cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comment on "Nilsson-pairing model for double beta decay"

We find that the shell model and Nilsson-pairing model predictions for the matrix elements mediating the $2\ensuremath{\nu}$ $\ensuremath{\beta}\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay of $^{76}\mathrm{Ge}$ are in quantitative agreement when the comparison is made for equivalent model spaces. This suggests that further expansion of shell model bases may exacerbate the existing discrepancies between theory and various geochemical rates.RADIOACTIVITY Double beta decay; $^{76}\mathrm{Ge}$, lepton number conservation; comparison of shell and Nilsson-pairing models.
Hierarchical multiscale mechanism development for methane partial oxidation and reforming and for thermal decomposition of oxygenates on Rh.

A thermodynamically consistent C1 microkinetic model is developed for methane partial oxidation and reforming and for oxygenate (methanol and formaldehyde) decomposition on Rh via a hierarchical multiscale methodology. Sensitivity analysis is employed to identify the important parameters of the semiempirical unity bond index quadratic exponential potential (UBI-QEP) method and these parameters are refined using quantum mechanical density functional theory. With adjustment of only two pre-exponentials in the CH4 oxidation subset, the C1 mechanism captures a multitude of catalytic partial oxidation (CPOX) and reforming experimental data as well as thermal decomposition of methanol and formaldehyde. We validate the microkinetic model against high-pressure, spatially resolved CPOX experimental data. Distinct oxidation and reforming zones are predicted to exist, in agreement with experiments, suggesting that hydrogen is produced from reforming of methane by H2O formed in the oxidation zone. CO is produced cata...
Report of the ALCTS Technical Services Workflow Efficiency Interest Group Meeting, American Library Association Annual Conference, Chicago, July 2013

On July 1, 2013, in the McCormick Convention Center in Chicago, the Technical Services Workflow Efficiency Interest Group held a program featuring five librarians presenting on issues surrounding t...
Systems for storage, retrieval, and analysis of data

Responsiveness to management needs and predictive capability can be significantly facilitated by use of computer technology. The potential of computerized processing is immense; but to provide for maximum usefulness, biologic data systems must be carefully planned. Planning should include the researcher, data processing personnel or system analysts, and management interests. Of utmost importance is the necessity to lucidly define the objectives of data-banking or how stored information is to be used. Although it is not possible to obtain a consensus on the foregoing considerations at this time, it is possible to identify first steps and critical enabling activities that must precede any large Bay-wide Automated Data Processing (ADP) effort. These preliminary steps can form the basis for future planning and coordination. Computer needs can be arbitrarily divided into "hard" and "soft" data requirements. "Hard" data are here defined as numeric information accompanying a specific observation; sample-specific salinity, temperature, or biomass fit into this category. "Soft" data are considered interpretive or descriptive, such factors as life history phenomenon belong in this category. Attempts were made to review these needs in terms of the biota of Chesapeake Bay. A concurrent effort was made to inventory existing systems and capabilities. This effort was divided into three parts: a report on Bay institutional capabilities with particular reference to both hardware and languages available, a report on a first attempt at achieving standardization of descriptive data and a tentative program for standardization of "hard" biologic data. The latter report proposes a taxonomic code and certain analytic techniques for use. This section deals with the computer systems and data files which are available to research and regulatory personnel involved with the biota of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Hardware and software systems in several institutions will be described. Present uses of
Pericardial Repair of Endocardial Defect Following Regional Endocardial Resection for Ventricular Tachycardia

Abstract Regional endocardial resection is the accepted surgical treatment for sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. In patients requiring extensive endocardial resection, or with large aneurysms involving the interventricular septum, the resulting defect may result in weakened myocardium and, ultimately, ventricular septal defect or ventricular rupture. A new approach for repair of the resulting defect is proposed using an autogenous pericardial patch sutured to normal endocardium and included in the aneurysm repair. This technique was performed in six patients undergoing surgery for drug refractory ventricular tachycardia. All patients had large anterior left ventricular aneurysms with endocardial scar extending onto the septum. The large endocardial defect left after endocardial resection and aneurysmectomy was repaired with a pericardial patch. No intraoperative complications (e.g., suture line bleeding) were observed as a result of this technique. All patients are alive, and five of the six patients no longer have inducible ventricular tachycardia. An improvement in congestive heart failure symptoms at 1–9 months of followup was noted following surgery. We conclude that the pericardium can be safely used to cover endocardial defects resulting from regional endocardial resection for sustained ventricular tachycardia.
Learner uptake of teacher electronic feedback in ESL composition

Abstract The research on electronic feedback in second language writing is scarce, despite the increasingly frequent use of computers in ESL writing classrooms. The current study's purpose is to determine (1) what types of electronic written feedback ESL learners receive on writing that has been submitted and returned electronically, and (2) the relationship between teacher feedback and uptake. Twelve ESL students and three teachers participated in this longitudinal study. Multiple drafts of two essays from two semesters of college-level first-year composition were analyzed. The findings show that most of the teachers' electronic feedback consisted of marginal comments that were, for the most part, directive, explicit, principled, systematic, and needs-based – much like handwritten feedback. Importantly, electronic feedback was successful at eliciting appropriate revisions of grammatical structures or surface-level features, but also content and organization. This suggests that electronic feedback can be effective and therefore should not be avoided.
Advanced interpretation techniques for earth data information systems

Advanced interpretation techniques used in remote sensing are surveyed in the context of earth data information systems. Included are methods for extracting information from the spectral, temporal, and spatial domains. The many types of data contained in modern earth data information systems constitute a generalized scene context which current research seeks to exploit more fully. Initial efforts in this direction are described. Significant research problems in several related areas are discussed.
Seasonal variation in suicide and the methods used.

The size of the Spring peak in suicides in 16 nations was associated with the methods used for suicide in those nations.
Deep hypothermia and total circulatory arrest: The effect of method of cooling on the catecholamine response to arrest

Abstract Deep hypothermia and total circulatory arrest are used in the treatment of cardiac surgical patients in early infancy. These techniques produce a massive rise in serum norepinepherine and epinephrine levels. The effect of method of cooling on this response was investigated in 15 infant lambs during the first 2 weeks of life, mean age 4.8 days, mean weight 4.7 kg. Three groups were investigated—one in which continued cardiopulmonary bypass at 100 cc/kg and cooling and rewarming alone were employed; one in which core cooling, 1 hr of circulatory arrest, and warming were employed; and one in which surface cooling from 37 to 28°C then core cooling P P P P P
A formal theory of lobbying behaviour

This paper analyses strategic lobbying behaviour under the assumption of disorganized opposition. A dynamic programming approach is used. The optimal rate of lobbying expenditure is shown to be an increasing function of time. A specific example is computed to determine the influence of various parameters. Next, the case of lobbying against an active counterlobby is considered in a dynamic game-theoretic framework. The Nash equilibrium rates of lobbying expenditure are computed for a specific example with symmetric players. The equilibrium rates of expenditure for the two lobbyists may be either everywhere increasing, everywhere decreasing, or single peaked as a function of time. In addition, some comparative statics results are reversed relative to those of the disorganized opposition model.
Perceived motion in the vector sum direction.

The visual system is known to extract both Fourier (e.g. contour) and non-Fourier (e.g. texture boundary) motion signals from moving patterns. Recent evidence suggests that both Fourier and non-Fourier motion signals are involved in the analysis of rigid two-dimensional image motion. To determine how these signals are combined, we have measured perceived directions for plaids composed of either two non-Fourier components or one Fourier plus one non-Fourier component. In all cases the visual system combines these components to produce perceived motion in the vector sum direction, even when this deviates by as much as 53 deg from the intersection of constraints direction. This result was predicted by a model for pattern motion that combines Fourier and non-Fourier component motion signals using a vector sum operation.
Addressing domestic violence: the (long) road ahead.

The article by Rhodes and colleagues in this issue reminds us that the ability of most health professionals to effectively identify, assess, and respond to domestic violence has lagged far behind s...
Acculturative Distress among Hispanics: The Role of Acculturation, Coping, and Intercultural Competence.

Among 96 Hispanic adults, mostly recent immigrants responding in Spanish, intercultural competence contributed to variance in acculturative distress beyond that already accounted for by general coping, acculturation, and sociodemographic variables. Intercultural competence best predicted acculturative distress. Findings suggest that Hispanics with a low sense of intercultural and intracultural proficiency may experience increased stress. Entre 96 adultos hispanos, inmigrantes en su mayor parte recientes que responden en el espanol, la capacidad intercultural contribuida a la variacion de asimilacion penosa mas alla que ha sido justificada por el enfrentamiento general, asimilacion, y los variables sociodemograficos. La capacidad intercultural que mejor predijo la penosa asimilacion. Los hallazgos sugieren que los hispanos con un sentido bajo de nivel de competencia intercultural y intracultural pueden sufrir de un nivel alto de estres.
Transport in Amorphous Solid Water Films: Implications for Self-Diffusivity

Thermal desorption spectroscopy is employed to examine transport mechanisms in structured, nanoscale films consisting of labeled amorphous solid water (ASW, H218O, H216O) and organic spacer layers (CCl4, CHCl3) prior to ASW crystallization (T ≈ 150−160 K). Self-transport is studied as a function of both the ASW layer and the organic spacer layer film thickness, and the effectiveness of these spacer layers as a bulk diffusion “barrier” is also investigated. Isothermal desorption measurements of structured films are combined with gas uptake measurements (CClF2H) to investigate water self-transport and changes in ASW film morphology during crystallization and annealing. CCl4 desorption is employed as a means to investigate the effects of ASW film thickness and heating schedule on vapor-phase transport. Combined, these results demonstrate that the interlayer mixing observed near T ≈ 150−160 K is inconsistent with a mechanism involving diffusion through a dense phase; rather, we propose that intermixing occurs...
Chrysotherapy: a synoptic review

Chrysotherapy - the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with monovalent gold drugs possessing anti-inflammatory and other properties - has been used with some success for more than 70 years; however, the metabolites generated from gold drugs have not been identified positively and the mechanisms of action are not known with certainty. This account selectively reviews recent available literature on the history of gold in medicine, with emphasis on RA; the role of Au(+) and Au(+) metabolites (Au(CN)(2)(-), Au(+3), Au(o)) and other mechanisms in chrysotherapy; current treatment regimes for RA using gold drugs; chrysotherapy case histories based on 2166 RA patients; and adverse effects of chrysotherapy, mainly various forms of dermatitis. More research seems needed on the role of gold metabolites in the treatment of RA, the use of more sensitive and uniform indicators of treatment success, improved routes of drug administration for maximum efficacy, and the development of gold drugs with minimal side effects.
Horizontal and vertical integration of academic disciplines in the medical school curriculum.

A rapid expansion of new scientific information and the introduction of new technology in operative and diagnostic medicine has marked the last several decades. Medical educators, because of and parallel to these developments, initiated a search for a more effective system of presenting core material to medical students. The new educational trends, although varying somewhat from one institution to another, concentrated on the following pedagogical shifts: 1) expansion of conceptual presentation of material at the expense of detail-oriented education; 2) amplification of an integrated approach, as opposed to subject-oriented instruction; 3) scheduling of elective courses to compliment required courses in the curriculum; and 4) institution of small group instruction (i.e., problem-based learning) to actively involve students in the educational process and to develop deductive reasoning based on clinical cases. The future pedagogical system in medical schools will most likely be a combination of "classical" presentation of material combined with concept-oriented, subject-integrated and small group instruction based on either hypothetical or real clinical cases. It is imperative for the success of the new curriculum, however, that certain criteria are satisfied: 1) reorganize basic science departments to determine course ownership; 2) establish a reward system for teaching faculty; and 3) establish new course objectives.
Fixed-ratio performance for sucrose under nondeprived conditions following septal lesions in rats

Septal lesions were found to increase lever pressing for sucrose under nondeprived conditions with low and medium FR requirements of rein forcement up to FR-16. The effect did not persist at higher FRs but extended across different concentrations of sucrose at FR-8. The results provide additional evidence of a septal role in the inhibitory regulation of various incentive-reward processes.
Trickle: a self-regulating algorithm for code propagation and maintenance in wireless sensor networks

We present Trickle, an algorithm for propagating and maintaining code updates in wireless sensor networks. Borrowing techniques from the epidemic/gossip, scalable multicast, and wireless broadcast literature, Trickle uses a "polite gossip" policy, where motes periodically broadcast a code summary to local neighbors but stay quiet if they have recently heard a summary identical to theirs. When a mote hears an older summary than its own, it broadcasts an update. Instead of flooding a network with packets, the algorithm controls the send rate so each mote hears a small trickle of packets, just enough to stay up to date. We show that with this simple mechanism, Trickle can scale to thousand-fold changes in network density, propagate new code in the order of seconds, and impose a maintenance cost on the order of a few sends an hour.
Prognostic significance of angiogenesis and angiogenic growth factors in nonsmall cell lung cancer.

Currently, nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Angiogenesis, the formation of new vasculature, is a complex and tightly regulated process that promotes metastasis and disease progression in lung cancer and other malignancies. Developmental antiangiogenic agents have shown activity in NSCLC, and bevacizumab, an antiangiogenic monoclonal antibody, is approved for the treatment of patients with advanced disease. However, predictive biomarkers are needed to guide the administration of antiangiogenic agents. It is possible that angiogenic molecules could accurately predict patient response to targeted antiangiogenic therapies, which would allow individualized and perhaps more effective treatment. Angiogenic signaling molecules may also have value as prognostic indicators, which may be useful for the management of NSCLC. Here the author provides an overview of angiogenic molecules currently being investigated as prognostic biomarkers in NSCLC and discusses their potential to guide treatment choices. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Metyrapone delays surfactant and antioxidant enzyme maturation in developing rat lung

ABSTRACT. The surfactant system and the antioxidant enzyme system of the fetal lung have chronologically similar developmental patterns and both can be accelerated by the administration of exogenous glucocorticoids. To test whether the antioxidant enzyme system, like the surfactant system, is regulated, at least in part, by endogenous glucocorticoids, we injected pregnant rats for 3 days prior to delivery with metyrapone, an adrenal 11-β hydroxylase inhibitor which crosses the placenta and blocks endogenous glucocorticoid synthesis, or saline. Metyrapone offspring had significantly decreased lung tissue disaturated phosphatidylcholine and disaturated phosphatidylcholine/total phospholipids (p < 0.05) compared to controls at days 21 and 22 of gestation. Activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were similarly significantly reduced (p < 0.01) in the lungs of metyrapone offspring at both gestational days studied. One day premature metyrapone pups demonstrated poorer survival than control pups from 25 min after delivery (44% survival versus 83%, p < 0.05) to 90 min (6% survival versus 78%, p < 0.01). These findings of delayed maturation of the surfactant and antioxidant enzyme systems following adrenal glucocorticoid blockade suggest that both systems are regulated, at least in part, by an endogenous glucocorticoid mechanism.
Probable observation of a supersolid helium phase

When liquid 4He is cooled below 2.176 K, it undergoes a phase transition—Bose–Einstein condensation—and becomes a superfluid with zero viscosity1. Once in such a state, it can flow without dissipation even through pores of atomic dimensions. Although it is intuitive to associate superflow only with the liquid phase2, it has been proposed theoretically3,4,5 that superflow can also occur in the solid phase of 4He. Owing to quantum mechanical fluctuations, delocalized vacancies and defects are expected to be present in crystalline solid 4He, even in the limit of zero temperature. These zero-point vacancies can in principle allow the appearance of superfluidity in the solid3,4. However, in spite of many attempts6, such a ‘supersolid’ phase has yet to be observed in bulk solid 4He. Here we report torsional oscillator measurements on solid helium confined in a porous medium, a configuration that is likely to be more heavily populated with vacancies than bulk helium. We find an abrupt drop in the rotational inertia5 of the confined solid below a certain critical temperature. The most likely interpretation of the inertia drop is entry into the supersolid phase. If confirmed, our results show that all three states of matter—gas7, liquid1 and solid—can undergo Bose–Einstein condensation.
Mayoral Leadership in Council-Manager Cities: Preconditions versus Preconceptions

The nature and types of leadership provided by mayors in council-manager cities have not been adequately developed in previous studies. A major shortcoming has been the tendency to measure the office and performance in terms of the executive mayor whose leadership, according to the innovator model, stresses policy innovation and implementation. Neither of these dimensions of leadership is appropriate to non-executive mayors who work with equals on the council and an appointed manager. This form does, however, offer opportunities for leadership in two areas: improving the coordination among the participants in the governmental process and guiding the development of policy. The study generates a comprehensive list of mayoral roles based on content analysis of open-ended interviews with leaders in the five large cities in North Carolina. These roles are used to form a typology of leadership. When the types of leadership provided by mayors in council-manager cities are redefined, the preconditions for effecti...
Ethanol-induced alterations in the expression of endothelial-derived fibrinolytic components

Summary Previous studies have identified a correlation between moderate alcohol consumption and plasma fibrinolytic activity. However, experimental studies designed to characterize the effect of alcohol on endothelial fibrinolytic parameters have provided inconsistent results. We investigated the effects of alcohol on the fibrinolytic components in a more simplified tissue culture system. The expression of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in cultured human endothelial cells exposed to ethanol was studied using Northern blot hybridization. Treatment of endothelial cells with ethanol causes a gradual increase of the level of endothelial t-PA (mRNA) with a concomitant rapid decrease in PAI-1 mRNA levels. These divergent responses at the transcriptional level are associated with an increase in the extracellular t-PA activity in the conditioned medium of cells exposed to ethanol.
Tartaric acid metabolism of Neurospora crassa.

The growth of wild type Neurospora crassa is stimulated by various organic acids including tartaric, tartronic, and mesoxalic acids. Evidence is presented that this organism converts d - or l -tartaric acid to tartronic and mesoxalic acid, probably by fixation of CO 2 .
Outcome Prediction in Patients with Fournier's Gangrene

We treated 30 patients with Fournier's gangrene during a 15-year period. Data were collected on demographics, medical history, admission signs and symptoms, physical examination, admission laboratory studies and bacteriology. The timing and degree of surgical debridement as well as antibiotic therapy were also reviewed. The extent of disease was calculated from body surface area nomograms. Data were stratified according to the outcomes of death (13 patients) or survival (17). Patients who survived were significantly younger (53 years old, range 23 to 90) than those who died (71 years old, range 53 to 83, p = 0.004). Admission laboratory parameters that were statistically related to outcome included hematocrit, blood urea nitrogen, calcium, albumin, alkaline phosphatase and cholesterol levels. White blood count, platelets, potassium, bicarbonate, blood urea nitrogen, total protein, albumin and lactic dehydrogenase levels 1 week following hospitalization were also associated with outcome. The greater mean extent of body surface area involved among patients who died was not statistically different from that of those who lived (7.16 and 4.32%, respectively, p = 0.1). The number of surgical debridements did not seem to influence outcome. To assess better the physiological profile of the patients in both outcome categories, the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II severity score was modified to create a Fournier's gangrene severity index. The mean Fournier's gangrene severity index for survivors was 6.9 +/- 0.9 compared to 13.5 +/- 1.5 for nonsurvivors. Regression analysis demonstrated a strong correlation between Fournier's gangrene severity index and death rate (correlation coefficient = 0.934, p = 0.005). Using a Fournier's gangrene severity index threshold value of 9, there was a 75% probability of death with a score greater than 9, while a score of 9 or less was associated with a 78% probability of survival (p = 0.008). In conclusion, Fournier's gangrene is an infectious disease affecting an ever aging population of patients. Deviation from homeostasis is the most important parameter predictive of outcome and not the extent of disease or performance of surgical debridement. The Fournier's gangrene severity index is an objective and simple method to quantify the extent of metabolic aberration that may be used to predict outcome. We recommend the use of the Fournier's gangrene severity index when evaluating therapeutic options and reporting results.
Intramyocardial Pressure and Strength of Left Ventricular Contraction

Intramyocardial pressure was followed with the Johnson-DiPalma method in isolated hearts and in hearts in situ. Systolic intramyocardial pressure curves from hearts in situ exhibited two pressure peaks which were believed to coincide with peak contractile tension and with myocardial fiber shortening, respectively. The following factors influenced intramyocardial pressure: ventricular cavity volume, heart rate, coronary perfusion pressure, outflow resistance, and "epicardial" compression. The contractile strength of the left ventricle varied in proportion with the intramyocardial pressure; it did not appear to be regulated primarily by diastolic volume or by metabolic support. Intramyocardial pressure was believed to determine the contractile strength of the heart by controlling the release of a potentiating substance.
Women's patterns of provider use across the lifespan and satisfaction with primary care coordination and comprehensiveness

Background: Women have different patterns of provider use across the lifespan, but few studies have investigated women's evaluations of their primary care providers at different ages. Objective: We sought to investigate the relationship between patterns of regular provider use and women's satisfaction with primary care across the lifespan. Research Design: A sample of 1197 women ages 18 to 87 making primary health care visits was surveyed. Satisfaction with primary care in the past year was measured with a subscale the Care Coordination and Comprehensiveness subscale of the Primary Care Satisfaction Survey for Women (PCSSW). Bivariate comparisons and age stratified multivariate ordinal logistic regression models were estimated. Results: Women in their early reproductive years (ages 18 to 34) are more satisfied with care coordination and comprehensiveness when their regular provider is a reproductive health specialist, primarily obstetrician gynecologist (ob/gyn) physicians. The odds of higher satisfaction are reduced with a generalist regular provider (OR = 0.38, P < 0.01), a generalist regular provider plus an ob/gyn (OR = 0.47, P < 0.05), or no regular provider (OR = 0.52, P < 0.05). The pattern of regular provider use is not significantly associated with satisfaction for women in other age categories. Conclusions: Most adult women see generalists for their primary health care, either alone or in combination with ob/gyns. Among younger women satisfaction is higher when an ob/gyn is the regular provider. Further research must consider women's perspectives on their provider use patterns and the appropriate role of ob/gyns in women's primary care across the lifespan.
The evolving landscape for pathology subspecialty fellowship applications.

Each year, approximately 16,000 seniors in US allopathic medical schools and 15,000 graduates of osteopathic and Canadian or other national medical schools compete for approximately 24,000 residency training positions through the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP).1 In addition to the Main Residency Match for first- and second-year residency positions, the NRMP Subspecialties Matching Service conducts matches for fellowship subspecialty positions. As of February 2012, 44 subspecialty fellowships participate in an NRMP subspecialty match. This is out of a total of 103 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited subspecialty fellowship categories.2 None of the subspecialty fellowship categories in “pathology, anatomical and clinical” participate in this rigorously structured process. Instead, the 11 ACGME-accredited subspecialties in pathology, including selective pathology, dermatopathology, and molecular genetic pathology,3 have an autonomous process for sorting out which fellowship candidates will be accepted into what subspecialty fellowship programs. The Council of the Association of Pathology Chairs (APC) examined this autonomous process in detail in the 2007–2010 time frame and, after attempting to implement a uniform time line without a match, ultimately recommended moving toward phased-in enrollment of all pathology subspecialty fellowships in an NRMP-administered matching program. The evaluation process and standing recommendations were summarized in a 2011 report, one aim of which was to document all information available to date on the pros and cons of a subspecialty fellowship matching system.4 A key driver of the APC recommendations for pathology subspecialty fellowship application reform was the dissatisfaction of fellowship applicants with the autonomous application process. However, in the midst of the APC’s 4-year evaluation process (2007–2010), a funny thing happened. All of the pathology residency trainees who had helped initiate this review process completed their training and graduated, most proceeding on to the self-same subspecialty fellowships, if not 2 or 3 successive fellowships. …
Boron-modified phenolic resins for high performance applications

Abstract A boron-modified phenolic resin (BPR) that flows at usable processing temperatures was prepared from the solvent-less reaction of triphenyl borate (TPB) and paraformaldehyde (PF). The reaction of TPB and PF was performed at three different resinifying temperatures, 130, 120 and 90 °C. The BPR produced at 90 °C melted upon reheating, which indicated promising processing applications for this resin. 1H and 13C NMR spectra of resins from the three resinifying temperatures had the same pattern of absorptions. Substitution of methylol groups occurred at the ortho and para positions of the ester phenyl rings (4.86–4.75 ppm). Aromatic, methylene and ether linkage protons were assigned at about 7.45–6.74, 4.93–3.36 and 5.30–4.91 ppm, respectively. The synthesis of BPR from the reaction phenolic resins, produced under basic conditions (resoles) and boric acid was not feasible. The reactivity of the resoles species with each other is more favorable than that with boric acid.
Prenatal inflammation is associated with adverse neonatal outcomes.

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether prenatal inflammation (as assessed by clinical chorioamnionitis, maternal temperature >38°C, or histologic chorioamnionitis) is associated with a composite adverse neonatal outcome. Study Design We performed a prospective cohort study of women at 22 weeks to 33 weeks 6 days' gestation with symptoms of labor (April 2009 to March 2012). Relevant maternal and neonatal exposures and outcomes were recorded. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the association between prenatal inflammation and neonatal outcomes that were controlled for potential confounders. Results We analyzed 871 mother-infant pairs. The preterm birth rate was 42.0%. When we controlled for infant sex and modified the data by gestational age at delivery, prenatal inflammation remains a significant risk factor for adverse neonatal outcomes, despite advancing gestational age: clinical chorioamnionitis at 32 weeks' gestation (odds ratio [OR], 3.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–9.52], at 36 weeks' gestation (OR, 8.88; 95% CI, 4.32–18.25), and at 40 weeks' gestation (OR, 25.30; 95% CI, 9.25–69.19); maternal temperature >38°C at 32 weeks' gestation (OR, 3.18; 95% CI, 0.66–15.42), at 36 weeks gestation (OR, 8.40; 95% CI, 3.60–19.61), and at 40 weeks gestation (OR, 22.19; 95% CI, 8.15–60.44); histologic chorioamnionitis at 32 weeks gestation (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 0.64–2.46), at 36 weeks gestation (OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.54–4.23), and at 40 weeks gestation (OR, 5.23; 95% CI, 1.95–13.99). Conclusion The protective association with advancing gestational age is diminished when prenatal inflammation is present.
Spontaneous Recovery Interpreted as Opportunity for Extinction

Selected events initiated sessions of fixed-ratio 10 training for 3 rats. These events were eliminated during 14 extinction sessions. In the following 3 extinction sessions, the early session events occurred as secondary reinforcement after every tenth bar response. 2 Ss demonstrated response recovery. In the next 6 extinction sessions with the same 3 Ss, the early session events occurred after every fifth bar response. The response rate increased for all Ss. The results indicate that an extinguished response rate is sensitive to events associated with the start of the training session. These events suggest a possible explanation of the phenomenon of spontaneous recovery.
Coevolutionary signals across protein lineages help capture multiple protein conformations.

A long-standing problem in molecular biology is the determination of a complete functional conformational landscape of proteins. This includes not only proteins’ native structures, but also all their respective functional states, including functionally important intermediates. Here, we reveal a signature of functionally important states in several protein families, using direct coupling analysis, which detects residue pair coevolution of protein sequence composition. This signature is exploited in a protein structure-based model to uncover conformational diversity, including hidden functional configurations. We uncovered, with high resolution (mean ∼1.9 A rmsd for nonapo structures), different functional structural states for medium to large proteins (200–450 aa) belonging to several distinct families. The combination of direct coupling analysis and the structure-based model also predicts several intermediates or hidden states that are of functional importance. This enhanced sampling is broadly applicable and has direct implications in protein structure determination and the design of ligands or drugs to trap intermediate states.
Journey in Thick Wood: Childhood: Henry Norman Bethune

Infection due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been recognized since antiquity. Mycobacterial DNA has been identified in Egyptian mummies dating back to 3000 BCE. Hippocrates described tuberculosis or “phthisis” as a great plague for mankind—and a challenge for physicians. The disease later became epidemic among the urban poor during the 19th century, with industrialization, poverty, overcrowding, and poor nutrition contributing to the sharp rise in cases. Closed windows in cool climates also facilitated person-to-person spread of the bacterium first described by Robert Heinrich Koch in 1882. An estimated 20% of all deaths in Europe were secondary to tuberculosis between the late 1800s and 1930s. Although the incidence of tuberculosis has dropped dramatically, the disease remains a leading cause of infection-related death worldwide, with 1.3 million
Nutritional Status and Immune Responses in Mice with Murine AIDS Are Normalized by Vitamin E Supplementation

Female C57BL/6 mice were infected with LP-BM5 retrovirus, causing murine AIDS, which is functionally similar to human AIDS. Vitamin E effects on immune functions, cytokine production and nutritional concentrations in retrovirus-infected mice were determined. Retrovirus infection inhibited release of interleukin-2 (IL) and interferon-gamma (IFN) and some immune functions, whereas it stimulated secretion of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) and immunoglobulin (Ig) production. Furthermore, retrovirus infection induced some nutritional deficiencies in the tissues. A 15-fold increase in dietary vitamin E largely restored concentrations of some micronutrients (vitamins A and E, zinc and copper) in the liver, intestine, serum and thymus. It also partially restored production of IL-2 and IFN-gamma by splenocytes. Retrovirus-induced elevated production of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-6 by splenocytes in vitro was normalized by vitamin E. Elevated release of IL-6, TNF-alpha, IgA and IgG produced by splenocytes in vitro during murine AIDS were also completely or partially normalized by vitamin E. Vitamin E also prevented retrovirus-induced suppression of splenocyte proliferation and natural killer cell activity. These data indicate that vitamin E supplementation during murine AIDS can help to ameliorate the disorders during murine AIDS, suggesting vitamin E usefulness in treatment of AIDS in humans.
Responsibility for student success/failure and observed verbal behavior among secondary science and mathematics teachers

The study compared selected teacher beliefs and verbal behaviors among secondary science and mathematics teachers. Teacher beliefs included teacher responsibility for student success and failure. These beliefs were measured by the Responsibility for Student Achievement (RSA) Questionnaire which has the locus of control construct as a theoretical basis. Teacher verbal behavior included (1) indirect and (2) direct behaviors and (3) praise and (4) criticism. These behaviors were measured with the Reciprocal Category System (RCS) which is consistent with the methodology of interaction analysis. Comparisons were made on the basis of the following teacher classifications: (1) science/mathematics, (2) junior high/senior high, and (3) teachers of advanced classes/basic classes. Teacher beliefs were not significantly different except for the advanced/basic comparisons. These comparisons produced significant differences in both teacher beliefs and behaviors. Teachers of basic students assumed more responsibility for student success, less responsibility for failure, and were more direct in verbal behavior. In gender comparisons, female teachers were significantly higher in incidences of indirect behavior and combined indirect-direct behavior. These findings suggest that further study of “self-fulfilling prophecy” in terms of these variables may be fruitful. Also, verbal behavior may sometimes be inadequately represented by the common practice of using ratios.
Benign and Malignant Proliferative Fibro-osseous and Osseous Lesions of the Oral Cavity of Dogs

Ossifying fibroma (OF) and fibrous dysplasia (FD) are benign, intraosseous, proliferative fibro-osseous lesions (PFOLs) characterized by replacement of normal bone by a fibrous matrix with various degrees of mineralization and ossification. Osteomas are benign tumors composed of mature, well-differentiated bone. Clinical, imaging, and histologic features of 15 initially diagnosed benign PFOLs and osteomas of the canine oral cavity were evaluated. Final diagnoses after reevaluation were as follows: OF (3 cases), FD (4 cases), low-grade osteosarcoma (LG-OSA) (3 cases), and osteoma (5 cases). Histology alone often did not result in a definitive diagnosis for PFOL. OF appeared as a well-circumscribed, radiopaque mass with some degree of bone lysis on imaging. Most lesions of FD showed soft tissue opacity with bone lysis and ill-defined margins. Low-grade OSA appeared as a lytic lesion with a mixed opacity and ill-defined margins. Osteomas were characterized by a mineralized, expansile, well-circumscribed lesion. Although histologic features of PFOLs were typically bland, the lesions diagnosed as LG-OSA had some features of malignancy (eg, bone invasion or a higher mitotic index). Treatment varied widely. Of the 10 dogs with benign PFOL or osteoma with known outcome (10/12), 9 showed either complete response (6/10) or stable disease (3/10) after treatment. Of the 2 dogs with LG-OSA with known outcome, 1 showed complete response after curative intent surgery, but 1 patient had recurrence after partial maxillectomy. Definitive diagnosis of mandibular/maxillary PFOL is challenging via histopathologic examination alone, and accurate diagnosis is best achieved through assimilation of clinical, imaging, and histopathologic features.
Improved photoresponse with enhanced photoelectric contribution in fully suspended graphene photodetectors

Graphene's unique optoelectronic properties are promising to realize photodetectors with ultrafast photoresponse over a wide spectral range from far-infrared to ultraviolet radiation. The underlying mechanism of the photoresponse has been a particular focus of recent work and was found to be either photoelectric or photo-thermoelectric in nature and enhanced by hot carrier effects. Graphene supported by a substrate was found to be dominated by the photo-thermoelectric effect, which is known to be an order of magnitude slower than the photoelectric effect. Here we demonstrate fully-suspended chemical vapor deposition grown graphene microribbon arrays that are dominated by the faster photoelectric effect. Substrate removal was found to enhance the photoresponse by four-fold compared to substrate-supported microribbons. Furthermore, we show that the light-current input/output curves give valuable information about the underlying photophysical process responsible for the generated photocurrent. These findings are promising towards wafer-scale fabrication of graphene photodetectors approaching THz cut-off frequencies.
SQUIDs vs. Induction Coils for Ultra-Low Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance: Experimental and Simulation Comparison

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is widely used in medicine, chemistry and industry. One application area is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Recently it has become possible to perform NMR and MRI in the ultra-low field (ULF) regime requiring measurement field strengths of the order of only 1 Gauss. This technique exploits the advantages offered by superconducting quantum interference devices or SQUIDs. Our group has built SQUID based MRI systems for brain imaging and for liquid explosives detection at airport security checkpoints. The requirement for liquid helium cooling limits potential applications of ULF MRI for liquid identification and security purposes. Our experimental comparative investigation shows that room temperature inductive magnetometers may provide enough sensitivity in the 3-10 kHz range and can be used for fast liquid explosives detection based on ULF NMR technique. We describe experimental and computer-simulation results comparing multichannel SQUID based and induction coils based instruments that are capable of performing ULF MRI for liquid identification.
Transforming the Instruction of Introductory Computing to Engineering Students

Computer science as a discipline encompasses the study and creation of computational techniques for problem-solving. Unfortunately, much of the benefit of these techniques to engineering students is lost in translation, in part due to the disconnect between introductory computing courses and the disciplinary courses that introduce problems that could benefit from computational techniques. A considerable body of literature has documented the ineffectiveness of traditional programming courses in transferring usable knowledge to students, specifically where problem-solving skills and computational thinking are concerned. This paper describes a transformative change to the instruction of introductory computing to engineering students, in the context of a single non-major course. In the proposed architecture, a core lecture is supplemented with plug-in domain-specific modules and problems that are presented in domain-specific recitation/laboratory sections. The focus of the lecture component of the course is to introduce the core concepts and skills required for computational thinking, including algorithms and software engineering techniques. The recitation/laboratory component encourages and guides the application of these skills to introductory problems in engineering. The objective is to shift the emphasis from the minutia of the syntax of textual programming languages to computational thinking.
Adenoviral Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Induces Both Neostriatal and Olfactory Neuronal Recruitment from Endogenous Progenitor Cells in the Adult Forebrain

Neural progenitor cells persist throughout the adult forebrain subependyma, and neurons generated from them respond to brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) with enhanced maturation and survival. To induce neurogenesis from endogenous progenitors, we overexpressed BDNF in the adult ventricular zone by transducing the forebrain ependyma to constitutively express BDNF. We constructed a bicistronic adenovirus bearing BDNF under cytomegalovirus (CMV) control, and humanized green fluorescent protein (hGFP) under internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) control. This AdCMV:BDNF:IRES:hGFP (AdBDNF) was injected into the lateral ventricles of adult rats, who were treated for 18 d thereafter with the mitotic marker bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). Three weeks after injection, BDNF averaged 1 μg/gm in the CSF of AdBDNF-injected animals but was undetectable in control CSF. In situ hybridization demonstrated BDNF and GFP mRNA expression restricted to the ventricular wall. In AdBDNF-injected rats, the olfactory bulb exhibited a >2.4-fold increase in the number of BrdU+–βIII-tubulin+neurons, confirmed by confocal imaging, relative to AdNull (AdCMV:hGFP) controls. Importantly, AdBDNF-associated neuronal recruitment to the neostriatum was also noted, with the treatment-induced addition of BrdU+–NeuN+–βIII-tubulin+neurons to the caudate putamen. Many of these cells also expressed glutamic acid decarboxylase, cabindin-D28, and DARPP-32 (dopamine and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein of 32 kDa), markers of medium spiny neurons of the neostriatum. These newly generated neurons survived at least 5–8 weeks after viral induction. Thus, a single injection of adenoviral BDNF substantially augmented the recruitment of new neurons into both neurogenic and non-neurogenic sites in the adult rat brain. The intraventricular delivery of, and ependymal infection by, viral vectors encoding neurotrophic agents may be a feasible strategy for inducing neurogenesis from resident progenitor cells in the adult brain.
Towards self-replicating materials of DNA-functionalized colloids

We report the first results of ongoing research that involves the creation of a new class of non-biological materials designed to self-replicate and, as a result, to grow exponentially. We propose a system design that exploits the strong specificity and thermal reversibility of the interactions between colloidal particles functionalized with complementary single-stranded DNA ‘sticky ends’. Here, we experimentally test the fundamentals of the different steps that constitute the self-replication scheme. First of all, we quantitatively study the equilibrium and kinetic aspects of the aggregation–dissociation behavior of the particles. We find that the dissociation transition is very sharp (∼1 °C) and that it occurs at unexpectedly low temperatures, with the dissociation temperature shifting further down when the fraction of sticky ends becomes smaller. The sharpness of the transition and its sensitivity to the sticky end fraction are important control parameters in our self-replication scheme. We further find that for our present purposes it is best to use a DNA construct with a double-stranded backbone, as this largely prevents unwanted hybridization events, such as secondary structure formation. The latter is seen to lead to peculiar aggregation kinetics, due to a competition between inter- and intra-particle hybridization. Finally, we show how one can obtain dual recognition at different temperatures by functionalizing a single particle species with two distinct DNA sequences and we demonstrate the formation of permanent bonds, using the chemical intercalator psoralen and long-wavelength UV exposure.