cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Commission of Historians in Latvia: 1999 to The Present

In 1999, the President of Latvia, Guntis Ulmanis, created a Commission of Historians and charged it with investigating the nature and consequences for Latvians and Latvia of the two occupations (the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany) the country experienced during the years of World War Two and afterwards. Special focus was to be direct to the Holocaust and to the multiple forms of repression practiced by the Soviet Communist regime. The Commission consisted of some 13-15 local, regional, and international scholars with specialized knowledge and, in some cases, personal experience, with the double occupation. The findings of the Commission were to be published in the form of a book series, with each volume devoted to a particular topic and containing reports delivered at international conferences or generated by ongoing research. The historical knowledge thus accumulated was to be disseminated widely, in the hope that it would become a basis for further research on this crucial and still-controversial period ...
Targeting T cells against brain tumors with a bispecific ligand-antibody conjugate

High-affinity receptors expressed on the surface of some tumors can be exploited by chemically conjugating the ligand for the receptor and an antibody against immune effector cells, thus redirecting their cytolytic potential against the tumor. Ovarian carcinomas and some brain tumors express the high-affinity folate receptor (FR). In this report, a transgenic mouse model that generates endogenously arising choroid plexus tumors was used to show that folate/anti-T-cell receptor antibody conjugates can direct infiltration of T cells into solid brain tumor masses. An engineered single-chain Fv form of the anti-T-cell receptor antibody KJ16 was conjugated with folate, to produce a bispecific agent that was substantially smaller than most previously characterized bispecific antibodies. Folate conjugation to the antibody increased T-cell infiltration into the tumors by 10- to 20-fold, and significantly prolonged survival of the mice.
Angular correlations near the Fermi energy

Angular correlations between light particles have been studied to probe the extent to which a thermally equilibrated system is formed in heavy ion collisions near the Fermi energy. Single-light-particle inclusive energy spectra and two-particle large-angle correlations were measured for 40 and 50 MeV/nucleon C+C, Ag, and Au. The single-particle inclusive energy spectra are well fit by a three moving source parametrization. Two-particle large-angle correlations are shown to be consistent with emission from a thermally equilibrated source when the effects of momentum conservation are considered. Single-particle inclusive spectra and light-particle correlations at small relative momentum were measured for 35 MeV/nucleon N+Ag. Source radii were extracted from the two-particle correlation functions and were found to be consistent with previous measurements using two-particle correlations and the coalescence model. The temperature of the emitting source was extracted from the relative populations of states using the quantum statistical model and was found to be 4.8/sub -2.4//sup +2.8/ MeV, compared to the 14 MeV temperature extracted from the slopes of the kinetic energy spectra.
Agroecology without Ecology

Wojtkowski, Paul A. 2006. Introduction to agroecology: principles and practices. The Haworth Press, Binghamton, New York. xix + 404 p. $99.95 (cloth), ISBN: 978-1-56022-316-0 (alk. paper); $79.95 (paper), ISBN: 978-1-56022-317-7 (alk. paper).
Molecular weight and molecular weight distribution from dynamic measurements of polymer melts

A method for determining the molecular weight distribution (MWD) of a polymer melt has been developed using the dynamic elastic modulus (G'), plateau modulus (G), and zero shear complex viscosity (η). The cumulative MWD was found to be proportional to a plot of (G'/G)0.5vs. measurement frequency (ω). Frequency (ω) was found to be inversely proportional to (MW)3.4, as expected. Results were scaled to absolute values using the empirical relationship η ∝ (Mw)3.4, where Mw is the weight-average MW. Mw, Mn (number-average MW) and Mw/Mn calculated from melt measurements were found to agree with size exclusion chromatography usually well within 10 percent for broad and bimodal distribution samples. Mw/Mn tended to be approximately 20 percent higher for narrow distribution samples (Mw/Mn < 1.2) because we did not account for a finite distribution of relaxation times from a collection of monodisperse polymer chains. We also did not account for the plasticizing effect of short chains mixed with long ones which caused peak positions to be closer together for Theological vs, size exclusive chromatography (SEC) determinations of MW for bimodal distribution blends.
Secondary Beam Targetry Developments

Two recently developed target manipulators have increased the versatility of remote multitargeting in the production of secondary particles from within the Argonne Zero Gradient Synchrotron (ZGS). The Mark II manipulator is constructed in modular form to facilitate assembly in one of four arm-swing configurations. This allows new coverage patterns for the three to four manipulator combinations that can multitarget on a single synchrotron pulse. It also provides for quick, accurate target changes by replacement of a complete presurveyed arm and target assembly. A current pulsed coil, reacting with the guide field, thrusts the target of the Mark IV manipulator upwards from the bottom of the beam chamber. The Mark IV compact design permits close targeting positions between manipulators. The manipulator provides distinct target movements in each of the three coordinate axes (X, Y, and Z), as well as rotation in the XZ plane. This enhances automatic target positioning control. An exact replica of the 32-in x 70-in meson targeting area has been used for positional presurveys of meson targets and for the calibration of their positional readout systems. This use has greatly reduced radiation exposure to personnel and contributed substantially towards a 50% reduction in the ZGS maintenance time.
Evaluation of Driver Performance and Distraction During Use of In-Vehicle Signing Information

The goal of this study was to examine the in-vehicle signing (IVS) function displayed on a mobile device to determine whether drivers' compliance with speed limits increased when IVS information was present. The study also sought to identify whether any visual distraction occurred while the IVS information was being used. Notifications of speed zone changes along a roadway, of school zones, construction zones, and curves were visually displayed on a mobile device as per project requirements. Sixty participants (balanced for gender) completed the study, which involved performing a simulated drive in one of three conditions along 24 mi of roadways. The three system-on groups represented the following information conditions: IVS plus navigation, navigation only, or IVS only. Each group also completed a baseline (system-off) condition. The driving performance results indicated that drivers complied with most speed zones whether IVS information was present or not; however, average speeds tended to be higher in...
Hemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications after bariatric surgery in patients receiving chronic anticoagulation therapy.

Background Perioperative management of bariatric surgical patients receiving chronic anticoagulation requires an understanding of potential hemorrhagic and thromboembolic risks. The aim of this study is to evaluate hemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications in morbidly obese patients who are on oral anticoagulation treatment and subsequently undergo laparoscopic bariatric surgery.
IgM the secretory immunoglobulin of reptiles and amphibians.

THE major secretary immunoglobulin in mammals (IgA) has been studied extensively but there is little direct evidence about its phylogenetic origins (reviewed in ref. 1). The degree of sequence homology between the C terminal end of human α1 and μ heavy (H) chains suggests that the α and μ chains diverged ≃ 175 Myr ago, or at the time birds and mammals evolved from reptiles2. Several reports suggest the existence in birds of an Ig analogous to mammalian IgA3,4. We have therefore looked for a comparable Ig in reptiles and amphibia. We found that these lower vertebrates do have a primitive secretory Ig, but it is similar to serum IgM.
Personalized medicine: new genomics, old lessons

Personalized medicine uses traditional, as well as emerging concepts of the genetic and environmental basis of disease to individualize prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Personalized genomics plays a vital, but not exclusive role in this evolving model of personalized medicine. The distinctions between genetic and genomic medicine are more quantitative than qualitative. Personalized genomics builds on principles established by the integration of genetics into medical practice. Principles shared by genetic and genomic aspects of medicine, include the use of variants as markers for diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, as well as targets for treatment, the use of clinically validated variants that may not be functionally characterized, the segregation of these variants in non-Mendelian as well as Mendelian patterns, the role of gene–environment interactions, the dependence on evidence for clinical utility, the critical translational role of behavioral science, and common ethical considerations. During the current period of transition from investigation to practice, consumers should be protected from harms of premature translation of research findings, while encouraging the innovative and cost-effective application of those genomic discoveries that improve personalized medical care.
Sensitivity analysis and validation of simulation models

An application of sensitivity analysis is described which allows the user to estimate the degree of validity of a simulation model in absolute terms. The method is applied to a description of mosquito population dynamics.
Carbon Dioxide Emissions among African Countries: An Application of the Sequential Panel Selection Method

This paper investigates the existence of stochastic convergence in per capita carbon dioxide emissions for a panel of 15 African countries using the Sequential Panel Selection Method (SPSM) for the time period running from 1971 through 2011. This paper adopts the SPSM because it has the ability to separate the series in the panel into stationary and nonstationary groups. The results provide evidence in support of convergence in per capita carbon dioxide emissions for the panel as a whole. However, for the individual countries in the panel, the results suggest that the relative per capita carbon dioxide emissions for Niger, Mauritius, Nigeria, Swaziland, Madagascar, Kenya, Malawi, Morocco, Tanzania, Algeria and Zimbabwe have converged to the sample average emissions. For Congo, Zambia, Egypt and Botswana, the results show that their relative per capita carbon dioxide emissions have diverged from the sample average emissions. The findings of this study have implications for both national and international environmental policies.
In an Abusive State: How Neoliberalism Appropriated the Feminist Movement Against Sexual Violence

Since its inception, the movement to stop violence against women has exhibited an uneasy relationship to the state. Early feminist organizers frequently focused on the many ways that legal and gove...
Effects of Neonatal Growth on Adult Blood Pressures of Borderline Hypertensive Rats

Abstract We conducted this study to test the hypothesis that there are long-term effects of litter-size manipulations during the preweaning period on growth and adult blood pressure of rats. Litter size of genetically homogeneous borderline hypertensive rats, which were produced by cross-mating male Wistar-Kyoto rats with female spontaneously hypertensive rats, was manipulated from 10 to 16 days of age. In addition, a subset of males and females was castrated within the first 30 hours of life. Body weights were measured at several preweaning and postweaning ages, and tail-cuff blood pressures were recorded at 90 days of age. Intact and castrated pups of both sexes that were reared in small (n=4) litters from 10 to 16 days of age gained nearly twice the weight of animals reared in large (n=9 to 12) litters during this period. Intact males from small litters had significantly higher adult blood pressures than those from large litters. These long-term effects remained even in groups matched for adult weight and length. Neonatal castration of males completely blocked the consequences of litter-size manipulation on adult blood pressure, suggesting either an organizational or activational role for androgens. Neither intact nor neonatally castrated females exhibited differences in adult blood pressure as a function of litter-size manipulation.
Reliability and fatigue characteristics of a standing hip isometric endurance protocol

Muscle fatigue is a common consideration when evaluating and rehabilitating athletic injuries. The presence of muscular fatigue has been previously determined by quantifying median frequency (MF) through a power spectral analysis on EMG signals collected throughout an endurance task. Research has not yet determined if a prolonged isometric test in a standing position generates muscular fatigue of the hip. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability and fatigue characteristics of a standing hip isometric endurance test. Twenty healthy participants completed one 60-s Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contraction of standing hip flexion, extension, adduction, and abduction. MF of the participants’ dominant limb rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris (BF), gluteus maximus (GMax), gluteus medius (GMed) and adductor longus (ADD) was determined via surface electromyography during two sessions, 30-min apart. Reliability values (ICC2,1) were moderate-to-excellent for all time intervals of each action (FlexionRF: >0.80; ExtensionBF: >0.89; ExtensionGMax: >0.60; AdductionADD: >0.78; AbductionGMed: >0.60) and MF significantly decreased over time for all actions. Results suggest the endurance test is a reliable technique to generate muscular fatigue for hip flexion, extension, adduction and abduction. It can be used as a time efficient fatigue protocol specific to the RF, BF, GMax, ADD and GMed.
Party Control and Bureaucratization in Czechoslovakia

TN TIE PAST FEW YEARS there has been a trend toward the study of governmental bureaucracies as a focu.sing point for the study of comparative political systems.1 The study of bureaucracy has been approached by at least two strategies: directly by the empirical study of the behavior and function of various formal bureaucratic organizations, and analytically by a stress on the importance of developing theoretical frameworks for the study of organizations. The student of comparative political systems has often relied upon various case studies that have been made of governmental bureaucracies,2 the student of administrative science upon the construction of both middle-range and general itheories about administrative organization and process.3 Advocates of both of these approaches have recognized that the structural form of an organization, decision strategies within an organization, and the process of administration are affected by the milieu in which the organization is imbedded. Administrative function and behavior are influenced by the larger system of which the bureaucratic organization is only a sub-system. In order to explore the relationship between a public bureaucracy and its environment
Balloon dilatation of esophageal stenosis in children.

Balloon dilatation of benign esophageal strictures is an accepted mode of therapy in adults. This report describes balloon dilatation in 20 consecutive infants and children. The lesions treated include 11 strictures at surgical anastomotic sites, seven restrictive Nissen fundoplications, and three nonanastomotic esophageal strictures. One patient had two lesions. Most dilatations were performed on an outpatient basis without anesthesia. All strictures responded immediately to dilatation. In most cases, long-term resolution occurred after three or fewer procedures. A subgroup of patients was identified in which a prolonged course of treatment was needed. These included patients with long strictures due to esophageal atresia, patients with chronic severe esophagitis, and patients with strictures at the site of esophageal perforation. No significant complications were encountered. Balloon dilatation of esophageal stenosis in children is effective and safe and should be considered before other methods of trea...
Efficacy and Safety of Aprotinin in Neonatal Congenital Heart Operations

Background Aprotinin has been associated with significant morbidity and mortality in adults, leading to its withdrawal from the market and clinical substitution with the lysine analogs, tranexamic acid and e-aminocaproic acid. Neonates undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass are especially at risk for perioperative bleeding, yet little data exist comparing lysine analogs with aprotinin. Methods Neonates undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (January 2006 to December 2009) were included in this single-institution, retrospective cohort study. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were analyzed. The relationship between demographic, surgical risk data, and outcomes were analyzed. Markers of effectiveness included transfusion requirement, duration of operation, duration of ventilation, and intensive care unit length of stay. Markers of safety included reexploration, renal dysfunction, neurologic complications, and death. Results Of 423 included neonates, 271 (64%) received aprotinin and 152 (36%) a lysine analog. Infants who received aprotinin had a higher baseline creatinine and lower weight and gestational age. The aprotinin group experienced shorter time to surgical closure, lower blood product use, and lower rates of reexploration and postoperative renal dysfunction compared with the lysine-analog group. There was no difference in duration of ventilation or intensive care unit stay, neurologic outcomes, or death. Conclusions Neonates who received aprotinin had significantly lower intraoperative transfusion requirements and shorter surgical closure times. The aprotinin group was less likely to require surgical reexploration and had a lower rate of renal injury. These data illustrate the need for further research regarding safety and efficacy of aprotinin in a larger sample of children undergoing cardiac operations.
40 Ar/ 39 Ar dating of the eruptive history of Mount Erebus, Antarctica: volcano evolution

Mt. Erebus, a 3,794-meter-high active polygenetic stratovolcano, is composed of voluminous anorthoclase-phyric tephriphonolite and phonolite lavas overlying unknown volumes of poorly exposed, less differentiated lavas. The older basanite to phonotephrite lavas crop out on Fang Ridge, an eroded remnant of a proto-Erebus volcano and at other isolated locations on the flanks of the Mt. Erebus edifice. Anorthoclase feldspars in the phonolitic lavas are large (~10 cm), abundant (~30–40%) and contain numerous melt inclusions. Although excess argon is known to exist within the melt inclusions, rigorous sample preparation was used to remove the majority of the contaminant. Twenty-five sample sites were dated by the 40Ar/39Ar method (using 20 anorthoclase, 5 plagioclase and 9 groundmass concentrates) to examine the eruptive history of the volcano. Cape Barne, the oldest site, is 1,311±16 ka and represents the first of three stages of eruptive activity on the Mt. Erebus edifice. It shows a transition from sub-aqueous to sub-aerial volcanism that may mark the initiation of proto-Erebus eruptive activity. It is inferred that a further ~300 ky of basanitic/phonotephritic volcanism built a low, broad platform shield volcano. Cessation of the shield-building phase is marked by eruptions at Fang Ridge at ~1,000 ka. The termination of proto-Erebus eruptive activity is marked by the stratigraphically highest flow at Fang Ridge (758±20 ka). Younger lavas (~550–250 ka) on a modern-Erebus edifice are characterized by phonotephrites, tephriphonolites and trachytes. Plagioclase-phyric phonotephrite from coastal and flank flows yield ages between 531±38 and 368±18 ka. The initiation of anorthoclase tephriphonolite occurred in the southwest sector of the volcano at and around Turks Head (243±10 ka). A short pulse of effusive activity marked by crustal contamination occurred ~160 ka as indicated by at least two trachytic flows (157±6 and 166±10 ka). Most anorthoclase-phyric lavas, characteristic of Mt. Erebus, are less than 250 ka. All Mt. Erebus flows between about 250 and 90 ka are anorthoclase tephriphonolite in composition.
Double chambered right ventricle: delineation by multiplane transoesophageal echocardiography

Three consecutive patients (median age 5 years; median weight 15 kg) with double chambered right ventricle (DCRV) were studied by multiplane transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE), using a specially designed paediatric probe. Using a 30° angulation from the longitudinal plane, the body and outflow tract of the right ventricle could be imaged with minimal foreshortening, allowing detailed description of the level and nature of obstruction. In all cases, angiography and subsequent surgical inspection confirmed the TOE findings. Multiplane TOE should avoid the necessity for angiography in the preoperative assessment of this unusual lesion.
‘Homo journalisticus': Journalism education’s role in articulating the objectivity norm

This study, building on an ideational theory of historical change, examines what role journalism education had in the articulation of objectivity as an occupational norm from the 1890s to the 1940s...
V649 CASSIOPEIAE: A MULTIPLE STAR SYSTEM?

Previously published light and radial-velocity curves of the eclipsing and spectroscopic binary V649 Cas are reexamined using the Wilson-Devinney program. Two solutions are presented, both leading to typical B-type masses and radii for the two components. One of the solutions calls for large amounts of third light (42% of the total light in V, 46% in B). We speculate about the possible nature of this source of third light, and we plead for new photometric and spectroscopic observations of this bright (V = 6.m53) system.
Cognitive Change Across Cognitive-Behavioral and Light Therapy Treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder: What Accounts for Clinical Status the Next Winter?

Efficacious treatments for seasonal affective disorder include light therapy and a seasonal affective disorder-tailored form of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Using data from a parent clinical trial, these secondary analyses examined the relationship between cognitive change over treatment with cognitive-behavioral therapy, light therapy, or combination treatment and mood outcomes the next winter. Sixty-nine participants were randomly assigned to 6-weeks of cognitive-behavioral therapy, light therapy, or combination treatment. Cognitive constructs (i.e., dysfunctional attitudes, negative automatic thoughts, and rumination) were assessed at pre- and post-treatment. Dysfunctional attitudes, negative automatic thoughts, and rumination improved over acute treatment, regardless of modality; however, in participants randomized to solo cognitive-behavioral therapy, a greater degree of improvement in dysfunctional attitudes and automatic thoughts was uniquely associated with less severe depressive symptoms the next winter. Change in maladaptive thoughts during acute treatment appears mechanistic of solo cognitive-behavioral therapy’s enduring effects the next winter, but is simply a consequence of diminished depression in light therapy and combination treatment.
Fair scheduling in input-queued switches under inadmissible traffic

In recent years, several high-throughput low-delay scheduling algorithms have been designed for input-queued (IQ) switches, assuming admissible traffic. In this paper, we focus on queueing systems that violate admissibility criteria. We show that in a single-server system with multiple queues, the longest queue first (LQF) policy disallows a fair allocation of service rates. We also describe the duality shared by LQF's rate allocation and a fair rate allocation. In general, we demonstrate that the rate allocation performed by the maximum weight matching (MWM) scheduling algorithm in overloaded IQ switches is unfair. We attribute this to the lack of coordination between admission control and scheduling, and propose fair scheduling algorithms that minimize delay for nonoverloaded queues.
Euclidean Sections of $\ell_1^N$ with Sublinear Randomness and Error-Correction over the Reals

It is well-known that $\mathbb R^N$ has subspaces of dimension proportional to Non which the i¾? 1 and i¾? 2 norms are uniformly equivalent, but it is unknown how to construct them explicitly. We show that, for any i¾?> 0, such a subspace can be generated using only Ni¾?random bits. This improves over previous constructions of Artstein-Avidan and Milman, and of Lovett and Sodin, which require O(NlogN), and O(N) random bits, respectively. Such subspaces are known to also yield error-correcting codes over the reals and compressed sensing matrices. Our subspaces are defined by the kernel of a relatively sparse matrix (with at most Ni¾?non-zero entries per row), and thus enable compressed sensing in near-linear O(N1 + i¾?) time. As in the work of Guruswami, Lee, and Razborov, our construction is the continuous analog of a Tanner code, and makes use of expander graphs to impose a collection of local linear constraints on vectors in the subspace. Our analysis is able to achieve uniformequivalence of the i¾? 1 and i¾? 2 norms (independent of the dimension). It has parallels to iterative decoding of Tanner codes, and leads to an analogous near-linear time algorithm for error-correction over reals.
An experimental and theoretical study of the effect of local heating on composite superconductors

Experiments have been performed where a short section of long, stabilized, NbTi conductor was driven normal and the voltage was recorded as a function of position and time. Conductors tested included samples with internal cooling channels or electrically insulating coatings. Heater power or pulse energy, conductor current, and background magnetic field were varied. The data show a number of interesting effects not previously noted in experiments where the entire conductor length was heated. These effects are discussed, as are the detailed comparisons of the steady-state results with the predictions of numerical computations. In general, the computation accurately predicts the power required to form a normal zone as a function of field and current. Both experiment and theory show that the temperature interval bracketing the nucleate-to-film-boiling discontinuity in the heat transfer coefficient can be traversed smoothly without any corresponding discontinuity in the curve of maximum wire temperature vs heater power. The normal zone is hotter and longer than predicted, however, necessitating modifications to the previously published results for apparent heat transfer in the film boiling regime.
Foreperiod effect on time estimation and simple reaction time in schizophrenia

Compared effects of foreperiod (FP) duration on time estimation (TE) and reaction time (RT). There was no difference between schizophrenics (N = 20) and nonschizophrenics (N = 20) with respect to the effect of FP duration or with respect to the effect of change in FP duration. Prior information about FP duration nullified these two effects on schizophrenics' TE and had a detrimental effect on their RT. Alcoholics' TE and RT were affected little by such prior information. Suppression of preparation by expectany was shown to be a possible characteristic of schizophrenia.
Responsivity properties of ZnTe/GaAs heterostructures formed with pulsed-laser deposition

Abstract The paper deals with the optoelectronic properties of the technologically appealing ZnTe/GaAs hetero-pairing formed with nanosecond infrared pulsed-laser deposition. Depending on the applied bias polarity of only 0.5 V, the spectral shape of the direct current responsivity is either a narrow (0.29 meV) peak at 1.378 eV or a broad response starting at the GaAs bandgap. The spectra of the alternating responsivity did not show such a drastic bias dependence. The results are interpreted by the peculiar absorption properties at the ZnTe/GaAs interface.
Transonic flow around the leading edge of a thin airfoil with a parabolic nose

Transonic potential flow around the leading edge of a thin two-dimensional general airfoil with a parabolic nose is analysed. Asymptotic expansions of the velocity potential function are constructed at a fixed transonic similarity parameter (K) in terms of the thickness ratio of the airfoil in an outer region around the airfoil and in an inner region near the nose. These expansions are matched asymptotically. The outer expansion consists of the transonic small-disturbance theory and it second-order problem, where the leading-edge singularity appears. The inner expansion accounts for the flow around the nose, where a stagnation point exists. Analytical expressions are given for the first terms of the inner and outer asymptotic expansions. A boundary value problem is formulated in the inner region for the solution of a uniform sonic flow about an infinite two-dimensional parabola at zero angle of attack, with a symmetric far-field approximation, and with no circulation around it. The numerical solution of the flow in the inner region results in the symmetric pressure distribution on the parabolic nose. Using the outer small-disturbance solution and the nose solution a uniformly valid pressure distribution on the entire airfoil surface can be derived. In the leading terms, the flow around the nose is symmetric and the stagnation point is located at the leading edge for every transonic Mach number of the oncoming flow and shape and small angle of attack of the airfoil. The pressure distribution on the upper and lower surfaces of the airfoil is symmetric near the edge point, and asymmetric deviations increase and become significant only when the distance from the leading edge of the airfoil increases beyond the inner region. Good agreement is found in the leading-edge region between the present solution and numerical solutions of the full potential-flow equations and the Euler equations.
621: How should the growth restricted (FGR) fetus be monitored before delivery? Results of a national survey

DELIVERY? RESULTS OF A NATIONAL SURVEY AHMET BASCHAT, CHRISTOPHER HARMAN, JULIAN ROBINSON, HENRY L. GALAN, University of Maryland at Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado OBJECTIVE: To determine diagnostic criteria and typical surveillance management of pregnancies complicated by FGR by perinatologists practicing in the US. STUDY DESIGN: An internet questionnaire investigating practice patterns pertaining to the management of FGR was sent to 1123 Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) members. RESULTS: 368/443 respondents were MFM Board certified (83%) and 52% (231) in fulltime academic practice. 62% (273) had highest level NICU available. 44% managed between 10-20 FGR 32 weeks annually. (226, 51%) based FGR diagnosis on an estimated fetal weight (SFW) 10th %, by Hadlock formula (343. 77%). Other FGR criteria were any growth abnormality in combination with abnormal umbilical artery Doppler (24%) or an abdominal circumference 5th %ile. Growth was assessed at 2 3 week intervals by 92% (362). Karyotyping by amniocentesis (73%), TORCH titer (63%) and thrombophilia studies (56%) were the most common added tests. The most common surveillance combination was weekly umbilical artery Doppler and twice weekly NST/AFI (74% of responses) When NST or NST/AFI are used as primary surveillance tools these are performed twice weekly (77%) whereas umbilical artery Doppler, BPP and other Doppler studies are performed weekly. Umbilical artery Doppler status (88%), amniotic fluid volume (77%) and maternal disease (73%) were the primary factors modifying testing frequency. There were no differences in any of these responses between academic and private practice. CONCLUSION: For FGR fetuses primary surveillance is based on biophysical parameters while cardiovascular fetal factors and maternal disease impact the frequency of testing. The testing schemes chosen appear surprisingly uniform. This suggests that perinatologists may not take advantage of more sophisticated testing protocols to individualize management of FGR.
Acoustic Identification and Measurement of Activity Patterns of White Grubs in Soil

Activity patterns of Phyllophaga crinita (Burmeister), Phyllophaga congrua (LeConte), Phyllophaga crassissima (Blanchard), and Cyclocephala lurida (Bland) grubs were monitored with acoustic sensors in small pots of bluegrass, Poa arachnifera Torr, at varying and constant temperatures over multiple-day periods. Experienced listeners readily distinguished three types of sound with distinct differences in frequency and temporal patterns, intensities, and durations. Of ≈3,000 sounds detected from P. crinita larvae, 7% were identifiable as snaps, with large amplitudes and short durations typically associated with root breakage or clipping activity. Approximately 60% were identifiable as rustles, suggestive of surfaces sliding or rubbing past each other during general movement activity. Another 2% of sounds contained patterns of repeated pulses suggestive of surfaces scraping across a pointed ridge. The remaining 31% had spectral or temporal patterns that fell outside the ranges of easily recognizable sound types. Because the behavioral significance of the different sound types has not yet been fully established, the classified and unclassified sounds were pooled together in analyses of the effects of species, temperature, weight, and time of day. Grubs of all four species produced detectable sounds at rates that increased with temperature [0.45 sounds/((min)(°C))] and larval weight [6.3 sounds/((min)(g))]. Mean sound rates were independent of species and time of day. At temperatures <9°C, mean sound rates fell below the typical levels of background noise observed under field conditions. This reduced activity at low temperatures is likely to reduce the effectiveness of acoustic monitoring in the field in cold weather. The consistency of results obtained in these tests over multiple-day periods suggests that acoustic systems have potential as tools for nondestructive monitoring of the efficacy of insect management treatments as well as for biological and ecological studies.
PAST AND FUTURE IMPACTS OF WETLAND REGULATIONS ON PLAYA ECOLOGY IN THE SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS

Playa wetlands provide functions critical to the existence of life on the High Plains portion of the Great Plains, including surface drainage, aquifer recharge, and wildlife habitat. These small, circular, isolated depressional wetlands with closed watersheds have a dynamic, unpredictable hydroperiod, which is essential to the maintenance of biodiversity. Most numerous in the Southern High Plains of northwestern Texas and eastern New Mexico, playas have been impacted by sedimentation, pit excavation, road construction, industrial and municipal wastewater, feedlot runoff, urban development, overgrazing, and deliberate filling. Despite being declared, as a wetland class, jurisdictional “waters of the United States” since 1977, regulations and laws for conservation of wetland functions have seldom been applied to playas. The January 2001 Supreme Court decision, Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) v. United States Army of Corps of Engineers, likely eliminated federal regulation of impacts covered by the Clean Water Act in all but a few playas. Although still subject to the Federal “Swampbuster” provision enacted by the 1985 Food Security Act, extended natural dry periods allows for frequent cultivation and other activities in playas without incurring violation, contributing to the continued degradation of playa functions. None of the states with significant numbers of playas have regulations for the conservation of playa functions. Suggestions for the successful future conservation of playas and their associated functions include (1) increased promotion and implementation of existing federal and state conservation programs specifically for playas; (2) proposed state regulations for playa conservation; (3) recognition of agricultural impacts on wetland determinations; (4) creation of Wetland Management Districts to preserve intact, functioning playas; and (5) increased public education on the value of playas.
Small decisions with big impact on data analytics

Big social data have enabled new opportunities for evaluating the applicability of social science theories that were formulated decades ago and were often based on small- to medium-sized samples. Big Data coupled with powerful computing has the potential to replace the statistical practice of sampling and estimating effects by measuring phenomena based on full populations. Preparing these data for analysis and conducting analytics involves a plethora of decisions, some of which are already embedded in previously collected data and built tools. These decisions refer to the recording, indexing and representation of data and the settings for analysis methods. While these choices can have tremendous impact on research outcomes, they are not often obvious, not considered or not being made explicit. Consequently, our awareness and understanding of the impact of these decisions on analysis results and derived implications are highly underdeveloped. This might be attributable to occasional high levels of over-confidence in computational solutions as well as the possible yet questionable assumption that Big Data can wash out minor data quality issues, among other reasons. This article provides examples for how to address this issue. It argues that checking, ensuring and validating the quality of big social data and related auxiliary material is a key ingredient for empowering users to gain reliable insights from their work. Scrutinizing data for accuracy issues, systematically fixing them and diligently documenting these processes can have another positive side effect: Closely interacting with the data, thereby forcing ourselves to understand their idiosyncrasies and patterns, can help us to move from being able to precisely model and formally describe effects in society to also understand and explain them.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin Intravenous

OBJECTIVE:To review the clinical data detailing the use of respiratory syncytial virus immune globulin intravenous (RSV—IGIV) in infants and children.DATA SOURCES:A MEDLINE search (1990–1996) was used to identify all publications that dealt with RSV—IGIV clinical trials, pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics in infants and children. Bibliographies of articles were also used.STUDY SELECTION:All abstracts and clinical trials were reviewed.DATA EXTRACTION:Study design, population, efficacy, and safety data were retained.DATA SYNTHESIS:RSV—IGIV is an immunoglobulin product with serum neutralizing titers against RSV. It has been shown to reduce hospital stay, admissions, intensive care unit admissions, and mechanical ventilation days in infants and children with RSV pneumonia or bronchiolitis who are younger than 24 months of age and were born prematurely, or have bronchopulmonary dysplasia. RSV—IGIV is well tolerated by infants and children.CONCLUSIONS:RSV—IGIV is an effective prophylactic agent against serious ...
Management of Pregnancy after Augmentation Cystoplasty

Abstract We contacted 256 members of the Society for Pediatric Urology to determine their experience with patients who had undergone augmentation cystoplasty and who later became pregnant and delivered a baby. There were 15 pregnancies in 15 patients. Urinary tract infection or pyelonephritis complicated 9 of the 15 pregnancies (60%) and 4 patients experienced premature labor. Serum creatinine levels remained stable throughout pregnancy in 14 patients. Delivery was vaginal in 10 patients, each of whom had the native continence mechanism intact, and by cesarean section in 5, of whom 3 had had prior surgical reconstruction of the vesical neck. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. As a consequence of this study, we recommend that patients who have had an enterocystoplasty alone should not be at an increased risk for incontinence from a vaginal delivery. Conversely, patients who have undergone augmentation cystoplasty and either vesical neck reconstruction or placement of an artificial genitourinary sphincter to attain continence should undergo cesarean section delivery to avoid the potential for disruption of the continence mechanism.
Phosphorylation and RLK Signaling

Plant genomes encode hundreds of receptor-like kinases (RLKs) with an organization of functional domains similar to those of animal receptor kinases. Ligand-dependent phosphorylation has now been demonstrated for several plant RLKs and identification of specific phosphorylation sites followed by their functional characterization has advanced our understanding of RLK signaling mechanisms regulating growth, morphogenesis, and disease resistance. Advances in mass spectrometry and phosphopeptide enrichment technology have been applied to plant phosphoproteomics, revealing hundreds of novel in vivo RLK phosphorylation sites and allowing comparative analysis of phosphorylation site sequence motifs. This chapter examines recent studies on both targeted RLK phosphorylation site analysis and global phosphoproteomic studies that have generated data useful for understanding mechanisms of RLK phosphorylation and its role in plant signal transduction.
Effect of estradiol on the early incorporation of (3H) thymidine into uterine DNA on immature mouse.

3 The incorporation of [3H] thymidine into uterine DNA was markedly depressed within 10 to 30 minutes after intraperitoneal administration of 17β-estradiol to immature mouse. Maximum inhibition occurred about 6 hours after the hormone was administered. Uterine DNA content and the amount of [3H] thymidine incorporated into the acid-soluble fraction was not affected during the period of hormone-induced inhibition. Moreover, the in vitro incorporation of [3H] thymidine by isolated estradiol-treated mouse uterus was blocked. In contrast to the uterus, 17β-estradiol did not influence the incorporation of thymidine into mouse liver DNA. Evidence is presented to show that the incorporation of thymidine into uterine DNA was blocked initially by 17β-estradiol.
Wake Up Call

Emergency room physicians and cardiologists generally feel a great sense of accomplishment when they provide prompt, lifesaving treatment for patients suffering from a heart attack; however, there is even greater long term satisfaction when they are able to work with patients to help them make change in their lifestyle to prevent further heart attacks and repeat hospitalizations.
Transurethral Photoacoustic Endoscopy for Prostate Cancer: A Simulation Study

The purpose of this study was to optimize the configuration of a photoacoustic endoscope (PAE) for prostate cancer detection and therapy monitoring. The placement of optical fiber bundles and ultrasound detectors was chosen to maximize the photoacoustic imaging penetration depth. We performed both theoretical calculations and simulations of this optimized PAE configuration on a prostate-sized phantom containing tumor and various photosensitizer concentrations. The optimized configuration of PAE with transurethral light delivery simultaneously increases the imaging penetration depth and improves image quality. Thermal safety, investigated via COMSOL Multiphysics, shows that there is only a 4 mK temperature rise in the urethra during photoacoustic imaging, which will cause no thermal damage. One application of this PAE has been demonstrated for quasi-quantifying photosensitizer concentrations during photodynamic therapy. The sensitivity of the photoacoustic detection for TOOKAD was 0.18 ng/mg at a 763 nm laser wavelength. Results of this study will greatly enhance the potential of prostate PAE for in vivo monitoring of drug delivery and guidance of the laser-induced therapy for future clinical use.
Second Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation for Acute Leukemia Using a Chemotherapy-Only Cytoreduction with Clofarabine, Melphalan, and Thiotepa

Abstract Relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) remains one of the leading causes of mortality in patients with leukemia. Treatment options in this population remain limited, with concern for both increased toxicity and further relapse. We treated 18 patients with acute leukemia for marrow ± extramedullary relapse after a previous alloHSCT with a myeloablative cytoreductive regimen including clofarabine, melphalan, and thiotepa followed by a second or third transplantation from the same or a different donor. All patients were in remission at the time of the second or third transplantation. All evaluable patients engrafted. The most common toxicity was reversible transaminitis associated with clofarabine. Two patients died from transplantation-related causes. Seven patients relapsed after their second or third transplanation and died of disease. Nine of 18 patients are alive and disease free, with a 3-year 49% probability of overall survival (OS). Patients whose remission duration after initial alloHSCT was >6 months achieved superior outcomes (3-year OS, 74%, 95% confidence interval, 53% to 100%), compared with those relapsing within 6 months (0%) (P
Surgical treatment of tachyarrhythmias in patients with both an Ebstein anomaly and a Kent bundle

The report relates experience with six patients with Kent bundles, five of whom had the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, operated upon for tachyarrhythmias caused by the presence of the pathway. It was successfully divided in four patients, its antegrade conduction capacity interrupted in one, and a failure occurred in the sixth patient. In the three patients who had a Kent bundle with a short effective refractory period for antegrade conduction, the life-endangering potential of the Kent pathway was corrected. To emphasize the complexities of the tachyarrhythmias in Ebstein's anomaly, two patients have mild but controllable postoperative supraventricular tachyarrhythmias (SVT) due to a Mahaim pathway. The surgical problems encountered in these patients are reviewed.
Protecting Aluminum in Atmosphere through Galvanic Coupling to Zinc

Electrochemical polarization data for the individual thin film electrodes Al and Zn as well as in galvanic couple connecting the two together have been generated using atmospheric corrosion sensors developed recently. Thin films of these metals were subjected to cyclic fog testing and to continuous immersion in selected electrolytes corresponding to atmospheric condensates and were tested also in actual atmospheric exposure under bold (totally open and subject to direct hit by rain and sun light) and sheltered (not hit by rain and sun light) conditions. Results generally indicate that zinc corrodes by very large amount tending to protect aluminum in the process. Aluminum corrodes by the least and remains passivated under test conditions involving only plain water. In the presence of chloride ion, pitting is activated, though zinc provides initial protection and tends to stabilize passivation. Under open bold conditions, zinc electrode experiences the largest corrosion current densities and passivates itself and Al remains also in the passive state. The potentials of both electrodes converge to nearly the same value around +100 mV measured against an open silver film. Under the sheltered locations, both the corrosion potentials and current densities oscillate, possibly due to repeated tendencies of passivation and depassivationmore » and attainment of a totally protected state for Al may require secondary protection measures along with the use of zinc.« less