cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genres of Participation in Social Networking Systems: A Study of the 2017 Norwegian Parliamentary Election

Norwegian political parties have used the Internet for campaigning since 2001. In 2009 all the parties represented in parliament experimented with social media, and in 2013 social media had become an important and integrated part of the parliamentary election campaign. This paper is a continuation of studies conducted in 2009 and 2013 on the communication genres used by political parties and voters during the campaign. In 2009, a genre system for political communication was emerging. In 2013 the genre system was more established and professionalised. This paper presents findings from the latest election in 2017, where there was concerns that the polarizing effects of Brexit, right-wing populism and the Trump campaign would influence online political communication during the campaign. The findings indicate that polarization is indeed part of the picture, but mostly when we view social media in isolation. The paper concludes by discussing the implications for democracy and the public sphere.
100.44 Medicolegal Characteristics of Cardiac Tamponade Litigation: A Review of the LexisNexis Academic Database

To review, describe, and analyze medicolegal literature involving cases of cardiac tamponade. Currently, there are no studies known to these authors assessing the outcome patterns of medicolegal cases involving patients with cardiac tamponade. This potentially lethal condition may have serious
Uterine Artery Embolization following Cesarean Delivery but prior to Hysterectomy in the Management of Patients with Invasive Placenta.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate outcomes of patients with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders who underwent uterine artery embolization (UAE) following cesarean delivery but before hysterectomy. Materials and Methods A retrospective review of patients with PAS treated with cesarean-hysterectomy (C-hyst) was performed. Patients in the UAE group underwent UAE after cesarean delivery but before hysterectomy; patients in the control group underwent C-hyst alone. Estimated blood loss (EBL), transfusion requirements, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and adverse events were evaluated. Results The study included 31 patients, 7 in the UAE group and 24 in the control group. Median EBL, transfusion requirements, and length of ICU stay in the UAE group compared with control group were 1,500 mL (range, 500–2,000 mL) vs 2,000 mL (range, 1,000–4,500 mL) (P = .04), 150 mL (range, 0–650 mL) vs 550 mL (range, 0–3,125 mL) (P = .10), and 0 d (range, 0–1 d) vs 0.5 d (range, 0–2 d) (P = .07). All patients in the UAE group had placenta increta; patients in the control group had placenta accreta (29%), increta (54%), and percreta (17%) (P = .10). Subgroup analysis of patients with placenta increta demonstrated that the UAE group had a significant decrease in median EBL (P = .004), transfusion requirements (P = .009), and length of ICU stay (P = .04). No adverse events following UAE were noted. Conclusions UAE following cesarean delivery but before hysterectomy in patients with placenta increta appears to be safe and effective in decreasing EBL, transfusion requirements, and length of ICU stay compared with C-hyst alone.
Contribution of dislocation pileups to acoustic nonlinearity parameter

This paper develops an analytical model to calculate the acoustic nonlinearity parameter induced by dislocation pileups in isotropic elastic solids. It shows that the pileup-induced acoustic nonlinearity parameter depends on the pileup length, number of dislocations in a pileup, Burgers vector, and dislocation density. Additionally, it is found that the formula for pileup-induced acoustic nonlinearity parameter has a similar mathematical form to those for other types of defects such as dislocation strings, dislocation dipoles, and extended dislocations. They are all scaled with a dimensionless parameter ( L c h / b ) n, where L c h is a characteristic length of the defect, b is the magnitude of the Burgers vector, and n is either 3 or 4.
Violence and Criminal Psychopathy

Psychopaths are unrelentingly dedicated to self-gratification. All persons characterized by psychopathy do not resort to violence per se. Criminal psychopaths often become violent in domestic scenarios for revenge or retribution, and disinhibition can be exacerbated by alcohol and other drugs. Psychopathic aggression and violence often occur in stressful or ego-threatening situations. There is no just reason to believe that imprisonment alone cures or modifies the criminal conduct of psychopaths. The legal system appears to be more and more negative about defendants with psychopathic characteristics.
Indole-3-acetic acid has long-term effects on long non-coding RNA gene methylation and growth in Populus tomentosa.

DNA methylation and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate plant growth and development, but their relationship and effect on responses to the auxin phytohormone indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) remain largely unknown, particularly in woody plants such as poplar (Populus tomentosa). Following treatment of 1-year-old clonal plants with 100 µM IAA, key poplar lncRNA genes showed changes in methylation, but whole-genome methylation levels showed no significant change. Moreover, 100 µM IAA inhibited growth of the 1-year-old poplar clones, possibly through the suppression of photosynthesis. This inhibition had a long-term effect, persisting at 1 month after removal of the exogenous IAA. Transcriptome analysis identified two candidate lncRNA genes that show changes in expression following IAA treatment, TCONS_00003480 and TCONS_00004832. TCONS_00003480 contains the same microRNA target sites of ptc-miR6464 as the 4-coumarate: CoA ligase 2 transcript, which encodes a lignin biosynthesis enzyme. And TCONS_00004832 shares the same target sites of ptc-miR6437a with the Photosystem II reaction center protein D and Cytochrome C Oxidase 17 transcripts, which are related to photosynthesis. The two lncRNAs as the mimics to corresponding target genes of miRNAs to prevent them from degrading. Examination of lncRNA gene expression and methylation revealed a negative relationship (r = − 0.29, P < 0.05); moreover, hypermethylation of the two candidate lncRNA genes remained 1 month after IAA treatment, suggesting that changes in methylation might be involved in the long-term effects of plant hormones. Therefore, our study reveals a long-term effect of IAA on the growth of P. tomentosa, possibly via methylation-mediated epigenetic changes in lncRNA gene expression and the interaction with corresponding miRNAs, leading to regulation of genes related to photosynthesis and growth.
Potential of the NKG2D/NKG2DL Axis in NK Cell-Mediated Clearance of the HIV-1 Reservoir

Viral persistency in latently infected CD4+ T cells despite antiretroviral therapy (ART) represents a major drawback in the fight against HIV-1. Efforts to purge latent HIV-1 have been attempted using latency reversing agents (LRAs) that activate expression of the quiescent virus. However, initial trials have shown that immune responses of ART-treated patients are ineffective at clearing LRA-reactivated HIV-1 reservoirs, suggesting that an adjuvant immunotherapy is needed. Here we overview multiple lines of evidence indicating that natural killer (NK) cells have the potential to induce anti-HIV-1 responses relevant for virus eradication. In particular, we focus on the role of the NKG2D activating receptor that crucially enables NK cell-mediated killing of HIV-1-infected cells. We describe recent data indicating that LRAs can synergize with HIV-1 at upregulating ligands for NKG2D (NKG2DLs), hence sensitizing T cells that exit from viral latency for recognition and lysis by NK cells; in addition, we report in vivo and ex vivo data showing the potential benefits and drawbacks that LRAs may have on NKG2D expression and, more in general, on the cytotoxicity of NK cells. Finally, we discuss how the NKG2D/NKG2DLs axis can be exploited for the development of effective HIV-1 eradication strategies combining LRA-induced virus reactivation with recently optimized NK cell-based immunotherapies.
Persistent Risk‐Related Worry as a Function of Recalled Exposure to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Prior Trauma

Large oil spills are disasters associated with psychological effects for exposed communities. The amount of worry that individuals experience after a disaster may be influenced by many factors, such as the type and extent of exposure to disaster impacts, prior trauma, and sociodemographic characteristics. This study examined the nature and predictors of worry about ongoing impacts of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DH) oil spill reported by Gulf of Mexico coastal residents. A random sample of 2,520 adult residents of Gulf of Mexico coastal counties were administered a telephone survey in 2016, including items about persistent worry and exposure to DH impacts, prior trauma, residence at the time of the spill, and sociodemographic characteristics. Respondents varied in the amount of worry they reported about ongoing health, social, and economic impacts. Controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, higher exposure to the DH oil spill was related to higher levels of worry about ongoing impacts, with past traumatic events related specifically to worry about health impacts. Unexpectedly, those who moved into the region after the spill showed similar levels of worry to residents exposed to the spill, and higher levels than residents who did not recall being exposed to the DH oil spill. This study highlights the impact of the DH oil spill on coastal residents many years after the DH disaster. The findings underscore the need to examine multiple pathways by which individuals experience disasters and for risk researchers to close knowledge gaps about long-term impacts of oil spills within a multi-dimensional framework.
The Intersection of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities with Child Exposure to Intimate Partner Violence: Implications for Research and Practice

Each year, millions of children in the United States are exposed to intimate partner violence. Although the body of research on these children and factors that enhance their resiliency is growing, little is known about children with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have also been exposed to intimate partner violence. This knowledge gap is notable given the prevalence of intellectual and development disabilities among children, as well as the numerous challenges facing these children and their families (e.g., medical and behavioral challenges, parenting stress, and financial burden). Informed by prior research and our practice experience, this commentary highlights information for service providers working with families experiencing both intimate partner violence and intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition to providing an overview of children’s exposure to intimate partner violence and an overview of intellectual and developmental disabilities, the commentary summarizes the limited research exploring the intersection between these two issues and offers recommendations for enhancing research and practice. Recommendations center on the importance of training, wrap-around and tailored services, community partnerships, and intervention research focused on survivors and their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Intranasal Glucagon: A New Way to Treat Hypoglycemic Emergencies:

Objective: To review the safety, efficacy, and administration of intranasal (IN) glucagon for the management of hypoglycemia. Data Source: A literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE (1995 to November 2019) using the terms intranasal glucagon, nasal glucagon, glucagon, hypoglycemia treatment, and hypoglycemia management was completed. Study Selection and Data Extraction: English-language studies evaluating IN glucagon were evaluated. Data Synthesis: IN glucagon is a newly approved product for the treatment of hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes, 4 years and older. Administered as a 3-mg dose, it was shown to be noninferior to intramuscular (IM) glucagon. In comparison trials, more than 98% of hypoglycemic events were treated successfully with IN glucagon in both pediatric and adult patients. In simulated and real-world studies, IN glucagon was administered in less than a minute for the majority of scenarios. IM glucagon took longer to administer, ranging from 1 to 4 minutes, and often, patients did not receive the intended full dose. Nausea and vomiting, known adverse events for glucagon, as well as local adverse events were most commonly reported with IN glucagon. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: IN glucagon is safe, effective, easy to use, and does not require reconstitution prior to use, which can lead to faster delivery in a severe hypoglycemic event. It does not require age- or weight-based dosing. This delivery method offers an option for someone who fears needles or is uncomfortable with injections. Conclusion: IN glucagon is a safe, effective, easy to use, needle-free treatment option for severe hypoglycemia.
Abortion for Fetal Genetic Abnormalities: Type of Abnormality and Gestational Age at Diagnosis.

Background Advances in genetic screening can identify patients at high risk for common genetic conditions early in pregnancy and can facilitate early diagnosis and early abortion. Less common abnormalities might only be diagnosed with invasive testing is performed after structural abnormalities are identified. Objective Our objective was to compare gestational age (GA) at diagnosis and abortion for genetic abnormalities identified based on screening with abnormalities that were not discovered after screening. Study Design All prenatal diagnostic procedures from 2012 to 2017 were reviewed, and singleton pregnancies terminated following diagnosis of genetic abnormalities were identified. Cases diagnosed as the result of screening tests were compared with remaining cases. Conditions were considered “screened for” if they can be suspected by cell-free DNA testing, biochemistry, carrier screening, or if the patient was a known carrier of a single-gene disorder. When abnormal karyotype, microarray, or Noonan's syndrome was associated with abnormal NT, these cases were considered “screened for.” GA at abortion was the primary outcome. Fisher's exact test and Mann–Whitney's U test were used for statistical comparison. Results In this study, 268 cases were included. A total of 227 (85%) of abortions were performed for “screened for” disorders, with 210 (93%) of these for karyotype abnormalities, 5 (2%) for microarray abnormalities, and 12 (5%) for single-gene disorders. Forty-one (15%) of abortions were performed for conditions not included in screening, with 8 (19%) of those for karyotype abnormalities, 25 (61%) for microarray abnormalities, and 8 (19%) for single-gene disorders. Invasive testing and abortion occurred at earlier median GA for those with conditions that were screened for: 122/7 versus 155/7 weeks, p ≤0.001 and 135/7 versus 200/7 weeks; p ≤0.001. Conclusion Most abortions were for abnormalities that can be suspected early in pregnancy. As many structural abnormalities associated with rare conditions are not identifiable until the mid-trimester, prenatal diagnosis and abortion occurred significantly later. Physicians and patients should be aware of the limitations of genetic screening.
Product modularity and performance in the global auto industry in China: the mediating roles of supply chain integration and firm relative positional advantage

Drawing on the knowledge-based view of the firm, we examine the role of supply chain integration and firm relative positional advantage (FRPA) in mediating the main effects of product modularity on...
Robust treatment planning in whole pelvis pencil beam scanning proton therapy for prostate cancer

Abstract Whole-pelvis pencil beam scanning (PBS) proton therapy is utilized in both the intact and post-operative settings in patients with prostate cancer. As whole pelvis prostate radiotherapy has traditionally been delivered with standard photon beams, limited evidence and technical descriptions have been reported regarding the use of proton therapy. Here we present two robust three-field treatment planning approaches utilized to maximize target coverage in the presence of anatomic and delivery uncertainties. Both techniques, conventional optimization (CO) and robust optimization (RO), create treatment plans with acceptable target coverage and sparing of organs at risk (OAR). While the RO method is less time intensive and may theoretically allow for superior OAR sparing and improved robustness, the CO method can be implemented by institutions who do not have RO capabilities.
Health-related internet use among adolescents with uncontrolled persistent asthma

Objectives: To describe internet use for health information among adolescents with uncontrolled persistent asthma, and to examine whether health-related internet use is associated with responsibili...
COVID-19 and strategic communication with parents and guardians of college students

In the spring of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused colleges and universities in the United States to transition from face-to-face to remote learning. Academic leaders need to understand how to bet...
Age-related degradation of optic radiation white matter connectivity differentially predicts visual and non-visual executive functions

Healthy aging is accompanied by degraded white matter connectivity, which has been suggested to contribute to cognitive dysfunction observed in aging, especially in relation to fluid measures of cognition. Prior research linking white matter microstructure and cognition, however, has largely been limited to major association and heteromodal white matter tracts. The optic radiations (OR), which transfer visual sensory-perceptual information from thalamic lateral geniculate nucleus to primary visual cortex, are generally considered lower-level input-relay white matter tracts. However, the role of this prominent white-matter visual relay system in supporting higher-order cognition is understudied, especially in regard to healthy aging. The present study used deterministic tractography to isolate OR fractional anisotropy (FA) in 130 participants aged 20-94 to assess age effects on OR tract white matter connectivity. We also examined associations between age-related differences in the OR and cognitive domains involving visual processing speed, and visual- and non-visual executive function (EF). OR microstructural integrity, as indexed by FA, exhibited a significant linear decrease across age. A significant interaction between age, FA, and cognitive domain on cognitive task performance indicated that in older age, more degraded OR white matter was associated with poorer visual EF, but no age-related association between FA in the OR and visual processing speed or verbal EF was observed. Findings suggest the optic radiations are not merely sensory-perceptual relays, but also influence higher-order visual cognition differentially with aging.
Sclerotherapy for Benign Cystic Lesions of the Head and Neck: Systematic Review of 474 Cases:

ObjectiveThe role of sclerotherapy for vascular lesions of the head and neck is well established. However, the efficacy of sclerotherapy for benign cystic lesions of the head and neck is less clear...
Attention-Based Multi-Scale Convolutional Neural Network (A+MCNN) for Multi-Class Classification in Road Images

Automated pavement distress recognition is a key step in smart infrastructure assessment. Advances in deep learning and computer vision have improved the automated recognition of pavement distresses in road surface images. This task remains challenging due to the high variation of defects in shapes and sizes, demanding a better incorporation of contextual information into deep networks. In this paper, we show that an attention-based multi-scale convolutional neural network (A+MCNN) improves the automated classification of common distress and non-distress objects in pavement images by (i) encoding contextual information through multi-scale input tiles and (ii) employing a mid-fusion approach with an attention module for heterogeneous image contexts from different input scales. A+MCNN is trained and tested with four distress classes (crack, crack seal, patch, pothole), five non-distress classes (joint, marker, manhole cover, curbing, shoulder), and two pavement classes (asphalt, concrete). A+MCNN is compared with four deep classifiers that are widely used in transportation applications and a generic CNN classifier (as the control model). The results show that A+MCNN consistently outperforms the baselines by 1∼26% on average in terms of the F-score. A comprehensive discussion is also presented regarding how these classifiers perform differently on different road objects, which has been rarely addressed in the existing literature.
On physics-informed data-driven isotropic and anisotropic constitutive models through probabilistic machine learning and space-filling sampling.

Data-driven constitutive modeling is an emerging field in computational solid mechanics with the prospect of significantly relieving the computational costs of hierarchical computational methods. Traditionally, these surrogates have been trained using datasets which map strain inputs to stress outputs directly. Data-driven constitutive models for elastic and inelastic materials have commonly been developed based on artificial neural networks (ANNs), which recently enabled the incorporation of physical laws in the construction of these models. However, ANNs do not offer convergence guarantees and are reliant on user-specified parameters. In contrast to ANNs, Gaussian process regression (GPR) is based on nonparametric modeling principles as well as on fundamental statistical knowledge and hence allows for strict convergence guarantees. GPR however has the major disadvantage that it scales poorly as datasets get large. In this work we present a physics-informed data-driven constitutive modeling approach for isostropic and anisotropic materials based on probabilistic machine learning that can be used in the big data context. The trained GPR surrogates are able to respect physical principles such as material frame indifference, material symmetry, thermodynamic consistency, stress-free undeformed configuration, and the local balance of angular momentum. Furthermore, this paper presents the first sampling approach that directly generates space-filling points in the invariant space corresponding to bounded domain of the gradient deformation tensor. Overall, the presented approach is tested on synthetic data from isotropic and anisotropic constitutive laws and shows surprising accuracy even far beyond the limits of the training domain, indicating that the resulting surrogates can efficiently generalize as they incorporate knowledge about the underlying physics.
A Secure Mediator for Integrating Multiple Level Access Control Policies

We present a method for mapping security levels among the components of a distributed system where data in the local sources are represented in XML. Distributed data is integrated using a semantic-based approach that maps each XML schema into an RDF schema and subsequently integrates those schemas into a global RDF schema using a global as view (GAV) approach. We transform the security levels defined on the XML schema elements of each local source into security levels on the triples of the local RDF schemas, which form a lattice. We show how the merged data in the global schema can be classified in different security classes belonging to the global partially ordered security graph.
Diffusive Compression Acceleration

We discuss the physics of diffusive compression acceleration of charged particles. This mechanism is similar to diffusive shock acceleration, which is well known, except that it applies to a gradual compression of the plasma, rather than a shock. It also applies to fluctuations in velocity, such as turbulence. We present the results from theoretical and numerical calculations for a variety of applications of this mechanism. These include: acceleration of particles by corotating solar-wind compressions, acceleration in a sinusoidally varying fluid flow, the formation of high-energy tails in pickup-ion distributions, and the acceleration of Galactic cosmic rays by turbulent flows in the interstellar medium. We also show that this mechanism naturally favors acceleration of particles with larger gyroradii. This may help explain recent observations of some solar-energetic particle observations showing abundance enhancements that increase with particle gyroradius.
Educational outcomes from a novel house call curriculum for internal medicine residents: Report of a 3-year experience

Physician house calls are an important mode of healthcare delivery to frail homebound older adults and positively affect patient outcomes and learner education, but most physicians receive scant training in home care medicine. A novel longitudinal curriculum in house call medicine for internal medicine residents was implemented in July 2006, and educational outcomes were evaluated over the following 3 years. The 2-year curriculum included didactic and experiential components. Residents made house calls with preceptors and alone and completed a series of computer modules outlining knowledge essential to providing home-based care. They discussed the important features of the modules in regularly scheduled small groups throughout the 2-year experience, and each taught a "house call morning report" in their senior resident year. Evaluation methods included surveys before, during, and at the end of the 2-year curriculum (knowledge and attitudes); direct observation by preceptors during house calls (skills); and an online, anonymous survey at the end of each year (attitudes). Results show statistically significant increases in residents' knowledge, skills, and attitudes relevant to home care medicine. Residents describe educationally significant and positive effects from their house call experiences. This novel curriculum improved medical residents' knowledge, attitudes, and skills in performing house calls for frail elderly individuals. The longer-term outcomes of this intervention will continue to be studied, with the hope that it may be used to help provide educational opportunities to prepare the physician workforce to meet the service needs of a growing segment of the population.
Collaborative Technology in the Classroom: A Review of the GSS Research and a Research Framework

Over the past several years, a number of research studies have investigated the application of group support system (GSS) technology to the classroom. The purpose of this paper is twofold: (1) to summarize and assess what has been learned from this emerging body of research, and (2) to draw on the GSS and cooperative learning literatures to construct a framework to guide future studies. The review of research studies reported in this paper focuses on comparative studies investigating the synchronous GSS classroom environment. While research findings regarding the impacts of GSS on learning performance are somewhat mixed, early indications are encouraging and suggest that GSS may have a positive impact under certain situations. A framework based on the GSS and cooperative learning research is introduced that identifies the contextual, group process, and outcome factors that researchers may wish to consider when designing and interpreting future research studies in this area.
Penile Amputation: Cosmetic and Functional Results

Abstract Introduction Penile amputation is a rare type of external genital trauma. It may arise from accidental trauma, assault or self-inflicted mutilation. As with all trauma, initial management focuses on assessment and resuscitation of the patient. When available, hypothermic preservation of the detached penis should be undertaken. Aim This review serves to compile the current available information on etiology and management of penile amputation injuries, with focus on functional and cosmetic results. Main Outcome Measures Main outcome measures were penile cosmetics, viability, and sensation; urethral patency and graft survival, functionality. Methods A literature search using Medline, PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health), and abstracts from scientific meetings was performed from 1980–2013. Results Due to the rarity of penile amputation injuries, no randomized trials exist. Likewise, available published series on management of this condition are comprised of a small number of patients. Conclusions Penile amputation is rare but challenging. Current microreplantation procedures have a uniformly good result with a minimum number of post-operative complications. When microreplantation cannot be performed, older corporal reattachment techniques may be offered. When phallic reconstruction is required, a microsurgical free forearm flap phalloplasty may be performed to restore the patient with an acceptable cosmetic and functional phallus. Virasoro R, Tonkin JB, McCammon KA, and Jordan GH. Penile amputation: Cosmetic and functional results. Sex Med Rev 2015;3:214–222.
Relationship between the mutagenic and base-stacking properties of halogenated uracil derivatives. The crystal structures of 5-chloro- and 5-bromouracil.

Abstract Three-dimensional X-ray diffraction data were used to determine the crystal structures of 5-chlorouracil and 5-bromouracil, two mutagenic pyrimidine analogs that can substitute for thymine in DNA. Crystals of the two compounds are nearly isostructural. The space group is P 2 1 c , with a = 8.450(6), b = 6.842(3), c = 11.072(16) a , β = 123.53(19)° for 5-chlorouracil, and a = 8.598(3), b = 6.886(1), c = 11.417(5) a , β = 123.93(3)° for 5-bromouracil. Intensity data were collected with an automated diffractometer. The structures were refined by full-matrix least-squares to R = 0.058 for 5-chlorouracil and R = 0.027 for 5-bromouracil. The analogs form planar, hydrogen-bonded ribbons that are nearly identical to those found in the crystal structure of thymine monohydrate. As in many other structures of 5-halogenated uracil derivatives, the bases assume a stacking pattern that permits intimate contacts between the halogen substituents and the pyrimidine rings of adjacent bases. This stacking pattern involves halogen contacts that are significantly shorter than normal van der Waals interactions. The crystallographic results provide additional evidence that halogen substituents influence the stacking patterns of uracil derivatives, while exerting little direct effect on the hydrogen-bonding properties. The observed stacking patterns are consistent with the hypothesis that altered stacking interactions may account for the mis-pairing between 5-halogenated uracil bases and guanine residues within double-helical nucleic acids.
Triage and Critical Care

Medical triage is a much muddled matter. One surprisingly important reason that it is, has to do with the sorting of wool and coffee. The use of the term triage is noted, in the OED, for the sorting of wool fleece as early as 1727 and for coffee in 1825. The specimen entry for coffee indicates that beans were standardly graded as “best quality” or “middling,” and the third sort, the so-called “bad broken berries,” were called “triage coffee.” The OED also notes that the verb try, which comes from the same root, trier, to cull or sort, had already acquired its legal use in Anglo-French practice circa 1280. But it seems to have been used then, as in a way it still is, to signify distinguishing wrong from right — which of course by a not unreasonable extension could be thought to bear on triage of the market sort, in the sense that one might falsely represent one grade of wool or coffee as another; but this would still be to mix two distinct ideas. The important thing is that the earlier wool sorting does not seem to have featured any tripartite scheme and is not associated with any market emergency; and the triple division of coffee beans, perhaps etymologically innocent, has very noticeably yielded to an almost irresistible three-fold classification in modern uses of the notion of triage — as in emergency military medicine.
CFAR at the end of instrumented range

The constant false alarm rate (CFAR) detection method is commonly used in radar signal processing systems and is described in textbooks. However, there is an implementation problem at the beginning and the end of range samples where data within one of the sliding average windows is missing. The common implementation method is to assume the values in the missing window to be zeroes. That causes the false alarm rate to increase at the two ends of the range samples. The problem is not normally noticeable unless weather clutter exists in those regions. As a result, abnormal false alarm rates will appear as "weather breakthrough". In this paper, two approaches are described as solutions to the problem of the common method. The clamped threshold algorithm freezes the last valid threshold and extends it to the range boundary. The second approach allows the sliding window to shrink as it is limited by the range boundary. The two new approaches and the common method are evaluated with real data and simulations. The results indicate that the clamped threshold algorithm is the preferred approach.
Woman's Mysteries, Ancient and Modem.

M. Esther Harding. Woman's Mysteries, Ancient and Modem. Boston:Shambhala,1990.ISBNO-87773-532-8.Paper,$13.95. Pp. xv+256.
Characterization of computer simulated radiotherapy beams for Monte-Carlo treatment planning

Abstract Beam characterization consists of two parts: Beam simulation and beam modeling. The EGS4/BEAM Monte-Carlo code system has been used for the simulation of the beams from different clinical linear accelerators and a multiple-source model has been proposed to represent and reconstruct the simulated beam phase–space data. Benefits of well-designed beam models over phase–space data include shorter beam simulation time, a smaller disk space requirement, and improved understanding of the clinical beams used for radiotherapy.
Circadian Phase Preference in Pediatric Bipolar Disorder.

Pediatric bipolar disorder (BD) rates have notably increased over the past three decades. Given the significant morbidity and mortality associated with BD, efforts are needed to identify factors useful in earlier detection to help address this serious public health concern. Sleep is particularly important to consider given the sequelae of disrupted sleep on normative functioning and that sleep is included in diagnostic criteria for both Major Depressive and Manic Episodes. Here, we examine one component of sleep—i.e., circadian phase preference with the behavioral construct of morningness/eveningness (M/E). In comparing 30 BD and 45 typically developing control (TDC) participants, ages 7–17 years, on the Morningness-Eveningness Scale for Children (MESC), no between-group differences emerged. Similar results were found when comparing three groups (BD−ADHD; BD+ADHD; TDC). Consistent with data available on circadian phase preference in adults with BD, however, we found that BD adolescents, ages 13 years and older, endorsed significantly greater eveningness compared to their TDC peers. While the current findings are limited by reliance on subjective report and the high-rate of comorbid ADHD among the BD group, this finding that BD teens demonstrate an exaggerated shift towards eveningness than would be developmentally expected is important. Future studies should compare the circadian rhythms across the lifespan for individuals diagnosed with BD, as well as identify the point at which BD youth part ways with their healthy peers in terms of phase preference. In addition, given our BD sample was overall euthymic, it may be that M/E is more state vs. trait specific in latency age youth. Further work would benefit from assessing circadian functioning using a combination of rating forms and laboratory-based measures. Improved understanding of sleep in BD may identify behavioral targets for inclusion in prevention and intervention protocols.
Participation of μ-calpain in status epilepticus-induced hippocampal injury

We comment this manuscript recently published in Brain Res. Bull.: S. Wang, S. Wang, P. Shan, Z. Song, T. Dai, R. Wang, Z. Chi, Mu-calpain mediates hippocampal neuron death in rats after lithium-pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus. Brain Res. Bull. 76(1-2) (2008) 90-96.
Severe Leukoaraiosis Portends a Poor Outcome After Traumatic Brain Injury

It is now well accepted that traumatic white matter injury constitutes a critical determinant of post-traumatic functional impairment. However, the contribution of preexisting white matter rarefaction on outcome following traumatic brain injury (TBI) is unknown. Hence, we sought to determine whether the burden of preexisting leukoaraiosis of presumed ischemic origin is independently associated with outcome after TBI. We retrospectively analyzed consecutive, prospectively enrolled patients of ≥50 years (n = 136) who were admitted to a single neurological/trauma intensive care unit. Supratentorial white matter hypoattenuation on head CT was graded on a 5-point scale (range 0–4) reflecting increasing severity of leukoaraiosis. Outcome was ascertained according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) at 3 and 12 months, respectively. After adjustment for other factors, leukoaraiosis severity was significantly associated with a poor outcome at 3 and 12 months defined as mRS 3–6 and GOS 1–3, respectively. The independent association between leukoaraiosis and poor outcome remained when the analysis was restricted to patients who survived up to 3 months, had moderate-to-severe TBI [enrollment Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) ≤12; p = 0.001], or had mild TBI (GCS 13–15; p = 0.002), respectively. We provide first evidence that preexisting cerebral small vessel disease independently predicts a poor functional outcome after closed head TBI. This association is independent of other established outcome predictors such as age, comorbid state as well as intensive care unit complications and interventions. This knowledge may help improve prognostic accuracy, clinical management, and resource utilization.
Influence of regulation on environmental conditions and the macroinvertebrate community in the upper Colorado river

The influence of stream regulation on environmental conditions and concomitant alterations of macroinvertebrate community structure was determined from field studies conducted from September 1981-June 1983 at three sites on the upper Colorado River. Site 1 (reference site) was located above Granby and Shadow Mountain Reservoirs, a deep-release storage impoundment, whereas sites 2 (regulated site) and 3 (recovery site) were located 0·4 and 4·0 km, respectively, below the dam. Although macroinvertebrate diversity was reduced at the regulated site compared to both the reference and recovery sites, the number of taxa (43) was considerably higher than values reported from studies of other regulated streams in the Rocky Mountains. Macroinvertebrate mean annual density in the regulated site was twenty times higher than at the reference site and slightly higher than the recovery site. The regulated site was characterized by the absence of heptageniid mayflies, reductions in stoneflies, caddisflies, shredders, and predators, and high densities of Baetis spp., Ephemerella infrequens, chironomids, and non-insect taxa. Many of these faunal changes are attributed to alterations in the temperature regime induced by regulation and to changes in the source and temporal sequencing of organic detritus. Although the number of annual degree days was actually greater below the dam than above the reservoir, other components of the thermal regime was severely altered by regulation. At the regulated site the primary source of coarse organic detritus was autochthonous (decaying algae) with a vernal pulse, in contrast to the typical autumnal pulse of allochthonous leaf litter. There was no evidence that the greater substrate permeability and flow predictability below the dam directly influenced the reduction of species.
A technique for determination of black carbon in cellulose filters

Abstract A technique has been developed to determine black carbon (BC) concentrations in aerosols collected on Whatman 41 (cellulose) filters using high-volume samplers. The cellulose substrate was dissolved in a 70% (w/v) solution of ZnCl2, and hydrosols were transferred to quartz filters, which were analyzed for BC using the thermal–optical method. The technique was applied to Whatman 41 and quartz filter blanks, filters with standards, and monthly composites made from daily samples collected during August 1993 and 1995 at Mayville and Whiteface Mountain, NY. The results show BC recoveries of 92.7±4.3% from cellulose filters. The blanks for the Whatman 41 filters were
Second prize The effectiveness of physical modalities among patients with low back pain randomized to chiropractic care: Findings from the UCLA Low Back Pain Study

Abstract Background: Although chiropractors often use physical modalities with spinal manipulation, evidence that modalities yield additional benefits over spinal manipulation alone is lacking. Objective: The purpose of the study was to estimate the net effect of physical modalities on low back pain (LBP) outcomes among chiropractic patients in a managed-care setting. Methods: Fifty percent of the 681 patients participating in a clinical trial of LBP treatment strategies were randomized to chiropractic care with physical modalities (n = 172) or without physical modalities (n = 169). Subjects were followed for 6 months with assessments at 2, 4, and 6 weeks and at 6 months. The primary outcome variables were average and most severe LBP intensity in the past week, assessed with numerical rating scales (0-10), and low back–related disability, assessed with the 24-item Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire. Results: Almost 60% of the subjects had baseline LBP episodes of more than 3 months' duration. The 6-month follow-up was 96%. The adjusted mean differences between groups in improvements in average and most severe pain and disability were clinically insignificant at all follow-up assessments. Clinically relevant improvements in average pain and disability were more likely in the modalities group at 2 and 6 weeks, but this apparent advantage disappeared at 6 months. Perceived treatment effectiveness was greater in the modalities group. Conclusions: Physical modalities used by chiropractors in this managed-care organization did not appear to be effective in the treatment of patients with LBP, although a small short-term benefit for some patients cannot be ruled out.
What Tc tells

Abstract Superconductivity has continued to be a fascinating phenomenon ever since its discovery in 1911. The magnitude of the transition temperature, T c , provides valuable insight into the underlying physics. Here we provide select examples of the extensive research that has been done towards understanding T c , and some cases where further investigation is called for. We believe that searching for new and enhanced T c ’s remains a fertile frontier.
CO-binding pigments and the functional terminal oxidase of the trypanosomatid hemoflagellate Crithidia fasciculata

Abstract CO-difference absorbance spectra of both intact cells and of mitochondrial preparations isolated from Crithidia fasciculata were obtained after anaerobiosis was attained either with substrates or with dithionite. Under both sets of conditions, the CO-difference spectrum of cytochrome a3, with difference absorbance maxima at 430 and 589 nm and minima at 443 and 612 nm, was readily identified in both the intact cells and in the mitochondria. In addition to the difference absorbance bands of cytochrome a3-CO, three difference absorbance maxima at 417, 538 and 570 nm and a minimum at 556 nm were observed. The magnitude of the maximum at 570 nm relative to the maximum of cytochrome a3-CO at 589 nm was less for mitochondria rendered anaerobic with substrate than for mitochondria rendered anaerobic with dithionite. This difference was taken to define operationally two groups of mitochondrial CO-binding pigments: Group I is that group observed on anaerobiosis with substrate: Group II is the additional group observed on anaerobiosis with dithionite. The Group I CO-binding pigments were virtually absent from submitochondrial particles derived by sonication, but the Group II pigments remained. Photochemical action spectra were obtained with isolated mitochondria and intact cells to ascertain if cytochrome o was present. These action spectra, obtained in CO plus O2 atmospheres, had maxima only at 432, 550 and 588 nm, attributable to the photodissociation of cytochrome a3-CO. Even after suppression of cytochrome a3 activity to 10% of the normal value, no contribution of cytochrome o activity to the photochemical action spectrum was observed. Cytochrome a3 is therefore the only functional terminal oxidase present in the mitochondria of Crithidia fasciculata.
Gold Nanoparticles as a Colorimetric Sensor for Protein Conformational Changes

Spherical gold nanoparticles and flat gold films are prepared in which yeast iso-1-cytochrome c (Cyt c) is covalently bound to the gold surface by a thiol group in the cystein 102 residue. Upon exposure to solutions of different pH, bound Cyt c unfolds at low pH and refolds at high pH. This conformational change causes measurable shifts in the color of the coated nanoparticle solutions detected by UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy and in the refractive index (RI) of the flat gold films detected by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy. Both experiments demonstrate the same trend with pH, suggesting the use of protein-covered gold nanoparticles as a simple colorimetric sensor for conformational change.
10-GHz flat-topped optical frequency comb with ultra-broad bandwidth

We present 10-GHz ultra-broadband flat-topped optical frequency comb (> 3.64-THz within 3.5-dB power variation) based on seeding a highly nonlinear fiber with transform-limited Gaussian-shaped pulse from directly generated Gaussian-shaped comb.
Solving combinatorial optimization problems using relaxed linear programming: a high performance computing perspective

Several important combinatorial optimization problems can be formulated as maximum a posteriori (MAP) inference in discrete graphical models. We adopt the recently proposed parallel MAP inference algorithm Bethe-ADMM and implement it using message passing interface (MPI) to fully utilize the computing power provided by the modern supercomputers with thousands of cores. The empirical results show that our parallel implementation scales almost linearly even with thousands of cores.
Reduction of chlorinated hydrocarbon residues in swine

The occurrence of residues of chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides in animal tissue has been well established in the literature. Thomas et al (I); Fahey and Brindley, (2); Entomology Research Division (3) are three authors who reported the contamination of beef tissues resulting from the feeding of treated forage or permitting livestock to forage on pesticide treated crops. Davich et al (4), reported the occurrence of insecticide residues in swine tissues taken from animals permitted to feed on clover pasture treated with insecticides. Street (5), reported the reduction of dieldrin storage in tissue of rats treated with DDT. Cook and Wilson (6), Wilson and Cook (7), and Cook (8), have shown that dieldrin is constantly being recycled from the blood of cattle to the gastro-intestina l tract, that phenobarbital increases levels of many liver microsoma! detoxifying enzymes, and that charcoal can be utilized as an antidote for dieldrin poisoning in ruminants. Since swine are monogastric animals rather than ruminants and under farm conditions are under a fat accumulation regime rather than a maintenance or loss diet as are milking cattle, doubts arose as to the possibility of utilizing this technique in eliminating dieldrin residues in swine. Preliminary experiments showed that feeder pigs permitted to forage in stover grown on aldrin or heptachlor treated soil may accumulate up to 0.I ppm of dieldrin or heptachlor epoxide. The purpose of this study was to determine whether phenobarbital and charcoal would reduce the storage of dieldrin in the fatty tissue of swine.