cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
C. difficile colitis--predictors of fatal outcome.

Clostridium difficile colitis (CDC) has a clinical spectrum ranging from mild diarrhea to fulminant, potentially fatal colitis. The pathophysiology for this variation remains poorly understood. A total abdominal colectomy may be lifesaving if performed before the point of no return. Identification of negative prognostic factors is desperately needed for optimization of the clinical and operative management. In-patients with CDC between 1999 and 2006 were identified through the discharge database (ICD-9: 008.45). Of these, patients with positive ELISA toxin or biopsy were included. Excluded were ELISA-negative patients. Data collected included general demographics, underlying medical conditions, APACHE II score, clinical and laboratory data, and duration of the medical treatment. Mortality and cure were the two endpoints. Regression analysis was used to identify parameters associated with mortality. Three hundred ninety-eight patients (mean age 59, range 19–94) with CDC were analyzed. Fourteen patients (3.52%) underwent surgery. Mortality in the cohort was 10.3% (41/398 patients). Patients with fatal outcome had a longer pre-CDC hospital stay (11 vs. 6 days). Mortality was significantly (p 0.05) included patient age, albumin, clinical presentation/examination parameters, and transplant status, other than the mentioned comorbidities. Of the 41 fatal outcomes, five patients (12.2%) underwent surgery, and 36 did not (87.8%). Mortality rate of the surgical group was 35.7% (four out of 14 patients). Comparison of the fatalities not undergoing surgery with the survivors revealed decreased clinical signs, suggesting a masking of the disease severity. Our study identified several clinical factors, which were associated with mortality from CDC. Future clinical studies will have to focus on the disease progression and the fatalities occurring either without an attempt for or despite surgical intervention, as an earlier intervention might have proven lifesaving.
Circular dichroism of nucleoside derivatives. VII. The electronic structure and spectra of some simple nucleoside derivatives

The electronic structures and spectra of some simple nucleoside derivatives with the formal structure of cytosine nucleoside are presented. The experimental spectroscopic information is obtained from the circular dichroism and absorption spectra. The first four circular dichroism bands of pi-pi* origin possess the same sign pattern previously reported for most cytosine nucleoside derivatives. The four electronic states that produce the characteristic circular dichroism spectra are correlated with the B2u, B1u, and E1u states of benzene. Pariser-Parr-Pople calculations are also presented which qualitatively explain the trends in both the circular dichroism and absorption spectra. Configuration interaction involving single electron excitations between the five highest occupied and the three lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals has been included in the calculations.
Local participants in planning for comprehensive community mental health centers: The Colorado experience.

This was a study of local participation in establishing the comprehensive community mental health centers in Colorado between 1963 and 1969. Hypotheses regarding why people participated, who the participants were, and the planning activities performed were based on the Davis-Moore model of stratification. Persons who initiated planning activity were likely to be moved by tangible, material, or concrete incentives to participate. Planning was undertaken by a circumscribed set of actors having moderate to high levels of income and very high levels of education. There was little evidence of the participation of the young, old, or minority groups. The cooperative presence of care givers intended in the Federal legislation was not noticeable. Actors largely perceived some uniqueness to planning in their particular catchment areas, suggesting that catchment area is a viable concept of community.
Surgeon work input and risk in primary versus revision total joint arthroplasty.

Abstract One hundred twenty stratified nonselected cases of primary and revision total joint arthroplastics performed between 1990 and 1992 in which complete financial and clinical data were available were reviewed. All cases were performed at a single university hospital. Compared with primary total joint arthroplasty, revision surgery involved significantly more operative time, greater blood loss, increased length of stay, and a much higher complication rate. The actual physician reimbursement was not significantly more than for primary procedures. Physician reimbursement constituted 18% of the total fees collected compared with 24% for the actual prosthesis cost. Surgeons performing revision surgery devote significantly more time and are at a higher liability than when performing primary total joint arthroplasty.
The development of grid code requirements for new and renewable forms of generation in Great Britain

This paper presents the development of Grid Code requirements for new and renewable forms of generation in Great Britain (GB). After briefly describing the background to the GB Transmission System and the volume of renewable generation which is anticipated to connect in the future, the paper discusses the Grid Code and Grid Code change process. In particular, the paper discusses the interfaces with key stakeholders, the technical issues considered in connecting other generation technologies to the Transmission network and the rationale for the final Grid Code requirements. The technical issues discussed include fault ride through, frequency range, frequency response, power/frequency characteristic, reactive range, voltage control and power quality. The paper concludes with the experiences gained in the connection of wind generation projects to the GB Transmission System both before and after the approval of new proposals to the GB Grid Code.
Use of Elevated-Temperature Creep Data in Sag-Tension Calculations

This paper presents a simplified method of using elevated- temperature creep data in sag-tension calculations. A time- temperature prediction model for the line and data obtained from laboratory elevated-temperature creep tests are the only data required in addition to standard stress-strain and creep data.
Antisocial classroom communication: Instructor influence and interactional justice as predictors of student aggression

The present study investigated potentially destructive instructor and student communication. In particular, it examined the relationships between instructor use of antisocial behavior alteration techniques (BATs), student perceptions of instructor interactional justice, and students' likelihood of indirectly aggressing against their instructors. Results indicate that student perceptions of instructors' use of antisocial BATs and instructor interactional injustice predicted increased student indirect aggression. In addition, student perceptions of instructor antisocial BAT use and interactional justice were negatively correlated and interactional justice was a stronger predictor of student indirect aggression than was instructor antisocial BAT use.
Cost-effectiveness of gemcitabine + cisplatin vs. gemcitabine monotherapy in advanced biliary tract cancer

Objectives The ABC-02 trial demonstrated a statistically significant survival benefit associated with the addition of cisplatin to gemcitabine in the palliative treatment of advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC). Based on the ABC-02 findings, this analysis seeks to evaluate the cost-utility of adding cisplatin to standard gemcitabine therapy from a U.S. societal perspective.
Internally calibrated quantification of VEGF in human plasma by fluorescence immunoassays in disposable elastomeric microfluidic devices.

Herein we report on a proof of principle for the reproducible quantification of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in human plasma by fluorescence sandwich immunoassays using disposable polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic chips. The system requires 100 times less sample than typical clinical blood tests, while its current quantification limit is established at 4 pM. The in-built calibration method of spiking the plasma with known concentrations of commercially available antigen avoids common sources of error and improves the reliability of the test results. The demonstrated technique is important for immunoassay applications in fundamental scientific research and “point-of-care” (POC) biomedical diagnostics. In particular, the system is immediately applicable to microfluidic quantification of VEGF in human plasma in cancer studies.
Effect of increased afterload on cardiac lipoprotein lipase and VLDL receptor expression

Abstract Fatty acids are a major source of fuel for energy production by myocytes. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) receptor are abundantly expressed by the heart and skeletal muscles. LPL and possibly VLDL receptor represent the primary route of access to fatty acids contained in circulating triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. Physical exercise and thyroid hormone, which promote energy consumption, upregulate LPL expression in skeletal muscles. This study tested the hypothesis that increased cardiac workload might modulate myocardial LPL and/or VLDL receptor expressions. Accordingly, cardiac tissue LPL activity, LPL and VLDL receptor proteins and mRNA abundance were studied in Sprague–Dawley rats 4 weeks after induction of severe thoracic aorta constriction or sham operation. Elevation of afterload with thoracic aortic constriction led to a significant cardiomegaly and a marked upregulation of cardiac LPL activity, LPL mRNA and LPL protein abundance, but did not modify VLDL receptor mRNA or protein abundance. Thus, increased cardiac workload in this model results in upregulation of myocardial LPL expression which can enhance fatty acid availability to accommodate the heart’s increased energy requirement.
Polypeptide synthesis with ribonuclease-digested ribosomes.

An insoluble ribonuclease derivative has been used to digest Escherichia coli 50-S ribosomal subunits. The first scission of the 23-S ribosomal RNA appears to be specific and yields two unequal-sized fragments. Digestion by ribonuclease results in a loss of activity of the subunit in polyuridylic acid-directed polyphenylalanine synthesis. However, by carrying out the incubation with a higher concentration of divalent cations, polyphenylalanine synthesis could be demonstrated using ribosomes which did not contain any intact 23-S ribosomal RNA.
Complete reversal of ischemic wall motion abnormalities by combined use of gene therapy with transmyocardial laser revascularization

Abstract Introduction: Transmyocardial laser revascularization is believed to induce an angiogenic response within ischemic myocardium. We evaluated transgene expression in the setting of transmyocardial laser revascularization and hypothesized that intramyocardial injection of plasmid DNA encoding the gene for vascular endothelial growth factor could enhance the revascularization achieved by transmyocardial laser revascularization, resulting in improved cardiac function. Methods: Ten Yorkshire pigs had carbon dioxide–transmyocardial laser revascularization or acupuncture sites with injections of an expression plasmid encoding the gene for β-galactosidase with or without HVJ-liposomes. Three days after transduction, transgene expression was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Six weeks after placement of a constrictor on the left circumflex artery, 29 pigs were randomized to ischemic controls (n = 5), transmyocardial laser revascularization (n = 4), transmyocardial laser revascularization with expression plasmid β-galactosidase injections (n = 5), expression plasmid-vascular endothelial growth factor injections (n = 4), or transmyocardial laser revascularization with expression plasmid-vascular endothelial growth factor (n = 5) and harvested 6 weeks after therapy. Six transmyocardial laser revascularization pigs had either expression plasmid β-galactosidase or expression plasmid-vascular endothelial growth factor injections and were harvested at 2 weeks. Normal pigs (n = 5) were included for comparison. Left ventricular free wall motion was assessed by a cardiologist in a blinded manner. Results: Transgene expression did not vary significantly with or without HVJ-liposomes in transfected transmyocardial laser revascularization myocardium. However, expression was detected in 56 of 60 (93%) transmyocardial laser revascularization–transfected sites, but in only 10 of 20 (50%) non-transmyocardial laser revascularization sites ( P P = .004). Conclusion: Transfection efficiency was improved with the use of transmyocardial laser revascularization. Wall motion abnormalities were completely reversed within 6 weeks after transmyocardial laser revascularization with the direct injection of an expression plasmid encoding vascular endothelial growth factor. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1998;116:763-9)
Interview: Breast cancer: the pathologist’s point of view

Kimberly Allison speaks to Alisa Crisp, Commissioning Editor: Kimberly Allison is Associate Professor in Pathology at the Stanford School of Medicine (CA, USA). She trained at the New York Medical College (NY, USA) and the University of Washington Medical Center (WA, USA). She has clinical expertise in breast pathology and her research interests include how standards should be applied to breast cancer diagnostics (such as HER2 testing), the utility of molecular panel-based testing in breast cancer and identifying the most appropriate management of specific pathologic diagnoses. She is also the author of ‘Red Sunshine’, a memoir about her personal experience with breast cancer, a topic that she speaks about to both patient and healthcare audiences.
IS POSTSTREPTOCOCCAL REACTIVE ARTHRITIS ASSOCIATED WITH HLA-B27 OR OTHER HLA-DR ALLELES? • 1836

IS POSTSTREPTOCOCCAL REACTIVE ARTHRITIS ASSOCIATED WITH HLA-B27 OR OTHER HLA-DR ALLELES? • 1836
Relative Hydride, Proton, and Hydrogen Atom Transfer Abilities of [HM(diphosphine)2]PF6 Complexes (M = Pt, Ni)

A series of [M(diphosphine)2]X2, [HM(diphosphine)2]X, and M(diphosphine)2 complexes have been prepared for the purpose of determining the relative thermodynamic hydricities of the [HM(diphosphine)2]X complexes (M = Ni, Pt; X = BF4, PF6; diphosphine = bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe), bis(diethylphosphino)ethane (depe), bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane (dmpe), bis(dimethylphosphino)propane (dmpp)). Measurements of the half-wave potentials (E1/2) for the M(II) and M(0) complexes and pKa measurements for the metal hydride complexes have been used in a thermochemical cycle to obtain quantitative thermodynamic information on the relative hydride donor abilities of the metal−hydride complexes. The hydride donor strengths vary by 23 kcal/mol and are influenced by the metal, the ligand substituents, and the size of the chelate bite of the diphosphine ligand. The best hydride donor of the complexes prepared is [HPt(dmpe)2](PF6), a third-row transition metal with basic substituents and a diphosphine ligand with a sm...
Risk factors for underuse of lung-protective ventilation in acute lung injury.

Abstract Purpose We assessed factors associated with underuse of lung-protective ventilation (LPV) in patients with acute lung injury (ALI). Methods A secondary analysis of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Clinical Trials Network trial data, 1999 to 2005, was conducted. Tidal volumes recorded before trial randomization were analyzed to determine receipt of LPV (tidal volume ≤6.5 mL/kg of predicted body weight [PBW]). Results Of 1385 participants, 430 (31.2%) received LPV. Average tidal volume was 7.65 ± 1.82 mL/kg PBW; measured tidal volumes were greater than "lung-protective" tidal volumes predicted by 6.5 mL/kg PBW (mean difference, 67 ± 108 mL; P Conclusions Simple interventions could substantially improve adherence with LPV among patients with ALI and warrant prospective study.
Substituent effects in heterocyclic systems by carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance. Isoxazoles

The carbon-13 nmr spectra of a series of 3-aryl-5-phenylisoxazoles (I) and 3-phenyl-5-arylisoxazoles (II) have been recorded and the signals assigned. Carbon-13 data for series I show little effect of substituent on the chemical shift of the isoxazole ring carbons. However, a plot of the carbon-13 chemical shift of carbon-5 in the isoxazole system I versus the chemical shift of carbon-3 in the 3-(4′-aryl)-1-phenylpropenones gives a straight line (r = .989) with a slope of 0.35. In series II, the chemical shifts of both carbon-4 and -5 are relatively sensitive to substituent effects. Fair correlations between Hammett sigma values and the chemical shifts of these two carbons are found; dual substituent parameter treatment improves the correlations. The results obtained from correlations with carbon-4 in series II are similar to those obtained from β-carbons of a number of styrene systems. The data show that carbon-4 in series II is approximately 20% less sensitive to substituent effects than the previously reported data for carbon-3 of 2-arylfurans. Transmission of substituent effects in the isoxazole system compare well with those of the benzothiazole system.
Prion-inducing domain of yeast Ure2p and protease resistance of Ure2p in prion-containing cells.

The genetic properties of the [URE3] non-Mendelian element of Saccharomyces cerevisiae suggest that it is a prion (infectious protein) form of Ure2p, a regulator of nitrogen catabolism. In extracts from [URE3] strains, Ure2p was partially resistant to proteinase K compared with Ure2p from wild-type extracts. Overexpression of Ure2p in wild-type strains induced a 20- to 200-fold increase in the frequency with which [URE3] arose. Overexpression of just the amino-terminal 65 residues of Ure2p increased the frequency of [URE3] induction 6000-fold. Without this “prion-inducing domain” the carboxyl-terminal domain performed the nitrogen regulation function of Ure2p, but could not be changed to the [URE3] prion state. Thus, this domain induced the prion state in trans, whereas in cis it conferred susceptibility of the adjoining nitrogen regulatory domain to prion infections.
The Toroidal Embedding Arising From an Irrational Fan

A toroidal embedding is defined which does not assume the fan consists of rational cones. For a rational fan, the toroidal embedding is the usual toric variety. If the fan is not rational, the toroidal embedding is in general a quasi-compact noetherian locally ringed space which is not a scheme. A divisor theory exists and a class group is defined. A second construction is also carried out which mimics the gluing construction of the usual toric variety, but which makes no reference to a lattice. The resulting scheme is separated but infinite dimensional. The Picard group is described in terms of the group of real valued locally linear support functions on the fan and the Brauer group is shown to be trivial. Many examples are given throughout the paper; in particular, it is shown that there is associated to a real hyperplane arrangement of full rank a toroidal embedding.
On graphical representations of algebraic codes suitable for iterative decoding

In this paper, we describe two novel modifications of an algorithm for deriving sparse parity-check matrix representations of classical binary and non-binary algebraic codes. The proposed sparse representations are obtained by introducing a small number of auxiliary variables and check-equations that lead to Tanner graphs without four-cycles. When used with iterative decoding, the developed code representations show significant gain in performance when compared to other known description techniques.
Structural studies on ε-prototoxin of clostridium perfringens type D. Localization of the site of tryptic scission necessary for activation to ε-toxin

Abstract The mechanism of activation of e-prototoxin to e-toxin has been ascertained from partial amino acid sequences of both e-prototoxin and e-toxin. The activation of e-prototoxin from Clostridium perfringens type D by brief exposure to trypsin is caused by scission of a peptide bond between Lys14 - Ala15. A small peptide (14 amino acid residues) is split from the NH2-terminus of the e-prototoxin to give the active e-toxin.
The energetic importance of terrestrial arthropod inputs to three warm‐water streams

1. Inputs of terrestrial arthropods (number and mass m–2 d–1) from riparian corridors to three streams representing different orders were highly variable among seasons and sites, with significantly greater (P < 0.05) inputs at the headwater stream during summer months, compared with other sites and seasons. 2. No significant differences in estimates of stream retention of terrestrial arthropods (number and mass m–2 d–1) were observed among sites; however, retention of terrestrial arthropods at all sites was significantly greater during summer months, compared with other periods. 3. The gravimetric proportion of terrestrial arthropods present in the stomachs of redbreast sunfish (Lepomis auritus) and bluegill (L. macrochirus) was equivalent among sites. However, estimates of the dietary importance of terrestrial arthropods at all study sites were significantly greater in the summer, compared with other seasons. 4. Estimates of the potential annual energetic contribution (kJ m–2 d–1) of terrestrial arthropod inputs to the stream system were comparable with published rates of total annual production of aquatic macroinvertebrates in other Virginia headwater streams. 5. Results of this study supported the hypothesis that terrestrial arthropods represented an important energetic subsidy to stream fish during periods of low aquatic macroinvertebrate availability, and suggest that this component of allochthonous input is a potentially significant, but poorly understood energetic linkage between riparian landscapes and stream ecosystems.
Predicting the outcome of psychotherapy for schizophrenics. Relative contributions of patient, therapist, and treatment characteristics.

• This study was designed to assess the relative prognostic importance of patient factors, therapist characteristics, and treatment mode. The sample was 100 schizophrenic outpatients referred to a community mental health center following psychiatric hospitalization. Patients were randomly assigned to either group (N=50) or individual (N=50) psychotherapy. Criteria were rehospitalization and two clinician ratings—adjustment and social effectiveness—at a two-year follow-up. The best predictor of rehospitalization was the number of previous hospitalizations. The best predictor of adjustment status at two years was pretreatment adjustment level. Also, patients with good prognostic indices made relatively large gains. Predictors of outcome for group-treated patients did not differ from those for individually treated patients. Controlling for initial status, treatment mode was almost as good as predictor of adjustment gains as were other patient factors.
A PHYSIOLOGICAL TEST OF THE THEORY OF COMPLEMENTARY CHROMATIC ADAPTATION. II. BROWN, GREEN AND RED SEAWEEDS1

The effect of light quantity (irradiance) on the photosynthetic physiology of seven seaweed species was distinguished from the effect of light quality (color). Plants were grown in outdoor, continuous-flow tanks, at irradiances saturating and limiting to growth, and in spectral distributions that were either broadband (white) or narrowband (green). The green light field complemented the absorptance spectrum of phycoerythrin and approximated the spectral distribution of a submarine light field in turbid coastal water near the compensation depth. Physiological measurements, made after 6–15 days growth, included light-harvesting pigment densities, instantaneous photosynthesis-light relationships and growth rate. In all experiments, these photosynthetic properties were independent of spectral distribution (color) and in most experiments were dependent on irradiance. These data do not conform to the predictions of the theory of complementary chromatic adaptation for seaweeds.
Review of Tabloid Medicine: How the Internet is Being Used to Hijack Medical Science for Fear and Profit

Tabloid Medicine: How the Internet is Being Used to Hijack Medical Science for Fear and Profit provides a pointed account of the Internet tactics employed by some to halt advancement in the name of safety. Dr. Goldberg provides real world examples and references scientific papers en route to detailing how to keep scientific advancement moving forward. This work presents multiple arguments that American consumers may be doing a disservice to themselves and others by insisting on absolute safety and efficacy from medicine's manufacturers and providers.
EXACT EXPRESSIONS FOR ROW CORRELATION FUNCTIONS IN THE ISOTROPIC d = 2 ISING MODEL

We present exact explicit expressions for the row spin-spin correlation functions 〈σ 00 σ n0〉 in the isotropicd= 2 Ising model, in terms of elliptic integrals, forn⩽ 5. We also give a general structural formula for 〈σ 00 σ n0〉.
Above-surface neutralization of highly charged ions: The classical over-the-barrier model

The neutralization of highly charged ions during interaction with metallic surfaces is accompanied by the ejection of a large number of secondary electrons. Recent experiments demonstrate two main contributions to this electron ejection process: one from the region below the surface and the second from the above-surface portion of the trajectory. We present a theoretical analysis of the neutralization dynamics above the surface, prior to impact, based on the classical over-the-barrier model. The theory incorporates resonant multielectron capture of conduction electrons, resonant loss into unoccupied states of the conduction band, and intra-atomic Auger deexcitation. The effective barrier potential includes quantum corrections to the classical image potential. The effect of below-barrier (``tunneling'') transfer is investigated. The solution of a coupled system of rate equations allows the approximate determination of the n-shell populations, the projectile charge state, and the total number of Auger electrons. The calculation describes the transient formation of ``hollow'' atoms. We find satisfactory agreement with recent data for K Auger yields by Meyer et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 67, 723 (1991)].
Mobility in Older Patients with Hip Fractures: Examining Prefracture Status, Complications, and Outcomes at Discharge from the Acute-Care Hospital

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among prefracture status, development of complications, mobility outcomes at discharge, and disposition at discharge. We singled out a case series of consecutive noninstitutionalized elderly persons hospitalized for hip fracture (ICD 820.0-820.9) at two Baltimore hospitals during 1992-1993. Data were abstracted from the medical records for the following variables: sociodemographic information, prefracture status, selected medical conditions, injury and surgical treatment, complications, functional mobility and assistance needed at discharge, and disposition. Factors associated with four complications were identified from multiple logistic regression analyses. (a) Prefracture needs for assistance with activities of daily living (ADL), and age > or = 80, were associated with the development of pressure ulcers. (b) Male gender and prefracture urinary incontinence (UI) were associated with pneumonia. (c) Prefracture UI and weight-bearing status were associated with UI after removal of an indwelling catheter. (d) Age > or = 80 was associated with urinary retention. The amount of assistance needed for mobility tasks at discharge was associated with prefracture need for assistance with ADLs, gender, weight-bearing status, and hospitals with shorter lengths of stay and fewer physical therapy sessions. Patients who were older and had shorter lengths of stay and less physical therapy were more likely to go to another health facility than directly home. Prefracture status (ADL, prefracture UI) was significantly associated with the development of complications. Prefracture needs for assistance with ADL and complications were associated with mobility outcomes at discharge. These prefracture factors have an effect on outcomes and need to be addressed in the development of critical pathways for case treatment. Specific protocols for subgroups of patients may need to be designed and evaluated.
Cosmology with torsion: An alternative to cosmic inflation

Abstract We propose a simple scenario which explains why our Universe appears spatially flat, homogeneous and isotropic. We use the Einstein–Cartan–Kibble–Sciama (ECKS) theory of gravity which naturally extends general relativity to include the spin of matter. The torsion of spacetime generates gravitational repulsion in the early Universe filled with quarks and leptons, preventing the cosmological singularity: the Universe expands from a state of minimum but finite radius. We show that the dynamics of the closed Universe immediately after this state naturally solves the flatness and horizon problems in cosmology because of an extremely small and negative torsion density parameter, Ω S ≈ − 10 − 69 . Thus the ECKS gravity provides a compelling alternative to speculative mechanisms of standard cosmic inflation. This scenario also suggests that the contraction of our Universe preceding the bounce at the minimum radius may correspond to the dynamics of matter inside a collapsing black hole existing in another universe, which could explain the origin of the Big Bang.
Adolescent Spiritual Exemplars Exploring Spirituality in the Lives of Diverse Youth

This qualitative study aimed to develop theory about psychological constructs relevant to spiritual development in diverse adolescents. Exemplar and Consensual Qualitative Research methods were use...
Leveraging knowledge across media for spammer detection in microblogging

While microblogging has emerged as an important information sharing and communication platform, it has also become a convenient venue for spammers to overwhelm other users with unwanted content. Currently, spammer detection in microblogging focuses on using social networking information, but little on content analysis due to the distinct nature of microblogging messages. First, label information is hard to obtain. Second, the texts in microblogging are short and noisy. As we know, spammer detection has been extensively studied for years in various media, e.g., emails, SMS and the web. Motivated by abundant resources available in the other media, we investigate whether we can take advantage of the existing resources for spammer detection in microblogging. While people accept that texts in microblogging are different from those in other media, there is no quantitative analysis to show how different they are. In this paper, we first perform a comprehensive linguistic study to compare spam across different media. Inspired by the findings, we present an optimization formulation that enables the design of spammer detection in microblogging using knowledge from external media. We conduct experiments on real-world Twitter datasets to verify (1) whether email, SMS and web spam resources help and (2) how different media help for spammer detection in microblogging.
Responses of red alder and black cottonwood seedlings to flooding

Red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.) and black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa Torr. & Gray) seedlings were monitored to evaluate response during a 20-day period of artificial flooding and a 20-day recovery period following flooding. During the flooding period, both species showed changes in nutrient uptake and transport, initiated stemderived adventitious roots that became aerenchymatous, and exhibited hypertrophied lenticels. Flooded red alder seedlings also showed reduced height and leaf area growth and developed lower-stem hypertrophy. Flooded black cottonwood seedlings exhibited root dieback, aerenchyma in below ground root tips, and changes in root hydraulic conductance and xylem pressure potential. Contrary to expectations, however, stomatal closure following flooding was not observed in either species. Flooded red alder seedlings increased growth rapidly when drained, and by the end of the recovery period, formerly flooded and non-flooded red alder seedlings differed only minimally in this respect. In contrast, several characteristics of black cottonwood – including growth rate and nutrient content – still differed between formerly flooded and non-flooded seedlings at the end of the recovery period. Based on observed treatment differences at the end of the experiment, red alder seedlings were judged to be more tolerant of flooding than black cottonwood.
Mesoscale modeling and four-dimensional data assimilation in areas of highly complex terrain

Abstract A multiscale four-dimensional data assimilation (FDDA) technique, based on Newtonian relaxation, is incorporated into a mesoscale model and evaluated using meteorological and tracer data collected during the Atmospheric Studies in Complex Terrain (ASCOT) field experiment in the winter of 1991. The mesoscale model is used to predict the synoptically driven flows and small-scale circulations influenced by terrain along the Front Range in Colorado in the vicinity of Rocky Flats Plant for four nocturnal periods during the ASCOT field experiment. Data assimilation is used to create dynamically consistent analysis fields based on the mesoscale forecasts and the special asynoptic data taken during this experiment. Observations from towers, minisodars, airsondes, tethersondes, rawinsondes, and profilers near the Rocky Flats Plant, as well as observations from surface stations throughout Colorado, are incorporated into the high-resolution analysis fields. The wind and turbulence quantities produced by the...
Hemispheric specialization in prefrontal cortex: effects of verbalizability, imageability and meaning

Abstract What determines the hemispheric laterality of information processing in the human prefrontal cortex (PFC)? Functional neuroimaging studies of declarative memory have explored two proposals: process-specificity and material-specificity. Early studies reported left-lateralized activation in prefrontal regions during memory encoding but right-lateralized activation during memory retrieval, for both verbal and nonverbal stimuli. Subsequent studies show that in addition to process-specific lateralization in some PFC regions, activation in other prefrontal regions varies according to the type of stimulus materials used. Verbal materials have been shown to preferentially activate regions of the left PFC and nonverbal materials homologous regions of the right PFC, during both encoding and retrieval. Findings are interpreted as consistent with the material-specificity hypothesis, which posits different lateralization of verbal and nonverbal memory processes [Hemispheric specialization and interaction, 1974]. Whereas initial fMRI and PET studies of material-specificity compared activation across material types (i.e. words vs. pictures) recent studies have begun to investigate hemispheric effects of stimulus manipulations within each material type. Based on these results and on findings in the behavioral and neuropsychological literature, it is hypothesized that activity in certain regions of left and right PFC may vary along two distinct, continuous dimensions: verbalizability and imageability. Recent experimental data will be evaluated according to the predictions of this proposal, and theoretical implications will be discussed.
Phosphorylation of the ATP-sensitive, Inwardly Rectifying K Channel, ROMK, by Cyclic AMP-dependent Protein Kinase

Activity of the recently cloned ATP-sensitive epithelial K+ channel, ROMK (Ho, K., Nichols, C. G., Lederer, W. J., Lytton, J., Vassilev, P. M., Kanazirska, M. V., and Hebert, S. C.(1993) Nature 362, 31-38), is regulated by phosphorylation-dephosphorylation processes with cAMPdependent protein kinase (PKA)-dependent phosphorylation events being required for maintenance of channel activity in excised membrane patches (McNicholas, C. M., Wang, W., Ho, K., Hebert, S. C., and Giebisch, G.(1994) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 91, 8077-8081; Kubokawa, M., McNicholas, C. M., Higgins, M. A., Wang, W., and Giebisch, G.(1995) Am. J. Physiol. 269, F355-F362). To determine whether this channel is a substrate for PKA, ROMK tagged with the hemagglutinin epitope was transiently transfected into HEK293 cells. In vitro labeling of immunoprecipitated proteins from transfected cells showed that ROMK could be phosphorylated by PKA. Metabolic labeling of ROMK resulted in a significantly increased phosphorylation upon pretreatment of the cells with forskolin, consistent with an action of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. Phosphoamino acid analyses of the ROMK phosphoproteins revealed that phosphate was attached exclusively to serine residues. Three putative PKA phosphorylation sites containing serine residues in the predicted ROMK proteins are shown directly to be substrates for PKA. Site-directed mutagenesis of each of these sites or double mutation of any two sites showed that ROMK proteins retained the ability to be phosphorylated by PKA both in vivo and in vitro to a variable extent, while triple mutation of all three PKA sites abolished the phosphorylation induced by cAMP agonists in transfected cells. Two-electrode voltage clamp experiments showed that PKA-dependent phosphorylation was required for ROMK channel activity and that at least two of the three sites were required for channel function when expressed in X. laevis oocytes. Taken together, these results provide strong evidence that direct phosphorylation of the channel polypeptide by PKA is involved in channel regulation and PKA-dependent phosphorylation is essential for ROMK channel activity.
2010 Edition of B31.3 Process Piping Code: New Allowables for Appendix P—Alternative Stress Range Rules

Appendix P Alternative Rules for Stress Range Evaluation was first introduced into the 2004 edition of ASME B31.3 Process Piping Code [1] as an alternative method that was conceived to be more computer friendly and possibly a more nearly theoretically defensible method of protecting piping systems individually against fatigue failure and dimensional ratchet than the singular stress range requirements of the Code’s base text (“base Code”). This paper describes the progression of events that led up to the inception of the Appendix and the subsequent revisions to same and detailing the reason for the 2010’s newly coined Allowable Operating Stress to protect against dimensional ratchet and Allowable Operating Stress Range to protect against fatigue failure.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Ureteroureterostomy for repair of a mid ureteral stricture using a ureter with vasculature based on an ileal conduit.

erostomy, ileal segment interposition, conversion of a cranially based spiral strip of ureter into a bridging strip as a basis for intubated ureterostomy and autotransplantation.l3Z We report on a patient with a mid ureteral defect that was bridged using a ureter with its vasculature based solely on an ileal conduit.
Preparation of Polyvinyl Chloride Plastics for Electrical Measurements

The experimental precautions which must be considered in order to obtain reliable data on the electrical properties of plastic solids are discussed. Edge effects, such as fringing, creepage currents and stray capacitance, are eliminated by the use of a three‐terminal cell. Surface effects, the most important of which is a series air film due to imperfections in the surfaces of the sample and the electrodes, are eliminated by coating the surfaces of the sample with a conducting carbon film, with simultaneous attention to proper centering of the sample with respect to the guard and test electrodes. Dimensional changes in the sample, due to relaxation of elastic strains, must be determined and included in the calculation of volume properties. The fundamental criterion of the reliability of the results is the independence of calculated volume properties on the size and shape of the sample and on the details of mechanical construction of the cell in which the measurements are made. Some preliminary results of an investigation of the system polyvinyl chloride—tricresyl phosphate are given, using the methods outlined above. The properties are dependent on the complete thermal history of a given sample : the d.c. conductance increases with time and temperature of aging; and corresponding changes appear in the dielectric constant and its frequency coefficient, and in the a.c. loss factor. It is shown that the d.c. conductance, as an auxiliary independent variable, summarizes the effects of thermal history.
A review of treatment efficacy for individuals with anger problems Conceptual, assessment, and methodological issues

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to integrate conceptual and methodological issues in order to provide a comprehensive analysis of the treatment of anger problems. This integration of conceptual and methodological issues is first addressed by reporting the results of an effect size analysis that compared various intervention strategies within different treatment outcome assessment methods. Second, there is a review and critique of the theories and models of anger that serve as the rationales for the different treatment approaches. Finally, in order to address conceptual weaknesses in the anger literature, anger is defined and the processes of anger are described using a multidimensional-associationistic model of emotion (Berkowitz, 1994). This multidimensional-associationistic framework is contrasted with a recent anger framework proposed by Eckhardt and Deffenbacher (1995). Finally, implications of the multidimensional-associationistic anger framework for conceptualization, assessment, and treatment of anger problems are discussed.
Semiconductor-based low-noise 100 MHz chirped pulse laser source based on a theta cavity design with an intra-cavity etalon and long-term stabilization

This work discusses the development of a frequency chirped, low repetition rate, semiconductor based mode-locked laser having reduced noise over previous demonstrations. Specifically, we present a major upgrade on the 100 MHz harmonically mode-locked Theta (Θ) laser cavity design in the form of the introduction of an intra-cavity fiberized Fabry-Perot etalon. The initial demonstration of the Theta cavity design offered improved energy per pulse and a linearly chirped pulse output compared to conventional cavity designs. Nonetheless, it suffered from pulse-to-pulse timing and energy noise. The noisy operation arises from the harmonic nature of the laser. To mitigate this effect we have inserted a fiberized etalon within the laser cavity. The intra-cavity etalon stores and inter-mixes the pulses of the harmonically mode-locked laser, as well as enforces lasing on a single optical mode-set from the multiple interleaved sets supported by the mode-locked laser due to its harmonic nature. This leads to the generation of a stable optical frequency comb with 100 MHz spacing and the suppression of the RF super-mode noise spurs, which results in a reduction of the laser noise. Due to fiber length drift in both the fiberized laser cavity and the fiberized etalon, a long-term stabilization scheme is necessary. An intra-cavity Hansch - Couillaud scheme is employed. The laser outputs chirped pulses with 10 nm of bandwidth. This work provides an in depth analysis of both the development of the Theta cavity with the intra-cavity etalon and the performance of the developed laser system.
Recent developments in fungicides: Spray materials

The word fungicide as used in this paper will follow the definition (91): "Any substance which may be applied to higher living plants in active growth and which will kill parasitic fungi or prevent the development of fungous diseases without killing or seriously injuring the host plant." This definition excludes applications to plants in the dormant stage and to picked fruits. Since the principal use of fungicides is in the control of diseases of fruits such as the apple, pear, peach, plum, and grape, the principal developments in recent years have been in answer to a demand for better fungicides for these fruits. Fungicides as here defined are used as protectants (92), that is, "They are usually effective only when applied to the plant before it has become inoculated with the spores of the pathogene." To accomplish this, it is usually necessary to apply the fungicide before the spores are present upon the plant; otherwise, some of them might germinate and infect the plant before the fungicide became effective. Thus the fungicide is a coating over the plant which is noninjurious, or nearly so, to the plant, and at the same time is toxic to spores or germ tubes of certain pathogenic fungi which may come in contact with it. An ideal fungicide should be toxic to the pathogen, noninjurious or even beneficial to the plant sprayed, even after repeated applications, should cause no toxic accumulations in soils, should be nontoxic to men and animals, cheap and easily obtained, nonexplosive, capable of storage without deterioration, noncorrosive, easily made and applied, conveniently handled, capable of covering and sticking well, remaining active over a considerable period of time, and be insecticidal or compatible with the insecticidal sprays without lessening its effectiveness or that of the insecticide. The common fungicides at present in use possess most of these characters to some degree, but not to the degree desired. For
Two fractions with macrophage migration inhibitory activity from sensitized lymphocyte cultures.

Landsteiner and Chase1 established the cellular basis of delayed hypersensitivity when they showed that the passive transfer of the delayed-type reaction from sensitized guinea-pigs to normal animals could be achieved with peritoneal exudate but not with serum. This immunological response can be measured in vitro, for the migration of non-sensitized macrophages can be inhibited by a migration inhibitory factor (MIF) produced by sensitized lymphocytes cultured in the presence of specific antigens2,3. Intradermal injection of MIF into non-sensitized guinea-pigs produces reactions characterized by induration, erythema and mononuclear infiltration.
Multiscale simulations of Langmuir cells and submesoscale eddies using XSEDE resources

A proper treatment of upper ocean mixing is an essential part of accurate climate modeling. This problem is difficult because the upper ocean is home to many competing processes. Vertical turbulent mixing acts to unstratify the water column, while lateral submesoscale eddies attempt to stratify the column. Langmuir turbulence, which often dominates the vertical mixing, is driven by an interaction of the wind stress and surface wave (Stokes) drift, while the submesoscale eddies are driven by lateral density and velocity changes. Taken together, these processes span a large range of spatial and temporal scales. They have been studied separately via theory and modeling. It has been demonstrated that the way these scales are represented in climate models has a nontrivial impact on the global climate system. The largest impact is on upper ocean processes, which filter air-sea interactions. This interaction is especially interesting, because it is the interface between nonhydrostatic and hydrostatic, quasigeostrophic and ageostrophic, and small-scale and large-scale ocean dynamics. Previous studies have resulted in parameterizations for Langmuir turbulence and submesoscale fluxes, but these parameterizations assume that there is no interaction between these important processes. In this work we have utilized a large XSEDE allocation (9 million SUs) to perform multi-scale simulations that encompass the Langmuir scale (O(10-100m)) and submesoscale eddies (O(1-10km)). One simulation includes a Stokes drift, and hence Langmuir turbulence, while the other does not.To adequately represent such disparate spatial scales is a challenge in numerous regards. Numerical prediction algorithms must balance efficiency, scalability, and accuracy. These simulations also present a large challenge for data storage and transfer. However, the results of these simulations will influence climate modeling for decades.