cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A One-Question Patient-Reported Outcome Measure Is Comparable to Multiple-Question Measures in Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients.

Abstract Background Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are important for tracking outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) but can be limited by time constraints and patient compliance. We sought to evaluate the utility of the one-question, modified single assessment numerical evaluation (M-SANE) score in TKA patients compared to legacy PROMs. Methods Patients undergoing TKA completed the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-10 (PROMIS-10), the Knee Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score Junior (KOOS Jr), and M-SANE (modified-SANE) assessments both preoperatively and postoperatively. The M-SANE score asked patients to rate their native or prosthetic knee on a scale from 0 to 10, with 10 being the best function. M-SANE validity was determined by the Spearman’s correlation between the collected PROMs and the Bland-Altman plots. PROM responsiveness was assessed using the standardized response mean. Results In total, 217 patients completed PROMs preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively. Floor and ceiling effects of the M-SANE were higher than other PROMs but still relatively low (4%-11%). There was a moderate to strong correlation at nearly all time points between the M-SANE and KOOS Jr (ρ = 0.44-0.78, P Conclusion The M-SANE score was comparable to validated multiple-question PROMs in TKA patients. The demonstrated validity of the M-SANE, as well as its comparable responsiveness to more lengthy PROMs, highlights its use as a one-question PROM for assessment of patient undergoing TKA.
Animal Studies and Ancient Judaism

Animal studies has its origins in philosophy but extends to all fields of the humanities, especially literature, history, and anthropology. The central concern of animal studies is how human beings...
Antimycotal Activity of Collimonas Isolates and Synergy-Based Biological Control of Fusarium Wilt of Tomato

In a continued effort to discover microorganisms with plant-protective properties, we characterized a collection of bacterial isolates from multiple geographic origins and belonging to the genus Co...
Impact of obesity on dialysis and transplant and its management.

Obesity is increasing to unprecedented levels, including in the end-stage kidney disease population, where upwards of 60% of kidney transplant patients are overweight or obese. Obesity poses additional challenges to the care of the dialysis patient, including difficulties in creating vascular access and inserting Tenckhoff catheters, higher rates of catheter malfunction and peritonitis, the need for longer and/or more frequent dialysis (or peritoneal dialysis [PD] exchanges) to achieve adequate clearance, increased metabolic complications particularly with PD, and obesity is a barrier to kidney transplantation. In this article, we review special considerations in performing PD, hemodialysis and transplant in the obese patient, as well as the evidence behind medical and surgical management of obesity in dialysis patients.
Event Location Identification in Distribution Networks Using Waveform Measurement Units

A new method is proposed to identify the location of events in distribution networks using data from waveform measurement units (WMUs). When an event occurs, WMUs provide GPS-synchronized measurements of voltage and current waveforms in time-domain that are captured during the event. Given such data, the proposed method identifies the bus number where the event occurred. Here, an event is defined rather broadly as any major change in the voltage or current waveforms. An event may have various causes, such as capacitor bank switching, load switching, a minor fault, etc. The first step in the proposed method is to characterize the oscillatory modes of the captured waveform; namely their frequency, damping rate, magnitude, and angle. The next step is to model the underlying circuit at the dominant mode of the event. The final step is to locate the cause of the event based on certain forward and backward calculations on the obtained circuit model. As few as only two WMUs, one at the beginning of the feeder and one at the end of the feeder, are sufficient to identify the location of the event. The performance of the developed method is verified on the IEEE 33-bus test system. The results verify the accuracy and robustness of the proposed method in identifying the location of events in distribution networks.
High Density Quark Matter under Stress

We study the effect of SU(3) flavor breaking on high density quark matter. We discuss, in particular, the effect a non-zero electron chemical potential and a finite strange quark mass. We argue that these perturbations trigger pion or kaon condensation. The critical chemical potential behaves as $\mu_e\sim\sqrt{m m_s} \Delta/p_F$ and the critical strange quark mass as $m_s \sim m^{1/3} \Delta^{2/3}$, where $m$ is the light quark mass, $\Delta$ is the gap, and $p_F$ is the Fermi momentum. We note that parametrically, both the critical $\mu_e$ and $m_s^2/(2p_F)$ are much smaller than the gap.
Mobility restrictions and the control of covid-19

A recent study on the impact of mobility controls on the final size of epidemics by Espinoza, Castillo-Chavez, and Perrings (2020) found that mobility restrictions between areas experiencing different levels of disease risk and with different public health infrastructures do not always reduce the final epidemic size. Indeed, restrictions on the mobility of people from high-risk to low-risk areas can increase, not reduce, the total number of infections. Since the first response of many countries to the COVID-19 pandemic was to implement mobility restrictions, it is worth bearing in mind the implications of the Espinoza result when considering the effectiveness of such restrictions. © Perrings and Espinoza 2021.
Toward accurate estimating of crop leaf stomatal conductance combining thermal IR imaging, weather variables, and machine learning

Leaf stomata regulate the process of gas exchange between the plant and the atmosphere, therefore play an important role in plant growth and water use. Thermal infrared sensing of leaf surface temperature is proved to be an indirect but effective approach to estimate leaf stomatal conductance, and shows the potential to rapidly differentiate genotypes for water-use related traits. The objective of this study was to estimate leaf stomatal conductance from thermal IR images of crops and relevant environmental parameters. The experiment was conducted in the NU-Spidercam field phenotyping facility near Mead, NE. Leaf stomatal conductance was measured from soybean, sorghum, maize, and sunflower using a leaf porometer. Thermal IR images of the crop canopies were captured by a thermal IR camera and then processed to extract crop canopy temperature (Tc). In addition, weather variables including solar radiation, air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed were extracted from a nearby weather station. Correlation analysis was implemented to explore the relationships between these variables. Multiple linear regression (MLR), random forest (RF), gradient boosting machine (GBM) were applied to model stomatal conductance from Tc and weather variables. The Pearson correlation coefficients between predicted and measured stomatal conductance were 0.495 for MLR, 0.591 for RF, and 0.878 for GBM when Tc was not used as an input variable. After adding Tc as input, Pearson correlation coefficients were improved to 0.584 for MLR, 0.593 for RF, and 0.896 for GBM. The mean absolute errors for the three models were 225, 237, and 129 mmol/(m2·s) when Tc was included as a model input. This research would lead to rapid assessment of leaf stomatal conductance and crop water status using thermal IR imaging.
US-listed Foreign Companies’ Choice of a US-based vs. Home Country-based Big N Principal Auditor and the Effect on Audit Fees and Earnings Quality

We examine why US-listed foreign companies choose to have a US-based (rather than home country-based) Big N firm as their principal auditor for SEC reporting purposes and the effects of that choice for audit fees and earnings quality. We find that the likelihood of the Big N principal auditor being US-based is decreasing in client size and the level of investor protection in the home country, and increasing in the proportion of income earned outside the home country. We also find compelling evidence that US-based Big N auditors are associated with higher quality earnings (albeit for a higher fee), despite two factors – the greater distance between the US-based (vis-a-vis home country-based) Big N auditor and the client, and the likelihood that much of the audit work is done outside the US – which potentially could lower the earnings quality of the US-listed foreign client when the Big N principal auditor is US-based. Overall, our study suggests that the higher fees associated with a US-based Big N principal auditor is not just price protection; rather, US-based Big N principal auditors are also improving the financial reporting environment by reporting higher quality audited earnings for their US-listed foreign clients.
ΛCDM and MOND: A debate about models or theory?

Abstract The debate between ΛCDM and MOND is often cast in terms of competing gravitational theories. However, recent philosophical discussion suggests that the ΛCDM–MOND debate demonstrates the challenges of multiscale modeling in the context of cosmological scales. I extend this discussion and explore what happens when the debate is thought to be about modeling rather than about theory, offering a model-focused interpretation of the ΛCDM–MOND debate. This analysis shows how a model-focused interpretation of the debate provides a better understanding of challenges associated with extension to a different scale or domain, which are tied to commitments about explanatory fit.
Modelling and optimisation of a wire-plate ESP for mitigation of poultry PM emission using COMSOL

Particulate matter (PM) emissions constitute a major air pollution concern for commercial poultry production facilities. Recently, the electrostatic precipitator (ESP) has emerged as a promising technology for mitigation of poultry PM. However, further optimisation of ESP design, operation scale, and operating parameters is necessary for improved PM removal efficiencies and practical applications in poultry facilities. In this study, a comprehensive model of the poultry PM collection process in a simulated ESP module was developed using COMSOL software. The model simulated airflow characteristics, electric field and space charge development, particle charging, and particle trajectory tracking of both PM10 and PM2.5. Wire-plate ESP configurations with varying design parameters, such as number of wire electrodes and plate separation distance, were simulated using the COMSOL model at an inlet air velocity of 2.0 m s−1 to identify the optimal configuration for development of ESP physical prototypes. The model was validated by laboratory testing of a prototype ESP within a wind tunnel under three sets of ventilation conditions representing hot, warm, and cold weather, respectively. The prototype ESP exhibited PM10 collection efficiencies of 90.8%, 97.1%, and 99.0% in hot, warm, and cold weather conditions, respectively. The observed PM2.5 collection efficiencies under these respective conditions were 86.9%, 94.4%, and 97.8%. This COMSOL model can be used as an inexpensive alternative to developing physical prototypes when evaluating ESP designs for PM mitigation in poultry facilities.
Quantum calibrations traceable through classical radiometry

Abstract A system for calibrating single photon detector efficiency that is traceable to the SI through a state-of-the-art classical optical fibre radiometer has been developed and is in the process of being vetted as a calibration service at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The method of calibration is direct substitution to power meters relative to NIST's optical fibre cryogenic primary standard and builds on the existing measurement infrastructure for the calibration of optical fibre power meters. Recent improvements to the optical fibre cryogenic radiometer make it more robust and deployable. The traceability of the single photon detector calibration service under development to these classical measurements is discussed, along with a description of the technique used in this calibration service to calibrate the detection efficiency of single photon detectors. Finally, we discuss work on the development of these technologies so that in the future they may be deployable to the point-of- use.
A new integrated framework for analyzing interruptions in a flexible manufacturing system

Approaches to solving control and scheduling problems in a flexible manufacturing system (FMS) include analytic, heuristic, simulation and artificial intelligence. Each of these approaches when used separately has several shortcomings. Even combinations of these approaches which were reported in the literature have been found to be lacking. This thesis presents a decision support framework that combines discrete-event simulation and artificial intelligence techniques to analyze and handle interruptions, which have effects on part loading, scheduling and rescheduling. This framework is called the knowledge-based, on-line simulation system for FMS control (KBOLS/FMSC). The domain of interruptions is restricted to machine breakdowns and rush orders. The technique involves accessing knowledge bases whenever possible and resorting to on-line simulation only when necessary. The concept of a control horizon, and the internal design features, operating principles and implementation issues of KBOLS/FMSC are discussed. The implementation is tested using two case studies: a single machine breakdown and a single rush order. Response time and other results are reported.
Direct Numerical Simulations of Flows with Phase Change

Abstract Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS) of multiphase flows, where every continuum length and time scale are fully resolved, currently allow us to simulate flows of considerable complexity, such as the motion of several hundred bubbles or drops in turbulent flows, for sufficiently long time so that meaningful statistical quantities can be obtained. Additional physical processes such as heat transfer and phase change have also been included, although only for relatively small systems so far. After reviewing briefly recent studies of bubbles in turbulent channel flows, we discuss simulations of flows with phase change, focusing on bubble generation by boiling. The addition of new physics often results in new length and time scales that are shorter and faster than the dominant flow scales. Similarly, very small features such as thin films, filaments, and drops can also arise during coalescence and breakup of fluid blobs. The geometry of these features is usually simple, since surface tension effects are strong and inertia effects are relatively small and in isolation these features are often well described by analytical or semi-analytical models. Recent efforts to embed analytical and semi-analytical models to capture such features, in combination with direct numerical simulations of the rest of the flow, are discussed. We conclude by a short discussion of the use of DNS data for closure laws for model equations for the large scale flow.
Purification and Properties of β-Glucosidase from Aspergillus terreus

A β-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21) from the fungus Aspergillus terreus was purified to homogeneity as indicated by disc acrylamide gel electrophoresis. Optimal activity was observed at pH 4.8 and 50°C. The β-glucosidase had Km values of 0.78 and 0.40 mM for p-nitrophenyl-β-d-glucopyranoside and cellobiose, respectively. Glucose was a competitive inhibitor, with a Ki of 3.5 mM when p-nitrophenyl-β-d-glucopyranoside was used as the substrate. The specific activity of the enzyme was found to be 210 IU and 215 U per mg of protein on p-nitrophenyl-β-d-glucopyranoside and cellobiose substrates, respectively. Cations, proteases, and enzyme inhibitors had little or no effect on the enzyme activity. The β-glucosidase was found to be a glycoprotein containing 65% carbohydrate by weight. It had a Stokes radius of 5.9 nm and an approximate molecular weight of 275,000. The affinity and specific activity that the isolated β-glucosidase exhibited for cellobiose compared favorably with the values obtained for β-glucosidases from other organisms being studied for use in industrial cellulose saccharification.
Graph Mining: Patterns, Generators and Tools

How do graphs look like? How do they evolve over time? How can we generate realistic-looking graphs? We review some static and temporal 'laws', and we describe the "Kronecker" graph generator, which naturally matches all of the known properties of real graphs. Moreover, we present tools for discovering anomalies and patterns in two types of graphs, static and time-evolving. For the former, we present the 'CenterPiece' subgraphs (CePS), which expects q query nodes (eg., suspicious people) and finds the node that is best connected to all q of them (eg., the master mind of a criminal group). We also show how to compute CenterPiece subgraphs efficiently. For the time evolving graphs, we present tensor-based methods, and apply them on real data, like the DBLP author-paper dataset, where they are able to find natural research communities, and track their evolution. Finally, we also briefly mention some results on influence and virus propagation on real graphs, as well as on the emerging map/reduce approach and its impact on large graph mining.
Oxidation of methylated tetrahydropterins: Structure of the initial quinonoid-dihydropterin intermediate

Abstract The electerochemical oxidations of three methylated tetrahydropterins which, in 2 e − −2 H + reactons give quinonoid-dihydropterin intermediates having locked structures, have been studied. A comparison of the properties of these quinonoid-dihydropterin intermediates with those generated upon electrooxidation of the common tetrahydropterin pseudo-cofactors allows some conclusions to be drawn concerning the structure of the intermediate quinonoid-dihydropterins formed upon oxidation of the latter compounds.
Compressive sensing based approach for detection of human respiratory rate

In this paper, the non-invasive detection of human respiratory rate using a stepped-frequency continuous wave (SFCW) radar is addressed through the compressive sensing (CS) framework. Range profiles and the respiratory signatures are resolved using measurements at small numbers of randomly selected frequencies and slow-time samples. The performance of the proposed approach is evaluated through simulation results in terms of accuracy and efficiency.
The role of source availability in inference verification

. Accountants who presume that documentation of observations will be available whenever needed may not process information thoroughly enough to internalize it. If they rely on access to documentation, they may later fail to recognize the need to refer to that documentation, and may then overlook important pieces of information. As a result, they may be less effective when asked to evaluate inferences than accountants who rely on more careful initial processing. This paper reports experiment results that indicate that accountants may make more accurate tests of inferences when they rely on their memories than when they rely on free access to source materials. Resume. Les experts-comptables qui supposent que les pieces justificatives relatives aux observations seront a leur disposition des qu'ils en auront besoin risquent de ne pas traiter l'information de facon suffisamment approfondie pour en garder souvenance. S'ils comptent sur l'acces aux pieces justificatives, il se peut qu'ils ne reconnaissent pas, le moment venu, la necessite de se reporter a ces pieces justificatives et qu'ils negligent ainsi des elements d'information importants. Par consequent, ils risquent d'etre moins efficaces, si on leur demande d'evaluer des inductions, que les experts-comptables qui s'appuient sur un traitement initial de l'information plus rigoureux. Les auteurs livrent les resultats d'une experience qui revele que les experts-comptables peuvent parvenir a des sondages plus precis des inductions lorsqu'ils comptent sur leur memoire que lorsqu'ils s'appuient sur le libre acces aux pieces justificatives.
Two distinct, calcium-mediated, signal transduction pathways can trigger deflagellation in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

The molecular machinery of deflagellation can be activated in detergent permeabilized Chlamydomonas reinhardtii by the addition of Ca2+ (Sanders, M. A., and J. L. Salisbury, 1989. J. Cell Biol. 108:1751-1760). This suggests that stimuli which induce deflagellation in living cells cause an increase in the intracellular concentration of Ca2+, but this has never been demonstrated. In this paper we report that the wasp venom peptide, mastoparan, and the permeant organic acid, benzoate, activate two different signalling pathways to trigger deflagellation. We have characterized each pathway with respect to: (a) the requirement for extracellular Ca2+; (b) sensitivity to Ca2+ channel blockers; and (c) 45Ca influx. We also report that a new mutant strain of C. reinhardtii, adf-1, is specifically defective in the acid-activated signalling pathway. Both signalling pathways appear normal in another mutant, fa-1, that is defective in the machinery of deflagellation (Lewin, R. and C. Burrascano. 1983. Experientia. 39:1397-1398; Sanders, M. A., and J. L. Salisbury. 1989. J. Cell Biol. 108:1751-1760). We conclude that mastoparan induces the release of an intracellular pool of Ca2+ whereas acid induces an influx of extracellular Ca2+ to activate the machinery of deflagellation.
Quantized Gravitational Wave Perturbations in Robertson-Walker Universes

We consider the theory of quantized gravitational wave perturbations in the three types of Robertson-Walker universes. In a gauge analogous to the Coulomb gauge in electrodynamics it is possible to identify and quantize the independent degrees of freedom of the graviton field. The resulting theory is equivalent to that for a pair of massless, minimally coupled scalar fields in the same background space-time. As an application of the formalism, we calculate the spectrum of gravitons produced by a power-law expansion of the universe and show that it has no divergences.
The Meaning of Amputation in the Chansons de Geste

For there to be dramatic tension in the chansons de geste, both sides must suffer in the fight. Even some of the best-known heroes die from their wounds, suffering prolonged agonies. One type of battle wound, however, stands out from the rest. In these poems, only the villains shed their limbs. Amputation thus conveys a moral message that other epic injuries do not. The chanson poets highlight the victim's moral corruption through this dismemberment. Because Saracens are the primary victims of this mutilation, it may at first appear that amputation represents punishment for their deviant religious belief. However, as a wider survey of the literature of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries demonstrates, the poets offer amputation as a sign of felony or wickedness. The punishment is for crimes not against God, but against public order.
Time-Frequency Localization and Sampling of Multiband Signals

This paper begins with a review of some classical work of Landau, Slepian, Pollak and Widom concerning essentially time- and bandlimited signals and ends reviewing some recent work of Candes, Romberg and Tao that places specific but probabilistic limitations on essential time- and bandlimiting for finite signals and their discrete Fourier transforms. In between we outline some conceptual bridges from the continuous, singleband setting to the finite, multiband setting and pose a number of open problems whose solutions would solidify the connections outlined. These connections involve time-frequency localization of multiband signals and sampling theory for such signals.
Up-regulation of Endothelial Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 by Coplanar PCB77 is Caveolin-1-dependent

Atherosclerosis, the primary cause of heart disease and stroke is initiated in the vascular endothelium, and risk factors for its development include environmental exposure to persistent organic pollutants. Caveolae are membrane microdomains involved in regulation of many signaling pathways, and in particular in endothelial cells. We tested the hypothesis that intact caveolae are required for coplanar PCB77-induced up-regulation of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), an endothelium-derived chemokine that attracts monocytes into sub-endothelial space in early stages of the atherosclerosis development. Atherosclerosis-prone LDL-R(-/-) mice (control) or caveolin-1(-/-)/LDL-R(-/-) mice were treated with PCB77. PCB77 induced aortic mRNA expression and plasma protein levels of MCP-1 in control, but not caveolin-1(-/-)/LDL-R(-/-) mice. To study the mechanism of this effect, primary endothelial cells were used. PCB77 increased MCP-1 levels in endothelial cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. This effect was abolished by caveolin-1 silencing using siRNA. Also, MCP-1 up-regulation by PCB77 was prevented by inhibiting p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), but not ERK1/2, suggesting regulatory functions via p38 and JNK MAPK pathways. Finally, pre-treatment of endothelial cells with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) inhibitor alpha-naphthoflavone (alpha-NF) partially blocked MCP-1 up-regulation. Thus, our data demonstrate that coplanar PCB77 can induce MCP-1 expression by endothelial cells and that this effect is mediated by AhR, as well as p 38 and JNK MAPK pathways. Intact caveolae are required for these processes both in vivo and in vitro. This further supports a key role for caveolae in vascular inflammation induced by persistent organic pollutants.
Effect of Amblyopia Treatment on Macular Thickness in Eyes With Myopic Anisometropic Amblyopia.

PURPOSE To determine whether abnormal macular thickness in myopic anisometropic amblyopia differed after amblyopia treatment. Furthermore, to investigate whether effect of treatment on macular thickness was associated with subject age or improvement in stereoacuity. METHODS Seventeen children (mean age: 9.0 [±3.0] years, ranging from 5.7-13.9 years) with myopic anisometropic amblyopia (visual acuity [VA] in amblyopic eyes: 20/80-20/400) were recruited and treated with 16-week refractive correction, followed by an additional 16-week refractive correction and patching. Macular thickness, best-corrected VA, and stereoacuity were measured both before and after amblyopia treatment. Factorial repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed to determine whether macular thickness in amblyopic eyes changed after amblyopia treatment. RESULTS Mean baseline VA in the amblyopic eye was 1.0 ± 0.3 logMAR and improved to 0.7 ± 0.3 after amblyopia treatment (P 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Abnormal central macula associated with myopic anisometropic amblyopia tended to be thinner following amblyopia treatment with no significant changes in peripheral macular thickness.
Modulatory role of neuropeptide FF system in nociception and opiate analgesia.

Abstract The tetra-peptide FMRF-NH 2 is a cardioexcitatory peptide in the clam. Using the antibody against this peptide, FMRF-NH 2 -like immunoreactive material was detected in mammalian CNS. Subsequently, mammalian FMRF-NH 2 immunoreactive peptides were isolated from bovine brain and characterized to be FLFQPQRF-NH 2 (NPFF) and AGEGLSSPFWSLAAPQRF-NH 2 (NPAF). The genes encoding NPFF precursor proteins and NPFF receptors 1 and 2 are expressed in all vertebrate species examined to date and are highly conserved. Among many biological roles suggested for the NPFF system, the possible modulatory role of NPFF in nocicetion and opiate analgesia has been most widely investigated. Pharmacologically, NPFF-related peptides were found to exhibit analgesia and also potentiate the analgesic activity of opiates when administered intrathecally but attenuate the opiate induced analgesia when administered intracerebroventricularly. RF-NH 2 peptides including NPFF-related peptides were found to delay the rate of acid sensing ion channels (ASIC) desensitization resulting in enhancing acid gated currents, raising the possibility that NPFF also may have a pain modulatory role through ASIC. The genes for NPFF as well as NPFF-R2, preferred receptor for NPFF, are highly unevenly expressed in the rat CNS with the highest levels localized to the superficial layers of the dorsal spinal cord. These two genes are also present in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG), though at low levels in normal rats. NPFF and NPFF-R2 mRNAs were found to be coordinately up-regulated in spinal cord and DRG of rats with peripheral inflammation. In addition, NPFF-R2 immunoreactivity in the primary afferents was increased by peripheral inflammation. The findings from the early studies on the analgesic and morphine modulating activities suggested a role for NPFF in pain modulation and this possibility is further supported by the distribution of NPFF and its receptor and the regulation of the NPFF system in vivo .
A radiation-sensitive mutant of Aspergillus nidulans.

Abstract A mutant of Aspergillus nidulans has been isolated which shows greater sensitivity to ultraviolet irradiation and nitrous acid treatment than the strain from which it was derived. The mutation conferring mutagen sensitivity is inherited as a single recessive nuclear gene. Matings which were heterozygous for the mutation exhibited normal recombination between linked markers. Mating homozygous for the sensitivity mutation yielded sterile, dwarf cleistothecia. Heterocaryons in which both of the components carried the sensitivity mutation failed to form somatic diploids.
Learning in Network Contexts: Experimental Results from Simulations

This paper describes the results of simulation experiments performed on a suite of learning algorithms. We focus on games in network contexts. These are contexts in which (1) agents have very limited information about the game and (2) play can be extremely asynchronous. There are many proposed learning algorithms in the literature. We choose a small sampling of such algorithms and use numerical simulation to explore the nature of asymptotic play. In particular, we explore the extent to which the asymptotic play depends on three factors: limited information, asynchronous play, and the degree of responsiveness of the learning algorithm. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: C63, C72.
Awn contribution to gas exchanges of barley ears

The effects of awn removal on ear gas exchange in four barley lines (Morex, Harrington, Steptoe, and TR306) were studied under a controlled environment using a Before-After Control-Impact Paired (BACIP) experimental design. From ear emergence to grain maturity, plants were grown in pots at either 60 or 90 % of soil water holding capacity. Gas-exchange measurements of ears were made 9 and 10 d after anthesis (DAA). On 11 DAA, awn removal was performed on half of the ears in each pot, followed by measurements on both intact and de-awned ears on 12 and 13 DAA. Net photosynthetic (P N) and transpiration (E) rates decreased significantly with awn removal, but dark respiration (R D) rate was not affected. We estimated for each ear a temperature-adjusted respiration rate (R a) from R D. When we corrected P N with R a, we found that rates of spikelet photosynthesis were largely underestimated. Moderate water stress had minimal effect on gas exchange of bracts and awns of the barley ear. Barley lines did not differ for any individual gas-exchange parameter.
Clinical use of fructosamine in islet transplantation.

Many islet transplant recipients have medical conditions that could interfere with the accuracy of HbA1c measurements (e.g., anemia/dapsone use). Fructosamine is less prone to have clinical interferences and reflects glucose control in a shorter period of time than HbA1c. This study aimed to validate fructosamine use in islet transplant subjects and to evaluate its effectiveness as a predictor for islet graft dysfunction. Thirty-three islet transplant recipients who had concomitant fructosamine and HbA1c data available were retrospectively analyzed. HbA1c, fructosamine, mean capillary blood glucose, and islet graft function (fasting C-peptide/glucose ratio) were assessed. There was a significant and positive association between fructosamine and HbA1c (p 6% was predictive of this outcome 1 month in advance (OR 2.95, p = 0.003). However, although significantly associated with graft dysfunction, use of this cutoff as a predictor of dysfunction has poor sensitivity (50%) and specificity (77.6%). Fructosamine above the normal range (>270 mumol/L Quest Diagnostics) was also predictive of ensuing dysfunction (OR 2.47, p = 0.03); however, it had similarly poor sensitivity (62%) and specificity (64%). Fructosamine can be used as an alternative to HbA1c for glycemic assessment in islet transplant recipients in situations with HbA1c assay interference. Neither HbA1c nor fructosamine are good predictors of islet graft dysfunction.
Formulation of Mixed-Potential Integral Equations for Arbitrarily Shaped Microstrip Structures with Uniaxial Substrates

A systematic development is presented of three distinct mixed-potential integral equations for the analysis of printed circuits, microstrip resonators, and antennas embedded in multi-layered, planar, uniaxial media of infinite lateral extent, with emphasis on microstrip structures comprising non-planar conductors of irregular or arbitrary shapes.
Particle-based simulation of granular materials

Granular materials, such as sand and grains, are ubiquitous. Simulating the 3D dynamic motion of such materials represents a challenging problem in graphics because of their unique physical properties. In this paper we present a simple and effective method for granular material simulation. By incorporating techniques from physical models, our approach describes granular phenomena more faithfully than previous methods. Granular material is represented by a large collection of non-spherical particles which may be in persistent contact. The particles represent discrete elements of the simulated material. One major advantage of using discrete elements is that the topology of particle interaction can evolve freely. As a result, highly dynamic phenomena, such as splashing and avalanches, can be conveniently generated by this meshless approach without sacrificing physical accuracy. We generalize this discrete model to rigid bodies by distributing particles over their surfaces. In this way, two-way coupling between granular materials and rigid bodies is achieved.
A multiproduct cost elasticity

Abstract A cost elasticity with useful properties is proven to be inverse to multiproduct scale elasticity. The condition for the theorem is that the output combination as well as the input combination be cost minimizing. Ray output expansion is not needed.
Effect of FEL micropulse duration on ablation characteristics at 6.45 μm

Pulsed mid-infrared (6.45 μm) radiation has been shown to cut soft tissue with minimal collateral damage (<40 mm); however, the mechanism of ablation has not been elucidated to date. The goal of this research was to examine the role of the unique pulse structure of the Vanderbilt Mark-III FEL and its role in the efficient ablation of soft tissue with minimal collateral damage. The pulse structure consists of a 2.865 GHz train of one picosecond micropulses within a 4-5 μs macropulse envelope operated between 2 and 30 Hz. The effect of the picosecond micropulses was examined by running the native FEL pulse structure through a pulse stretcher in order to increase the micropulse length from 1 picosecond up to 100 picoseconds. This allowed us to determine whether or not the picosecond train of micropulses played any role in the ablation process. The pulse stretcher was varied between 1, 30, 60, and 100 picoseconds. The ablation threshold was determined for water and mouse dermis for each micropulse length using PROBIT analysis of 100 individual observations of the macropulse. The results of the analysis showed no statistical difference between 1 and 100 picoseconds. The ablation efficiency was also measured on 90% w/w gelatin and mouse dermis for the different micropulse lengths. Multiple ablation craters were made by varying the number of pulses delivered between 5 and 500. The ablated crater depth was measured using OCT. No significant difference was observed between 1 and 60 picoseconds; however, the 100 picosecond micropulse did show a reduction in the efficiency of ablation. We have shown that the effect of micropulse duration of the FEL on the ablation process is negligible between 1 and 100 picoseconds. Further analysis is needed beyond 100 picoseconds.
Mechanical Characterizations of Laser Microwelds for MEMS Packaging

Laser micromachining has proven to be a very powerful and successful tool for precision machining and microfabrication with applications in electronics, MEMS, medical, and biomedical fields. For MEMS fabrication and packaging, several approaches based on localized heating and bonding have been proposed such as localized eutectic bonding, fusion bonding, solder bonding, and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) bonding. However, these approaches are based on resistive heating which requires intimate contact at the electrodes, and this is not preferred for MEMS packaging applications. As a good alternative, laser microwelding has advantages of non contact, low heat distortion, high speed, high precision, and consistent weld integrity. Therefore, it is finding increasing use in MEMS fabrication and packaging applications. In laser microwelding, the material in the HAZ of the workpiece experiences heating, melting, and re-solidifying stages, and the final characterizations of the laser microwelds can be influenced by various factors such as the laser beam properties, the system cooling condition, and the surface roughness/reflectivity of the component. This paper presents characterization of laser microwelds, with emphasis on study of deformation and strength of the microwelds made by a Nd:YAG pulsed laser. Optical interferometry is used to nondestructively record fringe patterns of the shape and deformation of the laser microwelded workpiece before, during, and after the microwelding process, and tensile tests are performed to study strength of the laser microwelds as a function of different welding parameters. Results indicate that quality of the laser microwelds depends on selection of an appropriate set of parameters controlling the microwelding process.
The Role Played by the Broadening of Marketing Movement in the History of Marketing Thought

Philip Kotler is S.C. Johnson & Son Distinguished Professor of International Marketing, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University (e-mail: p-kotler@kellogg.northwestern.edu). William L. Wilkie and Elizabeth S. Moore (2003) made a fine contribution to the understanding of the history of marketing thought in their article “Scholarly Research in Marketing: Exploring the ‘4 Eras’ of Thought Development.” However, because the authors were required to limit their description of the whole history of marketing thought to 30 pages, some thought streams received relatively brief treatment and therefore deserve further elaboration. One such thought stream is the “broadening of marketing” movement, which received only one short paragraph in the article. I believe that broadening deserves more attention, and I offer this article as an expanded note on the role and impact of the broadening of marketing movement. The broadening movement was an effort to free the marketing paradigm from the narrow confines of commercial marketing and to show its application to a far larger number of contexts in which exchange and relationship activities take place. Until 1970, marketing language and theory focused on explaining how goods and services are priced, promoted, and distributed in commercial markets by forprofit firms. Transactions and payment were considered central to the definition of markets and marketing. Other domains of exchange activity, such as the efforts of museums, performing-arts groups, churches, social agencies, city governments, social action groups, and celebrities to attract and serve visitors, members, donors, clients, fans, and others, were outside the purview of marketing and its concepts. The problems that such groups faced were examined, if at all, by public relations practitioners and press agents. In the late 1960s, some scholars began to believe that these noncommercial organizations faced “marketing-like” problems that could be fruitfully addressed with marketing language and concepts. Thus, in January 1969, Sidney Levy and I published “Broadening the Concept of Marketing” in Journal of Marketing (Kotler and Levy 1969a). We defended this broadening proposal on several grounds:
Turbulence modulation by large ellipsoidal particles: concentration effects

We use laboratory measurements to study how suspended ellipsoidal particles affect the velocity statistics of a turbulent flow. The ellipsoids have size, time, and velocity scales corresponding to the inertial subrange of the turbulence and are nearly neutrally buoyant. These characteristics make them likely candidates for two-way interactions with the fluid (i.e., they influence the flow and are influenced by it). We vary the volume fraction of suspended ellipsoids and observe the effects on one- and two-point velocity statistics in the fluid phase. Measurements at two different heights indicate that particle buoyancy (0.5 % denser than the ambient fluid) significantly changes volume fraction. We see that particles’ effect on turbulent kinetic energy is a non-monotonic function of the volume fraction. We also find that particles’ presence causes a redistribution of velocity variance from large scales to small scales within the inertial subrange, i.e., the slope of power spectra is flatter than in the single-phase case.
Al Next Nearest Neighbor, Ring Occupation, and Proximity Statistics in ZSM-5

Abstract The distribution of framework Al in ZSM-5 was simulated for various Si/Al ratios and the results used to determine the fraction of Al atoms in next nearest neighbors (NNN) T sites. All the 4-, 5-, and 6-membered rings were identified in the unit cell and the fraction of these rings with 0, 1, 2, and 3 Al was calculated. Lastly, the radial distribution function of Al–Al pairs, the number of Al's expected within a sphere of radius, r , centered around an Al (E), and the probability of finding at least one Al within a sphere of radius, r , centered around an Al (P) were calculated for different Si/Al ratios. Based on these results, the probability of locating NNN pairs of Al atoms situated at a distance suitable for the stabilization of M 2+ and [M–O–M] 2+ cations were carried out and then used to determine maximum values for M 2+ /Al and [M–O–M] 2+ /Al. The value of M 2+ /Al is 0.12 for Si/Al=12 and 0.07 for Si/Al=24, and the value of [M–O–M] 2+ is 0.30 for Si/Al=12 and 0.19 for Si/Al=24. The values of M 2+ /Al obtained theoretically are in reasonable agreement with those observed experimentally for Pd–ZSM-5. A significant finding of our simulation is that Lowenstein's rule is the dominant factor governing short-range correlations of framework Al atoms, and hence the distribution of NNN pairs of Al atoms. As a consequence, analytical theories that include consideration of Lowenstein's rule provide rather accurate estimates of the probability of finding Al NNN pairs.
Sites of action of Ca2+ channel inhibitors

Ca2+ channel inhibitors are viewed as a subgroup of Ca2+ antagonists. Most of the currently used Ca2+ channel inhibitors are thought to act by reducing Ca2+ entry into the cell through Ca2+ channels. There is substantial electrophysiological evidence that the major site of action of verapamil, nifedipine and diltiazem in cardiac cells is a sarcolemmal Ca2+ channel. Cytosolic sites of action may contribute to their effects but probably only at higher than therapeutic concentrations. The recent ligand binding studies also tend to support the view that the sarcolemma is the site of action of Ca2+ channel inhibitors in smooth muscle. High affinity binding sites for 1,4-dihydropyridines without any established function are found in fast skeletal muscle and some neuronal membranes. The binding of [3H]nitrendipine to membranes from cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle, and from brain is saturable, reversible and of high affinity; it is sensitive to cations and other drugs that interact with Ca2+ channels. Inhibition of [3H]nitrendipine binding and blockade of K+ responses in guinea pig ileum by 1,4-dihydropyridines are well correlated, supporting the view that the observed binding is to Ca2+ channel. In contrast, blockade of Ca2+ channels in cardiac and skeletal muscle and in brain synaptosomes occurs only at higher concentrations than needed to saturate the high affinity binding sites. The therapeutic success of Ca2+ channel inhibitors in the treatment of angina pectoris, hypertension, peripheral vascular diseases, and many other disease entities is based on selective inhibition of Ca2+ entry into smooth muscle cells. The specificity of some of these drugs for Ca2+ channels in different cell types, organs, or vascular beds is probably determined by receptor modulation and the effect of reflex mechanisms, which in turn determine the indications for their therapeutic use.
Structural Studies of Λ- and Δ-[Ru(phen)2dppz]2+ Bound to d(GTCGAC)2: Characterization of Enantioselective Intercalation

1H and 31P NMR spectroscopies have been applied in the structural characterization of the enantioselective interactions between Λ- and Δ-[Ru(phen)2dppz]2+ (dppz = dipyridophenazine) and the hexamer oligonucleotide d(GTCGAC)2. Issues of intercalation, exchange rate, sequence specificity, enantioselectivity, and the distribution of binding geometries have been explored. Several forms of evidence support intercalation by both isomers: (i) upfield changes in 1H chemical shift for protons of the dppz ligand; (ii) characteristic downfield changes in 31P chemical shifts for the duplex bound by the metal complex; (iii) increases in duplex melting temperature in the presence of both isomers. Slow exchange is achieved near 0 °C, thus permitting the observation of individual binding events. While both isomers intercalate into the helix, enantioselective differences in intercalation are evident. Differences in intercalative geometries are clearly manifested through chiral shifts in racemic mixtures and distinct reso...
DNA sequences required for trans-activation of an immediate-early frog virus 3 gene.

Abstract A plasmid containing 78 bp of the promoter region of the immediate-early frog virus 3 (FV3) gene ICR 169 placed 5′ to the coding sequences for chloremphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) can only be induced to synthesize CAT after transfection in the presence of FV3. To determine what DNA sequences in the promoter were required for virus-induced transcription, I used site-directed mutagenesis to construct deletions and point mutations throughout the promoter region. The mutant promoters were then analyzed for their ability to be induced by FV3. Deletion of 27 by from the 5′ end of the promoter had little effect on FV3-induced CAT synthesis. Although deletion of, and point mutations within, the 7-bp TATA-like box reduced CAT synthesis to 16–50% of that obtained with the wild-type promoter, only deletion of the 7-bp sequence caused a detectable shift of the transcription start site, indicating that the function of the AT-rich region is to position the RNA polymerase. The most significant reduction in CAT synthesis—to 1.5% of wild-type—occurred after deletion of the 23-bp immediately 5′ to the TATTTTA box, which marks this 23-bp sequence as the critical cis -regulatory element for FV3 trans -activation.