cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, characterization, and photophysical properties of chiral dendrimers based on well-defined oligonaphthyl cores

Chiral dendrimers based on (R)-1,1‘-bi-2-naphthyl and its oligomeric (R,R)-tetranaphthyl and (R,R,R)-hexanaphthyl chiral cores and Frechet-type aryl-ether dendrons were synthesized using the Frechet conditions or deprotonation of the chiral cores with NaH followed by nucleophilic attack on benzyl bromide moieties of the dendrons. These chiral dendrimers were characterized by 1H and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometric analyses. The UV absorption of the chiral dendrimers steadily increases as the generation grows. These dendrimers show significantly enhanced fluorescence compared to (R)-1,1‘-bi-2-naphthol, and the fluorescence intensity increases as the generation grows for most of the dendrimers. Both CD and optical rotation data suggest that the increased steric bulk of the dendrons leads to larger dihedral angles between the naphthyl rings through their 1,1‘-linkages. The absolute configuration of the chiral dendrimers remains the same as their chiral cores.
Diatom distribution and paleoceanographic reconstruction in the Southern Ocean — Present and last glacial maximum

Abstract Diatom assemblage and preservational data are used to reconstruct paleoceanographic conditions at the last glacial maximum (18,000 yrs BP) in the Southern Ocean. From these data, the following points can be made about the last glacial maximum in this region. (1) Contraction and slight northern shift of the belt of well preserved diatoms appears to be related to the northward shift of late spring/early summer sea ice cover. (2) Presence of open-ocean, though poorly preserved, diatom assemblages to the south of this belt strongly suggest that, during many summers, large areas of the Southern Ocean were ice-free. (3) The distribution of theNitzschia kerguelensis factor, both in surface sediments and at the last glacial maximum, indicates that the gyre systems, particularly the Weddell Gyre, were intensified during glacial times. (4) Although data are sparse in the higher-latitude South Atlantic, there is an indication that the Weddell Polynya also existed during glacial times, although it was shifted a few degrees northward.
Sulfur isotope fractionation in modern euxinic systems: Implications for paleoenvironmental reconstructions of paired sulfate–sulfide isotope records

Abstract The sulfur (S) isotope difference between sulfates and sulfides preserved in sedimentary rocks (Δ 34 S) has been utilized to reconstruct ancient marine sulfate levels with implications for oxygenation of the Earth surface and biogeochemical cycling. S isotope data from modern, low-sulfate euxinic systems illustrate that preserved Δ 34 S values are positively correlated with sulfate concentration. However, absolute constraints on the range of low-sulfate levels over which preserved Δ 34 S values vary with sulfate concentration remain poorly constrained. Here, we present a compilation of S isotope data for modern euxinic systems demonstrating that preserved Δ 34 S values increase with sulfate concentration at low sulfate levels and approach values that are similar to in situ S isotope fractionation values from microbial sulfate reduction at high sulfate levels. We compare these results to a closed system model of S isotope cycling in a euxinic ocean in order to evaluate when the size of the sulfate reservoir is sufficiently small that Rayleigh fractionation affects the preservation of S isotope signatures. We conclude that the reservoir effect places constraints on Δ 34 S values deposited in euxinic settings at sulfate concentrations 34 S values can be used to evaluate ancient sulfate levels. At higher sulfate levels (>10 mM), Δ 34 S values are similar to the kinetic isotope fractionation due to microbial sulfate reduction and therefore provide information about biological and environmental controls on sulfate reduction rates and location of pyrite formation. The results of this compilation provide an improved model for the use of Δ 34 S records to evaluate paleoenvironmental conditions in euxinic depositional environments.
Morbidity of urologic surgical procedures: an analysis of rates, risk factors, and outcomes.

Objective To quantify national complication rates, perioperative outcomes, and predictors for a broad range of urologic procedures to demonstrate background rates and discuss benchmarking. Methods Urologic procedures from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (2006-2011) were analyzed to identify 30-day rates of 21 complications; outcomes (length of stay, reoperation, and death); and predictors including resident involvement for 18 specific procedures. Multivariate logistic regression models assessed predictors for any complication and for Clavien grade IV or V complication. Results A total of 39,700 procedures were included with abdominopelvic operations more morbid than endoscopic, scrotal, incontinence, or prolapse procedures. Cystectomy had the highest morbidity (10.8 days length of stay and 3.2% mortality), with 56% experiencing any complication followed by nephrectomy (21%), retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (20%), and radical retropubic prostatectomy (19%). Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (11%) and transurethral resection of the prostate (10%) had the highest rates for endoscopic procedures. Older age, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, dependent functional status, acute kidney injury (odds ratio [OR], 2.70 [1.89-3.87]), and ≥5 units preoperative transfusion (OR, 4.44 [3.40-5.80]) were the strongest predictors of any complication. Higher ORs of similar predictors along with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (OR, 1.52 [1.21-1.92]) and steroid use (OR, 1.51 [1.07-2.14]) were associated with Clavien grade IV or V complication. Resident involvement increased odds of any complication (OR, 1.18 [1.09-1.29]), mostly for abdominopelvic and urogynecologic procedures, but not Clavien grade IV or V complication ( P = .55). Conclusion Complication rates of urologic procedures based on the retrospective experience of few surgeons do not allow for appropriate benchmarking. Baseline rates and benchmarks derived from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program may help hospitals better track deficient areas and improvements in quality of care. Many predictors were similar across procedures, although magnitudes differed, and resident trainees did not impact rates of serious complications (Clavien-Dindo grade IV or V).
A 60-Year-Old Woman with Chorea and Weight Loss

In this series, a clinician extemporaneously discusses the diagnostic approach (regular text) to sequentially presented clinical information (bold). Additional commentary on the diagnostic reasoning process (italics) is integrated throughout the discussion.
Method for nonstationary random vibration of inelastic structures

Abstract A method of response analysis of inelastic structures under nonstationary random excitation is presented. Emphasis is on realistic consideration of the time-varying intensity and frequency content of the excitation, detailed nonlinear response behavior of the structural frame, and computational efficiency of the method such that it can be applied to response and safety evaluation of real structural systems. The method is verified by comparison of results with detailed time history analyses of inelastic structural frames and Monte Carlo simulation. Examples on application to reliability evaluation of steel buildings designed according to current code procedures are given.
Application of LIDAR to resolving bedrock structure in areas of poor exposure: An example from the STEEP study area, southern Alaska

An airborne, LIDAR (light detection and ranging) data set is used to map bedrock structure in an area with poor outcrop and indistinct stratigraphy. A 1-m, bare-earth filtered digital elevation model (DEM) is used to construct multiple shaded-relief images that show subtle topographic features suggestive of folded strata. Preliminary geologic interpretations exported to a field GIS (geographic information system) with GPS (global positioning system) identified the features as resistant beds beneath vegetation, and allowed construction of a regional map of bedding and fault traces. Bedding traces and faults were then analyzed with several 3D software applications. The ability to precisely map these features in 3D allowed projection onto cross-section lines, which helped define the structure as detachment folds cut by younger high-angle faults. Comparison between aerial photography and shaded-relief images of the bare-earth DEM indicates that structures beneath open forest and shrub are better revealed by shaded-relief images. The ability to create hillshade images using different sun angles supplements structural mapping with aerial photography, even in open tundra with no significant vegetation canopy. Aerial photography would generally be more informative in areas of extensive outcrop, and draping aerial photography on a LIDAR DEM would produce spectacular visualization capabilities. These techniques should yield good results where well-bedded rocks lie beneath thin soil cover and open canopy forest but may not be successful in deeply weathered tropical forest or glaciated areas where glacial sculpting and deposition obscure bedrock structure. We propose a mapping workflow that includes image processing of hillshade images, together with 3D visualization and mapping methods.
Space Use and Survival of White-Tailed Deer in an Exurban Landscape

Abstract Exurban development is nonmetropolitan, residential development characterized by a human population density and average property size intermediate between suburban and rural areas. Although growth in exurban areas is outpacing that of urban, suburban, or rural landscapes, studies of deer (Odocoileus spp.) ecology in exurban areas are nonexistent. During 2003–2005, we studied space use (i.e., seasonal home-range and core-area size and habitat use relative to human dwellings) and survival of 43 female white-tailed deer (O. virginianus) in an exurban setting near Carbondale, Illinois. Deer had larger home ranges than most suburban deer populations and generally smaller home ranges than rural deer populations. When we analytically controlled for habitat use, deer exhibited a subtle avoidance of human dwellings, especially during the fawning season. The annual survival rate was among the highest reported in the literature at 0.872 (SE = 0.048). Only 5 deer (cause-specific mortality rate = 0.091) were ...
Antioxidants Prevent Ethanol-Associated Apoptosis in Fetal Rhombencephalic Neurons

It is well known that ethanol damages the developing nervous system by augmenting apoptosis. Previously, this laboratory reported that ethanol augments apoptosis in fetal rhombencephalic neurons, and that the increased apoptosis is associated with reduced activity of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway and downstream expression of pro-survival genes. Other laboratories have shown that another mechanism by which ethanol induces apoptosis in developing neurons is through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the associated oxidative stress. The present study used an in vitro model to investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of several antioxidants against ethanol-associated apoptosis in fetal rhombencephalic neurons. The investigated antioxidants included three phenolics: (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a flavanoid polyphenol found in green tea; curcumin, found in tumeric; and resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene), a component of red wine. Additional antioxidants, including melatonin, a naturally occurring indole, and alpha-lipoic acid, a naturally occurring dithiol, were also investigated. These studies demonstrated that a 24-hour treatment of fetal rhombencephalic neurons with 75 mM ethanol caused a 3-fold increase in the percentage of apoptotic neurons. However, co-treatment of these cultures with any of the five different antioxidants prevented ethanol-associated apoptosis. Antioxidant treatment did not alter the extent of apoptosis in control neurons, i.e., those cultured in the absence of ethanol. These studies showed that several classes of antioxidants can exert neuroprotection against ethanol-associated apoptosis in fetal rhombencephalic neurons.
Study on the Synthesis of High Quality Nanometer Calcium Carbonate Using Ultrasonic Technology

The synthesis of nanometer calcium carbonate was strengthened using ultrasonic technology. In the presence of ultrasonic, the effects of initial reaction temperature, density of Ca(OH)2 and flow rate of CO2 on nanometer calcium carbonate particles’ size were investigated in this paper. The homogeneous dispersion nanometer calcium carbonate particles which size were 20~30nm were synthesized using ultrasonic reactor.
The effects of buyer identification and purchase timing on consumers’ perceptions of trust, price fairness, and repurchase intentions

The ease of use and commercial feasibility of Internet-enabled technologies for price segmentation have found increased managerial applications as well as a concurrent rise in questions about fairness and legality. We examine the role of two price segmentation tactics and assess their effects on consumer perceptions of trust, fairness of the price differences, and repurchase intentions using two studies. We find that consumers report lower levels of trust, price fairness, and repurchase intentions when Internet-enabled buyer identification techniques are used (as compared to purchase timing tactics) to segment consumer markets. Our experimental results also suggest that the difference between these two tactics is more pronounced when firms do not provide an explanation for the price differences. The results also indicate that the size of the price difference has a significant effect on trust, fairness, and willingness to buy.
The Significance of Eye Blink Rate in Parkinsonism: A Hypothesis

Alterations in blink rate have been reported in several neuropsychiatric disorders presumed to result from abnormal central dopaminergic functions. Increased blink rate in schizophrenia, Tardive dyskinesia, Tourette's syndrome and Meige's disease are associated with enhanced dopaminergic functions. Parkinson's disease is associated with reduced dopaminergic functions and decreased blink rate. Thus, blink rate may reflect striatal and mesolimbic dopaminergic activity.Since acute light exposure suppresses melatonin production and darkness stimulates melatonin secretion, blinking may serve to regulate light-dark exposure to the pineal gland and thus to ‘fine tune’ melatonin production. As there is evidence to suggest that melatonin inhibits the release of dopamine in the striatum and limbic system, increased blink rate may serve to reduce light exposure, increase melatonin secretion and attenuate dopaminergic functions. Conversely, decreased blinking (as is observed in patients with Parkinson's disease) coul...
Efficient monochromator to isolate VUV light generated by four-wave mixing techniques.

The lateral chromatic aberration from a LiF lens, which is positioned off-axis with respect to the incident light beams, is used to isolate the VUV light generated by the four-wavemixing technique from the intense pump light. The transmittance of the monochromator at the VUV wavelength is limited by the transmittance of a single lens. The ratio of transmitted-to-incident pump energy is 3.3 × 10−6. A single monochromator with two interchangeable lenses can be used for either tightly focused or collimated pump beams.
Determination of Ion Activity Coefficients and Fixed Charge Density in Cartilage with 23Na Magnetic Resonance Microscopy

The sodium concentration and the physicochemical state of sodium ions in biological polyelectrolytes may be an indirect measure of the macromolecular matrix integrity. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) microscopy was used to measure the sodium concentration and to estimate the cartilage matrix fixed charge density (FCD) in control, acid-neutralized, and enzyme-digested bovine nasal cartilage (BNC), a model for human cartilage. The mean ion activity coefficient of sodium in cartilage was calculated from the measured tissue sodium concentration as a function of external NaCl concentration and compared with the predictions of the Debye-Huckel and the modified Manning theories. Our results show that (1) the FCD in bovine nasal cartilage (at physiological NaCl concentrations) is in the range of 0.25-0.35 m, (2) the sodium content measured by NMR microscopy reflects indirectly the changes of FCD induced by changes in pH and enzymatic digestion, and (3) the measured activity coefficient for NaCl in the bovine nasal cartilage matrix is significantly lower than that of an ionic solution of the same salt concentration. An extension of the model developed by Manning for polyelectrolytes is in good qualitative agreement with our experimental results which showed a decrease in the mean activity coefficient with decreased reservoir concentration.
Quantifying axon diameter and intra-cellular volume fraction in excised mouse spinal cord with q-space imaging.

Abstract Q-space magnetic resonance imaging (QSI) can quantify white matter (WM) axonal architecture at the cellular level non-destructively, unlike histology, but currently has several limitations. First, current methodology does not differentiate between diffusing molecules occupying extra- or intra-cellular spaces (ECS and ICS, respectively). Second, accurate assessment of axonal architecture requires high-gradient amplitudes not clinically available. Third, the only direct QSI marker of axonal architecture has been mean axon diameter (MAD), even though other direct markers would be valuable as well. The objective was to investigate three QSI-based methods that address the above limitations. Method 1 employs a two-compartment model to account for signal from ECS and ICS. Method 2 uses data only from low q-values thereby obviating the need for high-gradient amplitudes. Method 3 empirically estimates ICS volume fraction and provides an additional metric of axonal architecture. We implemented each method on data from excised healthy adult mouse spinal cords collected previously using a home-built 50 T/m z-gradient yielding sub-micron displacement resolution. Through comparison with histology, each method was evaluated for accuracy in assessing axonal architecture. MAD measured with Methods 1 and 2 showed good correlation with histology (R2 = 0.99 (p
Effects of Reticence, Affect for Communication Channels, and Self-Perceived Competence on Usage of Instant Messaging

This study examined the relationship between reticence (Keaten & Kelly, 2000) and instant messaging (IM), including affect for IM, usage of IM, and self-perceived competence using IM in difficult interpersonal situations. Participants (N = 336) from undergraduate courses responded to self-report measures of reticence, affect for IM, general usage of IM, as well as usage in challenging interpersonal situations, and communication competence. A structural equation model indicated that reduced anxiety and inhibition, IM competence, and increased preparation and control explained 34% of the variance in frequency of IM use in a difficult personal situation. Results showed that higher levels of reticence were associated with positive affect for IM, which, in turn, increased the likelihood of using IM in a difficult personal situation.
Type III–IV muscle afferents are not required for steady-state exercise hyperpnea in healthy subjects and patients with COPD or heart failure

Blockade of group III-IV muscle afferents by intrathecal injection of the μ-opioid agonist fentanyl (IF) in humans has been variously reported to depress exercise hyperpnea in some studies but not others. A key unanswered question is whether such an effect is transient or persists in the steady state. Here we show that in healthy subjects undergoing constant-load cycling exercise IF significantly slows the transient exercise ventilatory kinetics but has no discernible effect on the ventilatory response when exercise is sufficiently prolonged. Thus, the ventilatory response to group III-IV muscle afferents input in healthy subjects is not a simple reflex but acts like a high-pass filter with maximum sensitivity during early-phase exercise and is reset in the late phase. In patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) IF causes sustained CO2 retention not only during exercise but also in the resting state, where muscle afferents feedback is minimal. In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), IF also elicits sustained decreases in the exercise ventilatory response but with little or no resultant CO2 retention due to concomitant decreases in physiological VD/VT (dead space-to-ventilation ratio). These results support the proposition that optimal long-term regulation of exercise hyperpnea in health and in disease is determined centrally by the respiratory controller through the continuing adaptation of an internal model which dynamically tracks the metabolic CO2 load and the ventilatory inefficiency 1/1-VD/VT that must be overcome for the maintenance of arterial PCO2 homeostasis, rather than being reflexively driven by group III-IV muscle afferents feedback per se.
A new neural network modeling approach based on a correction model concept

Neural networks have recently gained attention as unconventional yet effective alternatives for component modeling. One of the most commonly used neural networks, namely the multilayer perceptrons (MLP) could sometimes fail to model highly nonlinear input-output behaviors accurately. Advanced neural networks (e.g. knowledge based neural networks) can be employed; however, such networks suffer from an increased complexity both in terms of their structures and training methods. In this paper, we propose a neural network modeling approach based on a novel correction model concept. This approach helps accurately model complicated behaviors using simple 3-layer MLP networks. Both active and passive examples are presented.
Each Domain of the N-Ethylmaleimide-sensitive Fusion Protein Contributes to Its Transport Activity

N-Ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein (NSF) has been shown to be involved in numerous intracellular transport events. In an effort to understand the basic mechanism of NSF in vesicle-target membrane fusion events, we have examined the role that each of its three domains play in how NSF interacts with the SNAP.SNARE complex. Mutagenesis of the first ATP-binding domain (D1, amino acids 206-477) demonstrates that nucleotide binding by this domain is required for 20 S particle assembly. A second mutation, which permits ATP binding but not hydrolysis, yields a protein that can form 20 S particle but fails to mediate its disassembly. Similar mutations of the second ATP-binding domain (D2, amino acids 478-744) result in trimeric molecules that behave like wild type NSF. Domain rearrangement mutants were used to further probe the functional role of each domain. The amino-terminal domain (N, amino acids 1-205) is absolutely required for binding of NSF to the SNAP.SNARE complex, because the truncated mutant, D1D2, is unable to form 20 S particle. When tested as an isolated recombinant protein, the N domain is not sufficient for binding to the SNAP.SNARE complex, but when adjacent to the D1 domain or in a trimeric molecule, the N domain does mediate binding to the SNAP.SNARE complex. Monomeric N-D1 and trimeric N-D2 could both participate in particle formation. Only the N-D1 mutant was able to facilitate MgATP-dependent release from the SNAP.SNARE complex. These data demonstrate that NSF binding to the SNAP.SNARE complex is mediated by the N domain and that both ATP binding and hydrolysis by the D1 domain are essential for 20 S particle dynamics. The intramolecular interactions outlined suggest a mechanism by which NSF may use ATP hydrolysis to facilitate the vesicle fusion process.
Spin dependence of the masses of heavy baryons.

It is argued from the systematics of spin-dependent forces between quarks that two proposed baryon states, named {Sigma}{sub {ital c}}(2380) and {Sigma}{sub {ital b}}(5760), do not exist. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Detailed Analysis of the Dynein Stepping Mechanism using Multicolor Tracking

Cytoplasmic dynein is a motor protein that moves processively towards the microtubule minus end. To characterize dynein's step size at both limiting (5 µM) and saturating (1 mM) ATP concentrations, we have improved the temporal resolution of FIONA to 2 milliseconds and tracked the movement of single yeast cytoplasmic dynein motors, each labeled with one quantum dot. In contrast to kinesin, dynein's step size is highly variable, and backwards and sideways steps are frequently observed. As the tail domain takes ∼8 nm steps, the heads advance by taking both short (∼8 nm) and long (∼16 nm) steps. These data indicate that the heads do not move in a strictly alternating manner, as is the case with kinesin and myosin. To further characterize how the dynein heads move relative to each other, we have tracked the movement of both heads simultaneously. To precisely measure the head-head separation vector, we have developed novel small quantum dots (10 nm diameter) that specifically attach to each dynein head. The fluorescent signals of the differently-colored quantum dots attached to dynein are then registered with 2 nm precision. Using this technique, we find the heads to be widely separated, mostly in the off-axis, indicating that the two heads walk along separate filaments. Our two-color stepping data also show that the dynein heads advance mostly by taking alternating steps, as is the case with kinesin. However, the heads may also move independently of each other, and one head may take multiple steps before its partner moves forward. Both the leading head and the trailing head may initiate a step. Taken together, these unprecedented behaviors indicate that cytoplasmic dynein achieves processive movement via a mechanism unique among the molecular motors.
Influence of injection parameters on the transition from PCCI combustion to diffusion combustion in a small-bore HSDI diesel engine

In this paper, the influence of injection parameters on the transition from Premixed Charge Combustion Ignition (PCCI) combustion to conventional diesel combustion was investigated in an optically accessible High-Speed Direct-Injection (HSDI) diesel engine using multiple injection strategies. The heat release characteristics were analyzed using incylinder pressure for different operating conditions. The whole cycle combustion process was visualized with a high-speed video camera by simultaneously capturing the natural flame luminosity from both the bottom of the optical piston and the side window, showing the three dimensional combustion structure within the combustion chamber. Eight operating conditions were selected to address the influences of injection pressure, injection timing, and fuel quantity of the first injection on the development of second injection combustion. For some cases with early first injection timing and a small fuel quantity, no liquid fuel is found when luminous flame points appear, which shows that premixed combustion occurs for these cases. However, with the increase of first injection fuel quantity and retardation of the first injection timing, the combustion mode transitions from PCCI combustion to diffusion flame combustion, with liquid fuel being injected into the hot flame. The observed combustion phenomena are mainly determined by the ambient temperature and pressure at the start of the second injection event. The start-of-injection ambient conditions are greatly influenced by the first injection timing, fuel quantity, and injection pressure. Small fuel quantity and early injection timing of the first injection event and high injection pressure are preferable for low sooting combustion.
Approximation programming of chemical processes—1: Optimization of flowtran® models

Abstract A FLOWTRAN® modelled ammonia synthesis loop has been optimized by Quadratic Approximation Programming (QAP),—a method based on successive quadratic approximation to the plant objective and constraint functions. The algorithm is easily adapted to FLOWTRAN and functions efficiently. In two examples, the total computing time for optimization is only about 65 times that for a single simulation. this is a significant improvement over earlier studies.
Modeling of ESD-induced confined ignition of solid rocket propellants

Solid rocket propellants can be ignited by electrostatic discharge (ESD) events delivering energies orders of magnitude below those typically required to cause ignition. Confinement effects have been proposed as the cause of increased sensitivity to ignition. To better understand the factors influential in ESD ignition, a model for confined ignition of propellants was developed. This model integrates time-dependent, one-dimensional energy and mass conservation equations describing a propellant block with combustion inside an enclosed gas pocket. The model includes the effects of confinement through submodels for linear elastic crack expansion and propagation and for venting of gases following rupture of the propellant block. Parametric studies were performed with the model using properties of a typical solid propellant. In agreement with experimental observations, these studies showed that external pressure has a dramatic effect on ignition sensitivity. The studies also identified propellant properties that have a significant impact on ESD confined ignition sensitivity: burn rate, activation energy of the solid-phase decomposition reaction (through its effect on burn rate), modulus of elasticity, and fracture toughness. Relatively unimportant properties include discharge volume, crack propagation velocity, and energy delivery time.
ENZYMATIC THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC PANCREATITIS

Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy has proved useful in the treatment of malabsorption and persistent pain in patients with chronic pancreatitis. The formulation of pancreatic enzyme preparation varies considerably. Treatment of chronic pain is facilitated by the use of a high-protease enzyme preparation, preferably non-microsphere encoated. Treatment of steatorrhea is optimized by use of high-lipase-containing preparations.
State accountability policies and Boyer's domains of scholarship: Conflict or collaboration?

The author applies strategic response theory to develop hypotheses about the type of response that public colleges and universities will exhibit as a consequence of state policies to encourage the scholarship of teaching, discovery, and application.
In-Situ Transfer Standard and Coincident-View Intercomparisons for Sensor Cross-Calibration

There exist numerous methods for accomplishing on-orbit calibration. Methods include the reflectance-based approach relying on measurements of surface and atmospheric properties at the time of a sensor overpass as well as invariant scene approaches relying on knowledge of the temporal characteristics of the site. The current work examines typical cross-calibration methods and discusses the expected uncertainties of the methods. Data from the Advanced Land Imager (ALI), Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection and Radiometer (ASTER), Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+), Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), and Thematic Mapper (TM) are used to demonstrate the limits of relative sensor-to-sensor calibration as applied to current sensors while Landsat-5 TM and Landsat-7 ETM+ are used to evaluate the limits of in situ site characterizations for SI-traceable cross calibration. The current work examines the difficulties in trending of results from cross-calibration approaches taking into account sampling issues, site-to-site variability, and accuracy of the method. Special attention is given to the differences caused in the cross-comparison of sensors in radiance space as opposed to reflectance space. The results show that cross calibrations with absolute uncertainties <; 1.5% (1σ) are currently achievable even for sensors without coincident views.
Efficacy of acupressure for non-pharmacological stress reduction in college students

Summary Objectives Identifying a non-pharmacological intervention to reduce the stress response could be particularly beneficial to college students, a group prone to considerable stress. Acupressure has shown some efficacy in reducing stress in adults following stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI), but multiple treatments were required. Results from single treatments in healthy populations have been mixed. Design The current study used a randomised, placebo-controlled, single-blind design to investigate the use of a single acupressure treatment for stress reduction in healthy college students ( n =109) during a stressor. Interventions Participants were randomly assigned to one of three single, 40-min interventions: active acupressure, placebo acupressure, or a relaxation CD control. A math task stressor administered before and after the intervention assessed intervention effects on stressor responsivity. Main outcome measures Stress responses were measured by physiological (heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), skin conductance response (SCR)) and subjective measures (State Anxiety Inventory, nine-item Psychological Stress Measure) of anxiety and stress. Results All interventions were associated with the following changes during the post-intervention stressor compared to the pre-intervention stressor: reduced HR ( p p p p p Conclusions All interventions significantly reduced the stress response, although not differently. The lack of active acupressure-associated treatment effects appears to be due to insufficient dosing.
Changes in consumer choice: Further investigation of similarity and attraction effects

Attraction and substitution effects have been shown to be important determinants of brand choice when a new brand is added to a choice set. A simple framework is proposed for predicting the effect on relative market shares when a new brand is added to the choice set in an experimental setting. The study attempts to replicate previous results concerning the relative impact of attraction and similarity and to extend empirical findings to brand attribute positionings not examined in recent research on the attraction effect. Generally, the proposed framework operates as hypothesized, and results suggest that, in some instances, a new brand may benefit substantially from the joint effects of attraction and similarity.
The Public Battles over Militarisation and Democracy in Honduras, 1954–1963

This article examines the process of militarisation in Honduras in the I954-I963 period, also the public reaction to it and its political consequences. The extant literature ignores the significant public opposition to an institutionalised military. As an autonomous military institution was first taking shape in the I954-57 period, the militarisation issue was one of the dominant themes in the national press, and a sophisticated public debate took place between school teachers and military officials over whether the country needed a military at all, or whether the country should follow the Costa Rican example of military proscription. The 1957-5 9 period witnessed pressures from politicians, students, and labour to curtail military power and excesses. Finally, the platform of the favourite candidate in the I963 presidential elections called for demilitarisation and again the Costa Rican model was a high-profile alternative. Demilitarisation played well with the masses, and this contributed to the preemptive military coup just days before the elections. Militarisation affected power relations and undermined democratic consolidation. Two negative images have dominated popular press and scholarly accounts of Honduras: the banana republic and the militarised state. During the first half of this century, popular magazines regularly referred to this country as the quintessential banana republic, and with good reason. Bananas totally dominated the country's exports, and banana companies strongly influenced the country's politics. Battles for land and competition for political influence between Samuel Zemurrey (the BananaMan) and the United Fruit Company (the Octopus) often helped determine the identity of the country's president, and led to wars and the regular intervention of US Marines.' Domestic and international peace Kirk Bowman is Assistant Professor at The Sam Nunn School of International Affairs at the Georgia Institute of Technology. * The author thanks Victor Hugo Acufia, Mario Argueta, Marvin Barahona, Rafael del Cid, Matias Funes, Jonathan Hartlyn, Evelyne Huber, Lisa Jacobs, Ram6n Oqueli, Leticia Salom6n, Lars Schoultz, the staff of the Honduran National Archives in Tegucigalpa and the anonymous referees from the JLAS. Research was assisted by the International Predissertation Fellowship Program with funds from the Ford Foundation and the American Council of Learned Societies, and by the Graduate College of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. 1An excellent and dispassionate account of US political and economic influence in Honduras in the 1907-1932 period is Marvin Barahona, La hegemonia de los Estados Unidos en Honduras (I907-1932) (Tegucigalpa, I989). This content downloaded from 207.46.13.52 on Fri, 21 Oct 2016 05:47:19 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms
Optimal Superblock Scheduling Using Enumeration

The superblock is a scheduling region that is used by compilers for exploiting instruction-level parallelism across basic blocks. Many heuristic techniques have been proposed for solving this difficult scheduling problem, but none accurately approximates the optimal solution. This paper presents a new technique that finds provably optimal solutions to superblock scheduling problems. The technique is based on reducing the problem of finding branch combinations that yield incrementally increasing weighted execution times to a subset-sum problem, which is solved by dynamic programming. An enumerative approach that employs a number of powerful pruning techniques to efficiently explore the solution space is then used to search for a feasible schedule for each branch combination. Experimental evaluation using the SPEC CPU fp2000 and int2000 benchmarks shows that, within a per-problem time limit of one second, this combination of dynamic programming and enumeration optimally solves about 99% of the hard superblock scheduling problems with an average solution time of 9 milliseconds per problem. For 80% of the hard problems, the optimal schedule is improved compared to the schedule produced by an established heuristic technique.
Extending Shelf Life of Fresh-cut Pears

The effects of various treatments were evaluated for extending shelf-life of fresh-sliced pears. Sliced Anjou pears had browning-free color for 30 d by dipping with 1.0% ascorbic acid and 1.0% calcium lactate, but texture was soft with juice leakage. The combination treatment of 0.01% 4-hexylresorcinol (4-HR), 0.5% ascorbic acid and 1.0% calcium lactate can provide 15 to 30 d shelf-life for Anjou, Bartlett, and Bosc pears when the pears are sliced at an average ripeness of 43, 49, and 38 Newton respectively, with 2 min dipping, partial vacuum packaging, and 2 to 5 °C storage. 4-HR residual content ranged from 1 to 7 ppm after 14 d storage. Panelists could detect a flavor difference between 0.01% 4-HR treated pears and controls.
Control Approach for Mitigating Off-Axis Position Variation in Vapor-Phase Axial Deposition

VAD (vapor-phase axial deposition) is a widely used glass soot fabrication process for the creation of high purity optical glass fiber. It is critical for low signal loss and manufacturing productivity that the core and clad geometry remain constant. Variation (off-axis) of the deposition torch position relative to the deposited core soot tip can cause an appreciable change in the deposition rate and the resulting glass soot cylinder core and clad diameters. This paper presents deposition torch position control schemes to effectively eliminate the soot growth rate variation caused by the mechanical, off-axis (horizontal) positioning errors. Two control approaches are compared for their effectiveness on the resulting geometry of the deposited glass soot cylinder. A direct approach, clad diameter control, requires the addition of a non-contact sensor to feedback the measured clad diameter. The second approach, pull speed control, uses the change in the axial growth rate of the core soot as feedback. Using a previously determined empirical model of the soot deposition process, a suitable system model was implemented to simulate the VAD deposition and the resulting soot cylinder diameters. The system response to mechanical positioning errors was evaluated using the two control approaches as well as open-loop. Uniformity of soot clad diameter was used as an evaluation metric for comparison. Simulation results indicated significant diameter regulation improvement obtained by both control methods. However, since diameter measurement lagged the pull speed change, pull speed control was more effective when comparing maximum, minimum, and range of core and clad soot diameters over the deposited soot length. The control approach presented here might be extended to other situations such as machining.
Does Hepatic Dysfunction Worsen Glucose Homeostasis by Impairing Vitamin D Metabolism

Copyright: © 2012 Nwosu BU. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. The Management of diabetes mellitus (DM) remains an enigma even though the symptoms of the disease had been described more than 3000 years ago. This is because the central therapeutic goal of DM therapy, euglycemia, is influenced by complex physiologic and pathologic processes, some of which are clearly understood, while others are less clear. Suboptimal glycemic control is a recognized risk factor for acute and chronic complications of diabetes including microvascular and macrovascular diseases [1-3]. The central question for this editorial is whether mild hepatic dysfunction could impair vitamin D metabolism and secondarily lead to sub-optimal glycemic control.
Recurrent skeletal muscle and abdominopelvic low-grade leiomyosarcoma.

a Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA b Department of Pathology, New York Presbyterian Hospital – Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA c Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, New York Presbyterian Hospital – Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA d Department of Surgery, New York Presbyterian Hospital – Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA e Department of Medical Oncology, New York Presbyterian Hospital – Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA f Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York Presbyterian Hospital – Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
Alcohol consumption, beverage prices and measurement error.

Objective: Alcohol price data collected by the American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association (ACCRA) have been widely used in studies of alcohol consumption and related behaviors. A number of problems with these data suggest that they contain substantial measurement error, which biases conventional statistical estimators toward a finding of little or no effect of prices on behavior. We test for measurement error, assess the magnitude of the bias and provide an alternative estimator that is likely to be superior. Method: The study utilizes data on per capita alcohol consumption across U.S. states and the years 1982-1997. State and federal alcohol taxes are used as instrumental variables for prices. Results: Formal tests strongly confim the hypothesis of measurement error. Instrumental variable estimates of the price elasticity of demand range from -0.53 to -1.24. These estimates are substantially larger in absolute value than ordinary least squares estimates, which sometimes are not significantly di...
Numerical Studies of Fluctuations and Hysteresis in the Homogeneous Schlögl Model

A simple chemical model exhibiting multiple nonequi librium steady states has been proposed by SCHLOGL [1]. In the model, a reaction occurs according to the mechanism $$ A + 2X\begin{array}{*{20}{c}} {{k_1}} \\ \rightleftharpoons \\ {{k_2}} \\ \end{array} 3X $$ $$ B\begin{array}{*{20}{c}} {{k_3}} \\ \rightleftharpoons \\ {k4} \\ \end{array} X $$ the number of X molecules in the system is variable, but by assumption the quantities of A and B are externally controllable. If the numbers of A and B molecules are equal, then the reaction parameter η ≡ K1K4/K2K3 determines the number of steady states. When η exceeds the critical value ηc = 9, there is a range of B values for which three steady states are found, two stable and one unstable. A boundary consisting of marginal stability points separates this multiple steady-state region from the region in which there is a single stable steady state. Similar steady-state patterns are observed in optically bistable systems [2] and in laser-illuminated thermochemical systems with positive feedback loops [3–5].
Genetic variability in the response of normal murine hematopoietic progenitor cells to extracorporeal photochemotherapy.

Abstract Normal hematopoietic progenitor cells from 129S6/SvEv mice are substantially less sensitive to Merocyanine 540 (MC540)-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) than hematopoietic progenitors from sex- and age-matched C57BL/6 mice. When exposed to a combination of MC540 and light commonly used for the extracorporeal purging of hematopoietic stem cells, granulocyte/macrophage progenitors (CFU-GM) from C57BL/6 mice are depleted 7.9-fold whereas CFU-GM from 129S6/SvEv and (C57BL/6 × 129S6/SvEv) F1 mice are depleted 1.4- and 2-fold, respectively. The same rank order of sensitivity is also found with regard to unipotent progenitors of granulocytes and macrophages and with regard to early and late erythroid progenitors. The resistance of hematopoietic progenitors from 129S6/SvEv mice to MC540-PDT appears to be the result of reduced dye binding rather than the result of high levels of intracellular glutathione. These findings have practical implications for the design of preclinical tests of PDT in animal mod...