cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Visualizing Reaction Progress and the Geometry and Instability of the Transition State

Transition state theory (TST), also called activated complex theory, is often discussed in general chemistry and physical chemistry courses when learning kinetics. This demonstration takes the abstract concepts of transition state, activation energy, and reaction progress (reaction coordinate) and makes them more concrete and accessible. The demonstration uses a children’s toy (Hoberman Switch Pitch) to model a chemical reaction that follows a reactant through a transition state before making a product. The reaction progress, activation energy, and specific geometry of the transition state are discussed as part of a question and answer dialogue. The complex, multidimensionality of a reaction coordinate and the inherent instability of a transition state become evident. The demonstration also shows that certain reactions may “go” more readily if the energy of a reactant is in a particular type of internal mode (vibrations or rotations). The preferential partition of a given total energy into internal modes of motion versus translational collision energy may allow a system to access the transition state more easily. The demonstration may also aid in the teaching of isomerization reactions, collision theory, and state-resolved reaction dynamics.
Selective Electroless Metallization of Patterned Polymeric Films for Lithography Applications

The fabrication of electrical interconnects to provide power for and communication with computers as their component complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) devices continue to shrink in size presents significant materials and processing compatibility challenges. We describe here our efforts to address these challenges using top-surface imaging and hybrid photoresist/self-assembled monolayer patterning approaches, in conjunction with selective electroless metal deposition, to develop processes capable of fabricating appropriate submicron and nanoscale metal features useful as electrical interconnects, as well as plasma-etch-resistant masks and metal diffusion barriers. Our efforts focus on the development of cost-effective methods compatible with a manufacturing environment that satisfy materials and process constraints associated with CMOS device production. We demonstrate the fabrication of approximately 50-nm-width features in metal with high fidelity and sufficient control of edge acuity to satisfy current industry design rules using our processes and discuss the challenges and opportunities for fabrication of analogous sub-10-nm metal features.
Area socioeconomic status and mortality after coronary artery bypass graft surgery: The role of hospital volume

Background Individuals of low socioeconomic status (SES) have reduced access to coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). It is unknown if low-SES CABG patients have reduced access to hospitals with better outcomes. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of the California CABG Mortality Reporting Program, consisting of individuals with zip code information who underwent CABG at participating hospitals in 1999-2000 (n = 18961). Primary outcome measures were inhospital mortality after CABG; primary independent variables of interest were area-level SES, clinical risk factors, and hospital volume. We used 2-level hierarchical random-effects logit models to estimate the relationship between explanatory variables and inhospital mortality. Results Within high-volume hospitals, patients of low-SES areas had greater mortality than those of mid- and high-SES areas (2.5% vs 1.5% vs 1.8%, P = .024). However, there was no relationship between SES and mortality in lower-volume hospitals. Contrary to expectations, individuals of high-SES areas (42%) underwent surgery at low-volume hospitals more often than patients of low-SES areas (28%, P P Conclusions Mortality after CABG is modified by both SES and hospital volume. Within high-volume hospitals, patients of low-SES areas fared worse than patients of higher-SES areas. Patients of high SES tended to have CABG surgery at low-volume hospitals where mortality was greater and therefore had higher mortality than expected.
Permeation of large tetra-alkylammonium cations through mutant and wild-type voltage-gated sodium channels as revealed by relief of block at high voltage.

Many large organic cations are potent blockers of K+ channels and other cation-selective channels belonging to the P-region superfamily. However, the mechanism by which large hydrophobic cations enter and exit the narrow pores of these proteins is obscure. Previous work has shown that a conserved Lys residue in the DEKA locus of voltage-gated Na+ channels is an important determinant of Na+/K+ discrimination, exclusion of Ca2+, and molecular sieving of organic cations. In this study, we sought to determine whether the Lys(III) residue of the DEKA locus interacts with internal tetra-alkylammonium cations (TAA+) that block Na+ channels in a voltage-dependent fashion. We investigated block by a series of TAA+ cations of the wild-type rat muscle Na+ channel (DEKA) and two different mutants of the DEKA locus, DEAA and DERA, using whole-cell recording. TEA+ and larger TAA+ cations block both wild-type and DEAA channels. However, DEAA exhibits dramatic relief of block by large TAA+ cations as revealed by a positive inflection in the macroscopic I–V curve at voltages greater than +140 mV. Paradoxically, relief of block at high positive voltage is observed for large (e.g., tetrapentylammonium) but not small (e.g., TEA+) symmetrical TAA+ cations. The DEKA wild-type channel and the DERA mutant exhibit a similar relief-of-block phenomenon superimposed on background current rectification. The results indicate: (a) hydrophobic TAA+ cations with a molecular diameter as large as 15 A can permeate Na+ channels from inside to outside when driven by high positive voltage, and (b) the Lys(III) residue of the DEKA locus is an important determinant of inward rectification and internal block in Na+ channels. From these observations, we suggest that hydrophobic interfaces between subunits, pseudosubunits, or packed helices of P-region channel proteins may function in facilitating blocker access to the pore, and may thus play an important role in the blocking and permeation behavior of large TAA+ cations and potentially other kinds of local anesthetic molecules.
Extending the journey: leadership development beyond the MBA

Th is paper presents a user-friendly, virtually cost-free approach to leadership de- velopment that enables MBA alumni associations to leverage the talents and experiences of their members for continued professional development and career advancement. It utilizes peer-coaching methods, mentoring, and the communication capabilities of the internet to build upon the leadership development achievements common to MBA programs of study. Th e resulting E-Leadership Development Peer Coaching Network model is available to MBA programs and alumni associations to customize as they see fi t in order to meet the life-long learning needs of their members.
Recommended Practices: A Review of Schoolwide Preventative Programs and Strategies on Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is a growing concern among school-age students. The combination of increased access, ease, and use of Web-based communication are part of what attributes to the problem. Cyberbullying affects not only students, but also parents and administrators. Because schools have the ability to reach all groups involved, it may be practical for schools to implement preventive and support ongoing efforts to address the concern. Research shows that prevention programs focused at the school level will have the strongest effect. By implementing a consistent schoolwide approach to cyberbullying, it is hopeful that the benefits will carry through a student's academic career and beyond. This article reviews recent research and Web-based resources on existing programs and makes recommendations for schools to develop their own cyberbullying prevention program.
A rapid method to quantify left atrial contractile function: Doppler tissue imaging of the mitral annulus during atrial systole.

Aims: Assess the value of peak atrial systolic mitral annular velocity ( A ann) measured by Doppler tissue echocardiography to quantify left atrial systolic function. Methods: We studied a total of 61 adults; 10 subjects without history of heart disease and 51 patients with a history of atrial fibrillation or undergoing evaluation for left ventricular systolic or diastolic dysfunction. A ann was obtained by averaging peak atrial systolic mitral annular velocities from the septal, lateral, anterior, and inferior annulus. Left atrial fractional area change (FAC) and fractional volume change (FVC) during atrial systole were calculated. The correlation between peak atrial systolic mitral annular velocity ( A ann) and left atrial systolic FAC and FVC was determined. Results: Mean FAC and FVC were 27±12 and 40±14%, respectively; mean A ann was 11.2 ± 3.2 cm/s. Linear regression analysis showed correlation between A ann and FAC ( r = 0.71; p <0.001) and between A ann and FVC ( r = 0.74; p <0.001). Conclusions: Peak systolic mitral annular velocity correlates well with left atrial systolic FAC and FVC, thus providing an easy means to assess left atrial systolic function.
Morphogenesis and adhesion of Aureobasidium pullulans

Two strains of the dimorphic fungus Aureobasidium pullulans were grown in liquid and on solid media varying in carbon and nitrogen content, and on leaf surfaces. Hyphae were observed in all systems but comprised a very low proportion (often below quantitative detection) of the total biomass. In liquid media, hyphae were found sparsely and only in the wash-zone on walls of the culture flasks. Yeast phase growth (blastospores) occurred in pH-buffered media that were nutrient balanced, or continuously carbon-limited (fed-batch culture), or carbon-exhausted (batch culture). Blastospores exposed to conditions with limited nitrogen but sufficient organic carbon, or to acidified media, converted to swollen cells and chlamydospores. The latter morphotypes accumulated carbon internally as lipid granules, and then externally as capsular and soluble extracellular polysaccharide. They were cohesive and also adhered more strongly to cellulose membranes overlying agar media or to leaves than did blastospores. Pullulana...
Study of the ν3 and 2ν3 ← ν3 bands of 12CH3F by infrared laser sideband and submillimeter-wave spectroscopy

Abstract An infrared laser sideband spectrometer operating in the CO 2 laser region with 8- to 18-GHz sidebands has been used to record 266 transitions in the ν 3 band and 84 transitions in the 2 ν 3 ← ν 3 band of 12 CH 3 F. The accuracy of the measured frequencies is estimated to be 1–3 MHz. A millimeter/submillimeter-wave spectrometer has been used to record the spectra of 48 pure rotational transitions in the ground vibrational state and 55 transitions in the v 3 = 1 vibrational state with an accuracy of 20–90 kHz. The new measurements have been combined with previous radio frequency and infrared laser results to derive sets of constants for the ground, v 3 = 1, and v 3 = 2 states for this molecule. Tables of the vibrational dependence of the parameters and of the near coincidences of the ν 3 and 2 ν 3 ← ν 3 band transitions with CO 2 laser frequencies are given.
Effects of acute inhibition of fatty acid oxidation on latency to seizure and concentrations of β hydroxybutyrate in plasma of rats maintained on calorie restriction and/or the ketogenic diet

Abstract The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of acute inhibition of fatty acid oxidation on plasma levels of β hydroxybutyrate and latency to PTZ-induced seizures in ad libitum- (AL), calorie-restricted normal rodent chow- (CR), and calorie-restricted ketogenic diet (KD)-fed young rats. Young (day 23) Sprague–Dawley rats were fasted for 8 h and then fed their respective diets for 21 days. On day 21 of the diet rats in each group received either saline or the fatty acid oxidation inhibitor mercaptoacetate (MA; 46 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.). Two hours later, all rats received pentylenetetrazole (PTZ; 10 mg/kg; i.p.) every 10 min until seizure onset. Results demonstrated that KD-fed rats had the longest ( P P P >0.10) between plasma β hydroxybutyrate and latency to seizure, suggesting that β hydroxybutyrate may be indirectly involved in the antiseizure effects of the KD. Fatty acid oxidation inhibition represents an experimental manipulation that may allow for more precise establishment and evaluation of levels of β hydroxybutyrate in plasma necessary for antiseizure effects of the KD.
Ionic Dependence of Reversal Voltage of the Light Response in Limulus Ventral Photoreceptors

The light-induced current as measured using a voltage clamp (holding voltage at resting potential) is attenuated when sodium ions in the bathing solution, Nao, are replaced by Tris, choline, or Li or when NaCl is replaced by sucrose. After replacement of NaCl by sucrose, the reversal voltage, Vrev, for the light response becomes more negative. In this case, the slope of the Vrev vs. log Nao near Nao = 425 mM is approximately 55 mV/decade increase of Nao (mean for 13 cells). The slope decreases at lower values of Nao. Choline is not impermeant and partially substitutes for Na; the slope of Vrev vs. log Nao is 20 mV/decade (mean for three cells). Vrev does not change when Na is replaced by Li. Decreases in the bath concentrations of Ca, Mg, Cl, or K do not affect Vrev. When Nao = 212 mM, Vrev becomes more positive when Ko is increased. Thus, light induces a change in membrane permeability to Na and probably also to K.
Designing a Content-Based Image Retrieval System

This chapter provides a deeper foundation on the key components of a Content-Based Image Retrieval (CBIR) system and presents selected design questions faced by anyone who wishes to implement their own CBIR system.
Force assistance function for human-machine cooperative telerobotics using fuzzy logic

Teleoperation performance can be improved through methods that combine remote operation with robotic techniques and lessen the inefficiencies and complexities inherent in teleoperation. The human machine cooperative telerobotics (HMCT) project uses robotic control techniques, called assistance functions, to enhance the ability of the human operator by modifying the operator's commands. This paper presents the concept of HMCT using the force assistance function based on fuzzy control.
Pre-formation SAR to SAR image registration

A critical step in the formation of multi-pass IFSAR and CCD products involves the registration to subpixel scales of two complex SAR images. This is usually performed as a two step process where correspondences between the images are determined followed by a warping of the imagery. Since more information is available in the phase history data (PHD) it might be expected that improved registration results could be achieved. This paper investigates a number of registration approaches in the PHD and shows that the techniques are equivalent to each other and to registration in the image domain. It is also demonstrated that processing in the PHD, although potentially minimizing the impact of numerical errors from resampling introduces complexity when estimating local registration estimates and has difficulty in regions that decorrelate.
Using network analyses within geographic information system technologies to quantify geometries of shear zone networks

Shear zones often exhibit anastomosing network geometries. Previous work has shown that the detailed geometries of shear zone networks may partially control strain localization, fluid flow, rheology, and deformation mechanisms. However, there are currently no reliable tools to quantify network geometries such as the distribution of individual small shear zones and the connectedness of the network. Geographic information systems (GIS) provide a potential method for quantifying network geometries. GIS-based networking analyses have been used to quantify many different types of other networks, and here they are applied to shear zones. Many parameters within GIS-based networking analyses are useful for quantifying shear zone network geometries, including the connectivity parameters gamma and alpha, sinuosity, and vertex distribution patterns. Sets of these parameters are useful to quantitatively distinguish geometrical patterns of shear zone networks over a variety of conditions. Further quantification of shear zone network geometries may allow us to link those geometries to shear zone mechanisms, strain accumulation, and rheology.
Film bulk acoustic resonator at 4.4 GHz with ultra low temperature coefficient of resonant frequency

This paper describes a temperature compensated film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) with temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (TCF) of -0.45 ppm//spl deg/C (between 85 and 110/spl deg/C) at 4.4 GHz. The FBAR is composed of Al/ZnO/Al/SiO/sub 2/ on a surface micromachined cantilever that is released by XeF/sub 2/ vapor etching. Residual stress and material temperature parameters have been incorporated into simulations for optimal design of a temperature compensated FBAR.
Differential Susceptibility to Axonopathy in Necrotic and Non-Necrotic Perinatal White Matter Injury

Background and Purpose—White matter injury (WMI) is the leading cause of brain injury in preterm survivors and results in myelination failure. Although axonal degeneration occurs in necrotic lesions, the role of axonopathy in myelination failure remains controversial for diffuse non-necrotic WMI, which is currently the major form of WMI. We determined the burden of axonopathy in diffuse lesions. Methods—We analyzed WMI in a preterm fetal sheep model of global cerebral ischemia that replicates the relative burden of necrotic and non-necrotic human WMI. WMI was analyzed at 1 or 2 weeks after ischemia and identified by ex vivo high-field (11.7 Tesla) magnetic resonance imaging of fixed brain tissue. Axonal integrity was analyzed by immunohistochemical detection of axon injury markers and by transmission electron microscopy to quantify axon loss and degeneration in magnetic resonance imaging-defined lesions. Results—Axonal degeneration, defined by staining for neurofilament protein and β-amyloid precursor pro...
Recording lightspace so shadows and highlights vary with varying viewing illumination.

Methods are proposed to record the way in which objects respond to varying illumination—to capture and reproduce varying shadows and highlights and thus give the illusion that absent objects are present behind a “window” into which people may shine arbitrary lights of their choice. When the recording is viewed under two separate point sources, one sees a reproduction of the original scene with double shadows. When it is viewed outdoors, on an overcast day, one sees a reproduction of soft or almost nonexistent shadows, whereas the reproduction of the objects themselves remains sharply defined, regardless of the viewing illumination.
Hfq: the flexible RNA matchmaker

The RNA chaperone protein Hfq is critical to the function of small, base pairing RNAs in many bacteria. In the past few years, structures and modeling of wild type Hfq and assays of various mutants have documented that the homohexameric Hfq ring can contact RNA at four sites (proximal face, distal face, rim and C-terminal tail) and that different RNAs bind to these sites in various configurations. These studies together with novel in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches are beginning to give mechanistic insights into how Hfq acts to promote small RNA-mRNA pairing and indicate that flexibility is integral to the Hfq role in RNA matchmaking.
Iron Deficiency and Other Types of Anemia in Infants and Children

Anemia, defined as a hemoglobin level two standard deviations below the mean for age, is prevalent in infants and children worldwide. The evaluation of a child with anemia should begin with a thorough history and risk assessment. Characterizing the anemia as microcytic, normocytic, or macrocytic based on the mean corpuscular volume will aid in the workup and management. Microcytic anemia due to iron deficiency is the most common type of anemia in children. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend routine screening for anemia at 12 months of age; the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force found insufficient evidence to assess the benefits vs. harms of screening. Iron deficiency anemia, which can be associated with cognitive issues, is prevented and treated with iron supplements or increased intake of dietary iron. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force found insufficient evidence to recommend screening or treating pregnant women for iron deficiency anemia to improve maternal or neonatal outcomes. Delayed cord clamping can improve iron status in infancy, especially for at-risk populations, such as those who are preterm or small for gestational age. Normocytic anemia may be caused by congenital membranopathies, hemoglobinopathies, enzymopathies, metabolic defects, and immune-mediated destruction. An initial reticulocyte count is needed to determine bone marrow function. Macrocytic anemia, which is uncommon in children, warrants subsequent evaluation for vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies, hypothyroidism, hepatic disease, and bone marrow disorders.
Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumors: Current Update

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a mesenchymal neoplasm of intermediate biological potential with a predilection for the lung and abdominopelvic region. IMT represents the neoplastic subset of the family of inflammatory pseudotumors, an umbrella term for spindle cell proliferations of uncertain histogenesis with a variable inflammatory component. IMTs show characteristic fasciitis-like, compact spindle cell and hypocellular fibrous histologic patterns and distinctive molecular features. Imaging findings reflect pathologic features and vary from an ill-defined, infiltrating lesion to a wellcircumscribed, soft tissue mass owing to variable inflammatory, stromal, and myofibroblastic components.
Nature of an accelerator of prothrombin activation arising during storage of purified prothrombin.

SummaryAqueous solutions of purified prothrombin, stored in a freezer at —10°C, lose appreciable activity over a period of a few weeks. Concomitantly, these solutions gain the ability to accelerate the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin, as evidenced by an apparent increase in Ac-globulin activity of plasma analyzed by using the stored solutions as the prothrombin substrate. It is believed that prothrombin itself becomes modified and acquires accelerator properties. The possibility of an impurity acquiring these propertiesis not excluded, although that Is considered unlikely.
Sulfate metabolism in the intestinal mucosa of weanling and adult rats.

SummarySulfate metabolism in homogenates of rat intestinal mucosa was investigated in the jejunal and ileal segments. Direct comparisons were made between activities of homogenates of adult (43-day-old) and suckling (13-day-old) rats. The hydrolysis of p-nitrocatechol sulfate or p-nitrophenyl sulfate proceeded most rapidly in incubation mixtures which contained homogenates of ileal mucosa from 13-day-old rats. Sulfokinase activity was observed to be highest in homogenates of jejunal segments from suckling animals. In both cases the differences were marked, and may suggest important developmental changes in physiological function of these two segments of the gastrointestinal tract.
New Insights into the Metastable β Form of RDX

The secondary explosive RDX (1,3,5-trinitrohexahydro-1,3,5-triazine) has five known polymorphic forms, though only the α and β phases are observable at room temperature and pressure. Many literature reports suggest that the metastable β-RDX polymorph is extremely rare due to the limited number of solvents from which it can be grown and its facile conversion to the more stable α-RDX form. Herein we show that β-RDX can be consistently obtained using drop cast crystallization methods from a broad range of solvents [acetone, tetrahydrofuran (THF), nitromethane, dimethylsufoxide (DMSO)] and that crystals grown this way remain stable over extended periods of time up to a year. The distribution of α:β crystals as a function of solvent and drop concentration on various modified and unmodified glass surfaces was determined using Raman microscopy. β-RDX was the most prevalent phase deposited from dilute drops regardless of the solvent, though more concentrated DMSO drops tended to give either β or α exclusively. In...
Wellbore Stability Analysis for Horizontal Stratified Fractured Rock

During drilling operations,the wellbore sloughing occurred often in horizontal stratified fractured rock.Therefore,it is useful to develop strength model to analyze such formation to identify wellbore sloughing caused by horizontal stratified rock and to take proper measurements.This paper analyses stress and strain in horizontal stratified fracture rock and a compression model for compressive strength of interfaces of horizontal stratified rock was created.Considering well problems in Xujiaweizi,Daqing Oilfield,including wellbore instability,wells collapse,and the serious swap block,a reasonable collapse pressure was determined for horizontal stratified rock based on laboratory experiments.This ensures the wellbore stability in this block.
245 INFLAMMATORY MEDIATORS AS PREDICTORS OF NEONATAL SEPSIS.

Despite the frequency and severity of sepsis in neonatal intensive care units, diagnosing infections remains difficult and time consuming and lacks sensitivity. Evaluating clinical data in conjunction with serial inflammatory mediators may improve detection, ideally before clinical signs and symptoms are present. We designed a pilot study to determine whether a complex computational model evaluating changes in inflammatory mediators combined with clinical data could assist in early detection of neonatal infection. Eligible infants were
An improved method of topical cardiac hypothermia.

Current methods of myocardial protection usually employ cardioplegic arrest together with topical hypothermia by pericardial lavage. Pericardial lavage is inconvenient, inconsistent, and noisy; it wastes blood; it cannot cool the right ventricle effectively. We use a new myocardial protection jacket to cool the heart during operations other than simple coronary bypass procedures. Myocardial temperatures are maintained at 7° to 14° C indefinitely without reinfusion of cardioplegia solution. The jacket is a more convenient and much more effective method of obtaining profound topical hypothermia.
Abstract LB-358: Plasma HGF level is associated with obesity, increased risk and reduced survival of pancreatic cancer

Background : Obesity is one of the modifiable risk factors for the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. However, the mechanisms of obesity-related pancreatic cancer has not been well defined. In our previous analysis of the genome-wide association data, we identified a significant interaction of obesity with cytokine signaling pathway. Methods: In the current study, we selected several genes from this pathway that code for secreted or membrane proteins and measured the protein levels in plasma samples of 100 pancreatic patients and 100 healthy controls drawn from a case-control study conducted at MD Anderson. Cases and controls were frequency matched by age, sex, race and body mass index (BMI). Plasma levels of HGF (hepatocyte growth factor), MIP-1β (microphage infiltration factor 1-beta), FasL (Fas ligand) and PLA2 (phospholipase A2) were measured using the Luminex and ELISA methods. The protein levels were analyzed in relation to cancer risk and patient survival using analysis of variance, non-parametric test, Kaplan Meier plot, log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazard regression models. Results: A significantly higher level of HGF and MIP-1β and lower level of FasL was observed in cancer patients than in controls, with the mean values of 365.7 vs. 146.2 pg/ml, P P = 0.002, 23.1 versus 29.4 pg/ml, P P P = 0.001) increased risk of pancreatic cancer with adjustment for other known risk factors. Furthermore, a significant association of HGF level with BMI was observed in cases (R 2 = 0.269, P = 0.005). The HGF level (mean ± SE pg/ml) was significantly higher in obese (682±204) than that in overweight (268±40) or normal weight patients (313±71), P = 0.01 and 0.005, respectively. Patients with higher levels of HGF had a significantly reduced overall survival than those with lower levels (9.3 vs. 13.3 months, P = 0.006). Cox proportional hazard regression analysis demonstrated that a higher level of HGF was an independent prognostic factor (Hazard Ratio = 2.61, 95% CI = 1.22-5.64, P = 0.01) after adjusting for BMI, disease stage and other clinical factors. Conclusion: A higher plasma level of HGF was related to obesity and overall survival in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, which may serve as a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker for pancreatic cancer. Citation Format: Dong Yan, Ping Chang, Donghui Li. Plasma HGF level is associated with obesity, increased risk and reduced survival of pancreatic cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-358.
Analysis of citation networks as a new tool for scientific research

The rapid growth of scientific publications necessitates new methods to understand the direction of scientific research within fields of study, ascertain the importance of particular groups, authors, or institutions, compute metrics that can determine the importance (centrality) of particular seminal papers, and provide insight into the social (collaboration) networks that are present. We present one such method based on analysis of citation networks, using the freely available CiteSpace Program. We use citation network analysis on three examples, including a single material that has been widely explored in the last decade (BiFeO3), two small subfields with a minimal number of authors (flexoelectricity and Kitaev physics), and a much wider field with thousands of publications pertaining to a single technique (scanning tunneling microscopy). Interpretation of the analysis and key insights into the fields, such as whether the fields are experiencing resurgence or stagnation, are discussed, and author or collaboration networks that are prominent are determined. Such methods represent a paradigm shift in our way of dealing with the large volume of scientific publications and could change the way literature searches and reviews are conducted, as well as how the impact of specific work is assessed.
Stationary Gaussian Markov processes as limits of stationary autoregressive time series

We consider the class, C p , of all zero mean stationary Gaussian processes, { Y t : t ź ( - ∞ , ∞ ) } with p derivatives, for which the vector valued process { ( Y t ( 0 ) , ź , Y t ( p ) ) : t ź 0 } is a p + 1 -vector Markov process, where Y t ( 0 ) = Y ( t ) . We provide a rigorous description and treatment of these stationary Gaussian processes as limits of stationary AR( p ) time series.
Human-robot trust and cooperation through a game theoretic framework

Trust and cooperation are fundamental to human interactions. How much we trust other people directly influences the decisions we make and our willingness to cooperate. It thus seems natural that trust be equally important in successful human-robot interaction (HRI), since how much a human trusts a robot affects how they might interact with it. We propose using a coin entrustment game, a variant of prisoner’s dilemma, to measure trust and cooperation as separate phenomenon between human and robot agents. With this game, we test the following hypotheses: (1) Humans will achieve and maintain higher levels of trust when interacting with what they believe to be a robot than with another human; and (2) humans will cooperate more readily with robots and will maintain a higher level of cooperation. This work contributes an experimental paradigm that uses the coin entrustment game as a way to test our hypotheses. Our empirical analysis shows that humans tend to trust robots to a greater degree than other humans, while cooperating equally well in both.
How one woman used regression to influence the salaries of many

Amanda Golbeck tells the story of Elizabeth Scott, the Berkeley statistics professor who spent two decades analysing inequities in academic salaries and advocating for change
Advancement in Photothermal Effect of Carbon Nanotubes by Grafting of Poly(amidoamine) and Deposition of CdS Nanocrystallites.

A robust, near-infrared (NIR) active photothermal agent, CNTs-PAMAM/G4-CdS, is designed by covalent grafting of fourth generation poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) to carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and successive deposition of cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanocrystallites. The systematic advancement in photothermal effect of CNTs was achieved by grafting of first, second, third, and fourth generation PAMAM through the repeated process of Michael’s addition. The subsequent deposition of CdS nanocrystallites over fourth generation PAMAM grafted CNTs has further improved the photothermal effect (PTE) of CNTs. The photothermal effect of CNTs-PAMAM/G4-CdS was accessed by illuminating with 980 nm NIR laser. During measurement of PTE, maximum temperature attained by CNTs-PAMAM/G4-CdS was 64.1 °C which far exceeds the survival temperature of cancer cells. The photothermal conversion efficiency estimated for CNTs-PAMAM/G4-CdS was 32%, which is higher than the value reported for popular gold and copper based photothermal agents. Apart fr...
Modeling multivariate spatio-temporal remote sensing data with large gaps

Prediction models for multivariate spatio-temporal functions in geosciences are typically developed using supervised learning from attributes collected by remote sensing instruments collocated with the outcome variable provided at sparsely located sites. In such collocated data there are often large temporal gaps due to missing attribute values at sites where outcome labels are available. Our objective is to develop more accurate spatio-temporal predictors by using enlarged collocated data obtained by imputing missing attributes at time and locations where outcome labels are available. The proposed method for large gaps estimation in space and time (called LarGEST) exploits temporal correlation of attributes, correlations among multiple attributes collected at the same time and space, and spatial correlations among attributes from multiple sites. LarGEST outperformed alternative methods in imputing up to 80% of randomly missing observations at a synthetic spatio-temporal signal and at a model of fluoride content in a water distribution system. LarGEST was also applied for imputing 80% of nonrandom missing values in data from one of the most challenging Earth science problems related to aerosol properties. Using such enlarged data a predictor of aerosol optical depth is developed that was much more accurate than predictors based on alternative imputation methods when tested rigorously over entire continental US in year 2005.
Nucleotide Sequences in Nematode Systematics

The addition of nucleotide sequence data to systematics has dramatically altered the study of relationships among organisms. In some respects, it has merely intensified the debate involving congruence between morphological and nonmorphological data sets (Patterson et al., 1993; Swofford, 1991; Hillis, 1987). In other regards, it has shifted the focus of the debate to methods of handling large data sets comprised of nonmorphological characters (Felsenstein, 1988; Hillis and Huelsenbeck, 1992; Simon, 1991; Swofford and Olsen, 1990). Nucleotide sequence alignment, assessments of homology, tree building protocols, and tree optimization and evaluation procedures are all recognized as critical components in contemporary systematic analysis. It is indisputable that molecular methods will have an impact in nematode systematics. Already there is a rapidly accumulating literature in molecular systematics, albeit some of it rather obtuse and difficult to interpret. Some fields, such as mammalian systematics, have vigorously embraced the new technologies. Nematode molecular systematics is in its infancy, with less than a dozen technical papers using nucleotide sequence data to assess relationships among nematodes. Yet it could be argued that molecular systematics will have its greatest impact among the lesser understood taxa, those that have received scant attention due to small size of the organisms and conservation of morphological characters. Molecular systematics can put nematodes on the same footing as better understood organisms.
Chromosomal translocations in AML: detection and prognostic significance.

Clonal chromosome abnormalities are hallmarks of various cancer types. Non-random chromosome translocations have been identified in hematological malignancies over five decades due to their ability to yield informative metaphases. Among the various chromosome aberrations commonly found in different cancer types including deletions, duplications, and aneuploidy, balanced reciprocal translocations have been identified with remarkable specificity in hematological malignancies and soft tissue sarcomas. Recurrent chromosome aberrations are used as markers for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment follow-up. The fusion and deregulated genes cloned from the site of translocation breakpoints are implicated in tumorigenesis. It has been well established that common molecular consequences of non-random reciprocal translocations result in the formation of a fusion gene from the breakpoints in the introns of two different genes on the same or different chromosome. Most of the fusion genes described in hematological malignancies are transcription factor genes and tyrosine kinases, conferring proliferative advantage to the leukemic clone.
Direct Estimation of Rotation from Two Frames via Epipolar Search

A direct method for estimating the rotational motion between two image frames is developed. The algorithm does not require knowledge of image correspondences, optical flow or scene structure and only assumes approximate knowledge of the translational motion. Spatial and temporal intensity gradients are avoided, resulting in an algorithm that is noise resistant. Moreover, the algorithm does not assume a particular projection model and is valid for both orthographic and perspective models.
Storytelling with Signal Injection: Focusing Stories with Domain Knowledge

Given a beginning and ending document, automated storytelling attempts to fill in intermediary documents to form a coherent story. This is a common problem for analysts; they often have two snippets of information and want to find the other pieces that relate them. The goal of storytelling is to help the analysts limit the number of documents that must be sifted through and show connections between events, people, organizations, and places. But existing algorithms fail to allow for the insertion of analyst knowledge into the story generation process. Often times, analysts have an understanding of the situation or prior knowledge that could be used to focus the story in a better way. A storytelling algorithm is proposed as a multi-criteria optimization problem that allows for signal injection by the analyst while maintaining good story flow and content.
Affectionate Communication in Close Relationships

Few communication behaviors are more consequential to the development and maintenance of close relationships than the expression of affection. Indeed, people often use affectionate gestures to initiate or accelerate relationship development. In contrast, the absence of affection in established relationships frequently coincides with relational deterioration. This text explores the scientific research on affection exchange that has emerged from the disciplines of communication, social and clinical psychology, family studies, psychophysiology, sociology, nursing, and behavioral health. Specific points of focus include the individual and relational benefits - including health benefits - of affectionate behavior, the significant detriments associated with lacking sufficient affection, and the risks of expressing affection. It also discusses the primary social and cultural influences on affection exchange, critiques principal theories and measurement models, and offers suggestions for future empirical research.
Darolutamide: An Evidenced-Based Review of Its Efficacy and Safety in the Treatment of Prostate Cancer.

Men treated with androgen deprivation therapy for rising PSA after failed local therapy will often develop castrate resistance, and the appearance of metastases predicts a poor prognosis. Thus, researchers have long sought to prolong the onset of metastasis in patients with nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Until 2018, patients in this group had no FDA-approved treatment options. They were typically managed with androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) to maintain castrate systemic testosterone levels and given approved therapies for metastatic CRPC once metastases appeared. However, third-generation androgen receptor inhibitors (ARIs) have dramatically changed the treatment paradigm, having shown the ability to extend metastasis-free survival (MFS) significantly over ADT alone in Phase 3 trials. The newest of these, darolutamide, prolonged MFS 22 months over placebo while also improving a host of secondary and exploratory endpoints such as overall survival (OS), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression and time to pain progression, chemotherapy initiation, and symptomatic skeletal events. Among third-generation ARIs, darolutamide is unique in that it incorporates two pharmacologically active diastereomers and has demonstrated resistance to all known androgen receptor (AR) mutations. Additionally, patients taking darolutamide appear to experience comparatively few central nervous system-related adverse events (AEs) such as fatigue and falls, and no increases in seizures have been reported in the drug’s clinical or preclinical development. Various authors attribute the low incidence of CNS-related AEs to darolutamide’s minimal penetration of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Other side effects ranging from hot flashes to hypothyroidism also occurred at rates similar to those of the placebo arm in Phase 3. As ADT in itself raises cardiovascular risk, the cardiovascular safety of third-generation antiandrogens as a category warrants continued scrutiny. In total, however, published data suggest that darolutamide provides a reasonable option for patients with nonmetastatic CRPC. Ongoing research will determine darolutamide’s potential role in additional disease states such as localized and castration-sensitive PCa.
Test Takers’ Response Tendencies in Alternative Item Formats: A Cognitive Science Approach

We investigated how item formats influence test takers’ response tendencies under uncertainty. Adult participants solved content-equivalent math items in three formats: multiple-selection multiple-...
Where have the surgical patients gone during the COVID-19 pandemic?

ABSTRACT A Commentary on Emergency Surgery at the Epicenter of the COVID-19 Pandemic RESUMO Um comentario sobre cirurgia de emergencia em meio a pandemia de COVID 19
Tethered NOS-3, a nematode Nanos RNA-binding protein, enhances reporter expression and mRNA stability

Robust methods are critical for testing the in vivo regulatory mechanism of RNA binding proteins. Here we report improvement of a protein-mRNA tethering assay to probe the function of an RNA binding protein in its natural context within the C. elegans adult germline. The assay relies on a dual reporter expressing two mRNAs from a single promoter and resolved by trans-splicing. The gfp reporter 3UTR harbors functional binding elements for {lambda}N22 peptide, while the mCherry reporter 3UTR carries mutated nonfunctional elements. This strategy enables internally controlled quantitation of reporter protein by immunofluorescence and mRNA by smFISH. To test the new system, we analyzed a C. elegans Nanos protein, NOS-3, which serves as a post-transcriptional regulator of germ cell fate. Unexpectedly, tethered NOS-3 enhanced reporter expression. We confirmed this enhancement activity with a second reporter engineered at an endogenous germline gene. NOS-3 enhancement of reporter expression was associated with its N-terminal intrinsically disordered region, not its C-terminal zinc fingers. RNA quantitation revealed that tethered NOS-3 enhances stability of the reporter mRNA. We suggest that this direct NOS-3 enhancement activity may explain a paradox: classically Nanos proteins are expected to repress RNA, but nos-3 had been found to promote gld-1 expression, an effect that could be direct. Regardless, the new dual reporter dramatically improves in situ quantitation of reporter expression after RBP tethering to determine its molecular mechanism in a multicellular tissue.
Thermal parameter identification for non-Fourier heat transfer from molecular dynamics

Fourier's law leads to a diffusive model of heat transfer in which a thermal signal propagates infinitely fast and the only material parameter is the thermal conductivity. In micro- and nano-scale systems, non-Fourier effects involving coupled diffusion and wavelike propagation of heat can become important. An extension of Fourier's law to account for such effects leads to a Jeffreys-type model for heat transfer with two relaxation times. We propose a new Thermal Parameter Identification (TPI) method for obtaining the Jeffreys-type thermal parameters from molecular dynamics simulations. The TPI method makes use of a nonlinear regression-based approach for obtaining the coefficients in analytical expressions for cosine and sine-weighted averages of temperature and heat flux over the length of the system. The method is applied to argon nanobeams over a range of temperature and system sizes. The results for thermal conductivity are found to be in good agreement with standard Green-Kubo and direct method calculations. The TPI method is more efficient for systems with high diffusivity and has the advantage, that unlike the direct method, it is free from the influence of thermostats. In addition, the method provides the thermal relaxation times for argon. Using the determined parameters, the Jeffreys-type model is able to reproduce the molecular dynamics results for a short-duration heat pulse where wavelike propagation of heat is observed thereby confirming the existence of second sound in argon. An implementation of the TPI method in MATLAB is available as part of the online supplementary material.
Impact of donor left ventricular hypertrophy on survival after heart transplant.

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) of the donor heart is believed to increase the risk of allograft failure after transplant. However this effect is not well quantified, with variable findings from single-center studies. The United Network for Organ Sharing database was used to analyze the effect of donor LVH on recipient survival. Three cohorts, selected in accordance with the American Society of Echocardiography guidelines, were examined: recipients of allografts without LVH ( 55 years, and in recipients of allografts with LVH and ischemic time ≥4 h. In the contemporary era, close to half of all transplanted allografts demonstrate LVH, and survival of these recipients is similar to those without LVH. However, the use of allografts with LVH in association with other high-risk characteristics may result in increased mortality.