cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conversion of 7-Carboxy-Cannabidiol (7-COOH-CBD) to 11-nor-9-Carboxy-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH) During Sample Preparation for GC-MS Analysis.

The growing use of cannabidiol (CBD) products by the general public is expected to result in an increase in the prevalence of CBD and the CBD metabolites in drug testing laboratories. CBD converts into tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) under acid conditions which could produce false positive results but little is known about how the presence of the urinary metabolite of CBD, 7-carboxy-cannabidiol (7-COOH-CBD) would affect urine drug testing for 11-nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH). As the operators of the National Laboratory Certification Program (NLCP) we prepared a set of performance testing (PT) samples containing 7-COOH-CBD for cannabinoids testing at the laboratories accredited by the NLCP to investigate if 7-COOH-CBD can produce false positive results for THC-COOH during immunological screening analysis and if 7-COOH-CBD can be converted to THC-COOH. At concentrations up to 2,500 ng/mL, 7-COOH-CBD was not reactive by immunoassay in any of the four different immunoassay kits used. Additionally, we did not observe any significant conversion of 7-COOH-CBD to THC-COOH in assays used by NLCP certified laboratories. However, we did see conversion when we requested that selected laboratories retest their samples using derivatization with perfluorinated anhydrides in combination with perfluorinated alcohols or when samples containing 7-COOH-CBD were exposed to acid for an extended time.
Risk of breast cancer and prediagnostic urinary excretion of bisphenol A, triclosan and parabens: The Multiethnic Cohort Study

Exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), triclosan and parabens is widespread but their impact on breast cancer risk remains unclear. This nested case-control study investigated endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and breast cancer risk within the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC). We measured prediagnostic urinary BPA, triclosan and parabens in 1032 postmenopausal women with breast cancer (48 African American, 77 Latino, 155 Native Hawaiian, 478 Japanese American and 274 White) and 1030 individually matched controls, using a sensitive and validated liquid chromatography mass spectrometry assay. Conditional logistic regression was used to examine risk with these EDCs with adjustment for creatinine and potential confounders. In all women, breast cancer risk was not associated with BPA (Ptrend = 0.53) and was inversely associated with triclosan (ORT3 vs T1 = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.66-1.04, Ptrend = 0.045) and total parabens (ORT3 vs T1 = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.62-0.97, Ptrend = 0.03). While risk of hormone receptor positive (HR+) cancer was 20% to 23% lower among women in the upper two tertiles of paraben exposure (Ptrend = 0.02), risk of HR negative (HR-) was reduced 27% but only among those in the upper tertile of exposure. Although risk associations did not differ significantly by ethnicity or by body mass index (BMI), the inverse association with triclosan was observed mainly among overweight/obese women (ORT3 vs T1 = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.56-1.02, Ptrend = 0.02). In summary, breast cancer risk in a multiethnic population was unrelated to BPA and was weakly inversely associated with triclosan and paraben exposures. Studies with multiple urine samples collected before breast cancer diagnosis are needed to further investigate these EDCs and breast cancer risk.
Underperformance of Contemporary Phase III Oncology Trials and Strategies for Improvement.

Background Statistical testing in phase III clinical trials is subject to chance errors, which can lead to false conclusions with substantial clinical and economic consequences for patients and society. Methods We collected summary data for the primary endpoints of overall survival (OS) and progression-related survival (PRS) (eg, time to other type of event) for industry-sponsored, randomized, phase III superiority oncology trials from 2008 through 2017. Using an empirical Bayes methodology, we estimated the number of false-positive and false-negative errors in these trials and the errors under alternative P value thresholds and/or sample sizes. Results We analyzed 187 OS and 216 PRS endpoints from 362 trials. Among 56 OS endpoints that achieved statistical significance, the true efficacy of experimental therapies failed to reach the projected effect size in 33 cases (58.4% false-positives). Among 131 OS endpoints that did not achieve statistical significance, the true efficacy of experimental therapies reached the projected effect size in 1 case (0.9% false-negatives). For PRS endpoints, there were 34 (24.5%) false-positives and 3 (4.2%) false-negatives. Applying an alternative P value threshold and/or sample size could reduce false-positive errors and slightly increase false-negative errors. Conclusions Current statistical approaches detect almost all truly effective oncologic therapies studied in phase III trials, but they generate many false-positives. Adjusting testing procedures in phase III trials is numerically favorable but practically infeasible. The root of the problem is the large number of ineffective therapies being studied in phase III trials. Innovative strategies are needed to efficiently identify which new therapies merit phase III testing.
Simulation of cluster formation from kaolinite suspensions

Abstract The behavior of kaolinite suspensions has been studied by Brownian dynamics simulation, considering the action of DLVO forces, and the results are reported in this paper. A coarse grained model for kaolinite particles was built to facilitate the computation. Cluster formation from kaolinite suspensions was found at low pH (pH 5); in contrast, kaolinite particles were well dispersed at high pH (pH 8). This distinguishing feature is mainly due to the anisotropic surface properties of kaolinite particles and their pH dependence. At pH 5, the particles are aggregated by attraction between the negative silica face surface and the positive alumina face surface, as well as by the interaction between the negative edge surface and the positive alumina face surface. However, at pH 8, all the surfaces are negatively charged, resulting in a well dispersed kaolinite suspension. The simulated results were successfully validated by SEM imaging with WETSEM capsules. Cluster formation at low pH is believed to explain success in the reverse flotation of kaolinite from bauxite ore at pH 4–5 with a primary amine collector.
Abstract W MP36: IV tPA Utilization and Outcomes in Asian Americans

Intro: Studies have shown race/ethnic differences in IV tPA utilization and outcomes after acute ischemic stroke (IS). Most studies in the US have examined differences in Black, White, and Hispanic populations. We aimed to examine tPA utilization and outcomes in Asian Americans. Methods: We used administrative claims data on all discharges from nonfederal EDs and acute care hospitals in CA, FL, and NY from 2006 through 2011 (CA and NY) or 2012 (FL). We identified patients with a first-recorded hospitalization for IS using a validated algorithim and included discharge diagnosis of ICH or SAH if treated with tPA to capture cases of hemorrhagic transformation of an infarct. IV tPA was identified by ICD-9-CM procedure code 99.10. We used descriptive statistics to compare rates of IV tPA among different races. We used multiple logistic regression to assess the relationship between race and IV tPA use while adjusting for other demographic characteristics, vascular risk factors, and Elixhauser comorbid conditions. We assessed rates of ICH/SAH and inhospital mortality by race in patients treated with tPA. Results: Among 587,560 IS patients, 63.9% were White, 14.1% Black, 12.5% Hispanic, 4.5% Asian, 0.2% American Indian, and 2.8% other; 2.0% had missing data on race. Mean age was 72 years and 52% were women. Overall 4.8% received IV tPA. tPA use was 5.1% in Whites, 3.9% in Blacks, 3.9% in Hispanics, and 4.7% in Asians. After adjusting for age, gender, insurance status, and comorbidities, tPA use was less likely in non-White patients: Black OR 0.78 (95% CI 0.75-0.81), Hispanic OR 0.78 (95% CI 0.75-0.81), and Asian OR 0.94 (95% CI 0.88-0.995). ICH/SAH after tPA occurred in 16.9% of Asians compared with 11.3% of Whites, 12.2% of Blacks, and 13.6% of Hispanics. In multivariable analysis, Asian race was independently associated with ICH/SAH (OR 1.51; 95% CI 1.29-1.77). In-hospital mortality was also significantly higher in Asians (14.7%) compared to whites (12.6%); OR 1.19 (1.00-1.4). Conclusion: Asian patients less often receive tPA for IS. They also have higher rates of hemorrhage and in-hospital death after tPA. These findings are limited by lack of data on stroke severity, mechanisms, and treatment times. Further studies including these patient characteristics are warranted.
The moral self: A review and integration of the literature

Summary The role of the self in moral functioning has gained considerable theoretical and empirical attention over the last 25 years. A general consensus has emerged that the self plays a vital role in individuals' moral agency. This surge of research produced a proliferation of constructs related to the moral self, each grounded in diverse theoretical perspectives. Although this work has advanced our understanding of moral thought and behavior, there has also been a lack of clarity as to the nature and functioning of the moral self. We review and synthesize empirical research related to the moral self and provide an integrative framework to increase conceptual coherence among the various relevant constructs. We then discuss emerging opportunities and future directions for research on the moral self as well as implications for behavioral ethics in organizational contexts. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro acetylcholinesterase inhibition by type A botulinum toxin.

Type A botulinum toxin was studied for its ability to inhibit the action of acetyl-cholinesterase. The chromogenic substrate, indophenyl acetate, was used for assay of enzyme activity. Inhibition of enzyme function was detected through use of both 6.6 × 10−6 mg (20 ld50) and 6.6 × 10−10 mg (2 × 10−3ld50) of type A botulinal toxin. Control assays were performed by use of both homologous antitoxin and heterologous antitoxins (types B and E). Enzyme inhibition was effectively prevented by use of homologous antitoxin only. The inhibition noted was specific and reproducible for given substrate, enzyme, and toxin concentrations.
Poverty: Measurement and Analysis

This article is reproduced from the previous edition, volume 17, pp. 11917–11924, © 2001, Elsevier Ltd.
Sex differences in monoamines following amphetamine and social reward in adolescent rats.

Interaction with social peers may increase rates of drug self-administration, but a recent study from our laboratory showed that social interaction may serve as a type of alternative reward that competes with drug taking in adolescent male rats. Based on those previous results, the current study examined sex differences in preference for social interaction compared to amphetamine (AMPH) in adolescent rats using the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. Similar to previous results with males, females showed AMPH CPP regardless whether they were individual- or pair-housed. In contrast to males, however, females failed to show social CPP, and they did not prefer a peer-associated compartment over an AMPH-associated compartment in a free-choice test. In separate experiments, dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) metabolite levels were measured in adolescent males and females that were exposed acutely to peer interaction, no peer interaction, AMPH, or saline. In amygdala, levels of the DA metabolite dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) were altered more in response to peer interaction in males than females; in contrast, there was a greater amygdala DOPAC response to AMPH in females. Furthermore, there were greater changes in the 5-HT metabolite 5-HIAA in females than in males following social interaction. These results indicate that the ability of peer interactions to reduce drug reward is greater in adolescent males than females, perhaps due to a greater ability of social cues to activate limbic reward mechanisms in males or a greater ability of AMPH cues to activate limbic reward mechanisms in females.
Shadow Pricing Trade-Offs between Timber Supply and Environmental Quality

This paper summarizes results of a statewide study that analyzed strategies that can enhance environmental quality while maintaining forest productivity. Two strategies were examined: intensified management on selected forest sites, and expansion of timber production to marginal agricultural lands. Both these practices can reduce the acres required to meet specific timber demands. Preliminary results show that environmental restrictions imposed on timber harvesting without increased timber productivity will lead to timber supply shortages and sharply rising timber prices for forest industries in Minnesota. On the other hand, wood production on marginal agricultural sites can eliminate timber supply shortfalls, reduce the upward pressure on timber prices and reduce harvest of forest land. Critical forest sites can thus be protected while aforestation of agricultural sites can provide additional environmental benefits.
Exercise training to prevent anterior knee pain in military recruits.

Objective:To investigate the incidence of anterior knee pain among new recruits participating in a targeted exercise intervention, as an addition to army basic training, compared with recruits in an unmodified training program.Design:Single-blind, cluster (by troop) randomized, controlled trial, dur
Top-Down Tandem Mass Spectrometry of tRNA Via Ion Trap Collision-Induced Dissociation

Transfer RNA is a class of highly modified and structured non-coding RNA molecules generally comprised of 74–95 nucleotides. In this study, tandem mass spectrometry of intact multiply charged tRNA anions of roughly 25 kDa in mass has been demonstrated using a quadrupole/time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometer adapted for ion/ion reaction studies. The sample proved to be a mixture of tRNA molecules. The mass of the most abundant component of the mixture was not consistent with that of the nominal identity of the tRNA from the supplier, viz., tRNAphe; rather, the mass was consistent with tRNAPhe bearing an incomplete 3′-terminus. Multiply-charged anions from the major components were isolated in the gas phase and subjected to ion trap collision-induced dissociation without subsequent ion/ion reactions. Abundant fragments from the 5′- and 3′-termini of the molecule could be used to identify the major component as tRNAphe-3′adenosine (without 3′-phosphorylation). Roughly 15% of the primary sequence of the intact tRNA was unambiguously reflected in the product ion spectrum. The existence of a possible tRNAPhe variant and the intact tRNAPhe was also supported by ion trap CID data. The multiply-charged fragment ions derived from tRNAPhe-3′adenosine were further charge-reduced to mostly singly- and doubly-charged species via proton transfer ion/ion reactions with benzoquinoline cations. The resulting reduction in spectral overlap and charge state ambiguity simplified interpretation of the product ion spectrum and allowed for the identification of product ions from roughly 60% of the sequence.
Bio-Inspired Control Approach to Multiple Spacecraft Formation Flying

This work addresses the problem of formation control for multiple spacecraft in a Planetary Orbital Environment (POE). Due to the diverse interferences and uncertainties in outer space, traditional control methods encounter great difficulties in this area. A new control approach inspired by human memory system is proposed, which is shown to be capable of learning from past control experience and current behavior to improve its performance and demands much less system dynamic information as compared with traditional controls. Both theoretical analysis and computer simulation verify its effectiveness.
Photolysis of Caged Compounds: Studying Ca2+ Signaling and Activation of Ca2+-Dependent Ion Channels

A wide variety of signaling molecules have been chemically modified by conjugation to a photolabile chromophore to render the substance temporarily biologically inert. Subsequent exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can release the active moiety from the "caged" precursor in an experimentally controlled manner. This allows the concentration of active molecule to be precisely manipulated in both time and space. These techniques are particularly useful in experimental protocols designed to investigate the mechanisms underlying Ca(2+) signaling and the activation of Ca(2+)-dependent effectors.
Nonadiabatic effects in the ground state of the hydrogen molecule

Abstract A sum-over-states procedure is used in the ab initio evaluation of the matrix elements needed for a nonadiabatic treatment of the ground electronic state of H2. Bunker's (J. Mol. Spectrosc. 42, 478 (1972)) semiempirical value for the nonadiabatic parameter l1 = 0.130 ± 0.006 is in agreement with the present calculation, which therefore supports the interpretation of the difference between theoretical adiabatic and experimental vibrational energies as being due to nonadiabatic effects. The same techniques are used to evaluate the expectation value of ∂ 2 ∂R 2 in the H2 ground electronic state. Finally, it is pointed out that an average energy denominator used in several recent treatments of nonadiabatic effects in H2 is in error by roughly a factor of two. The correct average energy denominator reflects that the sums have large contributions from states in the electronic continuum.
Auditory brain stem responses in chronic alcoholic patients

Auditory brain stem responses (ABRs) were obtained from 66 chronic alcoholic patients. Forty-one percent of the patients had abnormal ABR indicated by prolonged interwave intervals. The incidence of brain stem abnormalities was related to age, the type and number of alcoholic neurological complications, and cerebral atrophy in computerized tomographic (CT) scan. There was a progressive increase in the incidence of abnormal ABRs with age and the number of alcoholic neurological diseases. Among the neurological complications of alcoholism, patients with cerebellar degeneration had the highest incidence of abnormal ABRs (83%). There was a high correlation between cerebral atrophy in CT scan and abnormal ABRs. The data suggest that laboratory methods such as the ABR and CT scan are useful in evaluating the extent of CNS abnormalities in alcoholic patients.
Cognitive presence and online learner engagement: a cluster analysis of the community of inquiry framework

In this paper we make the case that online learning continues to grow at a rapid rate and that understanding this innovative mode of education requires analysis that is both conceptually and empirically driven. This study inquires into the concept of cognitive presence a multivariate measure of significant learning derived from the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework (Garrison et al. in Am J Distance Educ, 15(1): 3–21, 2001). The CoI framework conceptualizes online knowledge building as a result of collaborative work among members in learning communities characterized by instructional orchestration appropriate to the online environments (teaching presence) and a supportive and collaborative online setting (social presence). We present results of a study of 5,000 online learners to attempt to further validate the CoI framework and articulate the relationships among the constructs within it. Utilizing cluster analysis we propose that the three forms of presence that characterize the CoI framework can be understood through an equilibrium model and that this model has important implications for the design of online instruction and the success of collaborative online learning.
A Community or a Crowd? Regional and Ethnic Bloc Voting in the Florida House of Representatives, 1989–1996

The present study utilizes roll call analysis of voting in the Florida House of Representatives between 1989 and 1996 to answer the question of whether regional, partisan, or ethnic loyalties are more important in determining the behavior of political elites in the Sunshine State. In a large, populous state like Florida, is politics driven more by regional loyalties than by partisan loyalties? Further, given Florida's ethnic diversity, is ethnicity just as powerful a predictor of political behavior as is partisanship? Contrary to the predictions of some political observers in Florida, partisanship is found to be by far the most powerful predictor of behavior in the state legislature. However, both the Democratic and Republican parties during the time period under study were rife with two and sometimes three regional factions. The GOP also contained a significantly distinct and enduring Cuban-American sub-faction that often strained party loyalties during this period of Republican growth. The present paper concludes with observations about the effects of the latter finding on the GOP throughout the South, assuming it is successful in integrating more minorities into its fold.
A systematic evaluation of the concept of break-even analysis and risk: a computer based empirical study

Abstract It has been long understood that increasing profits are a justification for accepting increased risks. However, the development and presentation of the relationships between sales, variable expenses, fixed expenses and net income have received rather cursory and inadequate treatment in the finance literature in that the risk factor, although both readily available and measurable, is typically ignored. What the decision maker requires is not a series of ad hoc observations concerning only a simple relationships, but a systematic development and exploration of the factors that affect these relations. The decision maker needs is a dynamic framework to examine the interrelationships of sales, variable costs, fixed costs and risk so that return (profits) can be maximized at an acceptable level of risk. It has been shown that operating leverage is a good measure of operating risk. Specifically Lev (1) showed both at the analytical and empirical levels that as operating leverage increases (decreases), so does the overall and systematic volatility of the return on the firms stock. Using degree of operating leverage (DOL) as a surrogate for risk, this study sytematically explores and develops the impact the DOL on the break-even analysis and in turn evaluates the corollary role played by break-even analysis is influencing DOL. The study establishes these relationships in a microcomputer and spreadsheet framework and develops a series of tabular and graphical tools for the decisions maker. The use of these tools clearly illustrates the effect of the risk factor on the break-even relationship and demonstrates that these relations are dramatically nonlinear even though the investigation was simplified by assuming linear break-even analysis. The greatly increased sensitivity (in nonlinear terms) of profits to changes in the model clearly illustrate the necessity of including risk in an effort to optimize decisions. Although the decision maker may know intuitively that a business entity with increased operating leverage is far more vulnerable in learn years, the desire and/or necessity to increase profits through debt is always present. The model developed provides a framework that enables the decision maker to maximize profits at a given level of risk. The study utilizes a series of numerical examples and illustrates results in both a tabular and graphical format. The analysis is performed within a spreadsheet format. A listing of the model is available.
Roman ophthalmology. A glimpse of our distant past

Ophthalmic artifacts from a house destroyed in 275 A.D. and recently excavated in Schwarzenacker, W. Germany, are described and illustrated. The reconstructed house of ophthalmologist, Sextus Ajacius Launus, and its contents provides a fascinating glimpse of ophthalmology as practiced nearly 17 centuries ago in the Roman Empire.
Novel chemically amplified imaging materials containing malonate pendant groups

A new chemically amplified polymeric imaging system based on polymers containingt-butylmalonate pendant groups has been demonstrated. Both the homopolymer of di-t-butyl (vinylbenzyl)benzylmalonate and its copolymer with styrene have been tested in coatings containing a photoacid generator. Imaging experiments confirm that the materials have very high sensitivities when exposed to UV radiation near 250nm.
Biodegradation of Uranium−Citrate Complexes: Implications for Extraction of Uranium from Soils

Citrate is often used as a complexing agent to mobilize sorbed and precipitated uranium in both in situ and ex situ extraction of soils and nuclear reactor components. The biodegradability of U−citrate complexes is an important control over the potential migration of residual uranium after the extraction process is complete. In solutions buffered at pH 6−7, limited biodegradation of citrate is observed within 10 days with initial U:citrate molar ratios ranging from 1:2 to 1:8; however, over 99% of the citrate is biodegraded rapidly at pH 8−9. The increase of pH may have shifted the equilibrium speciation of uranium from (UO2−citrate)22- to (UO2)3(OH)71- and, consequently, raised the bioavailability of citrate. At pH 6−7, a significant amount of uranium is also observed to associate with biomass, whereas only a negligible amount is observed at pH 8−9. Our experimental results suggest that the residual concentration of uranium−citrate complexes left in the treated soils can be reduced rapidly if the soil wa...
Service Learning in a General Psychology Class: Description, Preliminary Evaluation, and Recommendations

In this article, I describe a service-learning project for an introductory psychology course. Thirty-two of 36 general psychology students chose service learning over an optional research project, and most students (over 80%) evaluated the experience favorably in terms of its impact on their learning and commitment to service. The discussion focuses on recommendations about issues ranging from the logistics of developing and managing a service-learning course to concerns inherent in placing students in community agencies.
Future Resurrection of the Dead in Early Judaism: Social Dynamics, Contested Evidence

In its significance to both Jewish and Christian studies, resurrection of the dead remains a vital subject of biblical research; and it is now widely recognized that the religious culture of early Judaism (ca. 200 BCE—CE 200) played a crucial role in both its origination and early reception. In the present landscape of study, perhaps the most recent methodological advances arise from sociological studies, which attempt to contextualize resurrection within the social dynamics of the religious movements that advanced this hope. Moreover, at the exegetical level, many vexing pieces of evidence have produced conflicting readings of precisely what individual traditions may say about resurrection. The present article treats these topics, including (1) the application of social-scientific methods to the study of resurrection, and (2) readings of contested literary and epigraphic evidence that remains crucial to the scholarly study of the resurrection hope in early Jewish culture.
Teaching Motivational Interviewing to Undergraduates: Evaluation of Three Approaches

Many undergraduate psychology students assume positions as mental health paraprofessionals during or after college. The present study was a quasi-experimental evaluation of the effectiveness of tea...
Application of the dyadic Green's function method to calculate the heat generated by a direct contact applicator.

A rigorous formalism using the dyadic Green’s function to determine the relative heating pattern in a two‐layer fat–muscle medium of a dipole‐corner reflector applicator in direct contact with the finite fat layer is described. The results are compared with the earlier approximate calculations of Guy and Lehmann. Though the two theories give identical results for the relative heat produced in the muscle layer, the relative heating patterns predicted by the present theory in the fat layer are different.
Pulmonary metastases from adrenal cortical carcinoma: results of resection.

Adrenal cortical carcinoma is uncommon. There is little controversy concerning treatment of the primary tumor. However, data concerning the treatment of pulmonary metastases are sparse. In order to assess the results of therapy, we reviewed our 14-year experience. Records of 24 patients admitted to our institution from 1973 to 1991 with the diagnosis of adrenal cortical carcinoma and pulmonary metastases were reviewed. Ten patients underwent pulmonary resection, 12 received chemotherapy, and 2 no therapy. In the pulmonary resection group, treatment consisted of wedge resection in 8 patients and lobectomy in 2. For the 10 patients undergoing resection of their pulmonary metastases, the 5-year survival was 71% (median not reached at 5 years). This was significantly longer than those not resected, with no one alive at 3 years (median survival 11 months). Our data suggest that those patients who are able to have their pulmonary metastases resected survive significantly longer than those who do not. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Science and Management in a Conservation Crisis: a Case Study with Rhinoceros

I suggest that a conservation crisis is a predictable sequence of five stages: population decline, cri- sis management, stabilization, precarious recovery, and sustained recovery. Each stage has different research priorities, constraints, and opportunities that cause a mismatch between conservation needs and research practice. The conservation crisis over the rhinoceros was characterized by rapid decline due to illegal hunting and trade in rhinoceros horn. I conducted a literature review (1980-2000) on rhinoceros during this crisis to illustrate the five stages. I also examined the bibliographies of the African and Asian conservation action plans to illustrate literature availability and use. I sought to determine whether a retrospective understand- ing of trends in the scientific literature during conservation crises could help us better target research efforts and meet the challenge of conserving rare species. The scientific literature on rhinoceros increased during the crisis but became dominated by ex situ laboratory-based studies, whereas the number of in situ ecological studies remained low, although the conservation action plans identified in situ and ecological studies as con- servation priorities. Moreover, the bibliographies of the conservation action plans were dominated by unpub- lished material (56%), and only 25% of citations came from scientific journals, although peer review and cri- tique contributes to maintaining and improving the quality of conservation science. Thus, I suggest that research matched conservation needs poorly. However, the predictability of the crisis sequence means that it should be possible to preempt conservation research needs. The effect of a conservation crisis on research may be ameliorated by abandoning the dualism of applied and basic research and better targeting research effort by identifying when research is relatively unimportant, exploiting opportunities for science by management, establishing collaborative publishing relationships between managers and researchers, and prioritizing in situ ecological research.
Two languages in the self/the self in two languages: French-Portuguese Bilinguals' verbal enactments and experiences of self in narrative discourse

Discussions of the cultural and linguistic construction of self often assume monoculturalism and monolingualism to be the norm. This article explores how the complex sociolinguistic repertoires of French-Portuguese bilinguals allow speakers to perform different kinds of "selves" in each language. Narratives of personal experience in each language are analyzed in terms of the effect of narrative forms on speakers' reported experience of dual selfhood and the effect of these forms on others' perceptions of the speakers in each language. This approach shows how different ways of speaking in each language point to contrasting experiences and positional identities of bilinguals in French and Portuguese societies. It is suggested that the context from which "self" emerges is itself created in part by the choice among different forms of language(s).
Solid-phase synthesis of bis-cyclic guanidines from tripeptides

Abstract An efficient method for the solid-phase synthesis of bis-cyclic guanidines from reduced tripeptides is described. The exhaustive reduction of the tripeptides generated tetra-amines that on treatment with cyanogen bromide, afforded bis-cyclic guanidines having three separate variable positions.
Response of lab-scale methanogenic reactors inoculated from different sources to organic loading rate shocks

Anaerobic digester failure due to a pH drop may be overcome with the use of an acidotolerant methanogenic community. To test this, lab-scale reactors were inoculated from acidic bog sediments, a municipal sludge digester, or a combination of these inocula and challenged with glucose pulses without pH control. Only the bog reactor survived the first glucose shock, and the methanogen community was dominated by members of the acidic Fen Cluster. After restarting the digester and hybrid reactors, two subsequent glucose shocks were applied. Methanogenic communities converged in all reactors and were dominated by Methanosarcina and Methanobacteriaceae. The Fen Cluster was eventually nondetectable in bog and hybrid reactors, presumably due to periods of circumneutral pH with only intermittent periods of low pH following glucose shocks. Although the resultant communities required base addition, an increase in Methanosarcina numbers after glucose pulses resulted in decreased acetate and increased reactor pH and methane production.
Strengthening of two-way concrete slabs with FRP composite laminates

Abstract This paper presents an experimental and analytical investigation for evaluating the ultimate response of unreinforced and reinforced concrete slabs repaired and retrofitted with fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite strips. A uniformly distributed pressure was applied to several two-way large-scale slab specimens using a high-pressure water bag. Both carbon/epoxy and E-glass/epoxy composite systems were used in this study. In predicting the behavior of the repaired slabs, the finite element method was used. Comparison between the experimental and the analytical results indicated the validity of the computational models in capturing the experimentally determined results for both the control and the rehabilitated slabs. For repair applications, test results indicated that both FRP systems were effective in appreciably increasing the strength of the repaired slabs to approximately five times that of the as-built slabs. For retrofitting applications, use of FRP systems resulted in appreciable upgrade of the structural capacity of the as-built slabs up to 500% for unreinforced specimens and 200% for steel reinforced specimens.
Age discrimination at its best: should chronological age be a prime factour in medical decision making?

This paper briefly reviews the papers in this special section of HCA and makes the point—a point which should be obvious—that statistics are useful only as guidelines but tell one nothing about the individual patient in front of you. Chronological age merely shows what is true of most but decidedly not of all patients in a particular age group. To ration on the basis of age alone is unfair to the individual denied treatment and damaging to the community because it disturbs the solidarity which comes about because most members of the community feel that the community has obligations beyond those of not directly harming them; indeed, what produces solidarity is the feeling that members of a community will do their best to come to each others help. Rationing on the basis of age alone denies people of equal treatment under the law and—when it comes to the elderly—is a type of age discrimination. It is pointed out that what matters is a patient’s disease and not his/her age. A permanently vegetative person 8 years of age is a much sadder occurrence than it would be at age 90—but the critical fact is that both are permanently vegetative. Age cuts both ways—it is irrational to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars, untold amounts of time, energy and devotion to the 520 gm infant with a gr IV diffuse haemorrhage whose chance of leading a sentient life is close to zero and to hesitate before using a diagnostic MRI on a patient who is 90 but fully alert and enjoying life. It is concluded that age as an independent variable in the allocation of resources is ethically highly problematic.
Bayesian Spatial Filters for Source Signal Extraction: A Study in the Peripheral Nerve

The ability to extract physiological source signals to control various prosthetics offer tremendous therapeutic potential to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from motor disabilities. Regardless of the modality, recordings of physiological source signals are contaminated with noise and interference along with crosstalk between the sources. These impediments render the task of isolating potential physiological source signals for control difficult. In this paper, a novel Bayesian Source Filter for signal Extraction (BSFE) algorithm for extracting physiological source signals for control is presented. The BSFE algorithm is based on the source localization method Champagne and constructs spatial filters using Bayesian methods that simultaneously maximize the signal to noise ratio of the recovered source signal of interest while minimizing crosstalk interference between sources. When evaluated over peripheral nerve recordings obtained in vivo, the algorithm achieved the highest signal to noise interference ratio ( 7.00 ±3.45 dB) amongst the group of methodologies compared with average correlation between the extracted source signal and the original source signal R = 0.93. The results support the efficacy of the BSFE algorithm for extracting source signals from the peripheral nerve.
Translational research on the way to effective therapy for Alzheimer disease.

Context Alzheimer disease (AD) is a major public health issue with a prediction of 12 million Americans being affected by 2025 from the present 4 million. Molecular and genetic findings have provided significant insights into the roles that amyloid, tau, and apolipoprotein E isoforms have in the causation of AD. A central issue in AD pathogenesis is the amyloid cascade hypothesis. It states that abnormal amyloid processing and accumulation is the primary causative factor of AD and other associated neuropathologic abnormalities are of secondary consequence. It is presented to provide the rationale for novel drug and vaccination therapeutic strategies. Future research directed at prediction and prevention of AD through a genomic and proteomic analysis with identification of multiple polymorphic genes that interact, resulting in increased risk for late-onset AD, are the realistic and ultimate goals. A new approach for drug development is required, one that will emphasize a genomic and proteomic analysis to identify at-risk gene sets whose genetic expression is sufficient to cause late onset, sporadic AD. Prediction and prevention of disease prior to clinical signs and symptoms are the goals. Objective A review and analysis from electronic literature databases and subsequent reference searches of the molecular genetic data. including pertinent genetic mutations and abnormal biochemical findings causal of AD, are cited. The amyloid cascade hypothesis, the contributions of apolipoprotein E, and hyperphosphorylated tau are discussed as to their roles in pathogenesis. Molecular targets for potential drug and vaccination therapies are cited from a critical assessment of the molecular and biomedical data. These data form the basis for rational, target-specific drug and vaccination therapies currently employed and planned for the near future. Phase 2 and 3 clinical trial results of drug and vaccination therapies are cited. Conclusions A new approach is needed as current pharmacologic therapy directed at symptomatic relief has proved to be marginally effective. The genomic and proteomic basis of AD will be defined in the near future, and corresponding molecular therapeutic targets will be identified. Genomic neurology has arrived and its application to resolving AD is our best hope.
"Just as Bad as Prisons": The Challenge of Dismantling the School-to-Prison Pipeline through Teacher and Community Education.

Drawing upon the authors’ experiences working in schools as teachers, teacher educators, researchers, and community members, this study utilizes a Critical Race Theory of education in examining the school-to-prison pipeline for black male students. In doing so, the authors highlight the particular role educators play in the school-to-prison pipeline, focusing particularly on how dispositions toward black males influence educator practices. Recommendations and future directions are provided on how education preparation programs can play a critical role in the transformation of black male schooling.
Integration engineering perspective

Integration engineering is the process of creating a coherent system from its component parts, both hardware and software, such that at each stage of integration the evolving system exhibits increased functional capability, while remaining under firm intellectual control. Integration is a major managerial, technical, and logistical task, requiring the combined efforts of people skilled in system engineering, hardware engineering, software engineering, and integration engineering. In large systems software may be the principal integrating element. This paper discusses integration engineering approaches including a software-first strategy, simulation approaches, and an incremental release strategy as well as a project example.
Breakfast Frequency and Quality in the Etiology of Adult Obesity and Chronic Diseases

The frequency of eating breakfast has declined over the past several decades, during which time the obesity epidemic has also unfolded. Therefore, there is growing scientific interest in the possible causal role of breakfast in weight control and related disease risks. We conducted a MedLine search for studies that addressed meal frequency, breakfast consumption, and chronic disease risk. Clinical studies document that regular meal consumption can potentially reduce the risk of obesity and chronic disease through mechanisms involved in energy balance and metabolism. Many observational studies have found that breakfast frequency is inversely associated with obesity and chronic disease, but this literature does have some important limitations. Only four relatively small and short-term randomized trials have examined breakfast consumption and body weight or chronic disease risk, with mixed results. Large, long-term, randomized trials are needed.
Interplay of Spin and Orbital Angular Momentum in the Proton

We derive the consequences of the Myhrer-Thomas explanation of the proton spin problem for the distribution of orbital angular momentum on the valence and sea quarks. After QCD evolution, these results are found to be in very good agreement with both recent lattice QCD calculations and the experimental constraints from Hermes and JLab.
Targeted misexpression of AGAMOUS in whorl 2 of Arabidopsis flowers

In Arabidopsis, transcripts of the floral organ identity genes APETALA3, APETALA1, AGAMOUS, and PISTILLATA are expressed only in a subset of the floral organs. To test and extend present models for establishment of floral organ identity, we constructed a transgenic line that expresses the AGAMOUS gene under the control of the APETALA3 promotor (pAP3::AG). In wild-type flowers, AGAMOUS is expressed in the third and fourth floral whorls, whereas APETALA3 is expressed at high levels in whorls two and three. Under the control of the APETALA3 promotor, AGAMOUS is misexpressed in the second whorl of the flower. The organs in the second whorl of pAP3::AG flowers either fail to develop or develop as stamens. When pAP3::AG is crossed to the homeotic mutants apetala1, apetala3, pistilla, agamous and superman, novel floral phenotypes result. In pAP3::AG agamous-3 mutants, the flowers are indeterminate and consist of a repetition of sepals and stamens, rather that sepals and petals, as is observed in agamous single mutants; the indeterminacy demonstrates that AG is required in the fourth whorl to make a flower determinate.
Medication Errors and Adverse Drug Events in Kidney Transplant Recipients: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Clinical Outcomes

Study Objective To determine the incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes associated with clinically significant medication errors or adverse drug events in kidney transplant recipients. Design Retrospective observational study. Setting Transplant center at an academic medical center. Patients A total of 476 adults who received kidney transplants between June 2006 and July 2009. Measurements and Main Results Severe or significant medication errors and adverse drug events (medication-related problems [MRPs]) were identified by medical record review. Only patient-induced medication errors (e.g., took wrong dose or frequency of drug, took drug not prescribed) were captured. Clinical outcomes included patient and graft survival, infections (including cytomegalovirus), readmissions, and acute rejection episodes. Thirty-seven (8%) of the 476 patients developed a clinically significant MRP. Univariate and confirmatory multivariate analyses revealed that female sex, African-American race, pretransplantation diabetes mellitus, delayed graft function, and retransplant recipients were independent risk factors for developing an MRP. Patients with MRPs had significantly higher rates of acute rejection (11% vs 30%, p=0.004), cytomegalovirus infection (15% vs 30%, p=0.033), and 30-day readmissions (5% vs 16%, p=0.018). Graft survival was also significantly lower in patients who had MRPs (p<0.001). Conclusion Patient-induced medication errors and associated adverse drug events were common in kidney transplant recipients. General and transplant-specific risk factors were associated with the development of these MRPs, and MRPs were associated with increased risk of rejection and graft loss.
Macromolecular properties of heparin in dilute solution: 2. Dimensional parameters as a function of pH, ionic strength and desulphation

Abstract A bovine heparin fraction was examined by sedimentation analysis and intrinsic viscosity measurements as a function of ionic strength in the range of 0·1 to 1·0 M, and at pH 2·5 and 6·0. The following experimental parameters were obtained: M , S 0 20,W , D 0 20,W , V , and [η]. Other physical parameters were calculated based on a random coil model (supported by the theory of Mandelkern and Flory) e.g., ( r 2 ) 1 2 , ( s 2 ) 1 2 . Similar studies were made on a heparin sample as a function of desulphation as resulting from graded mild hydrolysis. Since desulphation is accompanied by decreasing anticoagulant activity of heparin, the latter was correlated with various calculated and measured physical parameters. Significantly ( r 2 ) 1 2 decreases with decreased desulphation and therefore decreased biological activity.
Finite array antenna, scattering, and transmission-line analysis using the FFT

An efficient unified approach to the solution of a wide class of electromagnetic problems involving finite structures-including analysis of finite-array antennas (both transmission and reflection), scattering problems, and calculation of transmission-line eigenwaves-is presented. This approach is based on the fact that these problems can be described by the same mathematical tool, namely, convolution-type systems of linear algebraic equations (systems with matrices having a Toeplitz type of structure). Efficient methods are proposed for solving them.