cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relationships among land use, soil texture, species richness, and soil carbon in Midwestern tallgrass prairie, CRP and crop lands

Abstract Accumulation of soil carbon (C) in ecosystems could help mitigate climate change, particularly in agricultural landscapes, but accumulation rates are thought to depend on land cover and management practices. To uncover relationships between soil properties and vegetation management strategies in the Midwestern USA, we examined soil C and nitrogen (N) content on lands under five management types that produced different levels of plant species diversity: remnant prairies, high-, medium- and low-diversity grassland restorations, and crop fields. We examined the relationships of soil C, labile C, and N with plant species richness, aboveground biomass production and silt + clay content on land under each of the five management types, in two non-adjacent counties. Field plots were located in sites predicted to have mid-range soil C contents for each county (2.0–2.5% or 2.4–2.9%) based on a SOLIM (Soil Land Inference Model) C model ( Libohova, 2010 ), in an effort to limit variability among sites. However, we found that soil texture data from the Soil Survey Geographic Database (SSURGO; the base data layer for SOLIM) frequently overestimated silt + clay content relative to the hydrometer-measured silt + clay content of our collected soil samples. We found that the low-diversity restorations (which were the most productive sites) had the greatest soil C and N content over the full soil profile (to 90 cm depth). On average soil C was 1.3 and 1.9 times greater, and soil N was 3.7 and 1.5 times greater, in the low diversity restorations compared to remnant prairies in Newton and Lee Counties, respectively. This was likely a consequence of (and a driver of) the high biomass production of the grasses that tended to dominate these fields. We attribute low soil C content in the remnant prairies and high diversity restorations in large part to the patterns of soil texture that led to the historical patterns of land use change, in which less productive areas were left as prairie and the more productive areas tilled. Labile C was highest in the low-diversity restorations at the 0–15 and 15–30 cm depths in both counties. Labile C was greatest from 0–15 cm and decreased with soil depth. Patterns of soil C across the intensely cultivated Midwestern landscape depend on the interaction between the suitability of soil for cultivation, and historical land management in terms of both the soil and vegetation. Our results suggest that the more heavily managed and productive fields in this region often harbor the greatest soil C, and that this soil C cannot be accurately predicted from the SSURGO database, highlighting the challenges and opportunities associated with maintaining and sequestering soil C in the Midwestern agricultural landscape.
Vital Statistics of a Largemouth Bass Population in Minnesota from Electrofishing and Angler‐Supplied Data

Abstract Three methods of determining the structure of a largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides population were evaluated. Angler-supplied data from tournaments and diaries kept by interested anglers were compared to data obtained from spring electrofishing surveys. Data on length-frequency distributions, mortality rates, and population estimates from the three methods were similar. Age-frequency distributions and growth rates derived from the electrofishing and tournament samples also were consistent. From creel surveys, electrofishing activities, tournaments, and examination of diaries, biologists were able to collect data at the rate of 1, 5, 15, and 40 fish per hour, respectively. This study demonstrated that large amounts of reliable data on a largemouth bass population can be obtained economically from volunteer anglers.
A web-based little man computer simulator

This paper describes a web-based simulation tool which can be used to teach introductory computer organization based on the conceptual paradigm of a Little Man Computer. Specifically we share examples how this tool can be used to improve student comprehension of the interaction between computer architecture, assembly language, and the operating system.
CHANGES IN GLYCERALDEHYDE 3-PHOSPHATE DEHYDROGENASE ACTIVITY IN SHOOT APICAL MERISTEMS OF BRASSICA CAMPESTRIS DURING TRANSITION TO FLOWERING'

An assay system has been developed for the histochemical determination of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PD) activity to indicate glycolytic pathway capacity during evocation in the shoot apical meristem of Brassica campestris L. G3PD activity was differentially distributed in a zonate pattern within the meristems at the vegetative, the transition, and the floral stages. The activity of G3PD changed in all apical zones of evoked apices, but especially in the central and the peripheral zones of apices at the prefloral stage. In the prefloral stage of development heavy enzyme activity was localized in island-like areas within the peripheral zone. These results indicate that 1) the capacity of glycolysis fluctuates during evocation, 2) during floral evocation the capacity of the glycolytic pathway parallels the capacity of the citric acid cycle and the electron transport system only at the prefloral stage, and 3) G3PD activity marks incipient floral primordia. It is proposed that the enzymic marking of an incipient floral
Concomitant polymorphism and conformational polymorphism in diiodobis[1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane]platinum(II)

The title organometallic compound crystallizes in two different polymorphic modifications. The conformational differences between the two crystalline modifications lead to differences in crystal packing and thus result in the formation of the two polymorphic forms. Both structures are stabilized by weak non-covalent interactions. The change in the phenyl ring rotation from one structure to the other results in the formation of two distinct network structures in the dimorphs.
Predictors of English-Language Proficiency Among Immigrant Youth

This article describes the language skills and factors that predict English-language proficiency for a sample of 209 students ages 10 to 16 from three immigrant groups—Chinese, Dominican, and Haitian. Sources of data included structured student interviews, parent interviews, and individual language assessments. On average, students' English-language proficiency was far below their age and grade level with only 15 students scoring average or above average for their age. Significant differences were found among the groups. Demographic and language factors were found to predict students' language skills with differential effects across groups. Implications for the learning and education of these students are discussed.
Risk and obligation: health professionals and the risk of AIDS.

Abstract This essay deals with the question of risk-taking by physicians and other health professionals when confronted with AIDS patients. The duty to take risks, and consequently to treat patients who have AIDS, is examined (a) from a historical perspective; (b) by considering fear and courage in the medical setting; (c) by considering views of community, justice, and the social contract; and (d) in light of notions of professionalism and obligation. It is concluded that health professionals have a historically grounded obligation to assume “reasonable” risks in dealing with such patients, that “reasonable” is defined by the community, and that this modifiable obligation emerges from views of community, justice, and professionalism.
A new energy source for organic synthesis in Europa's surface ice

[1] Colored regions on Jupiter's satellite Europa and other icy bodies in the outer solar system may be contaminated by organic macromolecular solid material that is produced when surface ices are exposed to electrical energy. Hypervelocity meteorite impacts and fracture may release tidal and tectonic stresses in icy crusts in the form of electrical discharges, which provide the energy for in situ synthesis of the organic solids. We report for the first time here on measurements of electrical discharge, light emission, and magnetic phenomena in hypervelocity impacts into ice with small iron projectiles having velocities ∼5 km s−1. In these experiments, part of the impacting projectile's kinetic energy is converted into electrical potential, while the mechanical disruption of the impact also causes the release of stress energy as light, heat, and electrical and magnetic fields as secondary emissions. These new energy sources described here suggest that the dark material in the area of impact craters may be solid phase, complex organic material called tholin, generated from the energy of the impacts. The morphology of Europa's impact craters is suggestive of fluidized colored material welling up from the fracture zone, probably during crater formation, but possibly later. Large pools of liquid water might persist under the meteorite crater for thousands of years [Thomson and Sagan, 1992], with the potential for prebiotic chemistry to take place at an accelerated rate due to energy pumped in from the secondary emissions.
Interaction of spin-labeled tryptamine with monoamine oxidase: probing the microenvironment of the active site by spin probe-spin label techniques.

Abstract The spin-labeled substrate, tryptamine, was used as a structural probe of the active site of bovine liver monoamine oxidase B (amine: oxygen oxidoreductase (deaminating) (flavin-containing), EC 1.4.3.4). When the reaction was monitored by electron spin resonance (ESR), line broadening effects indicative of binding with an apparent relation to substrate specificity of the highly purified enzyme were observed. The spectrum indicated that the bound tryptamine was ‘partially immobilized’ with a dissociation constant of 39 μM and 2.2 mol bound per enzyme dimer. The correlation time, reflecting the environment of the tryptamine binding site, was determined to be 6.2 ns. The topology of the active site was investigated by using dual spin-label methodology in which the spin-labeled substrate, tryptamine, and the 15 N-substituted and deuterated maleimide spin label covalently bound to the essential sulfhydryl groups were used. The ESR spectral data suggested that the essential sulfhydryl groups are at least 14 A away from the tryptamine-binding site. The environment surrounding both spin-labeled substrates, tryptamine and [ 2 H, 15 N]MSL, and the motional properties of the enzyme are discussed.
Linearised differential transconductors in subthreshold CMOS

Three schemes for linearising the transconductance of the basic differential pair in subthreshold CMOS are examined: (i) multiple asymmetric differential pairs, (ii) source degeneration via symmetric diffusers, and (iii) source degeneration via a single diffuser. Using a maximally flat optimising criterion, the linear range of the basic differential pair can be increased by 4-8 times.< >
Repeat Prostate Biopsy and the Incremental Risk of Clinically Insignificant Prostate Cancer

Objectives To determine the incremental risk of diagnosis of clinically insignificant prostate cancer with serial prostate biopsies. Methods We reviewed our institutional radical prostatectomy (RP) database comprising 2411 consecutive patients undergoing RP. We then stratified patients by the prostate biopsy on which their cancer was diagnosed and correlated biopsy number with the risk of clinically insignificant disease and adverse pathology at radical prostatectomy. Results A total of 1867 (77.4%), 281 (11.9%), and 175 (7.3%) patients underwent 1, 2, and 3 or more prostate biopsies, respectively, before RP. Increasing number of prostate biopsies was associated with increasing prostate volume ( P P P P P P Conclusions Patients undergoing multiple prostate biopsies before RP are more likely to harbor clinically insignificant prostate cancer than those who only undergo 1 biopsy before resection. Nonetheless, the risk of adverse pathology in patients undergoing serial biopsies remains significant. The increased risk of prostate cancer overdiagnosis and overtreatment must be balanced with the continued risk of clinically significant disease when counseling patients regarding serial biopsies.
Ductile fracture in pure silver under high-triaxial stresses

The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanism of ductile fracture in pure silver subjected to a triaxial stress state. This was accomplished by preparing mechanical-testing specimens of thin, constrained, silver interlayers. The general objective of this research was to determine the (perhaps common) mechanism for ductile fracture in materials subjected to a variety of triaxial stress states. The approach consisted of three tasks: first, the authors compared the Huang et al. numerically determined instability criterion for an axisymmetric principal stress state with the experimentally observed [sigma][sub m]/[sigma][sub y] values for simple, tensile-loaded, high-purity, silver interlayers at failure. This would determine whether the unstable cavity growth mechanisms can apply to the important case of low strain ductile failures in thin constrained interlayers loaded in tension. Second, they would experimentally examine (ductile) fractures under other triaxial stress states, such as axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric stress-states, apparently outside the HHT predicted limits of unstable cavity growth in elastic-perfectly plastic solids with [sigma][sub 2]/[sigma][sub 1] < 0.75 (for [sigma][sub y]/E [approx equal] 0.003). This would be followed by an analysis of the failure, particularly for the case of small macroscopic plastic strains to failure. This would include comparing the observed stress statesmore » associated with ductile failure in biaxially loaded interlayers with FEM predictions of the stress levels required for unstable cavity growth using identical stress states (i.e., [sigma][sub 1], [sigma][sub 2], and [sigma][sub 3] of the same ratios).« less
Special Masters in the Pretrial Development of Big Cases: Potential and Problems

This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of referring discovery matters in complex cases to special masters. In the first section Brazil explains how the results of his earlier research into the discovery system exposed problems that the appointment of masters might help solve. He then describes the kinds of pretrial tasks and roles federal courts have assigned to special masters and the ways that using a master can expedite and rationalize the case development process. In the second half of the article, the author assesses the major objections to delegating judicial responsibilities to masters and the problems that frequent appointments might cause. Along the way, Brazil offers practical suggestions to judges about how to avoid potential difficulties and how to maximize the effectiveness of this increasingly popular procedure.
Medication adherence behaviors of Medicare beneficiaries.

Background Medication adherence is crucial for positive outcomes in the management of chronic conditions. Comprehensive medication consultation can improve medication adherence by addressing intentional and unintentional nonadherence. The Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit has eliminated some cost barriers. We sought to examine variables that impact self-reported medication adherence behaviors in an ambulatory Medicare-beneficiary population and to identify the factors that influence what information is provided during a pharmacist consultation. Methods Medicare beneficiaries who attended health fairs in northern California were offered medication therapy management (MTM) services during which demographic, social, and health information, and responses to survey questions regarding adherence were collected. Beneficiaries were also asked which critical elements of a consultation were typically provided by their community pharmacist. Survey responses were examined as a function of demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related factors. Results Of the 586 beneficiaries who were provided MTM services, 575 (98%) completed the adherence questions. Of responders, 406 (70%) reported taking medications "all of the time". Of the remaining 169 (30%), the following reasons for nonadherence were provided: 123 (73%) forgetfulness; 18 (11%) side effects; and 17 (10%) the medication was not needed. Lower adherence rates were associated with difficulty paying for medication, presence of a medication-related problem, and certain symptomatic chronic conditions. Of the 532 who completed survey questions regarding the content of a typical pharmacist consultation, the topics included: 378 (71%) medication name and indication; 361 (68%) administration instructions; 307 (58%) side effects; 257 (48%) missed-dose instructions; and 245 (46%) interactions. Subsidy recipients and non-English speakers were significantly less likely to be counseled on drug name, indication, and side effects. The presence of certain health conditions was also associated with missing consultation elements. Conclusion While Medicare beneficiaries are generally adherent to medication therapy, adherence barriers must be identified and addressed during comprehensive medication consultation.
The influence of soil environmental variables on the degradation and volatility of methyl bromide in soil

Recent controversy over the potential role of methyl bromide (MeBr) in damaging the ozone layer has spurred interest in qualitatively increasing our understanding of the transformation and movement of this fumigant. In contrast to the extensive uses of this common agricultural fumigant, a paucity of data exits on the environmental fate of MeBr. Out research indicates that MeBr is rapidly volatilized from fumigated soil (within the first 24 h) and volatility significantly increases with temperature (35°C > 25°C > 15°C) and moisture (-3 kPa > -33 kPa > -300 kPa). Degradation of MeBr, measured by production of bromide ion (Br - ), was also positively related to temperature and moisture. Undisturbed soil column studies indicated that MeBr rapidly volatilized (>50% of the MeBr flux occurred in 48 h) and did not leach into subsurface soil. Residual MeBr was degraded in the soil column, as evident by the high concentrations of Br in the leachate water. These studies provide valuable information for assessing the fate of MeBr in soil, which should lead to more informed decisions for regulating its use.
Case Study: Trauma-Related Hallucinations

ABSTRACT Proper differential diagnosis of psychiatric disorders with psychotic symptoms is imperative, as the treatment implications of the various conditions are quite different. A case study of a 5-year-old abused child with posttraumatic stress disorder is presented to illustrate some of the characteristic features of psychotic symptoms in traumatized children. Literature reviewed suggests that trauma-related hallucinations frequently contain content which is related to children's life experiences, are exacerbated by “triggers” and safety concerns, resolve with psychotherapy or psychosocial interventions, and are resistant to standard neuroleptic treatments. They are also associated with unique clinical, familial, developmental, and psychobiological correlates, and they require multifaceted treatment interventions.
Health problems and health actions among community-dwelling older adults: Results of a health diary study

This study examined the health problems and health actions reported by a sample of older adults ( N = 60) who maintained health diaries over a 4-week period. The diary sample was 78% ( n = 47) White; 52% ( n = 31) were women, with a mean age of 75 years ( SD = 5.3). Content analysis was used to examine the types of health problems reported in the diaries, which health problems were likely to be considered an illness, and what health actions were reported. Respondents reported an average of four different types of health problems over the 4-week diary period. There were differences in symptom reports related to gender, age, or race. The most frequently reported health problems were musculoskeletal problems ( n = 38), runny nose and respiratory problems ( n = 24), gastrointestinal problems ( n = 22), and headaches ( n = 22). Only 36% of all health problems were considered to be illnesses. Subjects recorded a number of health actions in response to their health complaints, including over-the-counter (OTC) medication use (83%), prescription medication use (53%), self-care activities (72%), and professional consultation (43%). Specific strategies that subjects used to deal with various health problems, implications of the findings, and the usefulness of health diaries as a clinical tool are discussed.
Inhibition of glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase by analogs of glycerol-3-phosphate.

Abstract Analogs of glycerol-3-phosphate were tested as substrates or inhibitors of the glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferases of mitochondria and microsomes. (rac)-3,4-Dihydroxybutyl-1-phosphonate, (rac)-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate, (itrac)-3-hydroxy-4-oxobutyl-1-phosphonate, (1S,3S)-1,3,4-trihydroxybutyl-1-phosphonate, and (1R,3S)-1,3,4 trihydroxybutyl-1-phosphonate were competitive inhibitors of both mitochondrial and microsomal sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase activity. An isosteric analog of dihydroxyacetone phosphate, 4-hydroxy-3-oxobutyl-1-phosphonate, was a much stronger competitive inhibitor of the microsomal than the mitochondrial enzyme. Phenethyl alcohol was a noncompetitive inhibitor of both the microsomal and the mitochondrial acyltransferases. The product of the mitochondrial acyltransferase reaction with (rac)-3,4-dihydroxybutyl-1-phosphonate was almost exclusively (rac)-4-palmitoyloxy-3-hydroxybutyl-1-phosphonate. The microsomal acylation reaction generated both the mono-acyl product and (S)-3,4-dipalmitoyloxybutyl-1-phosphonate. The apparent Km for (S)-3,4-dihydroxybutyl-1-phosphonate was 2.50 and 1.38 mM for the mitochondrial and microsomal enzymes, respectively.
Preliminary evaluation of radiolabeled bitistatin as a potential agent for targeting integrins in tumor angiogenesis with pet

To determine whether bitistatin could target tumors by integrin receptors in tumor neovasculature for eventual imaging with PET, we tested the biodistribution of radioiodinated bitistatin in mice bearing mammary tumors. High uptake in tumor (up to 12% ID/g) was observed with maximum uptake at 2 hours. Uptake was primarily blockable and therefore receptor-mediated. These studies suggest that bitistatin, and possibly other disintegrins, have sufficient affinity for αvβ3 to localize in tumors, and that bitistatin labeled with a positron-emitting radionuclide such as 124I or 64Cu should enable tumor imaging with PET.
Glucocorticoid toxicity in the hippocampus: Temporal aspects of neuronal vulnerability

Glucocorticoids, the adrenocortical hormones secreted during stress, can be cumulatively toxic to hippocampal neurons, and this steroid-induced neuron loss has a role in functional impairments of the senescent hippocampus. The glucocorticoids, through their varied catabolic actions, appear to non-specifically induce metabolic vulnerability in the hippocampal neurons. As such, a wide variety of unrelated toxic insults which damage the hippocampus have their toxicity exacerbated by glucocorticoid treatment and attenuated by adrenalectomy. The present report demonstrates such a synergy between corticosterone (CORT), the species-specific glucocorticoid of rats, and 3-acetylpyridine (3-AP), a neurotoxic antimetabolite which inhibits ATP synthesis. When microinfused into Ammon's horn, 3-AP destroys dentate gyrus neurons preferentially. Administration of CORT at a concentration producing titers equivalent to those seen after prolonged stress, prior to and following 3-AP infusion, caused a 5-fold increase in the volume of hippocampal damage induced by the toxin. Conversely, adrenalectomy prior to microinfusion reduced the toxin's potency by more than 60%. Both the history of elevated CORT (i.e. prior to the 3-AP infusion) and the elevated CORT titers in the aftermath of the infusion contributed to the exaggerated damage. Finally, as little as 24 h of elevated CORT prior to and following the microinfusion could significantly potentiate toxin-induced damage. These studies present further evidence for CORT compromising the capacity of hippocampal neurons to survive a variety of toxic insults. Furthermore, the time-course of this effect suggests the relatively rapid metabolic actions of CORT as critical to this endangerment.
Dual Citizenship Rights: Do they Make More and Richer Citizens?

In the 1990s, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Brazil passed dual citizenship laws granting their expatriates the right to naturalize in the receiving country without losing their nationality of origin. I estimate the effects of these new laws on naturalization rates and labor market outcomes in the United States. Based on data from the 1990 and 2000 U.S. censuses, I find that immigrants recently granted dual nationality rights are more likely to naturalize relative to immigrants from other Latin American countries. They also experience relative employment and earnings gains, together with drops in welfare use, suggesting that dual citizenship rights not only increase the propensity to naturalize but may also promote economic assimilation. The effects of dual citizenship on improved economic performance, if mediated through naturalization, are consistent with American citizenship conferring greater economic opportunities.
Secure pairwise key establishment in large-scale sensor networks: An area partitioning and multigroup key predistribution approach

Existing pairwise key establishment schemes for large-scale sensor networks are vulnerable to various passive or active attacks. We classify attacks as selective node capture attacks, node fabrication attacks, and insider attacks. In order to improve the security robustness of random key predistribution and pairwise key establishment schemes against these attacks, we propose a five-phase pairwise key predistribution and pairwise key establishment approach by using area partitioning and multigroup key predistribution. Our security performance studies show that our proposed approach is resilient to selective node capture and node fabrication attacks, and restricts the consequence of any insider attack to a minimal level.
Results of an experiment using AUVs for shallow-water mine reconnaissance

As part of the South Florida Ocean Measurement Center in Ft. Lauderdale Florida, a shallow water range with mines has been set up for a series of MCM experiments using the FAU AUVs. The first experiment was conducted December of 1998. The planned objective was to quantify the performance of the Ocean Explorer AUV for mine reconnaissance tasks such as rapid environmental assessment, remote search, remote classification and remote identification of mine like objects both moored in the water column and laying on the sea floor. The primary sensors used for this test were high frequency side scan and ambient light video. In addition, a forward look sonar and a laser line scanner were fielded. A CTD and DVL/ADCP provide environmental data. The AUV first conducted a wide area side scan survey and environmental assessment. The AUV then returned and its data uploaded. Human operators post processed the side scan and manually detected and classified targets. The AUV was then programmed to revisit the targets and perform close in multiple sensor sweeps with side scan and video of each target. Manual post processing and analysis of this data proved sufficient information for more accurate classification and even identification of targets. This paper will present preliminary results of this experiment with likely implications to VSW MCM operations.
10-year outcome for men with localized prostate cancer treated with external radiation therapy: results of a cohort study.

ABSTRACTPurpose: We determine the efficacy of conventional dose, external beam radiation for localized prostate cancer using cohort analysis with maximized followup.Materials and Methods: A total of 205 men with T1-2 prostate cancer were treated with conventional external beam radiation to a median and modal dose of 68.4 Gy during a 16-month period from 1991 to 1993. Followup was maximized in these patients, and median followup for those alive with or without disease was 114 months.Results: Median patient age at treatment was 72 years, and overall survival at 5 and 10 years was 78% and 53%, respectively. The actuarial risk of local failure was 18% at 10 years as was the risk of metastatic disease. The actuarial risk of being free of biochemical failure at 10 years (American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology definition) was 49%. That risk was 42% if the definition was used without backdating failure to a time between last low value and first increase. When a crude analysis of 10-year outcome w...
Visualizing Higher-Order Conformations in Single DNA Molecules

Not simply a linear molecule, DNA is found in many higher-order conformations such as loops, plectonemes and condensed regions. Some of these conformations are mediated by proteins and others occur naturally. Much mechanical work has been done investigating these structures in single DNA molecules but, to date, none of these structures have been imaged in single-molecule experiments. Here, we present data visualizing some of these structures using combined fluorescence and force measurements and compare our data with previous mechanical measurements.
Testing of interconnection circuits in wafer-scale arrays

An efficient testing algorithm for interconnection circuits, including programmable switches and data links in wafer-scale reconfigurable arrays, is presented. Faulty programmable switches or data links are eliminated by finding fault-free paths in the switch grid obtained by isolating all computing units from the rest of a reconfigurable array. No internal test points are assumed. The algorithm is shown to achieve very high performance, even if cell yield is low.
Measurement of circulating ragweed antigen

Abstract 1.1. Ragweed antigen in the sera of hay fever patients has been demonstrated by the precipitin test and roughly quantitated in terms of volume of precipitate. 2.2. A trend was observed wherein the amount of precipitate was roughly proportionate to the severity of symptoms. 3.3. Correlation between the amount of circulating antigen, thermostable antibody, and reagins, and the relation of these values to the dosage of pollen extract and the pollen count, as well as a more accurate estimate of symptoms, are to be studied.
We Can Save Her: Managing Postpartum Hemorrhage

Poster Presentation Purpose for the Program Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal death. Because the incidence of PPH remains high, nurses must be prepared to identify the signs and symptoms, recognize maternal compromise, and deal with hemorrhage promptly. Proposed Change To incorporate protocols and training to better equip registered nurses (RNs) to manage PPH. Implementation, Outcomes, and Evaluation The Women & Children's Quality Committee drafted a nursing guideline that addressed the management of PPH based on the recommendations of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN). A three-drawer cart was purchased and stocked with supplies identified as essential by experienced nurses and physicians. The service-line pharmacist was consulted as to the best method to create and store an emergency medication box. The simulation coordinator drafted several PPH drills that incorporated the nursing guidelines and emergency cart. All staff RNs participated in annual simulation training, reviewed the PPH guideline, and completed a test regarding content. Although the incidence of PPH has not decreased on the postpartum unit, the incidence of transfers to labor and delivery following bleeding episodes has decreased. Nurses and physicians verbalized newly found efficiency when dealing with PPH. During emergency situations, many patients have commented how calm the staff are and how "everyone knew exactly what to do." Implications for Nursing Practice By identifying PPH promptly and providing swift interventions, maternal morbidity and mortality can be greatly reduced.
Chronic mallet finger: The use of Fowler's central slip release

The use of Fowler's central slip release is reported in five patients considered to be failures of closed management in a personal series of 100 consecutive "mallet fingers" seen over a period of 3 years. Fracture-subluxation of the distal interphalangeal joint, avulsion fractures of the extensor tendon, and distal phalangeal epiphyseal injuries are excluded to regidly control the data interpretation. In all five the central slip release was employed as a salvage procedure-as Fowler recommended. In four cases the result was rated as excellent; the remaining case was rated as good, with minimum follow-up of 1 year.
Base-driven leveling in Yiddish verb paradigms

A noteworthy feature of Yiddish present tense verbal inflection is that, unlike many other Germanic languages, Yiddish has virtually no irregular stem vowel changes. Whereas Middle High German (the source language for Yiddish verbal inflection1) had numerous subclasses of verbs with different patterns of present tense vowel alternations, Yiddish verbs have the same vowel for all persons and numbers:
The Irish Scheherazade: Conquering Death in Synge's THE PLAYBOY OF THE WESTERN WORLD

J. M. Synge's The Playboy of the Western World confounds many audiences and critics who struggle to understand why the villagers in the play not only shelter a murderer but also praise him as a her...
Ganglioside or sialic acid attenuates ethanol-induced decrements in locomotion, nose-poke exploration, and anxiety, but not body temperature.

Abstract Gilmore, N., Leela Cherian, and William R. Klemm: Ganglioside or sialic acid attenutates ethanol-induced decrements in locomotion, nose-poke exploration, & anxiety, but not body temperature. Prog. Neuro-Psychopharmacol. & Biol. Psychiat. 1991, 15 : 91–104. 1. 1. This laboratory has previously reported that pretreatment with ganglioside, or even with its constituent, sialic acid (SA), can attenuate certain intoxicating effects of ethanol. It was important to see if these findings could be replicated, particularly by using other measures of ethanol effects. Herein we report that pretreatment with either gangliosides or SA attenuated ethanol-induced decrements in locomotion, nosepoke exploration, and anxiety, but not body temperature. 2. 2. An ethanol dose of 4 gm/kg caused a temperature drop of about 3°C, which was unaffected by any pretreatment. The onset to sleep, however, was delayed an average of 18 or 36 secs in mice pretreated with ganglioside or SA, respectively. Ethanol-only (4 gm/kg) depressed mean cumulative locomotor activity to 31% of normal, whereas the depression was 83% of normal with beef brain ganglioside pretreatment. At 2 gm/kg, ethanol alone decreased nose poking in a hole-board test to 29% of normal, but the depression was only 55–63% of normal with SA or ganglioside pretreatment. In a staircase climbing anxiety test, this dose of ethanol had no effect by itself, but both ganglioside and SA pre-treatment increased climbing by 22%. Ethanol did depress rearing to only 11% of normal, whereas rearing was 51 and 99% of normal with SA and ganglioside pretreatment, respectively. In a dark-preference test, ethanol-only caused mice to spend 64% of the time in the light, compared to 31% for controls. Time in the light was only 39 and 46% with ganglioside and SA pretreatment, respectively. 3. 3. Blood levels of ethanol were not significantly affected by pretreatment. 4. 4. When given alone, gangliosides significantly stimulated locomotion and staircase climbing. SA significantly decreased rearing in the staircase test. Both gangliosides and SA tended to increase nose poking, number of crossings in the dark-preference test, and time in a lighted compartment. Thus, it is possible that some of the attenuation of intoxication is attributable to non-specific stimulant properties of gangliosides and SA.
Renormalization and Analysis of the Cottingham Formula and the Consistency of SU(3) and Electromagnetic Mass Shifts in Parton Models

We show that the divergent pieces of the Cottingham expression for electromagnetic mass shifts may always be identified, by means of structure-function sum rules, with the contributions (to the total mass shift) resulting from the divergent electromagnetic mass shifts and propagator renormalization of the bare partons themselves. This enables one to carry out a renormalization program, to first order in $\ensuremath{\alpha}$. The SU(3) and electromagnetic mass shifts of the baryon octet are analyzed and shown to display a substantial consistency with one another. Predictions for fixed poles in the Compton amplitudes of all baryons result once that for the proton is known. In addition we extract quark masses for a given value of the $\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{-}N \ensuremath{\sigma}$ term.
Use of venous contrast echocardiography for diagnosis of cardiac tamponade.

Abstract Two-dimensional echocardiography is the imaging modality of choice for detecting pericardial effusion. 1 If right ventricular and right atrial collapse is clearly demonstrated, the diagnosis of cardiac tamponade can be made with relative certainty. 2 It may be difficult to identify right-sided heart chamber collapse, however, if the image is of poor quality. Venous contrast echocardiography has been safely used in the diagnosis of intracardiac shunts and abnormal cardiac anatomy. 3,4 In pericardial effusion, its use has been limited to confirming proper needle tip position during pericardiocentesis. 5,6 To our knowledge venous contrast echocardiography has not been reported to facilitate the diagnosis of cardiac tamponade. We report 2 cases where its use was helpful in diagnosing cardiac tamponade.
Time-domain synthesis of recursive digital filters†

The synthesis of infinite memory digital filters for the operations of smoothing, filtering, prediction and differentiation is described. In the design, constraints are developed using a polynomial approximation to the signal. The noise is then minimized subject to the constraints using the method of Lagrangian multipliers.
Long-term assessment of renal function following nephrectomy for stage I renal carcinoma

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of nephrectomy on renal function in people who are potential candidates for nephron sparing surgery, i.e. partial nephrectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective analysis was carried out of 109 patients (35 women, 74 men) who had undergone a nephrectomy for stage I renal carcinoma at the University of Michigan between 1960 and 1979. All patients had a functioning contralateral kidney and had undergone at least one post-operative serum creatinine evaluation. Statistical analysis was by Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS One individual developed a transitional cell carcinoma in the remaining renal pelvis and was treated with nephroureterectomy. No other patient progressed to dialysis. Five patients had post-operative serum creatinine levels from 221 to 354 mumol/l, one of whom had undergone both a nephrectomy and a partial nephrectomy for bilateral renal tumours. The remaining four had renal disease including diabetes, hypertension, pyelonephritis and renal artery stenosis. There was a strong association between pre-operative and post-operative serum creatinine values. CONCLUSION Patients with low stage renal tumours and a normal contralateral kidney are at low risk of progression to renal failure.
Hidden Voices of Black Men The Meaning, Structure, and Complexity of Manhood

The adequacy of male role performance has dominated research on masculinity and manhood among Black men (Franklin, 1984; Frazier, 1939; Hare, 1971; Liebow, 1967; Moynihan, 1965; Pleck, 1981; Staples, 1982). Specifically, men's roles as economic providers or as patriarchs have been central to this work. Black males' struggles with manhood, whether a byproduct of structural barriers, cultural pathology, or both, are implicated as a contributor to the rates of female-headed households, never-married childbearing, and divorce in Black communities (Liebow, 1967; Staples, 1982; Wilson, 1987). However, the meaning of manhood has been treated as largely unidimensional and universal-man as economic provider and as head of the family. Further, what Black men are and what they should be is measured against the status and privilege of White males. The result is that we know little about how Black men define themselves either within or beyond conventional notions of masculinity and manhood.
Modeling fast-transient defect evolution and carrier recombination in pulse-neutron-irradiated Si devices

This work explores the feasibility of mechanistically modeling the transient behavior of defects and carriers in bipolar Si devices exposed to pulses of MeV neutrons. Our approach entails a detailed, finite-element treatment of the diffusion, field-drift, and reactions of well-established primal defects and reacted states, taking into account the localization of displacement damage within secondary cascades. The modeling captures a variety of the properties of pulse-neutron-irradiated transistors observed from electrical measurements and deep-level transient spectroscopy, using parameter values consistent with independently available information.
Alloying and coating strategies for improved Pb–Li compatibility in DEMO-type fusion reactors

Abstract Two strategies were explored to improve the Pb–16Li compatibility of Fe-base alloys for a fusion energy blanket system. The use of thin (∼50 μm) Al-rich diffusion coatings on Grade 92 (9Cr–2W) substrates significantly reduced the mass loss in static Pb–Li capsule tests for up to 5000 h at 600 °C and 700 °C. However, significant Al loss was observed at 700 °C. Thicker coatings with Fe–Al intermetallic layers partially spalled after exposure at 700 °C, suggesting that coating strategies are limited to lower temperatures. To identify compositions for further alloy development, model FeCrAlY alloys with 10–20 wt.%Cr and 3–5%Al were exposed for 1000 h at 700 °C. There was little effect on mass change of varying the Cr content, however, alloys with
Liver fatty acid-binding protein and obesity

While low levels of unesterified long chain fatty acids (LCFAs) are normal metabolic intermediates of dietary and endogenous fat, LCFAs are also potent regulators of key receptors/enzymes and at high levels become toxic detergents within the cell. Elevated levels of LCFAs are associated with diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome. Consequently, mammals evolved fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) that bind/sequester these potentially toxic free fatty acids in the cytosol and present them for rapid removal in oxidative (mitochondria, peroxisomes) or storage (endoplasmic reticulum, lipid droplets) organelles. Mammals have a large (15-member) family of FABPs with multiple members occurring within a single cell type. The first described FABP, liver-FABP (L-FABP or FABP1), is expressed in very high levels (2-5% of cytosolic protein) in liver as well as in intestine and kidney. Since L-FABP facilitates uptake and metabolism of LCFAs in vitro and in cultured cells, it was expected that abnormal function or loss of L-FABP would reduce hepatic LCFA uptake/oxidation and thereby increase LCFAs available for oxidation in muscle and/or storage in adipose. This prediction was confirmed in vitro with isolated liver slices and cultured primary hepatocytes from L-FABP gene-ablated mice. Despite unaltered food consumption when fed a control diet ad libitum, the L-FABP null mice exhibited age- and sex-dependent weight gain and increased fat tissue mass. The obese phenotype was exacerbated in L-FABP null mice pair fed a high-fat diet. Taken together with other findings, these data suggest that L-FABP could have an important role in preventing age- or diet-induced obesity.
A critique of graphic organizer research

Abstract The use of graphic organizers to facilitate reading comprehension has been the subject of numerous research investigations. The results of these studies are inconclusive in determining the type of organizer to be used, the point at which organizers should be introduced in the reading lesson, the individual responsible for construction, and the type of student that benefits most from the use of organizers. This paper critiques some of the existing graphic organizer research in an effort to provide direction for future investigations.
The effect of space-time demand processes on the solution of transportation problems

Abstract Using a formulation of the transportation problem with a stochastic demand represented by a space-time autoregressive moving average (STARMA) model, a simulation study is presented whereby the consequences of ignoring space and/or time dependencies in the demand process are evaluated. It is found that the percentage change in total deliveries, x PCT , when space-time dependency is ignored varies linearly with space-time autoregressive (STAR) parameters. Furthermore, x PCT is larger when we ignore spatial dependency than temporal dependency. When both dependencies are ignored, x PCT may be larger than that for both spatial and temporal cases depending upon the signs of STAR parameters. Results for space-time moving average (STMA) are similar to that of STAR. However, for STARMA, when both the temporal and spatial dependencies in demand are ignored, x PCT is piecewise linear. The improvement in percentage change in total cost, PCT, is found to vary between 1–55% as the ratio of unit holding cost to unit product cost, H/P, varies from its minimum to its maximum, and 1–95% for the ratio of unit shortage cost to unit product cost, SH/P, when space-time dependencies are taken into account, depending upon the values of various parameters.
Improvement of cast nephropathy with plasma exchange depends on the diagnosis and on reduction of serum free light chains

Cast nephropathy is the most common cause of renal disease in multiple myeloma, however, treatment with plasma exchange remains controversial even after 3 randomized controlled studies. We sought to determine the importance of diagnostic confirmation and goal directed therapy in the treatment of cast nephropathy in forty patients with confirmed multiple myeloma and renal failure who underwent plasma exchange. A positive renal response was defined as a decrease by half in the presenting serum creatinine and dialysis independence. No baseline differences were noted between eventual renal responders and non-responders. Three quarters of the patients with biopsy proven cast nephropathy resolved their renal disease when the free light chains present in the serum were reduced by half or more but there was no significant response when the reduction was less. The median time to a response was about 2 months. In patients without cast nephropathy, renal recovery occurred despite reductions in free light chain levels of the serum. No association was found between free light chains in the serum, urinary monoclonal proteins, overall proteinuria and cast nephropathy. We found that the relationship between renal recovery and free light chain reduction was present only in patients with biopsy proven cast nephropathy showing the importance of extracorporeal light chain removal in this disease.