cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Murdannia sahyadrica, a new species of Commelinaceae from the Northwestern Ghats, India

A species of Commelinaceae, Murdannia sahyadrica from the Northwestern Ghats in India, is described as new to science and illustrated. Morphologically it shows close affinities to M. semiteres and M. juncoides, from which it differs by orbicular petals, stamens symmetrically arranged around the central erect style, an ovoid capsule and uniseriately arranged seeds.
Deconvolution of positron annihilation γ-ray energy spectra with the maximum entropy principle

Abstract Deconvolution with the maximum entropy principle has been examined for analyzing positron annihilation γ-ray energy spectra. When applied to variable energy positron beam measurements, this technique may make possible the quantitative study of depth-dependent local electron momentum distributions and other effects in solids without introducing spurious features.
Inhibition of mRNA binding to ribosomes by localized activation of dsRNA-dependent protein kinase

The initiation of protein synthesis can be regulated in mammalian cells by protein kinases which phosphorylate the α subunit of initiation factor eIF-2 (ref. 1). This phosphorylation results in a block in the recycling of eIF-2 (refs 2, 3) and in the inhibition of messenger RNA binding to 80S initiation complexes4,5. After eIF-2α is phosphorylated, the mRNA becomes associated with 48S complexes consisting of a 40S ribosomal subunit4, eIF-2(αP), GDP and Met-tRNAf (ref. 5). One of the eIF-2α kinases is activated by low concentrations of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)6. This kinase (PKds) is present at a basal level in all mammalian cells investigated7 and its synthesis is induced in cells treated with Interferon8. The PKds may be involved in the inhibition of translation of viral mRNA in interferon-treated cells infected with RNA viruses, as it is activated by viral replicative complexes. It is not known, however, if the activated PKds preferentially inhibits the translation of viral mRNA when cellular protein synthesis proceeds at a normal rate in infected cells9. We now report that mRNA covalently linked to dsRNA is preferentially inhibited from binding to 80S complexes by a localized activation of PKds. This suggests that in interferon-treated cells the binding of some nascent viral mRNAs to functional initiation complexes may be preferentially inhibited by a similar mechanism.
Increased radiation sensitivity of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with sphingosine kinase 1 inhibition.

Background Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) is an important regulator of apoptosis, survival, and proliferation in cancer cells. SphK1 expression in head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) cell lines and tumor tissue was assessed, and the efficacy of SphK1 knockdown in increasing tumor radiosensitivity was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Methods Expression of SphK1 was determined by immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in 34 prospectively collected HNSCC tumor samples. HNSCC cell lines squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)-15 and SCC-25 were treated with SphK1 inhibitor SKI-II and siRNA targeting SphK1 with and without radiation, and the cell viability was assessed. SCC-15 cells with and without transfection of SphK1 siRNA were then injected into athymic nude mice to develop tumor xenografts, and these 2 groups were further divided into 1 group that received radiation and 1 group that did not. Tumor size was measured over 18 days, when the animals were killed and the tumors were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Results SphK1 is found in both HNSCC cell lines and human tumor samples, with higher expression correlated with advanced tumor stage, nodal involvement, and recurrence. In vitro, both SCC-15 and SCC-25 were found to be radioresistant; however, they were sensitized by administration of SKI-II and transfection with siRNA targeting SphK1. In vivo, SphK1-siRNA transfected xenografts were decreased in size compared with both nonradiated control and radiated control mice, whereas mice with both SphK1-siRNA and radiation treatment showed a synergistic reduction in tumor volume. Histopathologic analysis demonstrated a decreased proliferative state in SphK1-siRNA transfected tumors. Conclusion SphK1 is upregulated in HNSCC, and inhibition of SphK1 sensitizes HNSCC to radiation-induced cytotoxicity. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Methodological considerations for survey research on sexual behavior: Urban African American and Hispanic youth

The objectives of this paper are to review previous research on methods for data collection and to report experience in collecting data, on the sexual behavior of urban low‐income, African American and Hispanic youth. The results of this review indicate that data on sexual behavior in these populations can be collected in face‐to‐face interviews, and clinical language can be used to ask questions about intercourse. However, anal intercourse may be a sensitive topic for both males and females in these populations, and oral intercourse is a sensitive topic for females. Finally, particular care must be taken in interviews with Hispanic women because of their greater sensitivity about topics involving sexuality and menstruation.
CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE IN THE NEONATAL PERIOD: AUTOPSY STUDY OF 170 CASES.

A review of the autopsy records of The Johns Hopkins Hospital between 1927 and 1959 revealed 170 infants who died under 1 month of age with congenital cardiovascular malformations. The records were analyzed for the incidence of the different cardiac anomalies, the time of death, and the frequency of noncardiac malformations. The most frequent cardiac malformations encountered were ventricular septal defect, transposition of the great vessels, coarctation of the aorta, and mitral and aortic atresias. Infants with ventricular septal defects had a high incidence of prematurity, infection, and noncardiac malformations. Most of these deaths in the neonatal period occurred in the first week of life. Infants with transposition of the great vessels lived longer, and the incidence among them of prematurity and of noncardiac defects was low. The data from two similar series are compared with those from this study.
Cloning and Chromosomal Localization of a Gene (GPR18) Encoding a Novel Seven Transmembrane Receptor Highly Expressed in Spleen and Testis

Using the techniques of relaxed stringency polymerase chain reaction and genomic library screening, we have isolated homologous canine and human genes that encode a novel putative seven transmembrane G-protein-linked receptor. The gene encodes an open reading frame (ORF) of 993 bp. The sequences of the canine and human ORFs are highly conserved, sharing 89% nucleotide identity and 92% amino acid similarity between the two species. Northern blot analysis demonstrates that mRNA transcripts of the gene are abundantly expressed in testis and spleen with a lesser degree of expression observed in several other tissues associated with endocrine and immunologic/hematologic function. The gene, designated GPR18, was localized to human chromosome 13q32 using fluorescence in situ hybridization.
Etiologic factors in Paget’s disease of bone

Paget’s disease of bone is a chronic focal skeletal disorder characterized by increased bone resorption by the osteoclasts. Paramyxoviral gene products have been detected in pagetic osteoclasts. Paget’s disease is an autosomal dominant trait with genetic heterogeneity. Several mutations in the ubiquitin-associated (UBA) domain of sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1/p62) have been identified in patients with Paget’s disease. Similarly, mutations in the valosin-containing protein (VCP) gene have been shown to cause inclusion body myopathy associated with Paget’s disease of bone and frontotemporal dementia. In addition, gene polymorphisms and enhanced levels of cytokine/growth factors associated with Paget’s disease have been identified. However, the etiologic factors in Paget’s disease remain elusive. A cause and effect relationship for the paramyxoviral infection and SQSTM1/ p62 gene mutations responsible for pagetic osteoclast development and disease severity are unclear. This article will highlight the etiologic factors involved in the pathogenesis of Paget’s disease.
Toll-like receptor 4 mediates the inflammatory responses and matrix protein remodeling in remote non-ischemic myocardium in a mouse model of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion.

The signaling mechanism that mediates inflammatory responses in remote non-ischemic myocardium following regional ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) remains incompletely understood. Myocardial Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) can be activated by multiple proteins released from injured cells and plays a role in myocardial inflammation and injury expansion. We tested the hypothesis that TLR4 occupies an important role in mediating the inflammatory responses and matrix protein remodeling in the remote non-ischemic myocardium following regional I/R injury. Methods and results: TLR4-defective (C3H/HeJ) and TLR4-competent (C3H/HeN) mice were subjected to coronary artery ligation (30 min) and reperfusion for 1, 3, 7 or 14 days. In TLR4-competent mice, levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein -1 (MCP-1), keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) were elevated in the remote non-ischemic myocardium at day 1, 3, and 7 of reperfusion. Levels of collagen I, collagen IV, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and MMP 9 were increased in the remote non-ischemic myocardium at day 7 and 14 of reperfusion. MMP 2 and MMP 9 activities were also increased. TLR4 deficiency resulted in a moderate reduction in myocardial infarct size. However, it markedly downgraded the changes in the levels of chemokines, adhesion molecules and matrix proteins in the remote non-ischemic myocardium. Further, left ventricular function at day 14 was significantly improved in TLR4-defective mice. In conclusion, TLR4 mediates the inflammatory responses and matrix protein remodeling in the remote non-ischemic myocardium following regional myocardial I/R injury and contributes to the mechanism of adverse cardiac remodeling.
The calcium channel blocker scare. Lessons for the future.

The recent panic over use of calcium channel blockers to treat hypertension illustrates the crucial role played by the communication (or miscommunication) of research results to the public. As most readers are aware, the situation was triggered by presentation of a case-control study at the American Heart Association (AHA) 35th Annual Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention. The study, which was funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), observed that rates of heart attack were higher among hypertensive patients taking a calcium channel blocker than among patients taking a diuretic or a β-blocker. The press release issued by the investigator’s institution noted that the increased heart attack risk associated with calcium channel blockers might be as high as 60%. Although the investigator was interviewed by the press and some of the reporting reflected a balanced perspective, many alarming stories were printed and broadcast. Headlines such as “Drug for Blood Pressure Linked to Heart Attacks: Researchers Fear 6 Million Are Imperiled” generated considerable public concern. At the heart of the problem …
Binding of phycoerythrin and its conjugates to murine low affinity receptors for immunoglobulin G.

Abstract Conjugates of R-phycoerythrin are widely used for immunohistochemistry, especially for two-color flow cytometry. Their use is however limited by their apparent tendency to bind non-specifically. Using cells transfected with cDNAs for the murine low affinity receptors for immunoglobulin G (FcγRII and -III) and cells naturally expressing these receptors, we demonstrate that R-phycoerythrin and its conjugates bind specifically and inhibitably to FcγRII and -III. Immunofluorescence stainings of cells bearing these receptors, such as macrophages, monocytes, neutrophils, mast cells, subsets of T cells, and natural killer cells, may therefore not reflect the binding of antibody to antigen, but rather the binding of R-phycoerythrin to the receptors.
Induction of the CTLA-4 Gene in Human Lymphocytes Is Dependent on NFAT Binding the Proximal Promoter

CTLA-4 is a member of the costimulatory family, has homology to CD28, and binds the B7 family of ligands. Unlike CD28, CTLA-4 ligation transmits a negative signal in T cells. CTLA-4 expression, while inducible in most T cells, is expressed constitutively on T cells with a regulatory phenotype. The mechanism controlling CTLA-4 expression in human T cells is poorly characterized, thus we sought to better understand the mechanism of activation of the CTLA-4 gene. By cloning the 5′ upstream promoter and creating promoter-deletion reporter constructs, we show that the proximal promoter is critical for activating the CTLA-4 gene. Within this region, we identify a NFAT consensus sequence that binds NFAT with high affinity that differs from other NFAT sequences and does not recruit AP-1. Analysis of the chromatin proteins in the native CTLA-4 gene shows that this promoter region becomes associated with acetylated histones by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. In addition, NFAT1 binds to the promoter of the CTLA-4 gene after stimulation by chromatin immunoprecipitation. The functional requirement of the NFAT site for CTLA-4 transcription was demonstrated by mutations in the NFAT site that abolished the activity of the promoter. Furthermore, inhibitors of NFAT suppressed CTLA-4 gene expression, indicating that NFAT plays a critical role in regulating the induction of the CTLA-4 gene in lymphocytes. The identification of NFAT as a critical regulator of the CTLA-4 gene suggests that targeting NFAT function may lead to novel approaches to modulate the CTLA-4 gene to control the immune response.
Foot temperature during thirty minutes of treadmill running in cotton-based versus olefin-based athletic socks

Abstract. Previous data suggest that perceived foot heat and comfort may not coincide with actual foot temperature during treadmill running and that different shoe and sock materials can variously impact foot temperature. The purpose of this experiment was to determine if there were significant differences in foot temperature produced by cotton versus synthetic socks during longer runs, which more closely resemble endurance training, and if subjects were able to perceive those differences in terms of either comfort or temperature. Twelve adult males (22.4 ± 1.8 yrs, 180.6 ± 1.2 cm, 70.1 ± 1.6 kg) participated on two separate occasions one week apart. Subjects ran for 30 minutes with two temperature probes attached to the lateral dorsal aspect of the right foot in the same location: one directly on the skin and the other on the sock. All subjects wore the same shoe model. Foot temperature, heart rate, heat perception, and comfort perception were recorded. Perception was measured by using 10 cm visual analo...
Speaking Through the Body: The Incidence of Self-Injury, Piercing, and Tattooing Among College Students

Self-injurious behaviors were compared with tattooing and piercing in a college population. Findings indicate a high prevalence of self-injury. Students who self-injured were motivated by a desire to alleviate emotional pain; students who tattooed and pierced by self-expression. Students who self-injured scored higher than students who tattooed and pierced on measures of depression and scored lower on self-esteem and sense of control scales. The incidence of all 3 body-altering behaviors was higher among participants reporting physical/sexual abuse or eating disorders.
>Dissolved inorganic carbon sources for epipelic algal production: Sensitivity of primary production estimates to spatial and temporal distribution of 14C

Estimates of epipelic algal primary production using 14 C are sensitive to whether the presumptive source of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) is the overlying water, the interstitial water, or both. To determine the source of DIC, we compared 14 C uptake among intact sediment cores exposed to different 14 C ratios between interstitial and overlying water. In addition, we evaluated the effect of varying time between addition of 14 C and light incubation (preincubation time) and the effect of photosynthetic uptake on final distribution of 14 C. Both preincubation time and photosynthetic uptake affected final 14 C distribution, but the magnitude of the photosynthesis effect was larger. Estimates of primary production ranged between 50 and 200 mg C m -2 h -1 , depending on the presumed DIC source and whether we accounted for differential photosynthetic depletion of 14 C and DIC. Using nonlinear regression, our best estimate of epipelic production was 114 mg C m -2 h ', and the fraction of DIC sequestered from overlying water was 0.5 (R 2 = 0.84). Similar assessments should be applied in other systems for accurate 14 C estimates of epipelic algal production.
A controlled trial of long-term bronchodilator therapy in cystic fibrosis.

To evaluate the effect of long-term bronchodilator therapy in CF patients with demonstrated bronchial hyperresponsiveness, we first performed methacholine challenges to determine responsiveness, then entered 27 patients (16 methacholine responders and 11 nonresponders) into a two-month double-blind crossover trial of albuterol, 90 μg by inhalation four times a day vs placebo. Among the responders, daily PEFR measures improved significantly more during treatment with albuterol (12 ± 32 L/min) than with placebo (–0.4 ± 19 L/min; p (Chest 1991; 99:1088-92)
X-ray and neutron small-angle scattering studies of the complex between protein S1 and the 30-S ribosomal subunit.

X-ray and neutron solution scattering experiments have been done to investigate the influence of the binding of ribosomal protein S1 on the conformation of the 30-S ribosomal subunit of Escherichia coli. The following conclusions were made. 1 The alterations (if any) in conformation of the non-S1 parts of the 30-S subunit induced by S1 binding are too small to be detected (< 0.1 nm change in radius of gyration). 2 The center of gravity of protein S1 bound to the 30-S subunit is quite far from the center of gravity of the particle (≅ 7.5 nm).
Episodic flooding and the cost of sea-level rise

Abstract Previous studies of the cost of sea-level rise focus on the economic loss to inundated property rather than increased damage from episodic flood events to non-inundated property above sea level. This study uses a unique GIS database of three geographically diverse Chesapeake Bay communities that includes 1-ft elevation contours from remote sensing data, local tax assessment records, and aerial photographs of property location. Hedonic property value models estimate the loss from complete inundation, closely following the methodology of previous studies. Increased damage from episodic flooding is estimated using elevation-rated, actuarially fair flood insurance rates. Using a 3-ft sea-level rise over 100 years scenario, damage from episodic flooding averages 9 times the estimated loss from complete inundation, and is an average of 28 times greater under a 2-ft sea-level rise scenario. Although the study areas are not representative of all coastal areas, the results suggest that current studies may substantially underestimate the cost of sea-level rise.
Changing trends in abdominal surgical complications following cardiac surgery in an era of advanced procedures. A retrospective cohort study

Abstract Background Abdominal complications following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) procedures may have mortality rates as high as 25%. Advanced procedures such as ventricular assist devices, artificial hearts and cardiac transplantation are being increasingly employed, changing the complexity of interventions. This study was undertaken to examine the changing trends in complications and the impact of cardiac surgery on emergency general surgery (EGS) coverage. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of all CPB procedures admitted to our ICU between Jan. 2007 and Mar. 2010. The procedures included coronary bypass (CABG), valve, combination (including adult congenital) and advanced heart failure (AHF) procedures. The records were reviewed to obtain demographics, need for EGS consult/procedure and outcomes. Results Mean age of the patients was 66 ± 8.5 years, 71% were male. There were 945 CPB procedures performed on 914 patients during this study period. Over 39 months, 23 EGS consults were obtained, resulting in 10 operations and one hospital death (10% operative mortality). CABG and valve procedures had minimal impact on EGS workload while complex cardiac and AHF procedures accounted for significantly more EGS consultations (p Conclusions In the era of modern critical care and cardiac surgery, advanced technology has increased the volume of complex CPB procedures increasing the EGS workload. Emergency general surgeons working in institutions that perform advanced procedures should be aware of the potential for general surgical complications perioperatively and the resultant nuances that are associated with operative management in this patient population.
Coffee, tea, and alcohol intake in relation to risk of type 2 diabetes in African American women

Background: Numerous studies have reported inverse associations of coffee, tea, and alcohol intake with risk of type 2 diabetes, but none has reported results separately among African American women. Objective: We prospectively examined the relation of coffee, tea, and alcohol consumption to diabetes risk in African American women. Design: The study included 46,906 Black Women's Health Study participants aged 30–69 y at baseline in 1995. Dietary intake was assessed in 1995 and 2001 by using a validated food-frequency questionnaire. During 12 y of follow-up, there were 3671 incident cases of type 2 diabetes. Relative risks (RRs) and 95% CIs were estimated by using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for diabetes risk factors. Results: Multivariable RRs for intakes of 0–1, 1, 2–3, and ≥4 cups of caffeinated coffee/d relative to no coffee intake were 0.94 (95% CI: 0.86, 1.04), 0.90 (95% CI: 0.81, 1.01), 0.82 (95% CI: 0.72, 0.93), and 0.83 (95% CI: 0.69, 1.01), respectively (P for trend = 0.003). Multivariable RRs for intakes of 1–3, 4–6, 7–13, and ≥14 alcoholic drinks/wk relative to never consumption were 0.90 (95% CI: 0.82, 1.00), 0.68 (95% CI: 0.57, 0.81), 0.78 (95% CI: 0.63, 0.96), and 0.72 (95% CI: 0.53, 0.98), respectively (P for trend < 0.0001). Intakes of decaffeinated coffee and tea were not associated with risk of diabetes. Conclusion: Our results suggest that African American women who drink moderate amounts of caffeinated coffee or alcohol have a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
A Review of Jet Breakup Time Models

A review of the literature on the particulation of a jet from a shaped charge liner is presented. Particular emphasis is placed on existing, open literature, analytical models designed to predict the jet breakup time. Also, the various experimental techniques used to obtain the distribution of jet breakup times are elucidated.
Purely Transvaginal/Perineal Management of Complications From Commercial Prolapse Kits Using a New Prostheses/Grafts Complication Classification System

Purpose: Commercial prolapse mesh kits are increasingly used in the management of pelvic organ prolapse. We present our experience with the transvaginal/perineal management of synthetic mesh related complications from prolapse kits. In addition, we used the new ICS/IUGA (International Continence Society/International Urogynecological Association) prostheses/grafts complication classification system to report on our contemporary series.Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent surgical removal of transvaginal mesh for mesh related complications after prolapse kit use from November 2006 to April 2010 at 1 institution was performed. We report our contemporary series of mesh complications using the new ICS/IUGA prostheses/grafts complication classification system. Postoperative pain, degree of improvement and presence of continued symptoms were reported by patients at last followup.Results: A total of 23 patients underwent transvaginal removal of mesh during the study p...
The interference channel with MIMO relay: Degrees of freedom

This paper investigates the degrees of freedom of the interference channel in the presence of a dedicated MIMO relay. The relay is used to manage the interference at the receivers. We pose a fundamental question: What benefits are achieved by exploiting the direct links from the sources to the receivers and whether a two-hop strategy suffices considering the pre- log factor in the capacity formula? Using a number of hybrid encoding strategies and power allocation policies, we obtain non-asymptotic achievable sum-rates, subsequently leading to achievable degrees of freedom. The results are generalized from a two-user to a if-user network. Our main result is that only k/2 degrees of freedom are achievable in an interference channel with MIMO relay, assuming global channel knowledge at the relay but not at other nodes. Thus, appropriate signaling in a two-hop scenario captures the degrees of freedom gains without the need for the direct links. We also investigate the case where the relay (unlike other nodes) has access to abundant power, showing that when sources have power P and the relay is allowed power proportional to O(P2), the full degrees of freedom K are available to the network.
EFFECT OF SORBATES ON MICROBIOLOGICAL GROWTH IN COOKED TURKEY PRODUCTS

Vacuum-packaged oven-roasted whole turkey breasts and sliced turkey breast luncheon meat are processed with and without potassium sorbate or sorbic acid. Through 12 days of accelerated storage at 10°C, the use of 0.26% sorbate reduced the psychrotrophic plate count in both products. In the main study conducted under commercial storage conditions of 4°C, the addition of 0.12% sorbic acid to the sliced product extended the time to reach 107 cells/g from 15 days in the controls to 42 days in the treated product. In oven roasted whole breasts, psychrotrophic counts in the controls were above 108 cells/cm2 after 14 days at 4°C while the sorbate pumped and dipped breasts were below that level through the 56-day storage period at 4°C. Organoleptic evaluations indicated no significant differences between control and sorbate-treated products.
Prediction of transmembrane helix orientation in polytopic membrane proteins

Membrane proteins compose up to 30% of coding sequences within genomes. However, their structure determination is lagging behind compared with soluble proteins due to the experimental difficulties. Therefore, it is important to develop reliable computational methods to predict structures of membrane proteins. We present a method for prediction of the TM helix orientation, which is an essential step in ab initio modeling of membrane proteins. Our method is based on a canonical model of the heptad repeat originally developed for coiled coils. We identify the helical surface patches that interface with lipid molecules at an accuracy of about 88% from the sequence information alone, using an empirical scoring function LIPS (LIP id-facing S urface), which combines lipophilicity and conservation of residues in the helix. We test and discuss results of prediction of helix-lipid interfaces on 162 transmembrane helices from 18 polytopic membrane proteins and present predicted orientations of TM helices in TRPV1 channel. We also apply our method to two structures of homologous cytochrome b6f complexes and find discrepancy in the assignment of TM helices from subunits PetG, PetN and PetL. The results of LIPS calculations and analysis of packing and H-bonding interactions support the helix assignment found in the cytochrome b6f structure from green alga but not the assignment of TM helices in the cyanobacterium b6f structure. LIPS calculations can be used for the prediction of helix orientation in ab initio modeling of polytopic membrane proteins. We also show with the example of two cytochrome b6f structures that our method can identify questionable helix assignments in membrane proteins. The LIPS server is available online at http://gila.bioengr.uic.edu/lab/larisa/lips.html .
The migration of common midpoint slant stacks

Reflection seismic data can be imaged by migrating common midpoint slant stacks. The basic method is to assemble slant stack sections from the slant stack of each common midpoint gather at the same ray parameter. Earlier investigators have described migration methods for slant stacked shot profiles or common receiver gathers instead of common midpoint gathers. However, common midpoint slant stacks enjoy the practical advantages of midpoint coordinates. In addition, the migration equation makes no approximation for steep dips, wide offsets, or vertical velocity variations. A theoretical disadvantage is that there is no exact treatment of lateral velocity variations. Slant stack migration is a method of "migration before stack." It solves the dip selectivity problem of conventional stacking, particularly when horizontal reflectors intersect steep dipping reflectors. The correct handling of all dips also improves lateral resolution in the image. Slant stack migration provides a straightforward method of measuring interval velocity after migration has improved the seismic data. The kinematics (traveltime treatment) of slant stack migration is also accurate for postcritical reflections and refractions. These events transform into a p-tau surface with the additional dimension of midpoint. The slant stack migration equation converts the p-tau surface into a depth-midpoint velocity surface. As with migration in general, the effects of dip are automatically accounted for during velocity inversion.--Modified journal abstract.
Femtosecond dynamics of highly excited dielectric thin films

The dielectric constant of several oxide dielectric thin-films (TiO2, Ta2O5 and HfO2) excited close to the laser-induced damage threshold is retrieved from reflection and transmission measurements with a 40-fs time resolution. The experiments were compared with the results of a numerical solution of the coupled Boltzmann equations for conduction band electrons and phonons, including nonlinear carrier excitation and relaxation processes as well as defect formation. The observed fast sub-100-femtosecond decay is shown to be caused by the interaction of non-equilibrium electrons with phonons and is in qualitative agreement with the results of the computer simulation. The observed sign reversal of the real part of the dielectric function from negative to positive after several hundred femtoseconds is attributed to the formation of self-trapped excitons (STE's) in the forbidden bandgap. Both real and imaginary part of the dielectric function are successfully modeled with the Boltzmann equation when defect formation is included. The simulations show that STE formation leads to efficient, non-thermal excitation of phonon modes on a sub-picosecond time scale.
Evaluation of the impact of a prescribing guideline on the use of intraoperative dexmedetomidine at a tertiary academic medical center

Objective: To evaluate usage patterns of dexmedetomidine in the operating room after implementation of a prescribing guideline. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis to evaluate the impact of a prescribing guideline on usage patterns of dexmedetomidine in the operating room at a tertiary, academic medical center during one-month period pre- (July 2010) and post-guideline (July 2011 and July 2012) implementation. Results: A total of 267 patients received intraoperative dexmedetomidine during the study period. Dexmedetomidine use in surgical procedures decreased post-guideline implementation [5.7% (pre) vs. 1.9% and 3.3% (post)]. The most common guideline-based indication for intraoperative dexmedetomidine was for anesthesia during bariatric surgery (41% and 38% in 2011 and 2012, respectively). We estimated a cost-avoidance of $308,856 over the two-year period after guideline implementation. Conclusion: Our results suggest that implementation of a prescribing guideline for the use of dexmedetomidine in the operating room is feasible and associated with improved utilization patterns.
Optimization of the enzymatic deamidation of soy protein by protein-glutaminase and its effect on the functional properties of the protein

The effects of enzymatic deamidation by protein-glutaminase (PG) on the functional properties of soy protein isolate (SPI) were studied. Conditions for the deamidation were evaluated by means of response surface methodology (RSM). Optimal conditions based on achieving a high degree of deamidation (DD) with a concurrently low degree of hydrolysis (DH) were 44 °C, enzyme:substrate ratio (E/S) of 40 U/g protein and pH 7.0. Under optimal conditions, both DD and DH increased over time. SDS-PAGE results indicated that lower molecular mass subunits were produced with increasing DD. Far-UV circular dichroism spectra revealed that the α-helix structure decreased with higher DD, while the β-sheet structure increased until 15 min of deamidation (32.9% DD), but then decreased at higher DD. The solubility of deamidated SPI was enhanced under both acidic and neutral conditions. SPI with higher DD showed better emulsifying properties and greater foaming capacity than SPI, while foaming stability was decreased. It is possible to modify and potentially improve the functional properties of SPI by enzymatic deamidation using PG.
Treating Comorbid Social Anxiety and Major Depression The Challenge of Diagnostic Overshadowing

Depression and social anxiety disorder (SAD) are two of the most common mental health conditions, and often occur together. Depression is usually identified as the presenting problem, which may result in SAD being overshadowed and undertreated among those with this particular comorbidity. In this case study, diagnostic overshadowing results in successful treatment of depression but delayed identification of SAD, causing an attenuated anxiety treatment response. We present recommendations on how clinicians may more thoroughly assess for comorbid Axis I diagnoses, avoid diagnostic overshadowing, and better integrate treatment approaches for SAD–major depressive disorder (MDD) comorbidity. Mechanisms underlying cognitive-behavioral treatments such as behavioral activation and exposure hold particular promise for promoting improvement in SAD and major depression simultaneously.
Development of an Aesthetic Injury Level to Decrease Pesticide Use Against Orange striped Oakworm (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) in an Urban Pest Management Project

The orange striped oakworm, Anisota senatoria (J. E. Smith), has become a major pest of urban oak plantings along city streets in Norfolk, Va., since 1981. Insecticidal sprays were applied by city employees at citizen request to control this pest, resulting in needless pesticide use; >50% of citizen requests for pesticide application in 1987 and 1988 were for trees with <5% defoliation. Justification for an urban pest management program for A. senatoria was based on the economic value of urban oak trees ( x⁻ = $5,131 per tree) and the large pesticide volume sprayed for control (55,172 liters in 1986). Monitoring and establishing an aesthetic injury level of 25% defoliation in 1988 resulted in a decrease in pesticide volume of 80% and a real cost savings of 55% over the previous year.
Educational Perspectives: Generational Synchronicity: Improving the Medical Work Environment

Currently, four generations are actively working in today9s health-care environment. Differences between these generations are creating conflicts and negatively affecting communication, productivity, and the satisfaction of all ages. Each of the generations has different values. Being aware and respecting these values is the first step in improving the academic and work environment. Practical solutions that address the generational preferences then can be developed.
Virologic characteristics of subclinical and symptomatic genital herpes infections.

Background The frequency, pattern, and anatomical sites of subclinical shedding of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in the genital tract, along with factors that predict such shedding, have not been well characterized. Methods We studied prospectively the clinical and virologic course of genital herpes in 110 women. The women kept symptom diaries and provided daily samples from the vulva, cervix, and rectum for viral culture. Results During a median follow-up of 105 days, subclinical shedding of virus was identified in 36 of 65 women (55 percent) with HSV type 2 (HSV-2), in 16 of 31 women (52 percent) with HSV type 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2, and in 4 of 14 women (29 percent) with only HSV-1. Among women with genital HSV-2 infection, subclinical shedding occurred on a mean of 2 percent of the days. The mean duration of viral shedding during subclinical episodes was 1.5 days, as compared with 1.8 days during symptomatic episodes. HSV was isolated from several sites in the genital tract and rectum in 17 percent of subcl...
Carcinogenesis in Ureterosigmoidostomy

Both clinical and experimental observations establish that an adenocarcinoma of the colon is likely to occur at the suture line of ureterosigmoidostomy. The carcinogenesis depends on the initial presence of urine, feces, urothelium, and colonic epithelium in close apposition at a healing suture line. It does not occur in isolated colon loops used for urinary diversion. In our rat model, tumors were completely prevented by interposing ileum between the urothelium and colon. Clinical prevention requires that accurate hospital registries of patients at risk be established and that repeated annual colonoscopy be carried out on all of them.
Outcomes of a 6-week cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness group intervention in primary care.

Introduction Cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based interventions are established treatments for depressive and anxiety disorders; however, there is a lack of research for these interventions in primary care settings. The current study evaluates an evidence-based group intervention provided to primary care patients with a variety of mood and anxiety concerns. Method Participants included 54 adult primary care patients who attended at least four sessions of a six-session cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness group. A total of nine separate groups were conducted, all of which were colocated within the primary care setting. Major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder were the most common psychiatric conditions, with approximately 56% of the sample having one or more chronic medical conditions. Self-report measures of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire-7) were completed at each session. Results Significant improvements were noted on self-reported measures of depression and anxiety when comparing pre- and posttreatment assessment measures with large effect sizes. Discussion A brief, principle-based cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness group intervention delivered in primary care was associated with improved symptoms across a range of patient presentations. Evidence-based group interventions in primary care settings have the benefits of increased access and cost-effectiveness. (PsycINFO Database Record
Reuchlin, Johann (1455–1522)

Johann Reuchlin was an early advocate of the study of Hebrew in Renaissance Europe. His early grammars and interlineal translations of biblical passages were important resources for 16th-century students and translators. His defense of learning Hebrew embroiled him in a controversy over the legitimacy of studying Jewish texts. Although he lost his case in a court of law, his learned reputation was established across Europe.
New techniques for designing the initial and reload cores with constant long cycle lengths

Abstract Several utilities have increased the output power of their nuclear power plant to increase their income and profit. Thus, the utility increases the power density of the reactor, which has other consequences. One consequence is to increase the depletion of the fuel assemblies (FAs) and reduce the end-of-cycle (EOC) sum of fissionable nuclides in each FA, ∑EOC. The power density and the ∑EOC remaining in the FAs at EOC must be sufficiently large in many FAs when designing the loading pattern, LP, for the first and reload cycles to maintain constant cycle lengths at minimum fuel cost. Also of importance is the cycle length as well as several other factors. In fact, the most important result of this study is to understand that the ∑EOCs in the FAs must be such that in the next cycle they can sustain the energy during depletion to prevent too much power shifting to the fresh FAs and, thus, sending the maximum peak pin power, PPPmax, above its constraint. This paper presents new methods for designing the LPs for the initial and follow on cycles to minimize the fuel costs. Studsvik’s CMS code system provides a 1000 MWe LP design in their sample inputs, which is applied in this study. The first 3 cycles of this core are analyzed to minimize fuel costs, and all three cycles have the same cycle length of ∼650 days. Cycle 1 is designed to allow many used FAs to be loaded into cycles 2 and 3 to reduce their fuel costs. This could not be achieved if cycle 1 was a low leakage LP (Shi et al., 2015). Significant fuel cost savings are achieved when the new designs are applied to the higher leakage LP designs. There are many factors, such as the core power density, cycle length, fuel cost, time between core shutdown and return to power, cost of replacement power during shutdown, loss of income during shutdown, cost of storing used FAs, and the income accrued over the same period of operation, which the utilities must consider when trying to increase their profit. The purpose of this paper is to provide the information to give guidance in making these decisions. Relative cost calculations are presented in establishing this guidance by comparing the utility’s profit accrued over a total cycle for the different core designs and cycle lengths.
Thoracoabdominal kinematics in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Kinematic analyses of thoracoabdominal movements and regional changes in lung volume were done in 27 patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and 9 controls during normal tidal and deep breathing. Changes were correlated with the extent of nocturnal hypoventilation at various stages of the disease. An automatic motion analyzer was adapted and used to compute three-dimensional coordinates of passive markers on the thoracoabdominal wall very accurately at sampling rates of up to 25 Hz. The patients' vital capacities (VC) and maximum inspiratory pressures (MIP) were also measured, and their nocturnal oxyhemoglobin saturations (SaO 2 ) and transcutaneous carbon dioxide tensions (TCP CO2 ) monitored. Kinematic data were related to pulmonary function. In general, patients were significantly less able than controls to expand their upper thoracic segments and increase their lung volumes. The kinematic capacity and ability of patients to increase volumes in the abdominal and upper thoracic regions by deep breathing decreased with the severity of the disease. Among the patients with pulmonary restriction and inspiratory muscle strength at an intermediate-level those with higher kinematic reserve maintained a significantly more normal ventilatory capacity and a more normal nocturnal SaO 2 than those with a lower kinematic reserve. We conclude that kinematic analysis can be helpful in determining differences in regional lung mobility, and that a decreased kinematic reserve correlates with the risk of nocturnal ventilatory dysfunction in DMD patients. Therapeutic interventions must be addressed at maintaining thoracoabdominal kinematic reserve and lung compliance in such patients.
The Differences between NAD-ME and NADP-ME Subtypes of C4 Photosynthesis: More than Decarboxylating Enzymes.

As an adaptation to changing climatic conditions that caused high rates of photorespiration, C4 plants have evolved to display higher photosynthetic efficiency than C3 plants under elevated temperature, high light intensities and drought. The C4 plants independently evolved more than 60 times in 19 families of angiosperms to establish similar but not uniform C4 mechanisms to concentrate CO2 around the carboxylating enzyme Rubisco. C4 photosynthesis is divided into at least two basic biochemical subtypes based on the primary decarboxylating enzymes, NAD-dependent malic enzyme (NAD-ME) and NADP-dependent malic enzyme (NADP-ME). The multiple polygenetic origins of these subtypes raise questions about the association of C4 variation between biochemical subtypes and diverse lineages. This review addresses the differences in evolutionary scenario, leaf anatomy, and especially C4 metabolic flow, C4 transporters and cell-specific function deduced from recently reported cell-specific transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolic analyses of NAD-ME and NADP-ME subtypes. Current omic analysis has revealed the extent to which component abundances differ between the two biochemical subtypes, leading to a better understanding of C4 photosynthetic mechanisms in NAD-ME and NADP-ME subtypes.
Detecting players personality behavior with any effort of concealment

We introduce a novel natural language processing component using machine learning techniques for prediction of personality behaviors of players in a serious game, Land Science, where players act as interns in an urban planning firm and discuss in groups their ideas about urban planning and environmental science in written natural language. Our model learns vector space representations for various features extraction. In order to apply this framework, input excerpts must be classified into one of six possible personality classes. We applied this personality classification task using several machine learning algorithms, such as: Naive Bayes, Support Vector Machines, and Decision Tree. Training is performed on a relatively dataset of manually annotated excerpts. By combining these features spaces from psychology and computational linguistics, we perform and evaluate our approaches to detecting personality, and eventually develop a classifier that is nearly 83% accurate on our dataset. Based on the feature analysis of our models, we add several theoretical contributions, including revealing a relationship between different personality behaviors in players' writing.
Revealing Charge Transport Mechanisms in Li2S2 for Li-Sulfur Batteries.

Besides lithium sulfide (Li2S), lithium persulfide (Li2S2) is another solid discharge product in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. Revealing the charge transport mechanism in the discharge products is important for developing an effective strategy to improve the performance of Li–S batteries. Li2S2 cannot transport free electrons due to its wide bandgap between the valence band maximum (VBM) and conduction band minimum (CBM). However, electron polarons (p–) and hole polarons (p+) can appear in solid Li2S2 due to the unique molecular orbital structure of the S22– anion. The thermodynamic and kinetic properties of native defects are investigated. It is found that negatively charged Li vacancies (VLi–) and p+ are the main native defects with a low formation energy of 0.77 eV. The predominant charge carrier is p+ because p+ has a high mobility. The electronic conductivity related to p+ diffusion is dependent on temperature, and high temperatures are preferred to increase the conductivity.
The Relationships Among Environmental Training, Environmental Attitude of Employee and Environmental Orientation of Organization

This paper reviews the relationships among environmental training, environmental attitude of employee and environmental orientation of organization. A systematic review of literature was conducted in order to achieve the review objectives. Findings of the review suggest that there is a positive relationship between environmental training and environmental attitude of employee. Similarly, environmental attitude of employee has a positive relationship with environmental orientation of organization. Finally, this review proposes a conceptual model which is useful to test and understand the relationships among the reviewed concepts empirically in the future.