cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A stable reference frame for landslide monitoring using GPS in the Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands region

Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies have been frequently applied for the purpose of landslide monitoring. A local stable reference frame is essential for precisely interpreting landslide movements derived from GPS observations. In this study, we define a stable reference frame using over 5 years of continuous GPS data collected from eight permanent GPS stations in the Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands (PRVI) region. The realization of the Stable Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands Reference Frame (SPRVIRF) is defined in terms of a 14-parameter Helmert transformation from the International Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Service Reference Frame of 2008 (IGS08). SPRVIRF is aligned with the IGS08 at epoch 2013.0. The GIPSY/OASIS (V6.2) software package, which employs the precise point positioning (PPP) with single receiver phase ambiguity resolution, was used to calculate position coordinates within IGS08. Through the combined use of the PPP post-processing method and SPRVIRF, it is practical and easy to conduct millimeter accuracy landslide monitoring by a single technician with a single GPS unit. SPRVIRF provides a precise common reference frame in the PRVI region that can be used for a broad range of research applications, such as delineating long-term landslide creeping, studying ground deformation associated with subsidence, fault creep, hydrologic loading and microplate motions, and monitoring long-term deformation of critical structures, such as dams, high-rise buildings, and long-span bridges.
Retinal Photodamage Mediated by All-trans-retinal

Accumulation of all-trans-retinal (all-trans-RAL), reactive vitamin A aldehyde, is one of the key factors in initiating retinal photodamage. This photodamage is characterized by progressive retinal cell death evoked by light exposure in both an acute and chronic fashion. Photoactivated rhodopsin releases all-trans-RAL, which is subsequently transported by ATP-binding cassette transporter 4 and reduced to all-trans-retinol by all-trans-retinol dehydrogenases located in photoreceptor cells. Any interruptions in the clearing of all-trans-RAL in the photoreceptors can cause an accumulation of this reactive aldehyde and its toxic condensation products. This accumulation may result in the manifestation of retinal dystrophy including human retinal degenerative diseases such as Stargardt's disease and age-related macular degeneration. Herein, we discuss the mechanisms of all-trans-RAL clearance in photoreceptor cells by sequential enzymatic reactions, the visual (retinoid) cycle, and potential molecular pathways of retinal photodamage. We also review recent imaging technologies to monitor retinal health status as well as novel therapeutic strategies preventing all-trans-RAL-associated retinal photodamage.
Raman spectroscopy of SiO2 glass at high pressure.

A new technique has been developed for optical studies of amorphous solids to very high pressures. Raman spectra of Si${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ glass measured at 8 GPa indicate a significant reduction in the width of the Si-O-Si angle distribution, which has been associated with a number of anomalous properties of silica glass under ambient conditions. Between 8 and \ensuremath{\sim} 30 GPa irreversible changes in the Raman spectrum occur that are consistent with a shift in ring statistics in densified glass. The spectra suggest a breakdown in intermediate-range order at higher pressure.
Las mujeres saludables: reaching Latinas for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer prevention and screening.

Community health advisors have effectively promoted breast and cervical cancer prevention and screening among low-income Latina women. Specific elements of such programs, such as enhanced social support, may explain successes. Promotion of colorectal cancer screening has been less studied. Promotoras de Salud (i.e., Latina health advisors) implemented a 12-week program among women recruited from community-based organizations. The program educated 366 Latinas in breast, cervical and colorectal cancer prevention and screening and emphasized social support among class members. Pre-and post-intervention assessments demonstrated significant increases for fruit and vegetable consumption (3.05 to 3.60 servings/day), and physical activity (65.15 to 122.40 minutes/week). Of women previously non-compliant, 39 percent, 31 percent and 4 percent received Pap tests, mammography, and fecal occult blood test (FOBT), respectively. A culturally aligned education program using community health advisors and emphasizing social support among participants may improve prevention and selected screening behaviors, but more intensive interventions may be required for colorectal cancer screening compliance.
Ridge-width dependence of the threshold of long wavelength (λ ≈14 µm) quantum cascade lasers with sloped and vertical sidewalls

We investigate the ridge-width dependence of the threshold of Quantum Cascade lasers fabricated by wet and dry etching, respectively. The sloped sidewalls resulting from wet etching affect the threshold in two ways as the ridge gets narrower. First, the transverse modes are deeper in the substrate, hence reducing the optical confinement factor. Second, more important, a non-negligible field exists in the lossy SiO2 insulation layer, as a result of transverse magnetic mode coupling to the surface plamon mode at the insulator/metal surface, which increases the waveguide loss. By contrast, dry etching is anisotropic and leads to waveguides with vertical sidewalls, which avoids the shift of the modes to the substrate layer and coupling to the surface plasmons, resulting in improved threshold compared with wet-etched lasers, e.g., for narrow ridge widths below 20 µm, the threshold of a 14 µm wide λ ≈14 µm laser by dry etching is ~60% lower than that of a wet-etched laser of the same width, at 80 K.
An integrated framework for assessing the value of community-based prevention: a report of the institute of medicine.

Since the early 1900s, the major causes of illness and death in the United States have changed from infectious disease to chronic disease. Recognition is growing that nonclinical community- and population-based prevention has a large role in improving the public’s health and well-being. Health risks such as obesity, tobacco use, and low levels of physical activity are the result of a set of complex, interrelated factors that are difficult to untangle and identify. Health behaviors are important (1), but the importance of such factors as the physical, psychosocial, socioeconomic, and legal environments cannot be overstated (2). Community-based, nonclinical prevention policies and wellness strategies account for as much as 80% of the overall health of a population (3), yet assessing the value of community-based prevention remains challenging and complex. How should the value of community-based prevention be assessed? What should be measured? What should be counted, for whom, over what time period, and how? To address this issue, the California Endowment, the de Beaumont Foundation, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation asked the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to develop a framework for assessing the value of community-based prevention. The charge to the committee included examining the sources of data needed and available for valuing; the concepts of generalization, scaling up, and program sustainability; and the national and state policy implications of implementing such a framework. We provide a brief overview of the report, “An Integrated Framework for Assessing the Value of Community-Based Prevention” developed by the Committee on Valuing Community-Based, Non-Clinical Prevention Programs (4).
The Growth and Development of Some Recent Plant Models: A Viewpoint

A nontechnical introduction to selected recent models of plant development and growth is presented. Problems of creating predictive, quantitative models for (1) regulatory networks and (2) the use of space by developing tissues are outlined. These problems can be addressed using suitable mathematical frameworks to represent the substantial variety of relevant biological mechanisms, including gene regulation, protein modification, and cell–cell signaling by ligand/receptor pairs and by polarized auxin transport; also relevant are cell growth and division, the changing topology of signaling relationships between cells, and mechanical interactions between cells. Modeling frameworks are briefly described for gene regulation networks, including signaling; for more general biochemical reaction networks; for mechanical interactions (using a weak spring model) and signaling mediated by a changing topology of neighbor relations among growing and dividing cells; and for approximating such models at the tissue level using spatially continuous descriptions with changing shape. Finally, a “dynamical grammar” framework allows naturally for integrative and multiscale models because it can, in principle, combine any or all of the foregoing mechanisms. With mathematical and computational tools such as these, and with the current rapid progress in instrumentation and imagery, the future looks bright for scientifically effective modeling of plant development.
Dynamic programming for computer register allocation

Abstract A procedure for optimal index register allocation in loops is described. The procedure is a result of the dynamic programming formulation of the index register allocation problem for other than straightline code. An example involving a simple loop is solved.
A salinity sensor for long-term data collection in estuary studies

In this paper, a salinity sensor for long-term estuary studies is designed, developed and tested to provide an inexpensive and effective alternative for long-term data acquisition of salinity and temperature of water-based environments. The sensor utilizes a mutually inductive magnetic coil pair to measure conductivity and a diode configuration to measure temperature. Salinity is approximated from these two quantities. The salinity sensor is capable of measuring up to 67 g/l of salt concentration. Preliminary testing shows the effectiveness of the sensor.
Summing properties of the surround response mechanism of cat retinal ganglion cells.

Evidence is presented that, in the cat retina, the region in the visual field over which the surrounds of type X ganglion cells pool adaptive information corresponds to the region over which they pool signals.
Direct determination of anabolic steroid conjugates in human urine by combined high-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry

Abstract A novel screening procedure for the sulfate and glucuronide conjugates of testosterone (T) and epitestosterone (E) in human urine was developed based on liquid-solid extraction and microbore high-performance liquid chromatography combined on-line with ion-spray tandem mass spectrometry. Confirmation of the sulfate and glucuronide conjugates of testosterone and epitestosterone isolated frrm normal human urine was acheived by selected reaction monitoring of characteristic product ions of the parent compounds. Endogenous levels of the steroid conjugates are detected in normal male urine and an increase is observed when the sample is fortified with authentic analytical standards of the conjugates. Calibration curves of all steroid conjugates in urine are linear over a range of twenty. Deuterated internal standards of testosterone glucuronide and epitestosterone sulfate were used for quantitation of the endogenous conjugates. T/E ratios were determined based on the glucuronide fractions of six replicates from a normal male and were shown to be statistically reproducible and below the accepted T/E threshold of 6:1. Sulfate conjugates were shown to be present at significantly lower levels in the urine. The method has potential as an alternative for monitoring anabolic steroid conjugates in human urin.
Collaborative Systems Research: Establishing Ecological Approaches through the Living Laboratory

Today's work may very well encompass team work through direct contact with other workers. However, an evolution in the way we work together is taking place. The INTERNET, groupware, video teleconferencing, and distance learning are just some of the examples of collaborative technologies being inserted in the marketplace. Real world environments still include face-to-face transactions but now increasingly encompass distributed electronic transactions facilitated through computing / video media. Human factors - as an interdisciplinary science - may not have been sufficiently developed to move toward a macro-view of collaborative technology. As a result, human factors analysis of ‘team error’ may have been nearsighted and shallow. Also such analyses -if completed at all- tend to emanate from a traditional cognitive psychology bias. In turn, the paper develops an alternative perspective utilizing ecological psychology to study and interpret human interaction within collaborative systems. From that perspective...
Children's Recall of Fast Food Television Advertising—Testing the Adequacy of Food Marketing Regulation

Background and Aim In the United States, the fast food companies McDonald’s and Burger King participate in marketing self-regulation programs that aim to limit emphasis on premiums and promote emphasis of healthy food choices. We determine what children recall from fast food television advertisements aired by these companies. Methods One hundred children aged 3–7 years were shown McDonald’s and Burger King children’s (MDC & BKC) and adult (MDA & BKA) meal ads, randomly drawn from ads that aired on national US television from 2010–11. Immediately after seeing the ad, children were asked to recall what they had seen and transcripts evaluated for descriptors of food, healthy food (apples or milk), and premiums/tie-ins. Results Premiums/tie-ins were common in children’s but rarely appeared in adult ads, and all children’s ads contained images of healthy foods (apples and milk). Participants were significantly less likely to recall any food after viewing the children’s vs. the adult ad (MDC 32% [95% confidence interval 23, 41] vs. MDA 68% [59, 77]) p <0.001; BKC 46% [39, 56] vs. BKA 67% [58, 76] respectively, p = 0.002). For children’s ads alone and for both restaurants, recall frequency for all food was not significantly different from premium/tie-ins, and participants were significantly more likely to recall other food items than apples or milk. Moreover, premiums/tie-ins were recalled much more frequently than healthy food (MDC 45% [35, 55] vs. 9% [3, 15] p<0.001; BKC 54% [44, 64] vs. 2% [0, 5] respectively, p<0.001). Conclusions Children’s net impressions of television fast food advertising indicate that industry self-regulation failed to achieve a de-emphasis on toy premiums and tie-ins and did not adequately communicate healthy menu choices. The methods devised for this study could be used to monitor and better regulate advertising patterns of practice.
Effect of captopril on the renin-angiotensin system in hypertensive children

Nine patients with refractory hypertension, ranging in age from 6 to 18 years, were given captopril. The underlying cause of hypertension varied widely, but in all patients captopril produced a marked decrease in blood pressure. After treatment with captopril, patients showed an increase in plasma renin activity and plasma angiotensin I levels, with a concomitant fall in plasma angiotensin II and plasma aldosterone concentrations. Our data are similar to those reported in adults, and support the view that one mode of action of captopril is mediated via a decrease in plasma angiotensin II concentration.
Characterization and solubilization of the cytochalasin B binding component from human placental microsomes.

Abstract Human placental microsomes exhibit uptake of d -[3H]glucose which is sensitive to inhibition by cytochalasin B (apparent Ki = 0.78 /gm M). Characterization of [3H]cytochalasin B binding to these membranes reveals a glucose-sensitive site, inhibited by d -glucose with an ED50 = 40 mM. The glucose-sensitive cytochalasin B binding site is found to have a Kd = 0.15μM by analysis according to Scatchard. Solubilization with octylglucoside extracts 60–70% of the glucose-sensitive binding component. Equilibrium dialysis binding of [3H]cytochalasin B to the soluble protein displays a pattern of inhibition by d -glucose similar to that observed for intact membranes, and the measurement of an ED50 = 37.5 mM d -glucose confirms the presence of the cytochalasin B binding component, putatively assigned as the glucose transporter. Further evidence is attained by photoaffinity labelling; ultraviolet-sensitive [3H]cytochalasin B incorporation into soluble protein (Mr range 42 000-68 000) is prevented by the presence of d -glucose. An identical photolabelling pattern is observed for incorporation of [3H]cytochalasin B into intact membrane protein, confirming the usefulness of this approach as a means of identifying the presence of the glucose transport protein under several conditions.
Purification of Purkinje cells by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting from transgenic mice that express green fluorescent protein

The cerebellar Purkinje cell has been the focus of numerous studies involving the analysis of development and information processing in the nervous system. Purkinje cells represent less than 0.1% of the total cell content of the cerebellum. To facilitate studies of molecules that are expressed in such a small proportion of neurons, we have established procedures for the purification of these cells. Transgenic mice were developed in which the expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) was controlled by the L7 promoter. In adult cerebellum, GFP fluorescence was only detected in Purkinje cells, where it filled dendrites, soma and axons. GFP fluorescence was detected in Purkinje cells as early as embryonic day 17 and increased during development in vivo and in dissociated cerebellar culture. Mirroring endogenous L7 expression, high levels of GFP were observed in retinal rod bipolar cells. Lower levels of GFP were seen in olfactory periglomerular cells, neurons in the interpeduncular nucleus, and superior colliculus neurons. Cerebella from transgenic mice were dissociated by mild enzymatic treatment and Purkinje cells were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). By selecting optimal parameters, a fraction of viable Purkinje cells that was 94% pure was obtained. These results indicate that FACS is a powerful tool for isolating Purkinje cells from postnatal L7-GFP transgenic mice. GFP-positive neurons will also be useful in the real-time observation of dendritic morphogenesis and axonal outgrowth during development, or after neuronal activity in vitro.
Factors affecting the structure of substituted tris(pyrazolyl)borate rhodium dicarbonyl complexes

Predictions by density functional calculations of the structure and relative energy of various isomers of the hydridotris(pyrazol-1-yl)borate ligand in Tp3R,5R rhodium(I) dicarbonyl complexes (R=H, Me) and their IR and 11B NMR spectra are compared to experimental observations. The lowest energy structure of Tp3,5-Me-, Tp3-Me-, and TpRh(CO)2 is a non-classical square pyramidal (SPy) structure with a long metal apical ligand distance in rapid exchange with an equivalent SPy structure through a low energy trigonal bipyramid (TBP) transition state (a ‘reverse’ Berry pseudorotation). A second higher energy minimum, a pseudo square-planar complex with the third uncoordinated pyrazolyl arm rotated approximately parallel with the metal ligand pseudo-plane (SP1), is accessed through a second low energy transition state. Another pseudo square-planar minimum structure (SP2) is produced by a transition state, which lengthens the rhodium-apical nitrogen (of the third pyrazolyl arm) bond distance. The relative stability of SP2 depends on the degree of tris(pyrazolyl)borate (Tp) substitution, where 5-substituents larger than hydrogen disfavor SP2 because of steric interactions. The previously reported empirical correlation between 11B NMR chemical shifts, νBH stretching frequencies, and the crystallographic Tp ligand denticity is reproduced by our calculations. The variety of structures observed by experiment can be explained by the calculated relative energies of the structures, the bulk dielectric of the solvents when in solution, specific interaction by certain solvents, and conditions of crystallization when in the solid-state.
A case study of natural language customisation: the practical effects of world knowledge

This paper proposes a methodology for the customisation of natural language interfaces to information retrieval applications. We report a field study in which we tested this methodology by customising a commercially available natural language system to a large database of sales and marketing information. We note that it was difficult to tailor the common sense reasoning capabilities of the particular system we used to our application. This study validates aspects of the suggested methodology as well as providing insights that should inform the design of natural language systems for this class of applications.
An Observational Study of the West Lafayette, Indiana, Tornado of 20 March 1976

Abstract An observational study of the West Lafayette, Ind., tornado of 20 March 1976 has been made that presents photographic evidence of tornado formation accompanied by suction “debris” vortices in the surface boundary layer that produced a cycloidal debris pattern. Furthermore, four case studies of cycloidal debris analysis form this pattern using aerial photography support the multiple-suction vortex model proposed by Agee et al. (1975). Average values of the tangential speed of a suction vortex according to loop shift estimates ranged from 26.4 to 44 m s−1 and maximum values according to loop width estimates ranged from 44.0 to 61.6 m s−1 as the tornado grew to its most intense stage. The aerial and ground surveys of the damage track also showed that the cycloidal debris pattern corresponded to a region of F3 and F4 wind-speed damage. Photographic evidence also documented a tail-cloud formation similar to the Fargo tornado (Fujita, 1959) that rotated cyclonically through the northeast to northwest s...
Clinical outcomes of unstable thoracolumbar junction burst fractures: combined posterior short-segment correction followed by thoracoscopic corpectomy and fusion.

Background There is significant controversy surrounding the ideal management of thoracolumbar burst fractures. While several treatment and management algorithms have been proposed, the ideal treatment strategy for these fractures remains unsettled. The authors review their experience with short-segment posterior fusion followed by anterior thoracoscopic corpectomy for the treatment of unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures.
Esophageal motor abnormalities in scleroderma and related diseases.

Esophageal motor activity was measured by intra-esophageal pressure recordings in 53 patients with scleroderma and 29 patients with other collagen diseases. The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship of motor abnormalities to esophageal symptoms, to compare the abnormalities in scleroderma with those in other collagen diseases, and to try to increase understanding of the responsible mechanism. Methacholine was given to 36 of the 53 patients with scleroderma to confirm that the Mecholyl test is negative in scleroderma and to see whether intraluminal pressure changes accompany the resulting improvement in esophageal emptying.
Laparoscopic-assisted intestinal resection for Crohn's disease.

PURPOSE: The inflammatory process associated with Crohn's disease often makes dissection difficult, even in “open” surgery. This study was undertaken to determine if dissection and resection could be performed laparoscopically and whether it would benefit this group of patients. METHODS: Between November 1992 and November 1994, laparoscopic-assisted intestinal resection was attempted in 18 patients with Crohn's disease and was successfully completed in 14. One patient had ileal disease, requiring ileal resection with ileoileal anastomosis. The remainder had disease requiring ileocolic resections. Muscle-splitting incisions averaging 5 cm in length were made to facilitate removal of specimens. RESULTS: Commencement of oral alimentation was possible at an average of 3.6 (range, 1–7) days postoperatively. Discharge occurred at an average of 6.6 (range, 4–9) postoperative days. In comparison, 14 patients operated on by the authors for the same disease in the open manner during the past six months stayed an average of 8.5 (range, 5–14) postoperative days. Postoperative complications were minimal. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of this initial study, it appears that laparoscopic-assisted intestinal resection can be readily performed in patients with Crohn's disease. In our early experience, we have found that laparoscopic mobilization and resection may be difficult or impossible in patients with large fixed masses, multiple complex fistulas, or recurrent Crohn's disease. Extraction incisions are frequently so large in these patients that they do not derive the same benefits from laparoscopic surgery that are enjoyed by patients without these findings. Most patients having laparoscopic resections eat earlier, may require fewer narcotics, and are able to be discharged from the hospital an average of two days earlier than patients operated on in an open manner. In addition, it appears that laparoscopic-assisted intestinal resection results in a shorter, easier convalescence and an earlier return to full activity.
Participant and observer attribution of affect in interpersonal conflict: An examination of noncontent verbal behavior

This investigation explored the relationship between observer and participant attribution of affect intensity in interpersonal conflict interaction and the occurrance of verbal behavior. It was predicted that observer's judgments of affect intensity would account for more variation in verbal behavior that represents conflict than would participant's judgments of affect intensity. Videotapes of 37 dyadic conflict interactions were examined. The results indicate that one observer's judgment of affect intensity was a much better predictor of verbal behavior than were the other observer's judgment of affect intensity or either of the two participant's judgments of affect intensity. While some evidence was yielded to suggest that observers are more likely to be sensitive to behavior in their attribution of affect intensity than are participants, these results imply significant differences in the attribution of affect between some observers.
First-principles theory of ferroelectric phase transitions for perovskites: The case of BaTiO3

We carry out a completely first-principles study of the ferroelectric phase transitions in ${\mathrm{BaTiO}}_{3}$. Our approach takes advantage of two features of these transitions: the structural changes are small, and only low-energy distortions are important. Based on these observations, we make systematically improvable approximations which enable the parametrization of the complicated energy surface. The parameters are determined from first-principles total-energy calculations using ultrasoft pseudopotentials and a preconditioned conjugate-gradient scheme. The resulting effective Hamiltonian is then solved by Monte Carlo simulation. The calculated phase sequence, transition temperatures, latent heats, and spontaneous polarizations are all in good agreement with experiment. We find the transitions to be intermediate between order-disorder and displacive character. We find all three phase transitions to be of first order. The roles of different interactions are discussed.
The origins and detection of plant community structure: Reproductive versus vegetative processes

The exchange of ideas and information between vegetation ecology and pollination ecology is relatively restricted, yet both fields have devised methods to detect the structure of species assemblages and communities. To promote the exchange of ideas between fields I compare approaches, concepts, and problems faced by researchers working in each area. Both vegetative and reproductive interactions may generate assemblage structure through ecological sorting or through character displacement. Vegetative interactions may lead to assemblage organization more often by ecological sorting and reproductive interactions more often by character displacement. Vegetative interactions generally operate over shorter temporal and smaller spatial scales than reproductive interactions and may be affected more strongly by temporal and spatial heterogeneity in abiotic and biotic environments. These differences affect how the concept of ecological niche should be applied to plants. The Hutchinsonian concept of niche needs to be significantly modified before it can be usefully applied to plants.
Citronellal reactions with ozone and OH radical: Rate constants and gas-phase products detected using PFBHA derivatization

Abstract The bimolecular rate constants, k OH+citronellal , (150±40)×10 −12 cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 and, k O 3 + citronellal , (3.5±1.2)×10 −16 cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 , were measured using the relative rate technique for the reactions of the hydroxyl radical (OH) and ozone (O 3 ) with 3,7-dimethyl-6-octen-1-al ((R)-(+)-citronellal) at (297±3) K and 1 atm total pressure. To more clearly define part of citronellal's indoor environment degradation mechanism, the products of the citronellal+OH and citronellal+O 3 reactions were also investigated. The positively identified citronellal/OH and citronellal/O 3 reaction products were: 3-methylhexanedial HC( O)CH 2 CH 2 CH(CH 3 )CH 2 C( O)H and 2-oxopropanal (methylglyoxal, CH 3 C( O)C( O)H). The use of derivatizing agent O -(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxylamine (PFBHA) was used to propose 3-methylhexanedial as a major citronellal/OH and citronellal/O 3 reaction product. The elucidation of this reaction product was facilitated by mass spectrometry of the derivatized reaction products coupled with plausible citronellal/OH and citronellal/O 3 reaction mechanisms based on previously published volatile organic compound/OH and volatile organic compound/O 3 gas-phase reaction mechanisms.
The role of lattice oxygen in selective benzyl alcohol oxidation using OMS-2 catalyst: A kinetic and isotope-labeling study

The oxidation of benzyl alcohol by molecular O2 in the liquid phase using a heterogeneous octahedral molecular sieve (OMS) catalyst was studied. Typical batch reactor kinetic data were obtained and fitted to the classical Langmuir–Hinshelwood–Hougen–Watson (LHHW) model as well as to the Mars–van Krevelen (MvK) model of heterogeneously catalyzed reactions. A two-step Mars–van Krevelen model involving an exchange between the gas phase and lattice oxygen was found to give a better fit. This was further corroborated by an oxygen-isotope-labeling study. The changes in the 16O and 18O content of the product water confirm this observation. Kinetic isotope effects were also evaluated in mechanistic studies. The occurrence of this mechanism in the liquid phase explains the activity and high selectivity of the OMS-2 catalyst for this selective oxidation reaction.
Hippocampus Volume Loss Due to Chronic Heavy Drinking

Objective: No clear consensus exists regarding the effect of sustained, heavy drinking on hippocampal volume. Our prior work hypothesized significantly lowered total hippocampus volumes in heavy chronically drinking alcohol-dependent (AD) subjects compared with light-drinking nondependent control subjects matched for age and gender. Method: Using a series of applicable exclusion criteria culled from previous published studies, we measured hippocampal volumes from MRI scan data acquired on a 3T scanner and subjected those data to automated volume analysis blind to the drinking history. Results: Comparison with AD test (n 5 8) and non-AD control (n 5 8) subjects found significant lessening in total ( p 5 0.020) and left ( p 5 0.010) hippocampal volumes with a near-significant difference on the right ( p 5 0.051). Linear regression demonstrated that neither total brain volume nor intracranial volume affected the hippocampus measures. Conclusions: These data support the view that heavy drinking exerts a unique and selectively injurious effect on the hippocampus. Further study in larger samples must verify this in a search for possible mechanisms of injury.
Mechanisms for the formation of major oxidation products of adenine upon 365-nm irradiation with 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone as a sensitizer.

Recently we reported the isolation and characterization of N6-formyl- and N6-acetyladenine from 365-nm irradiation of dinucleoside monophosphates d(ApA), d(ApC), and d(CpA) in the presence of 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (menadione) (Wang et al. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 2002, 291, 1252−7). In this article we investigated the mechanisms for the formation of the two major products by carrying out photoirradiation with isotopically labeled menadione and 2,3-dimethyl-1,4-naphthoquinone. HPLC and electrospray ionization (ESI)-mass spectrometry (MS) and tandem MS studies of the products unambiguously established that the carbonyl group in the products arises from the photosensitizer: The N6-formyl group comes from oxidation of the methyl group and the N6-acetyl group stems from the methyl group and the adjacent ring carbon in menadione. From above results, we proposed mechanisms for the formation of the two products.
Elevated hematocrit in patients with schizophrenia

A number of investigators have reported altered hematocrit in psychiatric disorders (Benitone and Kling 1970; Dintenfass and Zador 1976, 1977; Schubert and Rohira 198 1). Benitone and Kling (1970) reported elevated hematocrit in 43 of 226 male patients in a psychiatric hospital. Only 7% of the normal controls showed similar hematocrit changes. The psychiatric diagnoses commonly associated with elevated hematocrit were anxiety reaction, depression, and paranoid schizophrenia. Schubert and Rohira (1981) studied 96 consecutive newly admitted male psychiatric patients and could not find any consistent changes in hemoglobin or hematocrit. These investigators studied psychiatric patients in general, did not attempt any analysis by standard diagnostic criteria, and associations between clinical variables and hematocrit were not examined. Mathew and Wilson (1986) compared hematocrit in 24 patients diagnosed as generalized anxiety disorder according to DSMIII and a matched group of normal volunteers, but found no significant differences. We therefore undertook a study of the association between hematocrit changes and specific clinical variables in a group of patients with diagnoses of schizophrenia. Methods
Experimentally determined mineral-melt partition coefficients for Sc, Y and REE for olivine, orthopyroxene, pigeonite, magnetite and ilmenite

Our current lack of understanding of the partitioning behavior of Sc, Y and the REE (rare-earth elements) can be attributed directly to the lack of a sufficiently large or chemically diverse experimental data set. To address this problem, we conducted a series of experiments using several different natural composition lavas, doped with the elements of interest, as starting compositions. Microprobe analyses of orthopyroxene, pigeonite, olivine, magnetite, ilmenite and co-existing glasses in the experimental charges were used to calculate expressions that describe REE partitioning as a function of a variety of system parameters. Using expressions that represent mineral-melt reactions (versus element ratio distribution coefficients) it is possible to calculate terms that express low-Ca pyroxene-melt partitioning behavior and are independent of both pyroxene and melt composition. Compositional variations suggest that Sc substitution in olivine involves either a paired substitution with Al or, more commonly, with vacancies. The partitioning of Sc is dependent both on melt composition and temperature. Our experimentally determined olivine-melt REE Ds (partition coefficients) are similar to, but slightly higher than those reported by McKay (1986) and support their conclusions that olivines are strongly LREE depleted. Y and REE mineral/melt partition coefficients for magnetite range from 0.003 for La to 0.02 for Lu. Ilmenite partition coefficients range from 0.007 for La to 0.029 for Lu. These experimental values are two orders of magnitude lower than many of the published values determined by phenocryst/matrix separation techniques.
First Composition Measurements of Energetic Neutral Atoms

Energetic neutral atoms (ENAs) were detected by the Energetic Particles and Ion Composition (EPIC) instrument on the Geotail spacecraft during a magnetic storm on October 29–30, 1994. The energetic particles could be identified as neutrals because the direction of the particle flux steadily tracked the direction of the Earth and was uncorrelated with the changing orientation of the ambient magnetic field as the spacecraft viewed the dayside magnetosphere for ∼16 hours. These observations provide the first composition measurements of ENAs, yielding the storm-time evolution of ENA fluxes of hydrogen, helium, and oxygen separately as well as their energy spectra. ENA fluxes and the rate of recovery of Dst are both roughly steady, consistent with charge exchange being a significant energy loss process for the storm-time ring current. For total energies above 200 keV, the intensity of ENA oxygen is the highest, followed by hydrogen, and then by helium. These observations enable us to deduce the line-of-sight (LOS) integrals of the products nHjion and nHfion, where nH=hydrogen geocorona density, jion=differential ion flux, and fion=phase space density (PSD), for ion species H+, He+ and O+ at energies between ∼60 and ∼600 keV. A ∼50–60 keV Maxwellian fits the O+ LOS PSD fairly well but fits the He+ and the H+ only poorly.
Characterization of apolipoprotein A-IV in brain areas involved in energy homeostasis

Abstract Apolipoprotein A-IV (apo A-IV) is a satiation protein synthesized in the small intestine and hypothalamus. To further understand its anorectic mechanisms, we used immunohistochemical techniques to characterize the distribution of apo A-IV in brain areas involved in energy homeostasis. Dense apo A-IV staining was detected in the arcuate (ARC) and ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei with less staining in cells in the paraventricular and dorsomedial nuclei. In the brainstem, apo A-IV staining was found in the nucleus of the solitary tract. Double-staining immunohistochemistry revealed co-existence of apo A-IV with neuronal nuclei (a neuronal marker), but less with glial fibrillary acidic protein (a glial marker), in ARC, suggesting that apo A-IV is largely present in neurons. In the ARC, apo A-IV was co-localized with pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), and apo A-IV administration stimulated hypothalamic POMC gene expression, suggesting that the brain apo A-IV system suppresses food intake by stimulating the ARC POMC system. To ascertain whether the apo A-IV detected in the brain is derived from the circulation, 125 I-labeled recombinant rat apo A-IV was intravenously injected into mice. No increase of radioactive apo A-IV was found in the brain, consistent with a lack of uptake of co-injected 99m Tc-labeled albumin, indicating that circulating apo A-IV is unable to cross the blood brain barrier. These data collectively support the hypothesis that apo A-IV, produced by neuronal cells, may exert its anorectic action by interacting with catabolic regulatory neuropeptides.
The total synthesis of UK-1

A concise, five-step total synthesis of UK-1, a novel bis(benzoxazole) metabolite of Streptomyces sp. 517-02, was accomplished. The methyl ether of UK-1 was also synthesized in 3 steps using the same methodology. Both syntheses are accomplished by the sequential construction of two benzoxazole rings derived from 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid.
Transductive link spam detection

Web spam can significantly deteriorate the quality of search engines. Early web spamming techniques mainly manipulate page content. Since linkage information is widely used in web search, link-based spamming has also developed. So far, many techniques have been proposed to detect link spam. Those approaches are basically built on link-based web ranking methods.In contrast, we cast the link spam detection problem into a machine learning problem of classification on directed graphs. We develop discrete analysis on directed graphs, and construct a discrete analogue of classical regularization theory via discrete analysis. A classification algorithm for directed graphs is then derived from the discrete regularization. We have applied the approach to real-world link spam detection problems, and encouraging results have been obtained.
Apolipoprotein E4 domain interaction: synaptic and cognitive deficits in mice.

Abstract Background Apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4), the major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases, has three structural and biophysical properties that distinguish it from the other isoforms—domain interaction, reduced stability, and lack of cysteine. Assessing their relative contributions to effects of apoE4-associated pathogenesis in AD is important from a mechanistic and therapeutic perspective, that is not possible using human apoE transgene or knock-in models. Methods We analyzed Arg-61 apoE mice, a gene-targeted model that selectively displays domain interaction. Results The mice displayed age-dependent loss of the synaptic protein synaptophysin in neocortex and hippocampus and had lower levels of the postsynaptic neuroligin-1. Activation of dentate gyrus granule neurons increased Arc expression 3.5-fold in wildtype mice but only 2.3-fold in Arg-61 mice. The losses of synaptic proteins caused a mild memory deficit in Arg-61 mice in the water-maze test. Since synaptic integrity requires efficient glutamate uptake, we measured astrocyte glutamate transporter 1 in the hippocampus. The level was reduced in Arg-61 mice, suggesting that inefficient glutamate uptake by astrocytes causes chronic excitotoxicity. Consistent with the reduced secretion of Arg-61 apoE by astrocytes in this model, cholesterol secretion was also reduced 34%. This reduction could also contribute to the synaptic deficits by limiting the availability of cholesterol for neuronal repair. Conclusions Domain interaction in the absence of other structural characteristics of apoE4 is sufficient to cause synaptic pathology and functional synaptic deficits, potentially associated with astrocyte dysfunction and impaired maintenance of neurons. Therapeutic targeting of domain interaction might blunt effects of apoE4 in neurodegenerative disease.
Magneto-Transport Properties of Nonmagnetic Doped (Zn,Mn) O Dilute Magnetic Semiconductor

In this paper, nonmagnetic elements (Al and Cu) doping effect on the structural and magneto-transport properties of Zn0.85Mn0.15O (ZnMnO) dilute magnetic semiconductors were reported. The structural characterization was performed using XRD, Raman spectroscopy, AFM and SEM. Temperature dependent electrical resistivity, Hall effect, and were carried out using a standard magneto-transport set-up.
Origin of millisecond pulsars

The recent discovery1,2 of a 3-millisecond pulsar in the globular cluster M28 (NGC6626) suggests that a few per cent of type I super novae (of which there are several subcategories, all associated with old stellar populations) form neutron stars. If the contact-binary white dwarf model for type Is is invoked3, it seems probable that millisecond pulsars of low magnetic field would be formed in binary systems which might survive the supernova event.
Airborne fine-resolution UHF radar: an approach to the study of englacial reflections, firn compaction and ice attenuation rates

We have built and operated an ultra-wideband UHF pulsed-chirp radar for measuring firn stratigraphy from airborne platforms over the ice sheets of Greenland and West Antarctica. Our analysis found a wide range of capabilities, including imaging of post firn–ice transition horizons and sounding of shallow glaciers and ice shelves. Imaging of horizons to depths exceeding 600 m was possible in the colder interior regions of the ice sheet, where scattering from the ice surface and inclusions was minimal. The radar’s high sensitivity and large dynamic range point to loss tangent variations as the dominant mechanism for these englacial reflective horizons. The radar is capable of mapping interfaces with reflection coefficients as low as −80 dB near the firn–ice transition and as low as −64 dB at depths of 600 m. We found that firn horizon reflectivity strongly mirrored density variance, a result of the near-unity interfacial transmission coefficients. Zones with differing compaction mechanisms were also apparent in the data. We were able to sound many ice shelves and areas of shallow ice. We estimated ice attenuation rates for a few locations, and our attenuation estimates for the Ross Ice Shelf, West Antarctica, appear to agree well with earlier reported results.
Integrating Strength-Based Perspectives in Psychoeducational Evaluations

Emerging from the risk and resilience literature is the recognition that a focus on psychopathology and deficit-based assessment has its limitations. Developing an understanding of a youth’s developmental needs and the creation of a suitable intervention strategy also requires knowledge of her or his life contexts and personal assets. This holistic and optimistic perspective, which seeks to enhance positive development in youth, has been referred to as “strength-based” assessment. Until recently, children’s social/interpersonal strengths have not been systematically examined and there have been few standardized measures specifically designed to assess strengths. This article discusses the importance of a strength-based perspective when assessing students. Principles will be emphasized by demonstrating the utility of two strength-based instruments: the Behavioral Emotional Rating Scale (BERS) and the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) in school psychology research and practice.
Review: does chlorhexidine prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia?

Commentary on : Zhang TT, Tang SS, Fu LJ. The effectiveness of different concentrations of chlorhexidine for prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia: a meta-analysis. J Clin Nurs 2014;23:1461–75.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3] Intubation and mechanical ventilation increase patients’ risk for pneumonia. The endotracheal tube facilitates microbial colonisation of the oropharynx and passage of oral secretions from the oropharynx to the lungs. Routine oral … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DJ%2BClin%2BNurs%26rft.volume%253D23%26rft.spage%253D1461%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1111%252Fjocn.12312%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F23952970%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1111/jocn.12312&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=23952970&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febnurs%2F18%2F3%2F90.atom
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: A Laryngologist's Perspective

Much controversy continues to exist regarding almost every facet of layrngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), including the method of its clinical evaluation, the interpretation of the available data, and it...