cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MINERALOGICAL TRANSFORMATIONS DURING WEATHERING OF LIGNITE OVERBURDEN IN EAST TEXAS

Mineralogical weathering sequences in sediments overlying lignite beds were investigated in a core (27 m deep) from Calvert, Robertson County, northeast Texas. Weathering trends were evaluated based on the properties and relative distributions of both the expandable and non-expandable minerals. The sulfide minerals in these sediments are the most susceptible to weathering and were only observed in the unaltered (reduced) zone below 7 m. Oxidation of the sulfides has resulted in the formation of jarosite and gypsum in the upper 7 m of the core (oxidized zone). The oxidized zone is further characterized by reddish brown colors (high chroma), a greater quantity of dithionite-extractable iron, and absence of chlorite. Although the major clay minerals in these sediments (smectite, kaolinite, mica) are largely detrital, weathering has resulted in an increase in the content of kaolinite and a decrease in the content of mica towards the surface. The mica appears to have altered to a high-charge smectite characterized by basal spacings of 32 Â after intercalation with octadecylammonium cations. The high-charge smectite is most abundant in the soil horizons at the top of the core and gradually decreases with depth. A low-charge smectite is the most abundant species in the un weathered parent sediments and increases with depth. Key Words—Lignite, Oxidation, Reclamation, Smectite, Soil, Weathering.
Characteristics of Hypoxic Cells that Enhance their Susceptibility to Chemical Injury

All mammalian cells can tolerate some period of severe hypoxia or anoxia without irreversible injury. This condition, termed neahypoxia, is a relatively common occurrence that can predispose cells to irreversible injury from chemical, physical and biological agents. The purpose of this brief review is to summarize some of our recent studies on cellular responses to neahypoxia that enhance susceptibility to chemical injury.
Generalized Nilpotent Groups

Let X be a class of groups: by a class of generalized X-groups we mean a class of groups Y such that every X-group is a Y-group and such that every finite Y-group is an X-group, i.e.
Vertically Aligned Arrays of BaTiO3 Nanowires

Barium titanate (BaTiO3) nanowires have gained considerable research interest due to their lead-free composition and strong energy conversion efficiency. However, most research has focused on free-standing BaTiO3 nanowires, which are hard to apply for sensing and energy harvesting. Here, a novel method for the growth of vertically aligned BaTiO3 nanowire arrays on a conductive substrate is developed, and their electromechanical coupling behavior is directly evaluated to yield the strain coupling coefficient. The preparation of vertically aligned BaTiO3 nanowire arrays is based on a two-step hydrothermal reaction by first growing oriented rutile TiO2 nanowire arrays and then converting them to BaTiO3 while simultaneously retaining their morphology. A refined piezoelectric force microscopy (PFM) testing method is applied to demonstrate the piezoelectric behavior of BaTiO3 nanowires in the longitude direction. The piezoelectric response (d33 = 43 ± 2 pm/V) of the BaTiO3 nanowires is measured to demonstrate t...
LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE LIGATION IN PATIENTS WITH ATRIAL FIBRILLATION LEADS TO A DECREASE IN ATRIAL DISPERSION

Left atrial appendage (LAA) exclusion has been performed in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) to prevent thrombus formation and subsequent cardioembolic events. The purpose of this study was to evaluate effects of LAA exclusion on P-wave characteristics and LA electrical remodeling. Twelve
Cloning and sequence analysis of partial rDNA fragment from a Biomphalaria snail collected in Shenzhen reservoir

Objective To clone and analyze the sequences of rDNA fragment of a Biomphalaria snail collected atShenzhen reservoir. Methods The r DNA fragment extracted from a Biomphalaria snail collected in Shenzhen reservoir wasamplified by PCR and ligated with plasmid p MD-18 T to construct recombinant plasmids, and transformed into E.coli JM109.Positive bacteria clones were identified by double enzymes digestion methods. The sequence of inserted r DNA fragments wasdetermined and analyzed with BLAST and MEGA4 software. Results The amplified r DNA fragment of the Biomphalariasnail was about 959 bp in length. As aligned with the corresponding sequences of 8 isolates from Biomphalaria snails in theGen Bank database, the nucleotides had a homogeneity of 99% with 3 isolates of B. kuhniana, 98% with 2 isolates B. straminea,and 96%~97% with 2 isolates of B. amazonica and 1 isolate of B. intermedia,respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based onneighbor-joining(NJ) and minimum evolution(ME) methods indicated the snail have close genetic association with B.kuhnianaisolates. Conclusion The r DNA fragments of the Biomphalaria snail was cloned, whose characteristics was close to that ofB.kuhniana snails.
Pitfalls in determination of leak point pressure.

Abstract To evaluate the influence of the technical aspects of leak point pressure measurement we performed water cystometry and determined the leak point pressure in 23 patients 5 weeks to 21 years old with neurogenic bladders. We initially assessed the influence of catheter size on the leak point pressure and determined that the measured pressure varied in direct proportion to the catheter diameter. We further evaluated the effect of the method of infusion (gravity drip versus pump) and the infusion rate on pressures measured by a transducer in an in vitro setting. Using the gravity drip infusion technique pressure measurement was adversely affected by smaller catheter size and rapid infusion rate. With the pump infusion system neither catheter size nor infusion rate adversely affected pressure measurement. We conclude that the clinical measurement of the leak point pressure during water cystometry is influenced by the catheter size, and it is dependent upon the technique and rate of infusion. We believe that standardization of the technical aspects of leak point pressure determination would provide for reproducible results and facilitate comparisons of reports among different investigators.
Renal actions of neuropeptide Y in the primate.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide contained in sympathetic nerve terminals and is co-released with norepinephrine. Previous studies in the rat have suggested that NPY influences renal sodium reabsorption and renin release. However, little is known about the physiological effects of NPY on the kidney in the human. In the present study NPY was infused intravenously and directly into the renal artery of the primate Macaca fascicularis, an experimental model of the human. Intravenous NPY infusion at doses of 20-1,000 ng.kg-1.min-1 produced dose-dependent rises in renal vascular resistance with minimal changes in arterial pressure. Urine flow and sodium excretion were changed significantly only at doses of NPY that significantly reduced renal blood flow and filtration rate. Arterial plasma renin activity and renin secretion rate were not significantly altered at any dose of NPY. Intrarenal infusion of NPY at doses of 20-400 ng.kg-1.min-1 produced potent dose-dependent renal vasoconstriction with minimal changes in arterial pressure. Under these conditions sodium excretion was significantly reduced concurrent with decreases in renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate. However, no significant changes in arterial plasma renin activity or renin secretion rate were found at any dose of NPY. These data indicate that in the nonhuman primate NPY is a potent renal vasoconstrictor agent that has variable effects on renal excretory and secretory function, which may be secondary to its vasoconstrictor actions.
Visual Performance of Non-Native Versus Native English Speakers on a Sideline Concussion Screen: An Objective Look at Eye Movement Recordings (I13.002)

Objective: We performed a laboratory-based eye movement study during performance of the King-Devick (KD) test of rapid number naming. We sought to determine if having English as a second language results in slower KD reading times or changes in eye movements. Background: The KD test, a sensitive, rapid performance measure, adds a visual dimension to sideline testing for concussion. Methods: We tested 27 native English speakers (NES) (mean age 32) and 27 subjects for whom English was a second language (ESL) (mean age 34). Participants had no history of concussion. Participants performed a computerized version of the KD. Simultaneous infrared-based videooculographic (VOG) recordings were performed using the Eyelink1000+. A Bilingual Dominance Scale (BDS) survey, which quantifies primary versus secondary language dominance, was completed by all ESL subjects. Results: Digitized KD reading times were significantly prolonged for ESL participants, compared to NES (54.4 ± 15.4 sec vs. 42.8 ± 8.6 sec, p=0.001, t-test). Average intersaccadic intervals (ISI), a combined measure of saccade latency and fixation duration, were significantly longer for ESL participants (402 ± 116.9 msec vs. 317.7 ± 53.9 msec, p=0.002, t-test). The total number of saccades for ESL participants was significantly higher (149 ± 28 vs. 135 ± 18, p=0.03, t-test). Conclusions: This study highlights performance disparities that linguistics may impose on rapid number-naming tasks. Concussion screening is best implemented by establishment of pre-season baselines to allow for intra-subject comparisons after impact in sport. If pre-season baseline data are unavailable, caution should be taken in comparing non-native English speaker reading times to a NES normative control KD time database. Disclosure: Dr. Dempsey has nothing to disclose. Dr. Birkemeier has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hudson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dai has nothing to disclose. Dr. Selesnick has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hasanaj has nothing to disclose. Dr. Balcer has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec and Genzyme as a consultant. Dr. Galetta has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec and Genzyme as a consultant. Dr. Rucker has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for AAN Continuum. Dr. Rizzo has nothing to disclose.
RADIOACTIVE WASTE IN THE FRESHWATER ENVIRONMENT

ABSTRACT Research on the behavior and effects of radionuclides in freshwater environments has provided information to estimate doses to humans who utilize aquatic resources. We need to refine these estimates in order to remove uncertanties which concern the general public about the environmental effects of nuclear power. Efforts to preserve our biotic resources to assure environmental quality in the future are necessary but no effective method of considering the value of aquatic biota has been developed. The spectrum of radionuclides produced and released to freshwater environments from nuclear facilities includes those originating from nuclear technology as well as naturally occurring radionuclides. The environmental behavior and effects of these materials have been the subject of studies dating back to the 1940's when monitoring and research programs were initiated on the Columbia River and White Oak Lake. The concern, expressed early in the nuclear era, has continued until the present as responsible individuals have attempted to protect ecosystems of which man is a member from excessive radiation exposure. The purpose of this paper is to review some of the research concerning with radioactive waste releases to freshwater environments and to place these in perspective with respect to present and future needs for assessments of environmental costs. Radioecologists have utilized two approaches in studying radioactive materials released to the environment depending on their research objectives. The first approach has been to investigate the behavior of radionuclides as they are transported from their source by environmental transport mechanisms to their ultimate “sink” in the environment. This approach is basically biogeochemical in that the radionuclides are expected to be transported by physical and biological processes in the same manner as stable chemical elements of the same form.
Magnetoelastic properties of antiferromagnetically coupled magnetic composite media

We study the magnetic response of a ferromagnetic bilayer with antiferromagnetic coupling, where the layers experience magnetostrictive strains and epitaxial misfit strains. These strains cause the layers to stretch and bend as the magnetic spins of the layers rotate, resulting in elastic energy that adds to the magnetic energy of the system. The magnetic and elastic energies are computed as a function of spin direction in each layer for a given set of material and geometric parameters. By finding the rotations that minimize the total energy, we compute magnetic hysteresis loops for different combinations of magnetic and elastic parameters. The elastic contribution is reflected in the transitions at the corners of the hysteresis curves as well as in the coercive field of the main loop. The details of the elastic contribution depend in a complicated way on the magnetostriction of the layers, the epitaxial strain, the magnetic anisotropies, and the system geometry.
Optimal Productivity in Labor-Intensive Construction Operations: Pilot Study

AbstractOptimal productivity is the highest sustainable productivity level achievable under good management and typical working conditions. Accordingly, optimal productivity provides the foundation for determining the absolute efficiency of construction operations because an accurate estimate of optimal productivity enables the comparison between actual versus optimal rather than actual versus historical productivity. This research contributes to the current body of knowledge by introducing a two-prong strategy for estimating optimal productivity in labor-intensive construction operations and by applying this strategy to a pilot study on the replacement of electrical lighting fixtures. The first prong, or top-down approach, estimates the upper limit of optimal productivity by introducing system inefficiencies into the productivity frontier—the productivity achieved under perfect conditions. This study uses a qualitative factor model to identify this upper limit. The second prong, or bottom-up approach, es...
YOU CAN'T FOOL ME! OR CAN YOU? ASSIMILATION AND CONTRAST EFFECTS ON CONSUMERS' EVALUATIONS OF PRODUCT AUTHENTICITY IN THE ONLINE ENVIRONMENT

The majority of counterfeit products originate in East Asia. However, with help of online marketplaces, these products are disseminated all across the globe significantly and negatively impacting the marketplace. Therefore, a robust understanding as to how the presence of such products impact consumer perceptions of item authenticity is warranted. In light of a consumer’s ability to compare product offerings online, this paper looks to contrast and assimilation effects to determine how consumers may perceive a product’s authenticity. A framework and propositions for research in this area are offered as well as theoretical and managerial implications.
A Benefit of Randomness in Synaptic Vesicle Release

Noise is not only a source of disturbance, but it also can be beneficial for neuronal information processing. The release of neurotransmitter vesicles in synapses is an unreliable process, especially in the central nervous system. Here we show that the probabilistic nature of neurotransmitter release directly influences the functional role of a synapse, and that a small probability of release per docked vesicle helps reduce the error in the reconstruction of desired signals from the time series of vesicle release events.
Examination of the Oligomerization Mechanism of SOD1 In Vitro and in Live Cells

The dimeric β-barrel protein Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) is an optimal model system for investigating the molecular basis for toxicity in ALS. Mutations throughout the β-barrel sequence are causative for ALS and implicated in the gain-of-function toxicity. The occurrence of mutations at dozens of sites suggests a common mechanism of toxicity for SOD1 disease causing variants. Previous biophysical and structural data on SOD1 and its variants have established a fairly detailed understanding of its folding energy landscape. A key finding is that ALS-variants of SOD1 lead to enhanced populations of both folded and unfolded monomeric forms of SOD1. An unresolved question, however, is the mechanism of oligomerization and toxicity of SOD1 variants. To address this question, we present an aggregation assay that matches physiological conditions as much as possible, avoiding denaturants, fluorinated alcohols and agitation. Our results, based on the analysis of the WT protein and several variants, suggest that the oligomerization rate is correlated with the population of the unfolded monomer. Furthermore, although a secondary nucleation mechanism has been proposed as a key step in SOD1 aggregation our results, obtained without agitation, are best fitted with a crystallization-like nucleation model without fragmentation. We test the consistency of in vitro and live cell data by performing fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) measurements on live HEK293 cells expressing EGFP fusion constructs of WT and disease causing SOD1 variants. Preliminary quantitative modeling of the FCS data suggest consistency in the propagation rates between in vitro and live cell data. The implication of the unfolded monomer of SOD1 suggests that small-molecules stabilizing the dimeric native state can be used as a potential therapeutic strategy.This research was supported by NIH grant GM54836.
Geriatric Orthopaedics: a New Paradigm for Management of Older Patients

Fragility fractures have become a worldwide epidemic that has necessitated a paradigm shift in how we approach the care for elderly orthopaedic patients. There is a great need for subspecialty trained orthopaedic surgeons to help bridge the gap and help with transition of care in geriatric orthopaedic patients. Not only are the surgical needs of elderly patients different than younger patients but often the complexity of co-morbidities and bio-psychosocial needs are important considerations for patient care and outcomes. Geriatric orthopaedic fellowship training is a crucial paradigm shift to provide the most efficient, safe, supportive, and cost-effective musculoskeletal healthcare for elderly patients.
Why Hire a Doctor of Nursing Practice-Prepared Nurse? The Value Added Impact of the Practice Doctorate

Nursing leaders are essential in promoting the doctor of nursing practice (DNP)-prepared nurse in various innovative roles (Nichols, O'Connor, & Dunn, 2014). However, according to the recently released RAND study, The DNP by 2015: A Study of the Institutional, Political, and Professional Issues That Facilitate or Impede Establishing a Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice Program (Auerbach et al., 2014) employers and health care organizations need outreach and data to understand the added competencies and capabilities of DNP-educated nurses. Practicing DNPs are in an excellent position to demonstrate and educate our executive colleagues. The purpose of this article is (a) to foster nursing leadership's understanding of the uniquely prepared nursing practice doctorate, (b) to illustrate how the DNP-prepared nurse is being integrated/used to their potential within health care systems to maximize clinical and population health outcomes, and (c) to issue a call to action for nursing leadership to engage the DNP-prepared nurse to accomplish organizational goals.
Should Your Genes Be Subject To Patents? No, Says a New ACLU Lawsuit.

Who, if anyone, should own the information contained in your genes? Humans have thousands of genes contained in 23 pairs of chromosomes. These genes create the blueprint for our biology and determine who we are, what we look like, and, in some cases, what diseases we will get. There is a lot at stake, both medically and financially, in deciding who owns this knowledge. The burgeoning understanding of the genetic code has spawned the field of genomics, which holds the prospect of tailoring medical care to each person’s individual makeup. This new area of medicine has the potential to save countless lives. It has already led to clinical tests to assess the risk of various serious diseases, including several forms of cancer. The success of genomics is a result of the combined efforts of university research, which has generated many of the basic discoveries, and private corporations, which have developed commercial applications. It is, in effect, a team effort that has produced breakthroughs in many areas of medicine. The tests that are available to clinicians today have flowed from the contributions of both efforts. Whereas academia and industry form the partnership that moves genetic medicine forward, their modes of operation differ quite a bit. In one important way, this difference has dramatic legal implications—the protection granted to the intellectual property that underpins their efforts, in other words, ownership rights to the genetic information involved. Academia relies on the wide dissemination of knowledge; private industry relies, to a greater extent, on the exclusive use of knowledge. Most companies that commercialize genetic technologies seek patent protection for the information on which they rely. This means that for a period of 20 years, they effectively own it. Many academic researchers, as well as some clinicians, claim that this exclusive use inhibits their ability to further advance knowledge or to fully translate discoveries into benefits for patients. These conflicting goals have created a considerable legal controversy that remains unresolved. A lawsuit filed in May by a group of plaintiffs led by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) seeks to produce greater clarity by restricting gene patent rights.
Brachytherapy in the Management of Retinoblastoma

Among the different options for the treatment of retinoblastoma, plaque brachytherapy has become an important tool, as either the primary or the secondary modality, in selected cases.
Congestion Control Mechanisms for ATM Networks

In this paper, we survey the congestion control mechanisms which have been proposed for ATM networks. Much discussion has ensued on whether preventive or reactive congestion control mechanisms are best suited for use in ATM networks. We argue that a single congestion control mechanism cannot be optimal for serving the needs of all connections, due to the heterogeneous nature of traffic sources and the service requirements in ATM networks. We focus on comparing the effectiveness of congestion control mechanisms for managing the resource needs of particular types of connections.
Localization and Regulation of the T1 Unimolecular Spanin.

Spanins are bacteriophage lysis proteins responsible for disruption of the outer membrane, the final step of Gram-negative host lysis. The absence of spanins results in a terminal phenotype of fragile spherical cells. The phage T1 employs a unimolecular spanin gp11 that has an N-terminal lipoylation signal and a C-terminal transmembrane domain. Upon maturation and localization, gp11 ends up as an outer membrane lipoprotein with a C-terminal transmembrane domain embedded in the inner membrane, thus connecting both membranes as a covalent polypeptide chain. Unlike the two-component spanins encoded by most of the other phages, including lambda, the unimolecular spanins have not been studied extensively. In this work, we show that the gp11 mutants lacking either membrane localization signal were nonfunctional and conferred a partially dominant phenotype. Translation from internal start sites within the gp11 coding sequence generated a shorter product which exhibited a negative regulatory effect on gp11 function. Fluorescence spectroscopy time-lapse videos of gp11-GFP expression showed gp11 accumulated in distinct punctate foci, suggesting localized clusters assembled within the peptidoglycan meshwork. In addition, gp11 was shown to mediate lysis in the absence of holin and endolysin function when peptidoglycan density was depleted by starvation for murein precursors. This result indicates that the peptidoglycan is a negative regulator of gp11 function. This supports a model in which gp11 acts by fusing the inner and outer membranes, a mode of action analogous to but mechanistically distinct from that proposed for the two-component spanin systems. IMPORTANCE Spanins have been proposed to fuse the cytoplasmic and outer membranes during phage lysis. Recent work with the lambda spanins Rz-Rz1, which are similar to class I viral fusion proteins, has shed light on the functional domains and requirements for two-component spanin function. Here we report, for the first time, a genetic and biochemical approach to characterize unimolecular spanins, which are structurally and mechanistically different from two-component spanins. Considering similar predicted secondary structures within the ectodomains, unimolecular spanins can be regarded as a prokaryotic version of type II viral membrane fusion proteins. This study not only adds to our understanding of regulation of phage lysis at various levels but also provides a prokaryotic genetically tractable platform for interrogating class II-like membrane fusion proteins.
Mimicking Factor VIII to Manage the Factor VIII-Deficient State.

Hemophilia A is an X-linked disorder caused by defective factor VIII, which until now has involved factor VIII replacement to treat and prevent bleeding in joints, muscles, and other body cavities....
Predicting Outcome in Head and Neck Cancer: miRNAs with potentially big effects

A five-miRNA signature for human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) identifies patients at risk for inferior outcomes. Combining established clinical variables with this novel miRNA signature affords an opportunity to personalize and intensify treatment strategies in this high-risk patient population.See related article by Hess et al., p. 1505.
Successful Black Males at a Hispanic Serving Community

The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to understand experiences of Black males who successfully graduated from a northeast Hispanic serving community college (HSCC). The local model of successful minority students (LMSMS) was used as the conceptual framework for this study. There were two groups of participants, Black males who participated in a minority male initiative program and Black males who did not. The findings revealed that: 1) Black males at the HSCC faced both internal and external barriers that impeded their persistence to graduation, 2) Black male student engagement with similar peers and in cohort programs improved persistence and graduation, 3) Black males who created an internal “family” that encompassed faculty, peers, and staff at the institution were able to persist to graduation, 4) the lack of organization at the institution was a discouragement that Black males had to overcome to successfully persist to graduation.
Stochastic Dynamics of a Ferromagnetic Vortex Revealed by Single-Spin Magnetometry

Fast manipulation of nanoscale magnetic textures, such as vortices and skyrmions, underlies devices proposed for next-generation magnetic memory, logic, and sensing. Understanding the switching processes in these structures requires a probe with both nanometer spatial resolution and nanosecond time resolution. This study combines time-resolved magneto-optical microscopy and single-spin magnetometry to unveil the switching of a magnetic vortex between pinning sites, in response to a short magnetic field pulse. The complex dependence of switching probability on pulse duration is explained, revealing a path toward the fast, reliable control required for future nanomagnetic technology.
Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma

Introduction:On November 21 and 22 of 2016, Victoria witnessed an unprecedented epidemic thunderstorm asthma emergency event in size acuity and impact. This scenario was never exercised nor contemplated. The event resulted in a 73% increase in calls to the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority and 814 ambulance cases in the six hours from 6 pm on November 21, 2016. A 58% increase in people presented to public hospital emergency departments in Melbourne and Geelong on November 21 and 22, 2016 (based on the three-year average). 313 calls were made to the nurse on call from people with breathing, respiratory, and allergy problems (compared to an average of 63 calls for the previous month). Tragically, ten deaths are linked to this event.Methods:A substantial amount of work has been completed, much of which goes towards addressing the Inspector-General for Emergency Management recommendations following a review of the event, including: Release of an epidemic thunderstorm asthma campaign and education programs which were rolled out across Victoria for the community and health professionals from September through November 2017;Development of a new epidemic thunderstorm asthma forecasting system on 1 October 2017 and updated warning protocols during the 2017 grass pollen season;Implementation of a Real-time Health Emergency Monitoring System to alert the department of demands on public hospital emergency departments on the system; andIntroduction of a new State Health Emergency Response Plan in October 2017 to improve coordination and communications before and during a health emergency.Discussion:The presentation will concentrate on the lessons learned more than two years down the track from the event in November 2016.
Highly Enantioselective Synthesis of Indazoles with a C3-Quaternary Chiral Center Using CuH Catalysis

C3-substituted 1H-indazoles are useful and important substructures in many pharmaceuticals. Methods for direct C3-functionalization of indazoles are relatively rare, compared to reactions developed for the more nucleophilic N1 and N2 positions. Herein, we report a highly C3-selective allylation reaction of 1H-N-(benzoyloxy)indazoles using CuH catalysis. A variety of C3-allyl 1H-indazoles with quaternary stereocenters were efficiently prepared with high levels of enantioselectivity. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to explain the reactivity differences between indazole and indole electrophiles, the latter of which was used in our previously reported method. The calculations suggest that the indazole allylation reaction proceeds through an enantioselectivity-determining six-membered Zimmerman-Traxler-type transition state, rather than an oxidative addition/reductive elimination sequence, as we proposed in the case of indole alkylation. The enantioselectivity of the reaction is governed by both ligand-substrate steric interactions and steric repulsions involving the pseudoaxial substituent in the six-membered allylation transition state.
Metabolic control of lupus pathogenesis: central role for activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin

Abstract The causes of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are unknown; however, the pathogenesis is attributed, at least in part, to compartmentalized oxidative stress within the immune system. The accumulation of mitochondria is a prominent source of increased production of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) in T cells. In turn, ROI generate diffusible inflammatory lipid hydroperoxides, which spread oxidative stress to other intracellular organelles and through the bloodstream. ROI also emerge outside the immune system where they trigger auto-antigenicity of host proteins and organ damage. Depletion of the intracellular antioxidant, glutathione, leads to the activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) that promotes pro-inflammatory lineage specification in T cells. The blockade of mTOR with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) or rapamycin shows therapeutic efficacy. Alternatively, deficient ROI production in phagocytic cells leads to the persistence of infectious organisms which may activate the innate immunity and enhance autoimmunity.
The Greatest Aporia in the Parmenides (133b-134e) and the Reciprocity of Pros Relations

The extant attempts in the literature to refute the greatest difficulty argument in the Parmenides have focused on denying the parallelism between the pros relations among Forms and those among particulars. However, these attempts are unsatisfactory, for the argument can reach its conclusion that we cannot know any Forms without relying on this parallelism. I argue that a more effective strategy is to deny the more essential premise that the knowledge-object relation is a pros relation. This premise is false because pros relations require definitional and ontological codependence between the relata, and the knowledge-object relation does not satisfy this reciprocity condition.
Whipping it out: guns, campaign advertising, and the White masculine spectacle

This essay analyzes the growing trend of candidates bearing arms in political ads. We argue this genre represents the enactment of White masculinity through the spectacle of violence that capitaliz...
Review of Palliative 223Ra in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: Experience at West Virginia University Cancer Center

The ALSYMPCA trial of the α-emitter 223Ra in symptomatic bone-predominant metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) reported a median overall survival (OS) of 14.9 mo, versus 11.3 mo for placebo. However, subsequently reported real-world experience with 223Ra in smaller mCRPC patient cohorts has appeared less successful. We performed a retrospective observational study to review our own 223Ra experience at West Virginia University (WVU). Methods: Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and imaging data were reviewed in all bone-predominant mCRPC patients treated with 223Ra at WVU from 2014 to 2019. The number of bone metastases per patient at the start of treatment with 223Ra was quantified via nuclear bone scans (12 scans, 5 of which also included SPECT/CT), body CT scans (8 scans), and PET/CT scans (4 scans). Standard descriptive statistics were used to study institutional review board-exempted, deidentified patient data. Median survival in ALSYMPCA and WVU patients was compared using a 2-sided, 1-sample log-rank test based on the exponential distributions. The primary endpoint was patient OS after initiating 223Ra. Results: Twenty-four patients received 98 infusions of 223Ra; 83% of these patients were referred from outside WVU. Before the first infusion, all 24 had received androgen deprivation therapy. In total, 73 sequential combinations of androgen deprivation therapy were used, 68 of which (93%) preceded the first 223Ra infusion. Also, before 223Ra, 19 (79%) patients had received docetaxel and 19 (79%) had received 33 courses of radiation, 24 of which targeted nonprostatic sites. Eleven patients (46%) completed all 6 planned 223Ra infusions; 13 (54%) stopped early because of clinical deterioration. As of August 2020, only 1 patient remained alive after completing 6 cycles of 223Ra. Median OS from the first 223Ra infusion to the last follow-up or death was 8.3 mo (range, 0-44 mo)-nearly 50% less than the ALSYMPCA median survival of 14.9 mo (P = 0.01). Compared with ALSYMPCA, more WVU patients received bisphosphonates and docetaxel, more had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of at least 2, more used opiates for pain, more had a greater bone metastasis burden by imaging, and more had lower hemoglobin, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, and prostate-specific antigen levels. Conclusion: Although the science supporting the development and clinical use of 223Ra is compelling, optimal clinical benefit will likely require earlier referral for 223Ra, before patients have exhausted most conventional therapies. At WVU, we found that practically all our referred patients had androgen deprivation therapy, radiation, and cytotoxic therapy before starting 223Ra. We continue to offer 223Ra therapy to patients with symptomatic bone-predominant mCRPC but are encouraging earlier patient referral.
Permeability and porosity modelling for resedimented mudrocks – Applications for compaction dominated mudrock systems

Abstract Mudrocks have complex petrophysical properties due, in part, to their very fine grain size and the associated high specific surface area (m2/g) and cation exchange capacity (CEC, meq/g). The role of the cation exchange capacity and its associated bound water must be included to account for mudrock electrical, transport, and mechanical properties. A widely varying set of samples from the deep water Gulf of Mexico Miocene section, the arctic seafloor, the Pierre Shale, and Brazos River sand (used for varying sand content) were resedimented to study the effects of these variations on compaction and permeability. The mudrocks were characterized in terms of CEC, clay mineral content, bulk mineralogy, and particle size distribution. Resedimentation techniques were employed to measure the mudrock properties under controlled conditions i.e. slurries were made with known clay mineral type, bulk mineralogy, particle size distribution, CEC, and pore fluid salinity, and subsequently compacted in an oedometer cell. The measured permeabilities were found to be strongly dependent on the clay mineral CEC and on initial pore fluid salinity. Two models were developed to explain the variation in measured permeability: a modified Carman-Kozeny model and a staged differential effective medium model (SDEM). The Carman-Kozeny model fits the permeability data to within a factor of three but underestimates the stress dependence. The SDEM model includes the effects of both bound water saturation and porosity on fluid flow. The model was also able to estimate permeability for all the different mudrocks to within a factor of three with an improved match to the stress dependence. These two models were also successfully tested using previously published permeability data for both resedimented and intact Boston Blue clay samples. A compaction model for porosity was also developed and applied to published data for artificial mixtures of smectite and kaolinite. The model predicts the stress dependent porosity of the resedimented clays to within four percent error. It is then extended to incorporate the influence of the inclusion of sand sized material and applied to our resedimentation data and previously published Boston Blue Clay data. The required inputs for the model include the weight fraction of non-clay sized material, and the cation exchange capacity (CEC, meq/gram). No consistent salinity dependence was observed for compaction.
Promoting Library Services in an Age of Data Insecurity

While libraries have always embraced patron privacy, librarians often fail to promote their core values. User data flows across social media outlets and search engines to the detriment of the indiv...
An Evaluation for Online Power Down Systems Using Piece-Wise Linear Strategies

Power-down mechanisms are well known and are widely used to save energy; these mechanisms are encountered on an everyday basis. We consider a device which has a set of states defined by a continuous function. The state of the device can be switched at any time. In any state the device consumes energy and a power up cost to switch the machine to full capacity. This project gives experimental results regarding power consumption to satisfy service request based on online competitive analysis. Competitive ratios, which show the effectiveness of the algorithms compare to the optimal solution.
Don’t Pass Deferred Maintenance Costs to the Next Generation!: The Effects of Politics on State Highway Maintenance Spending:

Routine maintenance spending for public infrastructure is critical for reducing life-cycle costs, and improving asset preservation and quality. Yet, states focus more on building new roads and expa...
Occupant health in buildings: Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the opinions of building professionals and implications on research

Abstract The objectives of this study are to investigate building professionals' experience, awareness, and interest in occupant health in buildings, and to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their opinions, as well as to compare the research on occupant health in buildings to professionals' opinions. To address these objectives, a mixed research methodology, including a thorough review of the literature (NL = 190) and an online survey (NS = 274), was utilized. In general, there is an increasing research interest in occupant health and a heightened interest in health-related projects, among professionals, following the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, among the nine different building attributes examined, indoor air quality was the most researched building attribute with a focus on occupant health and was also presumed to be the most important by the professionals. Professionals considered fatigue and musculoskeletal pain to be the most important physical well-being issues, and stress, anxiety, and depression to be the most important mental well-being issues that need to be the focus of design, construction, and operation of buildings to support and promote occupant health, while eye-related symptoms and loss of concentration were the most researched physical and mental well-being symptoms in the literature, respectively. Finally, professionals indicated that COVID-19 pandemic had significant effect on their perspectives regarding buildings’ impact on occupant health and they believed future building design, construction and operation will focus more on occupant health because of the pandemic experience.
Functional properties of corticotectal neurons in the monkey's frontal eye field

1. We examined the activity of identified corticotectal neurons in the frontal eye field of awake behaving rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). Corticotectal neurons were antidromically excited using biphasic current pulses passed through monopolar microelectrodes within the superior colliculus. The activity of single corticotectal neurons was studied while the monkey performed behavioral tasks designed to test the relation of the neuron's discharge to visual and oculomotor events. 2. Fifty-one frontal eye field corticotectal neurons were examined in two monkeys. Current thresholds for antidromic excitation ranged from 6 to 1,200 microA, with a mean of 330 microA. Antidromic latencies ranged from 1.2 to 6.0 ms, with a mean of 2.25 ms. 3. Fifty-three percent of the identified corticotectal neurons were classified as having movement-related activity. They had little or no response to visual stimuli, but very strong activity before both visually guided and memory-guided saccades. An additional 6% of corticotectal neurons had visuomovement activity, combining both a visual- and a saccade-related response. In each case, visuomovement neurons antidromically excited from the superior colliculus had movement-related activity, which was much stronger than the visual component of their response. 4. Twenty-two percent of the corticotectal neurons were primarily responsive to visual stimulation of the fovea. These included both neurons responding to the onset and neurons responding to the disappearance of a light flashed on the fovea. 5. The remaining 20% of the corticotectal neurons were a heterogeneous group whose activity could not be classified as movement, visuomovement or foveal. Their responses included postsaccadic, anticipatory, and reward-related activity, as well as activity modulated during certain directions of smooth-pursuit eye movements. One neuron was unresponsive during all of the behavioral tasks used. There were no corticotectal neurons that could be classified as primarily responsive to peripheral visual stimuli. 6. Histological reconstructions of electrode penetrations localized corticotectal neurons to layer V of the frontal eye field. For 22 corticotectal neurons tested, each had its minimum threshold for antidromic excitation within the superior colliculus, as judged by either histological confirmation, or surrounding neuronal responses recorded through the stimulation microelectrode. The majority of these neurons had minimum threshold sites within the intermediate layers, a few minimum threshold sites were located within the superficial or deep collicular layers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Towards improved snow water equivalent retrieval algorithms for satellite passive microwave data over the mountainous basins of western USA

Space-borne passive microwave snow water equivalent (SWE) retrieval algorithms are attractive for continuous SWE monitoring over large mountainous areas. The performance of three SWE retrieval algorithms, which were considered relevant for operational purposes, was examined for each month over the Colorado River Basin. In addition, statistical post-processing was tested as a means of improving the SWE estimates from each algorithm. The evaluation started with the so-called Chang equation, which was a pioneer algorithm and is still used in practice. Successive attempts were then made to improve the algorithm's performance through the calibration of the equation's coefficient and through the inclusion of brightness temperature data from various frequency channels. The Chang equation consistently underestimated SWE with average bias between 30 mm in November and more than 300 mm in April and root mean square error (RMSE) exceeding 500 mm at many locations in April. The statistical post-processing effectively removed the bias and reduced the RMSE by half for all the months. When the Chang equation's coefficients were calibrated at each site, biases were reduced by approximately 85%, and RMSE was reduced by 40%–50%. Finally, the multiple channel equations produced unbiased SWE estimates with RMSEs 50%–60% of those from the Chang equation. However, the statistical post-processing did not reduce RMSE for both calibrated algorithms. The last algorithm produced the most reliable estimates for at-site analysis, but its skill deteriorated when analyses were performed over larger areal extents; therefore, it is only recommended for SWE monitoring over smaller areas. For larger areas, the calibrated Chang equation is desirable because it only requires interpolations of a calibrated coefficient, which was spatially coherent. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bullous diseases: Kids are not just little people☆

Bullous diseases may be rare; however, this does not preclude the clinician from being familiar with their manifestations and treatment. After ruling out infection, genetically inherited blistering diseases are more likely to be the cause of blistering or erosions in the neonatal period, whereas immunobullous diseases are more common in adults. Published literature on immunobullous disorders reflects information gleaned from case reports and open-label case series; prospective studies and evidence-based treatments are limited. Although there may be overlapping clinical features, significant clinical differences exist between adults and children. Evidence-based treatment guidelines are limited, and information from the adult literature cannot be readily generalized to the pediatric population. This paper reviews the approach to blistering conditions and the differences among bullous pemphigoid, linear immunoglobulin A disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigus vulgaris, and paraneoplastic pemphigus in adult versus pediatric patients.
Global stability of the endemic equilibrium in infinite dimension: Lyapunov functions and positive operators

Abstract The global stability of the endemic equilibrium is shown for an endemic model with infinite-dimensional population structure using a Volterra like Lyapunov function and the Krein–Rutman theorem.
pp Events with missing energy: Evidence for a fourth neutrino?

Abstract It is proposed that recently observed events at UA1 may be explained through the existence of a new heavy neutrino, belonging to a possible new sequential or mirror lepton family.