cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Subdural Hematoma: Predictors of Outcome and a Score to Guide Surgical Decision-Making.

Abstract Objective There is little evidence to guide patient selection for subdural hemorrhage (SDH) evacuation. This study was designed to assess the benefit of surgical evacuation of SDH, identify predictors of functional outcome, and create a bedside score to guide the clinical management of SDH. Methods A cohort of 331 patients presenting to a single center from 2010 to 2014 with a principal diagnosis of subdural hemorrhage was identified. Clinical and radiographic information were extracted from the medical record. Outcomes of interest were (1) the occurrence of surgical evacuation of SDH, and (2) an unfavorable 90-day functional status represented by a modified Rankin score (mRS) ≥ 3. Propensity score matching and adjustment techniques were employed to assess the benefit of surgery accounting for confounding by indication. Multivariable logistic regression models predicting follow-up functional outcome were generated and bootstrapped separately among those with acute SDH and those with either subacute or chronic SDH. Clinical scores were created using model coefficients. Results In this cohort [65% male, mean age 67 years], 47% underwent surgery. Age, focal neurologic deficit, SDH thickness > 10 mm, midline shift > 5mm, and SDH acuity predicted undergoing surgery. Propensity score matching analysis demonstrated that operated patients overall were less likely to have unfavorable 90-day mRS outcome (OR 0.35, 95% C.I. 0.15-0.82). Among patients with acute SDH, age, female sex, pre-admission mRS, focal neurologic deficit, and neuropsychiatric symptoms predicted 90-day functional outcome (c-statistic 0.89, optimism-corrected c-statistic 0.87) and were incorporated into an acute SDH score (range 1–10). Patients with SDH score > 4 were significantly more likely to have an unfavorable outcome if treated medically versus surgically; there was no difference in 90-day functional status by treatment strategy among patients with SDH score ≤ 4. No difference in outcome was seen by surgical status across the spectrum of chronic SDH scores. Conclusions Surgical evacuation of subdural hematomas overall is associated with favorable outcome. Patient selection for evacuation is enhanced by the application of the acute SDH score. Future studies are necessary to validate the SDH score in an external cohort.
Impacts of microRNA-215 on cell proliferation and chemotherapy resistance in colon cancer and osteosarcoma

2542 Background: Translational control plays a key role in resistance to anti-cancer drug treatment. MicroRNAs regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, mainly by interacting with 3'-UTR of their mRNA targets. Methods: miR-215 was ectopically expressed by transient transfection in both human colon cancer cell lines and osteosarcoma cell lines. The impact of miR-215 on cell proliferation, cell cycle control, chemosensitivity and down stream targets were characterized. The expression of miR-215 in colorectal cancer specimens and normal adjacent tissues was quantified by real time-qRT-PCR analysis. Results: In this study, we discovered that miR-215 down-regulates the expression of both dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and thymidylate synthase (TS), two of the most important chemotherapeutic targets, in human osteosarcoma U-2 OS and colon cancer HCT-116 (wt-p53) cell lines. Cells with elevated miR-215 expression are more resistant to DHFR inhibitor methotrexate (MTX) or TS inhibitor Tomudex (T...
Associations between advertisement-supported media exposure and dietary quality among preschool-age children.

Abstract Foods of low nutritional quality are heavily marketed to children, and exposure to food ads shapes children's preferences and intake towards advertised foods. Whether food ad exposure independently relates to an overall lower diet quality among children remains unclear. We examined the association between ad-supported media use, a proxy for food ad exposure, and diet quality using the baseline data (2014–2015) from 535 3-5-year-olds in a community-based cohort study. Parents reported their child's dietary intake over 3 days via a diary, and diet quality was assessed with the Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2015) where higher scores reflect greater adherence to USDA dietary guidelines. Children's media exposure was measured through online parent surveys. Mean HEI score was 54.5 (SD = 9.4). In models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and metrics of parent diet quality, children's HEI scores were 0.5 points lower (adjusted beta = −0.5 [95% CI: 0.8, −0.1]; P
Adversarial Classification of the Attacks on Smart Grids Using Game Theory and Deep Learning

Smart grids are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. This paper proposes a game-theoretic approach to evaluate the variations caused by an attacker on the power measurements. Adversaries can gain financial benefits through the manipulation of the meters of smart grids. On the other hand, there is a defender that tries to maintain the accuracy of the meters. A zero-sum game is used to model the interactions between the attacker and defender. In this paper, two different defenders are used and the effectiveness of each defender in different scenarios is evaluated. Multi-layer perceptrons (MLPs) and traditional state estimators are the two defenders that are studied in this paper. The utility of the defender is also investigated in adversary-aware and adversary-unaware situations. Our simulations suggest that the utility which is gained by the adversary drops significantly when the MLP is used as the defender. It will be shown that the utility of the defender is variant in different scenarios, based on the defender that is being used. In the end, we will show that this zero-sum game does not yield a pure strategy, and the mixed strategy of the game is calculated.
Chaplain Care in the Intensive Care Unit at the End of Life: A Qualitative Analysis

Background: The provision of spiritual care is a key component of high-quality patient-centered care, particularly in the intensive care unit (ICU). However, the integration of spiritual care into ...
Leaky Waveguides in Hydrocarbon Reservoirs and their Implications for Oil Banks Detection

The presence of naturally occurring subsurface waveguides for electromagnetic (EM) waves has been previously documented. In particular, the mining industry recognized that a coal seam bounded by la...
Specialized pro-resolving receptors are expressed in salivary glands with Sjögren's syndrome.

Abstract Our previous studies demonstrated that resolvin D1 (RvD1) and its aspirin-trigged (AT) form AT-RvD1, are effective in decreasing inflammation while restoring saliva flow rates in a Sjogren's syndrome (SS) like mouse model before and after disease onset. Resolvins are specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPM) that actively regulate inflammation. However, we only have extensive data within the salivary glands for RvD1 and AT-RvD1, both of which bind to the receptor ALX/FPR2. As such, the presence of other SPM receptors is unknown within salivary glands. Therefore, the goal of this study was to determine the expression of SPM receptors in non-SS and SS patients. For this purpose, six human minor salivary glands from female subjects were analyzed by H&E using the Chisholm and Mason classification to determine the degree of lymphocytic infiltration. Next, confocal immunofluorescence analysis was performed to determine the presence and distribution of different SPM receptors in mucous acini and striated ducts. We observed diffuse presence of lymphocytic infiltration and clinical data were consistent with SS diagnosis in three patients. Moreover, confocal immunofluorescence analysis indicated the presence of the receptors ALX/FPR2, BLT1 and CMKLR1 in the mucous acini and striated ducts of both non-SS and SS patients. GPR32 was absent in SS and non-SS minor salivary glands. In summary, our results showed that various SPM receptors are expressed in non-SS and SS minor salivary glands, all of which may pose as potential targets for promoting pro-epithelial and anti-inflammatory/pro-resolution signaling on SS patients.
Signal Flow Graphs

Signal Flow Graphs (SFGs), sometimes referred to simply as ‘flowgraphs’, are an analytic tool often used in the modeling and analysis of linear systems. Although their use originated in the analysis of electrical networks, increased interest in SFGs derives from the importance of the analysis and synthesis cf linear systems occurring in many fields of science and engineering. It is a known fact that, irrespective of their content, many systems can be modeled as a set of linear equations, to which the methodology of SFG theory is directly applicable. As we shall see below, such diverse problems as stochastic systems of the Markovian or semi-Markovian types, as well as dynamic systems giving rise to linear differential equations, can be analyzed through SFGs.†
Prehistoric Environmental Change in Northern New Mexico: Evidence from a Gallina Phase Archaeological Site

ABSTRACTAnalyses of samples of corn, pollen, and mammalian microfauna from two distinct occupational levels of LA 12072 near Llaves, New Mexico, indicate that substantially more arid conditions prevailed at the site during the time of its second occupation than during the first.
The Classification of Iron Meteorites

A genetic classification system that attempts to group iron meteorites which form in the same parent body has been developed. This system uses a comparison of two independent parameters, which have been used to group iron meteorites in the past. One of these is the cooling rate of the parent body during the formation of the Widmanstatten pattern, and the other is the Ga-Ge trace element content.
Rosenhan Pseudopatient Study

In a famous study, professor of psychology and law David Rosenhan and seven other mentally healthy colleagues sought admission to mental hospitals to determine whether their “sanity” would be detected in these “insane” environments. Sufficiently distressed to seek professional help and complaining of auditory hallucinations, each “pseudopatient” was admitted, diagnosed with schizophrenia (or, in one case, manic depression), and ultimately discharged after an average stay of 19 days with a modified “in remission” diagnosis. Based on the pseudopatients' extensive notes of their experiences, Rosenhan criticized diagnoses as unreliable and invalid as well as implicating them in the mistreatment of patients. Though the logic and evidence supporting these conclusions has been challenged by many commentators, the classic pseudopatient study continues to exert an influence on clinical psychology. Keywords: decision making; diagnosis; insanity; labeling; stigma
Manganese Deficiency: Effects on Susceptibility to Ethanol Toxicity in Rats

SHERI ZIDENBERG-CHERR, LUCILLE S. HURLEY,BO LA–NNERDAL ANDCARL L. KEEN1Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis,CA 95616ABSTRACT Previous studies have shown that manganese (Mn) deficiency in ratsresults in reduced activity of manganese Superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and increasedlevels of mitochondrial lipid peroxidation. These findings suggested to us that the Mn-deficient rat may be especially susceptible to the toxic effects of ethanol, as the metabolism of this compound results in production of Superoxide aniA³n.Offspring from Mn-sufficient and Mn-deficient adult rats were given either 20% (wt/vol) ethanol ordistilled-deionized water as their drinking fluid for 14 d. Response to ethanol feedingwas different between Mn-sufficient and deficient rats as evidenced by severe reductions in caloric intake and body weight observed in the Mn-deficient rats. Furthermore, after 14 d of ethanol feeding, these rats were extremely lethargic and in poorphysical condition. Although Mn-sufficient rats responded similarly to the deficientrats during the first 6 d of ethanol feeding, they increased their caloric intake andbody weight during the remainder of the experimental period. MnSOD activity in theethanol-fed Mn-sufficient and Mn-deficient rats was similar, thus the alcohol-inducedtoxicity observed in the deficient rats was not due to reduced MnSOD activity. Iron-induced lipid peroxidation may be one of the mechanisms leading to the toxicityobserved, as ethanol feeding resulted in liver Fe levels that were 30% higher thanthose in Mn-deficient rats that were not fed ethanol. J. Nutr. 115: 460-467, 1985.INDEXING KEY WORDS manganese deficiency â€¢Superoxide dismutaseâ€¢ethanolThe hepatic metabolism of ethanol and the blood of alcoholics not much higherthe consequences of ethanol ingestion have than that of nonalcoholics (4, 5).been widely investigated, but the precise Another mechanism by which ethanolmechanism underlying the liver disease of may promote liver damage is through super-alcoholics has yet to be elucidated. It has oxide-induced lipid peroxidation. The metab-been suggested that the first metabolite of olism of ethanol can result in production ofethanol, acetaldehyde, rather than ethanol Superoxide anions by microsomal NADPHitself is responsible for the toxicity of ethanol oxidase, NADPH-cytochrome reductase and(1). Although it has been shown that acetal- xanthine oxidase (6-8). Although Superoxidedehyde is toxic both in vitro and in vivo (2, anions are relatively benign, related mole-3), attempts to relate blood levels of this cules formed by subsequent reactions, suchcompound to the development of cirrhosis as the hydroxy radical (OH â€¢), are highlyhave not been successful. However, thisapparent discrepancy may result from thecapacity of the liver to metabolize large 31fuÂ?"erican Institute" NutritionReceivedforpublicitionamounts of acetaldehyde, making its level in 'TOwhomreprintrequestsshouldbesent.460
On recent seismic tomography for the western United States

[1] In recent years, a number of relatively high resolution seismic tomography models for the uppermost mantle underneath the western United States have been published, and vigorous debate has ensued about their tectonic interpretation. I present a straightforward, yet quantitative, comparison between models in order to help establish a framework for geodynamic interpretation, and to help judge the role of tomographic theory vs. data selection. Mapped S and P wave anomalies are found to be remarkably consistent between models, which implies that seismologists are beginning to narrow down the structure underneath active continental margins to scales of ∼200 km. Large discrepancies between published anomaly amplitudes exist, however, and the models on the high end of the spectrum raise questions as to how they are to be interpreted in terms of temperature, composition, and melting.
Modeling and Analysis of Reverse Logistics

Many modeling techniques have been developed to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of forward logistics and supply chain management. As this article will illustrate, modeling techniques can be helpful in improving the management of reverse logistics as well. Companies and researchers are just beginning to appreciate the important differences between forward and reverse chains, and there is great opportunity to apply modeling methodologies to managing reverse logistics problems and issues. This article describes how modeling techniques can be utilized to improve reverse logistics processes and aid in solving real-world reverse logistics problems. We focus on specific reverse logistics processes that firms, which sell products, are likely to address. In fact, the area of reverse logistics has broadened of late to include many activities that were not originally part of simply returning consumer products to a retailer. Herein, we present an overview of opportunities, where improved modeling efforts should be able to provide substantial benefits to supply chain professionals.
Synthesis of peptidomimetic conjugates of cyclic nucleoside phosphonates.

Cyclic nucleoside phosphonates connected through a P-O-C linkage to a promoiety represent a class of prodrugs designed to overcome the low oral bioavailability of parent antiviral acyclic nucleoside phosphonates. In our prodrug approach, a nontoxic promoiety, such as an amino acid or dipeptide, is conjugated to the cyclic form of the parent drug by esterification of the phosphonic acid moiety with an alcoholic amino acid side chain (Ser, Tyr, and Thr) or a glycol linker. For the biological evaluation and investigation of the pharmacokinetic profiles of these modified nucleoside phosphonates, a reliable synthetic procedure that allows preparation of sufficient amount of potential prodrugs is needed. This unit provides a procedure for synthesizing peptidomimetic conjugates of two broad-spectrum antiviral acyclic nucleoside phosphonates: (S)-HPMPC and (S)-HPMPA. Two alternate strategies allowing synthesizing selected amino acid, dipeptide, or ethylene glycol-linked amino acid prodrugs of (S)-HPMPC and (S)-HPMPA in solution and using a solid-phase approach are presented. Curr. Protoc. Nucleic Acid Chem. 43:15.4.1-15.4.13. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: (S)-HPMPC; (S)-HPMPA; peptidomimetic prodrugs; acyclic nucleoside phosphonates
A probabilistic approach toward the finite general linear and unitary groups

Probabilistic algorithms are applied to prove theorems about the finite general linear and unitary groups which are typically proved by techniques such as character theory and Moebius inversion. Among the theorems studied are Steinberg's count of unipotent elements, Rudvalis and Shindoda's work on the fixed space of a random matrix, and Lusztig's work on counting nilpotent matrices of a given rank.
Skin Rejuvenation with Non-Invasive Pulsed Electric Fields

Degenerative skin diseases affect one third of individuals over the age of sixty. Current therapies use various physical and chemical methods to rejuvenate skin; but since the therapies affect many tissue components including cells and extracellular matrix, they may also induce significant side effects, such as scarring. Here we report on a new, non-invasive, non-thermal technique to rejuvenate skin with pulsed electric fields. The fields destroy cells while simultaneously completely preserving the extracellular matrix architecture and releasing multiple growth factors locally that induce new cells and tissue growth. We have identified the specific pulsed electric field parameters in rats that lead to prominent proliferation of the epidermis, formation of microvasculature, and secretion of new collagen at treated areas without scarring. Our results suggest that pulsed electric fields can improve skin function and thus can potentially serve as a novel non-invasive skin therapy for multiple degenerative skin diseases.
The sensitivity of mixed population of bacteria to inhibitors. I. The mechanism by which desulfovibrio desulfuricans protects Ps. aeruginosa from the toxicity of mercurials.

The concentration of phenylmercuric lactate required to inhibitPseudomonas aeruginosa was greatly increased in the presence ofDesulfovibrio desulfuricans. The concentration of mercurial necessary for inhibition of both organisms was found to be approximately the same as that needed to inhibit the pure culture of sulfate-reducers. The effect of sulfides on the activity of the inhibitor was studied and related to the sulfide concentration ofDesulfovibrio cultures. The results indicate that the hydrogen sulfide produced by the sulfate-reducers protects both organisms from the inhibitory activity of the mercurial.
Isolation and purification of plasma thromboplastin: its physico-chemical and biologic properties.

Summary1. A factor (plasma thromboplastin) can be absorbed from citrated human plasma which shortens the clotting time of normal oxalated recalcified human plasma and increases the prothrombin utilization of platelet-poor hemophilic and thrombocytopenic plasma. This factor has been eluted and purified. An assay for its activity has been developed. A unit of activity, physicochemical properties and biologic activity have been defined. 2. Plasma thromboplastin can be clearly differentiated from other known coagulation factors on the basis of its properties; its evolution requires one or more platelet and plasma factors and contact with a foreign surface. It probably represents the final product of the first phase of blood coagulation (activation of thromboplastin). Its administration has been proven to correct in vivo the defective prothrombin utilization of thromboplastin-deficiency states.
Three-dimensional model-guided segmentation and analysis of medical images

Automated or semi-automated analysis and labeling of structural brain images, such as magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography, is desirable for a number of reasons. Quantification of brain volumes can aid in the study of various diseases and the affect of various drug regimes. A labeled structural image, when registered with a functional image such as positron emission tomography or single photon emission computed tomography, allows the quantification of activity in various brain subvolumes such as the major lobes. Because even low resolution scans (7.5 to 8.0 mm slices) have 15 to 17 slices in order to image the entire head of the subject hand segmentation of these slices is a very laborious process. However, because of the spatial complexity of many of the brain structures notably the ventricles, automatic segmentation is not a simple undertaking. In order to accurately segment a structure such as the ventricles we must have a model of equal complexity to guide the segmentation. Also, we must have a model which can incorporate the variability among different subjects from a pre-specified group. Analysis of MR brain scans is accomplished by utilizing the data from T2 weighted and proton density images to isolate the regions of interest. Identification is then done automatically with the aid of a composite model formed from the operator assisted segmentation of MR scans of subjects from the same group. We describe the construction of the model and demonstrate its use in the segmentation and labeling of the ventricles in the brain.
A token-actuated timer for line-voltage devices

A token-actuated timer that detects the insertion of a flat washer (“token”) is described. The unit provides a timed line-voltage output and counts the number of times the line-voltage device has been operated. Using behavioral token economies, this device has been used to control the television watching of children by monitoring television watching time, and by controlling the amount of time the television is on.
Ketamine as an adjuvant in lidocaine intravenous regional anesthesia: a randomized, double-blind, systemic control trial.

Background and Objectives: Ketamine delays and minimizes intraoperative tourniquet pain when added to lidocaine-based intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA). It is unclear if adding ketamine to the IVRA injectate is more efficacious compared with systemic administration. This study compares intraoperative tourniquet pain, postoperative analgesia, and side effects of systemic versus IVRA ketamine during outpatient hand surgery. Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, systemic control study of 40 patients undergoing hand surgery using lidocaine IVRA. In group IVRA, 0.1 mg/kg ketamine in 1 mL of normal saline was added to the IVRA lidocaine, and 1 mL of normal saline was administered via a peripheral IV line. In group systemic, 1 mL of normal saline was added to the IVRA syringe, and 0.1 mg/kg ketamine in 1 mL of normal saline was administered via a peripheral intravenous line. Ten minutes after proximal tourniquet inflation, the distal tourniquet was inflated, and the proximal tourniquet deflated. Tourniquet pain was measured every 10 mins. Need for intraoperative opioids was recorded. Recovery room pain scores, analgesic needs, and sedation scores were compared. Patients were contacted 24 hrs after surgery and reported their analgesic consumption, satisfaction scores, and the occurrence of any unpleasant psychologic effects. Results: Groups IVRA and systemic were comparable in demographic and surgical parameters. There were no differences between groups in intraoperative tourniquet pain scores, intraoperative fentanyl requirements, recovery room pain or sedation scores, postsurgical analgesic needs, or patient satisfaction scores. Conclusions: In comparison to systemic administration, there is no selective benefit to adding ketamine to the IVRA injectate.
An integrated software package for urodynamic research and clinical applications

A software package running on popular microcomputers (such as the IBM-PC) has been developed to support computerized urodynamics studies. It lends itself to research as well as to clinical applications. Specifically, it provides: (1) recording and storage of urodynamics and EMG waveforms directly from the instrumentation into a microcomputer; (2) archiving and cataloging of these waveforms along with episodes and events; (3) display and analysis of raw and processed waveforms and data by means of an interactive graphics system; and (4) relational data base management for entry, management, storage, statistical analysis, and report generation of clinical data and other information along with urodynamic results. These four software modules are fully integrated, ie, results produced by one module can be automatically incorporated into others. Specifically, the relational data base manager organizes urodynamic results as well as a wide variety of other clinical information into a single integrated data base for purposes such as query, report generation, and statistical analysis. This package has been found to greatly simplify the handling and processing of the voluminous data typically generated in urodynamics work-ups, as well as provide for clinical and research-oriented analysis and report generation in a flexible and accurate manner.
Soil microtopography on grazing gradients in Chihuahuan desert grasslands

Abstract The significant impacts of livestock in the creation of piospheres centered on water points is the loss of soil microtopography across a ‘landscape’ that has been influenced by many years of livestock grazing. The size, height, and spatial distribution of micromounds and surrounding depressions were measured by a modified erosion bridge at three distances (50, 450, and 1050 m) from water points in desert grassland pastures in the Jornada Basin, New Mexico, USA. Plots at 50 m had fewer micromounds and the mounds were smaller than those recorded on the more distant plots. Microtopography of plots at 450 m from water was not significantly different from that recorded at 50 m. Microtopography of plots that were 1050 m from water points was significantly different from that of plots nearer water points. Strong correlation between microtopography and the cover of long-lived perennial grasses ( R 2 =91%) was found, such dependence could be used for assessing the trend in organic matter content that is in concordance with that of microtopography. Loss of microtopography from the impact of livestock in piospheres exacerbates erosion processes and contributes to desertification.
An exploratory study of organizational values in jails

This research inductively identifies dimensions of organizational values which guide the operation and management of jails. A set of twenty-three value items were collected from jail administrators. Officers in five facilities were then asked to indicate the extent to which their administrators emphasized each value through their actions, statements, and policies. A principal components analysis showed that a subset of values could be represented by two underlying dimensions. A second survey of jail administrators showed that four values were consistently ranked as being of high priority relative to others. Implications for jail management are discussed and future research directions are offered.
The problem of psychogenic symptoms: is the psychiatric community in denial?

Abstract Psychogenic symptoms are common and pose an uncomfortable challenge. Among psychogenic symptoms, psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are common and have been extensively studied. They are unique in that, unlike most other psychogenic symptoms, they can be diagnosed with near certainty. PNES can be used as a model, as almost everything that applies to PNES applies to other psychogenic symptoms. According to DSM-IV, somatic symptoms are the main manifestation of three groups of disorders: somatoform disorders, factitious disorder, and malingering. Treatment is challenging. Unfortunately, psychogenic symptoms tend to be neglected. For example, the American Psychiatric Association has abundant written patient education material available on diverse topics, but none on somatoform disorders. Psychogenic symptoms are also not the subject of much clinical research. A search of the journal Neurology for 1994–2003 for the word psychogenic in the title found 21 articles, only 4 of which on topics other than psychogenic seizures. A similar search for original articles in the New England Journal of Medicine found no articles with psychogenic in the title and two with psychogenic in the abstract. Thus, there seems to be a severe disconnect between the frequency of the problem and the amount of attention devoted to it.
Abnormal social behavior in nicotinic acetylcholine receptor β4 subunit-null mice

Introduction: Tobacco addiction has a strong social component. Therefore, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) may influence social behavior. Because the β4 nicotinic receptor subunit is important for possibly related behaviors, such as anxiety-like behavior and the effects of nicotine, we studied the social behavior of mice null for the β4 nAChR subunit.
Improving compiler scalability: optimizing large programs at small price

Compiler scalability is a well known problem: reasoning about the application of useful optimizations over large program scopes consumes too much time and memory during compilation. This problem is exacerbated in polyhedral compilers that use powerful yet costly integer programming algorithms to compose loop optimizations. As a result, the benefits that a polyhedral compiler has to offer to programs such as real scientific applications that contain sequences of loop nests, remain impractical for the common users. In this work, we address this scalability problem in polyhedral compilers. We identify three causes of unscalability, each of which stems from large number of statements and dependences in the program scope. We propose a one-shot solution to the problem by reducing the effective number of statements and dependences as seen by the compiler. We achieve this by representing a sequence of statements in a program by a single super-statement. This set of super-statements exposes the minimum sufficient constraints to the Integer Linear Programming (ILP) solver for finding correct optimizations. We implement our approach in the PLuTo polyhedral compiler and find that it condenses the program statements and program dependences by factors of 4.7x and 6.4x, respectively, averaged over 9 hot regions (ranging from 48 to 121 statements) in 5 real applications. As a result, the improvements in time and memory requirement for compilation are 268x and 20x, respectively, over the latest version of the PLuTo compiler. The final compile times are comparable to the Intel compiler while the performance is 1.92x better on average due to the latter’s conservative approach to loop optimization.
Expression of BDNF and NT-3 mRNA in hair cells of the organ of Corti: Quantitative analysis in developing rats

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) are synthesized by inner and outer hair cells of the developing organ of Corti. This raises the possibility that the reorganization of cochlear innervation patterns that occurs postnatally may be influenced by changing levels of neurotrophin expression. To determine if differential expression of BDNF or NT-3 in the inner and outer hair cells correlates with the reorganization of afferent and efferent innervation, we used in situ hybridization techniques to quantify relative levels of transcript biosynthesis in hair cells of developing rats. BDNF transcripts decreased in inner and outer hair cells from E17 to insignificant levels at P4. NT-3 expression was high at E17 in inner and outer hair cells, decreased in outer hair cells by E21, in inner hair cells by P1, remained low during the first postnatal week and was increased in the adult. The decreases in expression of both neurotrophins at birth precede the retraction of afferent nerve terminals from outer hair cells. BDNF and NT-3 transcription decreases substantially in outer hair cells between E21 and P4 when efferent innervation begins, indicating target biosynthesis of these neurotrophins is not likely to be instrumental in efferent target selection.
A computational procedure for the simulation of ductile fracture with large plastic deformation

Abstract It is now well-known that the applicability of the single-parameter J-approach is restricted only to high constraint crack geometries and materials of low ductility. Consequently, there is a need to develop a ductile fracture criterion that does not suffer from the geometry dependence exhibited by the J-integral. However, the ability of any analytical model to provide accurate description of fracture initiation and propagation in a ductile material is contingent upon its capability to model the large deformations that occur in the fracture process zone. The purpose of this paper is to describe the formulation and implementation of an efficient finite deformation algorithm that can be used for the prediction of elasto-plastic fracture in ductile materials where J-dominance is violated. An incrementally objective mid-interval integration algorithm is used in conjunction with an efficient polar decomposition scheme for the accurate integration of the plasticity equations in the presence of large deformations. Both rate-dependent and rate-independent plasticity models are included. A sophisticated node release algorithm for the simulation of crack propagation is also implemented. The application of continuum damage models as potential ductile fracture criteria is discussed. The overall efficiency of the code is enhanced by means of the BFGS (Broyden, Fletcher, Goldfarb and Shanno) solution algorithm. Three elasto-plasticity problems that involve finite deformation are analyzed in order to assess the accuracy of the solution procedure. The effectiveness of including material damage in the constitutive behavior to predict ductile failure in a notched tensile specimen is addressed
Postpartum counseling perceptions and practices: what's new?

Background.— The in-hospital postpartum period is a critical opportunity for health care providers to enhance maternal understanding of newborn care, yet few studies have determined whether health care providers' educational priorities match those of new mothers. Objective.— To document how well pediatricians' perceptions of educational priorities for counseling about care of the newborn match those of new mothers during the postpartum hospitalization, and to determine whether pediatricians' actual counseling practices reflected maternal priorities. Design.— Cross-sectional study of perceived educational needs with direct observation of pediatrician counseling practices. Setting.— A suburban Washington, DC, community hospital. Participants and Intervention.— All pediatricians on staff and a convenience sample of postpartum mothers were asked to rate the importance of newborn counseling issues using lists generated from focus groups and interviews. Pediatricians were observed while counseling mothers, and their postpartum counseling practices were scored using a template derived from the rating procedure. Main Outcome Measures.— Comparison of pediatricians' and mothers' perceptions of educational priorities and the description of pediatricians' actual counseling practice. Results.— Mothers listed 9 issues as "very important" and expected the pediatrician to address health problems, especially jaundice, feeding, testing, pain medications for circumcision, behavior, and when to call the pediatrician for concerns or to schedule well-child care. Pediatricians and mothers agreed on 6 out of 11 very important issues. Pediatricians were observed to discuss an average of 8 issues per session, especially those they rated as very important, but they frequently failed to mention safety, sleep position, when to call for advice, testing, infant behavior, or circumcision issues. Conclusion.— Mothers desire to learn a significant amount of information regarding the care of their newborn before hospital discharge. Although pediatricians discussed more issues than in a previously reported study of postpartum counseling, they still fell short of maternal expectations. Pediatricians must ensure that other sources of information, such as nurses, media, and reinforcement at postpartum well-child visits, supplement the information they provide in their in-hospital counseling sessions.
Experimental and geologic evaluation of monazite (U–Th)/He thermochronometry: Catnip Sill, Catalina Core Complex, Tucson, AZ

Abstract Monazite is a petrologically important and analytically promising target for (U–Th)/He thermochronology. Previous studies have reported highly variable He diffusion results from monazite from a single sample and demonstrated that composition can significantly affect He diffusion parameters. In this study, we performed incremental heating of single monazite grains to experimentally determine the 4He diffusion properties of reference monazite ‘554’ that occurs within a peraluminous two-mica granite from the Catnip Sill within the Catalina Core complex, Arizona. Assuming that the grain size defines the diffusion geometry, the six experiments yielded E a values of 212 to 238 ± 5 kJ mol − 1 (1σ) and D o values of 15.7 to 103 cm 2 s − 1 with one value of 784 cm 2 s − 1 . Monazite (U–Th)/He data from five grains yielded closure temperatures of 291 to 262 °C (± c. 15 °C) and ages of 23.8 – 20.3 ( ± ∼ 1.2 ; 2 σ ) Ma ; the weighted mean age is 21.8 ± 0.73 ( MSWD = 1.83 , n = 5 ) and the weighted mean closure temperature is 282 ± 6 ° C ( MSWD = 0.96 , n = 5 ; 1 σ ). We tested the accuracy of these results by comparing our monazite thermochronology data with monazite Th/Pb depth profiling results, the 40Ar/39Ar thermal history for the Catnip Sill constrained using coexisting muscovite, biotite, and K-feldspar, and published regional zircon and apatite fission track results. The monazite Th/Pb data indicate emplacement of the Catnip Sill at ∼ 45 Ma . The 40Ar/39Ar muscovite and biotite data indicate cooling from 460 to 350 °C from 27 to 26 Ma. K-feldspar MDD modeling suggests cooling from 360 to 240 °C from 26 to 24 Ma. Zircon fission track data indicate cooling through 250 °C between 29 and 20 Ma. Additional cooling through 110 °C is recorded by apatite fission track ages of 19–16 Ma. Because the monazite thermochronology results are reproducible and consistent with the thermal history constrained by the other chronometers, our results 1) confirm the accuracy of the 4He diffusion kinetics from monazite ‘554,’ and 2) demonstrate that monazite can be an effective (U–Th)/He thermochronometer, provided that He diffusion properties are either measured or reasonably assumed for each sample.
Decentralize Egypt's Higher Education

In the News Focus Story “A new day for Egyptian science?” (15 July, p. [278][1]), A. Lawler provides an accurate picture of a nation in dire need of revamping education as it struggles to define itself in the aftermath of the Mubarak dictatorship. Current Egyptian students can enroll only in government-controlled academic programs that serve more than 2.7 million students at public and private universities or public research institutes ([ 1 ][2]). Because of the complexity involved in centrally administering such a large system, quality has been sacrificed for quantity and innovation has been stifled. We believe that decentralization of higher education in Egypt could offer many benefits to students, faculty, and their surrounding communities. Faculty would be free to develop innovative curricula without the current constraints of a centralized approval process ([ 2 ][3]). Research centers could be managed independently, privatized, and/or linked to private-sector industries. The Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education has recently moved toward granting autonomy to university branches in Egypt's rural areas ([ 3 ][4]). This is a step in the right direction that should be expanded to give full independence to Egypt's universities. Pursuing a decentralization strategy would provide new opportunities for independent universities. They could adopt innovative management procedures and develop creative financial strategies that complement academic programs and research goals with academe and the private sector working closely together. Ultimately, such restructuring would boost Egypt's global competitiveness and serve as a model for the Middle East as the ripple of effects of the Arab Spring spread throughout the region. 1. [↵][5] 1. R. I. Selim, 2. M. El-Halawany Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education, “Guide to Higher Education in Egypt,” R. I. Selim, M. El-Halawany, Eds. (2007); [www.mohe-casm.edu.eg/Main\_menu/version/daleel\_talem_aaly/English.pdf][6]. 2. [↵][7] World Bank, “Higher Education Reform in the Middle East and North Africa” (World Bank, Report No. 62651, Washington, DC, 2011), vol. 1. 3. [↵][8] Egyptian Higher Education Report Team, “Higher education in Egypt: Country background report summary” (Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education, El Giza, Egypt, 2008). [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/content/333/6040/278.summary [2]: #ref-1 [3]: #ref-2 [4]: #ref-3 [5]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1 in text" [6]: http://www.mohe-casm.edu.eg/Main_menu/version/daleel_talem_aaly/English.pdf [7]: #xref-ref-2-1 "View reference 2 in text" [8]: #xref-ref-3-1 "View reference 3 in text"
An Anomalous Recent Acceleration of Global Sea Level Rise

Abstract Tide gauge data are used to estimate trends in global sea level for the period from 1955 to 2007. Linear trends over 15-yr segments are computed for each tide gauge record, averaged over latitude bands, and combined to form an area-weighted global mean trend. The uncertainty of the global trend is specified as a sampling error plus a random vertical land motion component, but land motion corrections do not change the results. The average global sea level trend for the time segments centered on 1962–90 is 1.5 ± 0.5 mm yr−1 (standard error), in agreement with previous estimates of late twentieth-century sea level rise. After 1990, the global trend increases to the most recent rate of 3.2 ± 0.4 mm yr−1, matching estimates obtained from satellite altimetry. The acceleration is distinct from decadal variations in global sea level that have been reported in previous studies. Increased rates in the tropical and southern oceans primarily account for the acceleration. The timing of the global acceleration...
Infant Safe Sleep: An Evaluation of Infant Safe Sleep Practices in the Hospital Setting

Newborn Care Poster Presentation Objective To evaluate nurses' knowledge and beliefs about best practices for infant safe sleep. To determine the degree to which the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics'(AAP) for infant safe sleep were modeled and parent education was given by nurses at Hutzel Women's Hospital (HWH). Design Mix methods, qualitative and quantitative descriptive study. Setting Hutzel Women's Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, one of Michigan's largest birthing institutions delivering 5,000 infants each year. Sample The sample included 50 mothers, 50 infants, and 41 nurses. Methods Qualitative and quantitative methods such as structured interviews with mothers (N = 50), observing infants (N = 50) in their cribs, and assessing nurses' (N = 41) beliefs and knowledge about best practices for infant safe sleep using the Infant Safe Sleep Knowledge questionnaire were used. Descriptive statistics were used to describe nurses' beliefs about risk factors for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SIDS/SUID) and knowledge about AAP infant safe sleep recommendations. Chi-square analyses were used to examine relationships between nurses' beliefs about SIDS/SUID risk factors and nurses' personal characteristics. Pearson correlations and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were conducted to describe relationships between nurses' beliefs and knowledge of AAP infant safe sleep risk practices. Results The nurses were very knowledgeable about the AAP recommendations, and few areas of knowledge deficit were identified. The quantitative observation data and the qualitative data from mothers' comments indicated that nurses modeled best practices and taught parents about infant safe sleep recommendations by strongly encouraging parents to place their infants on their backs. Conclusion/Implications for Nursing Practice Perinatal nurses at HWH teach, model, and reinforce safe sleep practices to new mothers and families during hospitalization and prior to discharge. The nurses' practice is appropriate and is consistent with the AAP infant safe sleep recommendations. Nurses play significant roles in working with families of newborn infants, and they are in key positions to affect rates of sudden infant death syndrome. Hospitals should provide nurses with ongoing continuing education to ensure that they remain current with safe sleep recommendations to educate patients and model safe sleep practices.
Superior mesenteric arterial embolectomy in an infant

Abstract Ryvlyn 30 in 1943 and Blinov 5 described patients in whom embolectomy from the superior mesenteric artery was attempted unsuccessfully. In 1951 and 1953, Klass 17,18 reported two patients in whom this operation was carried out. Both patients died, but it was evident that blood flow had been restored to the ischemic bowel. Stewart, 35 in 1960, described a patient who underwent superior mesenteric embolectomy in 1951 and survived. Since this first successful case, a number of patients have been relieved of acute occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery and have survived. 1–4,6,7,9,12,13,20–24 29,31–34,36,38–41 Success in such cases seems to depend on early diagnosis and operation, on recognition at operation, or at subsequent re-exploration, of frankly necrotic intestine, and on careful postoperative management of these critically ill patients. So far, all reports of superior mesenteric thrombectomy have concerned adults. Acute obstruction of the superior mesenteric artery in infants and children is rare, but a number of such cases has been reported, 8,14,15,25–28 In most, the diagnosis has been made at the autopsy table. In many, laparotomy has been undertaken, the "hopelessness" of the situation recognized, and the child allowed to die without definitive therapy. In a few, where the area of infarction was localized, resection of necrotic bowel has been carried out with success. This report concerns an infant who underwent superior mesenteric arterial embolectomy. Although he died because a short length of necrotic bowel was not resected, it was evident that a considerable length of intestine was revascularized as a result of the embolectomy. This paper is written to underscore the feasibility of superior mesenteric thrombectomy in infants and children.
Tension Sensitivity of Prestin: Comparison with the Membrane Motor in Outer Hair Cells

The membrane motor in outer hair cells undergoes conformational transitions involving charge displacement of ∼0.8 e across the membrane and changes of ∼4 nm2 in its membrane area. Previous reports have established that the charge transfer in the membrane motor and that in prestin, a membrane protein in the plasma membrane of outer hair cells, are approximately equal. Here, we determine the membrane area changes based on its sensitivity to membrane tension. We found that prestin does undergo area changes and that the magnitude is ∼1 nm2, smaller than the value 4 nm2 for outer hair cell motor. This result confirms that prestin is a protein that functions as a membrane motor based on piezoelectricity. The discrepancy in the magnitude could suggest a prestin-containing complex in outer hair cells.