cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Disoriented pathfinding by pioneer neurone growth cones deprived of filopodia by cytochalasin treatment.

A major question in developmental neurobiology is how developing nerve cells accurately extend processes to establish connections with their target cells. This problem involves both the nature of cues for growth cone guidance and also the question of how growth cones survey their environment for cues and respond by altering their direction of migration. The filopodia which normally extend from neuronal growth cones have been shown to affect growth cone steering in vitro1–4 and it has been proposed that they function in vivo in the detection of and response to guidance cues5–10. This hypothesis could be tested in vivo if growth cones which normally have filopodia could be induced to migrate in their absence. The pair of Ti1 neurones are the first neurones to extend axons through the limb buds of embryonic grasshoppers11. We report here an examination of the migration of Ti1 pioneer growth cones deprived of filopodia by culture in agents which disrupt actin microfilaments. Under these conditions, axons continue to extend but a large percentage of growth cones are highly disoriented. Our results indicate that Ti1 filopodia are not necessary for axonal elongation in vivo but that they are important for correctly oriented growth cone steering.
The 1994 annual report of the North American Pediatric Renal Transplant Cooperative Study

The North American Pediatric Renal Transplant Cooperative Study (NAPRTCS) is a research effort that was organized and initiated in 1987. The following manuscript is the 1994 NAPRTCS annual report which has summarized data that has been voluntarily contributed by 83 centers. The report includes data on 3,183 patients who have undergone a total of 3,445 renal transplants between 1 January 1987 and 18 February 1994 when the data set was closed. The report also contains data on 1,611 independent courses of dialysis which were initiated between 1 January 1992 and 18 February 1994. This report is meant to update the previous NAPRTCS annual reports as well as demonstrate how the NAPRTCS database has changed clinical practice since its inception. There have been 855 graft failures among the 3,438 transplants. Due to the maturing of the database, chronic rejection now accounts for 34% of graft failures which have occurred over the last year. Graft failure was increased in recipients if the recipients were 6 years did not have catch-up growth post transplant. Overall graft survival has improved markedly since the inception of this study. The dialysis database is just maturing and the data confirm that growth on dialysis continues to be very poor. The 1994 annual report of NAPRTCS extends previous findings of this valuable database. It is gratifying to know that early findings of NAPRTCS have led to changes in therapy which have led to improvement in the care of these very special children.
Online pricing for bandwidth provisioning in multi-class networks

We consider the problem of pricing for bandwidth provisioning over a single link, where users arrive according to a known stochastic traffic model. The network administrator controls the resource allocation by setting a price at every epoch, and each user's response to the price is governed by a demand function. We formulate this problem as a partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP), and explore two novel pricing schemes--reactive pricing and spot pricing--and compare their performance to appropriately tuned flat pricing. We use a gradient-ascent approach in all the three pricing schemes. We provide methods for computing unbiased estimates of the gradient in an online (incremental) fashion. Our simulation results show that our novel schemes take advantage of the known underlying traffic model and significantly outperform the model-free pricing scheme of flat pricing.
Reactions of the technetium(V) phenylimido complex [TcX3(NPh)(PPh3)2] with aromatic thiolate ligands (where X=Cl, Br)

Abstract The reaction of KTcO4 with triphenylphosphine and 1-acetyl-2-phenylhydrazine in methanol with HBr gives the Tc(V) phenylimido complex [TcBr3(NPh)(PPh3)2], analogous to the published reaction with HCl. The phenylimido complex reacts with unsubstituted thiophenol and a proton scavenger (R3N) in methanol to give the Tc(V) oxo complex (R3NH)[TcO(SPh)4] in excellent yield. The IR spectrum of this complex shows an absorption at 936 cm−1 associated with v(Tc=O). The Tc(V) complex [TcCl3(NPh)(PPh3)2] reacts with a four-fold excess of the sterically-hindered thiol 2,3,5,6-tetramethylbenzenethiol (TMBTH) and a proton sponge to give the Tc(V) complex [Tc(NPh)(TMBT)3(PPh3)]. The IR spectrum of this complex displays an absorption at 1100 cm−1 which is associated with v(TcN). The positive mode fast atom bombardment mass spectrum of this species displays an extensive fragmentation profile, including fragment of 947 m/z, which corresponds to the parent ion [Tc(NPh)(TMBT)3(PPh3)]+. The analogous reaction with a five-fold excess of 2,6-dimethylbenzenethiol (DMBTH) and a proton sponge gives the anionic Tc(V) complex (R3NH)[Tc(NPh)(SAr)4]. The IR spectrum of this complex displays an absorption at 1100 cm−1 which is associated with v(TcN). The positive mode fast atom bombardment mass spectrum of this anionic species displays an extensive fragmentation profile, including fragments of 998 m/z, which corresponds to {(R3NH)2[Tc(NPh)(DMBT)4]}+ and 868 m/z which corresponds to {(R3NH)[Tc(NPh)(DMBT)4]}+. The reaction of the Tc(V) complex [TcCl3(NPh)(PPh3)2] with the tetradentate phosphinetrithiol ligand [P(C6H4-o-SH)3], and a proton scavenger in methanol gives the neutral Tc(III) complex [Tc(PPh3)(PS3)]. The FAB(+) mass spectrum of this complex shows the parent ion of 716 m/z and the peak associated with the fragment generated by the loss of the triphenylphosphine of 454 m/z. The IR spectrum shows no absorptions in either the region associated with v(TcO) or v(TcN). The 1H NMR spectrum of the diamagnetic Tc(III) complex shows only narrow-line signals associated with the aryl protons.
The “Outside-In” Oenothera Flower, a New Morphological Type Produced by the Interaction of Two Recessive Mendelian Factors

The "outside-in" Oenothera flower is a new morphological structure of such intrinsic interest, and the method of its origin as the result of the interaction of two previously known recessive Mendelian genes so unique, that it seems worthwhile to publish a preliminary account instead of waiting for the development of the further genetical experiments which have been undertaken with it. The characteristic feature of the "outside-in" flower is the rhythmic repetition of three of the four sets of floral organs which make up the normal flower, so that the order of succession of parts as we pass from outside inward is: calyx, corolla, androecium, calyx, corolla, androecium, calyx, corolla, and so on. In some flowers as many as four repetitions of these floral organs have been recognized and no structures were found which could be identified as of carpellary nature, the ovary and hypanthium being replaced by a solid pedicel. Functional stamens were usually found only in the external one or two repetends. The more internal repetends have the stamens reduced to functionless staminodia, or even to structures whose identity cannot be determined. The recognition of the several floral whorls was rendered easier by the simultaneous presence of the rubricalyx factor, so that each repetition of the calyx could be recognized by the red pigmentation as well as by its texture and relative position with reference to other parts. It was this conspicuous presence in the interior of the flower of the red coloration normally seen only on the external surface of the calyx that led to the name "outside-in" for this type of flower. The "outside-in" flowers were first seen in the summer of 1926 in several individuals of an F2 family (No. 25115) from a cross between a doubleflowered old-gold Lamarckiana mother (SSvspQspBrBr) and a single-
Bank risk management, regulation and CEO compensation after the Panic of 2008

Banking law and regulation have prescribed new rules applicable to executive compensation policy for US and European banks since the Panic of 2008, given evidence that selected institutions relied on incentive compensation plans that encouraged and rewarded excessive risk-taking. We evaluate a sample of regional US bank compensation practices before and after the crisis to provide a preliminary empirical analysis how bank boards have reacted to emerging compensation rules. More risky banks appear to have rewarded management more generously before and during the financial crisis. Banks subsequently modified compensation plans by providing CEOs opportunities to earn more if their institution is highly capitalized and loan portfolios are low-risk. The shift in compensation strategy has benefitted shareholders; conservatively managed regional banks have paid higher dividends and offer investors more share value appreciation.
Social Backgrounds and Judicial Decisions: Notes for a Theory

C URRENT INTERPRETATIONS of the judicial process, particularly that part of the process which involves the Supreme Court of the United States, have consistently assigned an important role to the social and political backgrounds of the judges in explaining decision-making behavior. Differing background characteristics and experiences have been hypothesized as being perhaps the major factors in understanding and predicting variant voting patterns of judges on appellate courts.' Such interpretations derive from so-called dynamic theories of the judicial process which picture the judge as a policy-oriented decision-maker who derives his premises both from within and without the courtroom, and whose functions far exceed the mechanical task of applying settled rules of law to clear fact situations. These theories have not usually specified the precise nature of the relationship between a judge's background experiences and his judicial work. They have eschewed the untenable hypothesis that judicial decisions can be explained solely in terms of social backgrounds. And they have accepted the notion that the judge operates in an institutional framework which places certain restraints on the pure
Treatment of bleeding irregularities in women with copper-containing IUDs: a systematic review ☆

Abstract Background Bleeding irregularities, such as intermenstrual spotting or heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, are common among copper-containing intrauterine device (Cu-IUD) users and are one of the leading reasons for method discontinuation. This review evaluates the evidence for effective therapeutic and preventive treatments for bleeding irregularities during Cu-IUD use. Study Design We searched the PubMed database for peer-reviewed articles that were published in any language from inception of the database through March 2012 and were relevant to treatments for irregular bleeding during Cu-IUD use. We used standard abstract forms and grading systems to summarize and assess the quality of the evidence. Results From 1470 articles, we identified 17 articles that met our inclusion criteria. Evidence from two studies of poor quality demonstrated that antifibrinolytic agents or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been used for intermenstrual bleeding or spotting among a small number of Cu-IUD users with mixed results. Evidence from 10 studies of fair to poor quality suggested that some NSAIDs may significantly reduce menstrual blood loss or bleeding duration among Cu-IUD users with heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Antifibrinolytic drugs or antidiuretics may also help reduce blood loss. High-dose aspirin was shown to increase blood loss among those with baseline menorrhagia. Evidence from five studies of fair to poor quality suggested that bleeding irregularities among new Cu-IUD users may be prevented with NSAIDs, although one large study of good quality suggested that prophylactic treatment with ibuprofen does not affect continuation of Cu-IUD use. Evidence from two studies of fair to poor quality suggested that antifibrinolytic agents might be helpful in preventing heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding among new Cu-IUD users. Conclusions Limited evidence suggests that NSAIDs may be effective treatments for bleeding irregularities associated with Cu-IUD use; antifibrinolytic agents and antidiuretics have also been studied as possible treatments in a small number of subjects, but their safety has not been well documented. NSAIDs and antifibrinolytics may also prevent bleeding irregularities among new CU-IUD users. Preventive NSAID use, however, does not impact Cu-IUD continuation.
A remark on unique continuation along and across lower-dimensional planes for the wave equation

We prove unique continuation of solutions of the wave equation along and across lower-dimensional planes containing the t-axis. This is a sharpening and a generalization of a result of Cheng, Ding and Yamamoto as well as a simplification of the proof. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Major and Minor Narratives in “Tintern Abbey”

“Tintern Abbey” tells two distinctly different stories about Wordsworth's visits to the Wye valley in 1793 and 1798. While the poem's major narrative traces a clear developmental arc from youthful spontaneity to mature wisdom, an oblique minor narrative tells a cautionary tale about reawakening dormant memories. The major narrative moves “from joy to joy,” beginning with the memory of being “like a roe” in 1793 and arriving at the discovery of “something far more deeply interfused” in 1798, but the minor narrative remembers a different “something” in the 1793 visit; it recalls being “more like a man flying from something that he dreads.” The engagement with this dreadful, enigmatic “something” draws the poem into what Keats called its “dark passages,” where Wordsworth becomes uncertain about his standing in “the ballance of good and evil.”
An In-Depth Look at RACE: Creating a Public Relations Plan

Courses: Introduction to Public Relations, Public Relations Campaigns. This exercise could also be used in a Public Relations Ethics course as a unit rather than the foundation for the course. Objectives: Students will understand, analyze, and apply the principles learned in the RACE process (research, action, communication, and evaluation). Students should have the ability to identify the four-step public relations planning process and ultimately create a public relations plan.
Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction after partial atrioventricular septal defect repair

Abstract Background . Narrowing of the left ventricular outflow tract has been associated with partial atrioventricular septal defect (PAVSD) in about 3% of patients. Because of the predisposing anatomy, hemodynamically significant obstruction in the subaortic area may appear after repair of ostium primum atrial septal defects. Methods . From 1984 to 1998, 40 patients underwent surgical correction of PAVSD by patch closure. The mean age at the initial repair was 5.8 years (range 3 months to 22 years). Results . Nine patients had 12 subsequent operations for hemodynamically significant subaortic obstruction. The mean age at PAVSD repair was 17 months (3 to 42 months) ( p Conclusions . Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction after PAVSD repair may be more frequent than reported. Because of the progressive nature of the process, echocardiography should be utilized liberally on patients to uncover subclinical stenosis. Long-term follow-up is essential for diagnosis due to delayed appearance and lack of reliable clinical signs.
On the theory of resonant scattering of gamma rays by nuclei bound in crystals

An attempt is made in the present paper to give a physical description of the process in which a gamma quantum is resonantly scattered or absorbed by nuclei bound in a crystal structure. The discussion includes a description of the time development of these processes as well as a critical study of the limits imposed upon such a description by the laws of quantum mechanics.(1)
The U/Th production ratio and the age of the Milky Way from meteorites and Galactic halo stars

Cosmologists, using cosmic clocks such as stellar beryllium accumulation, have determined the age of the Milky Way as around 13.6 billion years. A new calculation, based on the ratio of uranium-238 to thorium-232 in meteorites and galactic halo stars, gives an age quite close to that: 14.5 billion years. That's almost as old as the Universe itself. Some heavy elements (with atomic number A > 69) are produced by the ‘rapid’ (r)-process of nucleosynthesis, where lighter elements are bombarded with a massive flux of neutrons1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8. Although this is characteristic of supernovae and neutron star mergers, uncertainties in where the r-process occurs persist because stellar models are too crude to allow precise quantification of this phenomenon. As a result, there are many uncertainties and assumptions in the models used to calculate the production ratios of actinides (like uranium-238 and thorium-232). Current estimates of the U/Th production ratio range from ∼0.4 to 0.7. Here I show that the U/Th abundance ratio in meteorites9 can be used, in conjunction with observations of low-metallicity stars in the halo of the Milky Way10,11,12, to determine the U/Th production ratio very precisely . This value can be used in future studies to constrain the possible nuclear mass formulae used in r-process calculations5,6, to help determine the source of Galactic cosmic rays, and to date circumstellar grains5. I also estimate the age of the Milky Way ( in a way that is independent of the uncertainties associated with fluctuations in the microwave background13 or models of stellar evolution14,15.
Agreement between Task-Based Estimates of the Full-Shift Noise Exposure and the Full-Shift Noise Dosimetry

Noise assessments have been conducted using full-shift dosimetry and short-term task-based measurements. Advantages of the task-based method include the opportunity to directly identify high-noise exposure tasks and to target control measures, as well as obtain estimates of task-based full-shift exposures; however, there is little empirical evidence comparing the two methods. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health assessed noise exposures at three industrial facilities using dosimetry and task-based methods with the objective of comparing the two strategies and assessing the degree of agreement and causes of disagreement. Eight indices of task-based full-shift exposures were created from task-based sampling using three methods to assess time-at-task (direct observation by industrial hygienist, end-of-shift worker estimates and supervisor estimates) and three methods to assign noise levels to tasks [direct measurement, arithmetic mean (AM) and geometric mean (GM)]. We assessed aspects of agreement (precision, bias and absolute agreement) using Bland-Altman plots and concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). Overall, the task-based methods worked fairly well, with mean biases less than +/-2.8 dBA and precision ranges of 3.3-4.4 dBA. By all measures, task-based full-shift estimates based on supervisor assessment of time-at-task agreed most poorly with the dosimetry data. The task-based full-shift estimates based on worker estimates of time-at-task generally agreed as well as those based on direct observation. For task noise level, task-based full-shift estimates based on directly measured task agreed the best with dosimetry data, while agreement for task-based indices based on task AM or GM was variable. Overall, the task-based full-shift estimates based on direct observation task and direct measured task noise level achieved the best agreement with the dosimetry data (CCC 0.84) with 95% of their differences being within 7.4 dBA and 56% of the differences <3 dBA. For this index, a high degree of accuracy was observed (accuracy coefficient = 0.96) with major cause of disagreement arising from a lack of precision (precision coefficient = 0.88). When the measurements were classified by job characteristics, significant improvements in the degree of agreement were observed in the low job mobility, low job complexity and low job variability categories. Our data suggest that a high degree of absolute agreement can be achieved between the task-based and dosimetry-based estimates of full-shift exposures. The task-based approach that uses worker reports combined with task AM or GM levels is similar to the more time-intensive direct observation method to estimate full-shift exposures.
Spatial correlation vortices in partially coherent light: theory

Spatial correlation vortex dipoles may form in the four-dimensional mutual coherence function when a partially coherent light source contains an optical vortex. Analytical and numerical investigations are made in near- and far-field regimes.
W-band double-balanced down-conversion mixer with Marchand baluns in silicon-germanium technology

Presented is a monolithic W-band (75-110 GHz) down-conversion mixer consisting of a double-balanced core, Marchand-type on-chip baluns at inputs, and a two-stage output buffer, fabricated in a 200 GHz f T SiGe technology. Including the loss for input baluns, this mixer exhibits conversion gains of 14.4 plusmn 2.8 dB and single sideband (SSB) noise figures of less than 19.5 dB across the entire W-band, drawing 28 mA from a 3.3 V supply.
Extractive electrospray ionization for direct analysis of undiluted urine, milk and other complex mixtures without sample preparation.

On-line droplet–droplet extraction occurs when a sample spray intersects a reagent electrospray; this allows continuous analysis of trace amounts of compounds directly in complex matrices including undiluted urine, milk and polluted water over extended periods of time.
Reasoning-and-Proving Within Ireland's Reform-Oriented National Syllabi

As educational systems around the world attempt to reform their mathematics programs to increase students’ opportunities to engage in processes central to the practice of mathematics such as proof, it is important to understand how this mathematical act is portrayed in national curriculum documents that drive that change. This study examined the presence of reasoningand-proving (RP) in Ireland’s national reform-oriented secondary syllabi for junior cycle (ages 12-15) and senior cycle (ages 15-18) students. The analyses reveal that there were no differences among direct and indirect RP learning outcomes within each syllabus, but statistically significant differences did exist across syllabi in these categories. Students were provided with statistically different opportunities to engage in pattern identification, conjecture formulation, and argument construction in both syllabi. There were significantly fewer opportunities to engage in conjecture formulation for junior cycle students and significantly more opportunities to construct arguments for senior cycle students. There were no instances of proof as falsification across both syllabi, but students were given similar opportunities to experience proof as explanation, verification, and generation of new knowledge. Across both syllabi there were statistically significantly more RP learning outcomes that were divorced from content than those that were connected to content. The results as well as the implications of these results for the design of national curriculum documents are discussed.
Incretin Mimetics as Emerging Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE:To review the physiology, pharmacology, and clinical efficacy of glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) and the incretin mimetics exenatide and liraglutide in clinical studies.DATA SOURCES:Primary literature obtained via MEDLINE (1966–April 2004) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–April 2004) searches; abstracts obtained from meeting sources and manufacturers.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:All English-language studies and abstracts evaluating GLP-1, exenatide, and liraglutide in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes were reviewed. Data from animal studies were also included if human data were not available. Primary and review articles related to the physiology, development, and evaluation of GLP-1s were reviewed.DATA SYNTHESIS:GLP-1, exenatide (exendin-4, AC2993), and liraglutide (NN2211) are incretin mimetics that have been shown in human studies to be an effective treatment to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Mechanisms by which these compounds impr...
A practitioners' assessment of light reflection models

We discuss the theory and practical issues behind creating reflection models to show the difficulty of the problem. We survey the current approaches towards reflection models for computer graphics to show that even for simple surfaces, the important issues are far from settled. We briefly discuss future directions for research. Finally, we present a case study of a particular type of light reflection that captures some important aspects of appearance for a limited class of materials with subsurface reflection.
A Role-Based Approach in Dynamic Task Delegation in Agent Teamwork

This paper presents a role-based agent teamwork language called RoB-MALLET (Role-Based Multi-Agent Logic Language for Encoding Teamwork). Roles have been used to form multi-agent theories and guide the construction of multi-agent architectures and systems. Different from the most existing agent teamwork models that emphasize practical reasoning based on beliefs, desires and intentions (BDI), a role-based teamwork language stresses the concept of organization and thereby cooperation. RoB-MALLET is able to handle unexpected uncertainties and allow for the conceptual specification of teamwork knowledge for reuse. Finally, we present several experiments that explore plan reusability of RoB-MALLET, show that it is flexible in supporting simultaneity of invocation and evaluate its efficiency in supporting teamwork.
A mathematical modeling perspective on the advantages of single receptor type convergence in the olfactory glomeruli

Olfactory circuits in both insects and rodents are wired according to a pattern of convergence in which axons from olfactory sensory neurons expressing a single receptor type (SRT) project into the same glomerulus. This permits the representation of individual olfactory receptors in a topographical map in the brain ([1], [2], [3]). The functional advantage offered by a SRT convergence pattern is an open question. We analyze a simple mathematical model based on the anatomy of the olfactory bulb. The model contains two interconnected layers of glomeruli and mitral cells. We use the mathematical model to qualitatively explore the impact on odor coding and discrimination by changing the projection pattern from SRT to multiple receptor type (MRT) input patterns. We predict that for odors activating similar patterns, the MRT network is not able to separate response patterns as well as the SRT network. The mathematical prediction is in good qualitative agreement with experimental findings. Our predictions also indicate that sparseness of input patterns and overall network size are key parameters in determining how well the SRT network performs in discrimination of odors. Future work will focus on verification of these additional predictions through biological experiments and also investigating the role of more realistic network models in influencing odor discrimination abilities of the SRT case.
Dietary carbohydrates: Rôle in survival of the adult rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae

Abstract The effect of dietary carbohydrates on feeding behaviour, food consumption, and survival of adult rice weevils, Sitophilus oryzae , was investigated. Weevils survived well on diets containing 72 per cent (w/w) cereal starches, dextrins, amylopectin, and glycogen but died prematurely on diets containing amylose, cellulose, inulin, mono-, and disaccharides. It was shown that dietary polysaccharides which permitted good survival were feeding stimulants while those which caused early mortality were either feeding deterrents or did not provide suitable physical feeding substrates. Starvation rather than digestive enzymatic lesions was therefore the principal cause of early adult mortality on the test diets. It was concluded that the branched-chain amylopectin portion of the cereal starches in the weevil's natural diet serves as both a feeding stimulant and an essential nutrient.
Myc and Miz-1 have coordinate genomic functions including targeting Hox genes in human embryonic stem cells

Background A proposed role for Myc in maintaining mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell pluripotency is transcriptional repression of key differentiation-promoting genes, but detail of the mechanism has remained an important open topic.
Whole proteome identification of plant candidate G-protein coupled receptors in Arabidopsis, rice, and poplar: computational prediction and in-vivo protein coupling

Background: The classic paradigm of heterotrimeric G-protein signaling describes a heptahelical, membrane-spanning G-protein coupled receptor that physically interacts with an intracellular Gα subunit of the G-protein heterotrimer to transduce signals. G-protein coupled receptors comprise the largest protein superfamily in metazoa and are physiologically important as they sense highly diverse stimuli and play key roles in human disease. The heterotrimeric G-protein signaling mechanism is conserved across metazoa, and also readily identifiable in plants, but the low sequence conservation of G-protein coupled receptors hampers the identification of novel ones. Using diverse computational methods, we performed whole-proteome analyses of the three dominant model plant species, the herbaceous dicot Arabidopsis thaliana (mouse-eared cress), the monocot Oryza sativa (rice), and the woody dicot Populus trichocarpa (poplar), to identify plant protein sequences most likely to be GPCRs. Results: Our stringent bioinformatic pipeline allowed the high confidence identification of candidate G-protein coupled receptors within the Arabidopsis, Oryza, and Populus proteomes. We extended these computational results through actual wet-bench experiments where we tested over half of our highest ranking Arabidopsis candidate G-protein coupled receptors for the ability to physically couple with GPA1, the sole Gα in Arabidopsis. We found that seven out of eight tested candidate G-protein coupled receptors do in fact interact with GPA1. We show through G-protein coupled receptor classification and molecular evolutionary analyses that both individual G-protein coupled receptor candidates and candidate G-protein coupled receptor families are conserved across plant species and that, in some cases, this conservation extends to metazoans. Conclusion: Our computational and wet-bench results provide the first step toward understanding the diversity, conservation, and functional roles of plant candidate G-protein coupled receptors.
GSP: A system for computer assisted space planning

This paper focuses on computer augmentation of some simple design tasks found in every architectural office - the design and contract specification of arrangements of objects and equipment within a space. Examples of such tasks include stairwells, restrooms, mechanical rooms, and kitchens. This type of design is not considered creative, for it consists of a variation of a standard design within a particular context. Rather, it is an example of the “dogwork” involved in realizing initial design conceptions. A major portion of an architectural firm's time and effort is currently expended on the production aspects of design, of translating schematic design into construction documents1.General Space Planner* (GSP) is an automated design, drafting, and problem solving system recently implemented on Carnegie-Mellon University's IBM 360/67 time-shared computer that begins to explore how arrangement problems and other production aspects of design can be either automated or augmented by the computer. This paper describes the current user interface of the GSP system, its required inputs, modes of interaction, and its outputs, and describes how GSP solves several classes of drafting design problems.
A formal framework for modeling and analysis of system-level dynamic power management

Recent advances in dynamic power management (DPM) techniques have resulted in designs that support a rich set of power management options, both at the hardware and software levels. This has resulted in an explosion of the design space when analyzing the system-level tradeoffs of candidate DPM strategy designs. This paper proposes a design space exploration methodology based on a high-level, multi-layered modeling framework that facilitates rapid estimation of system-wide energy by providing the designer with a global view of the system. The framework is based on the extended finite state machine formalism and abstracts the component power modes, the operating environment and the DPM architecture into interacting, concurrent layers within a single, unified model. The modeling framework is coupled with a symbolic simulation engine to allow for rapid traversal of the large design space. We first illustrate how the proposed model can be constructed by making reasonable assumptions on the system and workload parameters, and then we show how analysis of various candidate strategies can be performed using this model. Our aim is to provide a high-level model that can be used to quickly assess the impact of various power management decisions on the system-wide energy. The framework can also be a formal basis for design of energy efficient power management systems.
Continuing evolution of opioid use in primary care practice: implications of emerging technologies.

AbstractBackground:Primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and nurses are often the first to evaluate patients with pain and many patients depend on these clinicians for pain relief. The growing evidence supporting use of opioids for appropriately selected patients means that primary care practitioners must be knowledgeable regarding ever-evolving pain-management strategies.Scope:This review summarizes core considerations in opioid prescribing in the primary care setting, the risks of undertreatment of pain, the challenges and barriers associated with prescribing opioids, identifying risk factors that may predict problematic use, and emerging formulation technologies expected to assist clinicians in better achieving effective pain control while minimizing risks for misuse or diversion.Results:Primary care physicians face considerable challenges in optimizing pain management while minimizing potential for misuse, abuse and diversion. Opioid treatment decisions are based not only on the type of pain b...
Cardiac tamponade as the initial manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus.

A 14-year-old black girl presented with the chief complaint of malaise, shortness of breath, and sore throat. She was seen 4 days prior in the same Emergency Department (ED) when she was started on amoxicillin for presumed pharyngitis. Upon evaluation by the emergency physician, the patient was tachypneic, with a blood pressure of 116/57 mm Hg, heart rate of 163 beats/min, and temperature of 36.9 C. Oxygen saturation was 98% on room air. Physical examination was significant for wheezing in all lung fields. Initially, reactive airway disease was presumed, and the patient received three albuterol nebulizer treatments. After no improvement and continued tachycardia, chest X-ray study was obtained, revealing marked cardiomegaly (Figure 1). Additionally, electrocardiogram was performed, which revealed sinus tachycardia, PR depression, and electrical alternans (Figure 2). Arrangements were made for transfer to a nearby Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). The patient continued to decompensate while in the ED, however, ultimately becoming unresponsive and asystolic, requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation and intubation. Emergent pericardiocentesis was performed, with removal of 675 mL of blood and subsequent return of spontaneous circulation. Repeat chest X-ray study imaging revealed a marked decrease in size of the cardiac silhouette (Figure 3). Despite resuscitative efforts at the treating
Oxidative burst capability of human monocyte subsets defined by high and low HLA-DR expression.

There is a wide range in the expression of major histocompatability complex (MHC) class II HLA-DR molecules on freshly isolated human peripheral blood monocytes from one individual. This study determined whether the variability in HLA-DR expression on monocytes correlated with their oxidative burst capability after treatment with either phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or calcium ionophore A23187.Freshly obtained cells were incubated with 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA), a dye which is utilized for the determination of cell oxidative potential by flow cytometry. Cells were stimulated, and then stained with phycoerythrin (PE)-labeled monoclonal antibodies (mAb). Two-color flow cytometry was used to determine changes in DCFH-DA (green) fluorescence which corresponded to oxidative product formation by cells which stained only with the PE-labeled mAb (monocytes).While monocytes with a high or low surface density of HLA-DR differed substantially in HLA-DR expression, only small differences in oxida...
Oral contraceptives and cardiovascular risk—an end to the debate?

This supplement of the journal Contraception reports on a symposium entitled "Oral Contraceptives and Cardiovascular Risks--an End to the Debate?" held at the 5th Congress of the European Society of Contraception in Prague on June 18 1998. The symposium presented the latest data on the risks of venous thromboembolism (VTE) stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) associated with the use of oral contraceptives (OCs). Thromboembolism was recognized as a risk associated with the use of OCs soon after their introduction during the 1960s. Since then numerous studies have confirmed this association. In this supplement Professor Walter Spitzer evaluates the recent studies using the Bradford Hill causality criteria. He demonstrates that bias and confounding are more likely explanations for the apparent difference in VTE risk between third- and second-generation OCs. Similarly Professor Ulrich Winkler presents a review of all the comparative studies of the effects of second- and third-generation OCs on the hemostatic system. In another study Professor Lothar Heinemann reviews data on the risks of ischemic stroke and MI with different generations of OCs which show that there is no increased risk of ischemic stroke and MI with third-generation OCs. It is hoped that this important meeting will address and resolve the remaining questions about any difference in risk between second- and third-generation OCs.
Transition fronts and localized structures in bistable reaction-diffusion equations

Models of chemical reactions that undergo subcritical Hopf bifurcations and have a regime of bistability are shown to exhibit some interesting behavior when diffusively coupled. Waves joining a stable steady state to a periodic wavetrain are constructed for low and high thresholds. For intermediate thresholds, localized oscillatory regions are found. These can interact at a distance and behave like weakly coupled oscillators. These patterns are found in both solvable and realistic models for chemical oscillations.
Teaching Illinois History through Primary Sources

This articles looks at three major themes in Illinois history: settlement, slavery, and the growth of Chicago. Each theme presents a primary source that helps deepen a student's understanding of the historical issues. Through maps, documents, and census data, students can use digital repositories to better understand the history of Illinois in the nineteenth century.
Antler and Body Size in Black-Tailed Deer: An Analysis of Cohort Effects

For long-lived species, environmental factors experienced early in life can have lasting effects persisting into adulthood. Large herbivores can be susceptible to cohort-wide declines in fitness as a result of decreases in forage availability, because of extrinsic factors, including extreme climate or high population densities. To examine effects of cohort-specific extrinsic factors on size of adults, we performed a retrospective analysis on harvest data of 450 male black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) over 19 years in central California, USA. We determined that population density of females had a more dominant effect than did precipitation on body size of males. Harvest of female deer resulted in increases in the overall size of males, even though a 6-year drought occurred during that treatment period. Body size was most influenced by female population density early in life, while antler size was highly affected by both weather early in life and the year directly before harvest. This study provides insights that improve our understanding of the role of cohort effects in body and antler size by cervids; and, in particular, that reduction in female population density can have a profound effect on the body and antler size of male deer.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Perinatal and Pediatric Patients

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a technique developed to ensure adequate tissue oxygen delivery in patients suffering cardiac and/or respiratory failure. ECMO can provide this delivery without causing the iatrogenic damage associated with high mechanical ventilation pressures, high fraction of inspired oxygen, or high doses of inotropic medications. Though practitioners use a multitude of other, more "conventional," therapies for neonatal respiratory failure, only ECMO has been proven in a randomized, controlled, clinical trial to improve both mortality and morbidity among neonates. Though a randomized controlled trial of ECMO in the neonate has been published, to date no trial in the pediatric, adult, or cardiac population is complete. The Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry provides data on the over 20,000 ECMO cases performed to date and serves as a resource to refine this supportive therapy. This support is not without complications, and it should be used in appropriate populations, with specific criteria for initiation.
A Neotype Specimen for Amanita muscaria

Taxonomically, Amanita muscaria has long been one of the more easily recognized taxa within the genus Amanita. Nomenclaturally, however, the name has been unstable due to the lack of a type specime...
Book & Resource Review

Reviews the book “Researchers Hooked on Teaching: Noted Scholars Discuss the Synergies of Teaching and Research,” edited by Rae Andre and Peter J. Frost.
Demineralized Murine Skeletal Histology

Cartilage and bone are specialized skeletal tissues composed of unique extracellular matrices. Bone, in particular, has a highly calcified or mineralized matrix that makes microtomy and standard histological studies very challenging. Therefore, methods to appropriately fix and decalcify mineralized skeletal tissues have been developed to allow for paraffin processing and standard microtomy. In this chapter, we will illustrate methods for tissue grossing, fixation, decalcification, paraffin processing, embedding, sectioning, and routine histological staining of demineralized murine skeletal tissues. We will also discuss methods for decalcified frozen sectioning of skeletal tissues with and without the use of a tape-transfer system.
Prevalence of cigarette smoking in a group of male veterans with chronic spinal cord injury.

Male veterans with spinal cord injury (SCI) were surveyed regarding their smoking history. Subjects (n = 250) were placed in one of two categories: never smokers (smoked 1 year, or current smokers). Never smokers constituted 23.2%, and ever smokers constituted 76.8% of the sample. Among the ever smokers, 59.4% had quit, compared with 49.1% in the general population (p 1 year after injury. In this sample veteran SCI population, the number of current smokers is comparable to that found in the general population. The lower number of never smokers with SCI (23.2%) compared with the general population (49.9%) most likely reflects the smoking habits of a veteran population.
The Channel Decision Process: A Comprehensive Model and Review

A comprehensive model and review of the channel decision process is presented in this paper. The decision areas outlined in the model follow: (1) mission of the organization (integrate with definition of market targets and strategic opportunity assessment), (2) the development of marketing strategy, (3) interaction of channel decisions in the marketing mix, (4) the identification of channel activities, (5) the development of channel objectives (integrate with identification of market targets and tactical opportunity assessment), (6) channel coverage, (7) channel cooperation and control, (8) channel structure and design, (9) determination of the market offer, and (10) definition of market targets (integrate with mission of the organization and strategic opportunity assessment). A discussion of each area and its decision implications is contained in the main working paper. Only highlights will be presented here.
The influence of resolution on scale-dependent clustering in fracture spacing data

AbstractIt is a common practice to analyze fracture spacing data collected from scanlines and wells at various resolutions for the purposes of aquifer and reservoir characterization. However, the influence of resolution on such analyses is not well-studied. Lacunarity is a parameter that is used for multiscale analysis of spatial data. In quantitative terms, at any given scale, it is a function of the mean and variance of the distribution of masses captured by a gliding a window of that scale (size) across any pattern of interest. We have described the application of lacunarity for delineating differences between scale-dependent clustering attributes of data collected at different resolutions along a scanline. Specifically, we considered data collected at different resolutions from two outcrop exposures, a pavement and a cliff section, of the Cretaceous turbititic sandstones of the Chatsworth Formation widely exposed in southern California. For each scanline, we analyzed data from low-resolution aerial or...
Ideas of Freedom in Common Sense and Philosophy

Before an author can present an analysis of the concept of human freedom, he must perform the unusual chore of convincing the reader that he intends to deal with a real and not a specious freedom. I shall try to show in this first chapter that ordinary language and the apparently diverse theories of the philosophers share a single criterion of the unfreedom of a human activity, namely, that an activity is unfree when there exist impediments to alternative activities. This rough concept of “impediments” not only is found in almost every idea of an unfree activity, but it appears to be sufficient to define an unfree activity in any self-consistent and comprehensive view of human activities and their interrelationships.
Full Employment and Disequilibrium

As shown in previous chapters, the effect of the synthesis of pre-Keynesian and Keynesian economics was to sanitise the Keynesian part of the logical possibility of involuntary unemployment. This was achieved (1) by the introduction a pre-Keynesian labour market (aggregate single commodity production function), (2) by rejecting the Keynesian view that expectations were inherently volatile, (3) by the inclusion of a wealth effect, and (4) by presupposing general equilibrium with Walrasian market clearing. From its beginning the synthesis version of macroeconomics left many theorists discontent.