cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Histopathology of virus-like particles in Heliothis spp

Abstract Larvae of Heliothis spp. collected from cotton, soybean, and peanut fields in South Carolina were found to be infected with virus-like particles (VLPs). Infected larvae became pale and swollen, stopped feeding, and remained alive for 2–3 weeks. Hemolymph from these larvae was milky and contained numerous spherical bodies ranging in diameter from 2 to 10 μm. The hemolymph also contained VLPs which were oval and measured 375 × 125 nm. Infectivity tests with crude saline extracts of infected larvae demonstrated that the pathogen could be transmitted by injection but not per os. The spherical bodies contained VLPs (387 × 149 nm) surrounded by two envelopes and packed together in clusters. These VLPs were also found in fat body cells, cuticular epithelial cells, tracheal cells, and connective tissue associated with the body wall and the gut. They were not found in muscle tissue or in midgut epithelial cells. Similar VLPs have been found in Heliothis zea from Mississippi and Trichoplusia ni from California, but a positive identification of the VLPs has not been made in any of these studies. Morphologically they appear to be distinct from any other previously described insect viruses.
Self-explanatory simulators: making computers partners in the modeling process

Abstract Digital computers have dramatically aided the application of mathematical models to problems of all kinds. For the most part computers have served as calculating engines, data retrieval and sorting devices, and lately as a powerful medium for visualization. Rarely have computers been used to assist in the more conceptual stages of investigations, for example in formulating the models to be analyzed, or in helping to interpret their results. Qualitative physics provides exactly the kinds of representations and reasoning techniques that can allow computers to shoulder more of the burden of creating and interpreting simulation models. This paper outlines the idea of self-explanatory simulations , an integration of qualitative and quantitative techniques, which provides one example of how qualitative physics can do this. A self-explanatory simulator combines the precision and efficiency of numerical simulation with the flexibility and interpretive power of qualitative representations. This synthesis makes them easier to use, and makes their results easier to understand. Moreover, such simulators can be written automatically from a physical description of the situation to be simulated, by using the qualitative analysis of the situation to guide the application of the appropriate quantitative and numerical models. Consequently, computers can become more like partners in the modeling process. This paper describes the basic ideas of self explanatory simulators, the results we have achieved so far, and our plans to push this technology towards applications.
Saltating Particles, Playa Crusts and Dust Aerosols at Owens (dry) Lake, California

As part of the multinational Lake Owens Dust Experiment (LODE), we have studied the generation of dust storms on the south sand sheet of Owens (dry) Lake, California, an anthropogenically desiccated playa reported to be the single greatest source of particulate matter in North America. During March 1993, we performed an intensive field study including eight significant dust storms, building on our prior work (1978–1984) and preliminary studies (1991–1992). We studied sources and magnitude of coarse saltating particles, the meteorological conditions that allow them to become mobile across the flat playa of Owens (dry) Lake, and how the motion of saltating particles across different types of playa surfaces results in the generation of PM10 dusts (aerosol particles smaller than 10 μm aerodynamic diameter). Saltating grains of lacustrine sand and broken crust abrade and disaggregate the playa surface into fine aerosols, and the resulting PM10 concentrations recorded during major dust storms are among the highest ever recorded in North America. On 23 March 1993, we measured a 2 h concentration on the playa of 40 620 μg m−3, as far as we can determine the highest ambient PM10 value ever recorded in the U.S.A. Abrasion of salt-silt-clay crusts by saltation is shown to be responsible for all but a small part of one dust storm. The quantity ‘sand run’, saltating particle transport multiplied by wind run, is shown to be very closely correlated with dust aerosol concentration. Finally, we have established that on-lake bed studies are essential for quantitative prediction of dust events on the Owens (dry) Lake bed, despite the difficult conditions encountered.
Identification and distribution of dietary precursors of the Drosophila visual pigment chromophore: analysis of carotenoids in wild type and ninaD mutants by HPLC.

A dietary source of retinoid or carotenoid has been shown to be necessary for the biosynthesis of functional visual pigment in flies. In the present study, the larvae or adults of Drosophila melanogaster were administered specific carotenoid-containing diets and high performance liquid chromatography was used to identify and quantify the carotenoids in extracts of wild type and ninaD visual mutant flies. When β-carotene was fed to larvae, wild type flies were shown to hydroxylate this molecule and to accumulate zeaxanthin and a small amount of β-cryptoxanthin. Zeaxanthin content was found to increase throughout development and was a major carotenoid peak detected in the adult fly. Carotenoids were twice as effective at mediating zeaxanthin accumulation when provided to larvae versus adults. In the ninaD mutant, zeaxanthin content was shown to be specifically and significantly altered compared to wild type, and was ineffective at mediating visual pigment synthesis when provided to both larval and adult mutant flies. It is proposed that zeaxanthin is the larval storage form for subsequent visual pigment chromophore biosynthesis during pupation, that zeaxanthin or β-crytoxanthin is the immediate precursor for light-independent chromophore synthesis in the adult, and that the ninaD mutant is defective in this pathway.
Rural education for older adults

Meeting the learning needs of older adults in rural areas is a critical and growing concern for adult and continuing education. This chapter addresses learning in a rural context for older adults.
IRAS study of the adsorption of CO on Ni(111): Interrelation between various bonding modes of chemisorbed CO

Abstract The IRAS (infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy) method has been applied to the study of CO adsorption on Ni(111). Evidence has been found for the coexistence of two-fold and three-fold coordinated CO species at low CO coverages. A continuous coverage-dependent conversion from three-fold to two-fold bridged CO has been observed. Accurate correlation of the development of the IRAS spectra with CO coverage, with CO temperature programmed desorption behavior, and with LEED behavior has been established through studies of the frequency and lineshape of the spectral features. Evidence for inhomogeneous CO layers at the highest CO coverages was obtained. This work establishes baseline behavior for other IRAS studies of this system to be reported.
Layer rigidity and spacing in intercalation compounds

A generalization of Vegard's law for the average spacing between layers when atoms with different sizes are intercalated is derived. New parameters are introduced that describe the layer rigidity associated with ``catchment areas'' around the large ions.
Publication bias and the evaluation of psychotherapy efficacy in reviews of the research literature

Abstract Since evaluations of psychotherapy efficacy have become increasingly dependent on reviews of the research literature, which is comprised mainly of published studies, such evaluations are vulnerable to the effects of publication bias. Publication bias is a bias against studies with negative findings, on the part of authors, reviewers, and editors, which can lead to the systematic exclusion of negative findings from the published literature. The result of such an exclusion is the portrayal of the support for a proposition as being stronger than it actually is. An appraisal of measures taken to insure that the support for the proposition of psychotherapy's efficacy found in the research literature is not an artifact of publication bias is undertaken. The finding is that those measures, without exception, have not been up to the task. The inherent difficulty of reaching conclusions on the basis of a literature review is discussed.
The relationship between perceptual dysfunction and language disorders: A case report

Abstract The acquisition of language is discussed in relation to two specific perceptual processes: first, identification and discrimination of recurring aspects of an experience, and second, integration of the language form with the specific aspect of the event being represented. The analysis of the language of a child with perceptual and integrative deficits revealed expressive use of language without comprehension and limited knowledge of concepts. Explanations of these behaviors are presented in light of the child's perceptual and integrative dysfunctions. Implications for clinical management of a perceptually based language disorder are discussed.
The Viking biological experiments on Mars

The three biological experiments on board the Viking Mars Landers are discussed. The gas exchange experiment provided periodic measurements of the composition and quantity of gases from Martian surface material, either in a humid or a wet nutrient sampling mode. The labeled release experiment demonstrated that adding an aqueous solution of dilute radioactive compounds to Martian material caused a rapid release of labeled gas. The results of the pyrolytic release experiment remain difficult to interpret. Data from the first two experiments suggest that oxidants (including H2O2 and iron oxide) rather than biota may account for all the observed reactions.
How important is organic aerosol hygroscopicity to aerosol indirect forcing

Organics are among the most abundant aerosol components in the atmosphere. However, there are still large uncertainties with emissions of primary organic aerosol (POA) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (precursor gases of secondary organic aerosol, SOA), formation of SOA, and chemical and physical properties (e.g., hygroscopicity) of POA and SOA. All these may have significant impacts on aerosol direct and indirect forcing estimated from global models. In this study a modal aerosol module (MAM) in the NCAR community atmospheric model (CAM) is used to examine sensitivities of aerosol indirect forcing to hygroscopicity (represented by a single parameter ‘κ’) of POA and SOA. Our model simulation indicates that in the present-day (PD) condition changing the ‘κ’ value of POA from 0 to 0.1 increases the number concentration of cloud condensational nuclei (CCN) at supersaturation S = 0.1% by 40‐80% over the POA source regions, while changing the ‘κ’ value of SOA by ±50% (from 0.14 to 0.07 and 0.21) changes the CCN concentration within 40%. There are disproportionally larger changes in CCN concentration in the pre-industrial (PI) condition. Due to the stronger impact of organics hygroscopicity on CCN and cloud droplet number concentration at PI condition, global annual mean anthropogenic aerosol indirect forcing (AIF) between PD and PI conditions reduces with the increase of the hygroscopicity of organics. Global annual mean AIF varies by 0. 4Wm −2 in the sensitivity runs with the control run of −1. 3Wm −2 , highlighting the need for improved understanding of organics hygroscopicity and its representation in global models.
Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT): Technological innovation and application in gynecologic oncology

Abstract Objectives Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a novel form of noninvasive, highly conformal radiation treatment that delivers a high dose to tumor. The advantage of the technique resides in its ability to provide a high dose to tumor but spare normal tissues to an extent not previously possible. In this paper we will provide an introduction and review of this technology with regard to its use in gynecologic malignancies. Preliminary results from our experience are presented for the purpose of illustrating the range of SBRT applications in gynecologic oncology. Methods A comprehensive literature review was conducted and our experience from the past three years was reviewed. Results Six case series are published that report results of SBRT for gynecologic malignancies. Sixteen gynecologic patients have been treated with SBRT at our institution. Treatment sites include pelvic and periaortic nodes (9 patients), oligometastatic disease (2), and cervical or endometrial primary tumors when other conventional external radiation or brachytherapy techniques were unsuitable (5). Preliminary follow-up at a median of 11months (range, 0.3–33months) demonstrates 79% locoregional control, 43% distant failure, and 50% overall survival. Conclusions SBRT boosts to macroscopic periaortic node recurrences and other sites seem to provide local control and a possibility of long-term disease-free survival in carefully selected patients. Previously this had been difficult to achieve with conventional radiotherapy because of the proximity of periaortic nodes to small bowel. SBRT also offers a novel approach for minimally invasive treatment in the management of gynecological cancer where current surgical and radiotherapy techniques are unsuitable.
Study of the Hemodynamic Effects of the Aorto-Coronary Sinus Graft Operation in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

A group of patients with coronary artery disease have been studied preoperatively and after surgical creation of an arteriovenous fistula between the descending aorta and coronary sinus (Beck II, revascularization operation). Preoperatively, basal studies of cardiac output and blood volume were done with radioisotope technics. Postoperatively, catheterization studies of cardiovascular function were obtained and abnormalities, including heart failure, were found in patients with functionally significant arteriovenous fistulas.
Concurrent and prospective effects of multi-dimensional aggression and anger on adolescent alcohol use

This study examined the relationship between alcohol, anger, and aggression in high school students. Anger and three types of aggressive expression (verbal, physical toward people, and physical toward objects) were evaluated cross-sectionally and prospectively, via structural equation modeling for relationships to alcohol use in Mexican American and white non-Latino 9-10th (Time 1) and 11-12th grade (Time 2) students. At both times cross-sectionally, anger and aggressive anger expression tended to correlate positively with alcohol use in each ethnicity/gender group. However, prospectively, aggressive forms of anger expression tended not to be related to alcohol use two years later. Only verbally aggressive anger expression was related to alcohol use two years later and then, only for Mexican American and white non-Latino females. There was, therefore, little basis for causal links between aggressive anger expression and alcohol use in a general population of high school students.
Analytical solutions for laser excitation of multilevel systems in the rotating-wave approximation

For a multilevel atom or molecule irradiated by a finite superposition of monochromatic fields, the time-dependent rotating-wave-approximation Schroedinger equation can be reduced to an eigenvalue problem when the detunings satisfy a consistency condition. This condition is analyzed and the reduction performed using a graph associated with the interaction Hamiltonian. (AIP)
Inhibition of NF-κB-mediated transcription and induction of apoptosis by melampolides and repandolides

Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) plays a crucial role in the regulation of inflammatory processes, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Blocking NF-κB signaling may represent a therapeutic strategy in cancer and inflammation therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sesquiterpenes isolated from Asteraceae, namely melampolides (enhydrin, tetraludin A) and repandolides (repandins A, B, D and E) on the activation of NF-κB, cell growth of cancer cells, cell cycle progression and apoptosis. In addition, their effects on the activity of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme were also evaluated. Cell-based reporter gene assay was conducted in SW1353 cells. COX-2 enzyme activity and cell growth inhibition was determined by enzyme immunoassay and MTT assay respectively. Cell cycle analysis was carried out by flow cytometry and apoptosis was observed by DAPI staining assay. In SW1353 cells, transcription mediated by NF-κB was inhibited by enhydrin, tetraludin A and repandins A, B, D and E, while Sp-1 mediated transcription was not affected. COX-2 enzyme activity was inhibited by enhydrin, repandin A and E, but not by tetraludin A, repandin B and D. These compounds were effective in inhibiting the growth of a panel of human tumor cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner. Cell cycle analysis and DAPI staining indicated cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase and induction of apoptosis. Enhydrin, tetraludin A and repandins A, B, D and E inhibited tumor cell growth and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. These effects may be related to inhibition of NF-B activation.
Knowledge relatedness and the performance of multibusiness firms

This study examines corporate performance effects of cross-business knowledge synergies in multibusiness firms. It synthesizes the resource-based view of diversification and the economic theory of complementarities to conceptualize cross-business knowledge synergies in terms of the relatedness and the complementarity of knowledge resources across business units of the multibusiness firm. The study hypothesizes that corporate performance is improved when the firm simultaneously exploits a complementary set of related knowledge resources across its business units. In a sample of 303 multibusiness firms, the study finds that synergies arising from product knowledge relatedness, customer knowledge relatedness, or managerial knowledge relatedness do not improve corporate performance on their own. Synergies arising from the complementarity of the three types of knowledge relatedness significantly improve both market-based and accounting-based performance of the multibusiness corporation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Classifying 3-trip Lorenz knots

Abstract The topological types of closed periodic solutions of the Lorenz equations are in one-to-one correspondence with aperiodic positive words on two generators. The number of syllables in such a word is called the trip number of the corresponding knot. Classifications for knots with trip numbers 1 and 2 are known. This paper gives a complete classification for 3-trip Lorenz knots.
VANCOMYCIN-RESISTANT ENTEROCOCCUS: Detection, Epidemiology, and Control Measures

VRE have spread rapidly since their initial description in 1988. Although much has been learned about the epidemiology of VRE, further studies are needed to establish the reservoirs of the organism and the relative importance of various modes of transmission. There is considerable anecdotal evidence that nosocomial transmission of VRE can be thwarted by using measures such as those recommended by HICPAC, especially if they are implemented promptly after VRE have been introduced into hospitals.
Using personnel and financial data for reporting purposes: What are the challenges to using such data accurately?

This chapter illustrates how institutional researchers can extract useful data from the human resource and financial information systems for basic and advanced reports.
Adenofibroma of the Testis Discovered at Exploration for Torsion After Trauma

Adenofibroma of the testis is unusual, with only 1 previously reported case. We report a case of adenofibroma of the testis discovered during exploration for torsion after testicular trauma, and briefly review the literature. CASE REPORT A 19-year-old male presented with acute right testicular pain. He reported being kicked in the groin 2 weeks earlier with gradual swelling of the left testis. He denied hematuria, dysuria or fever. On physical examination the right testis was tender, firm, high and transverse lying. The left testis was nontender, enlarged, irregular and firm. Doppler ultrasound showed absence of perfusion of the right testis consistent with torsion, and a large hypoechoic lesion of the left testis with scattered internal echoes and cystic structures, which was thought to be consistent with hematoma (fig. 1). Bilateral scrotal exploration was performed. The right testis was darkened with a 360-degree intravaginal torsion. Reduction resulted in prompt return of color and Doppler signal. The left testis was firm and enlarged with subtunical nodularities but there was no evidence of rupture or hematocele. The left testis was biopsied before bilateral orchiopexy. The final pathological evaluation was consistent with adenofibroma (fig. 2). The postoperative course was uneventful. Serum -fetoprotein and human chorionic gonadotropin levels were within normal limits. The patient was discharged home the day after surgery without complications. DISCUSSION
Turbulent light scattering fluctuation spectra near a cation electrodialysis membrane

Abstract Light scattering spectra from polystyrene latex spheres near a cation exchange membrane in 0.020 M HCl and 0.020 M NaCl solutions (identical solutions both sides of membrane) have been measured. For HCI, results were as follows: spectra on the depleted side showed evidence for turbulent flow at and above the critical current density (CCD). Spectra on the concentrate (cathodic) side showed similar spectra above approximately twice the CCD, although of lower intensity. The spectra in all cases were Gaussian, with halfwidth 10 to 20 Hz, except for a sharp cutoff in the 15–30 Hz range. The dependence on current was relatively weak beyond the point that the characteristic spectrum appeared, suggesting that once turbulence developed fully, its characteristic features in the region probed by this experiment were not qualitatively changed by further energy input. Weak light scattering was observed at currents below those at which these spectra were found. For NaCl, depleted side spectra generally were different; they began at currents above approximately twice the CCD, and were generally proportional to f −2 , up to 40 ± 10 Hz, where they ran into background. This is characteristic of Lorentzian spectra. Gaussian spectra were sometimes found with NaCl, however. On the concentrate side, at least six to seven times the CCD was needed for nonzero difference spectra, and these resembled weak Gaussian spectra. This evidence supports the attribution of electrical noise spectra to turbulence on the depleted side, both for NaCl and HCl (except for the diffusion component of the electrical noise).
Primary Care Patients Who Refuse Specialized Mental Health Services

The charts of 65 patients who completed mental health care referrals were compared with those of 65 patients who failed to complete such referrals. In the year before referral, the noncompliant patients made 37% more medical visits than the compliant patients. As compared with the compliant patients, a significantly greater proportion of the noncompliant patients' medical visits were for difficult-to-explain somatic symptoms. Mental health referrals from some physicians were much more successful than referrals from other physicians. By attending to their patients' pattern of health care utilization, primary care physicians may be able to identify patients at high risk for noncompliance with mental health referrals. ( Arch Intern Med . 1991;151:129-132)
On incentive structures of a socialist economy

Abstract This paper considers an incentive structure B T as an alternative to the incentive structure B D recently suggested by Domar. Both of these incentive structures induce managers in a planned economy to provide the socially desirable output level while allowing them to set prices. In two aspects B T is better than B D . First, B D works only if demand is elastic at the optimal output level while B T works whether demand is elastic or inelastic at that level. Second, even when demand is elastic at the optimal level, there are circumstances for which output converges to the optimal level faster under B T than under B D .
Global transcriptional response to mammalian temperature provides new insight into Francisella tularensis pathogenesis

Background After infecting a mammalian host, the facultative intracellular bacterium, Francisella tularensis, encounters an elevated environmental temperature. We hypothesized that this temperature change may regulate genes essential for infection.
Effective use of the recursion method in the study of disordered systems

A self-consistent approach to the study of disordered systems with the use of the recursion method is examined in detail using the diamond lattice as the basic structure. In this method the average local Green's function depends upon two parameters: the number of particles (shell size) and the number of configurations. We apply this approach to calculate the electronic density of states in the Anderson model and the vibrational spectrum of an isotopically disordered diamond lattice. We find that there is no need to go beyond the eleventh shell to obtain a realistic description of the system even for cases which are primarily extended states and that a detailed accounting of the fine structure associated with localized states may require about 1000 configurations in the ensemble-averaging process. The computation times are well within reach in even the most extreme cases.
The Construction of Different Classroom Norms during Peer Instruction: Students Perceive Differences.

This paper summarizes variations in instructors' implementation practices during Peer Instruction (PI) and shows how these differences in practices shape different norms of classroom interaction. We describe variations in classroom norms along three dimensions of classroom culture that are integral to Peer Instruction, emphasis on: (1) faculty-student collaboration, (2) student-student collaboration, and (3) sense-making vs answer-making. Based on interpretations by an observing researcher, we place three different PI classrooms along a continuum representing a set of possible norms. We then check these interpretations against students' perceptions of these environments from surveys collected at the end of the term. We find significant correspondence between the researchers' interpretations and students' perceptions of Peer Instruction in these environments. We find that variation in faculty practices can set up what students perceive as discernibly different norms. For interested instructors, concrete classroom practices are described that appear to encourage or discourage these norms.
Effects of Benzyladenine and Naphthalene Acetic Acid on Growth and Camptothecin Accumulation in Camptotheca acuminata Seedlings

The effects of the cytokinin benzyladenine (BA) and the auxin naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) on Camptotheca acuminata Decaisne growth and camptothecin (CPT) accumulation (leaf CPT concentration and total leaf CPT yield) were studied in a hydroponic culture system for three weeks. Increasing BA concentrations from 0 to 3 mg l−1 in growth medium decreased plant height, stem weight, and leaf weight but increased root weight. High BA levels (1 and 3 mg l−1) increased leaf CPT concentration (% of dry weight), whereas BA applications had no effect on total leaf CPT yield, the product of leaf CPT concentration and total leaf dry weight per seedling. There was a positive correlation between root weight and leaf CPT concentration under BA treatments. NAA supplementations (from 0.5 to 4 mg l−1) to growth medium reduced plant height, leaf number, leaf length, specific leaf weight, plant weight, stem weight, and leaf weight compared with the NAA control. Meanwhile, there were no differences in plant height, leaf length, and specific leaf weight among the NAA supplementations. NAA applications had no effect on leaf CPT concentration and NAA applications decreased total leaf CPT yield. There were negative correlations between leaf number and leaf CPT concentration, leaf length and leaf CPT concentration under NAA treatments. Our results suggest that BA applications from 0.3 to 3 mg l−1 are not helpful for achieving high total leaf CPT yield and NAA applications from 0.5 to 4 mg l−1 decrease total leaf CPT yield.
Central nervous system manifestations in pediatric patients with influenza A H1N1 infection during the 2009 pandemic.

Abstract Background A novel H1N1 influenza A virus (A(H1N1)pdm09) particularly affected individuals Methods Retrospective review of patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection and central nervous system manifestations at Texas Children's Hospital between April 2009 and June 2010. Results Among 365 patients with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, 32 (8.8%) had central nervous system manifestations at a median age of 4 years. Eight (25.0%) were previously healthy, and 12 (37.5%) had neurological pre-existing conditions. Of the 32 cases of influenza with neurological complications, seizure (n = 17; 53.1%) was the most common central nervous system manifestation, followed by encephalitis (n = 4; 12.5%), meningitis (n = 4; 12.5%), encephalopathy (n = 3; 9.4%), meningismus (n = 3; 9.4%), focal hemorrhagic brain lesions (n = 2; 6.3%), brain infarction (n = 1; 3.1%), and sensorineural hearing loss (n = 1; 3.1%). Two patients demonstrated two or more types of central nervous system complications. One patient had abnormal cerebrospinal fluid with pleocytosis. Almost two thirds of the children with central nervous system manifestations required intensive care unit admission and nearly half required mechanical ventilation. There were no deaths. Conclusions Patients with pre-existing neurological conditions were at greater risk for central nervous system manifestations during pandemic influenza infection. Patients with central nervous system manifestations were more likely to experience severe illness, characterized by intensive care unit admission and mechanical ventilation, although overall outcomes were good. Influenza prevention in patients with underlying medical conditions, particularly those with neurological conditions, is important.
Self-Actualization and Locus of Control of Gifted Children in Fourth through Eighth Grades

Self-actualization and locus of control were investigated with 76 intellectually gifted children in Grades 4 through 8 using the Reflections of Self by Youth (ROSY) and the Nowicki-Strickland Locus...
The Patients' Perspective on the Self-management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Little attention has been paid to the many behavioral issues involved in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Using a patient- centered approach and drawing upon similar work in the area of diabetes self-management, this study evaluates factors related to the self-management behaviors of 65 patients with COPD. The primary focus was on patients' perceptions of the importance of COPD self-care activities, their recall of provider advice regarding COPD self-care, and the relationship of these factors to patient participation in self- care activities during the past month. The self-management behaviors assessed included smoking cessation, medication- taking, physical activity, diet, relaxation, breathing techniques, controlled coughing and bronchial drainage. Both patient- importance ratings and recall of provider advice showed moderate to strong correlations (r = 0.43-0.79) with the frequency of self-care in the past month, indicating that both the patient's perception (i.e. perceived-importance ratings) and the receipt of health-care provider advice may be important influences on the extent to which patients engage in the various COPD self-management behaviors. Implications for behaviorally-focused interventions are discussed.
Toward a scalable chance-constrained formulation for unit commitment to manage high penetration of variable generation

In this work, a risk-averse optimization model is applied to the security constrained unit commitment problem. The optimal day-ahead scheduling of the system generators is formulated as a chance-constrained optimization model in which the load balance constraint is satisfied with a user-defined probability level. The assumption of a specific underlying distribution is avoided and a flexible data-driven uncertainty set is used to obtain a feasible risk-averse scheduling of the system. Results on a test-scale system show the flexible and effective nature of this approach and indicate significant potential for application to large scale instances.
Posterior Fossa Metastases: Aggressive Treatment Improves Survival

Background: Brain metastases are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in patients with malignancies. Infratentorial location has been considered a negative prognostic factor.
An investigation of the excited states of 50Mn and of energy-dependent effects in the 50Cr(3He, t)50Mn reaction

Abstract Differential cross sections were measured for the 50 Cr( 3 He, t) 50 Mn reaction at 21.4, 29.7 and 37.5 MeV with an energy resolution of about 85 keV. Angular distributions were obtained for eight levels in 50 Mn ranging from the 0 + ground state to 2.00 MeV excitation. The data were compared to both macroscopic and microscopic distorted-wave calculations, using a tensor force when appropriate. Several J , π assignments were made within two possibilities; 5 + , 6 + ( E x = 0.23); 2 + ,1 + (0.66); 1 + ,2 + (0.81); 7 + (1.03) and 3 + ,4 + (1.15). Tentative assignments were 4 + , 3 + (1.81) and 6 + , 5 + (1.92). The resulting level scheme was compared to the levels of 46 V and to shell-model calculations. Significant discrepancies with this theoretical description were noted. Certain energy-dependent effects were also noted, in particular a marked decrease in interaction strength with increasing energy for all distorted wave models. These effects point out inadequacies in distorted wave calculations as they are presently made.
Cross-sectional reflection electron microscopy of III–V compound epilayers

Reflection electron microscopy (REM) is shown to be applicable to the testing of the quality of AlxGa1−xAs/GaAs layer structures. Cross-sectional images of quantum well structures with layer thickness down to 1 nm can be obtained. The practical aspects of the REM technique are presented. The most important advantages and drawbacks of cross-sectional REM are discussed in detail.
Fungal mating pheromones: choreographing the dating game.

Pheromones are ubiquitous from bacteria to mammals – a testament to their importance in regulating inter-cellular communication. In fungal species, they play a critical role in choreographing interactions between mating partners during the program of sexual reproduction. Here, we describe how fungal pheromones are synthesized, their interactions with G protein-coupled receptors, and the signals propagated by this interaction, using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a reference point. Divergence from this model system is compared amongst the ascomycetes and basidiomycetes, which reveals the wealth of information that has been gleaned from studying pheromone-driven processes across a wide spectrum of the fungal kingdom.
Levels of airborne chlordane and chlorpyrifos in two plenum houses: saranex S-15 as a vapor barrier

In the 1960's the wood industry developed a plenum-type structure that used a down-flow furnace and air-conditioning unit to distribute heated or cooled air to a plenum underneath a wood floor from which air was circulated throughout the house by air vents in the floor or baseboards. The most efficient means of protecting these structures from termite damage is the treatment of the footings and the soil adjacent to the foundation with termiticides such as chlordane or chlorpyrifos. However, several studies have shown that chlordane residues are measureable in conventional houses treated with chlordane by subslab injection or post-constructio n exterior ditching (Lillie 1981; Wright and Leidy 1982). Because treatment of plenum houses involves the application of termiticide both inside and outside of the plenum air space, attention in the present study was directed to the use of a plastic film barrier to impede the movement of volatilized termiticides from treated soil into the plenum air space. The results of pilot studies in this laboratory, which examined films of polyethylene (i and 6 mils thick) polyvinylidene chloride and polyethylene (Saranex S-14, 2 mils thick), and polyamide (Capran 77-C, i mil thick) for their effectiveness as barriers to chlordane and chlorpyrifos penetration, indicated that the Saranex film was the most effective of these. For this reason it was selected as the film barrier to be used in this study of plenum houses which were constructed, treated and monitored to determine its effectiveness in preventing vapors of the termiticides chlordane and chlorpyrifos from appearing in the ambient air of the house.
Comparison of QEEG Reference Databases in Basic Signal Analysis and in the Evaluation of Adult ADHD

SUMMARY Introduction. Despite the relatively widespread investigation of potential quantitative electroencephalographic (QEEG) characteristics of childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), relatively little is known about the possible QEEG characteristics of adult ADHD. In addition to general magnitude or power measures, or ratios of these measures, the additional analyses and comparisons provided by QEEG reference databases may prove useful in providing unique markers for adult ADHD. Method. This investigation reports the findings of evaluations using three QEEG reference databases for a sample of ten adults previously diagnosed with ADHD. The packages used in the current investigation included the NeuroRep QEEG Analysis and Report System, the SKIL Topometric QEEG software package, and the NovaTech EEG EureKa3! QEEG analysis package. Results. As compared with the respective databases, adults with ADHD appear to demonstrate higher levels of 8–10 Hz activity during both eyes-closed and eyes...
Rational solutions of nonlinear evolution equations, vertex operators, and bispectrality

Abstract We prove that if q ( x , t 2 , …, t m ) and r ( x , t 2 , …, t m ) are certain rational solutions of the AKNS hierarchy, then there are eigenfunctions ψ ( x , k ) of the AKNS/ZS operator L= ∂ x −q r −∂ x satisfying a differential equation in the spectral parameter k of the form B ( k , ∂ k ) ψ = Θ ( x ) ψ , where B ( ∂ k , k ) is a matrix differential operator, independent of x , and Θ is a nonconstant function of x . We also discuss the relation between this result and a similar one for the rational solutions of the Schrodinger operator with potentials in the manifold of rational solutions of the KdV hierarchy.
Beyond the Border: Nation-State Encroachment, NAFTA, and Offshore Control in the U.S.-Mexican Mango Industry

Although the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) controls the entrance of fruits and vegetables at the U.S.-Mexico border, the encroachment of this agency into Mexico and its offshore control of commodity production and distribution are not often a subject of investigation. This paper traces the development of the current USDA certification of mangos for U.S. import, focusing on the current hot water treatment of mangos and its controlling effects at local sites of production and distribution. Implications of a broader hemispheric system of control in other mango-producing export areas are also discussed.
The neuropsychology of multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common cause of neurological disability in young and middle-aged adults in the United States and Europe. The etiology of MS is still unclear, although evidence suggests a cell-mediated immune response to myelin antigens triggered by a viral infection in genetically predisposed individuals. 1,2 MS generally follows a variable course affecting spinal and cerebral myelin, resulting in problems with coordination, vision, fatigue, weakness, tremor, bladder or bowel control, balance, cognitive impairment, dysarthria, dysphasia, and depression. 3,4 Of the primary symptoms of MS, cognitive impairments are among the most devastating. The most commonly found impairments in MS patients include attention, information processing, memory, visual perception and construction, and abstract reasoning, whereas recognition memory, gen
Electrical and Chemical Characterization of SiO2 Deposited by Electron Cyclotron Resonance - PECVD.

Thin films of silicon dioxide were deposited on (100) Si at low temperatures (room temperature to 375 °C). Oxygen was introduced into the resonance chamber while a dilute silane gas mixture (2% in helium) was fed to a gas ring supported 10 cm above the wafer. Index of refraction, deposition rates, etch rates (for buffered HF), dielectric constant, and oxide breakdown strength were determined as a function of substrate temperature and RF substrate bias. Hydrogen content and Si-O bonding were measured by FTIR spectroscopy. All properties are reported in terms relative to thermally grown oxide. Film properties improved with increasing substrate temperature and RF substrate bias, sometimes equaling that of thermal oxide. Film quality was the highest for samples deposited at 375 °C, with an applied RF substrate bias.
Double distributions for the proton

We derive double distributions for the proton in a simple model that contains scalar as well as axial-vector diquark correlations. The model parameters are tuned so that the experimentally measured electromagnetic form factors of the proton are reproduced for small momentum transfer. Resulting generalized parton distributions satisfy known constraints, including the positivity bounds.
A note on the generalized maximum likelihood estimator in partial Koziol–Green model

The proportional hazards model with partially informative censoring has been studied by Gather and Pawlitschko [1998. Metrika 48, 189–207] and their partial Abdushukurov–Cheng–Lin (PACL) estimator is a nonparametric estimator of the underlying survival function of the model. Zhang and Rao [2004. Metrika 59, 125–136] have derived the generalized maximum likelihood estimator of the underlying survival function using Kiefer–Wolfowitz theory. In this note, we show that these two estimators are asymptotically equivalent.
The hybrid edge: a topological data structure for vertically integrated geometric modelling

Abstract Generalizing the computational geometric support for the representation of designed artefacts over multiple different levels of symbolic abstractions (e.g. sketches, solid modelling, and drafting) is discussed. First, the need for integrating the representation and manipulation of points, lines, polygons, and solids to facilitate design of artefacts at many levels of design abstraction is established. Second, a vertically integrated model that supports the representation and manipulation of points, lines, polygons, and solids without redundancy is presented. The particular roles of the operators and the operands are discussed, along with their hierarchical integration. The utility of the model is demonstrated in performing operations that involve multiple levels of data abstraction, such as splitting solids at a polygon inscribed on their boundary. Finally, a particular implementation of the integrated model is presented. This implementation is based on the hybrid edge, a derivative of Baumgart's winged edge and Eastman's split edge models. The hybrid edge distinguishes between the role of edges as carriers of topological adjacency information and their role as carriers of directionality information. This distinction permits the hybrid edge to handle the different combinations of adjacency and directionality requirements posed by the different abstraction levels in the integrated model.
Wavefront reconstruction for in-line holograms formed by pure amplitude objects

Abstract A recursive algorithm is described which gives a numerical solution to the twin image problem of in-line holography for pure amplitude objects. This algorithm combines the benefits of the Fraunhofer method and the Gerchberg–Saxton type algorithm, so that the applicability is extended to include features whose Fresnel numbers are significantly larger than one. A solution to the wavefront reconstruction problem from a single hologram formed by a general object is found to be impossible, due to non-uniqueness of the solution.
Influence of a small inlet in a large bay

Abstract The tidal influence of a small inlet in a large, shallow bay has been investigated. The inlet, Sikes Cut, connects the Gulf of Mexico to Apalachicola Bay, which is a major oyster-producing and, therefore, economically important coastal body of water in Florida. It has been the opinion of the oyster industry that the role of the inlet is to facilitate the introduction of oyster predators from the Gulf into the Bay, where some of the oyster reefs have been degrading in recent years. The flood and ebb flow distributions near the inlet have been described, given certain assumptions concerning the flow regime, and these distributions have been verified by measurements. The predicted flow distributions under spring tidal conditions indicate that Sikes Cut has a relatively small influence in the bay, and that other explanations are required for reef degradation.
Immunoreactive adrenocorticotropin in rat brain: A neuroanatomical study using antiserum generated against synthetic ACTH1–39

In this study an antiserum generated against synthetic ACTH1--39 is used to provide a neuroanatomical map of ACTH-immunoreactivity in rat brain. Groups of ACTH-immunoreactive cell bodies were located in the basal hypothalamus, extending from the retrochiasmatic region to the mammillary nuclei. The fiber distribution indicates a broad innervation of structures in the hypothalamus, which include the medial preoptic region; bed nucleus of the anterior commissure and stria terminalis; perifornical region; periventricular stratum; and paraventricular, dorsomedial, arcuate, and mammillary nuclei. Fibers from the hypothalamus reach the amygdaloid nuclei directly in two separate bundles. A large dorsal ACTH-immunoreactive bundle emerges from the anterior hypothalamic region, distributes to the periventricular thalamic nuclei, and continues more posteriorly to the midbrain periaquaductal gray. It is speculated that the cell bodies in the ventral tuberal region of the hypothalamus are responsible for the vast innervation of fibers to the forebrain, diencephalon, and brainstem.