cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Within-Plant Distribution of Aulacorthum solani (Hemiptera: Aphididae), on Various Greenhouse Plants With Implications for Control

Foxglove aphid, Aulacorthum solani (Kaltenbach) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), has recently undergone a status change from an occasional pest to a serious pest in greenhouses of North America and the United Kingdom. Little nonanecdotal information exists on the ecology of this insect in greenhouse crops. To help improve integrated pest management decisions for A. solani, the within-plant distribution of this pest was explored on a variety of common greenhouse plants in both the vegetative and flowering stage. This aphid generally was found on lower leaves of vegetative plants, but was found higher in the canopy on reproductive plants (on flowers, flower buds, or upper leaves). Aphid numbers were not consistently positively correlated with total leaf surface areas within plant strata across plant species. Thus, the observed differences in preferred feeding sites on vegetative versus flowering plants are possibly a response to differences in nutritional quality of the various host-plant tissues. Despite being anecdotally described as a “stem-feeding aphid,” A. solani was rarely found feeding on stems at the population densities established in our tests, with the exception of racemes of scarlet sage (Salvia splendans). Although some previous reports suggested that A. solani prefers to feed on new growth of plants, our results indicate that mature leaves are preferred over growing tips and young leaves. The implications of the within-plant feeding preferences of A. solani populations with respect to both biological and chemical control are discussed.
Novel Plasma Approach for the Synthesis of Highly Fluorinated Thin Surface Layers

SF6-RF-plasma environments were employed for the generation of SFx-oxygen-scavenger species, and used for the synthesis of thin highly fluorinated paper, poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), polyethylene (PE), plasma-oxidized polyethylene (OxPE), and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) surface layers. The concentration of fluorine atoms in the SF6-plasma was monitored using actinometry. The relative surface atomic concentrations and the surface characteristics of the plasma-modified substrates were evaluated using electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis, contact angle goniometry, and atomic force microscopy. It was demonstrated that the plasma-produced SFx species initiate simultaneous intense surface fluorination and oxygen extraction mechanisms, and that −C−O, −CO, and −COOH functionalities are converted into −CF, −CF2, and −CF3 groups, respectively. Contact angle (CA) investigations indicate that longer plasma exposure times result in very high, stable contact angle values. It is suggested that the low stability in tim...
Getting serious about excessive Medicare spending: a purchasing model.

ABSTRACT: It is now well documented that Medicare spending varies widely across the country and that higher spending does not produce differences in quality, access, or even patient satisfaction. Y...
Evaluation of dust bags for horn fly control on cattle.

Information on self-dusting stations and the efficacy of several different insecticides used therein for control of Haematobia irritans (L.) are presented. Several different dust bags which were placed in different situations were tested during the summer of 1965 and 1966. Dusts included 3% and 5% Rabon® (2-chloro-1-(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl) vinyl dimethyl phosphate), 5% coumaphos, 3% malathion, 5% ronnel, 5% fenthion, and 3% crotoxyphos. Out of 43 different tests, only one with 3% crotoxphos, two with 5% ronnel, and three with 3% malathion showed less than 90% effectiveness in reduction of the horn fly.
The “Long Peace”— Result of a Bipolar Competitive World?

One of the reasons advanced for the absence of a major war between the two superpowers during the forty-five years of their enmity since World War II is that the world system in which they functioned was essentially bipolar and hence, presumably, inherently more stable than previous multipolar worlds. Given the recent decline in the power of the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. relative to the rest of the world, it is important to test the validity of this presumption. A nonlinear mathematical model of international competition is presented in which the transition from predictable laminar to unpredictable turbulent flow is the model manifestation of the transition from cold to hot war in the world system being modelled. The model is a tripolar competition which arises continuously from a bipolar system as a coupling parameter is varied. Thus the realm of nonchaotic, stable, competition can be examined as a function of the coupling parameter. It is found that the regime of stability decreases as the system complexity...
Matching-based methods for high-performance clock routing

The authors point out that minimizing clock skew is important in the design of high-performance VLSI systems. A general clock routing scheme that achieves extremely small clock skews while still using a reasonable amount of wirelength is presented. The routing solution is based on the construction of a binary tree using geometric matching. For cell-based designs, the total wirelength of the clock routing tree is on average within a constant factor of the wirelength in an optimal Steiner tree, and in the worst case is bounded by O( square root l/sub 1/l/sub 2/*1 square root n) for n terminals arbitrarily distributed in the l/sub 1/*l/sub 2/ grid. The bottom-up construction readily extends to general cell layouts, where it also achieves essentially zero clock skew within reasonably bounded total wirelength. The algorithms have been tested on numerous random examples and also on layouts of industrial benchmark circuits. The results are very promising: the clock routing yields near-zero average clock skew while using total wirelength competitive with that used by previously known methods. >
Measurement of tissue optical properties by the use of oblique-incidence optical fiber reflectometry.

Fiber-optic-based oblique-incidence reflectometry is a simple and accurate method for measuring the absorption and reduced scattering coefficients μ_a and μ_s' of semi-infinite turbid media. Obliquely incident light produces a spatial distribution of diffuse reflectance that is not centered about the point of light entry. The amount of shift in the center of diffuse reflectance is directly related to the medium’s diffusion length D. We developed a fiber-optic probe to deliver light obliquely and sample the relative profile of diffuse reflectance. Measurement in absolute units is not necessary. From the profile, it was possible to measure D, perform a curve fit for the effective attenuation coefficient μ_(eff), and then calculate μ_a and μ_s'. This method was verified with Monte Carlo simulations and tested on tissue phantoms. Our measurements of D and μ_(eff) had an accuracy of approximately 5%, thus giving us 10% and 5% accuracy for μ_a and μ_s', respectively.
SCATTERING OF HIGH-ENERGY ALKALI ATOMS.

Abstract Total collision cross sections have been measured for K-Ar, K-Xe and K-Ch3I in the lab energy range of 6–1000 eV. The measurements have been compared to theoretical cross sections (which include the effects of apparatus resolution) for a Lennard-Jones (6, n) potential. The best value of n was 7, but the fit was poor indicating that the Lennard-Jones potential is not a good potential.
A Greedy Heuristic for Single Machine Sequencing with Precedence Constraints

We present a greedy heuristic for the n job/1 machine scheduling problem with precedence constraints. This method is useful whenever the manager's optimization criteria is the sum of weighted or unweighted completion times, the sum of weighted or unweighted flow times, with or without release dates, the sum of weighted or unweighted working times, the sum of weighted or unweighted lateness, average completion time, average flow time, average waiting time or average lateness. The greedy heuristic found the optimal solution for 58 of 68 test problems for which a branch and bound method was used to find the optimal solution. The heuristic is, of course, much easier to implement and executes in less time. The greedy heuristic fared well in comparison with a simple myopic heuristic presented by Morton and Dharan Morton. T. E., B. G. Dharan. 1978. Algoristics for single machine sequencing with precedence constraints. Management Sci.24 10 1011-1020..
JSTOR, University Presses, and the Serials Crisis

We increasingly find ourselves living in an era of perpetual crisis. Globally, we have been subjected to a financial crisis, subprime mortgage crisis, banking crisis, oil price spikes, Middle East ...
PHOTODYNAMIC ACTION OF CHEMICALLY RELATED FLAVONES

Abstract— Flavone, polyhydroxyflavones (apigenin, fisetin, kaempferol, luteolin, myricetin, quercetin, resokaempferol and robinetin), polymethoxyflavones and acetylated and benzylated flavones were tested for photodynamic activity using Tetrahymena pyriformis T as the test organism. Among these compounds, polymethoxyflavones showed the highest order of activity, followed by flavone and then flavone derivatives with OH and OCH3 groups. Resokaempferol was the only active polyhydroxyflavone, the remainder being inactive such as the benzyl-derivative. The methoxyl group in the 5–position and an increase in number of methoxyl groups from one to three in the phenolic portion of the flavonoid tended to decrease photodynamic activity. Tetrahymena killed photodynamically by polymethoxyflavones were morphologically altered by blister-like blebs. Polymethoxyflavones showed the lowest cytotoxicity and the greatest photodynamic activity among those flavonoids tested. The majority of the favonoids in this series have absorption spectra in the 320–370 nm region.
SATELLITE RELATIVE MOTION USING DIFFERENTIAL EQUINOCTIAL ELEMENTS

For precise control, to minimize the fuel consumption, and to maximize the lifetime of satellite formations a precise analytic solution is needed for the relative motion of satellites. Based on the relationship between the relative states and the differential orbital elements, the state transition matrix for the linearized relative motion that includes the effects due to the reference orbit eccentricity and the gravitational perturbations is derived. This method is called the Geometric Method. To avoid any singularities at zero eccentricity and zero inclination, equinoctial variables are used to derive the relative motion state transition matrices for both mean and osculating elements. This approach can be extended easily to include other perturbing forces.
Cortical and segmental excitability during fatiguing contractions of the soleus muscle in humans

Objective The aim of this study was to examine the cortical and segmental excitability changes during fatigue of the soleus muscle.
The Effect of Disconnecting the Uterus and Ovary on the Length of Gestation in the Pig

The normal anatomical relationship between the uterus and the ovary was altered surgically in gilts by transplanting the ovary to the uterus or the abdominal wall, or by removing 1 uterine horn and its contralateral ovary. Pregnancy was established in 14 of 92 experimental gilts. The length of gestation, farrowing, lactation and the level of estrogen and progesterone late in gestation were all normal in these 14 gilts. The decline in progesterone near the time of parturition in the experimental gifts indicates that the corpora lutea regressed at term. We conclude that in the pig, the usual connection between the uterus and the ovary is not an absolute requirement for maintenance of pregnancy and normal parturition.
Contributions of endocannabinoid signaling to psychiatric disorders in humans: Genetic and biochemical evidence

The endocannabinoid signaling system is a widespread, neuromodulatory system in brain and is also widely utilized in the periphery to modulate metabolic functions and the immune system. Preclinical data demonstrate that endocannabinoid signaling is an important stress buffer and modulates emotional and cognitive functions. These data suggest the hypothesis that endocannabinoid signaling could be dysfunctional in a number of mental disorders. Genetic polymorphisms in the human genes for two important proteins of the endocannabinoid signaling system, the CB1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), have been explored in the context of normal and pathological conditions. In the case of the gene for FAAH, the mechanistic relationships among the common genetic polymorphism, the expression of the FAAH protein, and its likely impact on endocannabinoid signaling are understood. However, multiple polymorphisms in the gene for the CB1R occur and are associated with human phenotypic differences without an understanding of the functional relationships among the gene, mRNA, protein, and protein function. The endocannabinoid ligands are found in the circulation, and several studies have identified changes in their concentrations under various conditions. These data are reviewed for the purpose of generating hypotheses and to encourage further studies in this very interesting and important area.
A Test for admissibility for two-dimensional, continuous fields on planar surfaces

Radar scatterometers on oceanic satellites provide wind stress data over the oceans except for a 180^o ambiguity in direction. Data sets consist of sticks, 2-dimensional vectors of known amplitude and direction, but undetermined orientation. In [1], it was shown that, for admissible stick fields, the assignment of an orientation to a single stick determines a unique realization of a vector field from the given continuous stick field. In this note, a criterion for determining admissibility of a given continuous stick field is given. This criterion depends only on the boundary curves of the region on which the stick field is given and it can be effectively checked.
Fundamentals of Atmospheric Physics

What the content of a core course in atmospheric sciences should be is of concern to both faculty and students of this discipline, as well as to scientists of other disciplines who wish to broaden their education. Fundamentals of Atmospheric Physics provides one answer to this question. The book largely addresses the “homosphere” below an altitude of 100 km, but the first chapter on “Composition and Structure” also considers the region above 500 km and shows that heavier species take a long time to escape from the Earth's gravitational field.
Left anterior small thoracotomy versus coronary artery bypass graft for single-vessel occlusion. A cost identification analysis.

OBJECTIVES Single-vessel bypass can often be accomplished through less invasive techniques than conventional coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) at substantially lower cost. We undertook a study to empirically determine the cost savings associated with one such technique, left anterior small thoracotomy (LAST). METHODS Reviewing medical and billing records, we measured the difference in hospitalization costs between two methods of coronary bypass surgery. The study groups consisted of 50 patients who underwent LAST and 28 who underwent single-vessel conventional CABG during 1995 and 1996. A subsequent validation sample of 50 patients who underwent LAST was also analyzed. Hospitalization costs were estimated using a relative value unit methodology and were risk-adjusted for both perioperative risk factors and changes in operating room technology. RESULTS Risk-adjusted hospitalization costs for those undergoing LAST were $9,510 and $12,546 for the CABG control subjects (p < .01), with differences in surgical costs reflecting over 62% of this overall difference. Differences in average length of stay were under a half-day (10.0 for LAST vs. 10.46 for CABG). Only one inpatient fatality was reported; therefore, no inference regarding mortality differences could be made. CONCLUSIONS LAST is substantially less costly than conventional surgery, and the savings are potentially greater if hospital length of stay is reduced to a clinically recommended time of 2 days.
Effect of phorbol ester and platelet-derived growth factor on protein kinase C in rat hepatic stellate cells.

Background/Aims: Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) play a key role in hepatic fibrogenesis and thus, it is important to understand the intracellular signalling pathways that influence their behaviour. This study investigated the expression and regulation of protein kinase C (PKC) in HSC. Results: Western blot analysis indicates that rat HSC express at least four PKC isoforms, PKC-α, PKC-δ, PKC-ɛ and PKC-ζ. PKC-α and PKC-ζ were located predominantly in the cytosol and were redistributed to the membrane by the PKC agonist, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), while PKC-δ and PKC-ɛ were highly membrane-bound and did not undergo translocation by PMA. PKC-α, PKC-δ and PKC-ζ were rapidly downregulated by PMA. However, PKC-ɛ was resistant to downregulation. We also examined phosphorylation of myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS), a specific substrate of PKC, as another approach to assess activation of PKC. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and PMA increased the phosphorylation of MARCKS, suggesting that PDGF can induce PKC activation. PDGF-induced stimulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and p70-S6 kinase was not abrogated by downregulation of PKC-α, PKC-δ and PKC-ζ. Prolonged PKC inhibition did not inhibit the fibrogenic phenotype. Conclusion: Multiple PKC isoforms are expressed in rat HSC and are differentially regulated by PMA. PDGF activates certain mitogenic signalling pathways independent of PKC-α, PKC-δ and PKC-ζ. Specific PKC isoforms may modulate different cell functions in HSC.
Influence of Weather on Efficacy of Pyrethroid Insecticides for Boll Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Bollworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Cotton

During 1984-1987, variable seasonal weather patterns offered an opportunity to evaluate the influence of rainfall and sunlight on pyrethroid treatments applied on a 7-d schedule for control of boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis (Boheman), and bollworm, Heliothts spp., damage. Conditions ranged from drought (with daily highs above 35°C) to frequent rain during the 4-yr period. All of the pyrethroids tested maintained high levels of bollworm control through all weather patterns with no significant differences. Highest overall efficacy for boll weevil occurred in 1984, which was intermediate among the four seasons in terms of rainfall and sunlight received. In 1985 and 1987, rain frequently fell within 2 d after insecticide applications; efficacy and consistency of all treatments for boll weevils were reduced compared with 1984 or 1986, but relative efficacy rankings did not change. Rain just after insecticide treatments in 1984 and 1986 also corresponded with reduced efficacy. Rain falling more than 2 d after spraying had no apparent effect on efficacy. In 1986, the efficacy of flucythrinate (0.028 kg [AI]/ha) and tralomethrin (0.0168 kg [AII/ha) for boll weevil declined rapidly during a 3-wk period with clear skies and a mean daily high temperature above 37°C and rebounded as daily high temperatures moderated. Control of boll weevil damage by cypermethrin (0.0672 kg [AI]/ha), esfenvalerate (0.0336 kg [AI]/ha to 0.040 kg [AIl/ha) and cyhalothrin (0.028 kg [AIl/ha to 0.0392 kg [AIl/ha) gradually decreased during this hot period and rose again as temperatures abated. Cyfluthrin (0.028 kg [AII/ha) maintained 85% control of boll weevil damage throughout the hot interval.
New Approach to the Phase Problem in Optical Coherence Theory

The problem of determining the phase ϕ of the complex degree of coherence γ of a light beam from measurements of its modulus |γ| is considered. If a reference beam of light with an exactly known complex degree of coherence is available, then the phase ϕ may be determined from an additional experiment in which the two beams are superimposed.
Oxidative metabolism and acetylcholine synthesis during acetylpyridine treatment

In order to clarify the mechanisms by which nicotinic acid deficiency impairs brain function, the effects of the nicotinic acid antimetabolite, 3-acetylpyridine, have been investigated on behavior, cerebral oxidative metabolism, and acetylcholine synthesis. In young rats (21-23 days old), 3-acetylpyridine caused dose- and time-related deficits in behavior, as measured by a neurological scale and by "tight-rope" performance, loss of body weight, and decreased survival. An intermediate dosage decreased cerebral glucose utilization in the inferior olivary nuclei, but increased it in the fastigial, interpositus, red, dentate, vestibular, posterior mamillary, and habenular nuclei. Selective alteration of metabolism was also observed in brain slices from 3-acetylpyridine-treated rats. Although forebrain slices were unaffected, in brainstem slices the synthesis of acetylcholine decreased by 34% with depolarizing (31 mM) concentrations of K+ (P less than 0.05). This dose of 3-acetylpyridine did not deplete the total pool of NAD in any of the 7 brain regions examined. Thus, the nicotinic acid deficiency which results from 3-acetylpyridine treatment appears to be yet another metabolic encephalopathy in which cholinergic systems are impaired.
Some multiplicity results for a class of nonlinear boundary value problems

Abstract Results for the Neumann and Dirichlet problems are extended to more generalized boundary conditions via a homotopy between Dirichlet and Neumann data. Exact solution numbers for large boundary data are determined as a function of the boundary data and of the spectral parameters in the problem.
Near-side Δη correlations of high-pt hadrons from STAR

Systematic measurements of pseudorapidity (Δη) and azimuthal (Δϕ) correlations between high-pt charged hadrons and associated particles from the high statistics 200 GeV Au+Au and Cu+Cu datasets will be presented. In previous measurements differences in the near-side Δη correlation between central Au+Au and the lighter systems, d+Au and p+p, were observed, including a long-range near-side correlation in Au+Au collisions. Studies to characterize the properties of the long-range correlation will be presented.
Elastic stability of orthotropic plates

Abstract A semi-numerical method is presented for the analysis of orthotropic rectangular plates subjected to uniform, linearly-varying and partial inplane loads. The solution procedure is based on the classical method of separation of variables. The basic functions are chosen as the eigenfunctions for straight prismatic beams in free vibration. The two-dimensional governing partial differential equation is first reduced to an ordinary differential equation. The classical unidirectional finite difference method is then employed to solve the resulting ordinary differential equation. Results are presented for plates with different edge and loading conditions.
Complete Tracheal Disruption Following Blunt Trauma

Cervical tracheal disruption is a rare injury seen more commonly with penetrating than with blunt trauma. In blunt trauma, patients present with subtle findings of airway disruption without airway compromise or may present in extremes. This case report describes a complete cervical tracheal disruption presenting with an apparently intact airway.
COMMUNICATION IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION: THE NEED FOR SKILL‐BASED EDUCATION

This article notes the tremendous significance of communication skills for public administrators with the authors examining the attention that has been given to teaching these skills in MPA programs. The authors hold that basic communication skills are the essential building blocks on which more advanced skills (i.e., qualitative skills and computer skills) are constructed. This article considers the various skills of communication that are most essential to public administrators and the manner in which courses addressing these skills are handled in MPA curriculum. In concluding the article, the authors offer several options for teaching communication skills to students of the discipline.
An autoregulatory feedback loop between Mdm2 and SHP that fine tunes Mdm2 and SHP stability

Abstract Mdm2 is a crucial negative regulator of the tumor suppressor function of p53. However, little is known about Mdm2 protein stability regulation by other tumor suppressors. Nuclear receptor small heterodimer partner (SHP, NROB2) functions as a tumor suppressor in liver cancer. We show here a surprising finding of a feedback regulatory loop between SHP and Mdm2. SHP stabilizes Mdm2 protein by abrogating Mdm2 self-ubiquitination, and Mdm2 in turn attenuates SHP protein levels under p53-deficient conditions. Such cross-regulation critically depends on the physical interaction of SHP with Mdm2 through the SHP K170 residue. The Mdm2–SHP interplay represents a novel component of Mdm2 signaling that is likely to dictate Mdm2 activity and function. Structured summary of protein interactions: MDM2 physically interacts with SHP by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View Interaction: 1 , 2 ) SHP physically interacts with MDM2 by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View Interaction: 1 , 2 ) MDM2 physically interacts with p53 by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View Interaction: 1 , 2 ) SHP physically interacts with p53 by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View Interaction: 1 , 2 ) p53 physically interacts with SHP by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation ( View interaction )
Training in Dietetics

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME : To design, implement, and evaluate a model training program in dietetics for key faculty from Charles University (Czech Republic) and The Technical University of Moldova. The lack of baccalaureate programs for dietitians in the Czech Republic and Moldova prompted the development and implementation of a six week educational program at the University of Connecticut. The goal was the preparation of a curriculum that was consistent with the standards of the American Dietetic Association and appropriate for each university. Traditionally most nutrition services are performed by medical doctors with the assistance of dietetic nurses who have only a high school diploma and arc not nurses. The need for programs that train baccalaureate level dietitians in the newest methods of clinical and community practice was warranted given the fact that the knowledge base in dietetics has expanded greatly in the past 25 years. The training program included: clinical topics, curriculum development, professional topics relevant to dietetics, clinical experiences, and cultural and legislative opportunities. Faculty from the School of Allied Health Professions and dietitians from Connecticut provided the didactic and clinical components of the program. Because this program was designed to be an educational prototype for other Central European countries evaluation was critical and included both formative and summative evaluation. Evaluation was ongoing throughout the two general phases of the program: 1) educational training; and 2) post program follow-up and progress toward implementation. Evaluation for educational training included qualitative assessment using interviews, record keeping, and a diary on all phases of the program from the perspective of participants, administrators, and faculty. At the end of the 6 week period, questionnaires were distributed to participants to determine the knowledge gained and applicability for implementation in the Czech Republic and Moldova. The program was perceived by the participants to be very successful in meeting program goals. A 6 month post-program review was done to identify: retrospect usefulness of the training program, progress in implementation, barriers to implementation, and useful additions to the training program for replication. Results indicate a high level of success as it relates to program outcome. This training model appears to have a high level of applicability for other Central European countries.
Glass Formation and Recrystallization in the Lithium Metasilicate Region of the System Li2O–Al2O3–SiO2

The stability of the vitreous state in the lithium metasilicate region of the system Li2O–Al2O3–SiO2 was found to be a function of the concentration of lithia. The higher the lithia content, the less stable was the glass. The devitrification of glasses in this system was studied. In addition to the phases present at or near the liquidus, it was found that the β-eucryptite–β-quartz solid solution phase was metastable over most of the region. The Li2O–SiO2, β-Li2O–Al2O3–4SiO2 solid solution, β-Li2O–Al2O3–2SiO2 solid solution triple point was estimated to be near 62.5% SiO2, 17% Al2O3, and 20.5% Li2O (by weight). The thermal expansions of bodies in this region were measured and the values obtained are explained in terms of the phases present.
Advanced Technique for Control of the Threading of a Tandem Hot-Metal-Strip Rolling Mill

The tandem rolling of hot metal strip is a highly complex and nonlinear process which presents a difficult control challenge. The control of the threading phase of this process is particularly difficult as the model of the process changes significantly and rapidly as the head of the strip is sequenced from stand to stand during threading. Moreover, to improve the quality of the final product during threading, it is necessary to reduce excursions in the strip tension, looper position, and strip thickness. In this paper, we present a comprehensive model of the threading process plus the results of our initial work to develop a suitable controller which handles the rapid changes in the model during threading. The success of our initial work is demonstrated by simulations.
Teaching Pricing and Revenue Optimization

Pricing and revenue optimization, defined as the formulation and solution of tactical pricing decisions using constrained optimization, is becoming an increasingly popular subject to be taught at the MBA level. Perhaps the best-known example of pricing and revenue optimization is revenue management whereby airlines, hotels, and other companies seek to maximize operating contribution by opening and closing fare classes. However, a number of other important business problems including markdown management, dynamic pricing for e-commerce, and customized pricing are also parts of pricing and revenue optimization. This article gives an overview of the field for those who are considering teaching the topic to MBA students. I outline the scope of the area, describe specific topics that can be included, present a sample syllabus and provide some guidance based on my own experience and links to additional resources.
Percutaneous Absorption: A New Physicochemical Predictive Model for Maximum Human In vivo Penetration Rates

A diffusion model for stratum corneum-limited percutaneous absorption based on the interaction of the diffusate with the stratum corneum was derived. Two types of interactions were proposed, ion-dipole and lipidlipid, based on current knowledge of the stratum corneum and on irreversible thermodynamic arguments. The resulting flux equations predict a linear dependence of flux on the dipole moment and In X of the diffusates, where X is the mole fraction solubility. These flux equations were tested on 21 different diffusates whose human percutaneous absorption rates in vivo had been previously determined. A solubility method was used to classify the interaction pathway for each diffusate. Correlation of the maximum absorption rate for the lipid and polar pathways give correlation coefficients of 0.946 and 0.998, respectively. It is believed that these studies provide a starting point for the ultimate goal of percutaneous absorption research: to be able to bypass in vivo and in vitro studies and to predict absorption solely on the basis of the physicochemical properties of the diffusates.
Influence of tricyclic antidepressants on the adenylate cyclase-phosphodiesterase system in the rat cortex.

The actions of ten tricyclic antidepressant drugs were evaluated with respect to inhibition of the adenylate cyclase-cyclic adenosine 3': 5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP)-phosphodiesterase system in various preparations of rat cerebral cortex. At highest concentrations (10−4M) all drugs exhibited antagonism of the stimulation of cyclic AMP accumulation by norepinephrine in incubated tissue slice (whole cell) preparations. In these experiments iprindole and desipramine (10−4–10−8M) were the most potent agents, while lesser degrees of inhibition were seen with amitriptyline, chlorimipramine, nortriptyline, protriptyline, imipramine, opipramol, 2-hydroxyimipramine and 2-hydroxydesipramine in approximately that order. On the other hand, in broken cellular preparations from isolated neuronal and glial-enriched fractions, extremely high concentrations (1–10 mM) of the tricyclic antidepressants were necessary to inhibit by 50% the basal, fluoride-sensitive (catalytic site) and norepinephrine-sensitive (receptor) components of adenylate cyclase. In similar studies with isolated neuronal and glial fractions somewhat lower concentrations (0.1–1 mM) of tricyclic antidepressants were required to inhibit by 50% the total phosphodiesterase activity. The data indicate a basic problem relating to drug experimentation on cyclic nucleotide systems. Results obtained from intact cellular investigations i.e. tissue slices may not always be extrapolated to similar findings with enzyme preparations derived from broken cells.
The importance of patient education in the treatment of chronic kidney disease.

The article by Finkelstein and colleagues is a seminal work in helping us to understand the educational needs of pre–end-stage renal disease (pre-ESRD) patients. There are currently major deficits in patients' perceived knowledge of their options for ESRD care. The Canadian system, with its more integrated and multidisciplinary approach to care, does a better job of communicating these options to patients. African Americans are less likely to be aware of their options.
Levomycin. I. Isolation and chemical studies

Abstract A new antibiotic, levomycin, has been isolated in pure crystalline form from the culture broth of an unidentified streptomycete. Levomycin has been assigned tentatively the empirical formula C 27 H 38 N 6 O 10 . On mild alkaline hydrolysis, an acid (levomycic acid) of approximately the same molecular weight is produced. On vigorous alkaline and acid hydrolysis, levomycin gives a volatile base, a volatile acid, a fluorescent pigment, and at least four ninhydrin-positive components. The physical and chemical properties of levomycin indicate that it belongs to the group of antibiotics containing an aromatic group linked to a peptide moiety.
The effect of β-ecdysone on Gromphadorhina adult female fat body at the transcriptional and translational levels

1. 1. The feasibility of using adult insect tissues for biochemical studies on molting hormone action has been investigated. 2. 2. Fat body isolated from females of the roach, Gromphadorhina portentosa, was used for the experiments. 3. 3. The response of this organ to injection of β-ecdysone includes a strong stimulation of transcription, an early “activation” of the ribosomes, followed by increased levels of endogenous protein synthesis.
The prediction of academic achievement by a British study habits inventory

The purpose of this study is to determine if the prediction of college success can be improved with the Student Attitude Inventory (SAI). This inventory was developed in Britain and contains 47 items which attempt to identify students in higher education on the basis of: (1) motivation, (2) study methods, (3) examination technique, and (4) lack of distractions toward academic work. Students in six Kentucky community colleges were asked to express their attitudes toward study habits on the Student Attitude Inventory. There were 996 students in the sample population (413 males and 583 females). A measure of ability (composite American College Test score) and academic performance (cumula grade-point average) were obtained for each student sampled. The Student Attitude Inventory did contribute a statistically significant amount of variance beyond an ability measure for males and females.
Compliance with well-child visit recommendations: evidence from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, 2000-2002.

OBJECTIVES. This study examines national compliance rates with well-child visit recommendations using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey provides nationally representative information on preventative care for children, combining visit-level data over a 2-year period with a rich array of socioeconomic and health status measures. METHODS. Visit-level data from 2000 to 2002 were used to construct a well-child visit “compliance” measure equal to well-child visits as a percentage of age-specific recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Compliance was examined across age, gender, race/ethnicity, health status, poverty, insurance coverage, eligibility for public coverage, family structure, parent education, insurance, citizenship and country of origin, language, urbanicity, and census division. RESULTS. On average, 56.3% of all children aged 0 to 18 years had no well-child visits during a 12-month period, and 39.4% had no well-child visits over a 2-year period. The average compliance ratio was 61.4%. Large differences in compliance exist among children. High compliance rates were observed among infants (83.2%), children with special health care needs (86.6%), children with college-educated parents (74.3%), children with family incomes >4 times the poverty level (71.6%), and children in the New England (94.6%) and Middle Atlantic (83.2%) census divisions. Low levels of compliance were observed among uninsured children (35.3%) and especially uninsured children simulated to be eligible for public coverage (28.4%). Other groups with low compliance rates include teenagers (49.2%), noncitizen children (43.9%), and children in the West South Central (44.9%), East South Central (48.8%), and Mountain (49.7%) census divisions. CONCLUSIONS. Well-child visit compliance in the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey is less than found in other househould surveys, yet consistent with or above results based on data from provider and claims data. Although experts dispute the optimal frequency of well-child visits, the disparities observed in compliance rates among population subgroups raise important public health concerns.
cDNA cloning of a mouse mammary epithelial cell surface protein reveals the existence of epidermal growth factor-like domains linked to factor VIII-like sequences.

Abstract A 2.1-kilobase cDNA coding for a surface protein of mammary epithelial cells has been isolated from a mouse mammary gland lambda gt11 cDNA library. Sequence analysis of this cDNA reveals an open reading frame of 1389 base pairs that defines a protein with a molecular mass of 51.5 kDa. Structural analysis of the predicted sequence identifies two putative functional domains of the protein: (i) an N-terminal cysteine-rich region that is similar to epidermal growth factor-like domains of Drosophila Notch-1 protein and (ii) a large segment of the sequence that exhibited 54.5% identity with C-terminal domains of human coagulation factors VIII and V. These similarities in structure are used to predict the possible functions of the protein and its means of interaction with the cell surface. mRNA expression was detectable in mammary tissue from nonpregnant animals but was maximal in the lactating gland. In cultured cells, mRNA levels also correlated with the degree of cellular differentiation.
The in vitro metabolism and bioactivation of 1,2-dibromoethane (ethylene dibromide) by human liver.

The nematocide, grain fumigant, and gasoline additive 1,2-dibromoethane (DBE) is both a cellular and a genetic toxin that is metabolically activated in rats and mice by mixed function oxidases (MFO) as well as glutathione S-transferases (GST). The purpose of this study was to determine whether DBE is similarly metabolized and bioactivated by human liver in vitro. Human liver microsomal and cytosolic metabolism of DBE was monitored by the production of aqueous-soluble metabolites from [14-C]-DBE. Reactive intermediates were detected as irreversibly bound adducts to protein or DNA. 1,2-Dibromoethane was metabolized by human liver cytosolic GST, microsomal GST, and microsomal MFO. Cytosolic GST activity (9 ± 2 nmol/20 min/mg protein) was about four times greater than the other two activities. Only MFO activity resulted in adducts irreversibly bound to protein (1.5 ±.4 nmol/20 min/mg protein) and was inhibited by the presence of glutathione. Both MFO and GST activity resulted in irreversibly bound adducts to DNA. Microsomal and cytosolic GST activity each produced about twice as many DNA adducts as microsomal MFO activity. These results suggest that human liver, like rat and mouse liver, metabolizes DBE to aqueous-soluble metabolites by both MFO and GST activity. Furthermore, each of these activities produces reactive metabolites that can irreversibly bind to cellular macromolecules.
The role of heterogeneous freezing nucleation in upper tropospheric clouds: Inferences from SUCCESS

A temperature spectrum of heterogeneous freezing nuclei concentrations in continental air in the upper troposphere was determined based on airborne measurements. Numerical model simulations incorporating ice formation by heterogeneous and homogeneous freezing of deliquesced soluble aerosol particles were performed to investigate the effect of the heterogeneous process on the microphysics of upper tropospheric clouds. Heterogeneous freezing nuclei were predicted to cause lower maximum concentrations of ice particles formed in clouds. These nuclei also initiate the first ice formation and act to broaden ice crystal size distributions in upper tropospheric clouds. Observations of ice formation in an orographic wave cloud supported these predictions.
Video-assisted thoracoscopic transdiaphragmatic liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

Because of technical complexity, concern for vascular control, and uncertainty in regard to oncologic outcome, the application of minimally invasive techniques to liver surgery has been slower than in most other abdominal procedures. This is despite well-known advantages with respect to postoperative pain, length of hospitalization, and recovery time. Although laparoscopic liver surgery has recently become more common, the majority of laparoscopic liver resections comprise anterolateral wedge resections and left lateral sectorectomies. Laparoscopic resections of the posterosuperior segments are more difficult and few reports are available in the literature. Compared to laparoscopy, gaining access to tumors in the dome of the liver may be more easily obtained via thoracoscopy, thereby preserving the benefits of minimally invasive surgery. This technical report describes two cases of hepatocellular carcinoma in segments VII and VIII resected via a video-assisted thoracoscopic transdiaphragmatic approach.
Cyclic AMP mediates the prostaglandin E2-induced potentiation of bradykinin excitation in rat sensory neurons.

Abstract Prostaglandins enhance the sensitivity of sensory neurons to excitatory chemical agents such as bradykinin. The intracellular transduction cascades mediating this potentiation remain largely unknown. We have examined the role of cyclic AMP in the prostaglandin E2-induced potentiation of sensory neurons. Pretreatment with agents that elevate intracellular cyclic AMP levels enhances the number of action potentials elicited by bradykinin in a manner analogous to that of prostaglandin E2. The prostaglandin E2-induced potentiation of the number of bradykinin-elicited action potentials is blocked by either inhibition of adenylyl cyclase or protein kinase A. Therefore, our results suggest that prostaglandin E2 activates adenylyl cyclase to increase intracellular cyclic AMP, which in turn activates protein kinase A. Presumably activation of protein kinase A leads to increased levels of protein phosphorylation that then contribute to the enhancement of neuronal sensitivity to excitatory chemical agents.
Modeling the evolution of discussion topics and communication to improve relational classification

Textual analysis is one means by which to assess communication type and moderate the influence of network structure in predictive models of individual behavior. However, there are few methods available to incorporate textual content into time-evolving network models. In particular, modeling both the evolution of network topology and textual content change in time-varying communication data poses a difficult challenge. In this work, we propose a Temporally-Evolving Network Classifier (TENC) to incorporate the influence of time-varying edges and temporally-evolving attributes in relational classification models. To facilitate this, we use an evolutionary latent topic approach to automatically discover and label communications between individuals in a network with their corresponding latent topic. The topics of the messages are incorporated into the TENC along with time-varying relationships and temporally-evolving attributes, using weighted, exponential kernel summarization. We evaluate the utility of the TENC on a real-world classification task, where the aim is to predict the effectiveness of a developer in the python open-source developer network. We take advantage of the textual content in developer emails and bug communications, which both evolve over time. The TENC paired with the latent topics significantly improves performance over the baseline classifiers that only take into account the static properties of the topics and communications. The results show that the TENC can be used to accurately model the complete-set of temporal dynamics in time-evolving communication networks.
Inside and Outside: X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy Mapping of Chemical Domains in Graphene Oxide

The oxidative chemistry of graphite has been investigated for over 150 years and has attracted renewed interest given the importance of exfoliated graphene oxide as a precursor to chemically derived graphene. However, the bond connectivities, steric orientations, and spatial distribution of functional groups remain to be unequivocally determined for this highly inhomogeneous nonstoichiometric material. Here, we demonstrate the application of principal component analysis to scanning transmission X-ray microscopy data for the construction of detailed real space chemical maps of graphene oxide. These chemical maps indicate very distinct functionalization motifs at the edges and interiors and, in conjunction with angle-resolved near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, enable determination of the spatial location and orientations of functional groups. Chemical imaging of graphene oxide provides experimental validation of the modified Lerf-Klinowski structural model. Specifically, we note increased contributions from carboxylic acid moieties at edge sites with epoxide and hydroxyl species dominant within the interior domains.
A Post Audit of a Lake Erie Eutrophication Model

Abstract A post audit of a eutrophication-dissolved oxygen model of Lake Erie is presented. The model had been calibrated using data from 1970 and 1975. Projections were then made for use in establishing the IJC target loadings for phosphorus that would essentially eliminate the anoxia in the central basin. In the latter 1970s the phosphorus discharges to Lake Erie dropped substantially due to increased removal from point sources. The observed response of the lake to this change in loading is compared to the predicted response. A 10-year computation from 1970 to 1980 is made using measured lake loadings. Concentrations of total and dissolved phosphorus, nitrate, chlorophyll, dissolved oxygen, and anoxic area are compared to observations. Both agreements and deviations are examined. It is concluded that the IJC target loadings were reasonably accurate forecasts of the loadings required to achieve the goal of elimination of anoxia.
Solitons in optical bistability

Concentric spatial rings (saturable media) or symmetrically disposed filament-like structures (Kerr media) are predicted to slowly evolve across the turned-on cylindrical spot of the two-dimensional beam profile in a bistable optical resonator.