cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relationship between case question prompt format and the quality of responses.

Objectives. To compare the effectiveness of 2 case question formats (multiple choice and open ended) to prompt faculty members and students to explore multiple solutions and use factual evidence to defend their solutions. Methods. Doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) faculty members and students responded to 2 pharmacy law/ethics cases, one followed by a case question prompt in multiple-choice format and the other by a question in open-ended format. The number of conclusions and the quality of the arguments generated were assessed using general linear modeling. Results. PharmD faculty members outperformed students on every outcome variable measured, demonstrating expert problem-solving skills. All participants provided better quality arguments when the case prompt question was in multiple-choice format. Conclusions. The better quality arguments prompted by multiple-choice case questions suggests this format should be used when constructing case question prompts.
A Disconnect between the Neurospirochetoses in Humans and Rodent Models of Disease

The human spirochetal diseases share many clinical similarities despite their diverse epidemiology. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection, whereas the leptospiroses and the borrelioses are zoonoses. The clinical similarities among the spirochetoses include a relapsing-remitting course of infection. The recurrent pattern of illness has three invariant features that are shared by all human spirochetoses. Entry of spirochetes is achieved through breaks in the skin or through mucous membranes. Cutaneous lesions such as the syphilitic chancre or the erythema migrans of Lyme disease constitute the earliest manifestations of these two diseases. In all three spirochetoses, there is dissemination to distant organs through tissues, blood, and other fluids. Late disease, often with intervening relapses and latent periods, can involve one or more organ systems. The spirochetal diseases also share tropisms for skin, nervous system, and heart and arteries. The neurotropism of spirochetes is evident in syphilis, the human borrelioses (Lyme disease and relapsing fevers), and in leptospirosis. Spirochetes enter the central nervous system (CNS) very quickly. Their ability to cause neurological disease may be dependent on the virulence of the infecting strains and on the development of an inflammatory response. Yet, most of the current animal models for the spirochetoses either do not recreate the manifestations of the neurological spectrum or require special manipulations to establish infection (Figure 1). Thus, a major challenge for experimental approaches to the human neurological manifestations of the spirochetoses has been an inability or difficulties in reproducing all or some aspects of the human disease in animal models. Figure 1 Summary of animal models for the neurospirochetoses.
Mortality Risk Associated with Perinatal Drug and Alcohol Use in California

To analyze the relationship between perinatal drug/alcohol use and maternal, fetal, neonatal, and postneonatal mortality. Linked California discharge, birth and death certificate data from 1991–1998 were used to identify drug/alcohol-diagnosed births. Mortality relative risk (RR) ratios were calculated and logistic models were generated for mortality outcomes. Among 4,536,701 birth records, 1.20% contained drug/alcohol discharge diagnostic codes (n=54,290). The unadjusted RRs for maternal (RR=2.7), fetal (RR=1.3), neonatal (RR=2.4), and postneonatal (RR=4.3) mortality were increased for drug/alcohol-diagnosed births. After controlling for potential confounding, the odds of maternal death for cocaine use (OR=2.15) remained significant as did amphetamine (OR=1.77), cocaine (OR=1.43), polydrug (OR=2.01) and other drug/alcohol use (OR=1.79) for postneonatal mortality. The association of cocaine use with maternal mortality and any drug/alcohol use with postneonatal mortality supports screening and identifying women using illicit drugs and alcohol during pregnancy. Increased collaboration with drug treatment programs and closer follow-up for drug-using women and their children may improve mortality outcomes.
Family physician attitudes about HIV screening.

Summary This study examined why and for whom family physicians are likely to require HIV screening according to general policies or procedures, based on a national survey of 2,660 family practice physicians. Of those contacted, 1,678 responded, yielding a response rate of 63.7%. The study also examined whether attitudes toward screening differed for physicians in different types of practices, of varying educational backgrounds, and with differing opinions regarding treating persons with AIDS (PWAs). The results showed that required screening was most strongly endorsed for pregnant women who had other risk factors and for i.v. drug users. Those physicians who most favored mandatory screening were also most likely to favor the mandatory reporting of AIDS cases to public health officials. They also had the least formal medical training (were not residency trained or board certified) and expressed the greatest apprehension regarding their own and their staff's preparedness and willingness to treat PWAs. A major implication of the findings is that family physicians and others who do mandatory testing should be provided opportunities, through residency training, board-certification preparation, or continuing medical education, to learn how to care for those patients they test who turn out to be seropositive.
Synthesizing meaningful feedback for exploring virtual worlds using a screen reader

Users who are visually impaired can access virtual worlds, such as Second Life, with a screen reader by extracting a meaningful textual representation of the environment their avatar is in. Since virtual worlds are densely populated with large amounts of user-generated content, users must iteratively query their environment as to not to be overwhelmed with audio feedback. On the other hand, iteratively interacting with virtual worlds is inherently slower. This paper describes our current work on developing a mechanism that can synthesize a more usable and efficient form of feedback using a taxonomy of virtual world objects.
Outcomes analysis after percutaneous abdominal drainage and exploratory laparotomy for necrotizing enterocolitis in 4,657 infants.

Purpose Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a common acquired gastrointestinal disease of infancy that is strongly correlated with prematurity. Both percutaneous abdominal drainage and laparotomy with resection of diseased bowel are surgical options for treatment of NEC. The objective of the present study is to compare outcomes of patients who were treated either with bowel resection/ostomy (BR/O), percutaneous drainage (PD) or Both procedures for NEC in a retrospective analysis.
Evaluation of soil water residence time in a monolith lysimeter from the application of queueing disciplines to water budget data (Demonstration — II)

Abstract Soil water residence time in a monolith lysimeter at the North Appalachian Experimental Watershed was estimated by applying queueing disciplines to the lysimeter water budget data. The lysimeter contains an undisturbed soil block measuring approximately 6 ft wide, 14 ft long and 8 ft deep, and a permanent grass cover is maintained on the soil. The lysimeter water budget data used consist of monthly totals of precipitation, evapotranspiration, runoff and percolation for the period of January, 1947–December, 1985. The three following queueing discipline models were applied to the water budget data: (a) all of the water in the lysimeter follows first-in-first-out (FIFO) queueing discipline; (b) all of the water in the lysimeter follows last-in-first-out (LIFO) queueing discipline; (c) discharge by evapotranspiration follows LIFO queueing discipline and discharge by percolation follows FIFO queueing discipline. The FIFO model generated minimum residence times of three months and maximum residence times of eleven months with approximately half the assigned values being six months or less. The LIFO model generated minimum residence times of less than one month and a maximum of 140 months. More than half of the values were less than one month. The combined LIFO-FIFO model generated minimum residence time of less than one month and a maximum residence time of 63 months with half of the values being less than six months. The FIFO model tended to assign the higher residence time values to water that entered the lysimeter in the summer months, while the LIFO and LIFO-FIFO models tended to assign the high residence time values to water that entered the soil in the winter months.
Properties of Albumen from Eggs Having Mottled Yolks

Abstract Albumen from normal eggs and from eggs having mottled yolks was examined for composition and for functional capacity. Yolk mottling was induced by including 0.02% Nicarbazin in the hen’s ration. Albumen from eggs having mottled yolks was quite different in composition from albumen collected from normal eggs. Moisture was lower, but percentage of protein, fat, ash, and mineral content was higher in albumen from mottled eggs than from normal albumen. Fat content was significantly greater in albumen from eggs having mottled yolks, indicating that lipid material had passed from mottled yolks, through the vitelline membrane, into the albumen. Electrophoretic analysis indicated very little difference in protein composition between the two albumen samples; however, there were indications of lipid contamination in the albumen sample from eggs with motded yolks. There was considerable difference in the functional performance of albumen from eggs with mottled yolks and albumen from eggs having normal yolks. Albumen from eggs with motded yolks had impaired foaming capacity and produced poor angel cakes.
On the “equivalency assumption” and other tangential matters: A reply to Schenck‐Hamlin and Georgacarakos

Schenck‐Hamlin/Georgacarakos' response to our research is essentially a strawperson. Our empirical results and their logic both indicate the invalidity of the equivalency assumption; an assumption only involving variant explicit if/then compliance‐gaining message forms. They invent an “implicit” versus “explicit” dichotomy very different from ours, and then offer spurious conclusions grounded in their error. Results involving implicit messages (injunctions only) and the influence of archer power upon target message interpretations (conditional regulative rules) are ignored in their response. Because their analysis supports one area of our results while ignoring the primary thrust of the research, we reject their assertions about the value of our study.
Empowering chronic headache sufferers

Chronic headache pain affects sufferers and their families. Many headache sufferers lack self-discipline in controlling their headache pains. Although preventive medication is a must, medical treatment which excludes psychotherapeutic intervention reduces its effectiveness. Sufferers report increased tensions and stress with members of their families. This article reports on a program which includes headache sufferers' involvement in both family and individual therapy activities in a clinical setting. The role of the family therapist is primarily to encourage and empower sufferers to become involved in activities which can promote and increase communication, trust and self-confidence, leading toward a development of skills which can enable sufferers to utilize positive coping strategies in their effort to control headaches.
THE PRIMATE FRONTAL CORTEX

Abstract An experimentally based model of the functions of the primate frontal cortex is presented. This model concerns the interactions which occur among neural inhibitory processes. At the neuronal level self-inhibition of the Renshaw type is assumed involved as the substrate of internal inhibition. At the psychophysiological level self-inhibition leads to habituation which has been shown to be the construction of a neuronal model of the organism's experience. At the systems-neurophysiological level the construction of this neuronal model is found to be controlled by efferent brain processes which can bias the input processing mechanism in favor of either external or internal inhibition. The frontal cortex shifts the mechanism toward internal inhibition, i.e. habituation. At the neurobehavioral level such a shift accomplishes the suppression of interference and thus serves to give temporal organization to the psychological process much as linguistic parsing gives meaning to language.
Low dose pulse methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis: an 8-year experience with hepatotoxicity.

The clinical utility of standard liver function tests for monitoring low dose pulse methotrexate therapy is reviewed in 163 rheumatoid arthritis patients over an eightyear period. Abnormalities of hepatic enzymes were seen in 58% of patients but led to cessation of therapy in only 5%. Moderate alcohol intake did not affect the frequency of liver test abnormalities. Abnormalities were seen more frequently in patients with longer duration of methotrexate therapy and in those with higher total dose. There was no correlation between liver test abnormalities and day of serum sampling relative to day of methotrexate dosing, nor was a correlation seen between liver test abnormalities and total weekly dose of methotrexate. Methotrexate has been demonstrated to be an effective drug in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The clinical utility of standard liver tests to predict the potential for hepatotoxicity is questionable.
Species differences in lung mitochondrial monoamine oxidase activities.

Abstract 1. 1. Pulmonary mitochondrial monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity was examined in preparations from rat, rabbit and guinea-pig with 12 different amines as substrates: serotonin, norepinephrine, and octopamine (type A specific); tryptamine, benzylamine, 5-methoxytryptamine, 5-methyltryptamine, p -methoxyphenylethylamine, and 3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine (type B specific); and tyramine, dopamine and 3-methoxytyramine (type A + B specific). 2. 2. The oxidation of type A and type A + B substrates was greater in guinea-pig lung mitochondria than in rat or rabbit preparations. 3. 3. Except for benzylamine, the oxidation of type B substrates was similar in all three species. 4. 4. Benzylamine was not oxidized by guinea-pig lung mitochondria but was actively metabolized by rat and rabbit preparations.
Multilocus phylogenetic inference in subfamily Chlorogaloideae and related genera of Agavaceae - Informing questions in taxonomy at multiple ranks

A series of taxonomic questions at the subfamilial, generic, and intrageneric levels have remained within subfamily Chlorogaloideae s.s. (comprising Camassia, Chlorogalum, Hastingsia, and Schoenolirion) and relatives in Agavaceae. We present the first phylogenetic hypotheses focused on Chlorogaloideae that are based on multiple independent loci and include a wide sampling of outgroups across Agavaceae. In addition to chloroplast regions ndhF and trnL–trnF, we used nrDNA ITS for phylogenetic inference. Incomplete concerted evolution of the latter is indicated by intra-individual site polymorphisms for nearly half of the individuals. Comparisons of four coding and analysis methods for these characters indicate that the region remains phylogenetically informative. Our results confirm that Chlorogaloideae s.s. is not monophyletic, due to the close relationship of Schoenolirion with Hesperaloe and Hesperoyucca, as well as the likely sister relationship between Hesperocallis and core Chlorogaloideae (Camassia, Chlorogalum, and Hastingsia). Chlorogalum is also not monophyletic, being divided with strong support into vespertine and diurnal clades. This study produced the first phylogenetic hypotheses across Hesperaloe, allowing initial tests of several taxonomic disagreements within this genus. Our results reveal the lack of cohesion of H. funifera, indicating that H. funifera ssp. funifera may be more closely related to H. campanulata than to H. funifera ssp. chiangii (=H. chiangii). With potential gene flow between many members of Hesperaloe and a possible hybrid origin for H. campanulata, the genetic relationships within this genus appear complex. Further population-level investigation of many of the taxa in Chlorogaloideae s.l. would benefit our understanding of the evolution and taxonomy of these groups; Camassia and Hastingsia are the current focus of ongoing study.
Mother science and prodigal sons: a history of haematology

Blood, Pure and Eloquent: A Story of Discovery, of People, and of Ideas. Edited By M. M. Wintrobe. Pp.771. (McGraw-Hill: 1980.) $30, £18.50.
Fibromyalgia. Recognizing and addressing the multiple interrelated factors.

PreviewPatients with fibromyalgia have a history of widespread pain and of pain on palpation of several designated tender points. However, that is not the extent of the syndrome. Patients report sleep disturbance, fatigue, depression, and anxiety, which also characterize the symptom complex. Dr Wilke describes the pattern to watch for in diagnosing fibromyalgia and the physiologic responses to stress that underlie the disorder. He also discusses how to focus therapy on factors that will influence outcome.
Radiación endovascular y reestenosis

La reestenosis postangioplastia es todavia hoy dia la limitacion mas importante del intervencionismo coronario percutaneo, a pesar de los avances en el diseno de stents coronarios, nuevos dispositivos y farmacos antiplaquetarios. La radiacion endovascular ha demostrado limitar la formacion de tejido neointimal en la pared vascular en estudios recientes y aparece como un metodo prometedor de control del proceso de reestenosis. En este articulo se presentan los hallazgos experimentales y clinicos con el uso de esta forma de radiacion y se analiza su posible aportacion a la cardiologia intervencionista. ENDOVASCULAR RADIATION AND RESTENOSIS
A down-to-earth educational operating system for up-in-the-cloud many-core architectures

We present Xipx, the first port of a major educational operating system to a processor in the emerging class of many-core architectures. Through extensions to the proven Embedded Xinu operating system, Xipx gives students hands-on experience with system programming in a distributed message-passing environment. We expose the software primitives needed to maintain coherency between many cores in a system lacking specialized caching hardware. Our proposed series of laboratory assignments adds parallel thread execution and intercore message passing communication to a well-established OS curriculum.
Stabilimenta characteristics of the spider Argiope argentata on small islands: support of the predator-defense hypothesis

A variety of orb-weaving spider species construct stabilimenta, patterned areas of dense silk, typically near the hub of the orb. The adaptive significance of this construction, along with associated behaviors such as shuttling and vibrating, is much debated. Arigiope argentata on small islands of the Bahamas frequently possess stabilimenta; we studied 397 individuals of this species to investigate possible functions of their stabilimenta, paying particular attention to predator-defense hypotheses. Cruciform stabilimenta were commoner in all size classes of spiders than discoid stabilimenta or no stabilimentum at all; discoid stabilimenta occurred mostly among intermediate size classes. Within the cruciform type, two-segmented stabilimenta were especially common among the very smallest spiders. Size of cruciform stabilimenta showed a curvilinear relation to spider body length; the fitted curve for “total segment length” had a maximum at an intermediate spider length. We argue that this relationship (among other phenomena) supports an apparently-larger-size hypothesis, whereby intermediate-sized spiders in particular appear much larger than they actually are. This could discourage predators, including those that are gape-limited such as lizards. We argue that stabilimenta in the smallest spiders, in which typically two segments are opposed, so that they more or less “line up”, serve as camouflage. When disturbed experimentally, spiders with discoid stabilimenta shuttle to the opposite side of the centrally located stabilimentum. This seems an obvious defensive behavior and occurs less frequently among spiders with cruciform stabilimenta. Large spiders vibrate more frequently than small ones, but no relation exists between vibration frequency and stabilimentum type. We argue (see also Tolbert 1975) that vibrating behavior, in which the spider can become a blur, renders its location more difficult to discern and the spider more difficult to grasp, rather than increasing apparent size.
Embedded systems design curriculum conversion from quarters to semesters

In this paper we present a vision of how a sequence of three embedded systems design courses currently being taught for computer engineering technology students will be adapted from a quarter based delivery to a semester based delivery. The conversion brings the opportunity to revise the course contents, platforms used and make changes that will prepare students with a more up-to-date skill set and a robust industrial training. In this work in progress we will present some of the new ideas that will be implemented in our semester courses. After offering these courses multiple times, feedback will be gathered from students and industry, and a future study will be presented outlining the achieved outcomes as compared to our intended outcomes for curriculum continuous improvement.
Design and integration methods for a multi-threaded dual core 65nm Xeon® processor

The success of building a complex multi-billion transistor processor is very dependent on robust and silicon proven design and integration methods. The complexity of 65nm process and striving for best in class performance with aggressive time to market schedule put a heavy emphasis on innovative design and integration methods to enable working silicon. In this paper, we describe the design and integration methods successfully used in a multi-threaded dual core 65nm Xeon® Processor.Index Terms---Design Methods; Integration; processor; Xeon®.
Advances in Human-Machine Systems for In-Vehicle Environments

As computing technology advances, the ability to integrate a wider range of personal services for in-vehicle environments increases. While these advances offer a diverse range of entertainment and information access opportunities, they generally are introduced into the vehicle with limited understanding of their impact to driver distraction and cognitive stress load. As the diversity of speech, video, biometric, and vehicle signals increases, improved corpora and system formulation are needed. In this study, we consider recent advances for in-vehicle human-machine systems for route navigation, noise suppression for robust speech recognition, and driver behavior modeling. Multi-microphone array processing is developed for noise suppression for hands-free communications as well as improved automatic speech recognition for route dialog interaction. Next, advances in modeling driver behavior are considered in the UTDrive project, which is focused on advancing smart vehicle technologies for improved safety while driving. Finally, a general discussion considers next generation advances for in-vehicle environments which sense driver cognitive stress/distraction to adapt interactive systems for improved safety.
Synthesis and ethylene polymerization behavior of {MeB(3-Ph-pyrazolyl)3}TiCl3

Abstract The new methyl-tris(pyrazolyl)borate reagents Li[MeTpPh] (1) [MeTpPh]− = MeB(3-Ph-pyrazolyl)3−) and Tl[MeTpPh] (2) react with TiCl4 to afford (MeTpPh)TiCl3 (3) in 77% and 81% yield respectively. 2 reacts with ZrCl4 and HfCl4 to yield mixtures of products. The reaction of 1 with TiCl3(THF)3 proceeds with B–N bond cleavage to afford TiCl3(3-Ph-pyrazole)(THF)2 as the major product (30%). The reaction of 3 with MeLi (3 equiv) yields 1 (60%) and reduced Ti species, via apparent displacement of [MeTpPh]− and generation of unstable TiCl4Me4−x species. Under MAO activation conditions (MAO = methylalumoxane), 3 polymerizes ethylene to linear polyethylene. 3/MAO is significantly more active in ethylene polymerization than the hydrido-tris(pyrazolyl)borate analogue {HB(3-Ph-pyrazolyl)3}TiCl3/MAO.
Enhancing the mass spectrometric identification of membrane proteins by combining chemical and enzymatic digestion methods

Membrane proteins are critical for many cellular events, including cell signaling, molecular transport, and extracellular interactions. One third of the genome is estimated to encode membrane proteins, which are correlated with disease progression and can serve as promising biomarkers and drug targets. Modern mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics techniques facilitate the global analysis of proteins in complex biological samples; however, the hydrophobicity of membrane proteins inhibits their comprehensive analysis. Since membrane proteins are not easily accessible by proteases in aqueous solutions, a combinatorial method incorporating chemical and enzymatic digestion is presented here to improve the digestion efficiency of membrane proteins for MS analysis. Chemical digestion with 2-nitro-5-thiocyanatobenzoic acid (NTCB) was supplemented with enzymatic digestion (Glu-C, or Lys-C and trypsin) to determine the optimal combination of digestion methods. Three parallel experiments were performed with membrane protein extracts from HEK293T cells, and the results demonstrated that combining NTCB with Lys-C and trypsin resulted in the greatest number of identified peptides and proteins while the least number of peptides and proteins were identified by using sequential digestion with NTCB and Glu-C. By integrating chemical digestion before enzymatic digestion, NTCB could more easily access cleavage sites within membrane proteins, and the resulting peptide fragments were thus more accessible by proteases. The combination of chemical and enzymatic digestion presented here proved to be effective for membrane protein analysis.
THE CARCINOID CRISIS.

Profound hypotension in patients with the malignant carcinoid syndrome has been noted during anesthesia,1,2palpation of the tumor at operation,3,4or spontaneous bouts of flushing.2,5-7The mechanism of the reduction in blood pressure is not clear, but an excessive amount of circulating serotonin is assumed to be a major causative factor. Recently, we encountered a patient with carcinoidosis who developed a striking constellation of signs and symptoms consisting of peripheral vascular collapse, flushing, chest pain, pruritus, paresthesias, and hyperesthesias. The use of levarterenol not only failed to produce a detectable pressor effect but also was attended by an increase in the severity of the symptoms. The subsequent injection of an antiserotonin compound resulted in prompt cessation of all symptoms and a return of the blood pressure to normal levels. The sequence of events suggested a "carcinoid crisis." Report of a Case A 41-year-old white woman with a
Artificial intelligence search methods for multi-machine two-stage scheduling with due date penalty, inventory, and machining costs

Abstract This paper evaluates artificial intelligence search methods for multi-machine two-stage scheduling problems with due date penalty, inventory, and machining costs. We compare four search methods: tabu search, simulated annealing, genetic algorithm, and neighborhood search. Computational results show that the tabu search performs best in terms of solution quality. The tabu search also requires much less computational time than the genetic algorithm and simulated annealing. As expected, the neighborhood search needs the smallest computational time, but gives the worst solution quality. To further improve the solution quality and computational time, this paper proposes a two-phase tabu search. The two-phase tabu search sequentially addresses two aspects of sequencing for the same problem, order- and component-based sequencing. The order-based tabu search identifies a sequence for customers’ orders. Starting from the sequence identified for customers’ orders, the component-based tabu search fine-tunes the sequence for components produced at the fabrication stage. The results show that the two-phase tabu search is better in solution quality and computational time than the one-phase tabu search. The difference in solution quality is more pronounced at the early stage of the search. Scope and purpose Most manufacturing firms have some form of separate fabrication and assembly stages. Raw materials are transformed into components at the fabrication stage and the components are then assembled into finished products at the assembly stage. The components and assembly items are typically routed in batch quantities through several machines/work centers in a predetermined order before the finished products are delivered to customers. In this study, we model fabrication and assembly work centers as multi-machine two-stage manufacturing systems where a given machine is used to assemble/produce at least one component/product. The scheduling problem considered in this study involves a scheduling decision that achieves three objectives concurrently: (1) meeting customers’ due dates, (2) minimizing inventory cost, and (3) minimizing machining cost. Each order is an indivisible scheduling element that needs to be delivered to customers on the due date. Each order triggers successive production events from upstream to downstream according to the bill-of-material structure between components and end products. The objective of this paper are three-fold: (1) to present a solution representation for the multi-machine two-stage scheduling problem, (2) to identify the best artificial intelligence search method for this problem based on extensive computational experiments, and (3) to propose a modified tabu search method to further improve the solution quality and computational time.
Determination of Optimum Irrigation Regime and Water Use Efficiency of Sugar Beet Grown in Pathogen-Infested Soil

A field experiment was conducted to quantify the effects of different irrigation frequencies on sugar beet yield in pathogen-infested soils. Four irrigation regimes (every 2, 3, 4, and 5 weeks) and four inoculation treatments (beet necrotic yellow vein virus [BNYVV], beet soilborne mosaic virus [BSBMV], BNYVV+BSBMV, and a noninoculated control) were arranged in a split-plot design and replicated four times. Irrigation frequency and virus infection affected disease severity and yield. Sugar beets irrigated every 4 weeks had the lowest disease severity, and yield was not significantly different from the every 2 weeks frequency. Sucrose content was higher for beets in the 4-week irrigation treatment compared with the 2- and 3-week frequencies. Beets inoculated with BNYVV had higher disease severity and lower root yield than beets inoculated with BSBMV and BNYVV+BSBMV. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of water level on disease severity and water use in sugar beet. Four treatments (BNYVV, BSBMV, BNYVV+BSBMV, and a noninoculated control) and three water levels (pot capacity [PC], 75% PC, and 50% PC) were arranged in a split-plot design and replicated five times. Pots of each treatment were weighed every other day to determine evapotranspiration. Evaporation was determined from unplanted pots, and plant transpiration was calculated by the difference. Beets irrigated at 75% pot capacity showed minimal disease incidence and a root weight comparable to the fully irrigated healthy control. Plants in the BNYVV treatment had a significantly higher disease severity than beets infected by BSBMV or BNYVV+BSBMV. Root weights and plant water use were significantly affected by virus infection. Beets in the BNYVV+BSBMV treatment had a significantly higher root dry weight and water use than beets in the BNYVV treatment, suggesting that BSBMV reduced the impact of disease caused by BNYVV.
Photogeneration of polaron pairs in conducting polymers.

It is usually assumed that when photogeneration in a conducting polymer results in an electron and hole on separate chains they form negative and positive polarons that can move independently of each other. We show, on the basis of the small carrier yield per photon seen in picosecond photoconductivity, the different behavior of photoinduced absorption (PA) in dilute solution and thin films, and the spectral distribution of the PA in thin films, that photogenerated positive and negative polarons in poly(p-phenylene vinylene), polythiophene, and polyacetylene are, for the most part, bound in pairs by their Coulomb attraction. We also show that PA data give evidence for a gap of 2.8 eV, and thus an exciton binding energy of 0.4 eV, in poly(p-phenylene vinylene).
Production of genetically modified cells expressing specific transgenes by retroviral vectors for gene therapy

Techniques and protocols are described for the generation of genetically modified cells that can be used for gene therapy. Primary fibroblast cultures are established from skin biopsies, maintained in culture, frozen for long-term storage, and retrieved when necessary. Retroviral packaging cell lines are generated by transfection of DNA into retroviral packaging cells by calcium-phosphate precipitation method or by lipofection method. To generate cell lines expressing high titer virus, individual colonies of cells are cloned and the virus titer is determined. Virus collected from packaging cells expressing high titer virus is then used to infect primary fibroblasts. To obtain fibroblast cell lines expressing high amounts of transgenes, individual cells can be cloned to generate clonal cell lines. Although the methods described here are for fibroblasts, the same methods or modification of the methods can be used for other cell types.
Proliferative effect of high glucose is modulated by antisense oligonucleotides against fibronectin in rat endothelial cells

Increased synthesis of fibronectin is associated with the development of basement membrane thickening – a characteristic lesion of diabetic microangiopathy, and it may affect the function of vascular cells. Because antisense technology offers the possibility to modulate specific gene expression, we investigated the effect of antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides directed against fibronectin mRNA on fibronectin synthesis and cell proliferation in a cell line derived from rat microvascular endothelium and cultured under high (30 mmol/l) glucose conditions. The rat endothelial cells grown in high glucose medium for 5.6 ± 1.3 days exhibited increased cell proliferation compared to control cells grown in 5 mmol/l glucose (149 % of control, p = 0.006). Fibronectin protein and mRNA levels (determined by Western blotting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) were also increased to 157 %, p = 0.012 and 178 %, p = 0.034 of control, respectively. However, when cells grown in high glucose medium were transfected with 0.4 mmol/l fibronectin-antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides in the presence of cationic liposomes, the cell number, fibronectin protein, and mRNA levels decreased compared to untransfected cells grown in high glucose medium to 102, 69, and 107 % of control, respectively. This study shows that fibronectin antisense oligonucleotides targeted to the translation initiation site of the fibronectin transcript specifically reduce fibronectin synthesis in rat endothelial cells and the proliferative effect of high glucose concentrations. [Diabetologia (1997) 40: 1011–1017]
Multireference configuration interaction treatment of potential energy surfaces: symmetric dissociation of H2O in a double-zeta basis

Abstract Multiconfiguration SCF and multireference CI calculations have been performed for the H 2 O molecule in a double-zeta basis for four symmetric geometries, for comparison with full CI results. Unlike single-reference results, the energy errors are almost independent of geometry, allowing unbiased treatments of potential energy surfaces.
Appreciation of Food Safety Practices Based on Level of Experience

This study sought to determine if no experience, basic experience, or well-informed experience (defined as basic experience and formal food safety training) in a foodservice operation would influence attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control toward three important behaviors that can help prevent foodborne illness (handwashing, using thermometers, and sanitizing work surfaces). Results suggest that formal training increases respondents' appreciation of the importance of these food safety practices. Those with formal food safety training identified more attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control constructs than participants with basic experience or no experience in foodservice. Factors that help and impede employees in following proper food safety practices were identified. Foodservice operators and sanitarians can utilize these results to employ strategies to address the barriers preventing employees from applying food safety practices and to increase compliance with fo...
Effects of carbon content on the mechanical properties of amorphous steel alloys

The effects of carbon content on the mechanical properties of amorphous steel alloys have been studied. Starting from the two compositions Fe49Cr15Mo14C13B8Er1 and (Fe0.9Co0.1)58.5Cr6Mo14C15B6Er0.5, it is found that the substitution of carbon for boron results in a decrease in the shear modulus, while the bulk modulus remains essentially constant. The alloys exhibit high fracture strengths of nearly 4 GPa and some plasticity. The decrease in shear modulus is discussed in light of the interplay of metal–metalloid and metal–metal interactions in the amorphous network.
Specific nickel compounds as carcinogens

Abstract Overloading by selective phagocytosis of nickel sulfide particles results in DNA damage and transformation.
Diagnosis and surgical correction of cor triatriatum in an adult: Combined use of transesophageal echocardiography and catheterization

This is an unusual case of a 37-year-old male whose initial presentation to medical care was for dyspnea. A transthoracic echocardiogram was suspicious for cor triatriatum, which was confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography. Since the resting transmembrane gradient was low, a cardiac catheterization with exercise hemodynamics was performed and demonstrated a marked increase in pulmonary capillary wedge and pulmonary artery pressures. The cor triatriatum was successfully resected at surgery. We have reviewed the English literature and find this to be a unique approach to diagnosis and management.
On the dynamics and stability of an inclined impact pair

The dynamics of an inclinded impact pair is investigated. The base mass motion is harmonic, and the secondary mass is constrained to move in an inclined slot within the base mass. The dynamics of the secondary mass for alternating impacts is formulated in terms of a map over one period of the base motion. Steady state 2:1 motions, their stability and subsequent period doubling bifurcations are studied via this map. Results, presented in the form of stability plots as a function of the incline angle indicate that this simple system can exhibit complex behavior. Results are explained by using the local bifurcation theory of maps.
There Are No Good Men to Find: Two Stories by Flannery O’Connor

Many of Flannery O’Connor's stories may strike some as formulaic. “A Good Man Is Hard to Find,” “Revelation,” “Good Country People,” and other O’Connor stories follow the same basic plot: a proud m...
A classification of second-order technical progress operators

Abstract This paper demonstrates that any technical progress operator can always be classified as a member of either the hyperbolic, parabolic, or elliptic class of linear partial differential operators. This classification is useful for studies that estimate the contributions to economic growth of economies of scale and technological progress.
Parameters governing the reduction of oxide layers on Inconel 617 in impure VHTR He atmosphere

The very high temperature reactor (VHTR) has been selected as among the Generation IV nuclear power system. The coolant, namely helium, has been shown to contain low level of oxidizing as well as carbon-bearing impurities (such as H 2 , CO (and CO 2 ), CH 4 , N 2 ranging from a few microbars to hundreds of microbars and water vapour in the microbar range) that can interact with metals at high temperature. In this specific gas phase, there is a competition between the formation of protective oxide scales and deleterious reactions towards carbon. A possible oxide layer reduction could be observed in a particular case detailed in this paper. This destruction of the oxide can imply consequences on the behaviour of the alloy as strong carburization or deep internal oxidation could occur. The influence of the level of impurities was analysed through a parametric approach. The experiments were carried out in a purpose-designed device that allows the control of low impurity partial pressures.
A JOINT STATE-INDUSTRY PROGRAM FOR OIL POLLUTION CONTROL

ABSTRACT This paper describes a project undertaken to establish specific measures for reducing the threat of oil pollution and to respond more effectively to oil spills in an intensely utilized estuarine area near Boston. Its recommendations are the result of a study of potential sources of pollution and the mechanisms that spread it. To help design a fast-response system for containing and removing spilled oil, the study team developed a computer program that could predict the probable path of oil spilled anywhere in the area under various conditions of wind and tide. This information was used to select locations for containment devices and determine the speed with which they would have to be deployed. The study was supported by the Massachusetts Division of Water Pollution Control and aided by the active cooperation of local industries through a joint industry committee.
Identification Results for Duration Models with Multiple Spells

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the identifiability of duration models with multiple spells. We prove that the results of Elbers and Ridder (1982) and Heckman and Singer (1984) can be generalized to multi-spell models with lagged duration dependence. We also prove that without lagged duration dependence, the identification result does not depend on moment conditions or tail conditions on the mixing distribution. This result is in contrast to Ridder's (1990) result for single-spell models.
A note on transfer prices and exchange rate pass-through

The paper builds a model of a parent corporation selling an intermediate product to a foreign subsidiary. The model is used to explain the response of foreign prices to changes in the exchange rate between the country of the parent affiliate and the foreign subsidiary. The model examines this response with and without an external market for the intermediate product.
Irreversibility and nonrecurrence

Zermelo and Loschmidt pointed out that the equations of classical mechanics are recurrent and reversible, while those of macroscopic physics are non-recurrent and irreversible. These observations cast doubt on the possibility of deriving the macroscopic equations from classical mechanics. Therefore an example is presented to show that nonrecurrent equations can be derived from recurrent ones, and another example to show that irreversible equations can be derived from reversible ones. The irreversible equation derived in the second example describes either decaying, growing, or undamped motions, depending upon the initial conditions. Thus the specification of initial conditions introduces the irreversibility. These demonstrations may help to clarify previous resolutions of the recurrence and reversibility paradoxes.
Primary production and nitrogen allocation of field grown sugar maples in relation to nitrogen availability

Above ground net primary production (NPP), nitrogen (N) allocation, and retranslocation from senescing leaves were measured in 7 sugar-maple dominated sites having annual net N mineralization rates ranging from 26 to 94 kg · ha−1 · yr−1. The following responses were observed: (1) Green sun leaves on richer sites had higher N mass per unit leaf area than sun leaves on poorer sites; (2) Total canopy N varied much less than annual net mineralization, ranging from 81 to 111 kg · ha−1; (3) This was due to the existence of a large and relatively constant pool of N which was retranslocated from senescing leaves for use the following year (54 to 80 kg · ha−1); (4) The percentage of canopy N retranslocated by sugar maple was also relatively constant, but was slightly higher on the richer sites. Percent N in leaf litter did not change across the gradient; (5) Above ground NPP increased linearly in relation to N allocated above ground. Therefore, N use efficiency, expressed as above ground NPP divided by N allocated above ground was constant; (6) N use efficiency expressed as (NPP above ground/total N availability) was a curvilinear function of N availability; and (7) This pattern reflected a decreasing apparent allocation of N below ground with decreasing N availability.
Elementary mode analysis: a useful metabolic pathway analysis tool for characterizing cellular metabolism

Elementary mode analysis is a useful metabolic pathway analysis tool to identify the structure of a metabolic network that links the cellular phenotype to the corresponding genotype. The analysis can decompose the intricate metabolic network comprised of highly interconnected reactions into uniquely organized pathways. These pathways consisting of a minimal set of enzymes that can support steady state operation of cellular metabolism represent independent cellular physiological states. Such pathway definition provides a rigorous basis to systematically characterize cellular phenotypes, metabolic network regulation, robustness, and fragility that facilitate understanding of cell physiology and implementation of metabolic engineering strategies. This mini-review aims to overview the development and application of elementary mode analysis as a metabolic pathway analysis tool in studying cell physiology and as a basis of metabolic engineering.
A three-dimensional global model study of atmospheric methyl chloride budget and distributions

[1] Global simulations of atmospheric methyl chloride (CH3Cl) are conducted using the GEOS-CHEM model in order to understand better its sources and sinks. Observations from 7 surface sites and 9 aircraft field experiments are used to evaluate the model simulations with assimilated meteorology fields for 7 years. The model simulates CH3Cl observations at northern mid and high latitudes reasonably well. The seasonal variation of CH3Cl at southern mid and high latitudes is severely overestimated, however. Simulated vertical profiles of CH3Cl are in general agreement with the observations in most regions; the disagreement occurs in the vicinities of major sources, principally reflecting the uncertainties in the estimated distributions of our added pseudobiogenic and the biomass burning sources. Our estimate of known sources (1.5 Tg yr−1) from ocean, biomass burning, incineration/industry, salt marshes, and wetlands accounts for only 34% of the total source (4.4 Tg yr−1). We hypothesize that the missing source of 2.9 Tg yr−1 is likely of biogenic origin. On the basis of the observed CH3Cl seasonality at northern mid and high latitudes, we find that this pseudobiogenic source is located at 30°N–30°S, not at mid and high latitudes. If so, the observed CH3Cl latitudinal distribution indicates that the annual hemispheric mean OH ratio is within the range of 0.8–1.3. The net uptake regions by ocean are located at high latitudes. A relatively small loss of 150 Gg yr−1 over these regions is critical for the model to reproduce the observed annual mean latitudinal gradient of CH3Cl in the southern hemisphere. The large overestimate of the seasonal variation of CH3Cl at southern mid and high latitudes likely implies that the seasonality of simulated oceanic uptake is incorrect as a result of defects in the parameterization of this loss in the model.