cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of information and coping style on the reduction of phobic anxiety during exposure

Abstract Findings from previous research with subjects undergoing aversive medical procedures has shown an interaction between coping style and the amount of information provided about the procedure. The present study extended this work to specific phobics and tested the hypothesis that “monitors” (information seekers) who received relevant information about their phobia and its treatment would improve more with exposure treatment than those who received irrelevant information; conversely, “blunters” (information avoiders) who were given irrelevant information would improve more than those who received relevant information. The role of process variables (baseline arousal, reactivity, and habituation within- and between-sessions) which have previously been found to be related to outcome with exposure was also examined. Twenty-seven animal phobic community volunteers were divided into monitors and blunters. Half of each group was given information relevant to their feared animal and to the treatment they would receive while the other half was given irrevelant information. All subjects completed two 45-minute sessions of exposure to their feared animal. Self-r report, behavioral, and physiological measures of outcome were obtained. Results indicated that all subjects improved and that matching subjects on type of information and coping style did not affect outcome. Although blunters evidenced less subjective and physiological arousal before exposure than monitors did, groups did not differ in degree of behavioral improvement, levels of reactivity to phobic stimuli, or physiological habituation within sessions. However, monitors showed greater habituation of subjective anxiety within sessions and greater habituation of physiological arousal across sessions. These findings are discussed in light of attention to phobic cues and processing of exposure information.
The three-dimensional vestibulo-ocular reflex evoked by high-acceleration rotations in the squirrel monkey

The aim of this study was to determine if the angular vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) in response to pitch, roll, left anterior–right posterior (LARP), and right anterior–left posterior (RALP) head rotations exhibited the same linear and nonlinear characteristics as those found in the horizontal VOR. Three-dimensional eye movements were recorded with the scleral search coil technique. The VOR in response to rotations in five planes (horizontal, vertical, torsional, LARP, and RALP) was studied in three squirrel monkeys. The latency of the VOR evoked by steps of acceleration in darkness (3,000°/s2 reaching a velocity of 150°/s) was 5.8±1.7 ms and was the same in response to head rotations in all five planes of rotation. The gain of the reflex during the acceleration was 36.7±15.4% greater than that measured at the plateau of head velocity. Polynomial fits to the trajectory of the response show that eye velocity is proportional to the cube of head velocity in all five planes of rotation. For sinusoidal rotations of 0.5–15 Hz with a peak velocity of 20°/s, the VOR gain did not change with frequency (0.74±0.06, 0.74±0.07, 0.37±0.05, 0.69±0.06, and 0.64±0.06, for yaw, pitch, roll, LARP, and RALP respectively). The VOR gain increased with head velocity for sinusoidal rotations at frequencies ≥4 Hz. For rotational frequencies ≥4 Hz, we show that the vertical, torsional, LARP, and RALP VORs have the same linear and nonlinear characteristics as the horizontal VOR. In addition, we show that the gain, phase and axis of eye rotation during LARP and RALP head rotations can be predicted once the pitch and roll responses are characterized.
The new trypanosomatid genetics

The recent development of transfection systems for trypanosomatids has removed a major obstacle to research and provides an important tool for the biochemist, immunologist and molecular biologist. Obtaining expression of a foreign gene in a trypanosomatid has been difficult. In this review, Vivian Bellofatto describes the problems and pitfalls of the process and final successes achieved.
Data mining on the cell broadband engine

The STI Cell Broadband Engine architecture represents an interesting design point along the spectrum of chipsets with multiple processing elements. In this article we investigate key mining tasks such as clustering, classification, anomaly detection and PageRank on the Cell along the axes of performance, programming complexity and algorithm design. As part of our comparative analysis we juxtapose these algorithms with similar ones implemented on state-of-the-art uniprocessor and multicore architectures. For the workloads that are more oating point intensive, and where data is accessed in a streaming fashion the Cell processor is up to seven times faster than competing technologies, when the underlying algorithm uses the hardware efficiently.However, when required to write in a non-streaming fashion, as with PageRank, the processor is up to twenty times slower than competing processors. An outcome of our benchmark study, beyond the results on these particular algorithms is that we answer several higher level questions, which are designed to provide a fast and reliable estimate to application designers for how well other workloads will scale on the Cell.
Social support, world assumptions, and exposure as predictors of anxiety and quality of life following a mass trauma

This study examined the influence of a mass trauma (the Virginia Tech campus shootings) on anxiety symptoms and quality of life, as well as the potential vulnerability/protective roles of world assumptions and social support. Pre-trauma adjustment data, collected in the six months prior to the shooting, was examined along with two-month post-shooting data in a sample of 298 female students enrolled at the university at the time of the shootings. Linear regression analyses revealed consistent predictive roles for world assumptions pertaining to control and self-worth as well as family support. In addition, for those more severely exposed to the shooting, greater belief in a lack of control over outcomes appeared to increase vulnerability for post-trauma physiological and emotional anxiety symptoms. Implications of the results for research and intervention following mass trauma are discussed.
The influence of farming systems and practices on the evolution of the cotton-boll weevil agroecosystem in the Americas — a review

Abstract It is only in the last 90 years that the boll weevil has become a key pest of cotton in the Americas. There is no historical record of any serious boll weevil damage to cotton prior to 1867, although cotton has been cultivated for at least 7000 years in Middle America, and adult boll weevil remains, dated to 900 A.D., have been recovered from Oaxaca, Mexico. Cotton and the boll weevil probably originated, evolved and diversified in southern Mexico and Guatemala. Traditional Mayan agricultural systems and practices, such as the use of polycultures, intercropping, effective and continual crop rotation, short- and long-term fallowing, destruction of crop residues, use of cotton varieties with boll weevil resistance, and diffusion and usage of diverse cotton varieties promoted greater agroecosystem complexity and stability, and helped maintain the boll weevil as an occasional or very minor pest. The change in farming systems and practices to an increased usage of extensive monocultures, crop and genetic uniformity, lack of effective and continuous crop rotation, and absence of consistent and varied preventive cultural control practices in the late 19th and early 20th centuries is proposed to be primarily responsible for the emergence of a more aggressive boll weevil, and its elevation from an occasional to a key pest of cotton in the Americas.
Extracutaneous mycosis fungoides

The clinical course of 40 patients with histologically documented extracutaneous mycosis fungoides (ECMF) was reviewed. Thirty one patients had documentation of nodal disease only (Stage IVA). Nine patients had histologic evidence of visceral involvement (Stage IVB). A wide variety of topical, regional and/or systemic therapies were used in the management of these patients. The median survival for the entire group was 14.5 months. Eleven patients (28%) obtained a complete response (CR) and had a median survival of 21 months as compared with 8 months among 29 patients not obtaining a CR. One patient is without evidence of disease (NED) at 10 years. Multiple prognostic factors were examined with respect to survival. Prognostic factors found to be significant at the P = 0.05 level included ECMF at presentation of skin disease (versus at the time of relapse), the ability to achieve a CR, and management incorporating the use of topical therapy, especially electron beam treatment. Tabulation of all trials of chemotherpay either at diagnosis of ECMF or subsequently revealed that cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisone (CVP) and cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone, and bleomycin (COP-Bleo) were the most effective chemotherapeutic combinations. In a multivariate analysis with survival as the endpoint, the best model consisted of only two covariates: (1) ECMF at presentation of skin disease, and (2) the use of topical therapy. Other covariates found not to be significant at the P = 0.05 level included age, gender, clinical extent of cutaneous and extracutaneous disease, Stage IVA versus Stage IVB disease, the presence of Sezary cells in the peripheral blood smear, and management incorporating the use of systemic therapy.
Spectrally resolved three pulse photon echoes in the vibrational infrared

Abstract Spectrally resolved vibrational photon echo measurements of the N 3 − ion in D 2 O and carbonmonoxy hemoglobin in D 2 O have been made using 100 fs infrared pulses in the 1800–2100 cm −1 region. These measurements allow the separation of contributions from different Feynman pathways to the echo signal, allowing comparisons of the time dependence and correlation functions for the 1–0 and 2–1 coherence terms. The spectra show good agreement with a theoretical description of the data fitted to previously determined multiexponential correlation functions. Fluctuations in the anharmonicity are found to be negligible for HbCO when the harmonic vibrational relaxation model is used.
Nitro and Amino Substitution in the D-Ring of 5-(2-Dimethylaminoethyl)- 2,3-methylenedioxy-5H-dibenzo[c,h][1,6]naphthyridin-6-ones: Effect on Topoisomerase-I Targeting Activity and Cytotoxicity

5H-8,9-Dimethoxy-5-(2-N,N-dimethylaminoethyl)-2,3-methylenedioxydibenzo[c,h][1,6]naphthyridin-6-one exhibits potent TOP1-targeting activity and pronounced antitumor activity. It was hypothesized that replacement of the two methoxyl groups with a nitro substituent would allow for retention of similar activity. In this study 8-, 9-, and 10-nitro-5H-2,3-methylenedioxy-5-(2-N,N-dimethylaminoethyl)dibenzo[c,h][1,6]naphthyridin-6-one and their amino derivatives were synthesized and assessed for their relative TOP1-targeting activity and cytotoxicity. In the case of both the 8- and 9-nitro analogues, their TOP1-targeting activity and cytotoxicity are greater than that of camptothecin and comparable to that of 5H-8,9-dimethoxy-5-(2-N,N-dimethylaminoethyl)-2,3-methylenedioxydibenzo[c,h][1,6]naphthyridin-6-one.
Stability of periodic domain structures in a two-dimensional dipolar model

We investigate the energetic ground states of a model two-phase system with 1/r^3 dipolar interactions in two dimensions. The model exhibits spontaneous formation of two kinds of periodic domain structure. A striped domain structure is stable near half filling, but as the area fraction is changed, a transition to a hexagonal lattice of almost-circular droplets occurs. The stability of the equilibrium striped domain structure against distortions of the boundary is demonstrated, and the importance of hexagonal distortions of the droplets is quantified. The relevance of the theory for physical surface systems with elastic, electrostatic, or magnetostatic 1/r^3 interactions is discussed.
A regularization of the three body problem

Letr 1,r 2,r 3 be arbitrary coordinates of the non-zero interacting mass-pointsm 1,m 2,m 3 and define the distancesR 1=|r 1−r 3|,R 2=|r 2−r 3|,R=|r 1−r 2|. An eight-dimensional regularization of the general three-body problem is given which is based on Kustaanheimo-Stiefel regularization of a single binary and possesses the properties: Although the requirementR≳ min (R 1,R 2) may involve occasional transformations to physical variables in order to re-label the particles, all integrations are performed in regularized variables. Numerical comparisons with the standard Kustaanheimo-Stiefel regularization show that the new method gives improved accuracy per integration step at no extra computing time for a variety of examples. In addition, time reversal tests indicate that critical triple encounters may now be studied with confidence. The Hamiltonian formulation has been generalized to include the case of perturbed three-body motions and it is anticipated that this procedure will lead to further improvements ofN-body calculations.
Influence of nativity on cancer mortality among black New Yorkers

BACKGROUND Cancer is the second leading cause of death in U. S., and blacks have higher cancer death rates than whites. The authors conducted an analysis to determine the influence of birthplace on cancer mortality among blacks in New York City. METHODS Death records for New York City from 1988 through 1992 were linked to the 1990 U. S. Census data. Age-adjusted cancer death rates by race and birthplace were computed. The experience of black residents born in the South and Northeast of the U. S. and in Caribbean countries were compared with that of New York City whites. RESULTS The cancer mortality rate of blacks exceeded that of whites for males (512.6 vs. 385.6 per 100,000 per year), but was similar for females (270.8 vs. 270.6). However, cancer death rates of Southern-born black males (615.7) were substantially higher than those of black males born in the Northeast (419.1) or the Caribbean (352.4). Carcinomas of the lung, prostate, breast, and colon/rectum accounted for >50% of all cancer deaths. Lung carcinoma mortality varied greatly by birthplace, with Caribbean-born blacks (63.5 and 19.2 for males and females, respectively) having approximately one-third the death rates of Southern-born blacks (187.8 and 52.5 for males and females, respectively), and <50% that of New York City whites (108.7 and 53.2 for males and females, respectively). These differences were present in each age category, but were most pronounced among those age 45-64 years. In striking contrast, death rates from prostate carcinoma were highest in Caribbean-born black men, and this was especially apparent in persons age ≥65 years. CONCLUSIONS The generally higher cancer mortality of blacks compared with whites masks even greater intraracial heterogeneity revealed through stratification by birthplace. In general, Caribbean-born blacks are at lower risk of cancer mortality than other blacks, and whites, but their advantage does not hold for prostate carcinoma, for which Caribbean-born men had the highest mortality rate. Cancer 1997; 80:129-35. © 1997 American Cancer Society.
What is the Duct of Luschka?—A Systematic Review

Background Subvesical bile ducts (frequently termed incorrectly “ducts of Luschka”) have gained increased clinical recognition in the era of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Though cited frequently and discussed in the literature, the original description by Hubert von Luschka and many anatomic details of these subvesical bile ducts remain ill-defined.
A micromethod for the assay of phenethanolamine N-methyl transferase.

Abstract A micromethod for measuring the enzymic conversion of norepinephrine to epinephrine is described. The method involves the selective precipitation of SAMe- 14 C and the measurement of epinephrine in the supernatant formed by the enzymic transfer of the methyl- 14 C to norepinephrine.
Some unusual observations of organoid tissues and blood elements in monolayer cultures

Abstract Organoid structures containing blood elements appeared in each of the following monolayer cultures: Embryonic human ovary, skin, kidney and stomach; embryonic rabbit lung and kidney medulla. They appeared when cultures were in the fibroblast stage, with the exception of a human skin culture and rabbit kidney medulla which were epithelioid. Blood vessels were found in the cultures of human ovary. They were of capillary type and contained mature red blood cells and polymorphonuclear neutrophils. Aggregates of erythrocytes were found in all the organoid structures examined. Normoblast-like cells were also found in most of the fragments. The organoid structures showed further evidence of differentiation, namely, fragments from human ovary culture containing tubular structures lined with columnar epithelium; fragments from rabbit lung culture containing rudimentary alveoli, while a fragment from rabbit kidney culture contained a group of cells resembling a tubule. Blood elements have not been found in cultures of adult tissues.
Management of the oldest old with osteoporosis

Abstract The incidence of osteoporotic fracture increases with age; the median age for hip fracture, the most serious manifestation of osteoporosis is approximately 83 years. Osteoporotic fracture risk is multifactorial, and is determined by the balance between bone strength and the propensity for falling. Frailty is an independent predictor of falls, hip fractures, hospitalisation, disability and death in the elderly that guides for clinical decision-making, and may emerge as a therapeutic target. Non-pharmacological strategies to reduce fall risk can contribute to prevent osteoporotic fractures. Weight-bearing exercise and balance training programmes are recommended. Nutrition, particularly dietary proteins are of importance in preventing falls and fracture, as well as in fracture rehabilitation. Vitamin D and calcium supplementation is effective in reducing both falls and osteoporotic fractures, including hip fractures. Specific efficacious anti-osteoporosis drugs are underused. The evidence base for the efficacy of most such drugs in the very elderly is incomplete, particularly with regard to nonvertebral and hip fractures. Nonadherence to treatment is a substantial problem, which precludes efficacious therapeutic regimens to fulfil their goals.
Pancreatic carcinoma in pregnancy: A case report

Le cancer du pancreas est rarement decouvert pendant la grossesse. Dans la plupart des cas, son diagnostic n'est fait que pendant le post-partum. Le probleme d'un diagnostic plus precoce se pose
Motion of the Pacific plate relative to Eurasia and its potential relation to Cenozoic extension along the eastern margin of Eurasia

Extension along the eastern margin of Eurasia has been regarded commonly as a far-field effect of the India-Eurasia collision. However, some aspects of the timing and location of this extension make a link between the collision and extension difficult. We suggest that some extensional features commonly interpreted as effects of the collision may be related more simply to changes in plate-convergence rates along the eastern plate boundary of Eurasia. An analysis of the motion of the Pacific plate relative to Eurasia suggests that the rate of Pacific-Eurasia convergence varied significantly during the Tertiary Period. From a Late Cretaceous convergence rate of ∼120–140 mm/yr, the rate declined substantially during early Tertiary time and reached a minimum in Eocene time of ∼30–40 mm/yr. In Oligocene to earliest Miocene time, the average convergence rate increased moderately to 70–95 mm/yr, then decreased again to 65–70 mm/yr during early to middle Miocene time. From late Miocene to the present, the rate of convergence increased to an average of 100–110 mm/yr. The Paleocene through middle Miocene episode of relatively slow convergence correlates with a period of widespread extension along the eastern margin of Eurasia. Decreased convergence may have been related to a net reduction in horizontal compressional stress transmitted between the Pacific and Eurasian plates, which resulted in widespread extension adjacent to the margin of Eurasia.
Achievable rate region and optimality of multi-hop wireless 802.11-scheduled networks

This paper describes a methodology to find the achievable rate region for any static wireless multi-hop network with 802.11 scheduling. To do so, we first characterize the achievable edge-rate region, that is, the set of edge rates that are achievable on the given topology. This requires a careful consideration of the inter-dependence among nearby edges, since neighboring edges collide with and affect the idle time perceived by the edge under study. We use our results to study the optimality of IEEE 802.11 scheduling by comparing the achievable rate region of IEEE 802.11 and optimal scheduling for different scenarios and find that 802.11 is able to achieve more than 80% of the throughput as compared to optimal scheduling for all the scenarios considered. To explain this result, we then characterize the local topologies for which 802.11 scheduling results in a significant drop in throughput as compared to optimal scheduling.
Conducting High-Value Secondary Dataset Analysis: An Introductory Guide and Resources

Secondary analyses of large datasets provide a mechanism for researchers to address high impact questions that would otherwise be prohibitively expensive and time-consuming to study. This paper presents a guide to assist investigators interested in conducting secondary data analysis, including advice on the process of successful secondary data analysis as well as a brief summary of high-value datasets and online resources for researchers, including the SGIM dataset compendium (www.sgim.org/go/datasets). The same basic research principles that apply to primary data analysis apply to secondary data analysis, including the development of a clear and clinically relevant research question, study sample, appropriate measures, and a thoughtful analytic approach. A real-world case description illustrates key steps: (1) define your research topic and question; (2) select a dataset; (3) get to know your dataset; and (4) structure your analysis and presentation of findings in a way that is clinically meaningful. Secondary dataset analysis is a well-established methodology. Secondary analysis is particularly valuable for junior investigators, who have limited time and resources to demonstrate expertise and productivity.
What Is Inflammatory Breast Cancer? Revisiting the Case Definition

The case definition for inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is controversial. The American Joint Committee on Cancer defines IBC as redness, warmth and edema involving at least half the breast. The SEER program relies on a pathologic finding of dermal lymphatic invasion and recently added those with clinical involvement of more than 3/4 of the breast. We established a registry to collect information and specimens from IBC patients to clarify the epidemiology and biology of these tumors. The goals of this report are to suggest improvements regarding case definitions and provide data on the variety of presentations relevant to early diagnosis.
Stimulation of Chick Growth by Proline

Abstract THESE experiments began as an attempt to attenuate the toxic effect of beta aminopropionitrile fumarate (BAPN—fumarate) by supplementation of the diet with different amino acids and other related compounds at various levels. Barnett et al. (1957) first described the toxic effect upon turkey poults of feeding beta aminopropionitrile hydrochloride (BAPN·HCl). The compound caused paralysis, degeneration of anterior motor neurons and growth depression when fed at levels of 0.12 percent to 0.25 percent and pericardial and pulmonary hemorrhage, ruptured aortas, leg and toe deformities and growth depression at lower levels. In these experiments on chicks, it was noted that BAPN fumarate (0.036 percent) caused marked mal-symptoms from the early part of the first week. There was no attenuation of the toxic effects, but growth was improved by some amino acid supplements. This improvement apparently was not dependent on the presence of BAPN fumarate in the diet. EXPERIMENTAL Day old straight-run, …
Electron distribution and collective resonances in nonspherical metal clusters.

The influence of shape deformation on the electronic structure and photoabsorption resonances of open-shell metal clusters is analyzed. A general approach is developed which takes into account both shape and electron spill-out effects. The method employs a special coordinate transformation and the sum-rule formalism. Analytical expressions are given for the valence electron density distribution and the splitting of collective resonances in spheroidal clusters. Applications to cluster photoabsorption experiments are discussed.
On adequacy of ecological models

Abstract Two distance-functions (metrics) are proposed which enable the calculation of the level of “multiplicative” and “linear” proportionality of two functions. Main properties of the metrics are considered. It is shown that these metrics can be used to assess the level of adequacy of a model to the modelled system. It is based on assumption that the more adequate a model is to the modelled object, the closer will the shape of reactions of the object and the model be to the same input functions. The properties of the criteria are demonstrated on a real model.
The optimal analysis of MRI data to quantify the distribution of a microbicide.

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to systematically review the use of MRI for the evaluation of deployment characteristics of vaginal microbicides and to understand the relationship of gel spread with potential influencing factors. Methods Data from four clinical trials that used MRI to assess the deployment of a vaginal gel were combined. A linear mixed model best represented the spread of gel over time. Significant covariates that influence vaginal gel spread are baseline dimensions of the vagina, time from insertion, gel type, ambulation and volume of gel. Results These data demonstrate that MRI has outstanding intraperson validity and reproducibility. Therefore, paired design, using linear modeling adjusting for significant covariates, is the most efficient study design for comparison of products or volumes. Division of the vagina into two distinct anatomical regions best explains difference in gel spread, i.e., upper area (above the pelvic diaphragm) and lower area (below pelvic diaphragm). Conclusion We conclude that the concept of spread from the cervix to the introits, in one dimension, is inadequate to explain spread of gel due to the complex shape of the vagina.
Neoproterozoic sulfur isotopes, the evolution of microbial sulfur species, and the burial efficiency of sulfide as sedimentary pyrite

Significant variability in δ34Spyrite values in Neoproterozoic sedimentary rocks has been attributed to the evolution of nonphotosynthetic sulfide-oxidizing bacteria and the advent of sulfur disproportionation reactions in response to Earth's evolving redox chemistry. We analyzed trace sulfate in carbonates from South Australia and Namibia and reconstructed the sulfur isotope evolution of seawater sulfate. Comparison of our δ34Ssulfate record with published δ34Spyrite data from the same or equivalent successions indicates that δ34Ssulfate − δ34Spyrite (Δ34S) rose gradually through the second half of the Neoproterozoic and fluctuated coincident with episodes of glaciation, but did not exceed 46‰ before ca. 580 Ma. Large variability in δ34Spyrite in the Neoproterozoic can be explained as a consequence of low sulfate concentrations and rapidly fluctuating δ34Ssulfate in seawater rather than the onset of sulfur disproportionation reactions mediated by nonphotosynthetic sulfide-oxidizing bacteria.
Data acquisition and control system for experimental thin-layer drying study

Abstract A microprocessor-based system was constructed to control experimental conditions in the study of the moisture content of agricultural products. The equipment also recorded the condition of the air and the sample weights during the thin-layer drying tests for these products. This paper describes the hardware and software which were developed for use in the study of the properties of parboiled rice. Two samples were studied simultaneously at 13 combinations of relative humidity and temperature. The drying conditions were held constant enough that the variation in conditions in the drying chamber was shown to have no measurable effect on the thin-layer drying data, producing data repeatable to 0.001 moisture content dry basis.
Lack of correlation of anorectal manometry with symptoms of chronic childhood constipation and encopresis

Chronic constipation is an extremely common problem in children. Many authors have advocated using anorectal manometric examination during evaluation of chronic childhood constipation and encopresis as a means of developing individualized modes of treatment. PURPOSE: This study was designed to prospectively examine frequency and severity of symptoms of childhood constipation and encopresis and associate these symptoms with anorectal manometric findings. METHODS: Forty-four children with chronic constipation participated in the study. Before performing anorectal manometry, bowel-related symptoms were collected for two consecutive weeks with a computerized voice mail system. Anorectal manometry was performed using a triple lumen catheter attached to a hydraulic manometry infusion system. RESULTS: Frequency of voluntary bowel movements did not correlate with any manometric parameters. Frequency of fecal soiling, age at onset of symptoms, and duration of symptoms were all highly correlated with degree of sphincter spasm during attempted defecation; however, none of these variables correlated with any other manometric parameter. Amount of pain associated with bowel movements correlated with frequency of soiling and was inversely correlated with maximum squeeze pressure but was not correlated with any other manometric parameter. CONCLUSIONS: In children with chronic constipation and encopresis, sphincter spasm demonstrated with anorectal manometry is highly correlated with frequency of fecal soiling, age at onset, and duration of symptoms; however, none of the other commonly measured manometric parameters appear to correlate with symptoms of chronic childhood constipation and encopresis.
Perturbation theory for square-well fluids in d=2, 3

In this paper, we study the equation of state behaviour of square-well fluids in the dimensions d=2, 3 via the Zwanzig perturbation theory. As a particular point of emphasis, we focus on a result reported several years ago by Barker and Henderson that the perturbation theory may be used as a surprisingly accurate, predictive tool to locate the critical temperature of argon and xenon in d=3. Here we examine whether this facet of the Zwanzig theory is sensitive to the dimensionality of the configuration space of the system, by calculating the equation of state of krypton, modelled as a squarewell fluid, in d=3 and d=2. In d=3 we find that the critical temperature of krypton is predicted to within 15 per cent, while in d=2 an apparently different, high density transition is signalled by the theory.
The influence of plasma lipoproteins on the renin reaction in normal human plasma.

Abstract Several studies have indicated that lipids isolated from plasma and kidney may be potential inhibitors of the renin reaction and that the increased renin reactivity observed in hypertensive subjects may be due to the lack of a plasma lipid found in normotensive subjects. In the present study lipoproteins were removed from normal human plasma by using density gradient centrifugation ( d = 1.195 g/ml, 360,000 g × 45 hr). This experimental design more closely resembles physiological conditions. Following dialysis against 0.15 m NaCl, the kinetic parameters of plasma renin in delipidated plasma and fresh plasma which was enriched with lipoproteins were compared. The renin reactivity and Michaelis-Menten kinetics of normal human plasma were not altered by the removal of lipoproteins ( K m = 2464 ng AI/ml, V max = 6.3 ng AI/ml/min). Only at abnormally high concentrations of added lipoproteins was inhibition of the renin reaction evident ( K m = 886 ng AI/ml, V max = 2.8 ng AI/ml/min). These results indicate that lipids of normal human plasma bound to apolipoproteins at normal physiological concentrations do not have an inhibitory effect on the renin reaction.
A Utility model for teaching load decisions in academic departments

Abstract The authors model the class size and teaching load decisions of academic departments in terms of a departmental utility function. Utility is postulated to be asymmetric around class size and teaching load norms, and variables for curricular structure, disciplinary domain, and institutional type are taken into account. Maximization of the utility function produces decision rules for the number of sections to be offered for each course, and hence the faculty's overall teaching load. A nonlinear estimator is developed for the decision rules' parameters and applied to data from four liberal arts colleges and two research universities. Results are consistent with theories about faculty discretionary time and with expectations about the effects of curricular structure on class size. The paper concludes with a discussion about the effects of enrollment uncertainty on faculty load decisions.
Assessment of preschool handicapped children

The assessment of young handicapped children is the concern of this article. Major consideration is given to dimensions of a process‐oriented approach to assessment. Contributions from three new directions emerging from this model are described: laboratory methodologies traditionally used with infants are helpful in determining the capabilities of severely handicapped children with limited response repertoires; observations of parent‐child interactions enable examiners to gain information on the dynamics of these exchanges; and, assessment of children's spontaneous play with sets of toys and with peers permits examiners to determine engagement in sen‐sorimotor schemes, use of symbolic representations, and enactment of games involving roles and rules. These new directions require a broadening of staff and test batteries, but hold promise for a more ecologically valid assessment.
Physiological and morphological development of Anagyrus ananatis at constant temperatures

The lower developmental temperature threshold (T0) and the Degree Days (DD) required for the encyrtid endoparasitoid Anagyrus ananatis Gahan to develop from egg to adult on the pink pineapple mealybug (PPM), Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), were determined. The T0 was estimated to be about 12.65 °C for both females and males. In contrast, females and males required about 275 and 265 DD, respectively, to complete development from egg to adult. Temperatures from 19 to 29 °C were optimal for mass rearing of A. ananatis, with the optimal temperature being around 24 °C. At this temperature, A. ananatis could complete almost two generations in the time it takes PPM to complete only one generation. Although A. ananatis is a koinobiont, the mealybug host was killed within a few (6–8) days after parasitization. The developmental stages of A. ananatis were described (e.g., appearance, size, color) and their time periods quantified when reared on PPM at 23.5 ± 0.5°C. Encyrtiform eggs were inserted through the dorsal surface of the PPM and were attached to the host via a slender stalk. This immature parasitoid remained attached to the host cuticle via the stalk until entering the prepupal stage. The host mealybug mummified during the parasitoid’s prepupal stage. First adult eclosion occurred at 24 days post-parasitization.
Responsiveness of quality of life instruments for the comparison of minimally invasive cholecystectomy procedures

Traditional metrics of postoperative outcomes (morbidity and mortality) are not useful to compare minimally invasive procedures with each other. Patient reported outcomes, such as quality of life (QOL) scores, offer an alternative approach. Compared with a large body of data in cancer treatment, the responsiveness of these instruments for minimally invasive surgery is not well described. To better define expected differences, we analyzed the reported QOL outcomes in randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) comparing single and four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Searching Medline, Embase, Psychinfo, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library (1946 to Jan 2012), two independent reviewers identified RCTs comparing single with four-port cholecystectomy in adult patients using perioperative QOL assessments. The quality of the studies was assessed regarding trial design and QOL reporting. RevMan was used for mathematical analysis of the pooled outcome data using a random-effects model. Standardized mean difference estimation was utilized when pooling studies reporting different QOL tools. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using χ2 and I2. Of 743 citations, 37 RCTs were identified. Five studies with a total of 502 patients compared single with four-port cholecystectomy on QOL and were included. Pooled analysis was performed using preoperative and 1-month postoperative outcomes. At 1 month postoperatively, the reported effect size of perioperative QOL changes was up to 5 points (~1/2 SD) on the global SF 12 score. The largest difference in change of perioperative physical functioning was 9.9 points (~1 SD). No difference between the treatments was demonstrated. Reporting of QOL may improve the comparison of minimally invasive surgical procedures. This systematic review reports clinically important changes and did not demonstrate a difference between treatments at 1 month postoperatively. The optimal timing and trial design for QOL tools in this setting needs to be defined further.
Managing the copy-and-paste programming practice in modern IDEs

Copy-and-paste is a common practice in industrial software development and maintenance, which results in code clones. Prior research has focused on automatically detecting and analyzing code clones from legacy systems and on eliminating clones. We believe that it is equally important to provide automated support in an integrated development environment (IDE) for the copy-and-paste practice when programs are being written. By instrumenting an IDE, the cloning relation among multiple copy-and-pasted code fragments will be tracked, thus obtaining a clone group. The commonality among members of a clone group will be extracted and represented as rules that capture code intent. We envision uses of the extracted rules for better software quality. Our CnP tool is currently targeted at Java and integrated into Eclipse. Empirical evaluation in terms of false positives, usefulness, and usability will be performed.
Characterization of glucose transport activity reconstituted from heart and other tissues

We examined several aspects of glucose transport reconstituted in liposomes, with emphasis on transporters of rat heart (mostly GLUT4) compared to those of human erythrocytes (GLUT1), and on effects of agents that modulate transport in intact cells. Several types of samples gave higher reconstituted activity using liposomes of egg lipids rather than soybean lipids. Diacylglycerol, proposed to activate transporters directly as part of the mechanism of insulin action, increased the intrinsic activity of heart transporters by only 25%, but increased the size of the reconstituted liposomes by 90%. The dipeptide Cbz-Gly-Phe-NH2 inhibited GLUT4 with a Ki of 0.2 mM, compared to 2.5 mM for GLUT1, which explains its preferential inhibition of insulin-stimulated glucose transport in adipocytes. Verapamil, which inhibits insulin- and hypoxia-stimulated glucose transport in muscle, had no effect on reconstituted transporters. Heart transporters had a higher Km for glucose uptake (13.4) than did GLUT1 (1.6 mM), in agreement with a recent study of GLUT1 and GLUT4 expressed in yeast and reconstituted in liposomes. Transporters reconstituted from heart and adipocytes were 40-70% inactivated by external trypsin, suggesting the presence of trypsin-sensitive sites on the cytoplasmic domain of GLUT4. NaCl and KCl both reduced reconstituted transport activity, but KCl had a much smaller effect on the size of the liposomes.
An Analysis of the Relationship between Children's Self-Concept and Their Teachers' Assessments of Their Behavior: Implications for Prediction and Intervention.

Abstract The importance of teachers as significant others in the formation and development of children's school-related self-concepts has been widely recognized. However, the relationship between teachers' assessments of children's nonacademic school-related behaviors and children's school-related self-concepts has not been sufficiently investigated. The present study examined the relationship between children's self-concept of their intellectual and school status and their teachers' assessments of their behavior in school. The sample included 142 children in grades 3, 4, and 5 and 70 teachers. The results showed that teachers' assessments of children's behavior in three areas accounted for 72% of the variance in school-related self-concept.
Effect of Inhaling Patterns on Aerosol Drug Delivery: CFD Simulation

Inhaled Pharmaceutical Aerosols (IPAs) delivery has great potential in treatment of a variety of respiratory diseases, including asthma, pulmonary diseases, and allergies. Aerosol delivery has many advantages. It delivers medication directly to where it is needed and it is effective in much lower doses than required for oral administration. Currently, there are several types of IPA delivery systems, including pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI), the dry powder inhaler (DPI), and the medical nebulizer. IPAs should be delivered deep into the respiratory system where the drug substance can be absorbed into blood through the capillaries via the alveoli. Researchers have proved that most aerosol particles with aerodynamic diameter of about 1–5 μm, if slowly and deeply inhaled, could be deposited in the peripheral regions that are rich in alveoli [1–3]. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of various inhaling rates with breath-holding pause on the aerosol deposition (Dp = 0.5–5 μm) in a human upper airway model extending from mouth to 3rd generation of trachea. The oral airway model is three dimensional and non-planar configurations. The dimensions of the model are adapted from a human cast. The air flow is assumed to be unsteady, laminar, and incompressible. The investigation is carried out by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) using the software Fluent 6.2. The user-defined function (UDF) is employed to simulate the cyclic inspiratory flows for different IPA inhalation patterns. When an aerosol particle enters the mouth respiratory tract, its particles experience abrupt changes in direction. The secondary flow changes its direction as the airflow passes curvature. Intensity of the secondary flow is strong after first bend at pharynx and becomes weaker after larynx. In flow separation, a particle can be trapped and follow the eddy and deposit on the surface. Particle deposition fraction generally increases as particle size and inhaling airflow velocity increase.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Changes in neurochemistry and neuronal morphology after exposure of the mouse brain to lethal levels of focal irradiation

The brains of normal and irradiated C57BL/J6 adult female mice were studied for morphologic and biochemical differences at four and six hours after focal brain irradiation when the animals first experienced seizures and, at the terminal phase just prior to death. Focal irradiation of the brain was performed under stereotaxic conditions with microbeams delivered through a 5.0 × 9.0 mm aperture to the dorsal surface of the brain at an adsorbed surface dose of 50,000 rad. An analysis of variance did not indicate any difference in brain weight or in DNA, RNA, or protein concentration due to irradiation. There was a significant increase in 5-HT and NE concentration, and in AChE activity in the brains of the irradiated groups. Histochemical observations failed to show differences in the localization of alkaline and acid phosphatase activity. However, localization of ATPase activity associated with the blood vessels was more diffuse in the irradiated regions of the brain. Biochemical comparisons of ATPase activity indicated that there was a change in the subcellular distribution of ATPase enzyme following irradiation. Light and electron microscopic comparisons revealed a selective damage to astrocytes and dendritic processes in irradiated regions of the cortex.
Multiscale analysis for ergodic schrödinger operators and positivity of Lyapunov exponents

A variant of multiscale analysis for ergodic Schrodinger operators is developed. This enables us to prove positivity of Lyapunov exponents, given initial scale estimates and an initial Wegner estimate. This postivivity is then applied to high-dimensional skew-shifts at small coupling, where initial conditions are checked using the Pastur–Figotin formalism.
Calibration of the Barnes-Evans relation using interferometric observations of Cepheid variables

Direct diameter measurements of Cepheid variables are used to calibrate the Barnes-Evans Cepheid surface brightness relation. More than 50 separate Cepheid diameter measurements from four different optical interferometers are used to calculate surface brightnesses as a function of magnitude and color. For two Cepheids, η Aquilae and ζ Geminorum, high precision diameter measurements as a function of pulsation phase are available from the Palomar Testbed Interferometer (PTI). Relations using only these diameters are found for each individual Cepheid in order to search for differences between Cepheids of different pulsation period. In all cases the best-fit relations are simple linear relations between surface brightness and color with the constraint that for a spectral type A0 star (where all colors equal zero) all relations must yield the same surface brightness (i.e., there must be a common zero-point). The derived relations found using interferometric Cepheid diameters are consistent with functions in the literature found using interferometric observations of non-variable giant and supergiant stars. In addition, while the separate relations for η Aquilae and ζ Geminorum are marginally consistent within the errors they do differ in the direction predicted for Cepheids of differing pulsation period. Using these new surface brightness relations the distance is calculated to the nearby Cepheid δ Cephei for which a new distance has been found using trigonometric parallax with the Hubble Space Telescope. These distances are well within the errors of the distance derived from trigonometric parallax.
Distributed Compressed Sensing of Jointly Sparse Signals

Compressed sensing is an emerging field based on the revelation that a small collection of linear projections of a sparse signal contains enough information for recon- struction. In this paper we expand our theory for distributed compressed sensing (DCS) that enables new distributed cod- ing algorithms for multi-signal ensembles that exploit both intra- and inter-signal correlation structures. The DCS the- ory rests on a new concept that we term the joint sparsity of a signal ensemble. We present a second new model for jointly sparse signals that allows for joint recovery of multi- ple signals from incoherent projections through simultane- ous greedy pursuit algorithms. We also characterize theo- retically and empirically the number of measurements per sensor required for accurate reconstruction.