cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SlinkET: A Partial Modal Parser for Events.

We present SlinkET, a parser for identifying contexts of event modality in text developed within the TARSQI (Temporal Awareness and Reasoning Systems for Question Interpretation) research framework. SlinkET is grounded on TimeML, a specification language for capturing temporal and event related information in discourse, which provides an adequate foundation to handle event modality. SlinkET builds on top of a robust event recognizer, and provides each relevant event with a value that specifies the degree of certainty about its factuality; e.g., whether it has happened or holds (factive or counter-factive), whether it is being reported or witnessed by somebody else (evidential), or if it is introduced as a possibility (modal). It is based on well-established technology in the field (namely, finite-state techniques), and informed with corpus-induced knowledge that relies on basic information, such as morphological features, POS, and chunking. SlinkET is under continuing development and it currently achieves a performance ratio of 70% F1-measure.
Interaction of intramembrane metalloprotease SpoIVFB with substrate Pro-σK

Intramembrane proteases (IPs) cleave membrane-associated substrates in nearly all organisms and regulate diverse processes. A better understanding of how these enzymes interact with their substrates is necessary for rational design of IP modulators. We show that interaction of Bacillus subtilis IP SpoIVFB with its substrate Pro-σK depends on particular residues in the interdomain linker of SpoIVFB. The linker plus either the N-terminal membrane domain or the C-terminal cystathione-β-synthase (CBS) domain of SpoIVFB was sufficient for the interaction but not for cleavage of Pro-σK. Chemical cross-linking and mass spectrometry of purified, inactive SpoIVFB–Pro-σK complex indicated residues of the two proteins in proximity. A structural model of the complex was built via partial homology and by using constraints based on cross-linking data. In the model, the Proregion of Pro-σK loops into the membrane domain of SpoIVFB, and the rest of Pro-σK interacts extensively with the linker and the CBS domain of SpoIVFB. The extensive interaction is proposed to allow coordination between ATP binding by the CBS domain and Pro-σK cleavage by the membrane domain.
African American Women's Involvement in Promoting Informed Decision-Making for Prostate Cancer Screening Among Their Partners/Spouses.

Routine prostate cancer screening is not recommended but African American men who are at higher risk for the disease should be offered the opportunity for shared decision-making with their health-c...
Multilayer thin-film composite membranes for helium enrichment

Abstract This paper describes a novel approach to fabricate a multilayer composite membrane for recovering and enriching helium from natural gas processing using commercially available thin-film composite polyamide reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. The RO membranes, which are defective in a dry state, were caulked with different polymeric materials to seal the defects; then, the permeation and separation properties were characterized using pure and mixed gases. A benchmark (Nafion®−117) membrane was selected for its superior selectivity towards helium over carbon dioxide, and the performances of the caulked RO membranes were compared. The experimental results show that the ideal selectivity of He/CO2 in the pure gas tests is in the range 20–55, while the permeance of helium is in the range 8–40 GPU depending on the caulking material. A quaternary mixture of CH4, N2, CO2, and He was used to evaluate the separation performance of the novel membrane, which was compared with that of the benchmark membrane. This study confirms that the proposed novel approach for membrane fabrication is technically practical to recover and enrich helium from CO2-containing natural gas streams.
Law's Presence, Law's Absence: Reporting Stories of Employment Discrimination in the Academy

Discussing employment problems in universities enacts an information asymmetry that has recently highlighted sexual harassment as a legal wrong while dampening other potential descriptions of reasons for disparities. Defining sexual harassment as unwanted sexual attention both understates and overstates problems at work, not least because it is not an issue for all women. This focus contrasts with books that popularized other kinds of barriers at work for women just a few years earlier. The stories about sexual harassment contrast with systematic evidence concerning reasons for disadvantage at work, which is less easy to tell as a story with characters, events, and a time line. In this instance, law, along with university leaders’ willingness to publicly act on claims, has proven productive of complaints that women have been reluctant to make since the Office of Civil Rights issued a “Dear Colleague Letter” in 2011 addressing sexual assault in higher education. This article draws on the Chronicle of Higher Education’s reports of discrimination. It concludes by arguing for proliferating stories, motivated by lessons from systematic research, even if law is not a remedy.
Orofacial pain resulting from ill-fitting dentures

The patient who presents to the physician with a history of facial pain can be a diagnostic challenge. The etiology can be elusive, and this problem is compounded by the subjective nature and the often multi-factorial causes of facial pain. The differential diagnoses to be considered include both local and systemic disorders such as neuropathy, myofascial pain, dentoalveolar pathoses, and psychological disturbances, among others. This paper presents the case of a patient with a history of left auricular pain that was managed for over 12 years with drug therapy with only limited success. A thorough head and neck evaluation revealed probable myofascial pain with a poorly occluding set of complete dentures as a potential etiology. Fabrication of a new set of dentures and modification of the patient's denture-wearing habits has produced an almost complete remission of the pain. This case demonstrates the importance of a dental consultation to rule out a possible oral-musculoskeletal and/or dental etiology in the management of the patient with facial pain.
Preparation and Characterization of Xylan Derivatives and Their Blends

Although hemicellulose is found widely in nature, it is currently under-utilized as a raw material for commercial applications. It would be desirable to find new uses for hemicellulose in order to add value to this agro-based material. A common type of hemicellulose is xylan, which is found in a number of wood species and in cotton. In this work we prepared cationic and anionic xylan derivatives and characterized them by 13C NMR, FT-IR, size exclusion chromatography (SEC), thermal analysis, and rheology. In particular, the 13C NMR spectra of carboxymethyl xylan (CMX) and quaternary ammonium-adducted xylan (QAX) were fully assigned with the help of samples with different degrees of substitution. SEC indicated that the beechwood xylan showed a bimodal molecular weight distribution, but with derivatization the distribution tended to become unimodal. Thermal analysis and rheology studies did not uncover any surprises; the solution of xylan and its derivatives exhibited mostly Newtonian behavior. The blends of CMX and QAX produced a precipitate at almost all ratios, indicating the formation of a polyelectrolyte complex. When cationic and anionic xylan samples were added together to paper, the paper dry strength increased. Thus, the combination of cationic/anionic xylan may be of interest in selected applications.
Preseason Pediatrics: an Interactive Preclinical Curriculum Enhances Knowledge and Skills in Medical Students.

Medical students have limited preclinical exposure to pediatrics. We created an optional preclinical curriculum for first-year medical students called “Preseason Pediatrics” (PSP). This 6-month curriculum teaches pediatric-specific knowledge and clinical skills, consisting of monthly resident-led didactic sessions followed by complementary resident-mentored clinical experiences. Participants completed a survey before and after completion of PSP. Knowledge was assessed with multiple-choice questions pertaining to each topic covered in PSP and perceived skills, with a 5-point Likert scale ranging from not at all (1) to extremely (5) for skills taught. Skill maintenance was assessed with a newborn objective structured clinical exam (OSCE) 6 months after PSP completion in 2016. Students beginning their pediatric clerkship also completed a survey, comparing students who did and did not complete PSP. From 2014 to 2017, 135 first-year medical students participated. Percent correct scores on pediatric knowledge increased in 4/5 topics covered, and students perceived increases in their pediatric skills in all course domains. 86.8% (n = 92/106) of students reported feeling more prepared for the pediatric clerkship. 94.3% (n = 100/106) would recommend the PSP experience to other students. Third-year students who participated in PSP reported higher comfort with pediatric patients prior to their clerkship. PSP is a successful novel preclinical program introducing students to pediatrics. We demonstrated that didactics paired with resident-mentored clinical experiences improved pediatric knowledge, clinical-based skills, and perceived clerkship preparedness. Students may academically and professionally benefit from such earlier exposure to pediatrics.
Microstructural characterization of plutonium oxalate and oxide particles by three-dimensional focused ion beam tomography

Abstract Focused ion beam (FIB) tomography was used to characterize three-dimensional (3D) internal microstructures of plutonium oxalate and oxide particles. Sequential two-dimensional (2D) sectioning and imaging using FIB and 3D image reconstruction were used to elucidate and distinguish internal pore microstructure and distribution in plutonium oxide particles calcined from plutonium oxalate precipitates. The results show that the plutonium oxide particles have a significant increase in pore volume fraction while retaining the exterior morphological shape of the corresponding oxalate precipitates. This technique enables the examination of the internal structure of radioactive microparticles for nuclear forensics that is not available with conventional microscopy.
It still hurts! Persistent pain and use of pain medication one year after injury.

Abstract Background Given the scarce literature data on chronic post-traumatic pain, we aim to identify early predictors of long-term pain and pain medication use after major trauma. Methods Major trauma patients (Injury Severity Score ≥ 9) from three Level I Trauma Centers at 12 months after injury were interviewed for daily pain using the Trauma Quality of Life questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression models identified patient- and injury-related independent predictors of pain and use of pain medication. Results Of 1238 patients, 612 patients (49%) felt daily pain and 300 patients (24%) used pain medication 1 year after injury. Of a total of 8 independent predictors for chronic pain and 9 independent predictors for daily pain medication, 4 were common (pre-injury alcohol use, pre-injury drug use, hospital stay ≥ 5 days, and education limited to high school). Combinations of independent predictors yielded weak predictability for both outcomes, ranging from 20% to 72%. Conclusions One year after injury, approximately half of trauma patients report daily pain and one-fourth use daily pain medication. These outcomes are hard to predict.
Organelle aging: Lessons from model organisms

Most cellular processes descend into failure during aging. While a large collection of longevity pathways has been identified in the past decades, the mechanism for age-related decline of cellular homeostasis and organelle function remains largely unsolved. It is known that many organelles undergo structural and functional changes during normal aging, which significantly contributes to the decline of tissue function at old ages. Since recent studies have revealed an emerging role of organelles as regulatory hubs in maintaining cellular homeostasis, understanding of organelle aging will provide important insights into the cellular basis of organismal aging. Here we review current progress on the characterization of age-dependent structural and functional alterations in the more well-studied organelles, as well as the known mechanisms governing organelle aging in model organisms, with a special focus on the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster.
Screening of fungal species for fumonisin production and fumonisin-like disruption of sphingolipid biosynthesis.

Fumonisins are mycotoxins produced by several species of Fusaria. They are found on corn and in corn-based products, can cause fatal illnesses in some animals and are suspected human esophageal carcinogens. Fumonisins are believed to cause toxicity by blocking ceramide synthase, a key enzyme in sphingolipid biochemistry which converts sphinganine (or sphingosine) and fatty acyl CoA to ceramide. Relatively fewfungal species have been evaluated for their ability to produce fumonisins. Fewer have been studied to determine if they produce ceramide synthase inhibitors, whether fumonisin-like structures or not, therefore potentially having toxicity similar to fumonisins. We analyzed corn cultures of 49 isolates representing 32 diversespecies of fungi for their ability to produce fumonisins. We also evaluated the culture extracts for ceramide synthase activity. Only cultures prepared with species reported previously to produce fumonisins – Fusarium moniliforme and F. proliferatum – tested positive for fumonisins. Extracts of these cultures inhibited ceramide synthase, as expected. None of the other fungal isolates we examined produced fumonisins or other compounds capable of inhibiting ceramide synthase. Although the fungi we selected for these studies represent only a few ofthe thousands of species that exist, they share the commonality that they are frequently associated with cereal grasses, including corn, either as pathogens or as asymptomatic endophytes. Thus,these results should be encouraging to those attempting to find ways to genetically manipulate fumonisin-producing fungi, tomake corn more resistant, or to develop biocontrol measures because it appears that only a relatively few fungal contaminants of corn can produce fumonisins.
Examining the weekend effect across ICU performance metrics.

Known colloquially as the “weekend effect,” the association between weekend admissions and increased mortality within hospital settings has become a highly contested topic over the last two decades. Drawing interest from practitioners and researchers alike, a sundry of works have emerged arguing for and against the presence of the effect across various patient cohorts. However, it has become evident that simply studying population characteristics is insufficient for understanding how the effect manifests. Rather, to truly understand the effect, investigations into its underlying factors must be considered. As such, the work presented in this manuscript serves to address this consideration by moving beyond identification of patient cohorts to examining the role of ICU performance. Employing a comprehensive, publicly available database of electronic medical records (EMR), we began by utilizing multiple logistic regression to identify and isolate a specific cohort in which the weekend effect was present. Next, we leveraged the highly detailed nature of the EMR to evaluate ICU performance using well-established ICU quality scorecards to assess differences in clinical factors among patients admitted to an ICU on the weekend versus weekday. Our results demonstrate the weekend effect to be most prevalent among emergency surgery patients (OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.19, 1.96), specifically those diagnosed with circulatory diseases (P<.001). Differences between weekday and weekend admissions for this cohort included a variety of clinical factors such as ventilatory support and night-time discharges. This work reinforces the importance of accounting for differences in clinical factors as well as patient cohorts in studies investigating the weekend effect.
Apolipoprotein B100/Low-Density Lipoprotein Regulates Proteolysis and Functions of von Willebrand Factor under Arterial Shear

Background Proteolytic cleavage of von Willebrand factor (VWF) by a plasma a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motifs, member 13 (ADAMTS13) is regulated by shear stress and binding of coagulation factor VIII, platelets or platelet glycoprotein 1b, and ristocetin to VWF. Objective Current study aims to identify novel VWF binding partners that may modulate VWF functions under physiological conditions. Methods A deoxyribonucleic acid aptamer-based affinity purification of VWF, followed by tandem mass spectrometry, functional, and binding assays was employed. Results Apolipoprotein B100/low-density lipoprotein (apoB100/LDL) was identified as a novel VWF-binding partner. Purified apoB100/LDL was able to accelerate the proteolytic cleavage of VWF by ADAMTS13 under shear in a concentration-dependent manner. This rate-enhancing activity was dramatically reduced when apoB100/LDL was oxidized. More interestingly, the oxidized apoB100/LDL appeared to compete with native apoB100/LDL for its enhancing activity on VWF proteolysis under shear. As a control, a purified apoA1/high-density lipoprotein (apoA1/HDL) or apoB48 exhibited a minimal or no activity enhancing VWF proteolysis by ADAMTS13 under the same conditions. Both VWF and ADAMTS13 were able to bind native or oxidized apoB100/LDL with high affinities. No binding interaction was detected between VWF (or ADAMTS13) and apoA1/HDL (or apoB48). Moreover, apoB100/LDL but not its oxidized products inhibited the adhesion of platelets to ultra large VWF released from endothelial cells under flow. Finally, significantly reduced ratios of high to low molecular weight of VWF multimers with increased levels of plasma VWF antigen were detected in LDLR−/− mice fed with high cholesterol diet. Conclusion These results indicate that apoB100/LDL may be a novel physiological regulator for ADAMTS13-VWF functions.
A dialogical route to logical pluralism

This paper argues that adopting a particular dialogical account of logical consequence quite directly gives rise to an interesting form of logical pluralism, the form of pluralism in question arising out of the requirement that deductive proofs be explanatory.
Tactical and Strategic Data Analysis Methods for Multispectral Imaging Data from Landed Mars Missions

This presentation describes the wide variety of both rapid turn-around (tactical) and much longer timescale (strategic) data analysis methods used in the planning and interpretation of data sets acquired from the seven successful (so far) Mars surface landers and rovers that have carried multispectral imaging instruments employing narrowband color filters. Examples of science and operational results enabled by these data analysis methods are discussed, including recent advances in multispectral image analysis using deep learning. Finally, implications for the expected results from several additional surface missions carrying narrowband multispectral imaging investigations and expected to land on Mars in 2021 are also discussed.
Complexity of biodegradation patterns in spalted wood and its influence on the perception of US woodturners

Figured woods (wood with frequent grain deviation) and spalted woods (wood with internal coloration from wood-decaying fungi, whether white rots, brown rots, or soft rots) are prevalent in both historic and modern woodworking. Both materials present a machining challenge, spalted wood in particular due to the decay caused by the inhabiting fungi. Despite the structural issues, the material remains in high demand in certain sections of the woodworking/woodturning communities. The exact reason for why woodworkers value spalted wood, and the methods through which they ascribe value to this material, is unknown. This research categorized types and amount of spalting on a given set of blocks and, through surveys, determined that the complexity of the spalted patterns (more visual indication of fungal colonization through more lines or color) was the driving force of the appeal. Increases in visual complexity significantly increased the value ascribed to the sample and the potential strength issues associated with spalted wood did not affect its value. Of the types of spalting surveyed, zone lines were found to be the most appealing, closely followed by pigmentation. Blue stains and white rots were not generally found to have value. The results from this study offer, for the first time, a window into how and why spalted wood is valued by woodworkers, and how this material, despite its many mechanical flaws, has stayed within the craft and art sphere.
Including older rural adults in research: Practical guidance for addressing the NIH Inclusion Across the Lifespan policy.

Introduction: The NIH Inclusion Across the Lifespan policy has implications for increasing older adult (OA) participation in research. This study aimed to understand influential factors and facilitators to rural OA research participation. Methods: Thirty-seven rural adults aged ≥66 years participated in focus groups in community centers in four Oregon “non-metro” counties. Transcribed discussions were coded using open-axial coding by an interdisciplinary analytical team. Results: Ages were 66–96 (mean 82.2) years. Majority were women (64%) and white (86%). Primary, interrelated discussion themes were Motivation and Facilitators, Perceptions of Research, and Barriers to Research Participation. Participants were motivated to engage in research because they believed research had implications for improved longevity and quality of life and potentially benefited future generations. Motivational factors influencing participation included self-benefit and improving others’ lives, opportunities to socialize and learn about current research, research transparency (funding, time commitment, and requirements), and financial compensation. Perceptions influencing trustworthiness in research included funding source (industry/non-industry) and familiarity with the research institution. Barriers to research participation included transportation and concern about privacy and confidentiality. Suggestions for making research participation easier included researchers coming to rural communities and meeting participants in places where OAs gather and providing transportation and hotel accommodations. Conclusion: Lessons learned offer practical guidance for research teams as they address the new NIH Inclusion Across the Lifespan policy. Including OAs in research in ways that motivate and facilitate participation will be critical for a robust representation across the lifespan and in tailoring treatments to the specific needs of this population.
Pain Management for Obstetrical Patients

The birth of a child may be one of the most significant events in a women’s life, and it is associated with significant emotional, physical, and painful events during the labor and delivery process. It is critical to give the patient control in decision-making for the labor and delivery process including methods of pain relief. Studies reveal the extent to which a parturient pain is controlled during and after delivery has implications for short- and long-term psychological consequences including but not limited to depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and negative thoughts about sexual relationships.
Disparities in the use of antineoplastic immunotherapy in pediatric malignant adrenal tumors

Dinutuximab is a costly life-prolonging immunotherapy for high-risk neuroblastoma. We used a large pediatric inpatient database to analyze the use of antineoplastic immunotherapy in patients with malignant adrenal tumors 1 year after Food and Drug Administration approval of dinutuximab for high-risk neuroblastoma. On multivariate modeling, children of Black race (odds ratio [OR] 0.62, P = .04; referent non-Black) and the lowest ZIP code income quartile (OR 0.74, P = .03; referent wealthier 3 quartiles) were significantly less like to receive antineoplastic immunotherapy. These results suggest substantial disparities in the distribution of a vital therapy in children with advanced cancer.
High-Speed Acoustic Impact-Echo Sounding of Concrete Bridge Decks

Evaluation of deteriorating highway bridges requires new, rapid inspection methods to effectively guide repair in an era of limited fiscal resources. Of all the components of a bridge, the bridge deck typically deteriorates most quickly and must therefore be regularly inspected for non-visible internal cracking, called delamination, for which early detection and repair can enhance safety and performance as well as reduce long-term maintenance costs. This research demonstrates the development and deployment of a multi-channel acoustic impact-echo sounding apparatus equipped with specially-configured tire chains for acoustic excitation of the concrete, microphones, an array of sensors for establishing spatial position estimates, and a data processing architecture for accurately detecting and mapping delaminations in concrete bridge decks at high speeds. The new apparatus achieved very accurate results at speeds between 25 and 45 km/h across a bridge deck. These results demonstrate an orders-of-magnitude increase in data collection speed over all other acoustic impact-echo sounding techniques described in the literature.
A Revival of the Romantic Era as seen through a Comparative Study of Auld Lang Syne and Sumer Is Icumen In

The Romantic Movement of 19th century Britain is often credited to William Wordsworth, while his predecessor, Robert Burns is regarded as the pioneer of the movement with his poetic themes of simplicity, friendship, and reverence for nature and rustic life, to name a few. Yet, on looking back at the medieval ages, one comes across the anonymous poem Sumer Is Icumen In that is centred around similar themes and ideas. This, thus, calls for a more nuanced analysis and understanding of the romantic ideologies that then do not appear to be new to the 19th century, but simply recurrent of what already existed. Therefore, through a comparative study of Robert Burns’ Auld Lang Syne and the medieval poem Sumer Is Icumen In, this paper will seek to place Burns either as the pioneer of the romantic movement or as a reviver of a medieval tradition. I will explore the themes, features, and form that persist in these poems.
Comparison of different induction dosing of CD3+ cell count based anti-thymocyte globulin for deceased donor kidney transplantation: single center experience

Background: The rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) is the most widely used lymphocyte depleting agent in renal transplanta tion. This can be expected to have a profound immune inducing effect, but it has been not widely used in Korea due to concerns about side effects such as leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and infection. This has made it necessary to find the minimum dosing to show adequate immunosuppressive effects. So, we compared the clinical features of CD3+ cell count based ATG use with a cumulative dose of 3 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg as an induction immunosuppressant. Methods: Fifty-one patients have received deceased donor kidney transplantation with ATG induction therapy in Bongseng Me morial Hospital from 2013 to 2020. And they were divided into two groups: patients who treated with cumulative dose 3.0 mg/kg of ATG (group A) and 4.0 mg/kg (group B). We compared patient’s survival and graft’s survival in both groups. The data were col lected regarding recipients’ panel reactive antibody, CD3+ lymphocyte count, immunosuppressant, viral infection, acute rejection, and adverse events. Results: The demographic characteristics of the two groups were comparable. The incidence of delayed graft function was sta tistically significantly lower in the cumulative dose 4 mg/kg group. There was no statistically significant difference in the graft’s survival and serum creatinine between the two groups, but it was slightly better in 4 mg/kg group. The incidence rates of acute rejection and infectious events as cytomegalovirus disease or urinary tract infection were not significantly different between the two groups. CD3+ lymphocyte count was statistically significantly decreased until 6 months after transplantation in both groups compared to before transplantation. Conclusions: We suggest that ATG induction with cumulative dose of 4 mg/kg would be safe and effective for deceased donor kidney transplantation in Korea.
Implementing Social Justice Practices Online: Lessons Learned from Teaching and Advising Dissertations in Practice During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This essay documents the lessons learned from the transition to teaching research methods courses and advising EdD doctoral students online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This discussion is set against the backdrop of developing a new fully online EdD Program in educational leadership for social justice at the institution, wherein the online transition due to COVID-19 offered an opportunity to assess effective pedagogy, student community and engagement, and workload expectations. In our analysis of the transition to teaching online, we applied Hammond’s (2020) framework, which highlights design elements that promote agency for independent learning. We overlay the realities of teaching and advising adult students who are working full-time and managing home-life responsibilities in addition to pursuing their EdD degree. Unresolved questions and future directions for the culturally responsive and socially just online Education Doctorate are explored.
Endovascular Therapy for Thoracic Aortic Dissection and Intramural Hematoma

Endovascular therapy is becoming the standard of care for treating aortic diseases. The continuously evolving technology helps improve new-generation stent grafts and the imaging modalities, so that it is possible to obtain durable results and decrease the amount of complications. The imaging modalities of CT angiography (CTA), transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and in some cases, MR angiography (MRA), are used preoperatively to give an overview of the anatomy, including the aortic side branches, the landing zone, the angle of the take-off branch vessels, and the entry and re-entry tears. Intraoperatively, fluoroscopy and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) are widely used. This chapter outlines the steps of endovascular therapy for aortic dissection and intramural hematoma.
Ultrasound imaging of preterm brain injury: fundamentals and updates

Neurosonography has become an essential tool for diagnosis and serial monitoring of preterm brain injury. Preterm infants are at significantly higher risk of hypoxic-ischemic injury, intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia and post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus. Neonatologists have become increasingly dependent on neurosonography to initiate medical and surgical interventions because it can be used at the bedside. While brain MRI is regarded as the gold standard for detecting preterm brain injury, neurosonography offers distinct advantages such as its cost-effectiveness, diagnostic utility and convenience. Neurosonographic signatures associated with poor long-term outcomes shape decisions regarding supportive care, medical or behavioral interventions, and family members' expectations. Within the last decade substantial progress has been made in neurosonography techniques, prompting an updated review of the topic. In addition to the up-to-date summary of neurosonography, this review discusses the potential roles of emerging neurosonography techniques that offer new functional insights into the brain, such as superb microvessel imaging, elastography, three-dimensional ventricular volume assessment, and contrast-enhanced US.
Genetic and molecular analyses of picA, a plant-inducible locus on the Agrobacterium tumefaciens chromosome.

Abstract picA is an Agrobacterium tumefaciens chromosomal locus, identified by Mu d11681 mutagenesis, that is inducible by certain acidic polysaccharides found in carrot root extract. Cloning and genetic analysis of a picA::lacZ fusion defined a region of the picA promoter that is responsible for the induction of this locus. Furthermore, we identified a possible negative regulator of picA expression upstream of the picA locus. This sequence, denoted pgl, has extensive homology to polygalacturonase genes from several organisms and inhibited the induction of the picA promoter when present in multiple copies in A. tumefaciens. DNA sequence analysis indicated at least two long open reading frames (ORFs) in the picA region. S1 nuclease mapping was used to identify the transcription initiation site of picA. Mutation of ORF1, but not ORF2, of the picA locus was responsible for an increased aggregation of A. tumefaciens, forming "ropes" in the presence of pea root cap cells. In addition, a potato tuber disk virulence assay indicated that a preinduced picA mutant was more virulent than was the wild-type control, a further indication that the picA locus regulates the surface properties of the bacterium in the presence of plant cells or plant cell extracts.
Studies of new YDy-based R/sub 2/Fe/sub 14/B magnets for high temperature performance (R=Y+Dy+Nd)

The effect of Nd substitution on microstructure and magnetic properties in [Nd/sub x/(YDy)/sub 0.5(1-x)/]/sub 2.2/Fe/sub 14/B ribbons melt-spun at 22 m/s has been systematically studied. As-spun ribbons with low Nd content consist of 2 : 17 and 2 : 14 : 1 phases in an amorphous matrix, while as-spun ribbons with high Nd contain 2 : 14 : 1 and Fe phases in the amorphous matrix. After annealing at 700/spl deg/C for 15 min, all of the ribbons exhibit only a single 2 : 14 : 1 phase in their X-ray diffraction patterns. Nd substitution can improve the maximum energy product of annealed ribbons but deteriorate the temperature stability of the ribbons. Increasing Nd (x) from 0 to 0.8, decreases coercivity from 22 to 13.5 kOe, but increases the maximum energy product from 5.87 to 11.2 MGOe. The temperature coefficients for remanence and coercivity increase from -0.045/spl deg/C to -0.106 %//spl deg/C, and -0.306 to -0.38 %//spl deg/C, respectively for the same substitution range. Transmission electron microscope microstructures show that the samples with less Nd content exhibit a more uniform distribution of grains. Their average grain size is about 40 nm. The studied results show that the YDy-based R/sub 2/Fe/sub 14/B magnets are very promising for high-temperature performance.
The anatomy of foresight traps [foresight management]

No companies ever escape foresight traps. Foresight traps are inevitable because the ingredients for them are everywhere. Every trap has a technical or commercial surprise as part of the explanation. A new environment raises unfamiliar issues with established firms. Managing uncertainty often generates conflicts within a firm. Foresight traps can arise when managers let conflict interfere with their assessment of a competitive situation. An overconfident executive can make matters worse. Good firms do their best to save confident executives from their worst instincts. These firms collect information from a variety of sources, think hard about what their rivals perceive, and spend resources guarding against outcomes that might or might not arise.
A hierarchical power supply distribution model for full-chip switching noise analysis

This paper describes the use of a 12/spl times/12 SCM power supply distribution model, a 50/spl times/50 on-chip power bus model, and a distributed switching circuit model to analyze the on-chip power supply noise for high-performance VLSI design. The integrated model provides a complete analysis of the Vdd distribution, and allows designers to identify the hot spots on the chip and optimize design variables to minimize the noise.
Illustrating How Science Can Be Incorporated into a Nonlinear Regression Model

We show the value of using available scientific knowledge in developing a data model for the simple example of drop heights of balls subject to drag. The science-based data model is a nonlinear regression model, where the mean is a solution to a differe..
An Indifferent Public in a World of Bystanders

John Conroy. Unspeakable Acts, Ordinary People: The Dynamics of Torture. New York: Knopf, 2000. xi. 304 pp.
Microbial Life at 90 C: the Sulfur Bacteria of Boulder Spring

The physiology of the bacteria living in Boulder Spring (Yellowstone National Park) at 90 to 93 C was studied with radioactive isotope techniques under conditions approximating natural ones. Cover slips were immersed in the spring; after a fairly even, dense coating of bacteria had developed, these cover slips were incubated with radioactive isotopes under various conditions and then counted in a gas flow or liquid scintillation counter. Uptake of labeled compounds was virtually completely inhibited by formaldehyde, hydrochloric acid, and mercuric bichloride, and inhibition was also found with streptomycin and sodium azide. The water of Boulder Spring contains about 3 μg of sulfide per ml. Uptake of labeled compounds occurs only if sulfide or another reduced sulfur compound is present during incubation. The pH optimum for uptake of radioactive compounds by Boulder Spring bacteria is 9.2, a value near that of the natural spring water (8.9). Many experiments with a variety of compounds were performed to determine the temperature optimum for uptake of labeled compounds. The results with all the compounds were generally similar, with broad temperature optima between 80 and 90 C, and with significant uptake in boiling (93 C) but not in superheated water (97 C). The results show that the bacteria of Boulder Spring are able to function at the temperature of their environment, although they function better at temperatures somewhat lower. The fine structure of these bacteria has been studied by allowing bacteria in the spring to colonize glass slides or Mylar strips which were immediately fixed, and the bacteria were then embedded and sectioned. The cell envelope structure of these bacteria is quite different from that of other mesophilic or thermophilic bacteria. There is a very distinct plasma membrane, but no morphologically distinct peptidoglycan layer was seen outside of the plasma membrane. Instead, a rather thick diffuse layer was seen, within which a subunit structure was often distinctly visible, and connections frequently occurred between this outer layer and the plasma membrane. The thick outer layer usually consisted of two parts, the outer part of which was sometimes missing. Within the cells, structures resembling ribosomes were seen, and regions lacking electron density which probably contained deoxyribonucleic acid were also visible. Images
Laser and spectroscopic properties of Sr 5 (PO 4 ) 3 F:Yb

Sr5(PO4)3F (S-FAP) has been investigated as a new Yb-doped laser crystal belonging to the apatite structural family. The spectroscopy of the Yb3+ ion and the laser properties of the medium have been investigated. The maximum absorption cross section of Yb in S-FAP is 8.6 × 10−20 cm2, and the maximum emission cross section is 7.3 × 10−20 cm2. The measured emission lifetime of Yb3+ is 1.26 ms. An Yb:S-FAP laser has been demonstrated with a Ti:sapphire laser pump operating at 899 nm. The Yb:S-FAP laser was measured to have slope efficiencies as high as 71%. The spectroscopy and laser studies are reported, as well as certain thermal, mechanical, and optical properties.
Assisted hatching: trends and pregnancy outcomes, United States, 2000-2010

Objective To assess trends and outcomes of assisted hatching among assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles. Design Retrospective cohort analysis using National ART Surveillance System (NASS) data. Setting U.S. fertility centers reporting to NASS. Patient(s) Fresh autologous noncanceled ART cycles conducted from 2000–2010. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Implantation, clinical pregnancy, live-birth, miscarriage, multiple gestation. Result(s) Assisted hatching use statistically significantly increased in absolute number (from 25,724 to 35,518 cycles), percentages of day-3 (from 50.7% to 56.3%) and day-5 transfers (from 15.9% to 22.8%), and percentage of transfers among women ≥38 years (from 17.8% to 21.8%) or women with ≥2 prior ART cycles and no live birth(s) (from 4.3% to 7.4%). Both day-3 and day-5 cycles involving assisted hatching were associated with lower odds of implantation (adjusted odds ratios [aOR] 0.7 and 0.6, respectively), clinical pregnancy (aOR 0.8 and 0.7, respectively), live birth (aOR 0.8 and 0.7, respectively), and increased odds of miscarriage (aOR 1.4 and 1.4, respectively), as compared with cycles without assisted hatching. Assisted hatching was associated with lower odds of multiple gestation in day-5 cycles (aOR 0.8). In cycles for women with a "poor prognosis," the association of assisted hatching with pregnancy outcomes was not statistically significant. Conclusion(s) Assisted hatching use had an increasing trend but was not associated with improved pregnancy outcomes, even in poor-prognosis patients. Prospective studies are needed to identify the patients who may benefit from assisted hatching.
Properties of cell-free extracts from Bacillus subtilis and its thermophilic mutant

After being heated at 65°C for 10 min, 51% of the protein in a cell-free extract fromBacillus subtilis BR151 was denatured, whereas the comparable value was 8% for the S-30 of a spontaneously occurring, temperature-resistant (T/r) mutant. Although ribosomes isolated from the T/r mutant retained 97% of their initial protein synthetic activity when preincubated at 60°C for 30 min, ribosomes prepared from the mesophilic parent were completely inactivated under these conditions. The optimum temperature for poly U-directed phenylalanine incorporation was 45°C for both parental and mutant extracts assayed in the absence of polyamines. The addition of spermidine to the S-30 from the mesophilic parent inhibited protein synthesis at each temperature tested, whereas this polyamine stimulated polyphenylalanine synthesis in the T/r extract at both 55°C and 65°C.
An effective approach to corner point detection through multiresolution analysis

Feature points are low-level image features representing meaningful image regions and ideal candidates for feature-based image representation, and feature point detection is an essential pre-processing step for high-level computer vision tasks. Existing feature detection algorithms are either computationally intensive (multi-scale detectors) or sensitive to scale variations (single-scale detectors). In this paper, we propose a computationally efficient multi-scale corner detector based on Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT). We use non-redundant DWT coefficients to build a corner strength map at each scale in a data-compact way and upsample these maps by the Gaussian kernel interpolation to the original image size. By taking the summation of these maps, a corner strength measure is formed. We propose a new scale selection method that utilizes a Gaussian kernel convolution to measure the corner distribution in the vicinity of every corner point. In addition, the so-called “Polarized Gaussian” kernels are introduced to achieve rotational invariance. The high efficiency of the proposed corner detector is shown through both computational complexity analysis and accuracy analysis.
Experimental diagenesis: Exploratory results

We conducted experiments in which a granular mixture of quartz and labradorite was deformed in compression at elevated temperatures (200-350°C) and pressures (100 MPa) in the presence of deionized water. Following initial consolidation of the material by application of the loads at room temperature, a second, hydrothermal phase of consolidation was observed when the temperature was increased with the loads fixed. The strain rate during this hydrothermal consolidation decayed approximately exponentially with time and was accompanied by only minor porosity reduction. The sample permeability decreased rapidly during the hydrothermal consolidation and continued to decrease following cessation of the deformation. The rate of this self-sealing process was a complex function of temperature. Scanning electron microscopy and microprobe analysis of the indurated post-experimental material showed albitization of the feldspar, especially in highly deformed regions. Analysis of post-experimental fluids show that Si in solution increased with increasing flow and temperature. Fluid-rock equilibrium was not achieved within the short durations of the experiments (50-60 hours). Our interpretation is that deformation occured by grain boundary sliding aided by solution and reaction at high stress contacts, and sealing occurred by precipitation in low stress regions in the throats of pores
The “New Cognitive Science of Religion” and Religious Pluralism

: The “new cognitive science of religion” (Lawson, McCauley, Boyer, Sperber, Tremlin, Pysiainen, Hinde) finds that certain of the brian's “inference systems” press us to postulate gods or other supernatural agents where knowledge and control are lacking. In this article we explore the implications of this new “explanatory” appraoch for Christian theology, pluralism, and worship life.
Synthesis of Tin Oxide Nanocrystalline Phases Via Use of Tin (II) Halide Precursors

Nanocrystalline tin oxides are synthesized via precipitation from heated solutions as well as from a novel above-solution vapor deposition route that occurs at low temperatures and atmospheric pressure. Crystalline phases are characterized via powder X-ray diffraction. Samples precipitated from reactions of SnCl2 are found to exist primarily as mixtures of tetragonal SnO and tetragonal SnO2 or tetragonal SnO2 and tin(II) oxyhydroxide (Sn6O4(OH)4), depending on reaction conditions. A mixed tin(II)/tin(IV) sample is shown to produce a rarely observed form of the intermediate oxide Sn3O4 upon annealing in air at 600 °C. SnBr2 exclusively forms tetragonal SnO2 via precipitation. Variation in the solvent composition with SnBr2 is shown to result in vapor deposition of SnO2 at temperatures below 160 °C. The average crystallite sizes of the vapor-deposited material are ≈3 nm and grow slowly upon heating. Partially hydrolyzed SnBr4 is proposed as the vapor deposition intermediate based on variations in precursor/...
Enhanced Pain Perception Prior to Smoking Cessation is Associated with Early Relapse

Accumulated evidence suggests that nicotine induces analgesia, and endogenous pain regulatory mechanisms may be altered by chronic smoking. The extent to which individual differences in pain perception are related to smokers' ability to abstain from smoking has not been directly examined. Seventy-one smokers who were interested in quitting completed a pre-cessation laboratory session which included the cold pressor test (CPT). Pain ratings were collected during and after CPT. Also, mood changes, cardiovascular measures, and salivary cortisol samples were evaluated prior to, during, and after CPT. Participants attended 4 weekly follow-up assessment sessions after their quit day. Cox regression analysis revealed that higher pain ratings during and after CPT predicted greater risk for smoking relapse. These results remained significant after affective and physiological responses to CPT were controlled, suggesting that pain ratings prior to smoking cessation are potentially useful in identifying smokers who are at greater risk of early smoking relapse and may reflect underlying putative risk for nicotine dependence and relapse.