cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 076: Early Administration of 17-hydroxyprogesterone Caproate Improves Fetal Growth Restriction Possibly by Reducing Sflt-1 and Placental Cytolytic Nk Cells in Response to Placental Ischemia During Pregnancy

Preeclampsia (PE), new onset hypertension, is characterized by elevated anti-angiogenic factor soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFlt-1), cytolytic natural killer (NK) cells and placental ischemia predicted with increased uterine artery resistance (UARI) which are likely culprits for decreased fetal weight during PE pregnancies. Cytolytic NK are an important arm of the immune system killing tumor and infected cells by perforin-granzyme-mediated cytolysis and have been shown to be increased in PE women compared to those with normal pregnancy. Currently, there is no effective treatment for PE except for early delivery, making PE the leading cause for premature births worldwide. Administration of 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC) is used for prevention of spontaneous preterm labor, but is not included in the current management for PE. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that early administration of 17-OHPC could improve pregnancy outcomes in response to placental ischemia. To do so, 17-OHPC (3.32mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally on gestation day 15 to reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) rats, UARI was measured using Doppler ultrasound and carotid catheters were inserted on day 18. Blood pressure (MAP), sFlt-1, and placental cytolytic NK cells were measured on GD 19. MAP in normal pregnant (NP) rats (n=12) was 94 ± 2, 126 ± 2 in RUPP (n=27) and 111±1 mmHg in RUPP+17-OHPC (n=15), p
Teaching computer forensics course: challenges and opportunities

Computer forensics, still a relatively new discipline in computer security, focuses on finding digital evidence after a computer security incident has occurred. Computer forensics is the scientific examination and analysis of data held on, or retrieved from, computer storage media in such a way that the information can be used as evidence in a court of law. Computer evidence is often transparently created by the operating system without the knowledge of the computer user. The information may be hidden from view. To find it, special forensic software tools and techniques are required. Technology is expanding at a fast rate, and along with the increased use of computers, the Internet, and digital devices comes an increase in digital crime. With the increased use of computers to commit crimes, a need has rapidly developed for forensic experts to extract useful information from computer evidence. Computer forensics is a fast-growing field with high long-term projected demand for trained professionals.
Oncolytic Tanapoxvirus Expressing Interleukin-2 is Capable of Inducing the Regression of Human Melanoma Tumors in the Absence of T Cells.

Oncolytic viruses (OVs), which preferentially infect cancer cells and induce host anti-tumor immune responses, have emerged as an effective melanoma therapy. Tanapoxvirus (TANV), which possesses a large genome and causes mild self-limiting disease in humans, is potentially an ideal OV candidate. Interleukin-2 (IL-2), a T-cell growth factor, plays a critical role in activating T cells, natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages in both the innate and adaptive immune system. In this study, a recombinant TANV expressing mouse IL-2 (TANVΔ66R/mIL-2) was generated, where the viral thymidine kinase (TK) gene (66R) was replaced with the mIL-2 transgene. In cell culture, expression of IL-2 attenuated virus replication of not only TANVΔ66R/mIL-2, but also TANVGFP when co-infecting with TANVΔ66R/mIL-2. Further, we demonstrate that IL-2 inhibits virus replication through intracellular components and without activating the interferon-signaling pathway. The anti-tumor potential of TANVΔ66R/mIL-2 was studied in athymic nude mice carrying human melanoma xenografts. Introduction of mIL-2 into TANV remarkably increased its anti-tumor activity, resulting in a more significant regression than with wild-type (wt) TANV and TANVΔ66R. Histopathological studies showed that more extensive cell degeneration with a significantly increased peri-tumor accumulation of mononuclear cells (some of which had a macrophage phenotype - F4/80) was present in the tumors treated with TANVΔ66R/mIL-2, compared with that in those treated with wtTANV or TANVΔ66R. Taken together, these results suggest that TANVΔ66R/mIL-2 is potentially therapeutic for human melanomas in the absence of T cells, and that IL-2 expression results in an overall increase of therapeutic efficacy despite its viral inhibitory effects.
Literature Review on the Role of Uterine Fibroids in Endometrial Function

Uterine fibroids are benign uterine smooth muscle tumors that are present in up to 8 out of 10 women by the age of 50. Many of these women experience symptoms such as heavy and irregular menstrual bleeding, early pregnancy loss, and infertility. Traditionally believed to be inert masses, fibroids are now known to influence endometrial function at the molecular level. We present a comprehensive review of published studies on the effect of uterine fibroids on endometrial function. Our goal was to explore the current knowledge about how uterine fibroids interact with the endometrium and how these interactions influence clinical symptoms. Our review shows that submucosal fibroids produce a blunted decidualization response with decreased release of cytokines critical for implantation such as leukocyte inhibitory factor and cell adhesion molecules. Furthermore, fibroids alter the expression of genes relevant for implantation, such as bone morphogenetic protein receptor type II, glycodelin, among others. With regard to heavy menstrual bleeding, fibroids significantly alter the production of vasoconstrictors in the endometrium, leading to increased menstrual blood loss. Fibroids also increase the production of angiogenic factors such as basic fibroblast growth factor and reduce the production of coagulation factors resulting in heavy menses. Understanding the crosstalk between uterine fibroids and the endometrium will provide key insights into implantation and menstrual biology and drive the development of new and innovative therapeutic options for the management of symptoms in women with uterine fibroids.
New Technologies in the Preservation of Cultural Artifacts with Spatial, Temporal, Corporeal, Kinetic Dimensions: Artifacts in the Trinidad Carnival

Cultural artifacts with spatial, temporal, corporeal, and kinetic dimensions are difficult to describe, display, and interact when it comes to their preservation and exhibition. These artifacts - which I call STiCK artifacts - are large three-dimensional sculptures or structures that occupy physical space, last for a short period of time, and are performed by the human body. The purpose of this paper is to highlight some of the challenges associated with these artifacts and propose three solutions to them. Using four STiCK artifacts in the Trinidad Carnival as a case study, I illustrate how we might develop new ways of describing, representing, and interacting with STiCK artifacts for the preservation using: (1) parametric modelling, (2) augmented reality technology, and (3) embodied computer interaction. By analyzing, translating, parametrizing, and modeling existing textual and visual documentation describing the artifacts I address these problems with new technologies. Findings include the development of new ways of describing these artifacts for heritage and preservation; its ability to allow users to engage in embodied interaction through, and with these artifacts; and its ability to teach users how to design and how to perform the artifacts.
Beliefs about FDA tobacco regulation, modifiability of cancer risk, and tobacco product comparative harm perceptions: Findings from the HINTS-FDA 2015.

Abstract Smokers who inaccurately believe that FDA evaluates cigarettes for safety hold lower harm perceptions of cigarettes compared to those who do not hold this belief. However, not much is known about associations between beliefs about FDA tobacco regulatory authority and comparative harm perceptions of tobacco products. Data were analyzed from the Health Information National Trends Survey, HINTS-FDA 2015 (N = 3738), which is a cross-sectional, probability-based, nationally representative survey of U.S. non-institutionalized civilian adults aged 18 years or older. Weighted multinomial and logistic regression analyses regressed comparative harm perceptions on sociodemographic factors, beliefs about FDA regulatory authority, perceptions of FDA credibility, and beliefs about modifiability of cancer risk (behavioral cancer causal beliefs and cancer fatalism). Findings indicate that, compared to non-users, current tobacco users are more likely to report believing that e-cigarettes are less harmful than cigarettes, to report believing that some cigarette types may be less harmful than others, and to report believing that tobacco products are safer now than they were five years ago. Awareness of FDA regulatory authority was associated with reporting the belief that tobacco products are safer now than five years ago, that e-cigarettes are less harmful than cigarettes, and that some cigarette types are less harmful than other cigarette types. Believing behavior as a cause of cancer and endorsing cancer fatalism were associated with uncertainty of comparative harm perceptions. Communication efforts can help target inaccurate beliefs by raising awareness about regulation of tobacco products as well as the risks of tobacco products.
Full-Scale Performance Evaluations of Various Wire-Backed Nonwoven Silt Fence Installation Configurations:

Silt fences have long been a key component for controlling construction stormwater runoff; nonetheless, many silt fence installations fail to perform in the field as intended. Silt fences are tempo...
Correlation of 2-Dimensional and 3-Dimensional Echocardiographic Analysis to Surgical Measurements of the Tricuspid Valve Annular Diameter.

Objective This study sought to determine if 3-dimensional (3D) echocardiography would more closely correspond to direct surgical measurements of the maximal tricuspid valve (TV) annular diameter than 2-dimensional (2D) measurements. Design Prospective study. Setting The cardiothoracic operating rooms (ORs) at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, NY. Participants Fifty-nine patients over 18 years of age underwent elective mitral valve surgery for severe mitral regurgitation from 2014 to 2015. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results Two-dimensional and 3D data sets and surgical TV annular dimensions were measured. Bland-Altman analysis was conducted and absolute differences were compared using paired t tests and the McNemar test. The observed mean difference between the 2D measurements by transgastric right ventricular diastolic view and the surgical measurements was 0.21 cm (standard deviation [SD] = 0.36 cm); the mean difference between the 3D measurements and surgical measures was -0.03 cm (SD = 0.19 cm). The McNemar test showed that the rate of highly successful measurements, defined as those within 0.2 cm of the true surgical score, using the 3D technique (66%) was significantly better than the rate of highly successful measurements using the 2D technique (25%), p Conclusion Three-dimensional imaging and measurement of the TV annular diameter is feasible in the OR setting. The superiority of the 3D measurements versus 2D measurements allows for greater precision and accuracy and may guide better intraoperative surgical decision-making.
Computed Tomography for Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Case Planning.

Prevention of thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation has been investigated in light of the high numbers of patients unable to be treated with effective anticoagulation. Therefore, endovascular mechanical occlusion of the left atrial appendage (LAA) has been developed as a substitute for thromboprophylaxis. Initial clinical trials demonstrated high rates of procedural complications. Using computed tomography (CT), one can ascertain accurate left atrial appendage dimensions, appendage morphology; predict radiograph gantry angles; and produce physical models for ex vivo device and catheter fitting. This is an overview of available evidence for using CT and the clinical impact of CT on endovascular LAA occlusion.
Alcohol and Cancer Epidemiology

In a comprehensive worldwide assessment of cancer risk related to food and nutrition, the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR 2007) identified alcohol consumption as a “convincing” or “probable” risk factor for esophageal, mouth, and laryngeal cancers, for liver cancer, for breast cancer in women, and for colorectal cancer especially in men. The World Health Organization’s Global Burden of Disease Project concluded that “A total of 390,000 cases of cancer are attributable to alcohol drinking worldwide, representing 3.6% of all cancers (5.2% in men, 1.7% in women)” each year, with a corresponding annual mortality rate of 233,000, representing 3.5% of all cancer deaths (Boffetta et al. 2006). For the USA, the Alcohol-Related Disease Impact (ARDI) report indicates an annual rate of 2,464 deaths in six different alcohol-related cancer categories for the period 2001–2006 (CDC 2010).
Electrical Phenomena in Proteinoid Cells

Electrical phenomena in artificial cells are described.The constituent material of the cells, referred to as proteinoid or as thermal protein, have been extensively studied in the context of the origin of life, which led to the finding of excitability as one of the biofunctions. The activities found in proteinoid cells are such as to make them useful models for modern excitable cells as well as for protocells. For example, the proteinoid cells display double membrane, asymmetric permeability, membrane potentials, action potentials, and photoactivity
Governance Inseparability and the Evolution of the U.S. Biotechnology Industry

This paper explores mechanisms through which a party's choice of governance mode for a focal transaction is constrained by the governance choices it made for other, prior transactions. We argue that this condition of "governance inseparability" plays an important role in determining the differential organizational costs incurred by various firms when undertaking the same new activity, and is therefore important for theories aimed at predicting what kinds of firms will undertake such an activity. We develop these arguments by showing how governance inseparability conditions help explain the persistent fragmentation of the U.S. biotechnology industry.
A Simple One-Dimensional Personal Computer-Based Plasma-Edge Engineering Model for Divertor Design Calculations

A simple, yet comprehensive, model of the divertor region is presented. The model is based on the two-point approach described by Galambos and Peng but has been enhanced to include the key processe...
Medical Diagnosis by Negotiation Amongst Experts

Ein Nachteil bisher entwickelter Expertensysteme zur Unterstutzung der medizinischen Diagnostik, der zum Teil fur die zuruckhaltende Einstellung praktischer Arzte verantwortlich ist, besteht darin, das die Moglichkeit eines konsultativen Dialoges zwischen Spezialisten nicht vorgesehen ist. Jedoch ist diese Form der konsultativen Diskussion ein entscheidendes Element im Verhalten von Klinikern in der Formulierung von Diagnosen in komplizierten Fallen. Das vorliegende System versucht, diese Lucke zu fullen und zu demonstrieren, das ein Dialog zwischen einem Kliniker und einem Expertensystem im interdisziplinaren Fachgebiet der Altersmedizin programmiert werden kann, das die traditionelle klinische Konsultation simuliert. Die konzeptuellen Grundlagen dieses Ansatzes liegen in der Theorie des kommunikativen Verhaltens und der Sprechakt-Theorie. Das vorliegende System ist in HYPERTALK (TM) und der Programmsprache C implementiert.
Novel Endotracheal Tube for Monitoring Static Lung Compliance in Real Time

Background: Ventilated patients in ICUs are susceptible to alveolar barotrauma due to unrecognized alterations in lung compliance. In order to evaluate lung compliance accurately, clinicians must conduct inspiratory holds and prevent spontaneous inspiration to determine airway plateau pressure (PPlat) and static lung compliance (CS). Although monitoring CS is advised for optimal lung-protective ventilation strategies, it is rarely done due to the patient burden of inspiratory holds. We hypothesize that a novel endotracheal tube (ETT) with a distal airway pressure (PD) sensor that bypasses flow-dependent airway resistance can report PD equivalent to PPlat for the real-time monitoring of CS. Methods: The prototype ETT has an embedded PD sensor (MS5637-30BA) and was tested within an artificial trachea connected to a test lung. Control tests were conducted using a mechanical ventilator under volume control (VC) from 100-1000 mL tidal volumes (VT) with no mucus. To evaluate device performance, VC tests were conducted from a VT of 100-300 mL with varying levels of airway resistance/obstruction, which were simulated by distributing 5, 10, and 15 mL of 3% SentryTM POLYOXTM WSR Coagulant NF Grade synthetic mucus within the ETT. For each trial, the PD, peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), and PPlat were recorded, and the corresponding compliances were calculated. A t-test was performed on compliance averages from 100-200 mL VT with 10 mL and 15 mL mucus. Results: The trends between the obtained pressures during VC testing can be visualized in Fig. 1. Compliances calculated at a VT of 100-200 mL at varying mucus levels demonstrated no statistically significant differences between CS obtained from PD and PPlat (8.85 and 9.01 and 9.05 and 9.01 mL/cm H2O at 10 and 15 mL mucus, respectively), but showed statistically significant differences (p Conclusions: During testing, differences in PD and PIP increased in correlation with mucus levels, while PD and PPlat differences remained similar (Fig. 1). At 10 and 15 mL of mucus, the PD peaked at PPlat with no statistically significant difference between the CS obtained from these readings, demonstrating that the device can accurately monitor PD as a surrogate for PPlat with no need for inspiratory pause. Therefore, this device allows for breath-to-breath evaluation of CS without interruption of mechanical ventilation.
Intergenerational transmission of stress vulnerability and resilience

Abstract Empirically, it is clear that a number of psychiatric disorders develop from the interaction between genes and environmental exposures, specifically extreme stress or trauma. Accumulative evidence also suggests that stressor and trauma-related exposures prior to conception may additionally contribute to risk for various psychiatric disorders and/or other disease states. Although human studies have focused on maternal effects, animal research has begun to capitalize on the accessibility of germ cells, particularly in males, to determine the extent to which stress is transmitted across generations via epigenetic changes in gametes. Although data across species support the hypothesis that stress exposure in parents is associated with various changes in offspring, clear evidence of a mechanism for intergenerational trauma is still lacking.
Measuring the Effect of Sexual Health Education Training in Professionals: Structure of the Sexual Health Education for Professionals Scale (SHEPS) Among Marriage and Family Therapy Graduate Students

Marriage and family therapists and sexual health therapists are likely to receive training in graduate school that prepares them to encounter sexual concerns among clients, but there are few standard ways to assess the efficacy of this training. The Sexual Health Education for Professionals Scale (SHEPS) was developed to address this deficit. In this preliminary study, 163 marriage and family therapy graduate students completed the SHEPS prior to starting a graduate course in assessing and treating sexual concerns. Exploratory factor analyses indicate that the SHEPS subscales have good psychometric properties. The Skills and Knowledge subscales have factors labeled Typical Clients, Special Clients, Conservative Clients, and Ethically Complicated Clients. The Attitudes subscale had factors called General Sexual Attitudes, Valuing Sexual Health Training, Open to Providing Sexual Help, and Conservatism. This new instrument may be used to assess education and training of sexual health and marriage and family therapists. Larger sample sizes and longitudinal studies are needed in future.
Shifting sands: the role of radiotherapy for patients with gastric and gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma

Gastric adenocarcinoma, a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, is treated primarily with surgical resection in the non-metastatic setting. However, the optimal role and sequencing of adjunctive therapies, including radiotherapy (RT) as well as systemic therapy, remains unclear. A complex milieu of trials spanning several decades has evaluated different treatment strategies for gastric cancer, including the role of RT. In this review, we summarize the trial-level evidence for the diverse gastric cancer treatment paradigms. Despite initial success, postoperative RT has not shown a clear benefit in modern prospective studies in the setting of more aggressive surgical nodal dissection. On the other hand, the role of preoperative RT in optimizing oncologic outcomes for gastric cancer patients remains relatively under-explored; ongoing trials assessing preoperative RT aim to illuminate the optimal treatment strategy for non-metastatic gastric cancer patients.
"Poetry, Like Bread Is for Everyone": An Essay on Stanzas and Status.

This paper examines what it takes to call yourself “a poet” through the lens of inclusive programming at Brooklyn Public Library.
Outcome assessment of health education on endemic diseases in Henan province in 2010

Objective To evaluate the effect of health education on endemic diseases in Henan province in 2010.Methods According to the requirements of "The Education Program for Endemic Diseases Control in 2009 Henan Province",50 counties (districts) of 18 cities with endemic diseases were selected.Referring to the health education questionnaire in the program,knowledge of endemic diseases were asked of pupils and housewives.Intervention effects were evaluated two months after teaching pupils and housewives in counties,towns,villages and schools with the knowledge of endemic diseases and the questionnaire was used.Results Among 50 counties investigated,5523 pupils and 3206 housewives were surveyed in the baseline according to the requirement,and 5417 pupils and 2891 housewives were surveyed for outcome evaluation.The results showed that after this education,pupils' knowledge about endemic diseases increased from 66.31％(10 987/16 569) in the baseline survey to 93.84％(15 250/16 251),the difference have statistical significant(x2 =3877.78,P ＜ 0.01) ; housewives from 67.56％(6133/9078)to 92.67％(8037/8673),the difference have statistical significant(x2 =1736.33,P ＜ 0.01).After the education,the pupils' knowledge about the iodine deficiency disorders,drinking-water-borne fluorosis and arsenic poisning,coal-burning-borne fluorosis increased from 70.15％ (6263/8928),62.29％(4423/7101),42.96％ (185/270),68.52％ (116/270) to 94.19％ (8344/8859),93.05％ (6376/6852),99.63％ (261/270),96.67％ (269/270),the difference have statistical significant (x2 =1749.85,1939.26,211.83,74.43,all P ＜ 0.01),housewives' knowledge about the iodine shortage diseases,drinking-water-borne fluorosis,the endemic fluorine,the arsenic poisoning increased from 73.27％ (3330/4545),62.79％ (2677/4263,30.37％ (85/135),62.96％(41/135) to 93.96％(4228/4500),91.08％(3555/3903),97.04％(123/135),91.11％(131/135),the difference have statistical significant (x2 =751.03,924.65,129.75,30.23,all P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions Health education intervention has a marked effect in increasing the peoples' knowledge of endemic diseases.Therefore health education should be enhanced in the future. Key words: Endemic diseases; Health education; Evaluation studies
Incorporation of Residual Stress Effects into Fracture Assessments Via the Finite Element Method

This paper presents a finite element methodology for the incorporation of residual stress effects into fracture assessments of pressure vessel and piping components. The residual stress is determined through improved welding simulations. Following the welding simulation, interpolation is used to transfer the computed residual stresses onto fine meshes for the evaluation of J integrals. The finite element fracture assessment methodology is used as a baseline to evaluate several approximations to the residual stress field and appropriate analytic solutions for a 15.875 mm (5/8 in.) thick pipe with R/t=10, 25, and 50. The remote yield level approximation is found to be overconservative while the best approximation is the bending moment fit to the residual stress distribution.
Targeted manipulation of pain neural networks: The potential of focused ultrasound for treatment of chronic pain

Focused ultrasound (FUS) is a promising technology for facilitating treatment of brain diseases including chronic pain. Focused ultrasound is a unique modality for delivering therapeutic levels of energy into the body, including the central nervous system (CNS). It is non-invasive and can target spatially localized effects through the intact skull to cortical or subcortical regions of the brain. FUS can achieve three different mechanisms of action in the brain that are relevant for chronic pain treatment: (1) localized thermal ablation of neural tissue; (2) localized and transient disruption of the blood-brain barrier for targeted drug delivery to CNS structures; and (3) inhibition or stimulation of neuronal activity in targeted regions. This review provides an in-depth look at the technology of FUS with emphasis placed on applications to CNS-based treatments of chronic pain. While still in the early stages of clinical translation and with some technical challenges remaining, we suggest that FUS has great potential as a novel approach for manipulating CNS networks involved in pain treatment.
WHITE OPPOSITION TO NATIVE NATION SOVEREIGNTY: The Role of “The Casino Indian” Stereotype and Presence of Native Nation Gaming

Since first contact with Europeans, Native American nations have strived to maintain and strengthen their sovereignty. Yet, non-Native individuals and groups, as well as federal, state, and local governments, continue to challenge this sovereignty. Despite the critical importance of sovereignty, the only academic study focused on U.S. public attitudes toward Native nation sovereignty predated the rise of Native nation gaming and relied on samples from three universities. In our study, we surveyed over 2000 White Americans from across the United States to examine attitudes toward Native nation sovereignty. Of the many factors that may influence these attitudes, we focused on three: belief in “the casino Indian” stereotype, the perception that Native American interests conflict with the interests of Whites, and the presence of Native nation gaming in participants’ states. We find two significant models predicting attitudes towards Native nation sovereignty. First, greater endorsement of the casino Indian stereotype is associated with more negative attitudes toward Native nation sovereignty. This relationship is explained, at least in part, by the perception that Native American interests conflict with the interests of Whites. That is, the more White participants endorsed the casino Indian sterereotype, the more apt they were to believe that their interests conflict with Native Americans, which in turn is related to more negative attitudes towards Native nation sovereignty. The second model revealed that the presence of Native nation gaming in the participant’s state has important indirect implications for attitudes towards Native nation sovereignty. Specifically, White participants living in states with Native nation gaming are more likely to endorse the casino Indian stereotype, which is related to greater perceived conflict of interest with Native Americans, and, ultimately perceived conflict of interest is associated with more negative attitudes toward Native nation sovereignty. We situate our findings relative to group position theory and discuss practical implications for Native nation sovereignty.
"Fighting Mr. Sleepy": A Metaphor for Black Graduate Student Experiences.

While reflecting on early morning conversations with my dad, I became aware of how he influences my ontoepistemological approach to studying the Black graduate student experience. In this essay, I ...
Ross Operation in Neonates: A Meta-analysis.

Background The Ross operation is the preferred treatment for aortic valve replacement in children. However previous studies indicate that outcomes in neonates are poor. This meta-analysis examines the pooled outcomes of the Ross operation in neonates. Methods Four major databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and ScienceDirect) were searched from inception until May 1, 2020 for studies describing outcomes of the Ross operation in neonates. The primary outcome was early mortality, and secondary outcomes were late mortality and mechanical support. Random-effects models were used to account for possible heterogeneity between studies, and continuity corrections were used to include zero total event trials. Results Eighteen studies comprising outcomes data on 181 neonates were included in the analysis. Meta-analysis showed a pooled early mortality rate of 24% (95% confidence interval, 12%-38%; I2 = 52%, P for heterogeneity = .01). Meta-regression analysis showed that more recently published studies reported significantly worse early mortality (P = .03). The pooled incidence of postoperative mechanical support was 15% (95% confidence interval, 5%-28%; I2 = 28%, P for heterogeneity = .22). No evidence of publication bias was found according to Egger’s test (bias coefficient = 0.21, P = .57). Conclusions The neonatal Ross operation carries a high early mortality rate. The treatment of unrepairable aortic valves in neonates remains an unsolved problem in congenital cardiac surgery.
Mind the Gap: Maize Phytoliths, Macroremains, and Processing Strategies in Southern New England 2500–500 BP

Mind the Gap: Maize Phytoliths, Macroremains, and Processing Strategies in Southern New England 2500–500 BP. This study presents preliminary results from a phytolith analysis of carbonized food residues and sediment soils from sites in southern New England (Connecticut and Rhode Island) dating 2500–500 BP. Phytolith analyses of carbonized food residues from sites across northeastern North America outside of southern New England demonstrate that maize (Zea mays L.) was introduced to the region as early as 2300 BP, hundreds of years before major shifts in settlement strategies became widespread. Phytolith evidence for maize in eastern North America likewise appears hundreds of years earlier than most maize macroremains, such as kernels, cobs, and cupules, appear. This has puzzled researchers attempting to piece together how maize was first circulated and used in the Eastern Woodlands. Preliminary phytolith analysis of carbonized food residues from seven sites indicates that, consistent with research outside the study area, at least some groups in southern New England cooked maize as early as 2300 BP. The results also indicate that maize cooking practices varied in ways that likely reflect broader subsistence strategies and that may explain the temporal gap between maize phytoliths and maize macroremains.
An Analysis of 13 Years of Prehospital Combat Casualty Care: Implications for Maintaining a Ready Medical Force.

Background: Most potentially preventable deaths occur in the prehospital setting before reaching a military treatment facility with surgical capabilities. Thus, optimizing the care we deliver in th...
Collaborations in communication: Authorship credit allocation via a weighted fractional count procedure

To advance bibliometric analyses in the social sciences this study applies a metric to a publication dataset to examine how authorship credit allocation on published manuscripts might influence factors related to proliferation. We utilize a weighted fraction count (WFC) procedure and discuss how this type of method may assist in the evaluation of published research in social science. Using a metric similar to that created by Abbas (2010, 2011) we evaluate a sample of 103 prolific communication scholars’ publication records and illustrate the utility of using a WFC procedure for understanding patterns and trends in communication scholarly production. A strong positive relationship between collaboration and the production of journal articles supported the notion that coauthors may increase proliferation. We also examined gender differences in publishing and coauthoring, with the only difference being that men were more likely to have a higher WFC than women. Additional research questions asked whether scholars’ faculty ranking might influence how they publish and collaborate. Patterns from examining publication data show that senior scholars may tend to publish in a capacity that illustrates they are mentoring younger scholars. The findings of this study illustrate that a WFC procedure for authorship credit allocation already being used in the sciences may be considered for examining prolific scholarship in the social sciences broadly, and the communication discipline specifically.
Strip-tillage decreases soil nitrogen availability and increases the potential for N losses in a cover cropped organic system

Abstract Reduced-tillage systems that augment soil inorganic N availability while reducing N losses can improve the nitrogen-use efficiency of cover crop-based organic cropping systems. We conducted a three year full factorial field experiment in the upper Midwest, USA to examine the effects of strip-tillage and a cereal rye (﻿Secale cereale L.) and hairy vetch (﻿Vicia villosa Roth) cover crop mixture on (1) soil inorganic nitrogen (N) concentrations throughout the growing season, (2) sweet corn (﻿Zea mays L.) crop productivity and N uptake, and (3) potential N loss via denitrification and leaching. We compared full-width tillage (FWT) vs. strip-tillage (ST) with and without a rye-vetch cover crop. ST decreased soil inorganic N concentrations 16–40% compared to FWT, with soil inorganic N higher in the tilled in-row zone compared to the undisturbed between-row zone in 1 of 3 years. The rye-vetch cover crop did not provide a consistent increase in soil inorganic N. ST increased soil leachate N concentrations by ~50% and increased the potential for denitrification by 18% but depressed sweet corn biomass and N contents in only one of three years, when hairy vetch biomass and soil moisture was lowest. We conclude that utilizing ST in combination with a cover crop is not likely to improve N use efficiency or crop yields, and may increase N losses within an organic cover crop-based cropping system.
A Drive for Redemption: Relationship Quality as a Mediator Linking Childhood Maltreatment to Symptoms of Social Anxiety and Depression

Childhood maltreatment is associated with mental health problems across the life course and depression and social anxiety are two of the more common problems. Given the interpersonal nature of childhood maltreatment, adult romantic relationships have also been a keen interest. It has been suggested that the interpersonal relationships may mediate the relationship between maltreatment and adult mental health; however, little research has examined the mediating role of adult romantic relationships. This omission misses an opportunity to advance empirical understanding as well as clinical intervention. To address this gap, the current study utilized a sample of 785 adults using two waves of data from the study of Midlife of Development in the United States to examine relationship quality as a mediator linking childhood maltreatment to adult depressive and social anxiety symptoms. Interpretation of structural equation models indicated that there were significant indirect effects from childhood maltreatment to both symptoms of depressive and social anxiety through relationship quality. Results of post hoc analysis suggested that gender did not moderate any direct or indirect paths. In light of the significant indirect effects, relationship quality may be a point of intervention. Having a high-quality romantic relationship can provide a corrective experience for adults who were maltreated in childhood, thereby decreasing symptoms of depression and social anxiety.
The usage of calcium phosphate systems for onsite defluoridation treatment.

Over 200 million people in over 35 countries are affected by excessive fluoride in their waters. For people that do not have access to a centralized water treatment plant, there is a need for an on-site defluoridation system that requires no special operational expertise, does not use hazardous chemicals, and is sustainable by the local population. 8 different calcium phosphate precipitation systems were analyzed and tested for fluoride removal effectiveness. An effective system would have final fluoride concentrations less than 1.5 mg/L and final solutions with pH within drinkable limits. Phosphoric acid with the addition of a calcium carbonate source was found to have a 99.8% fluoride removal rate. Monosodium phosphate with addition of slaked lime was also found to be effective with a 99.98% fluoride removal rate. An optimal slaked lime to monosodium phosphate ratio that achieved effective fluoride removal and neutral pH was found. With 0.45 g of Ca(OH)2 and 1 g of NaH2PO4, initial fluoride concentrations up to 100 mg/L or more could be reduced to near zero concentrations, and a volume of approximately 337 mL of water with a concentration of 5 mg/L F- could to be reduced to less than 1.5 mg/L F-.
Dependence on Humidity and Aerosol Composition of the Gas-particle Partitioning of Weakly and Moderately Polar VOCs

ABSTRACT Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) dominate the class of pollutants that accumulate in the atmosphere and indoors. Assessing the gas-particle partitioning of VOCs is important to determine their fate, transport, and adverse health impacts. This work is a companion to our earlier study on the temperature dependence of VOC partitioning. Here, we report our measurement of the gas-particle partition coefficient (Kp) for weakly polar (trichloroethylene, TCE) and moderately polar (n-butanol, n-BuOH) VOCs under varying relative humidity (RH) levels onto organic and inorganic aerosols. Kp of TCE was four to five orders of magnitude lower than those of n-BuOH. Results suggest preferential sorption of the VOCs onto inorganic aerosol particles than onto organic aerosol particles. Kp values for both TCE and n-BuOH decreased as RH levels increased; the Kp for both VOCs declined sharply at an RH > 35% onto inorganic aerosol particles, whereas the Kp declined slowly onto organic aerosol particles. Partitioning of the VOCs onto organic aerosol particles was less dependent on RH levels while partitioning onto inorganic aerosol particles was important only at low RH levels. At lower RH, partitioning proceeded by adsorbing onto the aerosol particles. In contrast, at higher RH, the extremely low mass fraction of the VOCs, absorbed onto the aerosol particle’s bulk by dissolving into the aqueous phase. For organic aerosol particles, partitioning may be dominated by adsorption at all RH levels. At increasing RH levels, both VOCs partitioning onto in/organic aerosol particles exhibited similar behavior (exponential) consistent to those observed for 1,2-dichlorobenzene, therefore, insensitive to the polarity. However, at a similar RH level, polarity affects the mass fraction of the VOCs that sorbed onto the aerosol particles.
Development of medical electronic devices in the APL space department

Several electronic devices for automatically correcting specific defects in a body's physiologic regulation and allowing approximately normal functioning are described. A self-injurious behavior inhibiting system (SIBIS) is fastened to the arm of a person with chronic self-injurious behavior patterns. An electric shock is delivered into the arm whenever the device senses above-threshold acceleration of the head such as occur with head-bangers. Sounding a buzzer tone with the shock eventually allows transference of the aversive stimulus to the buzzer so shocks are no longer necessary. A programmable implantable medication system features a solenoid pump placed beneath the skin and refueled by hypodermic needle. The pump functions are programmable and can deliver insulin, chemotherapy mixes and/or pain killers according to a preset schedule or on patient demand. Finally, an automatic implantible defibrillator has four electrodes attached directly to the heart for sensing electrical impulses or emitting them in response to cardiac fibrillation.
Politics and Clinical Trials in the Province of Cordoba

It is estimated that about one third of the clinical trials conducted in Argentina occur in the province of Cordoba, home to only 10 % of the country’s total population. This chapter describes the evolution of the provincial regulatory framework, the organizational environment that allowed the development of a private research center within the premises of a public hospital, and the ensuing collusion between researchers and clinicians.
Intestinal epithelial secretion and barrier function: from bench to bedside

BACKGROUND: Fluid secretion and the ability to form a barrier are critical functions of the intestinal epithelium. However, some clinicians may not have an understanding of the model systems that have been used to enhance our knowledge of these important epithelial functions and their molecular regulation. METHODS: This article seeks to explain the basis of intestinal fluid secretion and barrier function, and modification of these processes in pathophysiological settings, by reviewing recent basic science literature. RESULTS: Findings from studies conducted both in vivo and in vitro are discussed, with an emphasis on insights that have emerged by applying intestinal epithelial cell lines to investigations of electrolyte transport and the integrity of the epithelial barrier. CONCLUSIONS: Even basic observations in reductionist model systems can yield information that is of immediate and practical clinical relevance. Continued bidirectional “bench to bedside” dialogue may enhance the clinician’s ability to intervene in gastrointestinal diseases.
Stochastic Nature of Building Live Loads

A general stochastic analysis of live loads includes areal and temporal effects. Spatial correlation of survey load is evaluated for office loads in the National Bureau of Standards Administration Building. No practical correlations are found for separations of 15 ft (4.6m) or more. The effect of additional correlation due to common use is investigated through a theoretical model, and it is found that for most building types the total correlation between two rooms of similar, but unspecified, occupancy is no greater than 0.4. The variation of the mean survey load with room size and the standard deviation of the survey load with area are both examined, and the latter is found to be well modeled by a log-linear model. The time varying behavior of live load is hypothesized with sustained plus extraordinary components. The sustained part consists of a nonstationary trend within each tenancy and stationary fluctuations. The extraordinary load must be physically derived, and is separated into a controllable part and an emergency part.
Machine intelligence: an examination of two rival philosophies-knowledge-based expert systems vs. neural networks

Examines two approaches to machine intelligence: knowledge-based expert systems and neural networks. The framework for the analysis of both approaches is the implementation of two functional systems, each of which can be used independently to solve identical problems. The first system, the hack mechanic's helper (HMH), is an automated advisor designed for car repair, which was developed using Texas Instruments' PC Plus, a knowledge-based expert system shell coded in LISP. The second system, mecha-net, is also an automated advisor for car repair, but its implementation is achieved by neural network software developed using the C programming language. The strengths, weaknesses, and limitations of both approaches to machine intelligence are exposed by solving the identical problem and then comparing the systems' performances. >
Processing of gel-silica monoliths for optics: Drying behavior of small pore gels

Abstract Processing and optical properties of fully dense sol-gel derived silica, termed Type V Gel-Silica, are described. Drying of large optically transparent acid-catalyzed alkoxide derived monolithic silica xerogels is emphasized. Changes in the weight, dimensions and optical properties are monitored during drying which allows a quantitative analysis of the drying process to be made. Results show three stages of drying. Stage 1. Where the greatest changes in volume, weight and structure occur. This stage is controlled by evaporation from the surface of the body and ends when shrinkage ceases. There is no constant rate period of drying but a progressive reduction in loss rate as the average pore radius decreases from 3.9 nm to 2.3 nm. Stage 2. Where changes in weight and volume are small but large changes in optical characteristics occur. This opaque stage is controlled by flow through small pores and liquid layers over the pore surfaces. Most of the pore emptying occurs during this stage. Stage 3. Where there are no further dimensional changes, but a progressive loss of weight occurs until equilibrium is reached. This stage starts when ∼ 94% of the liquid has been removed. Liquid pathway to the surface become discontinuous, and the remaining liquid can only be removed by evaporation within the pores and diffusion of the vapor to the surface. After stabilization and densification the silica xerogel monoliths have a degree of homogeneity, purity and optical and thermal properties superior to other commercial optical silicas.
SEASONAL CHANGES IN STRUCTURE OF A SUBMERGED BLUEGREEN ALGAL/BACTERIAL COMMUNITY FROM A GEOTHERMAL HOTSPRING1

The species (cytospecies) structure and seasonal dynamics of a thermophilic bluegreen algal/bacterial community from Mimbres, New Mexico are described. Using stereological techniques, several common quantitative ecological parameters (biomass, density, distribution measurements, Species Diversity Indices, importance values) were described for the community growing ca. 1 m beneath the water surface on the inner walls of a concrete cistern. Temperature and pH were relatively constant while water flow rates, duration and intensity of light showed seasonal variation. The total volume of the mat occupied by living organsisms did not exceed 2% during the entire year. The remaining volume was occupied by gas and water bubble chambers, gelatinous matrix, empty tubes, mineral deposits, and water. The total biomass remained constant except during a period of severe, seasonal light reduction (November). Species Diversity Indices, density and importance values for the bluegreen algal and bacterial populations showed seasonal changes. The three dominant bluegreen algal cytospecies which represented the greatest amount of biomass alternated in their abundance on a seasonal basis while the three dominant bacterial cytospecies remained the same throughout the period of study. Although considerable season change occurred in the species structure of this community, the total living volume remainedrelatively constant with the majormore » changes in the bluegreen algal populations. Many of the seasonal changes observed appear to correlate with seasonal changes in light intensity and duration.« less