cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antidepressants reverse corticosterone-mediated decrease in brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression: Differential regulation of specific exons by antidepressants and corticosterone

Earlier studies have implicated brain-derived neurotrophic factor in stress and in the mechanism of action of antidepressants. It has been shown that antidepressants upregulate, whereas corticosterone downregulates, brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in rat brain. Whether various classes of antidepressants reverse corticosterone-mediated downregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor is unclear. Also not known is how antidepressants or corticosterone regulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression. To clarify this, we examined the effects of various classes of antidepressants and corticosterone, alone and in combination, on the mRNA expression of total brain-derived neurotrophic factor and of individual brain-derived neurotrophic factor exons, in rat brain. Normal or corticosterone pellet-implanted (100 mg, 21 days) rats were injected with different classes of antidepressants, fluoxetine, desipramine, or phenelzine, intraperitoneally for 21 days and killed 2 h after the last injection. mRNA expression of total brain-derived neurotrophic factor and of exons I-IV was measured in frontal cortex and hippocampus. Given to normal rats, fluoxetine increased total brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA only in hippocampus, whereas desipramine or phenelzine increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA in both frontal cortex and hippocampus. When specific exons were examined, desipramine increased expression of exons I and III in both brain areas, whereas phenelzine increased exon I in both frontal cortex and hippocampus but exon IV only in hippocampus. On the other hand, fluoxetine increased only exon II in hippocampus. Corticosterone treatment of normal rats decreased expression of total brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA in both brain areas, specifically decreasing exons II and IV. Treatment with desipramine or phenelzine of corticosterone pellet-implanted rats reversed the corticosterone-induced decrease in total brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in both brain areas; however, fluoxetine reversed the decrease only partially in hippocampus. Interestingly, antidepressant treatment of corticosterone pellet-implanted rats increased only those specific exons that are increased during treatment of normal rats with each particular antidepressant. We found that although corticosterone and antidepressants both modulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression, and antidepressants reverse the corticosterone-induced brain-derived neurotrophic factor decrease, antidepressants and corticosterone differ in how they regulate the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor exon(s).
Mannheimia haemolytica leukotoxin-induced cytolysis of ovine (Ovis aries) leukocytes is mediated by CD18, the β subunit of β2-integrins

Abstract Mannheimia ( Pasteurella ) haemolytica causes severe pneumonia in cattle, sheep and goats. Leukotoxin (Lkt) is the most important virulence determinant produced by this organism. Previously, we identified CD18, the β subunit of β 2 -integrins, as the receptor for Lkt on bovine leukocytes. Since Lkt is specific for leukocytes of cattle, sheep and goats, we hypothesized that Lkt utilizes CD18 as its receptor on ovine leukocytes as well. Therefore, the objective of this study was to transfect an Lkt-resistant murine cell line (P815) with cDNA encoding ovine CD18, and to determine the susceptibility of the transfectants to Lkt-induced cytolysis. cDNA for ovine CD18 cloned from polymorphonuclear leukocytes was transfected into P815 cells. Flow cytometric analysis of the transfectants revealed surface expression of ovine CD18, and Lkt binding. In a cytotoxicity assay, the transfectants were lysed by Lkt in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas the parent cells were not. Pre-incubation of Lkt with an anti-Lkt neutralizing antibody and pre-incubation of transfectants with an anti-CD18 antibody resulted in inhibition of cytolysis confirming the interaction between Lkt and CD18. Taken together, these results indicate that CD18 on ovine leukocytes serves as a receptor for Lkt, and that CD18 is sufficient to mediate Lkt-induced cytolysis of ovine leukocytes.
Large cystic pancreatic neoplasms: pathology, resectability, and outcome.

Background: Cystic pancreatic neoplasms may be benign, premalignant, or malignant. These lesions may remain asymptomatic for long periods and can be quite large at the time of presentation. Methods: A retrospective analysis was used to determine whether preoperative evaluation can predict pathology and determine resectability and outcome. Results: Over 12 years, 145 cystic pancreatic neoplasms, of which 24 (17%) were larger than 10 cm, were managed at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Those 24 large tumors included 9 of 73 cystadenomas (12%), 7 of 27 cystadenocarcinomas (26%), 2 of 35 adenocarcinomas producing mucin or associated with a cyst (6%), 5 of 9 Hamoudi tumors (55%), and 1 dermoid cyst. Clinical symptoms, liver function tests, and computed tomographic scans did not distinguish benign from malignant pathology. On 18 angiograms, 2 malignant and 4 benign neoplasms demonstrated encasement or occlusion; however, 3 of these 6 tumors were resectable. Twenty of 22 patients (91%) who were explored underwent resection with no hospital mortality. For the entire series, 5-year survival for those with cystadenomas, cystadenocarcinomas, and cystic adenocarcinomas was 97%, 38%, and 9%, respectively. Three-year survival for those 7 with cystadenocarcinomas larger than 10 cm was 54%, compared with 51% for those 20 with smaller cystadenocarcinomas. Conclusions: Preoperative evaluation usually does not predict pathology, resectability, or outcome. Moreover, resectability is high and morbidity is low, irrespective of size. Large cystic pancreatic tumors should be explored to determine pathology, attempt resection, and provide an opportunity for long-term survival.
Intercultural Questioning, Discovery and Tension in Internet-mediated Language Learning Partnerships

This paper examines the use of questioning as an index of intercultural competence (IC) in an Internet-mediated, German–American language learning partnership. Such telecollaborative, intercultural exchanges are becoming increasingly more common as a means of providing students at one location with cost-effective access to distally located representatives of the languaculture under study (Agar, 1994); nevertheless, researchers have not paid close attention to the linguistic characterisation of the development of IC in such partnerships, despite the fact that text- based computer-mediated communication currently constitutes the primary means of telecollaborative interaction. In his well-known model of IC, Byram (1997) links the use of appropriate questioning techniques to the operation of skills of discovery, one means by which speakers in intercultural encounters may develop impressions and attitudes of one another. I examine the ways in which the number, type, chronological placement and content of the q...
Reconstruction of posterior urethral disruption injuries : Outcome analysis in 82 patients

ABSTRACTPurpose: We sought to identify the long-term success rate of perineal anastomotic reconstruction for posterior urethral disruption.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of 82 patients with traumatic prostatomembranous urethral strictures who underwent perineal anastomotic urethroplasty by 1 surgeon.Results: Excision of fibrosis with simple perineal anastomosis was performed in 52 patients (63%), while pubectomy was required in 30 (37%) to obtain a tension-free anastomosis. Median followup was longer than 1 year. Potency improved from 46% before reconstruction to 62% postoperatively. Nine patients (11%) required 1 endoscopic urethrotomy after urethroplasty to improve flow rate and this procedure was successful in 8 (88%). In 3 patients (3%) urethroplasty ultimately failed and they remained untreated because of insurmountable co-morbidity. Overall, long-term success was observed in 79 patients (97%).Conclusions: Excellent long-term results can be expected from anastomotic urethroplasty in p...
Real rates, nominal rates, and the Fisherian link

Abstract Before the introduction of Treasury Inflation-Indexed Securities (TIIS) in January 1997, the ex ante real rate in the United States was unobservable. This study describes the new Treasury security and extracts from its price a time series of ex ante real pure discount rates with a constant 10-year maturity. The study then identifies an ex ante nominal rate time series counterpart. Empirical evidence from Johansen's cointegration analysis indicates that there exists a cointegrated system between the real and nominal rates. This finding casts doubt on the accuracy of tests of the Fisher effect that infer a constant or stationary real rate.
Phytoremediation of arsenic‐contaminated soil as affected by the chelating agent CDTA and different levels of soil pH

Elevated levels of arsenic can pose a major threat to both human health and the environment. The phytoremediation of heavy metals from soil is emerging as a cost-effective technology for the remediation of contaminated soils. The present greenhouse study was undertaken to identify plants capable of tolerating and accumulating high concentrations of arsenic. Asparagus fern and rye grass were found to tolerate and accumulate more than 1,100 ppm of arsenic in plant tissue. Arsenic uptake as affected by different levels of the chelating agent trans-1, 2- cyclohexylenedinitrilotetraacetic acid (CDTA) and soil pH were also studied. The application of 5 mmol kg−1 of CDTA to arsenic-contaminated medium loam field soil enhanced the accumulation of arsenic by the test plants. Under these conditions, plants accumulated up to 1,400 ppm of arsenic as compared to 950 ppm by the plants grown in soil containing 1,200 ppm of arsenic but without any amendment of the chelating agent. Plants grown in field soil of pH 5 containing 300 ppm of arsenic absorbed higher concentrations of arsenic than at other tested pH levels. Corresponding reductions in arsenic content of soil after plant harvests were observed. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Computational Method for Evaluating Generalized Inversesyy

Generalized matrix inverse computational method using Gauss-Jordan elimination and orthogonal triangulations
Guide to free online legal and legislative resources

This paper presents a guide to free online legislative and legal resources for non‐law librarians. Due to the efforts of the federal and state governments, in addition to the efforts of law school librarians, a wealth of resources has been collected and made available through the Internet on the World Wide Web. This is an excellent time for librarians in public and academic libraries without large law and government collections to take advantage of these new resources. This guide attempts to identify specific resources, show the scope of materials available, and discuss which sites offer extra features that enhance their usefulness. Some sites with good collections of historic and primary resources are also included.
Association of gas hydrates and oil seepage in the Gulf of Mexico

Abstract Gas hydrates were recovered from eight sites on the Louisiana slope of the Gulf of Mexico. The gas hydrate discoveries ranged in water depths from 530 to 2400 m occurring as small to medium sized (0.5–50 mm) nodules, interspersed layers (1–10 mm thick) or as solid masses (> 150 mm thick). The hydrates have gas:fluid ratios as high as 170:1 at STP, C1/(C2 + C3) ratios ranging from 1.9 to > 1000 and δ13C ratios from −43 to −71‰. Thermogenic gas hydrates are associated with oil-stained cores containing up to 7% extractable oil exhibiting moderate to severe biodegradation. Biogenic gas hydrates are also associated with elevated bitumen levels (10–700 ppm). All gas hydrate associated cores contain high percentages (up to 65%) of authigenic, isotopically light carbonate. The hydrate-containing cores are associated with seismic “wipeout” zones indicative of gassy sediments. Collapsed structures, diapiric crests, or deep faults on the flanks of diapirs appear to be the sites of the shallow hydrates.
Accelerated, high-quality refraction computations for volume graphics

We present an efficient framework for the high-quality rendering of discretely sampled surface-based objects with refractive effects. This requires an accurate estimation of the refraction coefficients, paired with efficient and accurate surface detection, space traversal, and backdrop image sampling. Our framework achieves these goals, by employing a high-quality spline-based filter in conjunction with a novel filtered octree space decomposition with pre-classified cells that is carefully matched to the filter and voxel neighborhood characteristics. Here, we benefit greatly from the non-negativity of the B-spline kernel. Finally, we describe an innovative scheme that achieves the high quality of pixel super-sampling on a flat backdrop plane without the overhead of tracing the actual rays across the refractive object.
Neurologic and psychiatric manifestations of celiac disease and gluten sensitivity.

Celiac Disease (CD) is an immune-mediated disease dependent on gluten (a protein present in wheat, rye or barley) that occurs in about 1% of the population and is generally characterized by gastrointestinal complaints. More recently the understanding and knowledge of gluten sensitivity (GS), has emerged as an illness distinct from celiac disease with an estimated prevalence 6 times that of CD. Gluten sensitive people do not have villous atrophy or antibodies that are present in celiac disease, but rather they can test positive for antibodies to gliadin. Both CD and GS may present with a variety of neurologic and psychiatric co-morbidities, however, extraintestinal symptoms may be the prime presentation in those with GS. However, gluten sensitivity remains undertreated and underrecognized as a contributing factor to psychiatric and neurologic manifestiations. This review focuses on neurologic and psychiatric manifestations implicated with gluten sensitivity, reviews the emergence of gluten sensitivity distinct from celiac disease, and summarizes the potential mechanisms related to this immune reaction.
Screening for sexually transmitted infections in substance abuse treatment programs

Abstract Objectives: We evaluated the prevalence of the sexually transmitted infections (STIs) chlamydia and gonorrhea in clients at a methadone maintenance program and a residential detoxification program. Methods: We collected urine specimens for chlamydia and gonorrhea ligase chain reaction testing and assessed sexual, substance abuse and STI histories. Results: Of 700 subject assessments, 490 occurred among detoxification clients and 210 in methadone maintenance. Chlamydia trachomatis was detected in 5/700 (0.9, 95% CI=0.1–1.8%) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in none. All chlamydia infected subjects were recruited from the detoxification program. Subjects reported high risk sexual behavior: 17% reported commercial sex exchange, and 22% reported inconsistent condom use with multiple sexual partners during the prior 2 months. Conclusion: Based on prevalence in Boston, MA, universal screening for STI in substance abuse treatments programs is not warranted. However, routine screening for younger substance abusers and in communities with high prevalence should be considered.
On the performance of a practical downlink CDMA generalized RAKE receiver

This paper is focused on the performance of the generalized RAKE scheme when integrated into a practical W-CDMA-FDD downlink receiver. The effects of imperfect channel estimation and imperfect power estimation are simulated and analyzed. The problem of finding the G-RAKE finger delays is discussed and an efficient low complexity scheme for finger placement is presented. It is shown that although the G-RAKE is more sensitive than the RAKE to imperfect channel and power estimations, it still provides significant improvement over the RAKE receiver.
Exposure to infections through day-care attendance and risk of childhood leukaemia

There is growing evidence supporting a role for infections in the aetiology of childhood leukaemia. Hypotheses proposed by both Greaves and Kinlen describe childhood leukaemia to be a rare response to one or more common infections acquired through personal contacts. Previous epidemiological studies have used day-care attendance as an indicator of the increased likelihood of early and frequent exposure to infections. It is well-documented that in developed countries, exposures to common infections occur more frequently in this type of setting. Within the Northern California Childhood Leukaemia Study, the role of social contact has been assessed and a unique 'child-hours' summary measure incorporating information on the number of months attending a day-care, mean hours per week at this day-care and the number of children in the day-care setting was constructed. In this review, the previously reported day-care results have been described, showing that in non-Hispanic White children, children in the highest category of total child-hours of exposure had a reduced risk of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), particularly common B-cell precursor ALL (c-ALL), compared with children without such exposures, with evidence of a dose-response effect. In addition, a literature review of relevant studies has been conducted, examining the relationship between day-care attendance and risk of childhood ALL. Overall, the 14 studies identified provided consistent support for this hypothesis, with the majority of studies reporting some evidence of a reduced risk. A meta-analysis is currently underway, which will provide a quantitative evaluation of the overall consistency and strength of the association between day-care attendance or social contact and risk of childhood ALL.
Connexin43 Potentiates Osteoblast Responsiveness to Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 via a Protein Kinase C-Delta/Runx2–dependent Mechanism

In this study, we examine the role of the gap junction protein, connexin43 (Cx43), in the transcriptional response of osteocalcin to fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) in MC3T3 osteoblasts. By luciferase reporter assays, we identify that the osteocalcin transcriptional response to FGF2 is markedly increased by overexpression of Cx43, an effect that is mediated by Runx2 via its OSE2 cognate element, but not by a previously identified connexin-responsive Sp1/Sp3-binding element. Furthermore, disruption of Cx43 function with Cx43 siRNAs or overexpression of connexin45 markedly attenuates the response to FGF2. Inhibition of protein kinase C delta (PKCdelta) with rottlerin or siRNA-mediated knockdown abrogates the osteocalcin response to FGF2. Additionally, we show that upon treatment with FGF2, PKCdelta translocates to the nucleus, PKCdelta and Runx2 are phosphorylated and these events are enhanced by Cx43 overexpression, suggesting that the degree of activation is enhanced by increased Cx43 levels. Indeed, chromatin immunoprecipitations of the osteocalcin proximal promoter with antibodies against Runx2 demonstrate that the recruitment of Runx2 to the osteocalcin promoter in response to FGF2 treatment is dramatically enhanced by Cx43 overexpression. Thus, Cx43 plays a critical role in regulating the ability of osteoblasts to respond to FGF2 by impacting PKCdelta and Runx2 function.
Preliminary investigations into distributed computing applications on a Beowulf cluster

We examine various modeling and simulation applications of cluster computing using a Beowulf cluster. These applications are used to investigate the performance of our cluster in terms of computational speedup, scalability, and communications. The applications include solution of linear systems by Jacobi iteration, distributed image generation, and the finite difference time domain solution of Maxwell's equations. It is observed that the computational load for these applications must be large compared to the communication overhead to take advantage of the speedup obtained using parallel computing. For the applications reviewed, this condition is increasingly satisfied as the problem size becomes larger or as higher resolution is required.
Intestinal transplantation for short gut syndrome attributable to necrotizing enterocolitis.

Background. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a life-threatening condition of the neonatal age, which frequently requires surgical intervention. After extensive bowel resection, a small proportion of these patients may develop chronic short gut syndrome (SGS) and require chronic total parenteral nutrition (TPN) use. Intestinal transplantation has been performed in these patients as a life-saving option. This study reviews our experience with intestinal transplantation for SGS attributable to NEC emphasizing the mode of presentation, natural history, timing, and outcome. Methods. A retrospective chart review was performed for all pediatric patients who underwent small bowel transplantation for NEC at the University of Miami between August 1994 and March 1999. Results. Eleven transplants were performed for 10 patients with NEC (8 male and 2 female; median age: 1.75 years [range: 10 months to 10.1 years]). Procedures performed were isolated intestinal transplants ( n = 2), combined liver-intestinal transplants ( n = 6), and multivisceral transplants ( n = 3). All patients were born prematurely with median birth weight of 1.640 kg (range: 810 g to 2.730 kg). They developed NEC in the first few days of life and subsequently underwent an average of 5 surgeries per patient before transplant. Transplant was indicated for liver failure in 8 patients and recurrent central line sepsis in 2 others. At present, 6 patients are alive with an overall 1-year and 3-year actuarial survival of 60% and a median follow-up of 29 months (range: 9–46 months). Six children have been weaned off TPN after a median time of 71 days (range: 19–131) from transplantation. All survivors are at home with functional grafts. Conclusion. Intestinal transplantation provided a reasonable outcome in patients with NEC-associated SGS who had already developed life-threatening complications related to TPN. Intestinal transplantation replaced the diseased intestine and liver, enfranchised patients from TPN, and conferred improved quality of life. These patients should be actively considered for intestinal transplantation and referred to a transplant center as soon as possible.
SmartPad: A wireless, adhesive-electrode-free, autonomous ECG acquisition system

During medical procedures, such as surgery, a patient's vital signs are typically monitored using a web of wires connected to adhesive electrodes. The large number of wires inhibits the medical team's access to the patient while the adhesive electrodes can detach, fail, or be out-of-stock, causing delays in the procedure. In order to combat these problems, we have developed the SmartPad: a system that displays a patient's electrocardiogram (ECG) signal without adhesive pads, wires, or active intervention from a clinician. The system automatically selects three electrodes from an array of Cu/Ni-fabric based electrodes patterned on a thin pad on which the patient lies. The selected electrodes are used to provide a differential 3-lead measurement of the patient's ECG, which is then transmitted wirelessly and displayed on a laptop computer.
Equation of state and elasticity of FeSi

[1] FeSi may be one of the main products of the reaction between molten iron and mantle silicates. We use both the Local Density Approximation (LDA) and the Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA) to Density Functional Theory (DFT) to analyze the structural behavior of FeSi and to determine its elastic properties up to high pressures. According to our calculations, at lowermost mantle pressure conditions, FeSi is in the B2 (CsCl-type) structure. The B20-B2 transition takes place at 30 GPa in LDA and 40 GPa in GGA and is characterized by a 0.35 g/cm3 shift in density.
Broadside Radar Echoes from Ionized Trails

An approximate method to compute rough estimates of the broadside radar return from axially symmetric ionized gas columns is presented and applied to an illustrative example The method uses a continuum approach and takes into account the electron-neuti al collision frequency and both axial and radial variation of electron density The local reflectivity is determined as a function of axial position along the column, and these values of reflectivity are used, in turn, to obtain radar cross section estimates
Transient ignition of a combustible by a hot body

The ignition and ignitability characteristics of a combustible mixture by a hot body of finite dimension and thereby heat capacity is studied by using matched asymptotic analysis in the limit of large activation energy, allowing for reactant consumption and the gradual cooling down of the body. It is shown that the system is governed by only a few parametric groupings whose physical significance is discussed. Furthermore, a set of universal ignitability limit curves can be identified for a given fuel-oxidizer system, allowing for generalized representation and exploration. Nomenclature frequency factor specific heat mass diffusivity activation energy half of the slab thickness pressure chemical heat release per unit mass fuel reacted universal gas constant temperature activation temperature (E/R°) molecular weight average molecular weight direction normal to the surface species mass fraction thermal conductivity heat conductivity stoichiometric molar coefficient density stoichiometric oxidizer-to-fuel mass ratio B — cp = D = E = p Q R° T Ta W W x Y a X v p a
The neuropathology of acquired pre- and perinatal brain injuries.

Acquired pre- and perinatal brain injuries comprise a significant proportion of perinatal neuropathology. They are associated with placental abnormalities, maternal factors, multiple gestations, and preterm labor, as well as with the later development of cerebral palsy and developmental delay. The patterns of perinatal brain injury depend on the etiology (often hypoxic–ischemic) and the timing relative to the development of the fetal nervous system, since the vulnerabilities of gray and white matter differ across postconceptional age and by neuroanatomic site. Nevertheless, characteristic features allow determination of the approximate age and cause of each pattern of injury in the perinatal brain.
Effect of 1-methylcyclopropene on tomato flavour components, shelf life and decay as influenced by harvest maturity and storage temperature.

BACKGROUND: In Florida, tomatoes are harvested green (GR), which includes mature green (MG) and immature green (IG) fruits, and stored at low temperature (13 °C), resulting in poor flavour. Flavour improvement might be achieved if fruits were harvested with some colour (to eliminate IG fruits) and/or stored at higher temperature with the ripening inhibitor 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). RESULTS: ‘Florida 47’ tomatoes were harvested at GR (MG + IG), breaker (BR), turning (TR) and pink (PK) stages, treated (+) or not (−) with 1-MCP and stored at 13 and/or 18 °C. 1-MCP treatment resulted in a gain of up to 6 days of shelf life depending on harvest maturity and storage temperature. Storage at 18 °C rather than 13 °C resulted in an increase in internal red colour, soluble solids (SS)/titratable acidity (TA) ratio and levels of many volatiles studied. The shelf life of BR (+) MCP fruits stored at 13 °C was similar to that of MG fruits. IG fruits exhibited lowest levels of SS, TA and ten volatiles compared with BR fruits. CONCLUSION: Harvesting tomatoes with colour (BR), thereby eliminating IG fruits, and treating with 1-MCP resulted in better quality with adequate shelf life. Published 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
BINOCh: binding inference from nucleosome occupancy changes.

Summary: Transcription factor binding events are frequently associated with a pattern of nucleosome occupancy changes in which nucleosomes flanking the binding site increase in occupancy, while those in the vicinity of the binding site itself are displaced. Genome-wide information on enhancer proximal nucleosome occupancy can be readily acquired using ChIP-seq targeting enhancer-related histone modifications such as H3K4me2. Here, we present a software package, BINOCh that allows biologists to use such data to infer the identity of key transcription factors that regulate the response of a cell to a stimulus or determine a program of differentiation. Availability: The BINOCh open source Python package is freely available at http://liulab.dfci.harvard.edu/BINOCh under the FreeBSD license.
Pharmaceutical Care, MTM, & Payment: The Past, Present, & Future

Central to any discussion of payment reform is the need for a rational scientific medication use system to ensure that drug-related morbidity and mortality are minimized. The care provision process is based on a comprehensive assessment of all of a patient's drug-related needs and it behooves pharmacists to conduct a comprehensive assessment as do all other health professions. This comprehensive assessment is the foundation of medication therapy management (MTM) services provided within the practice of pharmaceutical care. Care can be delivered in the community by clinically oriented pharmacists, although building a practice is hard work much different from the business of dispensing medications. The number of pharmacists needed to provide comprehensive MTM services for every American is projected to range from 30,000 to 100,000 based on data/experiences from Minnesota, Ontario, and elsewhere. These individuals may benefit from some type of provider recognition so that society can differentiate between pharmacists who provide comprehensive MTM services and those in drug distribution roles. Approaching the legislature and policymakers with cost savings data, partnering with the business community, and focusing on dual eligible patients and those with unmet mental health needs are important strategies to make this practice transformation a reality.
Joint analysis of expression profiles from multiple cancers improves the identification of microRNA–gene interactions

Motivation: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in tumorigenesis and development through their effects on target genes. The characterization of miRNA–gene interactions will lead to a better understanding of cancer mechanisms. Many computational methods have been developed to infer miRNA targets with/without expression data. Because expression datasets are in general limited in size, most existing methods concatenate datasets from multiple studies to form one aggregated dataset to increase sample size and power. However, such simple aggregation analysis results in identifying miRNA–gene interactions that are mostly common across datasets, whereas specific interactions may be missed by these methods. Recent releases of The Cancer Genome Atlas data provide paired expression profiling of miRNAs and genes in multiple tumors with sufficiently large sample size. To study both common and cancer-specific interactions, it is desirable to develop a method that can jointly analyze multiple cancers to study miRNA–gene interactions without combining all the data into one single dataset. Results: We developed a novel statistical method to jointly analyze expression profiles from multiple cancers to identify miRNA–gene interactions that are both common across cancers and specific to certain cancers. The benefit of this joint analysis approach is demonstrated by both simulation studies and real data analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets. Compared with simple aggregate analysis or single sample analysis, our method can effectively use the shared information among different but related cancers to improve the identification of miRNA–gene interactions. Another useful property of our method is that it can estimate similarity among cancers through their shared miRNA–gene interactions. Availability and implementation: The program, MCMG, implemented
Cationic and Neutral Four‐Coordinate Alkylidene Complexes of Vanadium(IV) Containing Short VC Bonds

Kinetically stable, four-coordinate V(IV) neopentylidene complexes such as [(Nacnac)V:CHtBu(THF)](BPh4) (Nacnac- = [Ar]NC(Me)CHC(Me)N[Ar], Ar = 2,6-(CHMe2)2C6H3), which was prepd. by oxidatively induced alpha-H abstraction from [(Nacnac)V(CH2tBu)2] with AgBPh4 in THF, contain the shortest V:C bonds known to date. [on SciFinder (R)]
Nutrition and Maternal Survival in Developing Countries

Maternal mortality continues to be high and maternal nutrition poor in the developing world. However, the specific role of nutrition in affecting maternal health and survival remains unclear. Recent trials provide support for a specific and perhaps important place for nutrition in reducing the burden of maternal mortality in developing countries. Specific nutrition interventions have been shown to be efficacious against some causes of maternal mortality. Calcium supplementation during pregnancy in high-risk populations or populations with dietary deficiency can reduce the risk of eclampsia and severe morbidity and mortality related to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Magnesium sulfate is a low-technology and inexpensive means to reduce the risk of eclampsia. Maternal anemia is likely to increase the risk of maternal mortality. Antenatal iron supplementation when done adequately can bring about improvements in hemoglobin concentrations that are likely to reduce the risk of maternal mortality by about 25%. Maternal vitamin A deficiency may be associated with an increased risk of maternal deaths, but further evidence is needed. Antenatal nutritional interventions that are able to achieve high coverage may likely be an effective means for impacting maternal survival in undernourished populations of the world where the burden of maternal mortality is high.
Enumerating β-Cells in Whole Human Islets: Sex Differences and Associations With Clinical Outcomes After Islet Transplantation.

Islet transplantation is an experimental therapy for type 1 diabetes. Though it is increasingly successful, limitations include unpredictable declines in islet graft function (1). There is still inadequate knowledge of specific human islet characteristics that predispose to successful and durable islet graft function and what types of donors are more likely to have islets with these beneficial traits. The relationship between the composition of dissociated human islets (as opposed to whole islets) and transplant outcomes has been studied (2), with a positive association between recipients’ acute insulin response to glucose (AIRg) posttransplant and number of pancreatic ductal cells in the preparation (a positive association with number of β-cells approached significance). However, as dissociation inherently damages islets, β-cells enumerated after dissociation may no longer reflect the number of β-cells within whole islets ultimately transplanted. Using an epidemiological approach, we therefore investigated 1 ) the independent association of the β-cell composition of transplanted whole human islets with recipient outcomes and 2 ) the donor …
Say it Again Sam: The Idiosyncratic Information Content of Corporate Conference Calls

This paper examines the idiosyncratic information-content of corporate conference calls. It studies the determinants, and the consequences, of idiosyncratic information production. To facilitate this study, I develop a novel measure of information-content which analyzes every (idiosyncratic) word choice made by management during both sessions of the call. In a sample of S&P 1500 firms from 2001 to 2012, this new measure of information-content explains cumulative abnormal returns. It shows how CEOs produce (suppress) information during the conference call. It shows how analyst participation in the call improves information production. It shows that a differential value is placed on information conditioned on the market segment of the firm. I contrast the effectiveness of this new measure to that of the conventional methodologies of tone and word-counting. I provide evidence that this new information-content measure is better suited to conference calls than are the other two.
2'-Ester prodrugs of the varicella-zoster antiviral agent, 6-methoxypurine arabinoside

6-Methoxypurine arabinoside [9-(β-D-arabinofuranosyl)-6-methoxy-9H-purine; 1] is a potent and selective agent against varicella-zoster virus in vitro. Studies in the rat indicated that extensive first pass metabolism of this nucleoside occurred after oral dosing, presumably from high levels of adenosine deaminase in the intestine. Only 3.8% of an oral dose of 6-methoxypurine arabinoside was recovered in the urine. In an attempt to improve these unfavourable pharmacokinetics, a series of twenty-five 2′-esters of 6-methoxypurine arabinoside were prepared either by direct acylation or by a protection, acylation, and deprotection sequence. These esters were evaluated in the rat for their suitability as prodrugs on the basis of urinary recovery of 1 after oral dosing. The straight-chain aliphatic esters, but not the branched chain or aromatic esters, improved this urinary recovery. The 2′-valerate, hexanoate, heptanoate, and octanoate esters (2d–g, respectively) were the most effective, with urinary recoveries...
Calculated Deflected Contours and Load-Deflection Curves for Tires

Abstract The tire contour equation is derived for a flexible tire body with radial cords and a complete circumferential deflection, corresponding to the case of a radial-ply tire or a tire inflated inside a constraining cylinder. Equations are derived to calculate the load on a single cord in the deflected region using parameters of the un-deflected contour. It is then shown how the reasoning and equations can be generalized for a tire body with any cord path having a complete circumferential deflection so that the load-deflection curve for a single cord can be calculated. A new approximation method is described so that the integrals involved in these calculations can be evaluated in terms of incomplete elliptic integrals of the first and second kind with any desired accuracy. Finally, a procedure is given for summing cord loads in the usual spot deflection of a tire so that the load-deflection curve for a flexible tire body can be calculated from contour parameters of the undeflected tire. An illustrativ...
Oracle 10g Developing Web Applications with PL/SQL Server Pages

This textbook outlines the structure of Oracle’s primary database language PL/SQL as a server-side Web scripting language for developing AJAX Web applications. It covers topics like Oracle SQL, Oracle PL/SQL, HTML, Javascript, AJAX, and Oracle XML. The book simplifies the concepts necessary to develop simple Web applications as well as more complex AJAX applications. It provides a hands-on approach toward applying the database concepts for Web development. There are sample databases, numerous examples, and tutorials in the book to explain the concepts. Each chapter ends with a summary, review questions, and problem solving exercises. Table of contents PREFACECHAPTER ONE - Internet and PL/SQL Server PagesCHAPTER TWO - SQL in PL/SQL CHAPTER THREE - PL/SQL LanguageCHAPTER FOUR - Web Application Design with HTML and DOMCHAPTER FIVE - Introduction to PL/SQL Server PagesCHAPTER SIX - Web Forms with PL/SQL Server PagesCHAPTER SEVEN - Oracle XML Essentials CHAPTER EIGHT - Javascript Essentials CHAPTER NINE - AJAX with PL/SQL Server Pages CHAPTER TEN - Web Cookies and Locks APPENDIX A - Database Access Descriptor APPENDIX B - Portable Applications APPENDIX C - Oracle Web Utilities - Oracle 11g: Developing AJAX Applications with PL/SQL Server PagesAPPENDIX D - File Upload and Download APPENDIX E - SQL Developer INDEX
Direct in situ quantification of HO2 from a flow reactor

The first direct in situ measurements of hydroperoxyl radical (HO2) at atmospheric pressure from the exit of a laminar flow reactor have been carried out using mid-infrared Faraday rotation spectroscopy. HO2 was generated by oxidation of dimethyl ether, a potential renewable biofuel with a simple molecular structure but rich low-temperature oxidation chemistry. On the basis of the results of nonlinear fitting of the experimental data to a theoretical spectroscopic model, the technique offers an estimated sensitivity of <1 ppmv over a reactor exit temperature range of 398–673 K. Accurate in situ measurement of this species will aid in quantitative modeling of low-temperature and high-pressure combustion kinetics.
Returning the “Social” to Evolutionary Sociology: Reconsidering Spencer, Durkheim, and Marx’s Models of “Natural” Selection:

Sociology can no longer avoid engagement with biological ideas, but it can incorporate them where they are useful. Most biologically inspired explanations of sociological processes from outside the...
Space-division multiplexing (SDM) technology for short-reach fiber optic systems

Space-division-multiplexing, which can take many forms, provides low cost, high-bandwidth optical links for short-reach systems. We studied 2, 4 and 8-core multicore fiber (MCF) systems with associated connectors and fan-outs and achieved excellent BER performance.
EFFECTS OF COVER SOIL THICKNESS ON REVEGETATION OF ACIDIC APPALACHIAN COAL REFUSE 1

Appalachian coal processing wastes are typically acid forming with potential acidities in Virginia ranging from an average of 12 Mg CCE demand/1000 Mg waste up to > 50 Mg/1000 Mg where higher sulfur coal seams are cleaned. Direct seeding of these materials is further complicated by high rock fragment content, low water-holding capacity, and high summer surface soil temperatures. In Virginia, conventional revegetation protocols established by the Virginia Division of Mined Land Reclamation (DMLR) in the early 1980's required the return of 1.2 m of soil cover over all actively permitted coal wastes. Unfortunately, most active piles at the time had no available topsoil reserves, so the only alternative was to disturb adjacent properties via blasting to generate spoil derived topsoil substitutes. Between 1982 and 1990, we investigated a number of direct seeding and reduced topsoil cover alternatives in an effort to determine the optimal combination of soil amendments and cover soil thickness for the successful revegetation of varying coal waste acidity conditions. The centerpiece of this research effort was a series of topsoil wedge experiments established over three different coal waste materials where cover soil depth was varied from 0 to 125 cm, with and without lime (15 to 25 Mg/ha) at the soil/coal waste contact. Multi-year vegetation and soil sampling results indicated that a minimum of 45 to 75 cm of cover soil was required over highly acid-forming refuse (47 Mg CCE demand/1000 Mg), with the shallower depth sufficient when a lime layer was applied at the contact zone. Over moderately acid-forming materials (15 to 35 Mg CCE /1000 Mg), as little as 25 cm of cover soil was adequate as long as lime was added to the soil/waste contact zone. Coal waste materials that are < 15 Mg CCE/1000 Mg net acid forming can be direct seeded if high P applications are coupled with heavy mulch or organic amendments, especially when the fill faces are not south-facing. These results were implemented into permit review and oversight by Virginia DMLR in the early 1990's and over the past 15 years, a wide range of active coal waste piles have been successfully revegetated with soil covers of 50 cm or less.
Numerical Simulation and Analysis of the Process of Injecting the Hot Fluid into Oil Reservoir

The injection of hot fluid(hot water,steam,hot oil) into oil reservoir is an important means of raising oil recovery.Due to the complexity process of heat transfer of the injection of hot fluid,there are some limitations for the theoretical and experimental studies.Referring to the entity model of commonly used perforating guns in Liaohe Oilfield,a physical model is set up.Through reasonable simplification,the mathematical model is established.Then,the modeling process is done by using Fluent.The results show that the flowability and driving index is poor.The greater viscosity,the oil possesses,the worse are the effect of the flow.
Leonhard Euler: Most Prolific Mathematician in History

With the exception of Ramanujan, the Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler was unrivalled in the manipulation of infinite series. Euler laid the foundations of the theory of partitions where Ramanujan excelled by the use of identities for infinite series and products. After describing the life of Euler, a selection of some of his great contributions are discussed, some of which have strong links with the work of Ramanujan, such as the theory of partitions and q-hypergeometric series, the Ramanujan taxi-cab equation, and sums involving the roots of unity.
UV–Visible Spectroscopy-Based Quantification of Unlabeled DNA Bound to Gold Nanoparticles

DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles have been increasingly applied as sensitive and selective analytical probes and biosensors. The DNA ligands bound to a nanoparticle dictate its reactivity, making it essential to know the type and number of DNA strands bound to the nanoparticle surface. Existing methods used to determine the number of DNA strands per gold nanoparticle (AuNP) require that the sequences be fluorophore-labeled, which may affect the DNA surface coverage and reactivity of the nanoparticle and/or require specialized equipment and other fluorophore-containing reagents. We report a UV–visible-based method to conveniently and inexpensively determine the number of DNA strands attached to AuNPs of different core sizes. When this method is used in tandem with a fluorescence dye assay, it is possible to determine the ratio of two unlabeled sequences of different lengths bound to AuNPs. Two sizes of citrate-stabilized AuNPs (5 and 12 nm) were functionalized with mixtures of short (5 base) and long ...
Project management systems: A multi-level perspective on the emerging project based organizations and society

A sponsors of projects, top managers release resources, approve or make relevant decisions, and in general determine the organizational premises under which project management function is conducted. Their behavior sets the context for the innumerable negotiations that take place between the manager of a specific project and the rest of the organization. Thus the project management function in an organization is imbued with a systemic characteristic, exhibiting regularities of form and behavior, structures and processes that encapsulate multi-level coordination. The central objective of this effort is to focus attention on the role of top management of an organization in PM, and to make the case that their influence, although often felt indirectly from the viewpoint of specific projects, has a significant influence on the conduct and success of specific projects in the organization. We further argue that the choice of the PM system is a strategic one, and should be made deliberately so as to align the system with the strategic realities of the corporation. V. K. Narayanan, J Bioanal Biomed 2013, 5:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/1948-593X.S1.011