cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of ACE in Myeloid Cells Increases Immune Effectiveness and Leads to a New Way of Considering Inflammation in Acute and Chronic Diseases.

To review recent studies exploring how myeloid cell overexpression of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) affects the immune response and to formulate an approach for considering the effectiveness of inflammation in cardiovascular disease While it is widely appreciated that the renin-angiotensin system affects aspects of inflammation through the action of angiotensin II, new studies reveal a previously unknown role of ACE in myeloid cell biology. This was apparent from analysis of two mouse lines genetically modified to overexpress ACE in monocytes/macrophages or neutrophils. Cells overexpressing ACE demonstrated an increased immune response. For example, mice with increased macrophage ACE expression have increased resistance to melanoma, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease, and ApoE-knockout-induced atherosclerosis. These data indicate the profound effect of increasing myeloid cell function. Further, they suggest that an appropriate way to evaluate inflammation in both acute and chronic diseases is to ask whether the inflammatory infiltrate is sufficient to eliminate the immune challenge. The expression of ACE by myeloid cells induces a heightened immune response by these cells. The overexpression of ACE is associated with immune function beyond that possible by wild type (WT) myeloid cells. A heightened immune response effectively resolves disease in a variety of acute and chronic models of disease including models of Alzheimer’s disease and atherosclerosis.
Follow-up vascular ultrasounds in patients with giant cell arteritis.

Objectives Literature describing follow-up vascular ultrasound (VUS) in giant cell arteritis (GCA) is limited. We report our experience with follow-up VUS obtained in clinical care of patients with GCA. Methods We retrospectively identified GCA patients with an abnormal initial VUS, defined as circumferential hypoechoic wall thickening ("halo sign"), or circumferential hyperechoic wall thickening without evidence of arteriosclerosis or arteritis, who subsequently underwent follow-up VUS during 2013-2018. Studies were interpreted as active arteritis, hyperechoic wall thickening without active arteritis, or no arteritis. We compared clinical and laboratory characteristics at time of initial VUS among patients with active arteritis vs. hyperechoic wall thickening without active arteritis. We described whether and how VUS interpretation changed from initial to follow-up VUS. Among individual vessels, we tested whether abnormal findings (e.g. halo sign) persisted at follow-up VUS using McNemar's test. Results 42 patients fulfilled study criteria. Median time between initial and follow-up VUS was 5.1 (IQR 2.6-7.9) months. Characteristics at initial VUS did not differ according to VUS interpretation. Among 36 patients with active arteritis on initial VUS, follow-up VUS showed active arteritis in 25.0%, hyperechoic wall thickening in 33.3% and no arteritis in 41.7%. Among 6 patients with hyperechoic wall thickening on initial VUS, half had no arteritis on follow-up VUS. Sonographic findings tended to persist in axillary arteries and were more likely to change in the superficial temporal arteries. Conclusions Among 42 GCA patients, the majority had a change in VUS interpretation between initial and follow-up VUS. Sonographic findings in the temporal circulation more frequently changed than findings in axillary arteries.
Management of Sleep Issues in Older Adults with Dementia

Commonly present in elderly patients with dementia are sleep disorders which require diagnosis and appropriate therapy. Obstructive sleep apnea has a higher prevalence in this patient population compared with cognitively non-impaired patients, and if diagnosed and treated, it may show improvement in daytime function and cognitive function. Insomnia is also common and may be caused by a number of medications that are frequently used by elderly patients. Treatment of insomnia may require cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), which has been associated with more lasting treatment response than pharmacologic therapy. Restless legs syndrome, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder, and circadian rhythm disorders may also complicate the care of the elderly patient with dementia. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders in elderly patients with dementia will likely improve important patient outcomes such as cognitive function and daytime sleepiness.
Subtypes of Alcohol Dependence and 36‐Year Mortality

Background Chronic, heavy alcohol use is associated with multiple health problems, including premature death. Further, the clinical presentation of alcohol dependence may differentially affect and predict the long-term health consequences of affected individuals. Subtypes of alcohol dependence based upon treatment intake information can help identify homogenous groups of patients for treatment purposes, but have not been used to predict long-term outcomes. The current study examined mortality in a 36-year posttreatment interval among 4 subtypes of alcohol-dependent patients based upon their initial intake data. Methods Extensive baseline data were collected from n = 316 male and female patients receiving inpatient treatment for alcohol dependence between 1980 and 1982. Four alcohol dependent subtypes (Del Boca & Hesselbrock, Alcohol Health Res World, 20:56, 1996) derived from the baseline data were used to examine the 1-year posttreatment drinking status and the risk of death 36 years postdischarge. Public records were used to determine patient deaths in the 36 years since discharge. Results At the 36-year follow-up interval since discharge, 68.4% of the sample had died. The 4 subtypes were found to be associated with different rates of resumption of regular drinking in the first year posttreatment and a differential risk of mortality. An increased risk for returning to regular drinking (once a week or more) and early death were associated with subtypes defined, in part, by conduct problems and externalizing disorders. Regardless of subtype membership, women had the highest risk of death following treatment. Conclusions This study demonstrates the clinical usefulness of subtypes of alcohol dependence for examining different alcohol use outcomes, including predicting mortality. The increased risks for returning to regular drinking once a week or more and early death posttreatment among subtypes associated with conduct problems and externalizing disorders suggest the need for continued monitoring and possible additional intervention postdischarge.
Laryngeal function in normal dogs administered isoflurane following partial clearance of alfaxalone or propofol.

Abstract Objective To assess laryngeal function in normal dogs administered isoflurane following partial clearance of alfaxalone or propofol. Study design Randomized experimental crossover study. Animals A group of 12 purpose-bred, male Beagle dogs. Methods Dogs were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: alfaxalone–isoflurane (ALF-ISO) or propofol–isoflurane (PRO-ISO) and anesthetized for three video laryngoscopy examinations. The alternate treatment occurred after ≥ 14 days interval. Examinations were performed after induction of anesthesia (LS-A), after 20 minutes of breathing isoflurane via a facemask (LS-B) and after a further 20 minutes of isoflurane (LS-C). Parameters of objective laryngeal function included inspiratory rima glottidis surface area (RGSA-I), expiratory rima glottidis surface area (RGSA-E) and % RGSA increase, calculated from three consecutive respiratory cycles in the final 15 seconds of each video laryngoscopy examination. The % RGSA increase was calculated using [(RGSA-I – RGSA-E)/RGSA-E] × 100. Subjective laryngeal function was evaluated independently by two experienced surgeons blinded to treatment. Results The % RGSA increase within each treatment was greater for LS-B and LS-C than for LS-A (ALF-ISO: p = 0.03, PRO-ISO: p = Conclusions and clinical relevance Laryngeal function improved from postinduction examination following either 20 or 40 minutes of anesthesia with isoflurane via facemask. This study demonstrates that isoflurane may have a lesser effect on arytenoid abduction activity compared with more commonly used intravenous induction anesthetics (alfaxalone and propofol).
Effect of a multidisciplinary Severe Immunotherapy Complications Service on outcomes for patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy for cancer.

Background In 2017, Massachusetts General Hospital implemented the Severe Immunotherapy Complications (SIC) Service, a multidisciplinary care team for patients hospitalized with immune-related adverse events (irAEs), a unique spectrum of toxicities associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). This study’s objectives were to evaluate the intervention’s (1) effect on patient outcomes and healthcare utilization, and (2) ability to collect biological samples via a central infrastructure, in order to study the mechanisms responsible for irAEs. Methods A hospital database was used to identify patients who received ICIs for a malignancy and were hospitalized with severe irAEs, before (April 2, 2016–October 3, 2017) and after (October 3, 2017–October 24, 2018) SIC Service initiation. The primary outcome was readmission rate after index hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included length of stay (LOS) for admissions, corticosteroid and non-steroidal second-line immunosuppression use, ICI discontinuation, and inpatient mortality. Results In the pre-SIC period, 127 of 1169 patients treated with ICIs were hospitalized for irAEs; in the post-SIC period, 122 of 1159. After SIC service initiation, reductions were observed in irAE readmission rate (14.8% post-SIC vs 25.9% pre-SIC; OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.22 to 0.95; p=0.036) and readmission LOS (median 6 days post-SIC vs 7 days pre-SIC; 95% CI −16.03 to –0.14; p=0.046). No significant pre-initiation and post-initiation differences were detected in corticosteroid use, second-line immunosuppression, ICI discontinuation, or inpatient mortality rates. The SIC Service collected 789 blood and tissue samples from 234 patients with suspected irAEs. Conclusions This is the first study to report that establishing a highly subspecialized care team focused on irAEs is associated with improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare utilization. Furthermore, the SIC Service successfully integrated blood and tissue collection safety into routine care.
Role of miR-182/PDCD4 axis in aggressive behavior of prostate cancer in the African Americans.

Background Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among men. African Americans (AA) are at an increased risk of developing prostate cancer compared to European Americans (EA). miRNAs play a critical role in these tumors, leading to tumor progression. In this study, we investigated the role of miR-182 in racial disparity in prostate cancer. Results We found significantly increased levels of miR-182 in prostate cancer tissues compared to BPH. Also, miR-182 shows increased expression in AA prostate cancer cell line and tissue samples compared to EA. We performed biochemical recurrence (BCR) - free survival time in AA and EA patients and found that high miR-182 expression had significantly shorter BCR-free survival than patients with low miR-182 expression (P = 0.031). To elucidate the role of miR-182, we knocked down miR-182 in EA (DU-145 and LNCaP) and AA (MDA-PCa-2b) cell lines and found an increase in apoptosis, arrest of the cell cycle, and inhibition of colony formation in the AA cell line to a greater extent than EA cell lines. Conclusions Our results showed that PDCD4 is a direct miR-182 target and its inhibition is associated with aggressiveness and high Gleason grade in prostate cancer among AA. These findings show that miR-182 is highly expressed in AA patients and miR-182 may be a target for effective therapy in AA patients.
Localized drug delivery graphene bioscaffolds for cotransplantation of islets and mesenchymal stem cells.

In the present work, we developed, characterized, and tested an implantable graphene bioscaffold which elutes dexamethasone (Dex) that can accommodate islets and adipose tissue–derived mesenchymal ...
Vulnerability Mapping of Groundwater Resources

Groundwater vulnerability is a measure of the likelihood that pollution or contamination at the land surface reaches a production aquifer. It is a measure of the “degree of insulation” that natural and man-made factors provide to keep pollution away from groundwater. The term was first used in Europe in the 1960s. In defining groundwater vulnerability, a number of issues must be examined and clarified; all refer to these two questions: vulnerability of what? and vulnerability to what Exact definitions of groundwater vulnerability have therefore varied. In principle, all groundwater is vulnerable to human activity; no groundwater is completely isolated from the aboveground environment. The degree of vulnerability depends on environmental conditions, on how we define groundwater and the part of groundwater in which we are interested in (hence the question, “vulnerability of what?”), and on the timescale of interest. In addition, it depends on whether or not a vulnerability measure is intended to account also for the presence and type of pollutants (hence, “vulnerability to what?”). Keywords: vulnerability; groundwater; susceptibility; index-and-overlay methods; groundwater modeling
Effect of chronic immune system activation on body nitrogen retention, partial efficiency of lysine utilization, and lysine needs of pigs.

The influence of a low and high level of chronic immune system (IS) activation on body nitrogen retention, partial efficiency of dietary lysine utilization, and lysine needs of pigs at three body weights was determined. All pigs were of a single genetic strain and geographical site of origin, and the low and high IS pigs were created by physically isolating pigs from or continuously exposing pigs to major vectors of antigen transmission. In each IS group, four littermate barrows in each of six litters were allotted at 25 d of age to one of four dietary amino acid regimens (.60, .90, 1.20, or 1.50% dietary lysine). Pigs were individually penned and allowed to freely consume feed from 6.2 to 26.5 kg BW. Nitrogen balance during 4-d periods was determined for each pig at BW of 10, 17.5, and 25 kg. Minimizing the level of chronic IS activation resulted in 4.7 to 7.7 g/d greater body nitrogen retention, 147 to 201 g/d greater BW gain, and 101 to 147 g more gain per kilogram of feed in pigs at the three BW. Dietary lysine intakes needed to maximize each of these criteria at BW of 10, 17.5, and 25 kg were a minimum of 2, 2, and 3 g/d greater in the low vs high IS pigs. However, the partial efficiency of lysine utilization for body nitrogen retention was similar between IS groups. On the basis of these data, the greater dietary lysine needs of the low IS pigs are due to their greater biological capacity for body nitrogen accretion and not to differences in their efficiency of dietary lysine utilization.
DNA demethylation of neuronal cell death genes in depression

DNA methylation may play ar ole in the etiology of neuropsychiatric disorders through abnormal genomic methylation patterns regulating genes involved in brain development or physiology. In this study we explored the DNA methylation profile of depression in the prefrontal cortex because converging evidence from brain imaging and postmortem studies has implicated this region in depression neuropathology. Materials and methods In order to better understand both the wild type genomic DNA methylation patterns and aberrant methylation events occurring in disease states we profiled DNA methylation patterns in human postmortem brains of 12 depressed and non-psychiatric controls using the methylation mapping and paired-end sequencing (MethylMAPS) method. Methyl-MAPS is an enzymatic-base method that can delineate the methylation status of greater than 80% of CpG sites genome-wide (Xin et al., doi: 10.4161/epi.6.11.17876). Overall, these data represent relatively unbiased coverage of the genome, including CpG-rich domains such as CpG islands and repetitive elements. Results and conclusions Comparative analysis of DNA methylation patterns among depressed cases and controls revealed little variation at the transcription start sites (TSS) across all RefSeq annotated genes, but significant variations were detected proximal to the TSS (referred to as “CpG island shores”). We observed statistically significant methylation loss in CpG island shores in depressed cases compared to controls. These findings were replicated in purified neuronal cell populations. Using an independent sample of depressed cases and matched non-psychiatric controls, we isolated neuronal nuclei from the dorsal prefrontal cortex of 11 depressed cases and 11 controls. Due to limited quantities of neuronal DNA typically obtained from isolation of nuclei using fluorescence-activated cell sorting, we used the Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. DNA methylation differences in CpG island shores revealed that, of the CpG dinucleotides with significant methylation differences, >95% showed loss of methylation in depressed brains. The underlying mechanism involved in the loss of methylation in depression psychopathology is unclear. However, the global 5-hydroxymethylcytosine levels in neuronal DNA from the same sample specimens also showed a loss of hydroxymethylation in depressed brains compared to controls. Although these data were not statistically significant, they revealed an important trend in loss of hydroxymethylation and the possible mechanism for DNA demethylation in brains of depressed patients. Gene ontology analysis of genes with significant methylation differences (primarily loss of methylation) in depressed vs. controls identified a number of cellular functions. Of note, the fourth most significant gene set identified was involved in programmed cell death and 74% of the genes in this set were associated with neuronal cell death. These changes in methylation dynamics suggest a possible mechanism linking neuronal cell death associated with oxidative stress and inflammation in the depressed brain.
The Influence of Major Life Events on Economic Attitudes in a World of Gene-Environment Interplay.

The role of 'genes' on political attitudes has gained attention across disciplines. However, person-specific experiences have yet to be incorporated into models that consider genetic influences. Relying on a gene-environment interplay approach, this study explicates how life events, such as losing one's job or suffering a financial loss, influence economic policy attitudes. The results indicate genetic and environmental variance on support for unions, immigration, capitalism, socialism, and property tax is moderated by financial risks. Changes in the magnitude of genetic influences, however, are temporary. After two years, the phenotypic effects of the life events remain on most attitudes, but changes in the sources of individual differences do not. Univariate twin models that estimate the independent contributions of genes and environment on the variation of attitudes appear to provide robust baseline indicators of the sources of individual differences. These estimates, however, are not event or day specific. In this way, genetic influences add stability, while environment cues change, and this process is continually updated.
Healthcare provider accuracy at estimating women's BMI and intent to provide counseling based on appearance alone

Objective To assess healthcare providers' ability to estimate women's body mass index (BMI) based on physical appearance and determine the prevalence of, and barriers to, weight-related counseling. Methods A web-based survey was distributed to healthcare providers (“participants”) at a university-based hospital and contained photographs of anonymous women (“photographed women (PW)”) as well as questions regarding participant demographics. Participants were asked to estimate BMI category based on physical appearance, state whether they would provide weight-loss counseling for each PW and identify barriers to counseling. Results One hundred forty-two participants completed the survey. BMI estimations were poor among all participants, with an overall accuracy of only 41% and a large proportion of underestimations. Standardization of PW clothing did not improve accuracy; 41% for own clothing versus 40% for scrubs, P = 0.2. BMI assessments were more accurate for Caucasian versus African American PW (45% versus 36%, P < 0.001) and PW with normal weight (84%) and obesity III (38%) compared to PW with mid-range BMI (P < 0.001). Although the frequency of weight loss counseling was positively associated with PW BMI, participants only intended to counsel 69% of overweight and obese PW. The most commonly cited reason for lack of counseling was time constraints (54%). Conclusions Healthcare providers are inaccurate at appearance-based BMI categorization and thus, BMI should be routinely calculated in order to improve identification of those in need of counseling. When appropriately identified, time constraints may prevent practitioners from providing appropriate weight-loss counseling—further complicating the already difficult task of fighting obesity.
Normal Isotype Switching in B Cells Lacking the Iμ Exon Splice Donor Site: Evidence for Multiple Iμ-Like Germline Transcripts

Ig class switch recombination (CSR) in activated B cells is preceded by the generation of “switch” transcripts from the heavy chain constant region (CH) genes targeted for rearrangement. Switch transcripts include a sterile “I” exon spliced onto the first CH exon. Targeted mutations disrupting the expression or splicing of I exons severely hamper CSR to all tested CH loci, except μ. However, all μ switch transcript mutations tested so far have left the Iμ exon splice donor site intact. To test the possibility that the residual CSR activity in Iμ mutants could be due to splicing of a truncated Iμ exon, we generated new mutants specifically lacking the Iμ splice donor site. Surprisingly, normal CSR was observed in the Iμ splice donor mutants even in the absence of detectable spliced Iμ transcripts. In a search for potential alternative sources of switch-like transcripts in the μ locus, we identified two novel exons which map just upstream of the Sμ region and splice onto the Cμ1 exon. Their expression is detectable from early B cell developmental stages, and, at least in hybridomas, it does not require the Eμ enhancer. These studies highlight a unique structure for the μ locus I exon region, with multiple nested switch transcript-like exons mapping upstream of Sμ. We propose that all of these transcripts directly contribute to μ class switching activity.
The Effect of Uncertainty on Investment, Hiring, and R&D: Causal Evidence from Equity Options

There is wide debate over the impact of uncertainty on firm behavior, due to the difficulty both of measuring uncertainty and of identifying causality. This paper takes three steps that attempt to address these challenges. First, we develop an instrumental variables strategy that exploits firms’ differential exposure to energy and currency prices and volatility. For example, airlines are negatively affected by high oil prices while oil refiners benefit from them, but both are sensitive to oil price volatility; retailers, in comparison, are not particularly sensitive to either the level or volatility of oil prices. Second, we use the expected volatility of stock prices as implied by equity options to obtain forward-looking measures of uncertainty over firms’ business conditions. Finally, we examine how uncertainty affects a range of outcomes: capital investment, hiring, research and development, and advertising. We find that uncertainty depresses capital investment, hiring, and advertising, but encourages R&D spending. This perhaps-surprising result for R&D is consistent with a theoretical literature emphasizing that long investment lags create valuable real put options which offset the effects of call options lost when projects are started. Aggregating across our panel of Compustat firms, we find that rising uncertainty accounts for roughly a third of the fall in capital investment and hiring that occurred in 2008‐10.
The Development of a Pediatric Inpatient Experience of Care Measure: Child HCAHPS®

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) uses Adult Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (Adult HCAHPS) scores for public reporting and pay-for-performance for most US hospitals, but no publicly available standardized survey of inpatient experience of care exists for pediatrics. To fill the gap, CMS and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality commissioned the development of a pediatric version (Child HCAHPS), a survey of parents/guardians of pediatric patients (<18 years old) who were recently hospitalized. This article describes the development of Child HCAHPS, which included an extensive review of the literature and quality measures, expert interviews, focus groups, cognitive testing, pilot testing of the draft survey, a national field test with 69 hospitals in 34 states, psychometric analysis, and end-user testing of the final survey. We conducted extensive validity and reliability testing to determine which items would be included in the final survey instrument and develop composite measures. We analyzed national field test data of 17,727 surveys collected in November 2012 to January 2014 from parents of recently hospitalized children. The final Child HCAHPS instrument has 62 items, including 39 patient experience items, 10 screeners, 12 demographic/descriptive items, and 1 open-ended item. The 39 experience items are categorized based on testing into 18 composite and single-item measures. Our composite and single-item measures demonstrated good to excellent hospital-level reliability at 300 responses per hospital. Child HCAHPS was developed to be a publicly available standardized survey of pediatric inpatient experience of care. It can be used to benchmark pediatric inpatient experience across hospitals and assist in efforts to improve the quality of inpatient care.
Effect of ethanol feeding on bone composition in the rat

The effect of ethanol feeding for a period of 3 months on the mineral and collagen content of bone was determined in the rat. Ethanol feeding resulted in no changes in the density or in the concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, hydroxyproline, or nitrogen in the tibiae. Also, the serum concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were unaffected by ethanol feeding. The development of a mild degree of osteomolacia was suggested, however, by decreases in EDTA-extractable mineral content and in the calcium/hydroxyproline ratio in the tibiae of the ethanol-fed as compared with the control animals. The urinary excretion of glycosaminoglycans was not changed by ethanol-feeding while the urinary excretion of peptide-bound hydroxyproline was increased. The minimal bone changes found after ethanol feeding in this study are an unlikely cause for the observed increases in the urinary excretion of hydroxyproline.
Revision of the ACS Guidelines for Bachelor’s Degree Programs

The Committee on Professional Training (CPT) of the American Chemical Society (ACS) is revising the ACS Guidelines for Bachelor's Degree Programs. It is expected that the revised version will be adopted in 2014. In this commentary, the history of the ACS Guidelines is summarized. Areas in which there are expected to be changes to the 2008 guidelines are highlighted. The committee is soliciting input from the community about these proposed changes and about the guidelines and the approval processes more generally.
Metabolic disposition of acyclovir in the guinea pig, rabbit, and monkey

Two guinea pigs and two rabbits were each inoculated subcutaneously with 14C-labeled acyclovir (25 mg/kg). Both species excreted the entire amount within 72 hours. The rabbits excreted all of the radioactivity in the urine while the guinea pigs excreted an average of 14.2 percent in the feces. The rabbits excreted an average of 71.0 percent of the dose as unchanged drug; 25.1 percent was excreted as 9-carboxymethoxymethylguanine (CMMG) and 3.5 percent as 8-hydroxy-9-(2-hydroxyethoxymethyl)guanine (8-hydroxyacyclovir). An average of 60.7 percent of the dose was recovered from the guinea pigs as acyclovir; 32.3 percent was excreted as CMMG and 3.1 percent as 8-hydroxyacyclovir. The two rabbits showed elimination-phase half-lives (t 1/2 beta) for plasma acyclovir of 0.8 and 2.2 hours. Mean t 1/2 beta for acyclovir in two rhesus, four patas, and four african green monkeys, each receiving acyclovir (10 mg/kg) as a bolus intravenous injection, were 1.2, 1.7, and 1.8 hours respectively. The average 48 hour urinary excretion of acyclovir, 8-hydroxyacyclovir, and CMMG in the rhesus monkey was estimated to be 21.3 percent, 15.3 percent, and 7.1 percent, respectively, of the total administered amount. The patas and african green species excreted the dose mostly as acyclovir and CMMG.
Tumor-rejection antigens recognized by T lymphocytes

Generations of immunologists have been searching for evidence to confirm the tantalizing notion that tumor-rejection antigens exist. If found, the ultimate reward was the possibility that these molecules might be used to induce tumor-specific immunity and effect tumor rejection. Until recently rewards have been few and far between. That is changing. The immediate rewards have become more satisfying and the ultimate reward almost palpable.
Adapting specialized legal metadata to the digital environment: the code of federal regulations parallel table of authorities and rules

In the domain of print-based U.S. legal information, specialized tools that create connections between different categories of metadata increase legal research efficiency. Such tools, redesigned for the electronic sphere, could enhance digital legal information systems. This paper illustrates this kind of redesign, through a case study of one such tool---the Parallel Table of Authorities and Rules in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, which connects regulations to the statutes that authorize them.
Tribological behaviour of TiN Films deposited by high energy ion-beam-assisted deposition

Abstract Hardness measurements and abrasive and sliding wear tests were performed on TiN films deposited onto metal and ceramic substrates by reactive magnetron sputtering and by ion-beam-assisted deposition (IBAD) using 30 keV N 2 + or 40 keV Ti + ions. Composition-depth profiles obtained by Rutherford backscattering indicated significant intermixing of film and substrate at the interface. IBAD TiN films were found to be considerably softer and about 1/30 as abrasion resistant as reactively sputtered TiN films. The IBAD films were extremely adherent to either steel or ceramic substrates and reduced the dry sliding friction coefficient for steel-steel and ceramic-ceramic couples from roughly 0.7 to 0.2. The intermixing of film and substrate atoms can account for the excellent adherence of the IBAD films to otherwise incompatible ceramic substrates such as SiC. Based on these and previous studies, the tribomechanical properties of high energy IBAD TiN films appear to be relatively insensitive to processing parameters such as ion species, ion-to-atom arrival ratio and high vacuum conditions — an advantage in commercial film preparation.
Traumatic television tip-overs in the pediatric patient population.

Background Head trauma is the leading cause of injury in the pediatric patient population. Although falls are the most common reason for head injury, blunt objects are a significant contributor. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released the top five hidden hazards of the home in 2007 and listed “tip-overs” as the third leading cause of morbidity and mortality. We, therefore, hypothesize that televisions continue to be a significant source of injury to children. Our intent is to examine the most common mechanisms, resulting injuries, and factors associated with television-related injuries so as to increase public awareness of this threat. Methods Trauma patients admitted to our institution are entered into a state-mandated performance-improvement data collection system. After obtaining IRB approval, the medical records of all children admitted to our Level I Pediatric Trauma Center between 1/1/1999 and 7/27/2009 with television-related injuries were reviewed. Data points extracted included standard demographics, as well as television size, television support, final trauma level, Glasgow coma scale (GCS), injury severity score (ISS), intensive care unit (ICU) requirements, surgical procedures, final diagnoses, and hospital length of stay (LOS). Descriptive statistics were performed for the demographic data and intervals. Tests of significance were performed using Student's t -test and χ 2 /Fisher's exact test as appropriate. A P value Results Fifty-two children were seen at our institution with television tip-over related injuries during the study period. Nearly all injuries (50/52) occurred in the home, and 83% were an unwitnessed event. The mean age was 36 mo. The most common television size responsible for insult was 27 in., and the majority of these (26/52) were supported by a dresser. The mean ISS was 8.3. Patients admitted to the ICU had a higher ISS (12.2 [8.0–16.4] versus 6.8 [5.–8.4]; P = 0.003); however, there was no statistically significant association between television size and ISS (7.5 [4.6–10.4] versus 7.5 [7.8–13.4] ≥ 27 in.; P = 0.111). Injuries to the head were by far the most common (43/52) followed by orthopedic ( n = 6) and blunt abdominal ( n = 3). There was one death in the study population, and this resulted from a closed head injury. Conclusions Television tip-overs continue to pose a threat to children and can result in significant injury. Most often affected are the toddlers learning to walk and exploring their surrounding environments. The use of a dresser as a stand appears to convey the greatest risk. These injuries are potentially preventable by adequately securing televisions to appropriate stands.
Determination of the electron density in methyl (±)-(1S,2S,3R)-2-methyl-1,3-diphenylcyclopropanecarboxylate using refinements with X-ray scattering factors from wavefunction calculations of the whole molecule.

The mol­ecule of the title compound, C18H18O2, is a substituted cyclo­propane ring. The electron density in this mol­ecule has been determined by refining single-crystal X-ray data using scattering factors derived from quantum mechanical calculations. Topological analysis of the electron densities in the three cyclo­propane C—C bonds was carried out. The results show the effects of this substitution on these C—C bonds.
Computational methods for reactive scattering

Two methods of obtaining unimodular sector transformation matrices required in quantum scattering calculations employing locally adiabatic basis sets are discussed, one being particularly useful for three-dimensional reactive scattering. These are shown to lead to improved unitarity and detailed balance in a computed S-matrix. New results arc presented for the H + D2, and F + H2 reactions, including total cross sections obtained within a J2-conserving approximation. In particular, evidence is presented which indicates that the strong n = 2 vibrational resonance appearing in collinear studies of the F + H2 reaction is drastically affected by rotational broadening, indicating that collinear studies of exoergic reactions may be of limited practical utility in predicting resonance widths.
Creating high quality Ca:TiO2-B (CaTi5O11) and TiO2-B epitaxial thin films by pulsed laser deposition

We demonstrate, in great detail, a completely waterless synthesis route to produce highly crystalline epitaxial thin films of TiO2-B and its more stable variant CaTi5O11, using pulsed laser deposition (PLD).
Asymmetric dimethylarginine is strongly associated with cognitive dysfunction and brain MR spectroscopic abnormalities in cirrhosis.

Background & Aims Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase that accumulates in liver disease and may contribute to hepatic encephalopathy (HE). We aimed at evaluating the association of ADMA with cognition and brain MR spectroscopy (MRS) in cirrhosis. Methods Cirrhotic patients with/without prior HE and non-cirrhotic controls underwent cognitive testing and ADMA determination. A subgroup underwent brain MRS [glutamine/glutamate (Glx), myoinositol (mI), N -acetyl-aspartate (NAA) in parietal white, occipital gray, and anterior cingulated (ACC)]. Cognition and ADMA in a cirrhotic subgroup before and one month after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting (TIPS) were also tested. Cognition and MRS values were correlated with ADMA and compared between groups using multivariable regression. ADMA levels were compared between those who did/did not develop post-TIPS HE. Results Ninety cirrhotics (MELD 13, 54 prior HE) and 16 controls were included. Controls had better cognition and lower ADMA, Glx, and higher mI compared to cirrhotics. Prior HE patients had worse cognition, higher ADMA and Glx and lower mI compared to non-HE cirrhotics. ADMA was positively correlated with MELD (r=0.58, p 0.0001), abnormal cognitive test number (r=0.66, p 0.0001), and Glx and NAAA (white matter, ACC) and negatively with mI. On regression, ADMA predicted number of abnormal tests and mean Z-score independent of prior HE and MELD. Twelve patients underwent TIPS; 7 developed HE post-TIPS. ADMA increased post-TIPS in patients who developed HE ( p= 0.019) but not in others ( p= 0.89). Conclusions A strong association of ADMA with cognition and prior HE was found independent of the MELD score in cirrhosis.
A new synthesis of para-terphenyls

Abstract A new, one-step synthesis of para-terphenyls from aryl Grignards and 1,4-dibromo-2,5-diiodobenzene 1 as a di-aryne equivalent is described.
Conformational analysis of 1-chloro-4-iodobutane and 1-chloro-5-iodopentane

Abstract Infrared spectra were obtained for Cl(CH 2 ) 4 I and Cl(CH 2 ) 5 I in the liquid and solid states. Zero-order normal coordinate calculations were made for the five conformers of each compound that have all the carbon atoms coplanar. Comparison of the observed and calculated wavenumbers led to the conclusion that all five conformers of Cl(CH 2 ) 4 I are present in the liquid and solid states. For Cl(CH 2 ) 5 I, the TT, TG and GT conformers are present in the liquid state. No evidence was obtained that indicated either the presence or absence of the GG and GG' conformers. Only the TT conformer is present in the solid. Vibrational assignments were made for both compounds.
A process approach to emotion and personality: Using time as a facet of data

Emotions change over time. A comprehensive understanding of emotions will require that their temporal nature be observed and analysed. By observing emotion over time, one can disentangle and simultaneously analyse temporal variability within individuals and between-individual variability using a two-step process approach. First, within-person temporal patterns (e.g., covariation, lead–lag relation, periodicity, etc.) are assessed for each subject. Second, between-person analyses are conducted on the within-person patterns. These two steps can be done simultaneously with hierarchical linear models (HLM) or in two actual steps with the process approach. HLM is limited to the intra-individual analysis of linear patterns (e.g., slope, intercept), whereas the process approach can be used to examine non-linear aspects of intra-individual change, such as multivariate patterns, within-subject skew, or phase relations between oscillating processes. In this paper we provide a description of the process approach and...
Re-Evaluating the Diagnostic Accuracy of the Tongue Blade Test: Still Useful as a Screening Tool for Mandibular Fractures?

Abstract Background Mandibular fractures are one of the most frequently seen injuries in trauma. In terms of facial trauma, mandible fractures constitute 40%–62% of all facial bone fractures. The tongue blade test (TBT) has been shown to be a sensitive screening tool when compared with plain films. However, recent studies have demonstrated that computed tomography (CT) scan is more sensitive for determining mandible fractures than the traditionally used plain films. Objective The purpose of the study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the TBT as compared with the new gold standard of radiologic imaging, CT scan. Methods Any patient suffering from facial trauma was prospectively enrolled during the study period (August 1, 2010 to April 11, 2012) at a single urban, academic Emergency Department. A TBT was performed by the resident physician and confirmed by the supervising attending. CT facial bones were then obtained for the ultimate diagnosis. Inter-rater reliability (κ) was calculated, along with sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and likelihood ratio (–) based on a 2 × 2 contingency table generated. Results During the study period, 190 patients were enrolled. Inter-rater reliability was κ = 0.96 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.93–0.99). The following parameters were then calculated based on the contingency table: sensitivity 0.95 (95% CI 0.88–0.98), specificity 0.68 (95% CI 0.57–0.77), negative predictive value 0.92 (95% CI 0.82–0.97), and likelihood ratio (−) 0.07 (95% CI 0.03–0.18). Conclusions Based on the test characteristics calculated (negative predictive value 0.92, sensitivity 0.95, likelihood ratio −0.07), the TBT is a useful screening tool to determine the need for radiologic imaging.
EEG changes in subgaleal hematomas.

Abstract Voltage reduction of the EEG monitored by means of pairs of electrodes from areas of the scalp overlying a subgaleal hematoma is described in six subjects. Evidence is adduced that this EEG finding is directly related to the presence of the extracranial fluid collection. It is suggested that the possibility of a subgaleal hematoma should always be considered in interpreting the clinical significance or localized areas of low voltage in the EEG of patients having suffered a recent head injury.
Patient-reported sexual function after oral mucosa graft urethroplasty for hypospadias.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate sexual function after oral mucosa graft urethroplasty (OMGU) for hypospadias. Few long-term patient-reported data are available regarding sexual function after surgery for hypospadias. Methods We identified patients aged 18 years or older at the time of this survey who had undergone OMGU for hypospadias between 1992 and 2003. We evaluated sexual function and satisfaction using the 15-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15). Results Of the 16 adult patients, we located 14, of whom 11 (79%) participated. Previous hypospadias repair had failed in all 11 before OMGU. The median age at OMGU was 17.5 years. The median follow-up time was 4.7 years. Of the 10 sexually active patients, the mean score on the IIEF-15 was 64.6 ± 11.9 (maximal possible score 75). Erectile function was excellent, with all 10 able to achieve an erection most or all of the time (mean erection domain score 26.8 ± 6.1). All 10 experienced sensation of orgasm most or all the time, although 1 never ejaculated and 2 ejaculated rarely (mean orgasm domain score 8.9 ± 1.8). All 10 reported that they were moderately (n = 6) or very (n = 4) satisfied with their overall sex life (mean satisfaction domain score 8.3 ± 1.9). Neither occurrence of post-OMGU complications nor satisfaction with penile appearance was significantly associated with the IIEF-15 scores or overall sexual satisfaction. Conclusions Long-term sexual function and satisfaction was excellent in these patients after OMGU for hypospadias. Adolescent boys and men with failed hypospadias repairs, as well as parents of boys with hypospadias, can be counseled that most patients who undergo OMGU are likely to have satisfactory sexual function as adults.
Blowing in the (Social) Wind: Implications of Extrinsic Esteem Contingencies for Terror Management and Health

In 4 studies, the role of extrinsic esteem contingencies in adjusting to shifting health-relevant standards when managing existential fears was examined. Study 1 demonstrated that after reminders of death, higher dispositional focus on extrinsic self-esteem contingencies predicted greater interest in tanning. Using a more domain-specific approach, Study 2 showed that, after being reminded of death, the more individuals smoke for social esteem reasons, the more compelling they find an antismoking commercial that exposes adverse social consequences of smoking. Study 3 explored how situational factors (i.e., priming a contingent relational schema) that implicate extrinsic contingencies facilitated the impact of shifting standard primes on tanning intentions after mortality salience. Finally, Study 4 found that mortality salience led to increased endorsement of exercise as a basis of self-worth when participants who derive self-esteem from extrinsic sources visualized someone who exercises. Together, these studies demonstrate that reminders of death interact with prevalent social standards to influence everyday health decisions.
Reconsideration of the multiple cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases in bovine heart.

Abstract DEAE-cellulose chromatography demonstrated the presence of three peaks of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity in the hearts of cattle during the summer and only two peaks during exposure to freezing temperatures. The hydrolysis of 10−6M cyclic AMP by peak II, the variable activity, was stimulated 160% by 10−6M cyclic GMP and was inhibited by chelation of Ca2+. Peak II activity was not a distinct enzyme but rather a mixture of activator-dependent phosphodiesterase, phosphodiesterase activator and type II cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase.
Preference for larger foundress associations in the desert ant Messor pergandei

Etude, chez Messor pergandei, des mecanismes de formation des fondations par une serie d'experimentations realisees en laboratoire
Exact Mass Measurement of Polar Organic Molecules at Low Resolution Using Electrospray Ionization and a Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer

Hitherto, exact mass measurement experiments have usually been performed using high-resolution mass spectrometry. However, under the right circumstances, measurements with comparable accuracy may be made at low resolution. Here we demonstrate the use of a low-resolution single-quadrupole mass spectrometer to accurately mass measure organic samples analyzed by electrospray ionization, using a variety of glycol polymers for internal calibration. Results are presented from 11 samples which yield molecular signals in the m/z range 190-750, including data for positive, negative, and multiply-charged sample and reference ions. Replicate determinations of the masses of 12 ions gave values within 4.5 ppm (1.1 millimass units, mmu) of their calculated values, with standard deviations no larger than 3 ppm (1.7 mmu). From a total of 88 individual 1 min measurements, 83 were within 5 ppm, and 87 within 2 mmu of the theoretical mass. The accuracy, precision, and sensitivity shown here are comparable to those achievable using high-resolution mass spectrometers, with the added benefits of simpler instrumentation and analytical technique afforded by the quadrupole mass analyzer.