cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Projection-operator approach to perturbation theory

A perturbation theory is presented which is suitable for the treatment of strong or resonant interactions in quantum systems described by time-independent Hamiltonians. The formulation is exact for finite-level systems and encompasses both nondegenerate and degenerate problems. The derivation is based on the partitioning of the levelshift operator, an operator which occurs naturally through the use of projection operators. The formulation is applied to the eigenvalue problem and to the calculation of the transition amplitude between states of the unperturbed system induced by a time-independent perturbation. The results are expressed in terms of Green's functions involving continued fractions which are truncated for finite-level systems.
Structure in mesogenic diol‐containing polyesters

Copolyesters synthesized from two mesogenic monomers have been investigated. The monomers are 4,4′-bis(6-hydroxyhexoxy)biphenyl (BHHBP) and the p-diester made from terephthaloyl dichloride and p-hydroxybenzoic acid. The incorporation of a very rigid, second mesogen increases the ability of BHHBP to form tilted mesophases. An untilted smectic A phase is formed initially, but the final, stable phase is a highly ordered, tilted smectic phase. Similar behavior is observed when BHHBP is combined with a mixture of the diacids of the crown ether dibenzo-18-crown-6. A copolymer of this type also forms a smectic A phase. For both types of copolymers, there is good agreement between the measured and calculated values for the layer distances.
FLUX CALIBRATIONS FROM NEARBY ECLIPSING BINARIES AND SINGLE STARS

Eclipsing binaries (EBs) measure distance without need or use for nearby similar objects, with many applications over recent decades. EBs are now considered the most reliable and accurate distance indicators for the very important lower rungs in the cosmic distance ladder, within the Local Group of Galaxies. Among several EB distance algorithms, direct comparison of observed and theoretical fluxes is particularly straightforward, although it requires absolute flux calibrations for which only a modest number of publications exist. Here, we measure UBV RI and uvby flux calibrations and calibration ratios from astronomical objects in ways not previously tried, specifically for EBs, single stars within 80 pc, and the Sun. All of the single stars are below about 6500 K temperature. Interstellar extinction is avoided by a restriction to nearby targets. Some photometric band calibrations in the literature are accurate enough for very good EB distance determinations if star temperatures are accurately known, especially considering that estimated distance has only a square-root dependence on calibration constant, but accurate band-to-band calibration ratios are keys to the combined temperature-distance problem. Band-independent canceling factors (star radii and distances) allow calibration ratio measurement with enhanced accuracy, compared to individual band calibrations. A physical EB model withmore » embedded stellar atmosphere emission optimally matches theory to observations for the binaries. Single star candidates are identified as reliably single if their radial velocity variations are below 100 m s{sup -1}. For the most part, we find good agreement with some of the previous calibrations and the ratios are improved.« less
Detection of rare functional variants using group ISIS

Genome-wide association studies have been firmly established in investigations of the associations between common genetic variants and complex traits or diseases. However, a large portion of complex traits and diseases cannot be explained well by common variants. Detecting rare functional variants becomes a trend and a necessity. Because rare variants have such a small minor allele frequency (e.g., <0.05), detecting functional rare variants is challenging. Group iterative sure independence screening (ISIS), a fast group selection tool, was developed to select important genes and the single-nucleotide polymorphisms within. The performance of the group ISIS and group penalization methods is compared for detecting important genes in the Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 data. The results suggest that the group ISIS is an efficient tool to discover genes and single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated to phenotypes.
On the Selection of Optimal Bandwidths for LSS Controllers

It has been established that any linear dynamical feedback controller (complete with model errors) will not destabilize a stable physical plant if the controller gain is "small" enough. It has also been established that any linear dynamical feedback controller will always destabilize the physical plant if the gains are "large" enough. The first result follows naturally from the laws of continuity. The latter result can be explained as the consequence of "modeling errors" That is, no mathematical model (upon which the controller is based) exactly describes any physical process. Hence, there are always modeling errors, and their significance depends upon the magnitude of the controller gains. The larger gains eventually cause the controller spectrum to exceed that spectrum for which the model is credible. In general terms then, the obvious conclusion is that there is a "best" gain in the sense that a smaller gain would yield degraded performance due to failure to exploit known model structure, and a larger gain would yield degraded performance due to the effects of modeling errors. In application to Large Space Structures this means that there exists a "best" set of gains associated with a controller of specified dimension. Furthermore, these gains cannot be determined from knowlege of the reduced model alone.
Excretion of photosynthetically fixed organic carbon by metalimnetic phytoplankton

The effects of light intensity, oxygen concentration, and pH on the rates of photosynthesis and net excretion by metalimnetic phytoplankton populations of Little Crooked Lake, Indiana, were studied. Photosynthetic rates increased from 1.42 to 3.14 mg C·mg−1 chlorophylla·hour−1 within a range of light intensities from 65 to 150μE·m−2·sec−1, whereas net excretion remained constant at 0.05 mg C·mg−1 chlorophylla·hour−1. Bacteria assimilated approximately 50% of the carbon released by the phytoplankton under these conditions. Excreted carbon (organic compounds either assimilated by bacteria or dissolved in the lake water) was produced by phytoplankton at rates of 0.02–0.15 mg C·mg−1 chlorophylla·hour−1. These rates were 6%–13% of the photosynthetic rates of the phytoplankton. Both total excretion of carbon and bacterial assimilation of excreted carbon increased at high light intensities whereas net excretion remained fairly constant. Elevated oxygen concentrations in samples incubated at 150μE· m−2·sec−1 decreased rates of both photosynthesis and net excretion. The photosynthetic rate increased from 3.0 to 5.0 mg C·mg−1 chlorophylla· hour−1 as the pH was raised from 7.5 to 8.8. Net excretion within this range decreased slightly. Calculation of total primary production using a numerical model showed that whereas 225.8 g C·m−2 was photosynthetically fixed between 12 May and 24 August 1982, a maximum of about 9.3 g C·m−2 was released extracellularly.
International publication trends in the traumatic stress literature

This analysis looked at international publication trends in the field of trauma by examining first author affiliations of over 13,000 trauma publications from 1987 to 2001. Searches were conducted using the Published International Literature on Traumatic Stress (PILOTS) database to determine frequency of international contributions. A similar search of the Journal of Traumatic Stress (JTS) was also conducted. Although the majority of trauma research comes from investigators in North America, examining publication trends over time revealed that trauma research is becoming increasingly international in its representation. Results suggest that of the overall trauma literature, 36% of contributions come from authors outside North America. Likewise, among JTS publications over the first 14 years of circulation, 27% came from authors outside North America. More recent publication years reflect higher levels of international contributions for both sources. The majority of trauma research published over the 15-year span was in English. Implications for the field of traumatic stress research are discussed.
Man-made and natural smog in California

Abstract The radiocarbon content in creosote bush in the greater Los Angeles area has been found to reflect the distribution of smog. Indications are that smog in the even larger air basin of the San Joaquin Valley of California may be caused in part by recent biospheric emissions rather than by fossil fuel combustion alone.
Revisiting the ERK/Src cortactin switch.

The filamentous (F)-actin regulatory protein cortactin plays an important role in tumor cell movement and invasion by promoting and stabilizing actin related protein (Arp)2/3-mediated actin networks necessary for plasma membrane protrusion. Cortactin is a substrate for ERK1/2 and Src family kinases, with previous in vitro findings demonstrating ERK1/2 phosphorylation of cortactin as a positive and Src phosphorylation as a negative regulatory event in promoting Arp2/3 activation through neuronal Wiskott Aldrich Syndrome protein (N-WASp). Evidence for this regulatory cortactin “switch” in cells has been hampered due to the lack of phosphorylation-specific antibodies that recognize ERK1/2-phosphorylated cortactin. Our findings with phosphorylation-specific antibodies against these ERK1/2 sites (pS405 and pS418) indicate that cortactin can be co-phosphorylated at 405/418 and tyrosine residues targeted by Src family tyrosine kinases. These results indicate that the ERK/Src cortactin switch is not the sole mech...
Opportunity-centered software development

The position of this paper is that it is worthwhile to invest now in use-inspired fundamental research and development leading to a new class of software development environments and methods, in which software investment opportunities (in addition to software capabilities) are modeled and analyzed explicitly, in support of a dynamic investment management approach to software development decision making. Theoretical work in this area has progressed far enough, and at the same time the cost of converting theory to practice has been radically reduced by advances in software development environment technology. The potential payoff on such an investment is a significantly improved capability for both engineers and executives to see, value, and exploit flexibility in software products, projects and processes, leading to significant improvements in decision making and thus in software design productivity.
Energy-efficient clustering in lossy wireless sensor networks

Recent experimental studies have revealed that a large percentage of wireless links are lossy and unreliable for data delivery in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Such findings raise new challenges for the design of clustering algorithms in WSNs in terms of data reliability and energy efficiency. In this paper, we propose distributed clustering algorithms for lossy WSNs with a mobile collector, where the mobile collector moves close to each cluster head to receive data directly and then uploads collected data to the base station. We first consider constructing one-hop clusters in lossy WSNs where all cluster members are within the direct communication range of their cluster heads. We formulate the problem into an integer program, aiming at maximizing the network lifetime, which is defined as the number of rounds of data collection until the first node dies. We then prove that the problem is NP-hard. After that, we propose a metric-based distributed clustering algorithm to solve the problem. We adopt a metric called selection weight for each sensor node that indicates both link qualities around the node and its capability of being a cluster head. We further extend the algorithm to multi-hop clustering to achieve better scalability. We have found out that the performance of the one-hop clustering algorithm in small WSNs is very close to the optimal results obtained by mathematical tools. We have conducted extensive simulations for large WSNs and the results demonstrate that the proposed clustering algorithms can significantly improve the data reception ratio, reduce the total energy consumption in the network and prolong network lifetime compared to a typical distributed clustering algorithm, HEED, that does not consider lossy links.
Gender differences in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Objective: To determine whether there are differences between men and women patients who have chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and, if so, to ascertain whether a gender-related pattern exists. Design: A descriptive study of demographic, clinical, and psychosocial measures, the results of which were prospectively collected for patients who had CFS. Setting: A university-based referral clinic devoted to the evaluation and management of chronic fatigue. Patients: 348 CFS patients who had undergone complete medical evaluations. Measures: Clinical variables included symptoms, physical examination findings, and laboratory results. Psychosocial assessment consisted of a structured psychiatric interview, the Medical Outcomes Study Shortform General Health Survey to assess functional status, the General Health Questionnaire to ascertain psychological distress, the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control, and measures of attribution, social support, and coping. Main results: Overall, few gender-related differences were identified. Women had a higher frequency of tender or enlarged lymph nodes (60% versus 33%, p≤0.01) and fibromyalgia (36% versus 12%, p≤0.001) and lower scores on the physical functioning subscale of the Medical Outcomes Study Short-form General Health Survey (37.6 versus 52.2, p<0.01); men more often had pharyngeal inflammation (42% versus 22%, p≤0.001) and reported a higher lifetime prevalence of alcoholism (20% versus 9%, p≤0.01). Conclusions: In general, demographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors do not distinguish men from women CFS patients.
Stabilization of Rigid Systems Containing Aromatic Polyester Polyol and Water

With the phase-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbon blowing agents at hand, a challenge facing polyester polyol producers is providing products to the polyurethane industry suitable for use with next generation blowing agents. New products must produce foams with an excellent balance of properties and concurrently maintain cost-effectiveness. As the choices of the alternative blowing agents post HCFC-141b become more defined, it is apparent that higher levels of water in formulations will be an important choice for formulators for reducing cost and reducing the use of flammable blowing agents. A menacing problem for suppliers of systems containing water is the reaction stability as it relates to aging and/or storage. In this paper, the role of various components of the polyol resin (including aromatic polyester polyols, catalyst and flame retardant) in the reaction stability of HC- and HFC-blown rigid foam systems will be presented. Recommendations for stabilizing rigid foam systems containing aromatic polyester polyol and water will be provided.
Cue-based equivalence classes and incremental discrimination for multi-cue recognition of “interactionable” objects

There is a subset of objects for which interaction can provide numerous cues to those objects' identity. Robots are often in situations where they can take advantage being able to observe humans interacting with the objects. In this paper, we define this subset of ‘interactionable’ objects for which we use our Multiple-Cue Object Recognition algorithm (MCOR) to take advantage of using multiple cues. We present two main contributions: 1) the introduction of cue-driven equivalence class discrimination, and 2) the integration of this technique, the general MCOR algorithm, and a hierarchical activity recognition algorithm also presented in this paper, demonstrated on data taken from a static Sony QRIO robot observing a human interacting with objects. The hierarchical activity recognition provides an important cue for the object recognition.
Simulation of capacitive array sensors using finite and infinite elements

The response of capacitive array sensors in the presence of flawed solid materials is simulated using finite elements and infinite elements with exponential decay. Conventional finite elements are used to model the critical regions near the probe and the surface of the solid. Infinite elements are used to represent the farfield conditions of the space surrounding the probe and the solid. The method is first applied to problems with analytic solutions to determine the accuracy of the results obtained using the infinite elements. The response of a capacitive array sensor is then simulated using a line integral which measures the relative change in admittance between flawed and unflawed solids. Examples of capacitive probe responses are given for several parametric variations of the flaw size and dielectric constant of the solid.
Unilateral renal denervation improves autonomic balance in conscious rabbits with chronic heart failure

A hallmark of chronic heart failure (CHF) is an increased sympathetic tone resulting in autonomic imbalance. Renal denervation (DNx) in CHF patients has resulted in symptomatic improvement, but the protective mechanisms remain unclear. We hypothesized in CHF, unilateral renal DNx would improve cardiac autonomic balance. The present study used conscious, chronically instrumented New Zealand White rabbits undergoing renal DNx prior to pacing-induced CHF. Four treatment groups were used: nonpace, non-DNx [Sham-Innervated (Sham-INV)], nonpace DNx (sham-DNx), pace non-DNx (CHF-INV) or pace DNx (CHF-DNx). We examined several markers indicative of autonomic balance. Baroreflex sensitivity and time domain heart rate variability (HRV) were both decreased in the CHF-INV group compared with sham-INV and were restored to sham levels by renal DNx. Power spectral analysis indicated an increase in low-frequency/high-frequency (LF/HF) ratio in the CHF-INV compared with the sham-INV, which was normalized to sham levels by DNx. To assess whether this was due to a withdrawal of sympathetic tone or an increase in parasympathetic tone, the heart rate response was measured after an intravenous bolus of metoprolol or atropine. Bradycardia induced by intravenous metoprolol (indicative of cardiac sympathetic tone) was exacerbated in CHF-INV rabbits compared with sham-INV but was normalized in CHF-DNx. Conversely, the tachycardia in response to intravenous atropine (indicative of cardiac vagal tone) was not improved in CHF-DNx vs. CHF-INV animals. Renal DNx also prevented the increase in circulating plasma NE seen in CHF-INV rabbits. These results suggest renal DNx improves cardiac autonomic balance in CHF by a reduction of sympathetic tone.
Democracy and filtering

The Web gives us the ability to filter out unwanted noise and to create our own personal echo chambers---but democracy itself means each of us should be exposed to new topics and contrary opinions.
DNA-barcode directed capture and electrochemical metabolic analysis of single mammalian cells on a microelectrode array.

A microdevice is developed for DNA-barcode directed capture of single cells on an array of pH-sensitive microelectrodes for metabolic analysis. Cells are modified with membrane-bound single-stranded DNA, and specific single-cell capture is directed by the complementary strand bound in the sensor area of the iridium oxide pH microelectrodes within a microfluidic channel. This bifunctional microelectrode array is demonstrated for the pH monitoring and differentiation of primary T cells and Jurkat T lymphoma cells. Single Jurkat cells exhibited an extracellular acidification rate of 11 milli-pH min−1, while primary T cells exhibited only 2 milli-pH min−1. This system can be used to capture non-adherent cells specifically and to discriminate between visually similar healthy and cancerous cells in a heterogeneous ensemble based on their altered metabolic properties.
Biodegradable thermoplastic polyurethanes incorporating polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane.

A new hybrid thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) system that incorporates an organic, biodegradable poly(d,l-lactide) soft block with a hard block bearing the inorganic polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane (POSS) moiety is introduced and studied. Changes in the polyol composition made through variation of the hydrophilic initiator molecular weight show direct control of the final transition temperatures. Incorporating POSS into the hard segments allows for excellent elasticity above Tg, as evidenced with dynamic mechanical analysis, not seen in most other biodegradable materials. This elasticity is attributed to physical cross-links formed in the hard block through POSS crystallization, as revealed with wide-angle X-ray diffraction. Increasing the POSS incorporation level in the TPU hard block was observed to increase crystallinity and also the rigidity of the material. The highest incorporation, using a statistical average of three POSS units per hard block, demonstrated one-way shape memory with excellent shape ...
Resonance behavior of liquid bridges under axial and lateral oscillating total body forces

Cylindrical liquid bridges that are magnetically levitated in air against gravity are subjected to either axial or lateral oscillations of the total body force. It was found that the frequency of the first resonance peak is maximum when the total body force is zero and decreases with increasing total body force for both axial and lateral oscillations. The experimental results for the axially symmetric case are compared to theoretical calculations using the one-dimensional slice model.
Conversational Universals and Comparative Theory: Turning to Swedish and American Acknowledgment Tokens in Interaction

Conversational universals and comparative theory: Turning to Swedish and American acknowledgment tokens in interaction.
Cross-sectional echocardiography: A window on congestive heart failure in the elderly

The value and limits of ultrasonic cardiac imaging in elderly patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) are not yet fully known. We report the results of an echocardiographic survey on 154 consecutive elderly persons with chronic CHF. The aim of this study was to establish the feasibility and the diagnostic yield of echocardiography in this population, and the relationship, if any, between left ventricular systolic function and main clinical parameters. Satisfactory cardiac imaging was achieved in 118 patients (77%). All patients had abnormal echocardiograms, although no single abnormal finding was present in all the cases. Echocardiography (ECHO) confirmed 147 previously diagnosed CHFs, and further detected a silent coronary artery disease in 26 cases, a valvular disease in 22, and an atrial septal defect in one patient. The most frequent findings were left ventricular (LV) mass increase and dilation (70% and 68%, respectively), and mostly degenerative valvular disease (40%). The LV ejection fraction was within normal limits in 44% of the cases. Although a depressed LV systolic function was more common among patients in III or IV NYHA class, no clinical parameters could identify the 52 patients with normal ejection fraction. Thus, ECHO could play a key role in evaluating CHF in elderly patients. In these patients, due to misleading signs and symptoms, and to multiple CHF etiologies, basic structural and functional features are frequently missed by clinical investigation, chest x-ray and electrocardiography. (Aging 3: 257–262, 1991)
THE WORK OF WAITING: Love and Money in Korean Chinese Transnational Migration

During the past two decades, Yanbian, the Korean Chinese Autonomous Prefecture on the border with North Korea, has been dominated by the so-called Korean Wind, a massive Korean Chinese transnational labor migration to South Korea. Korean Chinese have undertaken this migration as a response to the onset of privatization in China. In so doing, they have built an economy and culture based on remittances sent back by family members working in South Korea. The ethnographic focus in this essay is on those who are waiting for remittances or the return of their loved ones, processes that are conditioned by visa constraints and economic needs. I argue that waiting, for love or money, is unwaged affective work that generates not only a financial safety net but also a binding force between the separated parties. I also argue that waiting as an act of love is eventually transformed into a form of labor that requires managing flows of money, and thereby remakes the expectations and realities of spousal relationships. My ethnography of waiting, which describes betrayals as well as appreciative partners, elaborates on the experiences of those who do not actually migrate but who nonetheless function as key agents sustaining one pole of migration. The work of waiting enables mobility and provides a foundation to migratory circulations.
Human Symbol Manipulation within an Integrated Cognitive Architecture.

This article describes the Adaptive Control of Thought–Rational (ACT–R) cognitive architecture (Anderson et al., 2004; Anderson & Lebiere, 1998) and its detailed application to the learning of algebraic symbol manipulation. The theory is applied to modeling the data from a study by Qin, Anderson, Silk, Stenger, & Carter (2004) in which children learn to solve linear equations and perfect their skills over a 6-day period. Functional MRI data show that: (a) a motor region tracks the output of equation solutions, (b) a prefrontal region tracks the retrieval of declarative information, (c) a parietal region tracks the transformation of mental representations of the equation, (d) an anterior cingulate region tracks the setting of goal information to control the information flow, and (e) a caudate region tracks the firing of productions in the ACT–R model. The article concludes with an architectural comparison of the competence children display in this task and the competence that monkeys have shown in tasks that require manipulations of sequences of elements.
BURIAL AND CONTACT METAMORPHISM IN THE MANCOS SHALE

Clay samples from shales and bentonites in the Mancos Shale (Cretaceous) and its stratigraphic equivalents in the southern Rocky Mountain and Colorado Plateau have been analyzed by X-ray powder diffraction methods. The major clay in the shales is mixed layered illite/smectite, with 20-60% illite layers. The regional distribution of ordered vs. random interstratification in the illite/smectite is consistent with the concept of burial metamorphism in which smectite intedayers are converted to illite, resulting finally in ordered interstratification. The interstratification data correlate with other geologic information, includ- ing rank of coal and Laramide tectonic activity. In addition, contact metamorphism of the shale by Tertiary igneous intrusions produced a similar clay suite. Chemical variation within these shales (particularly the presence or absence of carbonate) affected the clay conversion reactions in the interbedded bentonites and the shale itself during the early stages of transformation. In extreme cases, shales and bentonites from a single outcrop may contain clays that range from pure smectite (calcareous shales) to ordered illite/smectite containing/>50% illite layers (noncalcareous shales). The use of mixed-layered illite/smectite compositions to infer thermal regimes, therefore, may be misleading unless allowance is made for local chemical controls.
Organ Pathology in the Absence of Bacteria

To the Editor—In the article by Reddy et al [1], a mutant of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is described that causes severe pathology in several organs of infected guinea pigs without any detectable bacteria. Here, we provide an alternative explanation for this observation without evoking homeopathy.
Prosthetic heart valves and annuloplasty rings: assessment of magnetic field interactions, heating, and artifacts at 1.5 Tesla.

The purpose of this study was to determine the magnetic resonance (MR) safety aspects and artifacts for three different heart valve prostheses and two different annuloplasty rings that have not bee...
Relationships of online exhaled, offline exhaled, and ambient nitric oxide in an epidemiologic survey of schoolchildren

Relationships of online exhaled, offline exhaled, and ambient nitric oxide in an epidemiologic survey of schoolchildren
Attitude change in a human sexuality course that de-emphasizes small group activities

The attitudes of second-year medical students were measured to determine if positive attitude changes could be obtained in a human sexuality course that de-emphasized small group activities. Students were given a semantic differential instrument and were asked to rate four concepts related to human sexuality: (a) my sexuality, (b) masturbation, (c) homosexuality, and (d) my role in understanding sexual problems. Significant changes in student attitudes were reported at the 0x05 level for the concept, my sexuality; at the 0x01 level for the concept, my role in understanding sexual problems; and at the 0x001 level for the concepts, homosexuality and masturbation. Females had more positive attitudes (P < 0x001), pre and post, towards homosexuality than did males. No significant differences were found between married and single students.
Femoral Suspension Devices for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Do Adjustable Loops Lengthen

Background:Cortical suspension devices are commonly used for femoral graft fixation during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructive surgery. Adjustable-length fixation devices provide technical advantages over fixed-length loops but may be more susceptible to lengthening during cyclic loading.Hypothesis:Both fixed-length and adjustable-length femoral cortical suspension devices would withstand ultimate loads greater than those normally experienced by the native ACL and would prevent clinically significant lengthening during prolonged cyclic loading.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:Mechanical testing was performed on 3 ACL graft cortical suspensory devices by use of an extended cyclic loading (4500 cycles at 10-250 N) and pull-to-failure protocol. Two adjustable-length devices were additionally tested with the free suture ends tied.Results:Total displacement after 4500 cycles of tensioning at variable loads (expressed as mean ± SD) was 42.45 mm (±7.01 mm) for the Arthrex TightRope RT...
MCAK and paclitaxel have differential effects on spindle microtubule organization and dynamics.

Within the mitotic spindle, there are multiple populations of microtubules with different turnover dynamics, but how these different dynamics are maintained is not fully understood. MCAK is a member of the kinesin-13 family of microtubule-destabilizing enzymes that is required for proper establishment and maintenance of the spindle. Using quantitative immunofluorescence and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, we compared the differences in spindle organization caused by global suppression of microtubule dynamics, by treating cells with low levels of paclitaxel, versus specific perturbation of spindle microtubule subsets by MCAK inhibition. Paclitaxel treatment caused a disruption in spindle microtubule organization marked by a significant increase in microtubules near the poles and a reduction in K-fiber fluorescence intensity. This was correlated with a faster t1/2 of both spindle and K-fiber microtubules. In contrast, MCAK inhibition caused a dramatic reorganization of spindle microtubules with a significant increase in astral microtubules and reduction in K-fiber fluorescence intensity, which correlated with a slower t1/2 of K-fibers but no change in the t1/2 of spindle microtubules. Our data support the model that MCAK perturbs spindle organization by acting preferentially on a subset of microtubules, and they support the overall hypothesis that microtubule dynamics is differentially regulated in the spindle.
Durkheim and Merton on Anomie: An Unexplored Contrast and Its Derivatives

Combining the anomie theories of Durkheim and Merton yields: anomie prevents anomie. This incoherence indicates that the theorists cannot be referencing the same phenomenon. Differences are pursued in the assumptions and orientations of the two theorists, particularly the ontological status of deviance, the role it plays in the health of society and the sense in which it is normal, the nature of a crisis, the formal relationship between deviance and anomie, and the similarities in theoretical outcomes to those of common sense reasoning. Durkheim s theory emerges as more compatible with labeling theory, ethnomethodology, and contemporary social problems theory than with American functionalism. Merton s theorizing emerges as an empirical example of Durkheimian ritual anomie prevention practices.
Singular controls in systems describing tumor anti-angiogenesis

Anti-angiogenic therapy is a novel treatment approach for cancer that aims at preventing a tumor from developing its own blood supply system that it needs for growth. Since it does not target cancer cells, but healthy cells instead, it is not prone to developing drug resistance, the main obstacle to successful cancer chemotherapy. In this paper a class of systems for anti-angiogenic treatments is considered as optimal control problems and the optimality of singular controls is analyzed.
Integrative tobacco cessation: A survey assessing past quit strategies and future interest.

Abstract Purpose Tobacco cessation remains a public health priority. Unassisted quits are most common despite evidence for a combination of guideline-recommended strategies. This paper reports findings from a pilot study designed to assess past quit strategies and tobacco users’ receptiveness to using an integrative clinic that offers both conventional and alternative treatments for future cessation attempts. Methods Participants were recruited from a pool of individuals reporting for jury duty. Paper–pencil surveys assessed smoking, past cessation behaviors, and interest in use of the integrative clinic which offers both conventional and alternative treatments. Current and former smokers ( n = 304) returned surveys. Results Using multivariate logistic regression, past physiological quit strategies, past behavioral quit strategies, and use of multiple quit strategies increased agreement with interest in future use of an integrative clinic option. Additionally, there is support for the notion that if such a clinic were offered, smokers may be inclined to use this resource for a future quit attempt. Conclusions An integrative clinic option for tobacco cessation may encourage smokers to try to quit, especially for those who have used varied cessation strategies in the past. Motivating smokers to use a combined approach for tobacco cessation is a potential future direction for tobacco cessation treatment. Developing and testing an integrative approach may support this effort.
Life-Cycle Assessment of Bio-Fuel Production Using Syngas from Biomass

This study conducts a life-cycle assessment (LCA) for a gasification process that converts wood biomass into various biofuels. The analysis is based on the mass balance and input/output of the two steps of the 10-ton biofuel production per day. By using OpenLCA, an open-source licensed LCA software package, and the NREL and databases, this LCA shows that the system producing the syngas from biomass has very similar emissions to natural gas and the gasification process is the one with the major impact potential.
THE ROLE OF DESERT SHRUB SIZE AND SPACING ON WIND PROFILE PARAMETERS

Wind flow above desert surfaces is modified by shrubs, which slow the wind by friction. This study examines the effect of shrub size and spacing on the shape of wind profiles measured above shrubs at sites in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. The profile data were reduced to determine the values of the profile parameters, which are the zero plane displacement, d, and aerodynamic roughness parameter, z0. The results show that d is above the tops of the shrubs and z0 is small, indicating that the wind is effectively skimming over the shrubs and encountering little friction from the ground surface and the shrubs. No discernible pattern in the variation of d with shrub spacing is found, though z0 decreases with shrub spacing in a manner consistent with previous studies.
Effect of Blinking upon Reaction-Time Measures

Abstract The possible effects of normal involuntary blinking upon reaction time measures were investigated through a comparison of blink rates and the incidence of blinking in relation to preparatory signal, response signal, and the subject's response. Analysis of the data revealed that: (1) the frequency of blinking was markedly decreased during reaction time responses, (2) blinking was generally inhibited between presentation of the preparatory signal and the subject's response, and (3) blinks coincided with presentation of the response signal in only 0.1 per cent of the cases. The results indicated that blinking has little effect upon reaction time measures.
Differences between Cephalothin and Newer Parenterally Absorbed Cephalosporins in Vitro: A Justification for Separate Disks

The activities of cefamandole and cefoxitin in vitro were compared with that of cephalothin against staphylococci and gram-negative bacilli. Cephalothin was the most active agent against staphylococci. Cefamandole exhibited the greatest activity against the Enterobacteriaceae, with the exceptions of Serratia marcescens and indolepositive Proteeae, against which cefoxitin was the most active antibiotic. The activity of newer cephalosporins that are resistant to the /3-lactamases of gram-negative bacteria renders untenable the status of cephalothin as the class representative of the cephalosporins for susceptibility testing. The advent of several newer, parenterally absorbed cephalosporins with various degrees of resistance to /3-lactamases of gram-negative bacteria has considerable impact on the role that cephalothin has served as the class representative of the cephalosporins for in vitro susceptibility testing. The purpose of this report is to examine the differences between the activities of cephalothin, cefamandole, and cefoxitin in vitro and to try to formulate a rational approach to the susceptibility testing of these newer agents.
Some Biological Observations of the Adults of the Apple Maggot and the Cherry Fruitflies

Incidental to some toxicological studies reported elsewhere (Middlekauff & Hansberry, 1941) there was an excellent opportunity to make interesting notes on the biology of the adults of the apple maggot, Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh), and the cherry fruitflies, Rhagoletis fausta (O. S.), and Rhagoletis cingulata (Loew).
Postmodern Anxiety: The Politics of Epistemology

My programmatic postmodern polemic, "The End of Sociological Theory," received four provocative replies. Lemert and Richardson are clearly friends of the postmodern intervention. They each advance their own novel theses, and their contributions merit a close reading on their own terms. I trust that readers will consult their essays to find variant concepts of a postmodern social inquiry. Given the intended audience of this discussion-a sociological theory crowd either ignorant or anxious about post-modernism-I have decided to focus my reply on clarifying the social meaning of postmodernism and further articulating its significance, as I see it, for sociology. Accordingly I will attend at least to the key objections raised by Alexander and Antonio, whereas I must wait for another occasion to address the postmodern variations offered by Lemert and Richardson.
Endoscopic repair of laryngeal cleft

Laryngeal cleft (LC) is a rare congenital malformation of the posterior larynx. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion because type 1 clefts, which are the most common, can be easily overlooked by the endoscopist. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment of LC are essential to prevent permanent pulmonary injury. Presenting symptoms include aspiration, cough, recurrent pneumonia, and dysphagia, with a wide range of severity. A trial of feeding therapy remains the management of choice for type 1 LC. When conservative measures fail, the next step in management is surgical repair. Endoscopic repair of LC is a well-tolerated and a reliable approach that considerably reduces perioperative and postoperative morbidity in type 1, type 2, and select type 3 LCs. In this article, we describe the endoscopic management of LCs, highlighting surgical pearls necessary for success.
Analysis of Pathogens and Drug Resistance in 674 Cases of Neonatal Sepsis

Objective:To investigate pathogenic characteristics in neonatal sepsis and the production of bacterial resistant enzymes and its relevance to antibiotics application so as to provide evidence for early and clear diagnosis of clinical pathogens and rational use of antibiotics.Methods: The blood of the 5 350 fever cases at the Neonatology Ward over the past 12 years was collected for bacterial culture,susceptibility analysis and detection of drug resistant enzymes were carried out,and antibiotics application prior to the sample collection was also reviewed.Results: Out of the 5 350 blood samples,674 stains were detected(a positive rate of 12.6 %),Gram-negative bacilli(155 strains) accounting for 23.0 % and Gram-positive cocci(504 strains) accounting for 74.8 %.Staphylococcus epidermidis,Staphylococcus haemolyticus,Aeromonas malt aeruginosa,Staphylococcus,Klebsiella pneumoniae,Escherichia coli,Acinetobacter and Enterococcus faecalis were the eight most common pathogens.Gram-positive cocci demonstrated a strong resistance to penicillin,piperacillin and oxacillin and was 100 % sensitive to vancomycin;resistance of Gram-negative bacilli to ampicillin,piperacillin and cefuroxime was high and their susceptibility to imipenem and third-generation cephalosporins was evident.Compared with the infected neonates who were without bacteria-induced resistant enzymes,those with such enzymes showed a higher rate of antibiotics application before the detection(X2=6.55,P0.05),and the difference was more significant with the application of third-generation cephalosporins(X2=12.17,P0.005).Conclusion: Staphylococcus epidermidis and non-fermentative bacteria are main pathogens in neonatal sepsis and there is an upward trend with Staphylococcus haemolyticus.Bacterial detection of various specimens shall be strengthened to prevent sepsis and reduce the emergence of resistant strains.
Discussion on upgrading mode for Shaoxing textile industrial cluster based on global value chain

Based on the analytic framework of global value chain(GVC) and a review of the classic documents concerning GVC and industrial clusters,this paper proposes four upgrading modes for industrial clusters,that is,technical mode,market mode,link mode and overall mode and three upgrading paths,that is,technology and market two-way driven,cut-in at the key node by enterprises and creation of regional brands.This paper empirically studies how to choose the upgrading mode and path using Shaoxing textile industry cluster as example.The research indicates that upgrading of an industrial cluster in GVC is a dynamic and systematic engineering.which upgrading mode and path should be chosen depends on the conditions of individual region and industry.Upgrading of an industrial cluster should interact and merge with the local professional market to achieve cut-in at a high notch and climbing up along GVC continuously.
Evidence-Based, Reality-Driven Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines: The Critical Relationship of Adherence to Effectiveness.

This Viewpoint discusses the need to account for clinician and patient adherence to colorectal cancer screening recommendations and barriers to implementation of screening programs in the choice of which tests to recommend in screening guidelines
Maximality, Groundedness, and Closed World Inference

Because we think of feature structures as representing partial information, the question immediately arises as to whether the notion of total information makes sense in this framework and if so, what its relation to partial information might be. Our notions of “total” information in this chapter are decidedly relative in the sense that they are only defined with respect to a fixed type inheritance hierarchy and fixed appropriateness conditions. Before tackling the more complicated case of feature structures, we consider the first-order terms. First-order terms can be ordered by subsumption. The maximal elements in this ordering are the ground terms, a ground term being simply a term without variables. It is well known that the semantics of logic programming systems and even first-order logic can be characterized by restricting attention to the collection of ground terms, the so-called Herbrand Universe . The reason this is true is that every first-order term is equivalent to the meet of the collection of its ground extensions (Reynolds 1970). Thus any first-order term is uniquely determined by its ground extensions. It is also interesting to note that as a corollary, a term subsumes a second term just in case its set of ground instantiations is strictly larger than the set of ground instantiations of the second term. In this chapter, we consider whether or not we can derive equivalent results for feature structures. One motivation for deriving such results is that they make life much easier when it comes time to characterize the behavior of feature structure unification-based phrase structure grammars and logic programming systems. Unfortunately, we achieve only limited success.
Optimization in Simulation

Mathematical models play an important role in the description and analysis of data. In the study of biological, physical, and social systems, complex mathematical models arise. Only through computer simulations is an understanding of these models possible. The development of a model for a given system requires the use of the available knowledge of the system and the specification of objectives of the study. To model the system, mathematical language is usually used. The performance of the proposed model is studied through simulations. The actual information available from the system under study is used to validate the proposed model. Optimization techniques are required in the validation of models. These are used in specification of the model, estimating the parameters of the model, and then in model validation. Simulation is mathematical experimentation on the computer. In the design of simulation experiments, usual rules of good experimental design are needed. Optimization is also needed not only for minimizing computer time but also for using optimal experiments.