cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Intervention to Promote Positive Teacher–Student Relationships and Self-Determination Among Adolescents With Emotional Disturbance:

Positive teacher–student relationships provide adolescents with disabilities the confidence to explore new challenges in and out of the classroom. Goal-setting and self-determination skills have been consistently shown to promote healthy transition adjustment among students with disabilities. Despite the growing awareness of the importance of positive teacher–student relationships and self-determination, there is a paucity of specific strategies designed to improve teacher–student relationships while supporting self-determination for adolescents with high-incidence disabilities. This practitioner-focused article describes the Adolescent Goal-Setting Intervention (AGSI) and how it can be implemented in an educational context to promote teacher–student relationships and self-determination.
N-Acetylcysteine rapidly replenishes central nervous system glutathione measured via magnetic resonance spectroscopy in human neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

Persistent oxidative stress depletes reduced glutathione (GSH), an intracellular antioxidant and an important determinant of CNS injury after hypoxia ischemia. We used standard, short echo time Stimulated Echo Acquisition Mode (STEAM) to detect GSH by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in 24 term neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), on day of life 5–6, after rewarming from therapeutic hypothermia. MRS demonstrated reliable, consistent GSH of 1·64 ± 0·20 mM in the basal ganglia immediately before intravenous infusion of N-acetylcysteine. N-acetylcysteine resulted in a rapid and significant GSH increase to 1·93 ± 0.23 mM within 12–30 min after completion of infusion (n = 21, p < 0.0001, paired t-test), compared with those who did not receive N-acetylcysteine (n = 3, GSH = 1.66 ± 0.06 mM and 1.64 ± 0.09 mM). In one perinatal stroke patient, GSH in the diffusion-restricted stroke area was 1.0 mM, indicating significant compromise of intracellular redox potential, which also improved after N...
Two-photon holographic imaging and optogenetics of neural circuits (Conference Presentation)

Two-photon microscopy has become a powerful tool in neuroscience as it can image and manipulate neural circuits in vivo with cellular resolution. But in conventional two-photon microscopes, a single laser beam scans regions of interest on the sample within a two-dimensional plane. This serial scanning constrains the temporal resolution of imaging and photostimulation. One way to overcome this limit is to increase the number of beamlets on the sample. Here, we discuss our recent progress on holographic beam multiplexing in two-photon microscopy using spatial light modulators (SLMs). The SLM generates a 3D holographic excitation pattern, targeting different cells on the sample simultaneously. In transparent samples such as zebrafish larva where wide field detection can be used, groups of neurons in 3D volume can be imaged simultaneously, and their fluorescence signals can be recorded with extended depth of view techniques. In scattering samples such as mice cortex which needs laser scanning for imaging, multiple planes can be imaged simultaneously, with the signals from different planes being separated by novel statistical algorithms. Using this approach, we also recorded neural activity across multiplanes in moving Hydra. Besides imaging, 3D optogenetics can be performed. We demonstrate 3D patterned photoactivation of groups of target neurons on mice cortex in vivo, while simultaneously monitoring activity of the neural network. Furthermore, spatial light modulators can switch patterns in high speed, facilitating time-multiplexing. SLM-based two-photon microscopy is thus an all-optical platform to study neural circuits in 3D.
Rapid resolution of hyperammonemia in neonates using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a platform to drive hemodialysis.

We aimed to clarify the impact of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as a platform to drive hemodialysis (HD) for ammonia clearance on outcomes of neonates with severe hyperammonemia. All neonates treated for hyperammonemia at a single children’s hospital between 1992 and 2016 were identified. Patient characteristics and outcomes were compared between those receiving medical management or ECMO/HD. Twenty-five neonates were treated for hyperammonemia, of which 13 (52%) received ECMO/HD. Peak ammonia levels among neonates treated with ECMO/HD were significantly higher than those medically managed (1041 [IQR 902–1581] μmol/L versus 212 [IQR 110–410] μmol/L; p = 0.009). Serum ammonia levels in the ECMO/HD cohort declined to the median of medically managed within 4.5 (IQR 2.9–7.0) hours and normalized within 7.3 (IQR 3.6–13.5) hours. All neonates survived ECMO/HD, and nine (69.2%) survived to discharge. ECMO/HD is an effective adjunct to rapidly clear severe hyperammonemia in newborns, reducing potential neurodevelopmental morbidity.
Review of the Nearctic (north of Mexico) species of Elacatis Pascoe (Coleoptera: Salpingidae: Othniinae).

The North American (north of Mexico) species of Elacatis were revised, based on external and genitalic structures of adults. Seven species are recognized, though the historical inclusion of E . fasciatus Bland among Nearctic species is very likely based on an erroneous collecting locality. Two new species are described, with type localities (counties only) in parentheses: E . larsoni (Nebraska: Box Butte County) and E . stephani (Arizona: Cochise County). The following new synonym is proposed: Othnius umbrosus LeConte 1861 = Othnius lugubris Horn 1868; therefore, only E . umbrosus (LeConte) is associated with dead/dying conifers in western North America. Larval E . umbrosus are thought to be xylophagous, while adults are very likely predaceous. Elacatis senecionis (Champion) and E . immaculatus (Champion) are recorded from north of Mexico for the first time. A lectotype is designated for Elacatis longicornis Horn. A key to the seven species in Canada and the United States is provided, supplemented with photographic images of habiti and selected structural features. Maps of known distributions, based on geo-referenced locality lists, are provided.
Detection of Point Mutations in Mammalian Sperm

Our ability to assess the extent and significance of genetic damage resulting from exposure to environmental agents is limited. For the human population the two most important types of transmissible genetic damage are chromosomal aberrations and gene mutations. Established techniques are use routinely to detect chromosomal aberrations, but there are only a few established methods for the detection of point mutations. Any assessment of mutation frequency in potentially exposed humans is also complicated by family size, privacy considerations, and other sampling difficulties. Transmissible mutation frequency after exposure to a chemical agent can be measured by analyzing the offspring of the exposed individuals, or the possibility that genetic damage has occurred can be estimated by analyzing the cells of the exposed person. Methods for the detection of mutations in single cells from exposed individuals are under development. One such method is based on detection of thioguanine-resistant lymphocytes (1; see Albertini, these proceedings), and another is based on detection of variant hemoglobin types in single red blood cells by use of fluorescent antibodies (2). However, since germinal cells have singular relevance for the next generation, it would be beneficial to have a system for detection of point mutations directly in sperm. We have begun to develop such a system in laboratory animals and out goal is to examine similar techniques that might be applicable to the human population.
Testicular and Pelvic Tumors

The pelvis and testes are not uncommon sites for tumors in children [1]. Although the differential diagnosis for tumors in these sites is extremely large, most of these tumors fall into four types (Table 1).
Warm-Temperate Deciduous Forests of Eastern North America

Eastern North America has a large region of humid temperate climate, extending from southeastern Canada to south-central Florida and west to Missouri, eastern Oklahoma and eastern Texas. Within this area is a large region of temperate deciduous forest, perhaps the world’s largest, with a large area of “southern” forests that may correspond to Kira’s concept of warm-temperate deciduous forest. These forests are dominated mainly by Quercus species, but Fagus, Liquidambar, Nyssa, and other deciduous trees can also dominate or co-dominate, depending largely on topography. Some important tree species span the full north-south range of the deciduous forests, but some genera have clear “northern” and “southern” species. Oak-hickory forests cover the largest parts of this southern region, but other types include beech and other mesophytic forests, so-called “southern mixed hardwoods”, and rich bottomland forests. Some of these southern deciduous forests occur on the coastal plain, which has climates clearly warm enough for broad-leaved evergreen trees. The coastal plain, however, is geologically young and has complex vegetation mosaics determined more by topography and substrate than by climate. As a result, some coastal-plain deciduous forests are permanent and probably not successional to zonal warm-temperate evergreen broad-leaved forests.
Development of Ionic Polymer Metallic Composites as Sensors

DEVELOPMENT OF IONIC POLYMER METALIC COMPOSITES AS SENSORS By: David Griffiths Ionomeric polymer transducers (IPTs) are an exciting new class of smart materials that can serve a dual purpose in engineering or biomedical applications as sensors or actuators. Most commonly they are used for mechanical actuation, as they have the ability to generate large bending strains and moderate stress under low applied voltages. Although the actuation capabilities of IPTs have been extensively studied, the sensing capabilities of these transducers have yet to be fully explored. The work presented herein aims to investigate the fundamental sensing characteristics of these transducers and apply the acquired knowledge toward the development of an electronic stethoscope for digital auscultation. The sensors were characterized both geometrically and electrically to determine their effectiveness in resolving a signal from sub 1 Hz to 2 kHz. Impedance spectroscopy was used to interrogate the sensing mechanism. Following the characterization of the transducer, a bio‐acoustic sensor was designed and fabricated. The bio‐acoustic sensor was placed over the carotid artery to resolve the arterial pressure waveform in situ and on the thorax to measure the S1 and S2 sounds generated by the heart. The temporal response and spectral content was compared with previously known data and a commercially available electronic stethoscope to prove the acquisition of cardiovascular sounds. CHAPTER
Venting and Other Building Practices as Practical Means of Reducing Damage from Tornado Low Pressures

Estimates of the pressure reduction in the tornado vortex run up to one-half an atmosphere. The greatest officially reported pressure drop associated with tornadoes has been 0.65 inch (mercury). Th...
The Suzhou Chinese “apical” and “fricative” vowels: Uniformity and idiosyncrasy

“Fricative” and “apical” vowels have been variously described as syllabic voiced fricatives, syllabic approximants, or high vowels, often based on impression. To better characterize their articulatory and acoustic nature, ultrasound video and acoustic data on the production of the “fricative” and “apical” vowels were collected from 43 speakers of Suzhou Chinese, along with the vowels [i, y, ae, u] and the fricatives [s, ɕ]. Analysis reveals substantial interspeaker variation, largely idiosyncratic, which may contribute to the range of descriptions given to “fricative” and “apical” vowels. This variation, however, obscures the fact that the “fricative” vowels are curiously uniform in tongue posture with the alveolopalatal fricatives for most speakers. The “apical” vowels are consistently produced with a tongue posture similar to the alveolar fricatives and affricates, such as [s], that they obligatorily follow. The “fricative” vowels, on the other hand, are phonotactically freer, and speakers exhibit a wider range of articulatory strategies. Individuals’ favored articulations can be situated on a continuum between lamino-postalveolar, or [ɕ]-like, and dorso-postalveolar, akin to an advanced [i]; most speakers favor the lamino-postalveolar strategy. Acoustic analysis suggests that speakers also vary in whether they favor production of fricative noise during both the “fricative” and “apical” vowels.“Fricative” and “apical” vowels have been variously described as syllabic voiced fricatives, syllabic approximants, or high vowels, often based on impression. To better characterize their articulatory and acoustic nature, ultrasound video and acoustic data on the production of the “fricative” and “apical” vowels were collected from 43 speakers of Suzhou Chinese, along with the vowels [i, y, ae, u] and the fricatives [s, ɕ]. Analysis reveals substantial interspeaker variation, largely idiosyncratic, which may contribute to the range of descriptions given to “fricative” and “apical” vowels. This variation, however, obscures the fact that the “fricative” vowels are curiously uniform in tongue posture with the alveolopalatal fricatives for most speakers. The “apical” vowels are consistently produced with a tongue posture similar to the alveolar fricatives and affricates, such as [s], that they obligatorily follow. The “fricative” vowels, on the other hand, are phonotactically freer, and speakers exhibit a wide...
Next Generation of Transportation Infrastructure Management: Fusion of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and Bridge Information Modeling (BrIM)

Bridges are one of the most important elements of the sustainable transportation infrastructure network that require significant care and consideration. Aging and deterioration are two main complications in their operation and maintenance that require precise data and efficient technologies to improve the quality of their lifecycle management. Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) have been altering the infrastructure management process by converting it into an automated process to capture, store, analyze, and manage the data. While the data have helped the management process, the issues of heterogeneity of the data and non-interoperable databases are still challenges for fully integrated management of the infrastructure. Thus, there is a crucial need for an integrated database that can help in consolidation of data management. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is one of the recent technologies that its benefits have motivated its utilization in the transportation infrastructure, and their specific use for bridges is known as Bridge Information Modeling (BrIM). Currently bridges are being inspected biannually and only structural data are being recorded for their assessment. This paper suggests the inclusion of traffic data in lifecycle management of bridges and introduces ITS as a great source of data, and BrIM as a great visual database that can help in enhancing the integration and management of databases. Fusion of ITS data with BrIM can provide many benefits for efficient operation and management of bridges that eventually improves the quality of facility management and helps as a reliable tool for decision making and budget allocation. In this paper, BIM and ITS capabilities have been discussed and finally a framework has been suggested to illuminate the dataflow process.
Simulation to Improve Trainee Skill and Comfort with Forceps-Assisted Vaginal Deliveries.

Objective Simulation training is a powerful learning tool for low frequency events. Forceps-assisted vaginal deliveries (FAVD) are an important tool in reducing cesarean deliveries. The aim of this study is to create a high-fidelity simulation-based curriculum for residency education and investigate pre- and posttest skill and confidence. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted involving obstetrics and gynecology residents over 2 academic years. Residents participated in one to three FAVD simulation trainings. All sessions involved video, didactic, and hands-on practice. Pre- and postsurvey and skills assessment were conducted to assess confidence, ability to consent, and perform a FAVD. Wilcoxon's signed-rank tests and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used. Results Thirty residents (73%) completed at least one forceps simulation training session. Participants demonstrated significant improvement in confidence (p Conclusion Simulation training improves residents' perceived confidence in FAVD. Simulation helped to better equalize confidence across classes. FAVD simulations improves resident confidence, skill, and more broadly broadened the armamentarium to decrease the cesarean delivery rate.
The impact of soil salinity on maize agriculture: An experimental archaeology approach

This article uses experimental archaeology to provide empirical data on the impact of soil salinization on ancient maize agriculture. Hopi blue maize was experimentally grown in a drought-prone soi...
CD28 homolog is a strong activator of natural killer cells for lysis of B7H7+ tumor cells

The CD28-B7 family of receptor-ligand pairs regulates lymphocyte responses through costimulation and coinhibition. It includes checkpoint inhibitors, such as PD-1, which limit antitumor and antivirus T-cell responses. CD28 homolog (CD28H) and B7H7 have been identified as a receptor-ligand pair in this family, which has costimulatory activity in T cells. Here, we show that CD28H is expressed in primary natural killer (NK) cells and that it is a strong activator of NK cells through selective synergy with receptors NKp46 and 2B4 to induce degranulation, lysis of target cells, and production of proinflammatory cytokines. Expression of B7H7 on target cells enhanced both natural and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity of NK cells. Mutation of tyrosine 192 on the CD28H cytoplasmic tail abolished NK-cell activation through CD28H. As B7H7 is broadly expressed in tumor tissues, we engineered a CD28H chimeric antigen receptor (CD28H-CAR) consisting of full-length CD28H fused to the cytoplasmic domain of T-cell receptor ζ chain. Remarkably, expression of CD28H-CAR in NK cells triggered lysis of B7H7+ HLA-E+ tumor cells by overriding inhibition by the HLA-E receptor NKG2A. The cytoplasmic domains of CD28H and of the ζ chain were both required for this activity. Thus, CD28H is a powerful activation receptor of NK cells that broadens their antitumor activity and holds promise as a component of NK-based CARs for cancer immunotherapy.
Oct1/Pou2f1 is selectively required for colon regeneration and regulates colon malignancy

The transcription factor Oct1/Pou2f1 promotes poised gene expression states, mitotic stability, glycolytic metabolism and other characteristics of stem cell potency. To determine the effect of Oct1 loss on stem cell maintenance and malignancy, we deleted Oct1 in two different mouse gut stem cell compartments. Oct1 deletion preserved homeostasis in vivo and the ability to establish organoids in vitro, but blocked the ability to recover from treatment with dextran sodium sulfate, and the ability to maintain organoids after passage. In a chemical model of colon cancer, loss of Oct1 in the colon severely restricted tumorigenicity. In contrast, loss of one or both Oct1 alleles progressively increased tumor burden in a colon cancer model driven by loss-of-heterozygosity of the tumor suppressor gene Apc. The different outcomes are consistent with prior findings that Oct1 promotes mitotic stability, and consistent with differentially expressed genes between the two models. Oct1 ChIPseq using HCT116 colon carcinoma cells identifies target genes associated with mitotic stability, metabolism, stress response and malignancy. This set of gene targets overlaps significantly with genes differentially expressed in the two tumor models. These results reveal that Oct1 is selectively required for recovery after colon damage, and that Oct1 has potent effects in colon malignancy, with outcome (pro-oncogenic or tumor suppressive) dictated by tumor etiology.
Prostaglandin E2 provides a pro-neoangiogenic environment to colorectal neoplasia: Roles of intestinal subepithelial myofibroblasts

1874 Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and its derived prostaglandins (PGs) play key roles in colorectal neoplasia. In studies of human colorectal cancer, COX-2 levels are increased in about 90% of cancers and ∼50% of pre-malignant colorectal adenomas, but the enzyme is not usually detected in adult intestinal tissues. Numerous studies indicate that COX-2 expression increases in both the epithelial and the stromal compartments. However, the precise mechanisms by which COX-2/PGs exert proneoplastic actions are largely unknown. Intestinal subepithelial myofibroblasts (ISEMF) are the major stromal cell type in both hyperplastic and neoplastic colonic polyps which express COX-2 and generate PGE2. In the present study, we show that PGE2 activated intestinal subepithelial myofibroblasts through Gs protein-coupled EP receptors and the cAMP/PKA pathway. Both primary colonic myofibroblast isolates and established myofibroblasts cell line (18Co) expressed a number of growth factors including pro-angiogenic factors of FGF, TGF-β, and VEGF families. Exposure to PGE2 rapidly induced the expression of VEGFA. Levels of VEGFA protein increased 4-fold in PGE2-activated 18Co conditioned media. VEGFA may stimulate neoangiogenesis by inducing endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tubular organization. Effects of 18Co cells on the migration of endothelial cells were evaluated in a co-culture system, whereby human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVEC) were seeded in the Transwell (8 μm) and 18Co cells were placed in the bottom chamber. The presence of 18Co cells in the bottom chamber significantly increased the motility of HUVEC. When co-cultured with PGE2-activated 18Co cells, HUVEC acquired a widely stretched morphology and the number of migrating cells was robustly increased, which, however, was significantly attenuated by the addition of anti-VEGFA neutralizing antibody. To determine the effects of 18Co cell-released growth factors on tubular organization, HUVEC cells were placed on growth factor-reduced Matrigel. HUVEC spontaneously formed tubular structures on extracellular matrix. Addition of PGE2 stimulated HUVEC tube formation by 8 h, as quantitated by the numbers and the length of tubes. The presence of conditioned media that were collected from PGE2-stimulated 18Co cells robustly increased the number and length of tubes of HUVEC. Moreover, HUVEC formed tubes were dissociated by 24 h. Addition of PGE2-treated 18Co conditioned media prevented HUVEC tube dissociation. Thus, our results suggest that myofibroblasts-generated growth factors are critical mediators for PGE2-induced pro-neoangiogenic environment, which plays critical roles in intestinal neoplasia.
Efficient Beacon Placement Algorithms for Time-of-Flight Indoor Localization

Beacon-based time-of-flight indoor localization systems have shown great promise for applications ranging from indoor navigation to asset tracking. In large-scale deployments, a major practical challenge is determining the placement of a minimal number of beacons that ensures full coverage -- each point in the domain has line-of-sight paths to enough beacons to uniquely localize itself. Three beacons with line-of-sight paths are always enough, but two beacons within line of sight may also work, given a favorable geometry. In this paper, we propose two beacon placement algorithms that leverage the floor plan geometry with provable theoretical guarantees. First, we present a greedy algorithm using properties of sub-modular functions to place O(OPT · ln m) beacons, where m is the number of discrete location points in the region that need to be localized, and OPT is the size of the optimal solution. Second, we present a random sampling algorithm that places O (OPT · log(OPT)) beacons while localizing all targets. We evaluate our algorithms on both real-world and randomly generated floor plans. Our algorithms place on an average 6 ~ 23% and 12% fewer beacons in real-world topologies and randomly generated floor plans respectively, as compared to prior work. We also present a study where we ask users to attempt to place nodes manually and discover that even humans that are well versed on the coverage problem find it hard to balance the trade-off between the number of beacons and area localized.
Simulations of deep drilling of metals by continuous wave lasers using combined smoothed particle hydrodynamics and ray-tracing methods

A robust numerical method based on smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) is used to investigate the melt pool expulsion mechanism during high-aspect ratio laser drilling of two different materials: aluminum and 316L stainless steel. The computational model is validated with previously published results which show extremely close matches. The ray-tracing method is combined with SPH method which makes the model capable of taking into account the multiple reflections of laser radiations from the keyhole wall. The drilling velocity is found to be a non-linear function of time, which is dependent on the shape of the heated surface. For a flat surface, the drilling velocity is small, but after the cavity is formed and multiple reflections of laser radiations become significant, the drilling velocity strongly increases. The main driving force of melt expulsion is the repulsive force produced by vapor pressure. The Marangoni stresses are found to provide marginal effect on melt expulsion during deep drilling.
K3 mirror symmetry, Legendre family and Deligne's conjecture for the Fermat quartic

Abstract In this paper, we will study the connections between the mirror symmetry of K3 surfaces and the geometry of the Legendre family of elliptic curves. We will prove that the mirror map of the Dwork family is equal to the period map of the Legendre family. This result provides an interesting explanation to the modularities of counting functions for K3 surfaces from the mirror symmetry point of view. We will also discuss the relations between the arithmetic geometry of smooth fibers of the Fermat pencil (Dwork family) and that of the smooth fibers of the Legendre family, e.g. Shioda-Inose structures, zeta functions, etc. In particular, we will study the relations between the Fermat quartic, which is modular with a weight-3 modular form η ( 4 z ) 6 , and the elliptic curve over λ = 2 of the Legendre family, whose weight-2 newform is labeled as 32.2.a.a in LMFDB. We will also compute the Deligne's periods of the Fermat quartic, which are given by special values of the theta function θ 3 . Then we will numerically verify that they satisfy the predictions of Deligne's conjecture on the special values of L-functions of critical motives.
Examination of fluoroscopy monitor as a source of indirect bacterial contamination in orthopaedic surgery.

Background:Surgical site infection is a well-documented complication of surgery. While contact with fomites represents a recognised source of contamination, electrostatic charge can cause contamina...
ZnO conjugated graphene: an efficient sunlight driven photocatalyst for degradation of organic dyes

Abstract A robust, sunlight driven photocatalyst was produced by deposition of ZnO nanotrapezoids over the surface of graphene (GR) nanosheets. Thus obtained GR-ZnO nanocomposite was capable in complete degradation of industrially versatile used different categorized organic dyes viz., azo (methyl orange), thiazin (methylene blue) and fluorescein based dyes (Rhodamine B) under irradiation to natural sunlight. The photocatalytic activity of GR-ZnO nanocomposite was enormously enhanced than its component constituents, graphene nanosheets and ZnO nanotrapezoids. The heterojunctioned hybrid structure generated by successful conjugation of graphene nanosheets and ZnO nanotrapezoids provided excellent photocatalytic activity to GR-ZnO nanocomposite. The photocatalytic activity of GR-ZnO nanocomposite was evaluated in detail by kinetic analysis using Langmuir–Hinshelwood (L–H) model. By the catalytic action of GR-ZnO nanocomposite, an elevated degradation was found with anionic dye methyl orange compared to cationic dyes, methylene blue and Rhodamine B. In addition to its admirable photocatalytic activity, GR-ZnO nanocomposite possessed the excellent structural and photocorrosive stability, needed for practical application of a photocatalyst.
Post-remission clonal hematopoiesis; Practical implications for measurable residual disease assessment in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

7529Background: Clonal Hematopoiesis may persist following complete remission (CR) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) but does not necessarily indicate residual AML and may represent per...
Evidence-based protocol decreases time to vaginal delivery in elective inductions.

Background Labor induction accounts for over 1 in 5 births in the United States. There is large variability in practices of induction of labor. Standardizing aspects of induction of labor has been shown to have beneficial maternal and fetal effects. Objective This study aimed to investigate the impact of the implementation of an evidence-based labor induction protocol on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Study Design In February 2018, a contemporary labor induction protocol composed of standardized cervical ripening and early amniotomy was implemented in the labor and delivery unit at a large academic center along with comprehensive training of staff. Maternal and fetal outcomes were compared between patients undergoing induction over a 9 month period following the implementation of the protocol and those undergoing induction 9 months earlier, excluding a 2 week washout period while training occurred. Results We studied 887 patients who underwent induction of labor of a live singleton at >24 weeks’ gestation during our study period (387 patients before the implementation of the protocol and 500 patients after the implementation of the protocol). Baseline characteristics of maternal age, previous vaginal deliveries, and birthweight were similar in patients before and after the implementation of the protocol. There was a significant increase in the number of elective inductions occurring after the implementation of the protocol. There was a significant decrease in time from start of induction to rupture of membranes in all women under the protocol (13.3 hours before the implementation of the protocol vs 10.4 hours after the implementation of the protocol; P≤.001) and decrease in time from start of induction to delivery (21.2 hours before the implementation of the protocol vs 19.7 hours after the implementation of the protocol; P=.04). When the analysis was stratified by elective and nonelective inductions of labor, we found that time from induction of labor initiation to vaginal delivery was shortened after the implementation of the protocol for those undergoing elective induction (18.5 hours vs 14.6 hours; P=.03). There was no difference in cesarean delivery rate (P=.7), chorioamnionitis (P=.3), postpartum hemorrhage (P=.7), or newborn intensive care unit admission (P=.3). Conclusion The implementation of an evidence-based labor induction protocol was associated with decreased time to delivery, primarily driven by decreased time to vaginal delivery among those undergoing elective inductions of labor, without compromise of maternal or neonatal outcomes.
Counter-revolutionary masculinities: gender, social control and revising the chronologies of Irish nationalist politics

The period from 1912 to 1923 is the most heavily privileged period in modern Irish historiography and it has become commonplace to describe this period as “The Irish Revolution.” Moreover, a number...
Buttered Nostalgia: Feeding My Parents During #COVID19

The author uses poetic inquiry as CFIC (critical family and interpersonal communication) methodology to tell a story of cooking, cleaning, and caring for her elderly parents in the house she grew u...
Ultrapotent miniproteins targeting the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain protect against infection and disease.

Despite the introduction of public health measures and spike protein-based vaccines to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 infections and deaths continue to have a global impact. Previously, we used a structural design approach to develop picomolar range miniproteins targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain. Here, we investigated the capacity of modified versions of one lead miniprotein, LCB1, to protect against SARS-CoV-2-mediated lung disease in mice. Systemic administration of LCB1-Fc reduced viral burden, diminished immune cell infiltration and inflammation, and completely prevented lung disease and pathology. A single intranasal dose of LCB1v1.3 reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection in the lung when given as many as 5 days before or 2 days after virus inoculation. Importantly, LCB1v1.3 protected in vivo against a historical strain (WA1/2020), an emerging B.1.1.7 strain, and a strain encoding key E484K and N501Y spike protein substitutions. These data support development of LCB1v1.3 for prevention or treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
The biopolitical president?: Sovereign power and democratic erosion in El Salvador

States have adopted a range of policies to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Some, mainly democracies like New Zealand and South Korea, took quick health measures without curbing citizen rights. Others, especially those led by populists like Bolsonaro and Erdogan, denied the seriousness of the health crisis even as they curbed political and civil rights. El Salvador is virtually unique in its COVID-19 response, combining a strong rhetorical commitment to health measures with clear efforts to undermine democratic controls and rights. President Nayib Bukele adopted an early travel ban and publicly vilified those who broke curfew by sending them and all who tested positive to quarantine centers for 30 days. He derided and defied Constitutional Chamber decisions against such practices, ordered militarized actions, and crowded gang-affiliated prisoners together in humiliating ways that risked exposure to COVID-19. We examine how Bukele’s policies conform to, and seemingly exemplify, Michel Foucault’s theoretical concepts of biopolitics and disciplinary power. However, the Salvadoran case also challenges key features of Foucault’s theory, suggesting the need to modify his Western assumptions about highly institutionalized states. Our analysis suggests that strong leaders can undercut citizen rights and agency, visible at the intersection of biopolitical social theory and democratic backsliding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Democratization is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Introduction to Histocompatibility

Transplantation or grafting is the transfer of living cells, tissues, or organs from one part of the body to another or from one individual to another. The cell, tissue, or organ being transferred is the graft or transplant. Grafts placed in the same anatomical position normally occupied by the transplanted tissue are called orthotopic, and those placed in an unnatural position are called heterotopic. For example, a piece of skin taken from the tail of the donor mouse and placed on the tail of another mouse is an orthotopic graft, whereas the same tissue placed on the dorsum of the recipient is a heterotopic graft. Grafts taken from and placed on the same individual are called autogeneic (autografts) ; grafts transplanted between genetically identical individuals (for instance, between mice of the same inbred strain) are called syngeic (syngrafts or isografts) ; grafts transplanted between genetically different individuals of the same species (for example, between two different inbred strains of the mouse) are called allogeneic (allografts or homografts); and finally, grafts transplanted between individuals of two different species are referred to as xenogeneic (xenografts or heterografts).
Bone “Awls” and Utilized Antler Tines From Arnold Research Cave, 23Cy64, Missouri

Bone awls and utilized antler tines from Arnold Research Cave in central Missouri were microscopically examined to determine the type, location, and orientation of wear on them. It is assumed that ...
On robust estimation of high dimensional generalized linear models

We study robust high-dimensional estimation of generalized linear models (GLMs); where a small number k of the n observations can be arbitrarily corrupted, and where the true parameter is high dimensional in the "p ≫ n" regime, but only has a small number s of non-zero entries. There has been some recent work connecting robustness and sparsity, in the context of linear regression with corrupted observations, by using an explicitly modeled outlier response vector that is assumed to be sparse. Interestingly, we show, in the GLM setting, such explicit outlier response modeling can be performed in two distinct ways. For each of these two approaches, we give l2 error bounds for parameter estimation for general values of the tuple (n, p, s, k).
The influence of deuterium oxide and organic solvents on the interaction of respiratory chain components.

Abstract 1. The influence of D2O and organic solvents on the rate of oxidation of added substrates by heart muscle particles and tightly coupled rat liver mitochondria has been investigated. Solvents examined include glycerol, sucrose, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethyl formamide, and ethylene glycol. Each of these solvents was found to induce a marked inhibition of respiratory chain activity. 2. The relative constancy in the steady state reduction level of the respiratory carriers at each increment of solvent concentration prevents the assignment of a single specific site of respiratory inhibition, and favors the hypothesis that the solvent effects are due to a "nonspecific" inhibition which operates in a similar manner at several sites in the respiratory chain. 3. No correlation was found between the inhibition of respiratory activity by solvents and the viscosity of the solvent reaction mixtures. 4. The organic solvent inhibition of the DPNH oxidase activity of heart muscle particles was a linear function of the water content of the solvent reaction mixtures in which the particles were suspended, and independent of the concentration, tonicity, or chemical nature of the solvent used. 5. It is suggested that several protonolytic reactions may be operative during the transfer of reducing equivalents from substrate to oxygen by way of the respiratory chain. The respiratory chain components mediating these reactions are in some manner accessible to, and markedly influenced by, the aqueous phase surrounding the particles, and therefore do not function entirely in a lipid nonaqueous milieu.
Programming language support for real-time distributed systems

This paper advocates the use of a high-level, distributed programming language for programming realtime distributed systems. The advantages of this approach include the program structure imposed by an appropriate language design, static checking provided by the compiler, and efficient execution. A structured approach to the issues of user control of machine dependencies, process scheduling, timing constraints, and interprocess communication is suggested, with specific examples drawn from modern programming languages designed for realtime and distributed programming.
Illusion and Reality in the Compensation of Victims of International Terrorism

This Article argues that the judicial and legislative practices in the United States are creating a counterfeit reality with respect to the compensation of victims of terrorism: U.S. courts enter large monetary judgments against State sponsors of terrorism, purporting to hold them responsible for their human rights violations. Yet because no domestic or international mechanism exists for enforcing these judgments against the violating States, victims' groups instead look to the U.S. Congress - and, particularly, to the U.S. Treasury - to satisfy their judicial awards. The system thus creates only the illusion of enforcing human rights, and it may ultimately set back the program for the protection of human rights by diverting attention from the critical issues.
Ammonium, nitrate, and total nitrogen in the soil water of feedlot and field soil profiles.

A level feedlot, located in an area consisting of Wann silt loam changing with depth to sand, appears to contribute no more NO3- nitrogen, NH4+ nitrogen, and total nitrogen to the shallow water table beneath it than an adjacent cropped field. Soil water samples collected at 46, 76, and 107 cm beneath the feedlot surface generally showed NO3- nitrogen concentrations of less than 1 μg/ml. During the summer months, soil water NO3- nitrogen increased at the 15-cm depth, indicating that nitrification took place at the feedlot surface. However, the low soil water NO3- nitrogen values below 15 cm indicate that denitrification takes place beneath the surface.
Oncogene Activation and Tumor Suppressor Gene Inactivation during Multistage Mouse Skin Carcinogenesis

Abstract The mouse skin multistage model of carcinogenesis is an ideal system in which to study questions related to the timing of oncogene activation and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. A number of laboratories have shown that an early event associated with chemical initiation of mouse skin tumors involves activation of the Harvey- ras oncogene. To approach the question of timing of loss of tumor suppressor genes in skin carcinogenesis, we have utilized a model system developed by Kulesz-Martin in which cloned mouse keratinocytes were initiated with DMBA and variant clones with benign or malignant phenotypes were developed. We have generated somatic cell hybrids between the parental clone and the variants to study the potential loss of tumor suppressor activity during the progression of cells from the initiated to benign and to the malignant phenotypes. Somatic cell hybrids generated between the parental, normal cell strain ( i.e. , 291) and a malignant cell variant ( i.e. , 05), that produces moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), failed to produce tumors indicating tumor suppressor activity in the 291 cells. The 291 cell and a benign papilloma producing variant ( i.e. , 09) were able to partially suppress in hybrids the tumorigenicity of another malignant cell line ( i.e. , 03) which produces poorly-differentiated SCCs. Suppression of 03 tumorigenicity by the benign tumor cell, 09, was less than that seen with the normal cell, 291. These results indicated two potentially different suppressor activities were inactivated during progression of normal 291 to malignant 03 cells. We have also obtained evidence that constitutive AP-1 activity plays a role in the maintenance of the malignant phenotype of SCC cell lines. Two different SCC cell lines, 308 10Gy5 and PDV, demonstrate constitutive AP-1 activity. To examine the role of this activity in malignant progression, we stably expressed a transactivation deletion mutant of the human c- jun gene in these cell lines. Expression of this mutant c- jun protein blocked transcriptional transactivation of AP-1 responsive reporter CAT constructs driven by jun , human collagenase, and the mouse stromelysin promoters. These malignant cells were not only inhibited in their AP-1 transactivation response, but also in their ability to form SCCs upon s.c. injection into athymic nude mice. These results support the idea that inhibition of AP-1-mediated transcriptional transactivation is in some cases sufficient to suppress the tumorigenic phenotype of malignant mouse epidermal cells.
Near-surface current meter array measurements of internal gravity waves

A measurement capability using a horizontal array of 10 S4 current meters mounted on a stiff floating structure with 35 m aperture has been developed to support interpretation of radar imaging of surface effects associated with internal gravity waves. This system has been fielded three times and most recently, has collected data alongside the sea-surface footprint of a land-fixed radar imaging ship-generated internal waves. The underlying need for this measurement capability is described. The specifications resulting from this need are presented and the engineering design and deployment procedures of the platform and systems that resulted are described. The current meter data are multiplexed along with meteorological and system status data onboard the floating platform and are telemetered to a shore station and on to a data acquisition system. The raw data are recorded, and are then processed to form space-time images of current and strain rate (a spatial derivative of the current field). Examples of raw and processed data associated with ship-generated internal waves are presented.
N‐Terminal Sequence Analysis of Proteins and Peptides

Amino-terminal (N-terminal) sequence analysis is used to identify the order of amino acids of proteins or peptides, starting at their N-terminal end. This unit describes the sequence analysis of protein or peptide samples in solution or bound to PVDF membranes using a Perkin-Elmer Procise Sequencer. Sequence analysis of protein or peptide samples in solution or bound to PVDF membranes using a Hewlett-Packard Model G1005A sequencer is also described. Methods are provided for optimizing separation of PTH amino acid derivatives on Perkin-Elmer instruments and for increasing the proportion of sample injected onto the PTH analyzer on older Perkin-Elmer instruments by installing a modified sample loop. The amount of data obtained from a single sequencer run is substantial, and careful interpretation of this data by an experienced scientist familiar with the current operation performance of the instrument used for this analysis is critically important. A discussion of data interpretation is therefore provided. Finally, discussion of optimization of sequencer performance as well as possible solutions to frequently encountered problems is included.
Some Misconceptions about Content-Oriented Validation: A Rejoinder to Norton

Norton's arguments based on Schmidt's work are irrelevant to the issue at hand, which is that content validity evidence is not always applicable to assessment center procedures. Schmidt's validity generalization approach is based on criterion-related validity. Moreover, with respect to the value of a more sophisticated job analysis, Schmidt addresses the grouping of jobs, not designing selection devices. We reiterate our essential contention that users of assessment centers must be alert to the complexities of the content validation process.
Finite-Element Method Simulations of Guided Wave Phenomena at Terahertz Frequencies

As the science and engineering associated with terahertz time-domain spectroscopy and imaging evolves past the use of conventional free-space optics, the continued development of waveguides for terahertz pulses is increasingly relevant. The ability to model and simulate terahertz wave propagation aids in the development, visualization, and understanding of novel terahertz devices and phenomena. We discuss the use of the finite-element method, a powerful computational tool for the modeling of guided wave phenomena and devices at terahertz frequencies.
THE POTENTIATION OF BACTERIAL CONTAMINATION BY HEMOPERITONEUM.

Summary In a controlled study involving 30 rabbits, blood, bacteria and a combination of the two were injected into the peritoneal space. Blood alone was quite innocuous and bacteria were generally well tolerated by the animals, but the combination of small quantities of each resulted in a nearly uniformly fatal outcome. These findings reinforced the precepts of the surgical masters of the early part of this century who emphasized the importance of meticulous attention to the details of hemostasis.