cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kant on the Continuity of Alterations

The metaphysical “Law of Continuity of Alterations” (“LCA”) says that whenever an object alters from one state to another, it passes through a continuum of intermediate states. Kant treated LCA as a transcendental law of understanding. The primary purpose of the paper is to reconstruct and evaluate Kant’s three arguments for LCA. All three are found to be inadequate. However, a secondary goal of the paper is to show that LCA would have more naturally been construed as a regulative principle of reason (rather than a law of understanding). I conclude with some remarks about how this could work.
Patient-centered medical homes and preventive service use.

OBJECTIVES Despite data suggesting that patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs) improve preventive service use, limited nationally representative evidence exists. This study compared preventive service use between patients with and without a usual source of care (USC) and, of the patients with a USC, between those in practices with and without PCMH status. STUDY DESIGN This study used a cross-sectional study design. METHODS We constructed general and disease-specific preventive service indicators using the 2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Preventive service rates were compared between patients reporting a USC versus no USC and between patients whose USC practices were PCMH certified versus not PCMH certified. Unadjusted outcomes were tested using χ2 tests. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test differences between groups, controlling for predisposing, enabling, and need variables. RESULTS Using multivariable logistic regression, respondents with a USC reported higher rates of screening for breast cancer (odds ratio [OR], 2.40; 95% CI, 1.81-3.17) and cervical cancer (OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.61-2.47) than respondents with no USC. Diabetes respondents with a USC had higher odds of an annual eye exam (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.26-3.33) than respondents with no USC. Diabetes respondents with a USC that was PCMH certified reported higher rates of annual foot screenings (OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.31-3.08) and lower rates of annual cholesterol screenings (OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.11-0.83) than those with a USC that was not PCMH certified. CONCLUSIONS Having a USC was associated with higher rates of several preventive screening measures. However, there were fewer significant preventive screening relationships by PCMH status among individuals with a USC. Our results suggest that improving access to a USC may be as important as the application of PCMH principles to a USC practice.
Buyers, Sellers, And Middlemen: : Variations On Search-Theoretic Themes

We study exchange that is bilateral but indirect�it involves chains of intermediaries, or middlemen�in markets with frictions. These frictions include search and bargaining problems. We show how, and how many, intermediaries might get involved in a chain, and how bargaining with one depends on upcoming negotiations with those downstream. The roles of buyers, sellers, money, and prices are discussed, allowing us to clarify some neglected connections between different branches of search theory. Pursuing one such connection, with monetary economics, we show how bubbles can emerge in intermediation, even with fully rational agents and perfect foresight.
Preoperative Opioid Use Predicts Prolonged Postoperative Opioid Use and Inferior Patient Outcomes Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Purpose (1) To determine patient factors associated with prolonged opioid use following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and (2) to evaluate the influence of preoperative opioid use on patient-reported outcomes. Methods Patients who underwent ACLR and used opioids before the perioperative period, which was defined as the window 30 days before 15 days following the index surgery, were designated as preoperative opioid users. Patients who used opioids only in the perioperative period or post-operative period were designated as opioid-naive. Predictors of opioid use at 6 and 12 months postoperatively and associations between preoperative opioid use and patient outcomes were assessed. Results After institutional review board approval, we identified 253 patients (225 opioid-naive and 28 opioid users ) who underwent ACLR from 2014 to 2018 at a single institution and had one year follow up (median: 11.6 months; interquartile range [8.9-14.3]). Patients with a history of preoperative opioid use (odds ratio [OR] 3.63, P = .034), greater preoperative visual analog scale pain scores (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.04-1.67; P = .003), and greater body mass index (OR 1.09, P = .018) were significantly more likely to be taking opioids at 6 months postoperatively. Patients with a perioperative opioid intake of greater than 513 oral morphine equivalents were significantly more likely to continue taking opioids at the 6 month (OR 3.17, P = .024) and the 1 year (OR 3.34, P = .048) postoperative time points. Patients with preoperative opioid use were significantly less likely to achieve the patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) on the International Knee Documentation Committee, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) Sport, KOOS Joint Replacement, KOOS Pain, KOOS Symptoms, KOOS Quality of Life, and KOOS Activities of Daily Living. Conclusions Preoperative opioid use, body mass index >30, and greater visual analog scale pain scores were predictors of continued opioid use at 6 months postoperatively. Preoperative opioid users were more likely to continue taking opioids, demonstrate significantly worse patient reported outcomes at baseline and 1-year postoperatively, and were less likely to achieve patient acceptable symptomatic state. Level of Evidence Level III, Retrospective Cohort Study
Research Trends—Practical Bibliometrics and a Growing Publication

For 3 years Henk Moed acted as the editor in chief of “Research Trends” (RT), an online publication from Elsevier that aimed to provide straightforward insights into scientific trends based on bibliometric research. During his tenure, the publication saw a tremendous growth in scope and content. Thanks to Henk’s directive and contributions, what started as a ‘newsletter’ became a full-fledged scientific publication with in-depth articles covering a variety of topics across diverse themes and disciplines. I worked with Henk during that time and became a part of the RT team in 2011 until its closing in 2014. The aim of this chapter is to give tribute to the enormous work that was accomplished; the articles, the research and the scientific trends that were reported during those years by the entire RT team and external contributors from around the globe (Research Trends’ website is not currently maintained. Unfortunately, only PDF versions of the articles are available. Therefore, any additional altmetric or bibliometric indicators were not available to the author beyond what is reported here.).
Evolution of Alternative-access Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Abstract Background Transfemoral access is the most common approach for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, a subset of patients require alternative access. This study describes the evolution and outcomes of alternative-access TAVR at Cleveland Clinic. Methods From January 2006 to January 2019, 2446 patients underwent TAVR, 414 (17%) through alternative access (247 transapical, 95 transaortic, 56 transaxillary, 2 transcarotid, 10 transiliac, 4 transcaval). Patients undergoing alternative-access TAVR had high preoperative risk. Propensity-matched comparisons were targeted at comparing transfemoral versus transaxillary approaches since 2012. Results Over time, the favored alternative-access approach shifted from transapical and transaortic to transaxillary. Pacemaker requirement was similar for alternative-access and transfemoral approaches. Compared with transfemoral access, major vascular injuries were higher in the alternative-access group (12 [2.9%] vs 27 [1.3%], P = .02), but minor vascular injuries were lower (13 [3.1%] vs 198 [9.8%], P Conclusions The transaxillary approach has emerged as our preferred alternative-access strategy for TAVR. It is associated with superior operative outcomes compared with transthoracic approaches, and results are comparable with those of the transfemoral approach.
The snapshot distance method: estimating the distance to a Type Ia supernova from minimal observations

We present the snapshot distance method (SDM), a modern incarnation of a proposed technique for estimating the distance to a Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) from minimal observations. Our method, which has become possible owing to recent work in the application of deep learning to SN Ia spectra (we use the deepSIP package), allows us to estimate the distance to an SN Ia from a single optical spectrum and epoch of $2+$ passband photometry -- one night's worth of observations (though contemporaneity is not a requirement). Using a compilation of well-observed SNe Ia, we generate snapshot distances across a wide range of spectral and photometric phases, light-curve shapes, photometric passband combinations, and spectrum signal-to-noise ratios. By comparing these estimates to the corresponding distances derived from fitting all available photometry for each object, we demonstrate that our method is robust to the relative temporal sampling of the provided spectroscopic and photometric information, and to a broad range of light-curve shapes that lie within the domain of standard width-luminosity relations. Indeed, the median residual (and asymmetric scatter) between SDM distances derived from two-passband photometry and conventional light-curve-derived distances that utilise all available photometry is $0.013_{-0.143}^{+0.154}$ mag. Moreover, we find that the time of maximum brightness and light-curve shape (both of which are spectroscopically derived in our method) are only minimally responsible for the observed scatter. In a companion paper, we apply the SDM to a large number of sparsely observed SNe Ia as part of a cosmological study.
Evaluation of patient navigation and delivery of head and neck cancer therapy during COVID-19 pandemic: A single institution experience

e13510Background: The COVID-19 (COVID) pandemic presents many challenges to cancer patient treatment. Care coordination pathways are more complex to ensure safe screening and monitoring for COVID w...
Rates and risk factors associated with 30- and 90-day readmissions and reoperations after spinal fusions for adult lumbar degenerative pathology and spinal deformity.

Purpose Analyze state databases to determine variables associated with of short-term readmissions and reoperations following thoracolumbar spine fusions for degenerative pathology and spinal deformity. Methods Retrospective study of State Inpatient Database (2005-13, CA, NE, NY, FL, NC, UT). Inclusion criteria age > 45 years, diagnosis of degenerative spinal deformity, ≥ 3 level posterolateral lumbar spine fusion. Exclusion criteria revision surgery, cervical fusions, trauma, and cancer. Univariate and step-wise multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent variables associated with of 30- and 90-day readmissions and reoperations. Results 12,641 patients were included. All-cause 30- and 90-day readmission rates were 14.6% and 21.1%, respectively. 90-day readmissions were associated with: age > 80 (OR: 1.42), 8 + level fusions (OR: 1.19), hospital length of stay (LOS) > 7 days (OR: 1.43), obesity (OR: 1.29), morbid obesity (OR: 1.66), academic hospital (OR: 1.13), cancer history (OR:1.21), drug abuse (OR: 1.31), increased Charlson Comorbidity index (OR: 1.12), and depression (OR: 1.20). Private insurance (OR: 0.64) and lumbar-only fusions (OR: 0.87) were not associated with 90-day readmissions. All-cause 30- and 90-day reoperation rates were 1.8% and 4.2%, respectively. Variables associated with 90-day reoperations were 8 + level fusions (OR: 1.28), LOS > 7 days (OR: 1.43), drug abuse (OR: 1.68), osteoporosis (OR: 1.26), and depression (OR: 1.23). Circumferential fusion (OR: 0.58) and lumbar-only fusions (OR: 0.68) were not associated with 90-day reoperations. Conclusions 30- and 90-day readmission and reoperation rates in thoracolumbar fusions for adult degenerative pathology and spinal deformity may have been underreported in previously published smaller studies. Identification of modifiable risk factors is important for improving quality of care through preoperative optimization.
Single-Molecule Pull-Down FRET to Dissect the Mechanisms of Biomolecular Machines.

Spliceosomes are multimegadalton RNA-protein complexes responsible for the faithful removal of noncoding segments (introns) from pre-messenger RNAs (pre-mRNAs), a process critical for the maturation of eukaryotic mRNAs for subsequent translation by the ribosome. Both the spliceosome and ribosome, as well as many other RNA and DNA processing machineries, contain central RNA components that endow biomolecular complexes with precise, sequence-specific nucleic acid recognition, and versatile structural dynamics. Single-molecule fluorescence (or Forster) resonance energy transfer (smFRET) microscopy is a powerful tool for the study of local and global conformational changes of both simple and complex biomolecular systems involving RNA. The integration of biochemical tools such as immunoprecipitation with advanced methods in smFRET microscopy and data analysis has opened up entirely new avenues toward studying the mechanisms of biomolecular machines isolated directly from complex biological specimens, such as cell extracts. Here, we detail the general steps for using prism-based total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy in exemplary single-molecule pull-down FRET studies of the yeast spliceosome and discuss the broad application potential of this technique.
Mainstreaming Early Warning Systems in Development and Planning Processes: Multilevel Implementation of Sendai Framework in Indus and Sahel

The third UN World Congress on Disaster Risk Reduction, held in Sendai, Japan in March 2015, agreed on a new framework to guide disaster risk reduction policy and practice for the next 15 years. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 (SFDRR) leaves important implementation issues unspecified and potentially creates both problems and opportunities for complex, multilevel governance systems in coping with hazards and disastrous events. Early warning systems (EWS), if built into the mainstream of planning for development and disaster relief and recovery, could present a significant opportunity to realize many SFDRR goals. We explore the complexities of using hydrometeorological EWS to prepare for drought and flood disasters in the densely populated communities of Pakistan’s Indus River Basin in contrast to the African Sahel’s less densely settled grasslands. Multilevel governance systems are often dominated by a top-down, technocentric, centralized management bias and have great difficulty responding to the needs of peripheral and vulnerable populations. People-centered, bottom-up approaches that incorporate disaggregated communities with local knowledge into a balanced, multilevel disaster risk management and governance structure have a dramatically better chance of realizing the SFDRR goals for disaster risk reduction.
Eating Habits and Patterns of Female College Athletes

The benefit of adequate nutrition contributing to successful athletic performance is well known, but not completely understood and applied among athletes. The purpose of this study was to assess nu...
Use of synectics as an idea seeding technique to enhance design creativity

An approach to generate creative design employing synectics is presented. The integrated use of TIPS (theory of inventive problem solving), along with a knowledge base of physical, chemical and biological phenomena and effects provided by IM-TechOptimizer/sup TM/ and a robust engineering design methodology is the core of this proposed new creative design. This concept is based on the hypothesis that a multitude of new design options can be generated quickly. Creative design is the natural outcome of the lateral integrated design approach. The approach starts with the clarification of the term "requirements". The creativity domain process is defined as the means for generating new ideas and concepts. Functional modeling analysis is considered as the most desired analytical tool to identify the right problem to be solved. The identification of contradictions as problems indicates the design concept solution category to be generated. The contradiction metrics and standard solutions use mental analogy and metaphorical thinking as a process described by a synectics idea generation process. The inclusion of the ideal function concept is described for creativity measurement. The closer the new concept performs related to the ideal performance, the higher the grade of the new creative design. The ranking of the newly generated multitude of concepts relative to the ideal performance is presented as a structured approach of selecting creative design concepts or as a technology road map. The parametric design and evaluation of functional performance is viewed as a robust engineering design implementation and optimization.
Encoding AIS Binary Messages in XML Format for Providing Hydrographic-related Information

A specification is proposed to enable hydrographic and maritime safety agencies to encode AIS messages using Extensible Markup Language (XML). It specifies the order, length, and type of fields contained in ITU-R.M.1371-1. A XML schema validates the message definitions, and a XSLT style sheet produces reference documentation in 'html' format. AIS binary messages in XML are an effective means to communicate dynamic and real-time port/waterway information. For example, tidal information can be continuously broadcast to maritime users and applied to a "tide-aware" ENC. The XML format aligns with the type of data encapsulation planned for the IHO Geospatial Standard for Digital Hydrographic Data (S-100).
Antenna Mechanism of Length Control of Actin Cables.

Actin cables are linear cytoskeletal structures that serve as tracks for myosin-based intracellular transport of vesicles and organelles in both yeast and mammalian cells. In a yeast cell undergoing budding, cables are in constant dynamic turnover yet some cables grow from the bud neck toward the back of the mother cell until their length roughly equals the diameter of the mother cell. This raises the question: how is the length of these cables controlled? Here we describe a novel molecular mechanism for cable length control inspired by recent experimental observations in cells. This “antenna mechanism” involves three key proteins: formins, which polymerize actin, Smy1 proteins, which bind formins and inhibit actin polymerization, and myosin motors, which deliver Smy1 to formins, leading to a length-dependent actin polymerization rate. We compute the probability distribution of cable lengths as a function of several experimentally tuneable parameters such as the formin-binding affinity of Smy1 and the concentration of myosin motors delivering Smy1. These results provide testable predictions of the antenna mechanism of actin-cable length control.
Food habits of residents who live near corner stores (132.3)

Background. Working alongside small retail establishments, the Jackson County MO Healthy Corner Store Initiative aims to increase availability of healthy food items in communities with limited heal...
Relationship of Siderophore-Mediated Iron Assimilation to Virulence in Crown Gall Disease

Three classes of mutants defective in the biosynthesis of the siderophore agrobactin were isolated from Agrobacterium tumefaciens A217 after N -methyl- N ′-nitro- N -nitrosoguanidine mutagenesis. Class I mutants produced uniquely the catechol 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid, whereas classes II and III produced no detectable catechol. Class II differed from class III mutants in that exogenous 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid was utilized only by the former to synthesize agrobactin. Growth of strains B6 and A217, under iron starvation, led to enhanced production of several envelope proteins migrating in the 80,000-dalton range upon sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. One mutant, defective in agrobactin iron utilization, lacked one of these proteins. This protein may represent a siderophore receptor or fragment or subunit thereof. With a single exception, all of the mutants obtained in this work were capable of initiating tumorous growth in sunflower plants and on carrot root disks, provided pTiB6806 was present. Comparison of the catechols produced by strain B6806 and its nononcogenic, Ti-plasmid-deficient derivative A217, indicated that the genes encoding agrobactin synthesis are not associated with the virulence plasmid of A. tumefaciens B6806. Analysis of gall tissue for agrobactin did not reveal the presence of this siderophore. Finally, citrate, an iron-carrier in plants, enhanced significantly the growth of the agrobactin-deficient mutants in a low-iron medium. These results suggest that the production of agrobactin in planta is not requisite to infection and that citrate may serve as an alternative carrier of iron for A. tumefaciens within the host. Images
Colonialism and Multicultural Counseling Competence Research: A Liberatory Analysis

The effort to advance the multicultural counseling movement has been hard-fought over the past few decades. In recent years, important work has been done to further advance the multicultural counseling movement through the paradigm of social justice. The social justice paradigm calls into question the colonial structure in which notions of counseling competence in general, and multicultural counseling competence in particular, have been defined and investigated. In this chapter, we attempt to shine a critical light on these colonial foundations as they pertain to researching the multicultural counseling competencies.
Arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation is mediated by a thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 receptor interaction.

The mechanism by which the active metabolites of arachidonic acid (AA), i.e., thromboxane A2 and/or prostaglandin H2 (TXA2/PGH2) induce platelet aggregation is not understood. Several reports have suggested that AA-stimulated aggregation is mediated by secreted ADP, whereas other studies have proposed that this response is ADP-independent. In the present report, we used the specific TXA2/PGH2 receptor antagonist, 13-azaprostanoic acid (13-APA), and the ADP antagonist, ATP, to examine the contribution of TXA2/PGH2 or secreted ADP to aggregation. We found that 13-APA, but not ATP, deaggregates platelets stimulated by AA or U46619 (a TXA2/PGH2 mimetic). In contrast, ADP-induced aggregation was reversed in response to ATP but not to 13-APA. These results suggest that TXA2/PGH2-stimulated aggregation is mediated through TXA2/PGH2 receptor occupation. Furthermore, secreted ADP does not appear to be required for maintenance of the AA-aggregation response.
Cotrending and the stationarity of the real interest rate

Abstract This paper introduces the concept of cotrending to trend stationary series with structural breaks. We apply it to nominal interest rates and inflation in order to test the long-run Fisher effect.
The Murray Valley encephalitis virus prM protein confers acid resistance to virus particles and alters the expression of epitopes within the R2 domain of E glycoprotein

To study the role of the precursor to the membrane protein (prM) in flavivirus maturation, we inhibited the proteolytic processing of the Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) virus prM to membrane protein in infected cells by adding the acidotropic agent ammonium chloride late in the virus replication cycle. Viruses purified from supernatants of ammonium chloride-treated cells contained prM protein and were unable to fuse C6/36 mosquito cells from without. When ammonium chloride was removed from the cells, both the processing of prM and the fusion activity of the purified viruses were partially restored. By using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific for the envelope (E) glycoprotein of MVE virus, we found that at least three epitopes were less accessible to their corresponding antibodies in the prM-containing MVE virus particles. Amino-terminal sequencing of proteolytic fragments of the E protein which were reactive with sequence-specific peptide antisera or MAb enabled us to estimate the site of the E protein interacting with the prM to be within amino acids 200 to 327. Since prM-containing viruses were up to 400-fold more resistant to a low pH environment, we conclude that the E-prM interaction might be necessary to protect the E protein from irreversible conformational changes caused by maturation into the acidic vesicles of the exocytic pathway.
Defining a Reaction Plane in Particle-Fission Correlation Measurements

A simple model is developed to describe the spin misalignment in particle-fission correlation measurements. Analytical expressions are derived for the spin fluctuations as a function of fission fragment emission angle. Some recent experimental results onα-fission correlations are interpreted within the framework of the model.
Reaction of Carboxylic Acids and Isonitriles with Conventional Heating.

The reaction of isonitriles with carboxylic acids is investigated in detail providing conditions for the formation of N-formylamides (III), (VI), and (XIII) and/or α-oxy acrylic amides of type (VII) and (X).
Invited Talk Static and dynamic analysis: synergy and duality

This talk presents two sets of observations relating static and dynamic analysis. The first concerns synergies between static and dynamic analysis. Wherever one is utilized, the other may also be applied, often in a complementary way, and existing analyses should inspire different approaches to the same problem. Furthermore, existing static and dynamic analyses often have very similar structure and technical approaches. The second observation is that some static and dynamic approaches are similar in that each focuses on, and generalizes from, a subset of all possible executions.The talk concludes with a challenge to researchers to develop new analyses that complement existing ones. More importantly, researchers need to erase the boundaries between static and dynamic analysis and create unified analyses that can operate in either mode, or in a mode that blends the strengths of both approaches.
Blood flow in psoriatic skin lesions: the effect of treatment

Laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) was used to assess the effect of treatment upon cutaneous blood flow in psoriatic skin lesions. The resolution of two separate plaques in each of seven subjects was followed. Six of the subjects received the Goeckerman regimen, the seventh was treated with psoralen-ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy. Control LDV readings were taken from uninvolved skin sites during the treatment period. Cutaneous blood flow in the psoriatic lesions of the Goeckerman-treated patients decreased to levels comparable to those in uninvolved skin early in the course of treatment and significantly preceeded the observed clinical resolution from 4 to 8 days after initiation of therapy (P less than 0.05). Visible flare-ups sometimes appeared when patients were untreated (over a weekend, for example) and these eruptions were accompanied by a transient elevation of LDV readings. Perfusion of the lesions of the PUVA-treated patient remained consistently higher than perfusion of uninvolved skin despite clinical healing. In a separate series of experiments, blood flow at the extensor surface of the forearm was measured in the skin of normal subjects, the uninvolved skin of psoriatic patients and the untreated lesional skin of psoriatic patients. While the lesional skin had significantly higher perfusion levels than uninvolved psoriatic or normal control skin (P less than 0.01), there was no significant difference between blood flow to the uninvolved psoriatic skin of psoriatics and that to the skin of healthy controls.
A second‐order cybernetics of otherness

In the spirit of second-order cybernetics, human communication is reconceptualized by including in the process not only its theorists but also their observed Others without whom social reality is inconceivable. This essay examines several versions of otherness, how the voices of Others survive social scientific inquiries, the dialogical spaces made available for people to build their home, and the kinds of citizenship encouraged. The essay draws attention to the epistemological limits of different inquiring practices and seeks to expand the range of possibilities for humans to see each Other.
Ectopic expression of class 1 KNOX genes induce adventitious shoot regeneration and alter growth and development of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L) and European plum (Prunus domestica L)

Transgenic plants of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L) and European plum (Prunus domestica L) were produced by transforming with the apple class 1 KNOX genes (MdKN1 and MdKN2) or corn KNOX1 gene. Transgenic tobacco plants were regenerated in vitro from transformed leaf discs cultured in a medium lacking cytokinin. Ectopic expression of KNOX genes retarded shoot growth by suppressing elongation of internodes in transgenic tobacco plants. Expression of each of the three KNOX1 genes induced malformation and extensive lobbing in tobacco leaves. In situ regeneration of adventitious shoots was observed from leaves and roots of transgenic tobacco plants expressing each of the three KNOX genes. In vitro culture of leaf explants and internode sections excised from in vitro grown MdKN1 expressing tobacco shoots regenerated adventitious shoots on MS (Murashige and Skoog 1962) basal medium in the absence of exogenous cytokinin. Transgenic plum plants that expressed the MdKN2 or corn KNOX1 gene grew normally but MdKN1 caused a significant reduction in plant height, leaf shape and size and produced malformed curly leaves. A high frequency of adventitious shoot regeneration (96%) was observed in cultures of leaf explants excised from corn KNOX1-expressing transgenic plum shoots. In contrast to KNOX1-expressing tobacco, leaf and internode explants of corn KNOX1-expressing plum required synthetic cytokinin (thidiazuron) in the culture medium to induce adventitious shoot regeneration. The induction of high-frequency regeneration of adventitious shoots in vitro from leaves and stem internodal sections of plum through the ectopic expression of a KNOX1 gene is the first such report for a woody perennial fruit trees.
Near infrared night sky background.

Night sky background observation by near IR radiation flux, using rocket-borne telescope and ground based equipment
Optimal application allocation on multiple public clouds

Abstract Cloud computing customers currently host all of their application components at a single cloud provider. Single-provider hosting eases maintenance tasks, but reduces resilience to failures. Recent research (Li et al., 2010) also shows that providers’ offers differ greatly in performance and price, and no single provider is the best in all service categories. In this paper we investigate the benefits of allocating components of a distributed application on multiple public clouds (multi-cloud). We propose a resource allocation algorithm that minimizes the overall cloud operation cost, while satisfying required service-level agreements (SLAs). In spite of the additional delays for inter-cloud communication and the additional costs for inter-cloud data transfer, our simulation study, using real cloud performance and cost data, demonstrates that multi-cloud allocation outperforms single-cloud allocations in a variety of realistic scenarios.
Oxytocin receptors in rat oviduct.

The binding of tritiated oxytocin was studied in rat oviduct homogen ates sedimenting between 1000 X g for 10 minutes and 48000 X g for 30 minutes. Results showed that oxytocin is specifically bound to oviducal particles with high affinity. In particles prepared from estrogen-treated rats apparent Kd for oxytocin binding was 1.8 X 10 M. About 215 fmoles of oxytocin were bound per mg of particulate protein. Preparations from untreated rats had about 1/4 the affinity for oxytocin. Oxytocin analogues were bound in the same rank order as their uterotonic potencies: (desamino) oxytocin greater than (4-threonine) oxytocin greater than oxytocin greater than (8-lysine) vasopressin greater than desaminotocinol. These regressions were parallel indicating a common set of binding sites. Desaminotocinol the alcohol of the (desamino) oxytocin ring did not compete for binding sites in the dose range studied. Less than 20% of the oxytocin-binding activity of the oviducal 1000-48000 X g particles was lost during the 1-hour incubation period. The present studies have not demonstrated oxytocin receptors in ovarian particles under conditions which demonstrated binding with oviducal particles. This illustrates tissue specificity of oxytocin binding sites.
Completely separable graphs

Abstract We define a property of Boolean functions called separability, and specialize it for a class of functions naturally associated with graphs. “Completely separable graphs” are then derived and characterized in particular by the existence of two crossing chords in any cycle of length at least five. This implies that completely separable graphs are perfect. We present linear time algorithms for the recognition and for the usual optimization problems (maximum weighted stable set and maximum weighted clique).
A Study Analyzing the Career Path of Librarians.

This study aims to identify the career movement patterns of librarians, analyze factors influencing their career movements, and compare differences in such factors between librarians and chief librarians. Findings showed that the jobs with the highest retention rate were those in public libraries, that library automation system developers showed the highest rate of career movement, and that school library and the public library librarians had the highest rate of returning to the career and selecting the first career as the last one, respectively.
1015-71 Lower Adenosine Levels During Early Ischemia: Cause of Increased Injury in the Aging Heart?

Myocardial injury following ischemia and reperfusion is increased in the aging heart, including in the aging 24 mo Fischer 344 rat (mean survival 29 mo) compared to the Fischer 344 adult (6 mo). Adenosine (ADO) has been increasingly appreciated as a cardioprotective agent in myocardial ischemia. We hypothesized that a potential mechanism of the increased injury in the aging heart is decreased production of ADO in response to ischemia. Isolated buffer perfused (glucose 5 mM — insulin 5 μ/1) hearts from aging and adult Fischer 344 rats were subjected to stop-flow ischemia for either 2, 5, 10, 15 or 25 min after a 15 min equilibration phase. ADO and hypoxanthine (HX) were measured by HPLC. Tissue total adenylates, ATP, glycogen and lactate were measured. Ischemia Pre-ischemia 2 min 5 min 10 min 15 min 25 min (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5) (n = 5) ADO 6 mo 0.2 ± 0.1 0.7 ± 0.1 0.7 ± 0.1 2.2 ± 0.2 37 ± 0.6 4.5 ± 0.3 24 mo 0.2 ± 0.1 05 ± 0.1 0.3 ± 0.1 * 1.1 ± 0.3 * 2.1 ± 0.3 * 3.5 ± 0.4 HX 6 mo 2.0 ± 0.2 1.6 ± 0.2 2.3 ± 0.3 2.2 ± 0.1 25 ± 0.2 2.8 ± 0.2 24 mo 1.9 ± 0.2 1.4 ± 0.1 1.4 ± 0.2 * 2.1 ± 0.2 2.2 ± 0.8 3.5 ± 0.3 (Mean ± SE, nmol/mg protein) * p l 0.05 vs 6 mo ADO levels were 50% lower in the aging heart at 5 and 10 min, remained depressed at 15 min and had not fully equalized to adult levels by 25 min of ischemia. HX was decreased at 5 min, consistent with decreased ADO production at that time. The change in total adenylate pool was similar in both groups. The decrease in tissue glycogen and increase in lactate were similar during ischemia in both groups, suggesting comparable glycolytic activity. ATP levels were decreased in aging hearts at 5 min (11.1 ± 2.3 vs 18.7 ± 1.9 nmol/mg protein), but reached levels similar to adult hearts as ischemia progressed. Thus, decreased ADO levels during early ischemia may reflect reduced production of ADO in the aging heart, and increase the susceptibility of the aging heart to damage during ischemia and reperfusion.
spip 1.0: a program for simulating pedigrees and genetic data in age‐structured populations

We present the program spip for simulating multilocus genetic data on individuals in age-structured populations. In addition to genetic data on sampled individuals, the pedigree connecting all individuals in the population is recorded. This allows investigation of the relationship between family structure and population parameters. We foresee that spip will be useful for evaluating multilocus estimators of pairwise relatedness and population structure, and for simulating the distribution of relatedness in populations with varying demographies. It also provides a method for simulating genetic drift in complex populations.
Low-noise MMIC performance in Kaband using ion implantation technology

The progress made in producing low noise MMICs in Ka-band using an ion-implantation technology is reviewed. The technology is characterized by 3.8 dB noise figure with 14-16 dB gain and is suitable for high volume applications where the cost is to be kept low.
Apparent shear-wave splitting parameters in the presence of vertically varying anisotropy

Summary In this paper we study teleseismic shear-wave splitting due to multiple anisotropic layers. The effects can be described in terms of a multilayered splitting operator that may be calculated using a matrix formulation. As a special case, we consider smooth variations of anisotropy with depth. The model is characterized by the (horizontal)fast-axis directions at the top (φt) and bottom (φb) of the anisotropic region, and the total delay time (Δt). Numerical results show that the particle motion at relatively long periods (T/Δtnbb 5) is clearly elliptical and is a function of the polarization direction of the incident wave. At shorter periods (T/Δtnab1); however, the seismogram is characterized by two distinctly separated arrivals corresponding to the fast- and slow-axis directions at the top of the anisotropic region. Relative amplitudes of the fast and slow arrivals depend on the orientation of the initial polarization with respect to the axis directions at the bottom. Only the high-frequency results agree with predictions based on ray theory. At fixed initial polarization, the longer-period results can be described in terms of an apparent fast-polarization direction (φa) and an apparent delay time (δta). The apparent splitting parameters exhibit a π/2-periodicity as functions of initial polarization (or backazimuth), which is similar to the two-layer case considered by Silver & Savage (1994). Assuming that φt−φb < 45 °, we find variations of φa and δta to be smaller than 10 per cent over most ( ≈ 2/3) of the backazimuth range. In this case, φa≃ (φt+φb)/2 and δta≃Δt. The calculated apparent splitting parameters agree well with direct measurements using synthetic waveforms and may thus be applied to the inversion of observations Long-period apparent splitting parameters for different types of depth variations cannot be resolved uniquely without further constraints from the deformation history at a given station. For example, we find that recently observed azimuthal variations of splitting parameters (Ozalaybey & Savage 1994; Brechner et al. 1998) can be modelled equally well in terms of two distinct layers (a four-parameter model) or smooth variations of fast-axis directions (a three-parameter model). Depth-dependent models with randomly chosen fast-axis directions and delay times in each layer display a characteristic decrease of the most probable apparent delay time, δta (Pmax), with increasing number of layers N. We find that δta (Pmax)∼ 1/√N. The fact that most measurements yield values of δta≃ 1 s (Silver 1996) suggests that the majority of observations can be explained in terms of one or two anisotropic layers, provided the fast-axis directions in different layers are independent.
Intranuclear Inclusions in the Ameboid Cells of Protostelium zonatum

SYNOPSIS. Two morphologically distinct types of intranuclear inclusions are found in ameboid cells of the protostelid mycetozoan Protostelium zonatum. One type of inclusion is a coiled tubular structure which in cross section appears as cisternae and oval to elliptical vesicles 40–60 nm in diameter. These tubular and vesicular structures are formed by a unit membrane that is connected directly with the inner nuclear membrane. The other type of inclusion is a membrane-bound structure that contains amorphous and/or fibrous material. These inclusions usually are present at several locations in a nucleus. No similar structures occur in the cytoplasm.
The Built Environments Laboratory: An Interdisciplinary Framework for Studio Education in the Planning and Design Disciplines

AbstractInterdisciplinary education is becoming a hallmark strategy for preparing and providing students with the skills necessary for addressing the complexity of our contemporary built environments. In this paper, we examine how the studio model of education presents opportunities for increasing interdisciplinarity in the classroom. Specifically, we develop a pedagogical framework for examining three educational themes: establishing rigorous forms of experimentation, developing collective understanding, and generating interdisciplinary collaboration. We identify that developing collective understanding is the most challenging of the three themes to frame, implement, and achieve in the classroom, suggesting interdisciplinary studio education should focus on sharing disciplinary vocabularies and improving students' communicative techniques.
Enoyl-ACP reductase (FabI) of Haemophilus influenzae: steady-state kinetic mechanism and inhibition by triclosan and hexachlorophene.

Abstract Steady-state kinetics, equilibrium binding, and primary substrate kinetic isotope effect studies revealed that the reduction of crotonyl-CoA by NADH, catalyzed by Haemophilus influenzae enoyl-ACP reductase (FabI), follows a rapid equilibrium random kinetic mechanism with negative interaction among the substrates. Two biphenyl inhibitors, triclosan and hexachlorophene, were studied in the context of the kinetic mechanism. IC 50 values for triclosan in the presence and absence of NAD + were 0.1 ± 0.02 and 2.4 ± 0.02 μM, respectively, confirming previous observations that the E –NAD + complex binds triclosan more tightly than the free enzyme. Preincubation of the enzyme with triclosan and NADH suggested that the E –NADH complex is the active triclosan binding species as well. These results were reinforced by measurement of binding kinetic transients. Intrinsic protein fluorescence changes induced by binding of 20 μM triclosan to E, E –NADH, E –NAD + , and E –crotonyl-CoA occur at rates of 0.0124 ± 0.001, 0.0663 ± 0.002, 0.412 ± 0.01, and 0.0069 ± 0.0001 s −1 , respectively. The rate of binding decreased with increasing crotonyl-CoA concentrations in the E -crotonyl-CoA complex, and the extrapolated rate at zero concentration of crotonyl-CoA corresponded to the rate observed for the binding to the free enzyme. This suggests that triclosan and the acyl substrate share a common binding site. Hexachlorophene inhibition, on the other hand, was NAD + - and time-independent; and the calculated IC 50 value was 2.5 ± 0.4 μM. Steady-state inhibition patterns did not allow the mode of inhibition to be unambiguously determined, but binding kinetics suggested that free enzyme, E –NAD + , and E –crotonyl-CoA have similar affinity for hexachlorophene, since the k obs s were in the same range of 20–24 s −1 . When the E –NADH complex was mixed with hexachlorophene ligand, concentration-independent fluorescence quenching at 480 nm was observed, suggesting at least partial competition between NADH and hexachlorophene for the same binding site. Mutual exclusivity studies, together with the above-discussed results, indicate that triclosan and hexachlorophene bind at different sites of H. influenzae FabI.
The effects of cervical spinal cord injury on the pattern of breathing in the rat

The principle cause of mortality and chronic morbidity after spinal cord injury (SCI) is respiratory failure. Hemisection of the second cervical spinal segment (C2HS) is frequently used as a model of SCI. The effects of this injury on breathing pattern, however, have not been investigated. The pattern of breathing was examined at 1-month (controls, n = 12; C2HS, n = 7) and 2-months postinjury (controls, n = 11; C2HS, n = 5). Measurements were made before and after bilateral vagotomy to determine the role of vagal afferents in the effects of injury. Rats were anesthetized with urethane and allowed to breathe room air spontaneously. Direct arterial blood pressure was measured with a calibrated pressure transducer from a catheter in the femoral artery positioned via cut down. Arterial blood gases were measured using an i-STAT analyzer. Normothermia was maintained throughout the study. A linear pneumotachometer was calibrated by standard methods before and after each study day and attached to the end of a tracheotomy tube and 30 minutes was allowed before measurements were taken. The inspiratory and expiratory airflow was measured before and after bilateral vagotomy. The airflow signal from the pneumotachometer was integrated to give expired tidal volume (VT). Respiratory rate (RR) was measured from the airflow signal. All data are presented as mean ± SD. Means for expired tidal volume were compared between animal groups using the Kruskal–Wallis anova and the Mann–Whitney U-test. All other means were compared using a two factor anova. Multiple comparisons were made using t-tests with Bonferroni's correction. No differences in blood pressure or blood gases were detected between groups. Injured rats maintained the same minute ventilation as controls by utilizing higher RR (minute−1) (1-month; controls 127 ± 19, injured 177 ± 31: 2-months; controls 126 ± 20, injured 168 ± 23) and lower VT (mL kg−1) (1-month; controls 8.6 ± 0.8, injured 6.9 ± 0.2: 2-months; controls 8.3 ± 0.7, injured 5.9 ± 0.2). In addition, the frequency of augmented breaths was greater in injured rats at 2-months postinjury compared to the 2-month control group (minute−1) (controls 0.12 ± 16, injured 0.45 ± 0.20). After bilateral vagotomy, VT increased and RR decreased in all groups and the pattern of breathing was no longer different between injured and control animals. In conclusion, the C2HS alters the pattern of breathing at 1- and 2-months postinjury and increases the frequency of augmented breaths at 2-months postinjury. These results also suggest that the pattern of breathing may be determined by the vagal mechanisms rather than impaired respiratory motor drive.
High and low affinity opioid binding sites: Relationship to mu and delta sites

Binding and pharmacological studies suggest a common opiate and enkephalin binding site in addition to their previously reported selective sites. This common high affinity site has tentatively been named mu1, distinguishing it from the morphine-selective site (mu2) and enkephalin-selective site (delta). The existence of this additional common high affinity site and its association with opiate and opioid peptide analgesia may help explain some pharmacological observations, such as the cross tolerance between morphine and enkephalin analgesia and the lack of cross tolerance between them in the guinea pig ileum and mouse vas deferens bioassays.
Instantaneous bandwidth of multicomponent signals

As with the case of instantaneous frequency, it is often difficult to interpret the instantaneous bandwidth of most signals: both quantities typically range beyond the spectral support of the signal, yielding the paradox that the instantaneous bandwidth (and frequency) can be greater than the global bandwidth of the signal. A new definition of instantaneous frequency that does not suffer from this difficulty has recently been given, and we build on those results here to obtain a new definition of instantaneous bandwidth. Kernel constraints for a Cohen-class time-frequency distribution to yield these new results for its conditional moments are also given.