation between this finding and the clinical course.
A Reevaluation of Realignments in American Politics: Evidence from the House of Representatives

This article reevaluates American realignment literature based on Clubb, Flanigan, and Zingale's (1980) admonition to focus on control of government and political leadership rather than electoral results. I put forward a theory of policy change in the House of Representatives which shows, like Sinclair (1977), that the effect of electoral realignments is to create a strong and unified majority party in the Congress. However, unlike other work that focuses on electoral courses, I show that structural features of elections created the new majority party in both the Civil War and the 1890s realignments. Specifically, I argue that in these two realignments a strong regional seats-to-votes distortion created the Republican majorities that enacted the policy changes associated with these realignments.
Longevity and fecundity of Ips calligraphus (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) in relation to slash pine phloem thickness

Longevity and fecundity of Ips calligraphus (Germar) females were studied in relation to phloem thickness at 30°C in typical slash pine ( Pinus elliottii Engelmann var. elliottii ) bolts. Average longevity (days), fecundity (eggs), oviposition rate (OR, eggs per day), and egg density (ED, eggs per cm) were significantly ( P < 0.05) greater for females maintained in thick (2.5–3.5 mm) versus thin (1.0–1.5 mm) phloem. Average values were, respectively, 29 and 18 days for longevity, 326 and 160 eggs for fecundity, 12 and 9 eggs per day for OR, and 4.3 and 2.9 eggs per cm for ED. Females switched between thick and thin phloem at 3-day intervals had intermediate longevity (23 days), fecundity (263 eggs), and ED (3.6 eggs per cm) values; ED generally increased when in thick phloem and decreased when in thin phloem. Gallery construction rate (mm per day), OR, and ED were negatively correlated with female age. Physical and nutritional characteristics of xylem, phloem, and outer bark are discussed in relation to the above findings.
Statistics of random signal intensity in the presence of gaussian noise

The intensity distribution of random signal in the presence of a Gaussian noise has been derived to retrieve the statistics of microwave pulsed transmission through disordered media from a noisy background at long delay times.
Cyclic, Selectively Permeable Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors

An area of AChE research of great interest is the development of new drugs for the prevention and treatment of enzyme inactivation by organophosphates (compounds found in both pesticides and chemical warfare agents). Currently, there are compounds available to reactivate organophosphate-neutralized AChE, but no compounds exist for pre-treatment to actively protect AChE during exposure to organophosphate agents. In our studies, molecular modeling has been used to examine the interactions between AChE and various currently known inhibitors to design new peripheral site inhibitors. Such modeling efforts are possible due to the availability of three-dimensional crystal structures of unliganded AChE and the fasciculin-AChE complex. Fasciculin (Fas), a snake venom neurotoxic peptide, binds to the peripheral site of AChE and inhibits enzyme activity by a mechanism involving steric blockade and conformational change in the enzyme active site. With the information from these models, novel cyclic peptide and pseudopeptide compounds are being designed and assayed for selective binding to the peripheral site of AChE. The initial screening protocol includes assays for inhibition of substrate hydrolysis by AChE and for competition with Fas for binding to the AChE peripheral site. The goal of this project is to identify new peripheral site ligands that selectively inhibit AChE phosphorylation while permitting sufficient acetylcholine hydrolysis to maintain physiologic function. Both combinatorial libraries and rationally designed compounds are being screened in the hopes of identifying candidate molecules for future refinement through molecular docking and modeling simulations into lead drug compounds.
Triage in times of drug shortage

This paper addresses the current drug shortage, and examines the ethics framework for dealing with drug shortages developed by our organization. That three-step allocation process and framework was published previously in this journal. Specifically, this paper offers a rationale and justification for the framework's second step, which involves a triage process aimed to ensure that the available drug supply is utilized effectively and ethically.
Physiological Characterization and Gene Identification of a Yellow-Green Leaf Mutant ygl11(t) in Rice

A spontaneous mutant showing yellow-green leaf throughout the growth period,designated as ygl11(t),was screened and identified from rice cultivar Nanjing 41.This mutant was grown for several generations and showed stable mutation phenotype. The ygl11(t) mutant has reduced chlorophyll accumulation and abnormal chloroplast development.The average contents of total chlorophyll,chlorophyll a,chlorophyll b,and carotene in the ygl11(t)mutant were 45.7%to 74.7%,55.2% to 87.5%,12.5% to 25.3%,and 62.3% to 97.0% of these in wild type,respectively,at the stages of seedling,tillering and heading.The leaf net photosynthetic rate of the ygl11(t)was significantly higher at maximum tillering stage and slightly lower at 10 days after flowering than that of wild type.Ultrastructure analysis revealed that the grana lamellae of chloroplast thylakoid were less in number and abnormally developed in the ygl11(t)mutant.Genetic analysis suggested that the phenotype of ygl11(t)was controlled by a recessive nuclear gene.YGL11(t)was prelimarily mapped on the long arm of rice chromosome 10,and was finally narrowed to a 58.1kb region containing six open reading frames(ORFs).All the six ORFs were amplified and sequenced.A 2-bp deletion was found in the 9th exon of the OsCAO1 gene,encoding a chlorophyll a oxygenase 1,which results in a premature stop codon and protein truncation in the ygl11(t)mutant.These results suggest that the OsCAO1 gene is the candidate of YGL11(t).