cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The influence of tillage and fertilizer on the flux and source of nitrous oxide with reference to atmospheric variation using laser spectroscopy

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is the third most important long-lived greenhouse gas and agriculture is the largest source of N2O emissions. Curbing N2O emissions requires understanding influences on the flux and sources of N2O. We measured flux and evaluated microbial sources of N2O using site preference (SP; the intramolecular distribution of 15N in N2O) in flux chambers from a grassland tilling and agricultural fertilization experiments and atmosphere. We identified values greater than that of the average atmosphere to reflect nitrification and/or fungal denitrification and those lower than atmosphere as increased denitrification. Our spectroscopic approach was based on an extensive calibration with 18 standards that yielded SP accuracy and reproducibility of 0.7 ‰ and 1.0 ‰, respectively, without preconcentration. Chamber samples from the tilling experiment taken ~ monthly over a year showed a wide range in N2O flux (0–1.9 g N2O-N ha−1 d−1) and SP (− 1.8 to 25.1 ‰). Flux and SP were not influenced by tilling but responded to sampling date. Large fluxes occurred in October and May in no-till when soils were warm and moist and during a spring thaw, an event likely representing release of N2O accumulated under snow cover. These high fluxes could not be ascribed to a single microbial process as SP differed among chambers. However, the year-long SP and flux data for no-till showed a slight direct relationship suggesting that nitrification increased with flux. The comparative data in till showed an inverse relationship indicating that high flux events are driven by denitrification. Corn (Zea mays) showed high fluxes and SP values indicative of nitrification ~ 4 wk after fertilization with subsequent declines in SP indicating denitrification. Although there was no effect of fertilizer treatment on flux or SP in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), high fluxes occurred ~ 1 month after fertilization. In both treatments, SP was indicative of denitrification in many instances, but evidence of nitrification/fungal denitrification also prevailed. At 2 m atmospheric N2O SP had a range of 31.1 ‰ and 14.6 ‰ in the grassland tilling and agricultural fertilization experiments, respectively. These data suggest the influence of soil microbial processes on atmospheric N2O and argue against the use of the global average atmospheric SP in isotopic modeling approaches.
Exploring Workarounds: The Role of Simulation to Build Resilience

Health care team members employ workarounds to circumvent perceived barriers to efficient healthcare delivery. These workarounds expose underlying systems deficiencies. Simulation can be used to identify workarounds and explore their precursors to uncover the root causes. Through shared learnings and deference to front-line team members, simulations can use information learned from workarounds to help build operational resilience.
Lupus podocytopathy superimposed on diabetic glomerulosclerosis: A case report

Rationale Lupus podocytopathy (LP) is an entity that is increasingly being reported in the literature on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). LP is characterized by nephrotic syndrome in SLE patients with diffuse glomerular podocyte foot process effacement and no immune complex deposits along the capillary loops. Histologically, LP typically mimics minimal change disease or primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) on a background of ISN/RPS class I or II lupus nephritis. In situations where there are coexistent glomerular diseases, however, LP may be easily masked by background lesions and overlapping clinical symptoms. Patient concerns We report the case of a 24-year-old woman with type I diabetes, hypertension, psoriasis/rash, and intermittent arthritis who presented with abrupt onset of severe nephrotic proteinuria and renal insufficiency. Renal biopsy revealed nodular glomerulosclerosis and FSGS. Immune deposits were not identified by immunofluorescence or electron microscopy. Ultrastructurally, there was diffuse glomerular basement membrane thickening and over 90% podocyte foot process effacement. With no prior established diagnosis of SLE, the patient was initially diagnosed with diabetic nephropathy with coexistent FSGS, and the patient was started on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and diuretics. However, nephrotic proteinuria persisted and renal function deteriorated. The patient concurrently developed hemolytic anemia with pancytopenia. Diagnoses Subsequent to the biopsy, serologic results showed positive autoantibodies against double strand DNA (dsDNA), Smith antigen, ribonucleoprotein (RNP), and Histone. A renal biopsy was repeated, revealing essentially similar findings to those of the previous biopsy. Integrating serology and clinical presentation, SLE was favored. The pathology findings were re-evaluated and considered to be most consistent with LP and coexistent diabetic nephropathy, with superimposed FSGS either as a component of LP or as a lesion secondary to diabetes or hypertension. Interventions The patient was started on high-dose prednisone at 60 mg/day, with subsequent addition of mycophenolate mofetil and ACEI, while prednisone was gradually tapered. Outcomes The patient's proteinuria, serum creatinine, complete blood counts, skin rash, and arthritis were all significantly improved. Conclusion The diagnosis of LP when confounded by other glomerular diseases that may cause nephrotic syndrome can be challenging. Sufficient awareness of this condition is necessary for the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Conquering the Physics GRE

The Physics GRE plays a significant role in deciding admissions to nearly all US physics Ph.D. programs, yet few exam-prep books focus on the test's actual content and unique structure. Recognized as one of the best student resources available, this tailored guide has been thoroughly updated for the current Physics GRE. It contains carefully selected review material matched to all of the topics covered, as well as tips and tricks to help solve problems under time pressure. It features three full-length practice exams, revised to accurately reflect the difficulty of the current test, with fully worked solutions so that students can simulate taking the test, review their preparedness, and identify areas in which further study is needed. Written by working physicists who took the Physics GRE for their own graduate admissions to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, this self-contained reference guide will help students achieve their best score.
Choledochal Cyst Resection

Choledochal cysts are congenital dilations of the biliary ductal system. These lesions are associated with development of cholangiocarcinoma so resection is generally advised. Laparoscopic resection is technically demanding, but this approach is the emerging standard of care. In this chapter, the following aspects are addressed: indications and contraindications to operation; patient and surgeon positioning; instrument port placement; and principal elements of the procedure.
On the Spread of Drug-Resistant Diseases

We introduce an interacting particle system to model the emergence of drug-resistant diseases, one of the most serious health problems in modern society. We are interested in diseases for which a natural strain may mutate into a drug-resistant strain. This happens, for instance, when antibiotics are misused. The main result of our analysis is that with an efficient drug against the natural strain, if there is even a small chance that the natural strain mutates into the drug-resistant one, then there will eventually be an outbreak of the drug-resistant strain throughout the population. In that case the natural strain disappears and is replaced by the drug-resistant strain. The disturbing part of this is that an efficient treatment of the natural strain gives an edge to the drug-resistant strain.
Studies on dihydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide ubiquinone reductase. II. Purication and properties.

Abstract The ubiquinone reductase activity of a soluble extract of beef heart submitochondrial particles can be separated into two active fractions by chromatography on a hydroxylapatite column. Fraction I was further purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation and Fraction II by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. Both fractions catalyze the oxidation of NADH by ubiquinone-10, ubiquinone-6, ubiquinone-1, menadione, cytochrome c , and ferricyanide at nearly equal rates. Both contain FMN, nonheme iron, and acid-labile sulfide in the approximate ratio of 1:4:5, and have nearly identical spectra. Sedimentation and electrophoretic analyses indicate that the fractions are better than 95% homogeneous. The molecular weights of the two preparations are very similar (near 90,000), although their electrophoretic mobilities differ. NADH causes anaerobic bleaching of the flavin (450 mμ), but the absorption peak at 550 mμ is not altered. The reductases are inhibited by Amytal and rotenone, the latter showing an unusual biphasic curve with maximal inhibition at a rotenone to enzyme flavin ratio of nearly one. Piericidin A, dicumarol, o -phenanthrolene, or Tiron do not inhibit reductase activity.
WHITE PROTESTANTS AND BLACK CHRISTIANS: The Absence and Presence of Whiteness in the Face of the Black Manifesto

This essay brings Critical Whiteness Studies into liberationist Christian ethics in order to analyze white Protestant responses to the 1969 Black Manifesto, which demanded reparations from white churches. The essay's primary argument is that the absence of a sense of white moral agency among white Protestants manifested itself in behaviors and rhetoric that ensured whiteness went unacknowledged, which caused Protestant responses to the Manifesto to fail. A related argument is that white behavior and rhetoric were particularly dramatic because of the call for reparations. Reparations assume that race is a material relationship in which there has been a perpetrator and a victim, rendering the acknowledgment of white agency unavoidable. This essay thus analyzes several ways in which whites can be seen turning away from white selves, turning a scrutinizing gaze instead to Black selves and, in the process, absenting white agency from the work of racial justice.
P2X7 Receptor-Dependent Blebbing and the Activation of Rho-Effector Kinases, Caspases, and IL-1β Release

In response to ATP binding, the P2X7R facilitates cation channel activation, nonspecific pore formation, rapid changes in plasma membrane morphology, and secretion of IL-1β from LPS-primed macrophages. To investigate the relationship between the P2X7R-dependent changes in plasma membrane organization and the release of IL-1β, we generated time-lapse movies of ATP-stimulated BAC1 murine macrophages in conjunction with biochemical analyses of IL-1β release. Similar image analyses in human embryonic kidney 293 cells expressing recombinant P2X7R (HEK-P2X7) permitted comparison of P2X7R-dependent effects in macrophage vs nonmacrophage backgrounds. Whereas HEK-P2X7 cells exhibit zeiotic blebbing within 5 min of ATP treatment, BAC1 macrophages initiated a distinct “tethered” blebbing 10 min after ATP addition. This blebbing was comparably induced by the P2X7R-selective agonist BzATP and was blocked by P2X7R inhibitors KN-62 and oxidized ATP. Blebbing was initiated at ATP concentrations ≥3 mM, but optimal IL-1β release occurred at 1 mM ATP. P2X7R-dependent blebbing was abrogated in the presence of Rho-effector kinase inhibitors Fasudil and Y-27632, but ATP-induced IL-1β release was unaffected. ATP-induced activation of RhoA could be detected in both HEK-P2X7 cells and BAC1 murine macrophages. Thus, P2X7R activation signals distinct, novel membrane blebbing events (dependent on RhoA activation and Rho-effector kinase activity) and simultaneously initiates release of IL-1β. Our observations that blebbing and IL-1β release are dissociable suggest these events occur via parallel rather than convergent signaling pathways.
Shock Compression of Iron Sulphide and the Possible Sulphur Content of the Earth's Core

A light component in the Earth's outer core could account for its apparent lower density and higher seismic parameter than pure iron1. On the basis of shock data for iron and iron–nickel, Birch2 and McQueen and Marsh3 concluded that the outer core was less dense than pure iron by 10 and 8 weight %, respectively. To account for these discrepancies both sulphur and silicon have been proposed as alloying elements with iron in the outer core.
Equine viral arteritis at a veterinary teaching hospital

Abstract An outbreak of equine viral arteritis (EVA) occurred at a veterinary teaching hospital in the summer and autumn of 1984. Clinical signs were observed in 16 out of 61 hospitalized horses and included ventral, limb and preputial edema, mild conjunctivitis with lacrimation, pyrexia and increased respiratory and heart rates. Of 16 clinically affected horses, 13 were undergoing experimental abdominal surgery and/or were involved in digestion experiments; 9 of the 13 were > 20 years of age. The three other clinically affected horses were client animals. Thirteen client horses developed serologic titers to equine arteritis virus in the absence of clinical signs. The risk of infection was associated with close contact, involvement in the experimental studies being conducted and length of hospitalization. The disease was mild, limited in spread and successfully controlled by quarantine.
MKP-1 regulates cytokine mRNA stability through selectively modulation subcellular translocation of AUF1

MAPK phosphatase-1 (MKP-1)/dual specificity protein phosphatase-1 (DUSP-1) is a negative regulator of the host inflammatory response to infection. However, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of cytokine expression by MKP-1, especially at the post-transcriptional level, have not been fully delineated. In the current study, MKP-1 specifically dephosphorylated activated MAPK responses and attenuated LPS-induced IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α expression. In addition, MKP-1 was important in destabilizing cytokine mRNAs. In LPS-stimulated rat macrophages with overexpressed MKP-1, half-lives of IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α mRNAs were significantly reduced compared to controls. Conversely, half-lives of IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α mRNAs were significantly increased in bone marrow macrophages derived from MKP-1 knock out (KO) mice compared with macrophages derived from MKP-1 wild type (WT) mice. Furthermore, MKP-1 promoted translocation of RNA-binding protein (RNA-BP) ARE/poly-(U) binding degradation factor 1 (AUF1) from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in response to LPS stimulation as evidenced by Western blot and immunofluorescent staining. Knockdown AUF1 mRNA expression by AUF1 siRNA in MKP-1 WT bone marrow macrophages significantly delayed degradation of IL-6, IL-10 and TNF- α mRNAs compared with controls. Finally, AUF1 was immunoprecipitated with the RNA complex in cellular lysates derived from bone marrow macrophages of MKP-1 KO vs. WT mice, which had increased AUF1-bound target mRNAs, including IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α in WT macrophages compared with MKP-1 KO macrophages. Thus, this work provides new mechanistic insight of MKP-1 signaling and regulation of cytokine mRNA stability through RNA binding proteins in response to inflammatory stimuli.
Study on the Feasibility of Widely Usage of PSS in Multi-Machine Power System

WSCC and IEEE have suggested that PSS should be widely used. In China, many PSS have already been used as the inter-connected grid is getting larger. However, the feasibility of Widely Usage of PSS hasn’t been proved, as PSS may introduce some negative damping. This paper indicates that PSS mainly transfers the damping from non-electromechanical mode to the electromechanical mode. And one generator’s PSS mainly enhances the electromechanical mode’s damping associated tightly with the generator, while introducing very little positive or negative damping to the electromechanical mode associated weakly with the generator. Widely Usage PSS’s positive effect is much more than the negative effect. As a result, Widely Usage of PSS is feasible.
Pregnancy in women with physical disabilities

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development sponsored a 2-day workshop to assess the body of evidence on pregnancy in women with physical disabilities, identify gaps in knowledge, and formulate recommendations for further research. A multidisciplinary group of experts discussed available data on pregnancy outcomes among women with varying physically disabling conditions, medical and psychosocial risks for mothers and children, and barriers to prenatal care and parenting for women with physical disabilities. Existing evidence is limited by a preponderance of retrospective single-site studies of small sample sizes. For most women, pregnancy outcomes are favorable. However, increased rates of certain adverse outcomes, such as low birth weight (related to preterm birth or growth restriction) and cesarean delivery, have been reported in women with spinal cord injuries, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or other conditions. Common morbidities across conditions may include urinary tract infections, decreased mobility and independence, skin ulceration, respiratory compromise, interpersonal abuse, stress, and mood disorders. Socioeconomic, physical, and attitudinal barriers to antenatal care and independent parenting can be problematic. Current evidence, although limited, indicates that most women with physical disabilities will have good pregnancy outcomes; however, some data suggest that rates of a range of complications may be more common among women with physical disabilities, depending on the nature and severity of the underlying condition. Many questions remain unanswered. Establishment of a systematic and comprehensive registry of pregnancy course and outcomes among women with physical disabilities is of high priority for addressing persistent gaps in knowledge.
Progress in our understanding of structure bonding and reactivity of metal surfaces and adsorbed monolayers at the molecular level: A 25 year perspective

Abstract Over fifty techniques have been developed during the past 25 years that permit molecular level investigation of structure and bonding of the surface monolayer. Among them, low-energy electron diffraction surface crystallography and vibrational spectroscopies using photons and electrons have contributed the lion's share of quantitative experimental data. (Most of these investigations have utilized small area (~1 cm 2 ) external surfaces, although microporous large internal surface area samples were also scrutinized.) From these studies, the physical picture of the surface which emerges is one of a separate phase with distinct structure, composition, and bonding that is distinguishable from the solid bulk. The new surface phenomena which were discovered include clean surface reconstruction, adsorbate-induced restructuring, ordering and reactivity of surface defects (steps and kinks), cluster-like bonding, the large mobility of adsorbates, and the coadsorption bond. Techniques were also developed that permit in situ molecular level study of surfaces during reactions at high pressures and temperatures with good time resolution (10 −12 –10 −3 sec). Molecular surface science has had a great impact in major applications involving surface phenomena—selective adsorption, heterogeneous catalysis, coatings, microelectronics, electrochemistry, and tribology—and spawned new surface technologies. The demands of these applications focus attention on the behavior of the buried interface, both solid-liquid and solid-solid.
Cardiac transplant outcome of patients supported on left ventricular assist device vs. intravenous inotropic therapy.

Abstract Background Although the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) has been increasingly used as a bridge to transplant, its effect on post-transplant outcome is uncertain. We, therefore, designed this study using the Cardiac Transplant Research Database to compare patients supported on an LVAD before transplant with those treated with intravenous inotropic medical therapy. Methods and results Of the 5,880 patients transplanted between 1990 and 1997, a total of 502 received support from LVADs and 2,514 received intravenous inotropic medical therapy at the time of transplant. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no significant difference in post-transplant survival between the LVAD and medical-therapy groups ( p = 0.09). Results of a multivariate Cox regression analysis were consistent with that of the Kaplan-Meier analysis and did not identify LVAD as a significant risk factor for mortality. The percentage of patients who received LVADs as a function of total transplants increased from 2% in 1990 to 16% in 1997. Furthermore, although the number of extracorporeal LVADs remained relatively constant, the number of intracorporeal LVADs increased over time. Multivariate parametric analysis found that the risk factors for post-transplant death in the LVAD group were extracorporeal LVAD use ( p = 0.0004), elevated serum creatinine ( p = 0.05), older donor age ( p = 0.03), increased donor ischemic time ( p p = 0.03). Conclusions Given a limited donor supply, the intracorporeal LVAD helps the sickest patients survive to transplant and provides post-transplant outcome similar to that of patients supported on inotropic medical therapy. Therefore, patients supported on LVADs before transplant may receive the greatest marginal benefit when compared with other transplant candidates.
Dynamic data compression for wireless transmission over a fading channel

We consider a wireless node that randomly receives data from different sensor units. The arriving data must be compressed, stored, and transmitted over a wireless link, where both the compression and transmission operations consume power. Specifically, the controller must choose from one of multiple compression options every timeslot. Each option requires a different amount of power and has different compression ratio properties. Further, the wireless link has potentially time-varying channels, and transmission rates depend on current channel states and transmission power allocations. We design a dynamic algorithm for joint compression and transmission, and prove that it comes arbitrarily close to minimizing average power expenditure, with an explicit tradeoff in average delay. The algorithm is simple to implement and does not require knowledge of probability distributions for packet arrivals or channel states.
RF and DC characterization of state‐of‐the‐art GaN HEMT devices through cellular Monte Carlo simulations

Here we report simulation results for high-frequency, high-power state-of-the-art GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs), using a full band Cellular Monte Carlo simulator, which includes the full details of the band structure and the phonon spectra, in order to study the RF performance of the new promising technology available nowadays. A complete characterization of an InGaN back – barrier device has been performed using experimental data to calibrate the few adjustable parameters of the simulator. Furthermore, a study on a device structure based on the N-face configuration was performed. Finally, threading dislocation effects on HEMT device transport properties were investigated (© 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Raeder's syndrome. A clinical review

The term "Raeder's syndrome," which now seems to mean any painful postganglionic Horner's syndrome, has been used in the past to describe patients with a wide variety of underlying pathology, including such serious lesions as middle cranial fossa neoplasms and such benign conditions as unilateral vascular headache syndromes. The purpose of this review which is based on the literature and some recent experience with 41 cases of Raeder's syndrome, is to help clarify this syndrome and to aid the clinician in its evaluation and treatment. Patients with Raeder's syndrome have been divided into three major groups. In the first group, the painful postganglionic Horner's syndrome is associated with multiple parasellar cranial nerve involvement and these patients require full neuroradiological investigation to uncover such lesions as local or metastatic tumors within the middle cranial fossa. The second and third groups do not have the multiple cranial nerve damage and their prognoses are benign. The characteristics, clinical investigation and medical therapy of each of these two benign groups are outlined and discussed. Extensive neuroradiological investigation is not recommended for patients in the second or third groups. Common to all three groups of Raeder's syndrome is the association of unilateral headache with the interruption of the postganglionic oculosympathetic fibers along the course of the internal carotid artery.
Characterization of 10 polymorphic loci in the Baird’s pocket gopher ( Geomys breviceps ) and cross-amplification in other gopher species

Ten polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized for the Baird’s pocket gopher, Geomys breviceps. Each locus was screened in 40 individuals from 4 different populations found throughout College Station, Texas. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 16 and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.100 to 1.000. Deviation from Hardy–Weinberg and linkage disequilibrium was also analyzed. These 10 microsatellite primers, as well as 4 previously described primers developed for Thomomys, also were tested for amplification in additional species of pocket gophers. These microsatellite loci will provide useful tools in population genetic studies of G. breviceps, as well as other pocket gopher species.
Mathematical aspects of estimating two treatment effects and a common variance in an assured allocation design

We consider a doubly semi-parametric model for normally distributed random variables which arises in experiments with an assured allocation design. In settling a curious question about estimation of the model's variance parameter, a certain inequality arises that involves the normal probability density function and its first two integrals. The inequality is of mathematical interest in its own right, and is given a rigorous proof.
Morphological and genomic characterization of Filobasidiella depauperata: a homothallic sibling species of the pathogenic cryptococcus species complex.

The fungal species Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii cause respiratory and neurological disease in animals and humans following inhalation of basidiospores or desiccated yeast cells from the environment. Sexual reproduction in C. neoformans and C. gattii is controlled by a bipolar system in which a single mating type locus (MAT) specifies compatibility. These two species are dimorphic, growing as yeast in the asexual stage, and producing hyphae, basidia, and basidiospores during the sexual stage. In contrast, Filobasidiella depauperata, one of the closest related species, grows exclusively as hyphae and it is found in association with decaying insects. Examination of two available strains of F. depauperata showed that the life cycle of this fungal species shares features associated with the unisexual or same-sex mating cycle in C. neoformans. Therefore, F. depauperata may represent a homothallic and possibly an obligately sexual fungal species. RAPD genotyping of 39 randomly isolated progeny from isolate CBS7855 revealed a new genotype pattern in one of the isolated basidiospores progeny, therefore suggesting that the homothallic cycle in F. depauperata could lead to the emergence of new genotypes. Phylogenetic analyses of genes linked to MAT in C. neoformans indicated that two of these genes in F. depauperata, MYO2 and STE20, appear to form a monophyletic clade with the MATa alleles of C. neoformans and C. gattii, and thus these genes may have been recruited to the MAT locus before F. depauperata diverged. Furthermore, the ancestral MATa locus may have undergone accelerated evolution prior to the divergence of the pathogenic Cryptococcus species since several of the genes linked to the MATa locus appear to have a higher number of changes and substitutions than their MATα counterparts. Synteny analyses between C. neoformans and F. depauperata showed that genomic regions on other chromosomes displayed conserved gene order. In contrast, the genes linked to the MAT locus of C. neoformans showed a higher number of chromosomal translocations in the genome of F. depauperata. We therefore propose that chromosomal rearrangements appear to be a major force driving speciation and sexual divergence in these closely related pathogenic and saprobic species.
Identifying pregnancy episodes, outcomes, and mother–infant pairs in the Vaccine Safety Datalink

Abstract Background The need for research on the safety of vaccination during pregnancy is widely recognized. Large, population-based data systems like the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) may be useful for this research, but identifying pregnancies using electronic medical record (EMR) and claims data can be challenging. Methods We modified an existing data processing algorithm to identify pregnancies within seven of the ten VSD sites. We validated the algorithm by calculating the agreement in pregnancy outcome type, end date, and gestational age between the algorithm and manual medical record review. At each participating site, we randomly sampled 15 episodes within four outcome type strata (live births, spontaneous abortions, elective abortions, and other pregnancy outcomes) for a total of 60 episodes per site. We also developed and validated methods to link mothers to their infants in the electronic data. Results We identified 595,929 pregnancy episodes ending in 2002 through 2006 among women 12 through 55 years of age. Of these pregnancies, 75% ended in live births, 12% in spontaneous abortions, and 9% in elective abortions. We were able to confirm a pregnancy within 28 days of the algorithm-estimated pregnancy start date for 99% of live births, 93% of spontaneous abortions, 92% of elective abortions, and 90% of other outcomes sampled. The agreement between the algorithm-identified and the abstractor-identified outcome date ranged from 70% (elective abortion) to 96% (live birth) depending on outcome type. When gestational age was available in the EMR, agreement ranged from 82% (other) to 98% (live birth) depending on outcome type. We confirmed 100% of the 350 sampled mother–infant linkages with manual medical record review. Conclusions The VSD algorithm accurately identifies pregnancy episodes and mother–infant pairs across participating sites. Additional manual record review may be needed to improve the precision of the pregnancy date estimates depending on specific study needs. These algorithms will allow us to conduct large, population-based studies of the safety of vaccination during pregnancy.
Examining Future Adolescent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Uptake, With and Without a School Mandate

Abstract Purpose To develop a model of adolescent (HPV) human papillomavirus vaccine utilization that explored future HPV vaccination rates, with and without a school mandate, for the vaccine at middle school entry. Methods A dynamic, population-based, compartmental model was developed that estimated over a 50-year time horizon HPV vaccine uptake among female adolescents living in the United States. The model incorporated data on parental attitudes about this vaccine and adolescent health care utilization levels. Results Without a mandate, our model predicted that 70% coverage, a lower threshold value used in many previous modeling studies of HPV vaccination, would not be achieved until a mean of 23 years after vaccine availability. Maximal coverage of 79% was achieved after 50 years. With a school mandate in place, utilization increased substantially, with 70% vaccination coverage achieved by year 8 and maximal vaccination coverage, 90%, achieved by year 43. Conclusions Our results suggest that vaccine utilization is likely to be low for several years, though strong school mandates might improve HPV vaccine uptake. These results affect the interpretation of previous modeling studies that estimated the potential clinical effects of HPV vaccination under assumptions of very high vaccine utilization rates.
The Survival of Pathogenic Microorganisms in Ice Cream

Summary Salmonella enteritidis and Brucella abortus Bang have survived storage in ice cream at a temperature of −23.2° C. (−10° F.) for 7 years. Of the remaining organisms Mycobacterium tuberculosis hominis (strains A, I & S) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis bovis have survived for 6 1 2 years, Salmonella aertrycke for 6 years, Brucella melitensis for 5 years, Mycobacterium avium for 4 1 2 years and Brucella abortus porcine for 4 years. It should be made clear that Salmonella enteritidis, Brucella abortus Bang, Mycobacterium tuberculosis hominis (strains A, I & S) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis bovis were still viable and that later tests will be necessary to determine their longevity.
L'embarras du choix

Il est necessaire de considerer les avantages et les limitations des nombreuses methodes dont on dispose aujourd'hui pour l'analyse des contraintes. Des etudes systematiques manquent sur cette question. L'auteur s'occupe qualitativement de l'efficacite relative des methodes dites des elements-finis par rapport aux methodes experimentales d'analyse des contraintes. Il fait quelques considerations aussi sur la valeur relative de: 1o la photoplasticite et le moire pour resoudre des problemes de plasticite; 2o la photo-ortho-elasticite, la couche photoelastique et le moire pour resoudre des problemes d'anisotropie; 3o plusieurs des methodes employees maintenant pour resoudre des problemes de photoelasticite dynamique; 4o les methodes employees en photoelasticite tridimensionnelle, et en general sur les methodes photoelastiques, du moire, de l'holographie, des pellicules fragiles et des methodes ponctuelles.
The renormalization group in the theory of critical behavior

The renormalization group approach to the theory of critical behavior is reviewed at an introductory level with emphasis on magnetic systems. Among recent results reported are the dependence of critical exponents above Tc on dimensionality d=4−e; on the symmetry index or number of spin components, n; on the range and anisotropy of exchange couplings; and on dipolar interactions and lattice anisotropies, in ferro- and antiferromagnets. Calculations of the scaling functions for the equation of state and critical scattering are summarized.
Social Support and Distress among Q'eqchi' Refugee Women in Maya Tecún, Mexico

This article addresses issues of vulnerability and distress through an analysis of the relationship between social support networks and traumatic stress in a Q'eqchi' refugee community in southern Mexico. The sociopolitical violence, forced displacement, and encampment of Guatemalan Mayan populations resulted in the breakdown and dispersal of kin and community groups, leaving many Q'eqchi' women with weakened social support networks. Research involving testimonial interviews and traumatic stress and social support questionnaires revealed that Q'eqchi' refugee women with weak natal kin social support networks reported greater feelings of distress and symptoms of traumatic stress than did women with strong networks. In particular, a condition identified as muchkej emerged as one of the most significant symptoms reported by women with weak natal kin support networks. I critically consider muchkej as an idiom of distress and argue that aid organizations should consider the relationship between social support and traumatic stress, as expressed through such idioms, when attempting to identify vulnerable members of a refugee population.
Imaging of nitric oxide in the retina

Nitric oxide (NO) is the most widespread signaling molecule found in the retina in that it can be made by every retinal cell type. NO is able to influence a wide variety of synaptic mechanisms ranging from increasing or decreasing neurotransmitter release to the modulation of gap junction conductivity. Although biochemical methods can analyze overall levels of NO, such methods cannot indicate the specific cell types involved. In the last few years, fluorescent imaging methods utilizing diaminofluorescein have allowed the real-time visualization of neurochemically or light stimulated NO-induced fluorescence (NO-IF) in specific retinal cells. Recent experiments have shown that this NO-IF can be stabilized using paraformaldehyde fixation. This aldehyde stabilization has allowed the imaging of NO production in the dark and in response to light, as well as the neurochemical modulation of light stimulated NO production. The results of these studies indicate that NO is not always freely diffusible and that NO is largely retained in many cells which make it. The NO production in retina is highly damped in that in the absence of stimulation, the endogenous levels of NO production are extremely low. Finally, different neurochemical or light stimulation protocols activate NO production in specific cells and subcellular compartments. Therefore, although the NO signaling is widespread in retina, it is very selectively activated and has different functions in specific retinal cell types. The use of NO imaging will continue to play a critical role in future studies of the function of NO in retina and other neural systems.
Electrocorticographic changes during generalized convulsive status epilepticus in soman intoxicated rats

Generalized convulsive status epilepticus (GCSE) is the most common and potentially most damaging form of status epilepticus (SE). It has been previously reported, in both human GCSE and animal models of GCSE, that the electroencephalographs (EEGs) and electrocorticographs (ECoGs) recorded during GCSE contain an ordered sequence of five identifiable patterns: discrete seizures (phase 1), waxing and waning ictal discharges (phase 2), continuous ictal discharges (phase 3), continuous activity with flat periods (phase 4), and periodic epileptiform discharge on a flat background (phase 5). In this paper, we report the same pattern of ECoG changes in 15 rats exposed to soman, an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor. Phase 1 was observed in 12 of 15 animals, but phases 2-5 were recorded in all the animals. Taken together, these findings suggest that the sequence of EEG changes is independent of the initiating cause, represent a common electrical response to GCSE, and reflect a common underlying neurochemical mechanism.
Exogenous Endothelin-1 Causes Renal Vasolidation in the Fetal Lamb

AbstractPurpose: Endothelin-1 is known to be a potent vasoconstrictor. We investigated the effects and mechanisms of action of endothelin-1 and its receptors in regulating renal vascular tone in the fetal lamb.Materials and Methods: We observed the in vivo effects of endothelin-1, and endothelin-b receptor agonist (4-alanine-endothelin-1), endothelin-a receptor antagonists (BQ-610 and BQ-123), and the inhibition of prostaglandin and nitric oxide synthesis on the response of the renal circulation to endothelin-1 in a chronic preparation in third trimester fetal lambs.Results: After injection of 250 ng./kg. endothelin-1 into the descending aorta proximal to the renal arteries in 8 fetal animals, renal blood flow increased (4.4 plus/minus 0.7 ml. per minute per kg., p less than 0.001 versus vehicle), as did mean arterial blood pressure (3.0 plus/minus 0.3 mm. Hg, p less than 0.001 versus vehicle). Calculated renal vascular resistance decreased (-1.1 plus/minus 0.2 mm. Hg per minute per kg./ml., p less than 0...
Border Patrol: Negotiating Jurisdictional Boundaries in Building Design and Construction

This study examines the rise of sustainability concerns in the building design and construction industry to discover how professionals negotiate jurisdictional boundaries in the workplace. It draws...
BACTERIA IN THE REPRODUCTIVE TRACTS OF RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS

Abstract We identified bacteria collected from the ejaculates and cloacae of male Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) and from the cloacae of their mates during two breeding seasons and at three geographic locations with two distinct breeding habitats in each. In all, 42% of 233 ejaculates contained at least one bacteria species. Analysis of control samples suggested that some bacteria come from contamination during collection, but most are either carried within the ejaculate or are present on the male cloaca. As in an earlier study of Agelaius phoeniceus, we recorded many different species with considerable diversity between samples. We tested several explanations for this diversity. We found no overlap in either the presence of bacteria or the species found in multiple ejaculates obtained from the same male. We also found no association between bacteria in the ejaculate and those in the cloaca from the same male, or in samples collected from a male and those from the females nesting on his terri...
Interference screw fixation of cervical grafts : a combined in vitro biomechanical and in vivo animal study

The dislodgement of an anterior bone graft in the cervical spine is a frequent complication of attempted fusion following discectomy or corpectomy. It has been hypothesized that fixation augmented with interference screws may increase the pullout strength of the construct and decrease the rate of these complications. In vitro mechanical tests and in vivo sheep studies were conducted to compare interference screw fixation methods for enhancing the fixation between the bone graft and the adjacent vertebra. Using human cadaver cervical spines, the anterior pullout strengths of cervical bone grafts were compared using fixation with and without the addition of interference screws for the in vitro mechanical testing. The mean pullout forces for a Smith-Robinson type bone graft alone was 58.1 N (SD 11.4 N); for the graft augmented with two 3.5 mm cancellous bone screws, 153.9 N (58.9 N); and for the graft with four 3.5 mm screws, 217.1 N (SD 69.9 N). The pullout strengths of the two- and four-3.5 mm screw constructs were significantly greater than the strength of the graft alone (P < 0.05). Similarly placed 2.7 mm cortical screws of the same length provided increased pullout strength (123.7 N 38.6 N and 142.5 N 38.2 N for two- and four-screw constructs, respectively); however, in comparison to the graft alone, these differences were not statistically significant. For both screw types, the four-screw fixations were stronger than the two-screw fixations, although these differences were not statistically significant. For the in vivo portion of the study, a single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion were performed on 20 sheep.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Cyberbullying: A Case Study at Robert J. Mitchell Junior/Senior High School

Robert J. Mitchell Junior/Senior High School is a small institution located in central New York. Although generally minimal behavior problems occur at the school, currently cyberbullying is on the rise. One of the students, James, was recently a victim of cyberbullying. A picture of him was posted on a social networking site, which initiated a barrage of cruel text messages and emails. Although James didn't tell anyone about the incident, another student complicit in some of the bullying, Sarah, confessed to him. Sarah and James then went to their teacher, Mr. Moten, to tell him about the bullying and that they thought another student was responsible for creating the social networking site and posting the picture. Without the benefit of a school or district cyberbullying policy, Mr. Moten then attempts to figure out what to do to help James and stop the harassment.
Embolization in atherosclerosis

New evidence has highlighted the frequency and importance of atherosclerotic embolization to the microvasculature. Several factors determine the clinical significance of embolization. These include the characteristics of the embolus itself, the frequency of emboli in the same vascular bed, and the collateral supply and perfusion pressure of the recipient vascular bed. Until recently, we have had limited ability to diagnose microvascular obstruction in living patients. With the availability of imaging technology such as MRI, myocardial contrast echocardiography, and transcranial Doppler (TCD), the frequency and the importance of microvascular obstruction has been better understood in the last two decades. Embolization that leads to arterial occlusion occurs more frequently in the cerebral circulation than in the coronary circulation and can have a devastating effect on the patient. Consequently, the detection and prevention of embolic events are crucial to stroke prevention. Although much work has been done to prevent large emboli, not much is known about prevention or consequence of microembolic events. Microembolic events are common in high-risk patients with carotid stenosis and in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA), carotid stenting, or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). This article reviews the latest technology in detecting and preventing microembolization during carotid stenting and CABG. Pathology
Evaluation of small intestinal submucosa as scaffolds for intestinal tissue engineering.

Background Biodegradable scaffolds have been used for regenerating the small intestine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of small intestinal submucosa (SIS) as scaffolds for intestinal regeneration in a rat model. Materials and methods A tubular one-ply or four-ply SIS was interposed between isolated jejunal segments in rats. The scaffolds were harvested at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after implantation, and the specimens were examined grossly and histologically. Results Significant contractions were observed in SIS scaffolds after implantation. The one-ply SIS contracted to 44% of its initial length at 2 weeks and continued to contract to 6% of its initial length at 8 weeks. The contraction of four-ply SIS scaffolds was less than that of the one-ply SIS, reaching 29% of its initial length at 8 weeks. Minimal epithelial and smooth muscular regeneration was observed in the SIS scaffolds after implantation. Conclusions A significant shrinkage was observed in the SIS scaffolds after implantation. Although the four-ply SIS contracted less than the one-ply SIS, neither scaffold supported significant amount of intestinal regeneration.
Small bowel transplantation promotes bacterial overgrowth and translocation

Alterations in the symbiotic relationship between immunocompromised hosts and their resident gut microflora may lead to serious complications following small bowel transplantation (SBT). This study examined the effects of SBT and cyclosporine (CsA) immunosuppression on gut bacterial populations and translocation to the mesenteric lymph nodes. Sixty adult male meat-fed Lewis rats were divided into six groups: normal controls, CsA alone (24 mg/kg im qod), CsA carrier vehicle alone, isografts, isografts given CsA, and allografts given CsA. Rats were killed after 3 weeks and segments of small bowel and colon were harvested for quantitative tissue culture. Mesenteric lymph nodes and blood were cultured to identify translocation. Transplantation alone led to an increase in gram-negative aerobes from 2.6 to 4.6 colony forming units/100 mg tissue (P less than 0.05) in the distal ileum (transplanted segment). Eighty-four percent of transplanted animals receiving CsA had bacteria recovered from their mesenteric lymph nodes compared to none in controls (P less than 0.001) and 20% in isografts not receiving CsA (P less than 0.02). Intestinal transplantation alone appears to promote gram-negative overgrowth while the addition of CsA therapy facilitates translocation to the mesenteric lymph nodes and may predispose to gut-associated sepsis following SBT.