cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ionic strength-dependent pre-asymptoic diffusion coefficient distribution in porous media - Determination through the pulsed field gradient technique

Abstract 1H pulsed-field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance was used to study early-time water diffusivity in porous media. The method has also been proven useful to characterize porous media from the standpoint of time-dependent diffusion. In porous media such as zeolite, biological cells or reservoir rocks, water molecular diffusion is time-as well as ionic strength-dependent. Diffusion phenomena are relevant transport mechanisms in low-permeability gas reservoirs and consequently in characterization efforts. Model systems are used here to unveil effects of ionic strength and pore size on the self- and effective-diffusion coefficient distributions. For this purpose, diffusion in aqueous phase in beadpacks made up of different glass bead sizes is analyzed. Ion size, ionic strength and hydration play an important role on the resulting diffusion coefficient. Ion-ion interaction leads to an increase of the diffusion coefficient by distorting water structure (hydrogen bond). While for the diffusion coefficient distribution derived using the regularized Inverse Laplace Transform method, ionic strength has little effect on the dominant peak position. With the increase in pore size, the dominant peak shifts to larger diffusion coefficient.
Gypsum-Karst Collapse in the Black Hills, South Dakota-Wyoming, USA

Medplastno raztapljanje sadre in anhidrita v stirih stratigrafskih enotah starosti od karbona do jure na podrocju Black Hills, South Dakota in Wyoming, je povzrocilo mnogo udorov, ki so se prvotno razvili v zgornjih netopnih kamninah. Udori so prizadeli vec naseljenih obmocij. Podzemeljsko medplastno raztapljanje anhidrita Minnelusa formacije je povzrocilo regionalno podorno breco, velike prekinitve plastnatosti, mnogo vrtac ter brecaste kope, izmed katerih se nekatere razprostirajo 300 m v zgoraj ležece plasti. Recentni udori so povzrocili strme vrtace globje od 20 m, udore v vodnjakih in izvirih, ki so posledica prekinitve sedimentov in onesnaženja ter sveže morfoloske stopnje, ki obkrožajo plitve depresije. Veliko plasti sadre je deformiranih zaradi ekspanzije, kar je posledica njene hidracije iz anhidrita. Mnogo sadrinih žilic najdemo vzdolž nakljucnih razpok v maticnih plasteh sadre. Ob izvirih se pojavlja vec vrtac. Ker celno raztapljanje anhidrita v podzemlju Minnelusa formacije napreduje vzdolž vpada in radialno izven centra dviganja podrocja Black Hills, bodo ti izviri presahnili, pojavili pa se bodo novi skladni z geomorfoloskim razvojem podrocja Black Hills. Stare brecaste kope, ki so ohranjene v precnih profilih sten soteske, kaaeejo na nekdanji položaj celnega raztapljanja. Mirror Lake, ki se razprostira proti SZ vzdolž smeri vpada, je lokalna primerjava napredujocega cela raztapljanja. Intrastratal dissolution of gypsum and anhydrite in four stratigraphic units of Pennsylvanian to Jurassic age in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming has resulted in many collapse features that have developed primarily in the non-soluble overlying rocks. Subsidence has affected several areas that are undergoing urban development. Subsurface intrastratal dissolution of anhydrite in the Minnelusa Formation has produced a regional collapse breccia, extensive disruption of bedding, many dolines, and breccia pipes and pinnacles, some of which extend upwards more than 300 m into overlying strata. Recent collapse is evidenced by steepwalled dolines more than 20 m deep, collapse in water wells and natural springs resulting in sediment disruption and contamination, and fresh circular scarps surrounding shallow depressions. Many beds of gypsum are contorted because of expansion due to its hydration from anhydrite, and many gypsum veinlets extend downward along random fractures from parent gypsum beds. Several dolines are sites of resurgent springs. As the anhydrite dissolution front in the subsurface Minnelusa moves downdip and radially away from the center of the Black Hills uplift, these resurgent springs will dry up and new ones will form as the geomorphology of the Black Hills evolves. Old dolines and breccia pipes, preserved in cross section on canyon walls, attest to the former position of the dissolution front. Mirror Lake, which is expanding northwestward in a downdip direction, is a local analog of a migrating dissolution front.
Awake Microvascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia: Concept and Initial Results.

Background In this initial series, we evaluated the use of microvascular decompression (MVD) under an awake anesthesia protocol (“awake” MVD) to assess whether intraoperative pain evaluation can identify and mitigate insufficient decompression of the trigeminal nerve, improving surgical outcomes, and possibly expand the indications of MVD in patients with comorbidities that would preclude the use of general endotracheal anesthesia (GEA). Methods An Institutional Review Board–approved prospective study of 10 consecutive adults who underwent MVD for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) was conducted. The primary outcome measure was postoperative TN pain quantified on the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) Pain Severity Scale. Results The median patient age was 65.5 years, with a female:male ratio of 6:4. All 10 patients tolerated the procedure well and did not require GEA intraoperatively or postoperatively. Nine patients had a successful surgical outcome (BNI score I, n = 5; BNI score II, n = 4). One patient did not have pain relief (BNI score IV). This same patient also developed a pseudomeningocele, which was the sole surgical complication observed in this series. One patient experienced recurrence of pain at 11 months, with BNI score increasing from I to II. The median duration of follow-up was 16.5 months. Two patients did not experienced resolution of evoked pain during intraoperative awake testing following decompression. Further intraoperative exploration revealed secondary offending vessels that were subsequently decompressed, leading to resolution of pain. Conclusions Intraoperative awake testing for treatment efficacy may increase the success rate of MVD by rapidly identifying and mitigating insufficient cranial nerve V decompression.
Enzymes emerge by upcycling.

Catalytic activity is a critical protein function, but its natural evolution has never been observed. Researchers have now revealed the mutations and biochemical mechanisms by which two ancient nonenzymatic proteins acquired catalytic activity.
Closer than we think

With the ever-growing list of exoplanets fuelling hope for finding life beyond the Solar System, the recent Breakthrough Discuss meeting redirected attention back to our own neighbourhood.
Mitochondrial-Localized Versus Cytosolic Intracellular CO-Releasing Organic PhotoCORMs: Evaluation of CO Effects Using Bioenergetics

While interactions between carbon monoxide (CO) and mitochondria have been previously studied, the methods used to deliver CO (gas or CO-releasing metal carbonyl compounds) lack subcellular targeting and/or controlled delivery. Thus, the effective concentration needed to produce changes in mitochondrial bioenergetics is yet to be fully defined. To evaluate the influence of mitochondrial-targeted versus intracellularly released CO on mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates, we developed and characterized flavonol-based CO donor compounds that differ at their site of release. These molecules are metal-free, visible light triggered CO donors (photoCORMs) that quantitatively release CO and are trackable in cells via confocal microscopy. Our studies indicate that at a concentration of 10 μM, the mitochondrial-localized and cytosolic CO-releasing compounds are similarly effective in terms of decreasing ATP production, maximal respiration, and the reserve capacity of A549 cells. This concentration is the lowest t...
Experimental 3D X-Space Magnetic Particle Imaging Using Projection Reconstruction

Tomographic imaging using a shifted and rotated field free line (FFL) with filtered backprojection image reconstruction can approach an order of magnitude SNR improvement over a field free point (FFP) given equal scan time. In this paper, we demonstrate a projection reconstruction x-space imager. The imager consists of a 2.4 T/m permanent magnet FFL gradient, a Helmholtz pair of off-the-shelf electromagnets, a solenoidal transmit coil and a gradiometer receive coil. A motor driven rotary table rotates the sample and the system acquires multiple projection images at evenly spaced angles between zero degrees and 180 degrees. Filtered back-projection is used to reconstruct a three-dimensional tomographic image stack. Sample rotation, which is sometimes employed in commercial mouse CT scanners, has been used to test this method. Later systems may rotate the gradient similar to a human-sized CT gantry or may generate an electronically rotated FFL gradient. In previous work, we have shown an MPI capable FFL scanner. Here, we show 3D experimental results of our PR-MPI scanner using acrylic USPIO imaging phantoms and post-mortem mice.
A Novel Merging Method in Watershed Segmentation.

The watershed transformation is the primary tool of Mathematical Morphology for image segmentation. However, the resulting image often appears oversegmented into a large number of tiny regions (basins), most of which are not significant in the problem of domain. In this paper, a method for removing non significant basins is presented. The notions of relative significance and intrinsic significance are introduced to restrict the merging of a basin to a number of suitably selected adjacent basins. Such a selection allows one to obtain a segmented image perceptually close to the original image. The good performance of the method is shown for the case of astronomic images.
Embedding Edit Distance to Allow Private Keyword Search in Cloud Computing

Recently, Li et al. introduced a fuzzy keyword search over encrypted data in Cloud Computing. Their approach relies on fuzzy keyword sets which are used by a symmetric searchable encryption protocol. The idea behind these fuzzy keyword sets is to index – before the search phase – the exact keywords but also the ones differing slightly according to a fixed bound on the tolerated edit distance. We here suggest a different construction. We exploit a classical embedding of the edit distance into the Hamming distance. This enables us to adapt results on private identification schemes to this new context. This way of doing implies more flexibility on the tolerated edit distance.
That’s hard: Relativizer use in spontaneous L2 speech

Abstract Language learners are highly sensitive to statistical patterns in the input. When a target language provides the option to include or omit a grammatical form, learners have been shown to make decisions quite similar to native speakers. For example, learners opt to include or omit the complementizer that (as in I know (that) Steffi likes hot tea). This phenomenon has been explained in terms of a universal suite of cognitive mechanisms which support native and learner performance alike. Both learners and native speakers choose to include the complementizer when they are producing more complex or unexpected structures. The present study attempts to generalize these findings to another domain of “optional” grammatical markers, namely, relativizers (as in the hot tea (that) Steffi likes). I analyze all instances of optional relativizer use in a corpus of spontaneous learner speech produced by Spanish and German learners of English. Both of these languages have obligatory relativizers. A two-step generalized additive regression modeling technique (MuPDAR) that predicts learner choices based on native-speaker choices demonstrates that native speakers use greater shares of the relativizer in complex and disfluent environments, while learners show the exact opposite tendency: they prefer to drop the relativizer in complex and disfluent environments. These findings are discussed based on differences between complementizers and relativizers, and in terms of the limited universality of optional grammatical marking in learner speech.
CLI Recommendation No. 15: Make Trade Rules Attuned to the Ecological Needs and Interests of Future Generations

This recommendation observes that international trade agreements as currently structured do not establish minimum standards so as to protect the climate for present and future generations. Accordingly, it advocates potential strategies that could be employed in future rounds of international trade negotiations to mobilize the international trade regime in the pursuit of climate-friendly policies. These strategies include, among others, the elimination of climate-degrading subsidies, the liberalization of trade in climate-friendly goods and services, and the promotion of climate-friendly investments (particularly in the energy sector).In addition, the recommendation proposes a modification in trade rules to account for the greenhouse-gas intensity of fuels and a rigorous evaluation of trade and investment agreements to assure their consistency with the goal of protecting the global climate for present and future generations.
Considerations beyond Stenosis for Carotid Endarterectomy in Treating Free-Floating Thrombus of the Carotid Artery

Background Free-floating thrombus (FFT) of the carotid artery is an uncommon condition that can present with neurologic symptoms, often in the setting of ischemic stroke. The literature pertaining to the incidence and optimal treatment of this condition is limited. Herein, we report our contemporary experience with FFT across a range of degrees of carotid stenosis. Methods Medical records and imaging studies from a single academic medical center from January 2016 to July 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, presentation, treatment, and follow-up were abstracted. Results Six cases of FFT of the carotid artery with and without hemodynamically significant atherosclerotic disease were identified. All cases presented with ischemic stroke; one case had a hemorrhagic conversion. In each case, the FFT was visualized by at least one imaging modality including computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, and duplex ultrasound. Three patients had >50% carotid stenosis and three had Conclusions Although current society guidelines do not recommend carotid endarterectomy as first-line treatment for symptomatic patients with
Mealybug Wilt of Pineapple

Mealybug wilt of pineapple (MBW), first described in Hawaii in the early 1900’s (46), is now reported in most areas of the world where pineapple is grown (6, 7, 13/14, 22). The circumstances surrounding MBW epidemics are complex involving multi-trophic interactions between mealybugs (MB), ants, mealybug predators and parasites, pineapple plants and other plant species (58). Symptom expression is variable and apparently linked to environmental conditions as well as variations in mealybug populations. Several generations of entomologists and plant pathologists have been challenged by the study of MBW and the etiology is yet to be fully explained. A number of hypotheses involving mealybug salivary toxins, “latent transmissible factors” or viruses have been proposed to explain the cause of the disease but none of these have been substantiated. Recently, a pineapple closterovirus (PCV) was described that appears to be associated with the disease (35, 36, 38, 39) although its role in the mealybug wilt syndrome, if any, is not fully understood. In this chapter we will present the historical background concerning the biology and epidemiology of MBW, data showing the association of PCV with pineapple plants and mealybugs and describe an apparent influence of PCV on pineapple growth.
Reply: Matched Comparison of Microsurgical Anastomoses Performed with Loupe Magnification versus Operating Microscope in Traumatic Lower Extremity Reconstruction.

Background Although the surgical microscope remains the most common tool used for visual magnification for microsurgical anastomoses in free tissue transfer, loupe-only magnification for free flap breast reconstruction has been demonstrated to be safe and effective. To evaluate the loupe-only technique in lower extremity free flap reconstruction, the authors compared perioperative outcomes between microsurgical anastomoses performed with loupe magnification versus a surgical microscope. Methods The authors conducted a two-institution retrospective study of soft-tissue free flaps for traumatic below-knee reconstruction. Optimal subgroup matching was performed using patient age, defect location, flap type (muscle versus fasciocutaneous), and time from injury (acute, 30 days) for conditional logistic regression analysis of perioperative outcomes. Results A total of 373 flaps met inclusion criteria for direct matched comparison of anastomoses performed with loupe magnification (n = 150) versus a surgical microscope (n = 223). Overall major complication rates were 15.3 percent: take-back for vascular compromise, 7.8 percent; partial flap failure, 7.8 percent; and total flap loss, 5.4 percent. No differences were observed between the loupe and microscope groups regarding major complications (14.0 percent versus 16.1 percent; OR, 0.78; 95 percent CI, 0.38 to 1.59), take-back for vascular compromise (5.3 percent versus 9.4 percent; OR, 0.51; 95 percent CI, 0.19 to 1.39), any flap failure (13.3 percent versus 13.0 percent; OR, 1.21; 95 percent CI, 0.56 to 2.64), partial flap failure (7.3 percent versus 8.1 percent; OR, 1.04; 95 percent CI, 0.43 to 2.54), and total flap loss (6.0 percent versus 4.9 percent; OR, 1.63; 95 percent CI, 0.42 to 6.35). Conclusions Perioperative complication rates, take-backs for vascular compromise, partial flap losses, and total flap failure rates were not significantly different between the matched loupe and microscope groups. Overall microsurgical success rates in traumatic lower extremity free flap reconstruction appear to be independent of the microsurgical technique used for visual magnification. Clinical question/level of evidence Therapeutic, III.
Structure–activity relationship study of half-sandwich metal complexes in aqueous transfer hydrogenation catalysis

A systematic structure–activity relationship study was performed to identify the factors that are important to enhancing the transfer hydrogenation efficiency of half-sandwich metal complexes, which is an important class of compounds recently shown to be useful as artificial enzyme cofactors, catalytic drugs, and intracellular catalysts. In general, electron-rich ligands provided catalysts with greater activity and chemical stability than electron-poor ligands under physiologically relevant aqueous conditions. Complexes containing Ir were better catalysts than those containing Ru, Rh, or Os. Kinetic studies by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy revealed that ligand substituent effects could dramatically accelerate the rates of both hydride formation and hydride transfer processes, the latter by up to a remarkable 28-fold. The thermodynamic hydricities of several iridium–hydride species were determined using a hydride exchange method, which showed a strong correlation between the hydride donor strengths of the iridium–hydride species and the transfer hydrogenation yields of their parent complexes. Specifically, this work provides a practical guide for further elaboration of the pentamethylcyclopentadienyl iridium pyridinecarboxamidate catalyst platform. We found that electron-donating groups on the pyridyl ring are conducive to achieving high catalytic rates whereas a wide variety of alkyl and aryl groups on the N-amide moiety are well-tolerated, suggesting that this position might be the best site for conjugation to other functional entities for biological applications.
Characteristics Associated With U.S. Outpatient Opioid Analgesic Prescribing and Gabapentinoid Co-Prescribing.

Introduction A considerable burden of prescription and illicit opioid-related mortality and morbidity in the U.S. is attributable to potentially unnecessary or excessive opioid prescribing, and co-prescribing gabapentinoids may increase risk of harm. Data are needed regarding physician and patient characteristics associated with opioid analgesic and opioid analgesic–gabapentinoid co-prescriptions to elucidate targets for reducing preventable harm. Methods Multiple logistic regression was utilized to examine patient and physician predictors of opioid analgesic prescriptions and opioid analgesic–gabapentinoid co-prescriptions in adult noncancer patients using the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey 2015 public use data set. Potential predictors were selected based on literature review, clinical relevance, and random forest machine learning algorithms. Results Among the 11.8% (95% CI=9.8%, 13.9%) of medical encounters with an opioid prescription, 16.2% (95% CI=12.6%, 19.8%) had a gabapentinoid co-prescription. Among all gabapentinoid encounters, 40.7% (95% CI=32.6%, 48.7%) had an opioid co-prescription. Predictors of opioid prescription included arthritis (OR=1.87, 95% CI=1.30, 2.69). Predictors of new opioid prescription included physician status as an independent contractor (OR=3.67, 95% CI=1.38, 9.81) or part owner of the practice (OR=3.34, 95% CI=1.74, 6.42). Predictors of opioid–gabapentinoid co-prescription included patient age (peaking at age 55–64 years; OR=35.67, 95% CI=4.32, 294.43). Conclusions Predictors of opioid analgesic prescriptions with and without gabapentinoid co-prescriptions were identified. These predictors can help inform and reinforce (e.g., educational) interventions seeking to reduce preventable harm, help identify populations for elucidating opioid–gabapentinoid risk–benefit profiles, and provide a baseline for evaluating subsequent public health measures.
Concomitant leadless pacemaker implantation and lead extraction during an active infection

Introduction The need for transvenous lead extractions due to cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED)-related infections continues to rise. Current guidelines recommend complete device removal in the setting of an active infection, which can be challenging in pacemaker-dependent patients. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all leadless pacemaker implants between January 2018 and November 2019 and identified a subset of patients who had undergone a concomitant CIED extraction in the setting of an active infection. Baseline characteristics, procedural details, and clinical follow-ups were recorded. Results Seventeen patients received a leadless pacemaker during the same procedure as the CIED extraction. There were no procedural complications. All patients were being treated for an active CIED infection at the time of the procedure. Fourteen patients (82.4%) were completely pacemaker-dependent and four patients (23.5%) had positive blood cultures at the time of the leadless pacemaker implantation. During a median follow-up of 143 days (interquartile range: 57, 181 days), there were no recurrent infections. Conclusion Simultaneous leadless pacemaker implantation and CIED extraction are safe and feasible in the setting of an active infection. This strategy may be particularly useful in patients that are pacemaker-dependent.
Does Distance to Transplant Center Affect Post Kidney Transplant Readmission Rates

Many transplant recipients travel long distances to their transplant center with challenging access to their transplant team. As such, many centers keep recipients near to the center for a period immediately after discharge from the transplant admission. Thus far, the correlation between distance to the transplant center, readmission, and outcomes has not been described. The aim of this study was to examine this relationship. Patients undergoing deceased donor kidney transplant at a single center over a three-year period were analyzed via retrospective chart review for factors associated with distance to the transplant center and readmission. P values < 0.05 were considered significant. Of 141 patients, the overall 90-day readmission rate was 38.3 per cent, and rates were similar between nonlocal and local recipients. Nonlocal were more likely whites (66.1% vs 45.6%; P = 0.032) and from rural areas (56.5% vs 13.9%; P < 0.001). Length of stay was similar between groups, as were rates of delayed graft function. Non-death-censored graft survival was higher at one and three years for nonlocal patients (96.8% and 96.8% vs 89.7% and 78.4%; P = 0.016). This remained significant after adjusting for baseline differences between the groups (hazard ratio (HR) for graft failure = 0.195, 95%, P = 0.046). Patients who live remotely from the transplant center do not experience higher rates of readmission or worsened outcomes, and thus may be managed safely at home. Interestingly, graft survival is improved in nonlocal patients. This may reflect the urban nature of the area surrounding our transplant center, but warrants further study for conclusions to be reached.
Temporal power reconstruction for an x-ray free-electron laser using convolutional neural networks

The free-electron laser process extracts energy from a relativistic electron beam to create high-power, coherent x-ray radiation. The energy loss leaves an imprint of the radiation on the longitudinal energy-time phase-space of the electron beam. At the Linac Coherent Light Source, the X-band transverse deflecting mode cavity measures the longitudinal phase-space, and an x-ray temporal power profile is predicted according to time slices difference between lasing-off and lasing-on measurements. However, the algorithm cannot include physical effects such as slippage in deep saturation and introduces errors from mismatches between the lasing-off and lasing-on measurements. Instead, considering the two-dimensional phase-space as a spatial image, we use a computer vision algorithm to predict the power profile. We simulate thousands of pairs of electron beams and x-ray power profiles to train convolutional neural networks, and test models on both simulated and experimental data. We demonstrate significant improvement compared with the traditional algorithm for a range of conditions.
Charisma™: A virtual reality training to promote Social BrainHealth in adults

Abstract Imagine a place you go to safely practice interviewing for a job, speaking up in a group meeting, or asking someone for a date. Such a world exists as a “virtual reality” called Charisma™. This chapter illustrates, with evidence-based research, how virtual reality platforms are opening immense opportunities to enhance Social BrainHealth in adults, characterized as the skills and social brain networks that support navigating complex social exchanges. Charisma consists of two major components: a clinician-led strategy-based training protocol and a game-based technology platform, where individuals practice a range of social challenges and receive real-time feedback. Clinical trials suggest that Charisma achieves significant social brain-network change combined with gains in social skills translating to real-world interactions. This chapter demonstrates the potential in leveraging virtual technology to drive improved social learning and social-life engagement, filling a major void in adult social trainings. Due to rapid technological advancement, the feasibility to scale much-needed intervention protocols has never been more promising.
COVID-19: An Emerging Threat to Antibiotic Stewardship in the Emergency Department

While current research efforts focus primarily on identifying patient level interventions that mitigate the direct impact of COVID-19, it is important to consider the collateral effects of COVID-19 on antimicrobial resistance. Early reports suggest high rates of antibiotic utilization in COVID-19 patients despite their lack of direct activity against viral pathogens. The ongoing pandemic is exacerbating known barriers to optimal antibiotic stewardship in the ED, representing an additional direct threat to patient safety and public health. There is an urgent need for research analyzing overall and COVID-19 specific antibiotic prescribing trends in the ED. Optimizing ED stewardship during COVID-19 will likely require a combination of traditional stewardship approaches (e.g. academic detailing, provider education, care pathways) and effective implementation of host response biomarkers and rapid COVID-19 diagnostics. Antibiotic stewardship interventions with demonstrated efficacy in mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on ED prescribing should be widely disseminated and inform the ongoing pandemic response.
Soil carbon degradation during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum in the Piceance Basin, USA

Abstract The Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) warming event is marked by a negative carbon isotope excursion (CIE). The magnitude and shape of the CIE differs among carbon archives, but bulk organic carbon isotopes (δ13Corg) in terrestrial sections are often particularly variable and attenuated. Multiple lines of evidence from the Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, USA have revealed that extensive organic carbon degradation and increased refractory or allochthonous carbon inputs diminished the δ13Corg excursion magnitude. To test if this was a spatially widespread phenomenon and to understand possible underlying mechanisms, we examined the abundance of total organic carbon (%TOC) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as metrics of soil degradation at a neighboring terrestrial basin, the Piceance Basin in Colorado. Outcrop samples reveal both diminished %TOC and PAH concentrations across the Paleocene-Eocene boundary. Using PAHs as a proxy for intermediate refractory carbon, such as found in mineral soils, evidence from the Piceance Basin supports increased organic carbon degradation and greater proportions of refractory allochthonous carbon remaining. Correlations between %TOC and elemental oxides (e.g., Al2O3 and TiO2) suggest soil organic carbon was stabilized by its association with clay minerals. We hypothesize that decreased clay content in the soils (which reduced soil capacity to stabilize fresh carbon) and increased fluctuations in soil moisture (which destabilized older, refractory carbon), in conjunction with increased temperatures (which increased microbial decomposition rates), contributed to reduced soil organic matter preservation during the PETM. These mechanisms destabilized carbon on millennial timescales and, with sustained higher temperatures across the PETM (~150,000 years), increased soil carbon degradation persisted for tens of thousands of years.
Rolling Blackouts: voicing the other micro-narratives

Rolling Blackouts: Dispatches from Turkey, Syria, and Iraq, a dense graphic non-fiction by Sarah Glidden, chronicles the predicament of the refugees and the socio-political circumstances of the Mid...
Universal Behavior of Charged Particle Production in Heavy Ion Collisions at RHIC Energies

The PHOBOS experiment at RHIC has measured the multiplicity of primary charged particles as a function of centrality and pseudorapidity in Au+Au collisions at sqrt(s_NN) = 19.6, 130 and 200 GeV. Two kinds of universal behavior are observed in charged particle production in heavy ion collisions. The first is that forward particle production, over a range of energies, follows a universal limiting curve with a non-trivial centrality dependence. The second arises from comparisons with pp/pbar-p and e+e- data. N_tot/(N_part/2) in nuclear collisions at high energy scales with sqrt(s) in a similar way as N_tot in e+e- collisions and has a very weak centrality dependence. This feature may be related to a reduction in the leading particle effect due to the multiple collisions suffered per participant in heavy ion collisions.
Tumor recurrence or treatment-related changes following chemoradiation in patients with glioblastoma: does pathology predict outcomes?

Despite surgical resection and chemoradiation, all patients with GBM invariably recur. Radiological imaging is limited in differentiating tumor recurrence (TR) from treatment-related changes (TRC); therefore, re-resection is often needed. Few studies have assessed the relationship between re-resection histopathology and overall survival (OS). We performed a large retrospective study to analyze the clinical significance of histopathology following re-resection and its influence on genomic sequencing results. Clinical, radiographic, and histological information was compiled from 675 patients with GBM (2005–2017). 137-patients met the inclusion criteria. IDH1 p.R132H immunohistochemistry was performed in all patients. Next-generation sequencing interrogating 205 tumor-related genes was performed in 68-patients. Molecular alterations from initial and subsequent resections were compared in a subset of cases. There were no differences in OS (17.3-months TRC vs. 21-months TR, p = 0.881) and survival from progression (9.0 vs. 11.7-months, p = 0.778) between patients with TR and TRC on re-resection. TR patients were more likely to receive salvage radiotherapy (26% vs. 0%) and tumor-treating fields (25% vs. 5%,) after the 2nd surgery than the TRC group (p = < 0.045). There was no correlation between mutations and TRC. IDH status was not predictive of TRC. Fifteen-patients had sequencing results from multiple surgeries without evident differences in genomic alterations. Histopathologic findings following chemoradiation do not correlate with clinical outcomes. Such findings should be considered during patient management and clinical trial enrollment. Standardization of tissue sampling and interpretation following reoperation is urgently needed. Future work is required to understand the relationship between the mutation profile following TRC and outcomes.
Composite solution to the neutron lifetime anomaly

Measurements of the lifetime of neutrons trapped in a bottle have been consistently shorter than the lifetime measured in neutron beam experiments. With trapping potentials as low as 50 neV and neutron detectors located only at the top of the bottle, this discrepancy could be the result of the soft scattering of dark matter with neutrons. However, it is challenging to obtain the observed loss rate in conventional models of dark matter scattering. We show that this phenomenology is possible in composite models of dark matter where the soft scattering is from dark matter that has been captured and accumulated in the Earth. This solution can be tested by placing more neutron detectors around the trap, providing better angular coverage. The phenomenology of soft scattering by trapped composite dark matter is generic and suggests new experimental directions that could be pursued to detect this large class of models.
Alternate Cultural Paradigms in Latinx Psychology: An Empirical, Collaborative Exploration:

Author(s): Consoli, Andres J; Lopez, Isabel; Whaling, Kelly M | Abstract: In an effort to systematize and organize an exploration of alternate cultural paradigms from a Latinx perspective, the membership of the National Latinx Psychological Association was surveyed via its electronic mailing list in successive rounds. The first invitation asked members to identify alternate cultural paradigms they use in their work or are familiar with; a definition of alternate cultural paradigms and some examples were provided. Responses were summarized and redistributed to the entire list, seeking further input. This process was followed a total of four times. The range of contributions extended from journal articles, to books, to authors, individuals, and movements. The compiled responses were then analyzed using qualitative methodology in the form of thematic analysis. The resulting taxonomy addresses the promotion of health and wellness in Latinx communities through the use of alternate cultural paradigms, and culturally adapted treatments and interventions. The former is made of examples and sources that emphasize combatting oppression and inequities as well as the use of cultural traditions, norms, and specific values. Though not identified as exemplary of alternate cultural paradigms, the latter refers to evidence-based or widely used treatments that have been modified (i.e., adapted) in an effort to improve service efficacy with Latinxs.
Race, Whiteness, and Education

Series Editor Introduction, Michael W. Apple Acknowledgements Introduction 1. Critical Social Theory: An Introduction 2. Ideology and Race Relations in Post-Civil Rights America 3. Marxism and Race Analysis: Toward a Synthesis 4. Futuring Race: From Race to Post-race Theory 5. The Color of Supremacy 6. The Ontology of Whiteness 7. The Myth of White Ignorance 8. Race and the War on Schools in an Era of Accountability 9. Race, Class, and Imagining the Urban, Zeus Leonardo and Margaret Hunter 10. The Souls of White Folk References
Why are terrestrial gastropods of poland threatened

Reasons for threats to land gastropods have been estimated based on literature pertaining to the native malacofauna. Both according to our own estimate, derived from ecological information on each species, and to a variety of authors, the main reason for threat is replacement of natural habitats with anthropogenic ones. Other dangers are: random events that may damage small, isolated populations, industrial pollution, mowing, grazing and tourism.
The volume of the amniotic fluid in the early months of pregnancy.

Abstract 1. 1. The volume of the amniotic fluid in each of sixty-six intact gestation sacs from the first and second trimesters of pregnancy is considered in relation to the length of the embryo, the estimated and actual menstrual ages of the pregnancy, and, in certain cases, to aspects of the maternal history. Sixty-two of the specimens were from intrauterine pregnancies; four were from tubal gestations. 2. 2. The distribution of the volumes of the amniotic fluid in fourteen “normal” specimens follows the pattern of an exponential curve but it is unlikely that such would be maintained for the remainder of pregnancy. 3. 3. No relationship between abnormality of the embryo and the volume or the color of the amniotic fluid could be determined. 4. 4. In the specimens from tubal pregnancies, the volume of the amniotic fluid appeared less than in intrauterine pregnancies of equivalent duration. 5. 5. The size of the embryo and the degree of expansion of the uterus (or the uterine tube) are considered important factors in determining the volume of the amniotic fluid at a given stage of pregnancy. 6. 6. The need for more observations on the volume of the amniotic fluid in the early stages of pregnancy is stressed.
Consciousness: A Non-reductive Study Based on a Non-coding RNA Gene

We ascribe the insurmountable problems posed by central issues in cognitive neuroscience as to how a physical brain engenders meaning and how meaning is represented, to the conventional reductionist approach to consciousness. While neurobiology is ontologically necessary for processing multisensory information, it is not epistemologically sufficient to engender meaning in a conscious experience, as well as, representation of meaning, before it is expressed linguistically. We postulate a field of epistemic faculty of consciousness to emerge nonreductively by virtue of a non-coding RNA gene (human accelerated region 1F, HAR1F) found to be responsible for development of cerebral cortex, to regulate two cognitive functions simultaneously: One, to integrate multisensory information as a source of meaning based on the assumption that each sensory input carries a specific semantic potential; and two, to represent meaning in a semantically coextensive fashion, independent of a natural language. A unified cognitive field equation of consciousness is formulated to mathematically describe emergence of meaning and its representation. A principle of meaning-energy equivalence is derived as a basis of exploration of mind, free will, and self.
Some notes on the background of the isolation, determination of structure, synthesis, and early clinical trials of the luteinizing hormone- and follicle-stimulating hormone-releasing hormone.

Some notes on the background of the isolation determination of structure synthesis and early clinical trials of the luteinizing hormone (LH)- and follicle stimulating hormone-releasing hormone (FSH-RH) are presented. The solving of the thyrotropin releasing hormone structure made the work on the hypothalamus easier. After establishing that the 11 types of estrogen-progesterone combinations used in contraceptive pills did not suppress the stimulatory effects of LH-RH on the release of LH it was postulated that contraceptive steroids act mainly on the hypothalamus. And later it was shown that these steroids also act on the pituitary gland. This helped postulate that sex steroids may cause differential release of LH and FSH in response to LH-RH/FSH-RH. Immunologic studies led to the production of antisera to LH-RH and development of a radioimmunoassay for LH-RH. It was then shown that such antisera caused gonadal atrophy in male animals and blocked the release of LH and FSH and ovulation in cycling rats. The synthesis of various analogs of LH-RH enabled 2 classes of these compounds to be established: 1) stimulatory superactive analogs causing prolonged liberation of LH and FSH and 2) inhibitory analogs which block LH and FSH release and ovulation.
Evaluating and Treating Families: The McMaster Approach

Introduction. Part I: Development and Historical Background. The McMaster Model of Family Functioning. The Problem Centered Systems Therapy of the Family. Training in the Problem Centered Systems Therapy of the Family. Assessments Developed for the McMaster Model. Research Using the McMaster Model. Frequently Asked Questions. Conclusions. Part II: The Family Assessment Device. The McMaster Clinical Rating Scale. The McMaster Structured Interview of Family Functioning. The McMaster Adherence Scale. The McMaster Competency Scale. McMaster Family Functioning Concept Test. McMaster Family Functioning Percept Test. Related Articles. References.
The Global Mobility of Highly Skilled African Athletes: Gender, Identity and Politics

The roundtable’s central theme is Sports in Africa, with a focus on the migration of African athletes. Our objective is to explore the diversity and the complexity of this theme through various analytical and academic frameworks. Featuring scholars from different disciplines, the roundtable will explore topics such as gender, history, media, identity, politics, and socio-economy through the prism of athletic migration. Furthermore, the roundtable will discuss the challenges and opportunities of the “muscle drain” and its effects on a rapidly transforming Africa. European colonization brought “modern” sports to Africa, primarily through schools and missions. Colonial authorities very early recruited the most talented young athletes to perform in Europe for metropolitan clubs and national teams. In the ensuing decades, on into the post-colonial era, African athletes have been part of an athletic elite in France, Portugal, England, and Belgium. The migration of African athletic talent has persevered through the series of political transformations in Africa, from colonization through independence and political democratization. African athletes’ mobility has also diversified from simply Africa-to-Europe routes, and now includes intra-African paths, as well as outward movement to both North American and Asian destinations. Dominated by football (soccer) players, the transnational mobility of highly-skilled athletes provides a unique and promising point of entry into a broader discussion of sport, migration(s) and society in contemporary Africa.
A Region of Antisense RNA from Human p120 cDNA with High Homology to Mouse p120 cDNA Inhibits NIH 3T3 Proliferation

The human nucleolar p120 protein is a proliferation-associated antigen which is expressed in G1 and peaks during the early S phase of the cell cycle. Overexpression of the human p120 protein caused the transformation of NIH 3T3 cells and expression of an antisense p120 construct inhibited the growth of NIH 3T3 cells (Perlaky et al. , Cancer Res., 52: 428–436, 1992). The middle region of the antisense p120 RNA was found to be almost as inhibitory as the full length antisense construct but the 5′ and 3′ antisense portions did not affect NIH 3T3 cell proliferation. After the mouse p120 complementary DNA was cloned and sequenced, comparison with the human p120 complementary DNA showed a striking conservation of 85% of the nucleotide sequence and 96% of the amino acid sequence. The two ends of the p120 molecule had less homology in their nucleotide and amino acid sequences. Based on this homology, the observed inhibitory effects of the middle portion of antisense human p120 RNA may be related to suppression of mouse p120 expression by RNA:RNA duplex formation. The high evolutionary conservation of the middle region suggests it has a critical role for the function of this protein.
Gastric emptying and obesity

Abstract Abnormal gastric emptying in the obese has been previously suggested. To explore this concept, we studied a group of 77 subjects composed of 46 obese and 31 age-, sex-, and race-matched nonobese individuals. All of the subjects underwent quantitative fluid/solid gastric emptying assays utilizing a dual radionuclide technique. For the solid phase, obese subjects were found to have a more rapid emptying rate than nonobese subjects (p
Chapter 2 Statistical theory and econometrics

Publisher Summary Research in statistical theory has yielded useful procedures for learning from data— one of the principal objectives of econometrics and science. This research has produced a large number of probability models for observations that are widely utilized in econometrics and other sciences, which are reviewed in the chapter. This chapter also reviews techniques for estimation, prediction, and testing that enable investigators to solve inference problems in a scientific manner. The importance of utilizing sound, scientific methods in analyzing data, and drawing conclusions from them is obvious, because such conclusions often have crucial implications for economic policy making and the progress of economic science. On the other hand, it is a fact that statistical and econometric analysis frequently is a mixture of science and art. A challenge for statistical theory is to provide fruitful, formal procedures that are helpful in solving model formulation problems. The two major approaches to statistical inference discussed in this chapter are the sampling theory approach and the Bayesian approach. Among several controversies, there is controversy regarding the implications of the likelihood principle for econometric and statistical practice.
The NAS Report on Forensic Science: A Glass Nine-Tenths Full (This is About the Other Tenth)

The NAS Committee Report, STRENGTHENING FORENSIC SCIENCE IN THE UNITED STATES, issued in February of 2009, was a milestone in the decades-long struggle to get those who control the production and utilization of forensic science expertise to admit the various weaknesses of some of the techniques involved, and to take steps to strengthen the reliability of those techniques and their products. The NAS Committee Report is in some ways the culmination of those efforts, and has made it now untenable to dismiss criticisms as simply the cavils of uninformed academics with nothing better to do. In this sense the report is a glass nine-tenths full, and is to be celebrated as such. But then there is the other tenth, the tenth that may, as an unintended consequence, delay needed reform significantly and unnecessarily. The most significant part of this unwise tenth is the decision not to push strongly for the immediate adoption of masking and sequential unmasking protocols in forensic science practice, but instead to call for “more research” on the issue in advance of moving forward. This paper explains in detail why the “await more research” approach is misguided.
Central tendency and variability in biological systems: Part 2

This is the second article of a series on fundamental concepts in biostatistics and research. In this article, the author reviews the manner in which researchers characterize data. Normality, standard deviation, mean, P value, and other concepts related to parametric statistics are discussed in common language, with a minimum of jargon and mathematics, and with clinical examples. Emphasis is given to conceptual understanding.