cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ranking Transitive Chemical-Disease Inferences Using Local Network Topology in the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database

Exposure to chemicals in the environment is believed to play a critical role in the etiology of many human diseases. To enhance understanding about environmental effects on human health, the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD; http://ctdbase.org) provides unique curated data that enable development of novel hypotheses about the relationships between chemicals and diseases. CTD biocurators read the literature and curate direct relationships between chemicals-genes, genes-diseases, and chemicals-diseases. These direct relationships are then computationally integrated to create additional inferred relationships; for example, a direct chemical-gene statement can be combined with a direct gene-disease statement to generate a chemical-disease inference (inferred via the shared gene). In CTD, the number of inferences has increased exponentially as the number of direct chemical, gene and disease interactions has grown. To help users navigate and prioritize these inferences for hypothesis development, we implemented a statistic to score and rank them based on the topology of the local network consisting of the chemical, disease and each of the genes used to make an inference. In this network, chemicals, diseases and genes are nodes connected by edges representing the curated interactions. Like other biological networks, node connectivity is an important consideration when evaluating the CTD network, as the connectivity of nodes follows the power-law distribution. Topological methods reduce the influence of highly connected nodes that are present in biological networks. We evaluated published methods that used local network topology to determine the reliability of protein-protein interactions derived from high-throughput assays. We developed a new metric that combines and weights two of these methods and uniquely takes into account the number of common neighbors and the connectivity of each entity involved. We present several CTD inferences as case studies to demonstrate the value of this metric and the biological relevance of the inferences.
Mid-infrared optical absorption in undoped lamellar copper oxides.

Common optical absorption features are observed near 0.5 eV in four undoped single-crystal copper oxides: ${\mathrm{La}}_{2}$${\mathrm{CuO}}_{4}$, ${\mathrm{Nd}}_{2}$${\mathrm{CuO}}_{4}$, ${\mathrm{Pr}}_{2}$${\mathrm{CuO}}_{4}$, and ${\mathrm{Sr}}_{2}$${\mathrm{CuO}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cl}}_{2}$. These absorption bands are shown to be weakly electric dipole allowed excitations of the ${\mathrm{CuO}}_{2}$ layers. The features are ascribed to an exciton near 0.4 eV, probably of crystal field origin, with strong multimagnon sidebands. Our observations provide an important basis for understanding the doped materials.
TAX AND NON‐TAX MOTIVATIONS FOR MERGERS

THE PURPOSE OF THIS ARTICLE is to place the role of taxes in the merger movement of recent years in perspective by appraising the relative importance of tax motivations as compared with other reasons for the purchase and sale of business enterprises. The empirical evidence underlying the article consists largely of a field survey of approximately ioo recent mergers selected so as to give the best practicable basis for determining the over-all importance of taxation as a motivation for the recent merger movement.' The article presents both an appraisal of the relative importance of taxes as a motive for recent merger activity and a discussion of the non-tax motivations for the purchase and sale of business enterprises.
A prospective study of femoral versus subclavian vein catheterization during cardiac arrest

Femoral vein catheterization has advantages over subclavian vein catheterization during cardiac arrest in that there is minimal interference to ongoing CPR. In addition, risks of subclavian catheterization are not a factor in femoral vein catheterization. Few studies have compared the success rate for catheterization of one site with that of the other during cardiac arrest. We conducted a prospective study to compare the success and complication rates for femoral with those of subclavian vein catheterization. Ninety-four patients undergoing CPR had either femoral or subclavian vein catheters placed during the course of the arrest. Catheter placement was verified by injection of radiopaque contrast material. We found that the success rate for femoral catheterization was 77% compared with a success rate of 94% for subclavian vein catheterization ( P
New Genus of Pharyngodonidae (Nematoda: Oxyuridea) and Other Helminths in Platymantis nexipus (Anura: Ranidae) from Papua New Guinea

Abstract Rokroknema novaebritanniae n. gen., n. sp. (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae) from the large intestine of Platymantis nexipus (Anura: Ranidae) is described and illustrated. Rokroknema represents the second Australo-Papuan genus assigned to the family Pharyngodonidae known to infect frogs. It is similar to Parathelandros (the other genus), but it is readily distinguished because the posterior pair of caudal papillae is not in the form of a rosette. Platymantis nexipus also was found to harbor 1 species of Digenea, Opisthioglyphe cophixali, and 5 additional species of Nematoda, adults of Aplectana krausi, Cosmocerca novaeguineae, Falcaustra batrachiensis, Icosiella papuensis, and larvae in cysts of Abbreviata sp., plus unidentified cystacanths of 1 species of acanthocephalan.
Gene Expression Profiling of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Cattle Infected with Mycobacterium paratuberculosis

A bovine-specific cDNA microarray system containing 721 unique leukocyte expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and amplicons representing known genes was used to compare gene expression profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from clinical and subclinical Johne's disease-positive Holstein cows (n = 2 per group). Stimulation of PBMCs from clinically infected cows with Mycobacterium paratuberculosis tended to decrease expression of 83 genes (fold change, >1.5). Of these 83 genes, 16 displayed significant down regulation across both clinical cows (P 1.5; P 1.5; P < 0.1) across both animals, including those encoding the bovine orthologs of cytochrome oxidase subunit III, IL-1 receptor type I, and fibrinogen-like 2 protein. Only one clone, representing an unknown bovine EST, was similarly down regulated in PBMCs from both the clinical and subclinical cows. Thus, the most prominent change induced by exposure of PBMCs from clinical cows to M. paratuberculosis in vitro tended to be repression of gene expression, while changes in similarly treated PBMCs from subclinical cows was balanced between gene activation and repression. Comparison of gene expression profiles between PBMCs from clinical and uninfected (control) cows stimulated with the general mitogen concanavalin A were highly similar (overall r = 0.84), suggesting that M. paratuberculosis-induced gene repression in clinically infected cow PBMCs was not due to a general failure of the immune response in these animals.
Shaking-table tests of a full-scale single-story masonry veneer wood-frame structure

This paper presents the findings of shaking-table experiments conducted to examine the seismic performance of a full-scale, one-story, wood-framed structure with masonry veneer. The structure was designed and constructed in accordance with current U.S. code provisions. The veneer was attached to the wood backing with two kinds of metal anchors, corrugated ties fastened with 8d nails and rigid ties fastened with #8 screws. The tests have shown that the use of nails to fasten veneer anchors to the wood studs is highly unreliable due to the high variation of the nail extraction capacity, which can be influenced by the moisture content of the wood. Other than this, both the wood frame and the masonry veneer performed well under severe ground motions far exceeding a design level earthquake for Seismic Design Category D. Good performance was observed for the rigid veneer ties, which were attached to the wood studs with screws. The results have shown that the veneer walls parallel to the direction of shaking helped to restrain the motion of the wood structure and therefore should not be simply treated as added mass. The detailing of wood roof diaphragms requires special attention in consideration of the out-of-plane inertia force of the veneer that can be transmitted through the top plate of the wood-stud wall to the rim joist. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disinformation: A Taxonomy

This article outlines steps towards a disinformation theory, a simplified and generalized notion of communication that is intended to be, in some way, misleading or deceptive. The model is derived from Shannon's communications model, but with an intentional “noise source” and an unintended receiver. Alterations of an image containing a message are used to illustrate a variety of disinformation techniques.
The Saccharomyces cerevisiae GATA Factors Dal80p and Deh1p Can Form Homo- and Heterodimeric Complexes

GATA family proteins Gln3p, Gat1p, Dal80p, and Deh1p mediate the regulation of nitrogen catabolite repression (NCR)-sensitive gene expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Thus far, Gln3p, Dal80p, and Deh1p have been shown to bind to GATA sequences in NCR-sensitive promoters, in some cases to exactly the same GATA sequences. A minimal Gln3p binding site consists of a single GATA sequence, whereas a Dal80p binding site consists of two GATA sequences in specific orientation, 15 to 35 bp apart, suggesting that Dal80p may bind to DNA as a dimer. Additionally, both Dal80p and Deh1p are predicted to contain a leucine zipper motif near their C termini. Therefore, we tested whether they could form homo- and/or heterodimers in two-hybrid assays. We show that Dal80p-Dal80p, Dal80p-Dal80pLZ (leucine zipper), Dal80pLZ-Dal80pLZ, Dal80p-Deh1pLZ, Dal80pLZ-Deh1pLZ, and Deh1pLZ-Deh1pLZ complexes can form. Dal80p-Dal80p and Dal80pLZ-Dal80pLZ complexes yield 5- to 10-fold stronger signals than the other possible dimers. If Dal80p and Deh1p bind to DNA only after dimerization, then the difference in ability to form complexes could significantly affect their affinity for binding DNA and thus the degree of regulation exerted by each of the two factors.
Baltimore Teens and Work : Gendered Opportunities in Disadvantaged Neighborhoods

In this article, I explore how African American teens, all of whom spent some years in high-poverty neighborhoods in Baltimore, talk about their experiences looking for work and working, including under-the-table work. I find three patterns that shape these early employment experiences. First, before males and females are legally allowed to work, their money-making opportunities are largely gender-segregated, with boys in this sample more likely to use illegal means to make money. Second, gender-segregated routines and occupations may work in favor of females. Finally, as nearly all of these households are female-headed, girls have a same-sex role model from whom they can pattern their behavior. To the extent that the mother is working, this may encourage females to work more so than males.
Estrogen Actions Throughout the Brain

Besides affecting the hypothalamus and other brain areas related to reproduction, ovarian steroids have widespread effects throughout the brain, on serotonin pathways, catecholaminergic neurons, and the basal forebrain cholinergic system as well as the hippocampal formation, a brain region involved in spatial and declarative memory. Thus, ovarian steroids have measurable effects on affective state as well as cognition, with implications for dementia. Two actions are discussed in this review; both appear to involve a combination of genomic and nongenomic actions of ovarian hormones. First, regulation of the serotonergic system appears to be linked to the presence of estrogen- and progestin-sensitive neurons in the midbrain raphe as well as possibly nongenomic actions in brain areas to which serotonin neurons project their axons. Second, ovarian hormones regulate synapse turnover in the CA1 region of the hippocampus during the 4- to 5-day estrous cycle of the female rat. Formation of new excitatory synapses is induced by estradiol and involves N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, whereas downregulation of these synapses involves intracellular progestin receptors. A new, rapid method of radioimmunocytochemistry has made possible the demonstration of synapse formation by labeling and quantifying the specific synaptic and dendritic molecules involved. Although NMDA receptor activation is required for synapse formation, inhibitory interneurons may play a pivotal role as they express nuclear estrogen receptor-alpha (ERa). It is also likely that estrogens may locally regulate events at the sites of synaptic contact in the excitatory pyramidal neurons where the synapses form. Indeed, recent ultrastructural data reveal extranuclear ERalpha immunoreactivity within select dendritic spines on hippocampal principal cells, axons, axon terminals, and glial processes. In particular, the presence of ER in dendrites is consistent with a model for synapse formation in which filopodia from dendrites grow out to find new synaptic contacts and estrogens regulate local, post-transcriptional events via second messenger systems.
Robust parametric reconstruction of signals by rational modeling

A rational model is proposed for reconstruction of bandlimited signals from successive observations, bandlimits, and knowledge of signal peak location. The singular values of a matrix constructed from this information, display the error in modeling this data with rational models of different candidate orders. The parameters of the approximate model may be estimated from the singular vectors. The proposed approach has good spectral resolution ability and a certain degree of robustness to errors in data. >
1&#8212;2-keV Boron implants into silicon

1000-A-A thick heavily doped layers have been produced in Si by implanting B at energies as low as 1-2 keV. No preamorphization is required and the near-surface random peak is redistributed by diffusion into the deeper channeled region to provide sharp junctions. Doping levels of ∼ 2 × 1020cm-3can be maintained over a region ∼600-A-thick while maintaining junction depths as shallow as 1000 A.
Optics and remote sensing of Bahamian carbonate sediment whitings and potential relationship to wind-driven Langmuir circulation

Regions of milky white seas or "whitings" peri- odically occur to the west of Andros Island along the Great Bahama Bank where the bottom sediment consists of fine- grained aragonite mud. We present measurements of inher- ent optical properties within a sediment whiting patch and discuss the potential for monitoring the frequency, extent, and quantity of suspended matter from ocean colour satellite imagery. Sea spectral reflectance measured in situ and re- motely from space revealed highly reflective waters elevated across the visible spectrum (i.e., "whitened") with a peak at 490 nm. Particulate backscattering was an order of magni- tude higher than that measured at other stations throughout the region. The whiting also had one of the highest backscat- tering ratios measured in natural waters (0.05-0.06) consis- tent with water dominated by aragonite particles with a high index of refraction. Regular periodicity of 40 and 212 s ev- ident in the light attenuation coefficient over the sampling period indicated patches of fluctuating turbidity on spatial scales that could be produced from regular rows of Lang- muir cells penetrating the 5-m water column. We suggest that previously described mechanisms for sediment resuspension in whitings, such as tidal bursting and fish activity, are not fully consistent with these data and propose that wind-driven Langmuir cells reaching the full-depth of the water column may represent a plausible mechanism for sediment resuspen- sion and subsequent whiting formation. Optics and remote sensing provide important tools for quantifying the linkages between physical and biogeochemical processes in these dy- namic shallow water ecosystems.
Colonization of a new host by a seed-feeding beetle: Genetic variation, maternal experience, and the effect of an alternate host

Human introductions of non-native plants, and subsequent colonization of these plants by herbivores, can be used to study the ecological processes influencing the evolution of insect diet. The seed beetle Stator limbatus has colonized non-native Texas ebony (Ebenopsis ebano) that is grown as an ornamental in Arizona (USA). Texas ebony is not used as a host by S. limbatus where the beetle and plant are naturally sympatric but is used by the sister species to S. limbatus (S. beali). Lines created in an artificial selection experiment were used to test for genetic variation in the ability of S. limbatus larvae to survive on Texas ebony and to examine the role that a native host (blue paloverde, P. florida) plays in facilitating the colonization of Texas ebony. Genetic variation in survival on Texas ebony was present in this S. limbatus population, but the major factor affecting survival was maternal experience with the alternate host — females that encountered paloverde during egg maturation produced offspring that survived > 10-times better on Texas ebony as compared with offspring of females that did not encounter paloverde. This difference was because paloverde stimulated a plastic change in egg composition. Absence of paloverde in the community will reduce larval survival and limit the ability of S. limbatus populations to incorporate Texas ebony into their range of suitable hosts. Blue paloverde provides a stepping stone for colonization of Texas ebony; exposure of mothers to P. florida seeds during egg maturation can increase offspring survival enough that populations do not go extinct before evolving increased survival on the new host, Texas ebony.
Behavior of midwater fishes under the Antarctic ice: observations by a predator

Few details are known of the habits of Antarctic midwater fishes, especially those living below the heavy pack ice and shore-fast ice, are known, because they are difficult to capture or observe at depth. We used video sequences with synchronized positional data recorded by Weddell seals to describe the vertical distribution, diel movements, trends in abundance, and swimming behavior of two ecologically important fish species in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. Pleuragramma antarcticum occurred in loose aggregations (individuals 2–4 m apart) and migrated daily between mean depths of 252 m at night and 346 m by day (vertical transit of 94 m). Their depth during November was correlated with surface light intensity even in the absence of a daily sunset. Interannual variations in local abundance indicated that the Pleuragramma population did not remain stationary. Large Dissostichus frequently occurred at shallow depths (12–180 m) and showed a significant change in depth with time of day. Dissostichus encounters followed a diel cycle having a mean depth of 93 m, a nighttime minimum of 17 m, and a daytime maximum of 168 m. Their depth was not correlated with surface light intensity. Dissostichus were present even when Pleuragramma, their principal prey, were scarce. When chased by a seal, one Dissostichus sustained a speed of 3.4 m s–1 for a period of 24 s. This use of a marine predator as a guided, high-speed sampling device for its midwater prey provided clarification and new insights into the behavior, interactions, and ecology of species that have been especially difficult to study.
Next generation models of carbonate mineral growth and dissolution

The long-term success of carbon sequestration lies in part on the ability to trap carbon dioxide as a carbonate mineral phase. As such, the ability to predict the extent of carbonate mineral precipitation over the lifetime of a proposed geologic sequestration site will be necessary. In this review, different methods of predicting the growth of carbonate minerals, particularly calcite, and their disadvantages and advantages are summarized. Starting from a simple description of the solution saturation state, more advanced affinity-based models are described that comprise the status quo. In these, the reaction rate is measured by the difference in concentration from an equilibrium value or the Gibbs Free Energy of reaction. It is shown that these models fail to capture some important aspects of carbonate mineral growth rates. Next-generation models in development are those that reflect the processes that occur on a mineral surface while it is growing, not just the concentration of dissolved species. While incomplete, these process-based models are already addressing some long-standing questions in geochemistry and are enhancing the accuracy and robustness of the predictive ability for calcite precipitation. Lastly, the importance of the step density, analogous to the reactive site density in a natural sample, is shown. The factors that may influence the step density are described and the potentially complex relationship between step density and solution conditions is presented. While still in development, these models suggest that many of the historical problems in quantitative prediction of mineral growth and dissolution reactions can be resolved.
15N nuclear magnetic resonance studies of acid-base properties of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate aldimines in aqueous solution.

By use of 15N NMR spectroscopy, we have measured the pKa values of the aldimines 15N-(pyridoxyl-5‘-phosphate-idine)-methylamine (2a), N-(pyridoxyl-5‘-phosphate-15N-idine)-methylamine (2b), and 15N-(pyridoxyl-idine)-methylamine (3). These aldimines model the cofactor pyridoxal-5‘-phosphate (PLP, 1) in a variety of PLP-dependent enzymes. The acid-base properties of the aldimines differ substantially from those of the free cofactor in the aldehyde form 1a or in the hydrated form 1b, which were also investigated using 15N NMR for comparison. All compounds contain three protonation sites, the pyridine ring, the phenol group, and the side chain phosphate (1, 2) or hydroxyl group (3). In agreement with the literature, 1a exhibits one of several pKas at 2.9 and 1b at 4.2. The 15N chemical shifts indicate that the corresponding deprotonation occurs partially in the pyridine and partially in the phenolic site, which compete for the remaining proton. The equilibrium constant of this ring-phenolate tautomerism was me...
Classification of plasma cell neoplasms

The plasma cell neoplasms are clonal proliferations of immunoglobulin (Ig)-producing plasma cells or lymphoplasmacytic cells that make and secrete a single class of Ig or a polypeptide subunit of Ig that is usually detectable as a monoclonal protein (M protein) in serum or urine. The plasma cell neoplasms range from asymptomatic disorders that may never develop clinical disease (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance) to more aggressive diseases with significant morbidity and mortality (plasma cell myeloma). The classification of plasma cell neoplasms is based on a combination of clinical and pathological parameters that takes into account the extent of disease (clonal plasma cell burden and level of M-protein) and evidence of end organ damage/dysfunction.
Somatic hypermutation and the three R's: repair, replication and recombination.

Somatic hypermutation introduces single base changes into the rearranged variable (V) regions of antigen activated B cells at a rate of approximately 1 mutation per kilobase per generation. This is nearly a million-fold higher than the typical mutation rate in a mammalian somatic cell. Rampant mutation at this level could have a devastating effect, but somatic hypermutation is accurately targeted and tightly regulated. Here, we provide an overview of immunoglobulin gene somatic hypermutation; discuss mechanisms of mutation in model organisms that may be relevant to the hypermutation mechanism; and review recent advances toward understanding the possible role(s) of DNA repair, replication, and recombination in this fascinating process.
Outage probability of wireless systems with linear and circular antenna arrays in correlated Nakagami fading channels

In this paper, the performance of wireless communication systems with antenna arrays and multiple interferers in correlated Nakagami fading channels is investigated. Closed-form expressions of the probability density function (PDF) of signal-to-noise-plus-interference ratio (SNIR), taking account of fading correlations and mutual coupling, are derived and both maximal ratio combining (MRC) and optimal combining (OC) are considered in the derivation. The expressions for the outage probabilities are then derived. Since fading correlations and mutual coupling are closely related to array geometry, performance for both linear and circular arrays are analyzed and numerical results are shown to illustrate the effects of array geometry, angular spread, fading, and so on.
Ask Not What Your Charity Can Do for You: Robertson v. Princeton Provides Liberal-Democratic Insights into Cy Pres Reform

This article centers on a long-standing problem in the law of public charity: how to ameliorate the force of restrictions imposed by donors on large gifts in the face of societal change. Seeking to advance personal beliefs or social agenda, donors of large gifts commonly limit the application of donated funds to particular programs. Under current law, such restrictions obtain in perpetuity. A restriction, if socially apposite when made, often functions as a dead hand upon the charity with the passage of time. What has long been sought by the legal community is a substantive standard by which to evaluate the continued social efficacy of these donor-imposed restrictions and to justify interpreting them more liberally in the face of change. This article sheds light on this challenge by first understanding these restrictions as private views of the public good, and by then locating charitable mission and in particular restricted gifts in the context of liberal democracy. At that point, we can discern the deep, normative reasons for which this criterion has eluded commentators, judges and legislatures operating in a tradition of political liberalism. This argument is grounded in John Rawls's use of the distinction, fundamental to liberal political thought, between the concepts of the right and the good, to locate within a liberal democracy certain claims about the public good. By way of illustration, this article also examines aspects of the ongoing legal dispute between the Robertson family and Princeton University. The Robertsons allege that the University has failed to comply with a restriction that the family imposed on a gift made decades earlier and, further, has applied Robertson funds far outside the compass of the grant. Now valued at almost $800 million, the gift represents 6% of Princeton's endowment. The Robertsons' gift was made in response to President Kennedy's challenge to Ask not what your country... The Robertsons claim that, consistent with the patriotic impulse that motivated the grant, funds were to be used to establish a graduate program to educate students for careers in the U.S. government. As one family's response to Kennedy's challenge to the nation, the Robertson restriction is a quintessential example of a private view of the public good. Within a few short years, however, the moment of idealism that inspired the gift came to an abrupt end with the assassination of Kennedy, the mire of Vietnam and other national embarrassments, and young people were not interested in working for the U.S. government. No case or controversy better illustrates the role that restricted gifts play in the charitable sector or demonstrates the particular inadequacies of the current law in guiding charities in their stewardship of such gifts over time.
Effects of estrogen in vivo on coronary vascular resistance in perfused rabbit hearts

Estrogen or its vehicle was given daily to three groups of ovariectomized rabbits for various lengths of time, after which coronary flow was measured in their isolated perfused hearts. In one group, intramuscular injections of estrogen (40 micrograms/kg) for 7 or 14 days increased coronary flow by 40-50% (P < 0.05). In rabbits given estrogen intramuscularly for 7 days, the coronary flow returned to the basal level within 7 days after the estrogen injections were discontinued. In a second group of animals, intravenous injections of estrogen (10 micrograms/kg) for 4 days increased the coronary flow by 45% (P < 0.01). In a third group, we administered the estrogen transdermally for 4 days, and we measured the plasma estrogen levels at the end of this period. The coronary flow in this group was increased by 52% (P < 0.001), and the plasma estrogen levels ranged from 39 to 800 pg/ml. In all groups of experiments, the increments in coronary flow evoked by estrogen were virtually abolished by NG-nitro-L-arginine, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. We conclude that estrogen regulates coronary blood flow, in part by upregulating nitric oxide synthase in the coronary vasculature.
Sound Radiation from a Rotor Partially Immersed in a Turbulent Boundary Layer

This paper we will consider the sound radiation from a rotor that is partially immersed in a wall boundary layer. Experimental measurements for this configuration have been previously presented by Alexander et al. (2013) and the theoretical framework for the broadband noise prediction, based on a time domain approach, is described by Glegg et al(2014). In this paper we will show results comparing the measurements with predictions. It is found that at low thrust the prediction method works well, but it fails to predict the sound levels at BPF that were measured for the high thrust conditions. RANS calculations of the flow around the propeller clearly identify that this additional sound is caused by a blade vortex interaction that can occur when rotors are located near flat surfaces.
Synchronized Aromaticity as an Enthalpic Driving Force for the Aromatic Cope Rearrangement

We report herein experimental and theoretical evidence for an aromatic Cope rearrangement. Along with several successful examples, our data include the first isolation and full characterization of the putative intermediate that is formed immediately after the initial [3,3] sigmatropic rearrangement. Calculations at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level of theory predict reaction energy barriers in the range 22-23 kcal/mol for the [3,3]-rearrangement consistent with the exceptionally mild reaction conditions for these reactions. The experimental and computational results support a significant enthalpic contribution of the concomitant pyrazole ring formation that serves as both a kinetic and thermodynamic driving force for the aromatic Cope rearrangement.
Trauma, Stress, and Coping Among Older Adults in Prison: Towards a Human Rights and Intergenerational Family Justice Action Agenda

Although there is a growing body of research on older adults and coping in prison, many inquiries about areas of concern remain unanswered. Specifically, what are the primary traumatic experiences and stressors of the incarceration experience and how do incarcerated older adults, many of whom have s
Something to Hide: Clinton's Misuse of Executive Privilege

quest, citing national security or some other compelling need. In the Lewinsky scandal, the president and some of his advisers (including the first lady) asserted executive privilege to thwart the investigation of the Office of Independent Counsel (OIC), while they claimed that they only wished to protect a constitutional principle for future administrations. Executive privilege is a controversial power. Some scholars
Volumes sampled for hardness and for modulus of elasticity during nanoindentation testing

In this article, the sizes of the volumes sampled by nanoindentation tests for hardness and modulus measurements are studied using finite element simulations. The zones of influence for hardness and modulus in single-phase systems are determined by modeling a hemispherical particle in a matrix, with properties close to those of each other, and monitoring the deviation of the measured values from those of the particle. It is found that, for hardness testing of elastic-perfectly plastic materials, the intrinsic hardness of the particle is measured as long as the plastic region is still within the particle, i.e., the contact radius is one half or less of the particle radius. Thus, in a hardness test of a single-phase material, all of the plastically deforming material, and only the plastically deforming material, contributes to the hardness measured. In contrast, the zone influencing the modulus is not restricted to a specific volume near the indenter. The modulus measured from the elastic response at the indentation point is dependent upon the entire specimen. A relationship is developed to describe the observed behavior of the measured modulus, that holds true for both sink-in and pile-up material behavior and for different indenter cone angles.
Near-point string: Simple method to demonstrate anticipated near point for multifocal and accommodating intraocular lenses

We present a technique that uses a near-point string to demonstrate the anticipated near point of multifocal and accommodating intraocular lenses (IOLs). Beads are placed on the string at distances corresponding to the near points for diffractive and accommodating IOLs. The string is held up to the patient's eye to demonstrate where each of the IOLs is likely to provide the best near vision. Financial Disclosure None of the authors has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Clinical Application and Pharmacodynamic Monitoring of Apixaban in a Patient with End-Stage Renal Disease Requiring Chronic Hemodialysis

Despite prescribing guidance, limited data exist to describe the use of apixaban in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring hemodialysis (HD). Current apixaban dosing recommendations for this patient population are based largely on a single-dose pharmacokinetic study of eight patients. We describe the clinical application and pharmacodynamic monitoring of apixaban in a 62-year-old 156-kg African-American woman with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and ESRD requiring hemodialysis who developed calciphylaxis while receiving warfarin therapy. Based on a multidisciplinary clinical judgment decision due to concern for drug accumulation after multiple doses in patients with ESRD receiving HD, she was anticoagulated with apixaban 2.5 mg twice/day, as opposed to 5 mg twice/day as recommended by the package insert. Antifactor Xa monitoring was used, and resultant peak and trough apixaban concentrations were above the upper limit of detection for our clinical laboratory (more than 2.00 IU/ml). On day 7 of her hospitalization, the patient developed gastrointestinal bleeding, and apixaban was discontinued; no further clinical signs of bleeding occurred during her subsequent hospitalization course. Use of the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale indicated a probable relationship (score of 6) between apixaban exposure and the manifestation of gastrointestinal bleeding. The patient ultimately died 44 days after the acute bleeding event; however, coagulation concerns were not implicated in the patient's death. To our knowledge, this is the first case report that describes apixaban use and associated antifactor Xa monitoring in a patient with ESRD receiving HD, and it provides concern for current apixaban dosing recommendations in this patient population. Further pharmacokinetic and clinical data are likely necessary to better characterize apixaban use in these patients to optimize safety and efficacy.
The Advantages and Limitations of Using Meta-analysis in Human Resource Management Research

Abstract This article provides an introduction to the special issue titled “Using meta-analysis to advance research in human resource management.” It begins by defining meta-analysis and considering the advantages and limitations of using this method in HRM research. For instance, we argued that meta-analysis is a valuable tool because (a) it provides a better estimate of the relation that exists in the population than single studies, (b) the estimates are more precise because there is an increased amount of data and statistical power, (c) hypothesis testing and biases associated with publications can be examined, and (d) it helps resolve inconsistencies in research, and identifies potential moderating or mediating variables. However, we also maintained that there are a number of limitations associated with the method. For example, the results of meta-analysis may be limited by the (a) selection of an incomplete set of studies, (b) inclusion of studies that lack internal, external, construct, and statistical conclusion validity, (c) presence of studies with small sample sizes, and (d) heterogeneity of methods used in studies that may lead to erroneous inferences. Finally, the article presents a brief review of the studies included in the special issue.
Left Cardiac Sympathetic Denervation in Long QT Syndrome Analysis of Therapeutic Nonresponders

Background— Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a potentially lethal but highly treatable cardiac channelopathy. Treatment options include pharmacotherapy, device therapy, and left cardiac sympathetic denervation (LCSD). Here, we sought to determine the characteristics of LQTS patients who have had ≥1 LQTS-related breakthrough cardiac event (BCE) after LCSD. Methods and Results— We performed retrospective chart review for 52 consecutive patients (24 males; mean age at diagnosis, 10.0±10 years; mean QTc, 528±74 ms) with LQTS who underwent LCSD between 2005 and 2010 (mean age at LCSD, 14.1±10 years) and have been followed up for 3.6±1.3 years. A BCE was defined as either (1) an appropriate ventricular fibrillation-terminating implantable cardioverter defibrillator shock or (2) arrhythmogenic syncope, seizures, or aborted cardiac arrest after LCSD. Thirty-three patients (61%) had LCSD as primary prevention because of either high-risk assessment or β-blocker intolerance. So far, 12 of 52 (23%) patients (7 males) have experienced ≥1 BCE post LCSD. The clinical phenotype of patients with BCEs was significantly more severe than patients without a BCE. No BCEs were seen in patients undergoing LCSD for β-blocker intolerance (0/12 versus 17/40; P <0.001). Conclusions— Although a marked reduction in number of cardiac events is usually seen after LCSD, ≈50% of high-risk LQTS patients have experienced ≥1 post-LCSD breakthrough. Therefore, LCSD must not be viewed as curative or as an alternative in implantable cardioverter defibrillator for high-risk patients. Prophylactic LCSD may provide another option to counter a suboptimal quality of life resulting from medication-related side effects.
Electric-Hydraulic Correlations in Layered Aquifers: A Case Study of the Surficial Aquifer of Emirate Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

ABSTRACT Longitudinal conductance and transverse resistance are bulk electrical properties of a geoelectric formation and can be correlated with the bulk transmissivity of an aquifer within the formation. In aquifers that are electrically-resistive relative to adjacent layers in a horizontally layered Earth, bulk transverse resistance has been shown to correlate with aquifer transmisivity. Conversely, in aquifers that are electrically-conductive relative to adjacent layers, a correlation between bulk longitudinal conductance and aquifer transmissivity has been demonstrated. In both cases, previous investigations have relied on small datasets that have yielded coefficients of determination (R2) that are typically in the range of 0.6 to 0.7 to substantiate these relations. This paper explores electric-hydraulic relations of the surficial aquifer of Emirate Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, by using a larger dataset compared to previous studies of these relations. Geophysical logs from 26 wells are used to co...
The Role for Cardiologists in Stroke Intervention

Even though cardiovascular disease (CVD) is still the leading cause of death in the United States, stroke is the second leading global cause of death behind CVD. In the 21st Century, less than 40% of overall stroke patients are discharged to home and almost 25% of Medicare beneficiaries do not survive 90 days. In spite of the fact that tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) has been approved for stroke care for 20 years, only .75% of annual strokes are actually treated with intravenous (IV) TPA. Similar to how interventional cardiologists evolved from IV to catheter mechanical treatment for acute myocardial infarctions (AMI) over 30 years ago, over the last few years, neurointerventionists now perform endovascular stroke therapy in many of these patients using stent retrievers. However, very few stroke patients are actually getting treatment, and neurointerventionists on an average perform only 8 stroke interventions per year. It has been recently shown that 9 out of 10 strokes can be prevented by controlling CVD risk factors. A principal job for cardiologists is to recognize and manage these CVD risk factors in addition to being involved with performing intervention. Atrial Fibrillation is certainly a common problem in all of our practices and puts people at five-fold higher risk of stroke. Cardiovascular cardiology teams already have 24/7 coverage for acute interventions for AMI in place at their facilities. A number of groups have replicated acute stroke care performed by cardiologists at centers worldwide with outstanding results. It makes sense that we try to build a collaboration among neuroradiologists, interventional cardiologists and perhaps vascular or neurosurgeons with expertise in acute endovascular procedures to develop programs for acute and active 24/7 stroke care similar to systems for primary angioplasty for AMI.
Antimicrobial activity of AmBisome and non-liposomal amphotericin B following uptake of Candida glabrata by murine epidermal Langerhans cells

The antifungal efficacy and cellular toxicity of AmBisome® and non-liposomal amphotericin B were compared in cultured epidermal Langerhans cells infected with Candida glabrata. Uptake of the yeast was determined by light and electron microscopy, and viability was assessed by plating dilutions of lysates from yeast-infected Langerhans cells and counting colony forming units. The Candida-infected Langerhans cells were incubated for 6, 24 or 48 h with 12·5 mg ml−1 of AmBisome or non-liposomal amphotericin B, non-drug-containing liposomes or media. Intracellular C. glabrata incubated with media or non-drug-containing liposomes showed a 2 log increase in cfu, and microscopic examination revealed budding yeast within the Langerhans cells. Both liposomal and non-liposomal amphotericin B treatment reduced intracellular growth of C. glabrata by 5 logs over 48 h of incubation. A morphometric analysis of cell ultrastructure demonstrated that AmBisome-treated Langerhans cells retained their cell architecture, but Langerhans cells treated with non-liposomal amphotericin B were characterized by the absence of intact organelles, disrupted non-granular cytoplasm and the presence of many large vacuoles. In conclusion, AmBisome was significantly less toxic for epidermal Langerhans cells than amphotericin B, but demonstrated comparable antifungal efficacy. After 48 h of drug exposure, both forms of amphotericin B effectively inhibited intracellular growth of C. glabrata, but only AmBisome did not damage the Langerhans cells.
Self-efficacy, teacher concerns, and levels of implementation among teachers participating in drama-based instruction professional development

This mixed methods study seeks to explore the relationships between teacher concerns, self-efficacy, and level of comfort with the implementation of drama-based instruction (DBI) within a large-scale initiative to increase learning opportunities through the arts. This study was embedded in a year-long professional development program during which teachers either (a) attended three school-wide in-service trainings (‘non-cadre teachers’) or (b) participated in a small group (‘cadre teachers’) that received ongoing, focused support from a teaching artist throughout the year in addition to the school-wide training. Significant differences were present in cadre teachers’ comfort with the reform as compared to non-cadre teachers both at the beginning and end of the reform. Additionally, self-efficacy and comfort with DBI were significantly related at both the beginning and end of the year. Teachers who were more comfortable with DBI appeared to progress to higher order concerns regarding the reform. We ...
Aiding behavior vs. fear in the albino rat

Fifty-eight albino rats were individually exposed to a second rat being shocked. The Ss did not exercise their option of pressing a bar which would have terminated the shock but rather exhibited clear signs of fear. The fear response persisted and bar pressing did not occur even when tape recorded rat squeaks were presented alone.
Open-domain Commonsense Reasoning Using Discourse Relations from a Corpus of Weblog Stories

We present a method of extracting open-domain commonsense knowledge by applying discourse parsing to a large corpus of personal stories written by Internet authors. We demonstrate the use of a linear-time, joint syntax/discourse dependency parser for this purpose, and we show how the extracted discourse relations can be used to generate open-domain textual inferences. Our evaluations of the discourse parser and inference models show some success, but also identify a number of interesting directions for future work.
Laparoscopic Implantation of Electrodes for Stimulation of the Hypogastric Nerve and the Vas Deferens in Dogs

The minimal invasiveness of laparoscopy prompted us to investigate its use for placement of electrodes for stimulation of the hypogastric nerve and the vas deferens. In an acute canine model, pressure changes in the vas deferens secondary to electrostimulation were recorded. The laparoscopic approach included four ports. Monopolar cuff electrodes were placed around the hypogastric nerve and the vas deferens, and the leads of both were pulled through the abdominal wall. After multiple percutaneous stimulations (20 mAmp., 20 Hz. and 200 microsecond pulse width), the abdomen was opened through a midline incision to check the position of the electrodes. Electrostimulation was repeated with the abdomen open. Electrostimulation of both the hypogastric nerve and vas deferens resulted in marked pressure rises in the vas. These increases were similar in response to both surface and percutaneous stimulation. We thus believe that laparoscopic implantation of electrodes followed by percutaneous preliminary stimulation of the superior hypogastric plexus or the vas deferens may be a viable future approach to anejaculation.
Harmonic Analyses of Wound Rotor and Inverter Systems

ABSTRACT Line-commutated (synchronous) inverters and double output systems (inverter and wound rotor induction generator) are wind energy components which generate harmonic distortion that is of concern to interconnecting utilities. As a result, the Rocky Flats Wind Energy Research Center has conducted an investigation into the power quality of these components by analyzing the harmonic distortion of five different test system configurations: 1) a 1−1/2 MVA fluid wall incinerator with a three-phase converter; 2) a single phase, 4 kW line-commutated inverter; 3) a self-excited wound rotor induction generator with a three-phase, 20 kW inverter; 4) a double output system in a Darrieus wind turbine; and 5) a three-phase double output system. Voltage and current waveforms were analyzed with a spectrum analyzer using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). Preliminary results and conclusions of this study are presented herein. Additional analyses of power quality are ongoing at Rocky Flats, and results will be published as they become available.