cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chlorinated Hydrocarbon Insecticide Residues in Carabidae and the Toxicity of Dieldrin to Pterostichus chalcites

Samples of Harpalus pennsylvanicus DeGeer, Pterostichus chalcites Say, and Scarites substriatus Haldeman taken from Iowa cornfields were analyzed for chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide residues. Results are reported in ng of insecticide/g of beetle (ppb). The principal residues occurring in these field-collected carabids were dieldrin and p,p ′-DDE. Smaller quantities of aldrin, p,p '-DDT, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, and lindane were detected. Although from the same field, H. pennsylvanicus and S. substriatus contained significantly (P=0.05) different levels of aldrin, dieldrin, and p,p ′-DDE. P. chalcites contained the highest level of p,p ′-DDE (913.5μg/g). No significant differences (P=0.05) were found in the amounts of insecticide residues present between male and female beetles. Female P. chalcites were dosed topically with 2 μl of an acetone solution of dieldrin. Five concentrations were used, varying from 10–250 μg of dieldrin/beetle. Mortality counts were made 48 h after application of the insecticide. The computed LD50 was 3357 μg of dieldrin/g of beetle (ppm). This far exceeded the residue levels of dieldrin reported herein. Clearly, P. chalcites has an extremely high resistance to dieldrin.
The Biology of Sporulation of Selected Tremellales

Exidia glandulosa, E. recisa, and Auricularia auricula were sampled for 191 days in the field at Manhattan, Kansas, by use of the Kramer-Collins Spore Sampler. During this period, sporulation of th...
Geranium dissectum : an Unreported Host of the Tobacco Budworm and Bollworm and Its Role in Their Seasonal and Long Term Population Dynamics in the Delta of Mississippi

Geranium dissectum L., a previously unreported host of Heliothis spp., was found infested with Heliothis zea (Boddie) and H. virescens (F.) larvae in Washington Co., MS, in May 1965. Because of cultural practices, this adventive plant from Europe has spread from a limited distribution in 1965 to suitable niches throughout the Delta. Until 1969, H. zea was the predominant species on this host; since then, H. virescens has become predominant, and the long term (1965–77) population density of H. virescens has become progressively higher. The reversal in species predominance was probably due to H. virescens developing higher levels of resistance than H. zea to insecticides applied to cotton for control of Heliothis , but the long term increase in population density of H. virescens is probably due to increased abundance of G. dissectum . Calculated averages of 4208 H. zea and 12,735 H. virescens adults emerged per hectare of G. dissectum in Washington Co., MS, in 1978.
Ferroelectric Polarization-Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting in TiO2–BaTiO3 Core–Shell Nanowire Photoanodes

The performances of heterojunction-based electronic devices are extremely sensitive to the interfacial electronic band structure. Here we report a largely enhanced performance of photoelectrochemical (PEC) photoanodes by ferroelectric polarization-endowed band engineering on the basis of TiO2/BaTiO3 core/shell nanowires (NWs). Through a one-step hydrothermal process, a uniform, epitaxial, and spontaneously poled barium titanate (BTO) layer was created on single crystalline TiO2 NWs. Compared to pristine TiO2 NWs, the 5 nm BTO-coated TiO2 NWs achieved 67% photocurrent density enhancement. By numerically calculating the potential distribution across the TiO2/BTO/electrolyte heterojunction and systematically investigating the light absorption, charge injection and separation properties of TiO2 and TiO2/BTO NWs, the PEC performance gain was proved to be a result of the increased charge separation efficiency induced by the ferroelectric polarization of the BTO shell. The ferroelectric polarization could be swi...
Wireless in the home - opportunities and challenges

This article consists of a collection of slides from the author's conference presentation on the the opportunities and challenges for wireless communications in the home market. Some of the specific topics discussed include: wireless infrastructures that support home networking and communications, current and the future; consumer demand for wireless networks in the home; enabling ambient intelligence; energy management and conservation of wireless systems; ubiquitous wireless networks; bandwidth allocations and challenges; standards; and future areas of opportunity.
Towards statistical guarantees in controlling quality tradeoffs for approximate acceleration

Conventionally, an approximate accelerator replaces every invocation of a frequently executed region of code without considering the final quality degradation. However, there is a vast decision space in which each invocation can either be delegated to the accelerator---improving performance and efficiency--or run on the precise core---maintaining quality. In this paper we introduce Mithra, a co-designed hardware-software solution, that navigates these tradeoffs to deliver high performance and efficiency while lowering the final quality loss. Mithra seeks to identify whether each individual accelerator invocation will lead to an undesirable quality loss and, if so, directs the processor to run the original precise code.This identification is cast as a binary classification task that requires a cohesive co-design of hardware and software. The hardware component performs the classification at runtime and exposes a knob to the software mechanism to control quality tradeoffs. The software tunes this knob by solving a statistical optimization problem that maximizes benefits from approximation while providing statistical guarantees that final quality level will be met with high confidence. The software uses this knob to tune and train the hardware classifiers. We devise two distinct hardware classifiers, one table-based and one neural network based. To understand the efficacy of these mechanisms, we compare them with an ideal, but infeasible design, the oracle. Results show that, with 95% confidence the table-based design can restrict the final output quality loss to 5% for 90% of unseen input sets while providing 2.5× speedup and 2.6× energy efficiency. The neural design shows similar speedup however, improves the efficiency by 13%. Compared to the table-based design, the oracle improves speedup by 26% and efficiency by 36%. These results show that Mithra performs within a close range of the oracle and can effectively navigate the quality tradeoffs in approximate acceleration.
DYNAMICAL METEOROLOGY | Symmetric Stability

The necessary conditions for symmetric and conditional symmetric instability in a frictionless atmosphere are considered on the basis of parcel theory. The relationship between symmetric and conditional symmetric stability, and gravitational and inertial instability is noted. The possible relationship between some mesoscale precipitation bands in extratropical systems and in tropical cyclones, and conditional symmetric instability, is discussed.
Faster Is Smoother and So Is Lower Temperature: The Curious Case of Thin Film Growth of Tetracene on SiO2

We have examined the effect of growth rate on the growth mode of thin films of tetracene on SiO2 at a substrate temperature of 0 °C. For a preponderance of conditions examined here, only the thin-film phase is formed. From a combination of in situ real-time synchrotron X-ray scattering and ex situ atomic force microscopy, we have observed a transition from 3D growth to 2D layer-by-layer (LbL) growth as the rate of growth is increased, similar to previous results obtained at a substrate temperature of 30 °C. For this lower substrate temperature, however, we find that this transition occurs at a much lower growth rate. We attribute this to the lower temperature significantly diminishing the rate of upward step-edge crossing transport, which competes with the rate of attachment at island edges and results in 2D LbL growth. By examining the effects of both the rate of growth and the substrate temperature, we can assign an activation energy of ∼19 kcal mol–1 to these upward set-edge crossing events.
Chemical evolution of groundwater in the Wilcox aquifer of the northern Gulf Coastal Plain, USA

The Wilcox aquifer is a major groundwater resource in the northern Gulf Coastal Plain (lower Mississippi Valley) of the USA, yet the processes controlling water chemistry in this clastic aquifer have received relatively little attention. The current study combines analyses of solutes and stable isotopes in groundwater, petrography of core samples, and geochemical modeling to identify plausible reactions along a regional flow path ∼300 km long. The hydrochemical facies evolves from Ca-HCO3 upgradient to Na-HCO3 downgradient, with a sequential zonation of terminal electron-accepting processes from Fe(III) reduction through SO4 2− reduction to methanogenesis. In particular, decreasing SO4 2− and increasing δ34S of SO4 2− along the flow path, as well as observations of authigenic pyrite in core samples, provide evidence of SO4 2− reduction. Values of δ13C in groundwater suggest that dissolved inorganic carbon is contributed both by oxidation of sedimentary organic matter and calcite dissolution. Inverse modeling identified multiple plausible sets of reactions between sampled wells, which typically involved cation exchange, pyrite precipitation, CH2O oxidation, and dissolution of amorphous Fe(OH)3, calcite, or siderite. These reactions are consistent with processes identified in previous studies of Atlantic Coastal Plain aquifers. Contrasts in groundwater chemistry between the Wilcox and the underlying McNairy and overlying Claiborne aquifers indicate that confining units are relatively effective in limiting cross-formational flow, but localized cross-formational mixing could occur via fault zones. Consequently, increased pumping in the vicinity of fault zones could facilitate upward movement of saline water into the Wilcox.
Nettle: An Exploration of Communication Interface Design for Older Adults

Telecommunication with family and friends is often offered as a solution for aging adults facing social isolation. While strengthening existing ties is important, it fails to address the importance of spontaneous community interactions. This paper presents Nettle, a system that is designed to build casual human connection into one's daily routine. Nettle is based on the artist's alternate vision of smart home design where interfaces are playful, based on familiar household forms and warmly inviting. The audience will observe a performance where Nettle fosters a spontaneous spoken conversation alongside the process of making a pot of tea.
Pediatric Upper Extremity Replantation: Courage in the Face of a Life-altering Injury.

Background Pediatric plastic surgeons perform reconstructive surgeries for various congenital, oncologic, and traumatic injuries. Methods Our Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Plastic Surgery team was tasked to care for a young man who suffered a proximal humeral amputation of his dominant upper extremity. Results A multidisciplinary team collaborated throughout his entire acute care and postoperative course, guiding treatment and care in effort to maximize function of his replanted extremity. Conclusions This case report details the patient's unique journey and highlights his determination and courage to return back to a normal life.
The Inherited Syndromes: Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer, and the Hamartomatous Polyposes

There are two main syndromes in which a tendency to develop colorectal cancer is transmitted by dominant inheritance (inheritance that requires the transmission of only one mutated copy of a gene for the disease to become manifest). These syndromes are familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). Although they account for <1% and <3% of the entire colorectal cancer burden respectively, these syndromes are important for what they can teach about the mechanisms of colorectal tumorigenesis and for the cancer risk in patients who suffer from them. For these patients, recognition of the syndrome and appropriate screening and surgery are potentially life saving. There are other much less common and less well known dominantly inherited syndromes of colorectal cancer predisposition. These are the hamartomatous polyposes, including Juvenile Polyposis Coli (JPC), Peutz-Jehger’s Syndrome (PJS), Cowden’s Syndrome (CS) and Bannayan-Ruvalcaba-Riley Syndrome (BRR). This chapter is dedicated to a discussion of these dominantly inherited syndromes.
In the Canopy with Wheelchairs: A Model for Teaching Field Biology

Forest canopies are often called the “eighth continent of planet Earth” (Wilson 2005) due to their complexity and enormous biodiversity. With the explosion of canopy exploration over the last two decades (Lowman 1999; Lowman and Rinker 2004b), made possible by the simultaneous development of safe single- and doubled-rope tree climbing techniques (SRT/DRT), canopy researchers have confirmed that a large portion of global biodiversity inhabits the treetops (Lowman and Rinker 2004b). Ascent into the treetops is critical to answering scientific questions about forests, biodiversity, and ecology.
Representing Part-Part-Whole (PPW) Problems

Learning Outcome: Introduction to the concept of “sum,” Singapore Bar Model, and the Part-Part-Whole diagram equation Materials Needed: Diagram Part-Part-Whole (PPW) Diagram Equation Model Teacher: For the coming weeks, we will be working together to learn how to solve word problems by using Singapore Bar Models and diagram equations.
Mitomycin C Reused: An in Vitro Cost-Effectiveness Study

Abstract The use of mitomycin C, an effective agent in the intravesical treatment of superficial bladder cancer, is limited by its high cost. An in vitro study was done to determine whether mitomycin C could be recovered after intravesical administration and reused in the same patient. Cultured human transitional carcinoma cells from line 253-J were exposed to: medium alone; fresh mitomycin C (1 mg./ml.); mitomycin C stored for 1, 2 and 4 weeks; and mitomycin C recovered from patients after intravesical use, tested immediately and stored and tested after serial dilution after 1, 2 and 3 weeks. Results were assessed by cell counts 2 and 5 days after 2-hour exposure to the test solutions. With fresh mitomycin C and that stored up to 4 weeks, cell growth was less than 1 per cent of control (medium alone) at 2 and 5 days. Mitomycin C was also effective when recovered after intravesical use for up to 2 weeks, at which time cell growth was 9.7 and 3.1 per cent of control at 2 and 5 days, respectively. However, at 3 weeks, cell counts were 11.5 and 18.3 per cent of control at 2 and 5 days, suggesting that mitomycin C loses potency with dilution. We conclude that mitomycin C might be recovered, stored and reused for at least 2 weeks in individual patients, a practice that could result in a substantial reduction of treatment cost.
The Ethics of Critical Care in Cross-Cultural Perspective

The preliminary documents of the conference for which this paper was prepared outlined two primary clusters of ethical issues in critical medical choices. One cluster centered on problems of “autonomy and paternalism.” Insofar as the principle of autonomy is seen as implying liberty rights, that is, the right of self-determination, the right to be let alone, the primary significance for critical care decision-making has been the assertion of the right to refuse such care. The critical care questions in the American debate have been: How can the rational individual express his autonomy by deciding to escape the assault of aggressive but agonizing tinkering by medical professionals desperately trying to overpower nature when the patient would prefer to step back and let nature take its course? How can we decide who really is a rational, autonomous individual? And how can we find autonomous surrogates to make decisions for those who are not competent?
Perceptions of Mainland Chinese Students Toward Obtaining Higher Education in the United States

Since 1978, when the first group of 50 mainland Chinese students came to the United States for education, increasing numbers of mainland Chinese students have come to the United States to get a degree (Lampton, Madancy & Williams, 1986). In 2009, China surpassed India, becoming the largest source country of international students in the United States, and since then, China has the most international students seeking education in the United States (Open Doors Data, 2015). The purpose of this Q methodology study is to explore personal perspectives of mainland Chinese students on the value of getting a degree in the United States. Data analysis grouped similar viewpoints. Based on data from ten mainland Chinese students, we categorized three different groups of mainland Chinese students: job and education group, education group, and migration group.
Mechanisms that minimize retinal impact of apolipoprotein E absence.

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a component of lipid-transporting particles and a recognition ligand for receptors, which bind these particles. The APOE isoform e2 is a risk factor for age-related macular degeneration; nevertheless, APOE absence in humans and mice does not significantly affect the retina. We found that retinal cholesterol biosynthesis and the levels of retinal cholesterol were increased in Apoe−/− mice, whereas cholesterol elimination by metabolism was decreased. No focal cholesterol deposits were observed in the Apoe−/− retina. Retinal proteomics identified the most abundant cholesterol-related proteins in WT mice and revealed that, of these cholesterol-related proteins, only APOA4 had increased expression in the Apoe−/− retina. In addition, there were changes in retinal abundance of proteins involved in proinflammatory and antiinflammatory responses, cellular cytoskeleton maintenance, vesicular traffic, and retinal iron homeostasis. The data obtained indicate that when APOE is absent, particles containing APOA1, APOA4, and APOJ still transport cholesterol in the intraretinal space, but these particles are not taken up by retinal cells. Therefore, cholesterol biosynthesis inside retinal cells increase, whereas metabolism to oxysterols decreases to prevent cells from cholesterol depletion. These and other compensatory changes underlie only a minor retinal phenotype in Apoe−/− mice.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of iron chelation therapy on overall survival and disease progression in patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes.

The impact of iron chelation therapy (ICT) on overall survival (OS) and progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in patients with iron overload and International Prognostic Scoring System low- or intermediate-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is not well understood. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies of ICT in patients with MDS to better elucidate these relationships. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane databases, and the World Health Organization Clinical Trial Registry for studies reporting the impact of ICT on OS in patients with low- or intermediate-risk MDS. Studies were examined for demographics, effect measures, and potential bias risk. Fixed and random-effects models were used to calculate adjusted OS and adjusted hazards ratio (aHR) estimates, respectively, among the different studies. Nine observational studies (four prospective and five retrospective) were identified. For patients with MDS, ICT was associated with an overall lower risk of mortality compared with no ICT (aHR 0.42; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28–0.62; P < 0.01); however, there was significant heterogeneity across the studies. In studies reporting progression to AML, ICT was not associated with decreased risk of progression (odds ratio 0.68; 95% CI 0.31–1.43; P < 0.030). This systematic review and meta-analysis of nine nonrandomized trials demonstrated significant reduction in risk of mortality in patients with iron overload and low- or intermediate-risk MDS treated with ICT; however, a causal relationship cannot be established. Randomized, controlled trials are needed to more definitively evaluate the relationship between ICT and survival in patients with iron overload and low- or intermediate-risk MDS.
Effect of processing fluency on metamemory for written music in piano players

We examined the effects of processing fluency on metamemory for written music. In Experiment 1, piano players studied short sequences notated in either treble or bass clef by playing them on a sile...
Does U.S. Household Financial Access Mediate the Relationship Between a Large Income Drop and Credit Record

Household financial access, in the form of savings, investments, credit, and others, can provide the means to smooth consumption and make on-time payments when large income drops occur. This study examined the model in which household financial access mediated the association between a large income drop and credit record in a national representative sample. Results indicate that household financial access was significantly associated with a large income drop after controlling for financial education, socialization, knowledge, and sociodemographic variables. Results suggest that household financial access may buffer the relationship. Practice and policy implications are included.
Pre-feasibility study of CCS in western Nebraska

Abstract The Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) has conducted a pre-feasibility study for a commercial-scale carbon dioxide (CO2) geologic storage complex in western Nebraska, integrated with potential CO2 capture at the coal-fired Gerald Gentleman Station (GGS). This pre-feasibility project has been executed as part of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) CarbonSAFE (Carbon Storage Assurance Facility Enterprise) Program, where projects are required to demonstrate the potential to capture and store at least 50 million tonnes (Mt) of CO2 over a minimum 25-year operational period. Using publicly available data, this study has shown that western Nebraska has potential to host a commercial-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) project. However, three key challenges would need to be overcome. Firstly, the business case for deploying CCS projects is uncertain; recently announced federal tax credits and sales for enhanced oil recovery might not cover full project costs. Secondly, the potential dedicated storage site defined in this study is at a low level of readiness to support a CCS project. Thirdly, public outreach would be a vital element in western Nebraska, where sensitivities around such environmental issues as water resource protection and pipeline construction would need to be carefully addressed.
A Lieb-like lattice in a covalent-organic framework and its Stoner ferromagnetism.

Lieb lattice has been extensively studied to realize ferromagnetism due to its exotic flat band. However, its material realization has remained elusive; so far only artificial Lieb lattices have been made experimentally. Here, based on first-principles and tight-binding calculations, we discover that a recently synthesized two-dimensional sp2 carbon-conjugated covalent-organic framework (sp2c-COF) represents a material realization of a Lieb-like lattice. The observed ferromagnetism upon doping arises from a Dirac (valence) band in a non-ideal Lieb lattice with strong electronic inhomogeneity (EI) rather than the topological flat band in an ideal Lieb lattice. The EI, as characterized with a large on-site energy difference and a strong dimerization interaction between the corner and edge-center ligands, quenches the kinetic energy of the usual dispersive Dirac band, subjecting to an instability against spin polarization. We predict an even higher spin density for monolayer sp2c-COF to accommodate a higher doping concentration with reduced interlayer interaction. While ferromagnetism has been observed in an sp2 covalent-organic framework, its origin remains unclear. Here, by first-principle and tight-binding calculations, the authors identify the Lieb-lattice-like feature of the two-dimensional covalent-organic material and the Stoner mechanism responsible for its magnetic behavior.
Impact of Genetic Testing in Transthyretin (ATTR) Cardiac Amyloidosis.

The review’s main focus centers on the genetics of hereditary cardiac amyloidosis, highlighting the opportunities and challenges posed by the widespread availability of genetic screening and diagnostic cardiac imaging. Advancements in cardiac imaging, heightened awareness of the ATTR amyloidosis diagnosis, and greater access to genetic testing have all led to an increased appreciation of the prevalence of ATTR cardiac amyloidosis. Elucidation of the TTR molecular structure and effect of mutations on TTR function have allowed for novel TTR therapy development leading to clinical implementation of transthyretin stabilizers and transthyretin gene silencers. The transthyretin amyloidoses are a diverse group of protein misfolding disorders with cardiac and peripheral/autonomic nervous system manifestations due to protein deposition. Genetic screening allows for the early identification of asymptomatic TTR mutation carriers. With the advent of TTR-specific therapeutics, clinical guidance is necessary for the management of individuals with mutations in the TTR gene without evidence of disease.
Functional divergence among hominins.

Inferred gene expression differences between modern humans and our extinct archaic relatives suggest potential mechanistic bases for the evolution of hominin phenotypes.
A pilot study evaluating the 3-point and 4-point restraint system for pediatric occupants in nonstandard seating positions

The study systematically evaluates a traditional 3-point lap-shoulder belt versus a 4-point lap-shoulder belt in restraining a 6YO in booster child seats seated in nonstandard seating with adult oc...
NTI Nuclear Security Index: A Model for State-Level Approaches to Nonproliferation and Arms Control

The NTI Nuclear Security Index (NTI Index) is a first-of-its-kind public assessment of nuclear security conditions on a country-by-country basis in 176 countries. Initially launched in 2012 (a fifth edition is planned for release in June 2020), the NTI Index helps spark international discussions about priorities required to strengthen security and most important, encourages governments to provide assurances and take actions to reduce risks. Developed with the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and with input from a respected international panel of nuclear security experts, the NTI Index draws on NTI’s nuclear expertise and the EIU’s experience in constructing indices, and the reach of the EIU’s global network analysts and contributors. This chapter examines whether the NTI Index methodology could apply to the state-level concept (SLC) in the nonproliferation and arms control verification context, including a discussion of the benefits and constraints of developing an index tool for assessing a country’s compliance with nonproliferation and arms control commitments. For further details on the NTI Index, please see the NTI Index website: www.ntiindex.org.
The Implications of Parent-Reported Emotional and Behavioral Problems on the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers.

Studies have shown that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) screening and diagnostic instruments may be affected by the presence of emotional and behavior problems (EBPs). This study assessed the impact of EBPs on the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-up (M-CHAT-R/F). Participants included 290 children, 18–48 months of age, referred for ASD-related concerns. Those diagnosed with ASD had significantly lower externalizing EBPs compared to those who were not diagnosed with ASD. More externalizing symptoms and younger age were significantly predictive of an M-CHAT-R/F final score. Sensitivity and specificity was impacted by the age of the child. These results suggest that combining measures that assess EBPs and autism core symptoms may improve accuracy in this referred population.
Metabolism of 14C-Imipramine

1. Imipramine labelled with carbon-14 in the 10, 11 position was injected in tracer dose into rats receiving 5–20 mg/kg orally, and the radioactivity recovered completely in urine and faeces collected over 6 days. Excretion was rapid, mostly in the first 24 or 48 hours, and from one-quarter to two-thirds of the administered dose was found in the faeces. 2. Radioactive imipramine was taken orally in tracer amount by depressed female patients under treatment with 150–300mg. imipramine daily. The radioactivity was also recovered to a large extent in 6 days. Excretion was rapid, an average of 36.6%, of the dose appearing in the first 24 hour urine specimen, and 65% in the urine by 72 hours. Up to 22% of the dose was recovered from the faeces. 3. The same individual, rat or human, usually but not always gave a similar excretion pattern on re-test. Individuals differed widely among themselves, however, in the way they excreted the radioactive dose within the 6 day period. These variations did not appear to depend on sex, on schedule of imipramine treatment, or on urinary pH. In man, but not in rat, the quantity of faeces may have influenced faecal excretion of the drug and its metabolites. 4. The implications of rapid excretion for the treatment of drug overdosage, and for the biochemical nature of the therapeutic action of imipramine, are briefly discussed.
Discrete-time data-driven control with Hölder-continuous real-time learning

This work provides a framework for data-driven control of discrete time systems with unknown input-output dynamics and outputs controllable by the inputs. This framework leads to stable and robust ...
CD34 immunostain increases sensitivity of the diagnosis of fetal vascular malperfusion in placentas from ex-utero intrapartum treatment.

Short Communications EXIT (ex-utero intrapartum treatment) procedure is a fetal survival-increasing modification of cesarean section. Previously we found an increase incidence of fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM) in placentas from EXIT procedures which indicates the underlying stasis of fetal blood flow in such cases. This retrospective analysis analyzes the impact of the recently introduced CD34 immunostain for the FVM diagnosis in placentas from EXIT procedures. Objectives and Methods A total of 105 placentas from EXIT procedures (48 to airway, 43 to ECMO and 14 to resection) were studied. In 73 older cases, the placental histological diagnosis of segmental FVM was made on H&E stained placental sections only (segmental villous avascularity) (Group 1), while in 32 most recent cases, the CD34 component of a double E-cadherin/CD34 immunostain slides was also routinely used to detect the early FVM (endothelial fragmentation, villous hypovascularity) (Group 2). 23 clinical and 47 independent placental phenotypes were compared by χ2 or ANOVA, where appropriate. Results There was no statistical significance between the groups in rates of segmental villous avascularity (29 vs. 34%), but performing CD34 immunostain resulted in adding and/or upgrading 12 more cases of segmental FVM in Group 2, thus increasing the sensitivity of placental examination for FVM by 37%. There were no other statistically significantly differences in clinical (except for congenital diaphragmatic hernias statistically significantly more common in Group 2, 34 vs 56%, p=0.03) and placental phenotypes, proving the otherwise comparability of the groups. Conclusions The use of CD34 immunostain increases the sensitivity of placental examination for FVM by 1/3, which may improve the neonatal management by revealing the increased likelihood of the potentially life-threatening neonatal complications.
Evidence of Deep DOC Enrichment via Particle Export Beneath Subarctic and Northern Subtropical Fronts in the North Pacific

Here we provide compelling evidence that deep particle export enhanced dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations beneath the Pacific’s Subarctic Front (SA, ~42oN) and Northern Subtropical Front (NST, ~34oN). We report three main findings: First, deep export of subjectively small particles (128-512 µm) was apparent throughout the frontal zone in which the SA resides. However, export of large particles was specifically associated with the SA, rather than the entire frontal zone, and appeared to exclusively transfer DOC into the bathypelagic water column. Second, a similar DOC enrichment existed beneath the NST, though this signal was curiously not accompanied by observable particles (>128 µm). We conclude that export occurring previously in winter left this DOC behind as a residue, though the associated particles were no longer present by spring. Third, the presence of strong hydrographic fronts was not the only control on export that resulted in these unique DOC distributions. Deep export and DOC enrichment was also controlled by latitude-specific biogeochemical and hydrographic conditions, such as depth of the nutricline and seasonal mixed layer shoaling. Given these observations, the fronts within the transitional region of the North Pacific are clearly special locations for deep carbon sequestration and for providing uncommon DOC enrichment that ultimately supports the deep microbial community.
Lateral Trajectory Tracking Control using Backstepping Method for Autonomous Vehicles

One of the challenging problems in designing a lateral trajectory tracking control is to bring both the lateral error from the desired trajectory and the heading angle error to a minimum value at the same time. This paper presents a lateral trajectory tracking controller for autonomous vehicles using the powerful backstepping control method to track the desired trajectory and regulate the lateral and heading angle deviations of the vehicle from the desired trajectory. The controller was implemented based on the dynamical bicycle model, the model was modified by adding the errors dynamics as state variables and then converting it to the strict feedback form for the backstepping control implementation. Simulation results proved asymptotic stability of the system, excellent tracking of the desired trajectory, and excellent regulation of the lateral and heading angle deviations.
Possible role of brain stem respiratory neurons in mediating vomiting during space motion sickness.

The object of this study was to determine if brain stem expiratory neurons control abdominal muscle activity during vomiting. The activity of 27 ventral respiratory group expiratory neurons, which are known to be of primary importance for control of abdominal muscle activity during respiration, was recorded. It is concluded that abdominal muscle activity during vomiting must be controlled not only by some brain stem expiratory neurons but also by other input(s).
The social determinants of health, health equity, and human rights

This article explores the benefits of a rights-based approach to health according greater attention to the social determinants of health, health equity, and the power structure. It uses the report issued by the World Health Organization Commission on Social Determinants of Health (CSDH), "Closing the gap in a generation: Health equity through action on the social determinants of health," as a lens through which to address these issues. After presenting a brief overview of the CSDH report, the article compares the document with a rights-based approach to health on three topics: 1) the social determinants of health and the underlying determinants of health; 2) health inequalities and inequities; and 3) power, money, and resources. The article argues that the right to health requires greater attention to the social determinants of health, health inequalities, and power dynamics than these topics have received to date.
Mouse angiotensin-converting enzyme is a protein composed of two homologous domains.

Abstract Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase that converts angiotensin I into the potent vasoconstrictor angiotensin II. We have used cDNA and genomic sequences to assemble a composite cDNA, ACE.315, encoding the entire amino acid sequence of mouse converting enzyme. ACE.315 contains 4838 base pairs and encodes a protein of 1278 amino acids (147.4 kDa) after removal of a 34-amino acid signal peptide. Within the protein, there are two large areas of homologous sequence, each containing a potential Zn-binding region and catalytic site. These homologous regions are approximately half the size of the whole ACE protein and suggest that the modern ACE gene is the duplicated product of a precursor gene. Mouse ACE is 83% homologous to human ACE in both nucleic acid and amino acid sequence, and like human ACE, contains a hydrophobic region in the carboxyl terminus that probably anchors the enzyme to the cell membrane (Soubrier, F., Alhenc-Gelas, F., Hubert, C., Allegrini, J., John, M., Tregear, G., and Corvol, P. (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 85, 9386-9390). Northern analysis of mouse kidney, lung, and testis RNA demonstrates that the testicular isozyme of ACE is encoded by a single, smaller RNA (2500 bases) than the two message sizes found in kidney or lung (4900 and 4150 bases), and that this testicular RNA hybridizes to the 3' portion of ACE.315.
Anytime AND/OR depth-first search for combinatorial optimization

One popular and efficient scheme for solving combinatorial optimization problems over graphical models exactly is depth-first Branch and Bound. However, when the algorithm exploits problem decomposition using AND/OR search spaces, its anytime behavior breaks down. This article (1) analyzes and demonstrates this inherent conflict between effective exploitation of problem decomposition (through AND/OR search spaces) and the anytime behavior of depth-first search (DFS), (2) presents a new search scheme to address this issue while maintaining desirable DFS memory properties, and (3) analyzes and demonstrates its effectiveness through comprehensive empirical evaluation. Our work is applicable to any problem that can be cast as search over an AND/OR search space.
Perfusion and cannulation strategies for neurological protection in aortic arch surgery.

The surgical treatment of the aortic arch includes unique obstacles compounding the typical challenges faced by traditional cardiac surgery. Owing to the exquisite sensitivity of neurologic tissue to ischemic injury, the vital importance of safely protecting the brain during inevitable interruptions normal cerebral perfusion cannot be understated. Over the years, substantial efforts have been devoted to clinical and laboratory research in an effort to elucidate the optimal techniques for protecting the brain during aortic arch surgery.
Are We Moving in the Right Dimension? Sadducees, Two Kingdoms, Lawyers, and the Model Rules of Professional Conduct

Moving in the Right Dimension means that Christian lawyers should do justice (never end the quest for curbing destructive and unfair behavior), love kindness (seek to remove the mask of individual and corporate self-interest to respond fairly to the interests of others), and walk humbly with our God (avoid legal and moral self-righteousness) in our everyday callings.
A review of the evolution of atmospheric science experiments for AMPS

A brief review was given of the conceptual development of atmospheric science experiments, covering the various studies carried out during this decade (e.g. NASA-JSC/Martin Marietta, 1972; NAS-SSB, 1973; Martin Marietta, 1973; AMPS Science Definition Working Group, 1975). The presentation was concluded with a summary of the present science objectives and instrument concepts for the early AMPS flights.
BAEPs in surgery

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses that the short-latency auditory evoked potentials (AEPs), most often called “brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs),” are the AEPs most often used for clinical diagnostic purposes because they are relatively easy to record and their waveforms and latencies are highly consistent across normal subjects. They are almost identical in waking and sleeping states. The chapter reviews that some of the intraoperative BAEP changes are attributable to the changes in body temperature rather than the anesthetic effects. Because of their resistance to anesthetic agents, BAEPs can be used for intraoperative monitoring of the ears and the infratentorial auditory pathways. The chapter also explores that extraoperative diagnostic BAEP tests are evaluated by comparing the BAEPs to those of a control normal population. It is difficult to ensure during intraoperative monitoring, where the anesthetic regimen, the body temperature, the delivered stimulus intensity, and the other factors may differ from patient to patient. Therefore, during intraoperative BAEP monitoring, each patient serves as his/her own control; BAEPs recorded at the time the elements of the auditory pathways are at risk and are compared to those recorded earlier during the same operation.
Expression of HLA-DR antigen in human class II mutant B-cell lines by double infection with retrovirus vectors

A new retrovirus vector containing the gene for hygromycin B resistance (hyg) as a selectable marker under the control of an internal simian virus 40 promoter was constructed. It was used, together with an analogous previously described vector, DO1, which contains the gene for G418 resistance, to introduce and express the genes for the two chains of a human class II major histocompatibility complex antigen in NIH 3T3 cells. In addition, these vectors were used to express DR antigens in two human mutant B-lymphoblastoid cell lines, one of which was deleted for both alleles of the DR..cap alpha.. gene and the other of which expressed no class II antigens because of a genetic defect in a putative trans-acting regulatory factor.
Dominant maternal-effect mutations of Drosophila melanogaster causing the production of double-abdomen embryos.

Dominant mutations at two loci, BicaudalC (BicC ) and BicaudalD (BicD), cause heterozygous females to produce double-abdomen embryos. These mutations cause the production of embryos with a range of defects extending from the anterior end of the differentiated embryo. The same array of defective embryos is caused by mutations at either locus and is similar to that produced by the original mutation at bicaudal (bic). The array of defective embryos suggests that these mutations cause the loss of positional values from the anterior end of the embryo, associated with a duplication of the posterior end if too few positional values remain. BicaudalD mutations appear to be antimorphic, gain-of-function mutations, whereas BicaudalC mutations are likely to be hypomorphic or amorphic mutations. Mutations at all these loci (bic, BicC and BicD) act as mutual enhancers of each other, and a number of other maternal-effect mutations also act to either enhance or suppress the expression of these dominant bicaudal mutations.
“STILL DOIN' TIME:” CLAMORING FOR WORK IN THE DAY LABOR INDUSTRY

An extensive body of research has documented the barriers faced by ex-offenders in the labor market. This article presents an ethnographic case study of an industry that actively recruits and makes profitable use of this stigmatized, yet abundantly pliable and easily exploitable, source of labor. In so doing, this article focuses on the qualitative character, as opposed to the quantitative (in)accessibility, of jobs available to the more than half of a million convicts streaming out of prison each year. Drawing upon extensive interviews and participant observation in the day labor agencies of Oakland and Baltimore—where poor, predominantly African-American and formerly incarcerated men clamor for a day's work—the article documents day laborers' experience of this precarious employment relationship as a kind of extended incarceration and enduring form of punishment, one that traps them in a forever liminal status. This study highlights the extraordinary vulnerability of formerly incarcerated workers and deepens our understanding of the interface between hyperincarceration and the restructuring of urban labor markets.
Interrogating the civic epistemology of American Democracy: Stability and instability in the 2000 US Presidential Election

Transitions of power are fragile, anxious moments for political systems. This paper explores how electoral machinery - the material and social technologies of casting, counting, and contesting votes - dynamically stabilizes democratic transitions. The paper analyzes the controversy surrounding the 2000 US Presidential election. For 36 days political stability in the USA hung on uncertainty over a seemingly simple matter of fact: which candidate won the most votes in the state of Florida. Interrogating the civic epistemology of US elections - the processes by which elections produce, validate, and put knowledge to use - the paper contends that electoral machinery functions to contain common uncertainties, contingencies, and conflicts that might otherwise destabilize democratic political order. The paper develops a model of electoral machinery as a loosely integrated network of sites including polling places, election administration, the courts, the media, and the American public. This network constructs cr...
Tube and Sheet Hydroforming-Advances in Material Modeling, Tooling and Process Simulation

Tube Hydroforming is a well accepted production technology in automotive industry while sheet hydroforming is used in selected cases for prototyping and low volume production. Research in advanced methods (warm sheet and tube hydroforming, double blank sheet hydroforming, combination of hydroforming and mechanical sizing, use of multi-point and elastic blank holders) is expanding the capabilities of hydroforming technologies to produce parts from Al and Mg alloys, as well as Ultra High Strength Steels. In the development of advanced hydroforming methods, experience based knowledge is not readily available. Thus, robust process simulation is required, along with adequate material modeling and identification of friction coefficients as input to process simulation. This paper gives an overview of advanced hydroforming methods, including examples of novel machine and tooling designs. The use of reliable process simulation is illustrated with examples that demonstrate the significance of material and friction date for making accurate predictions. Advanced simulation methods for warm forming and for programming multiple-point blank holder are also discussed. This review illustrates that hydroforming continues to make advances and has the potential to make many contributions to production technology in the near future.
The universal time variation of geomagnetic activity

Geomagnetic activity exhibits both annual and daily variations. We examine these variations in the Am index which was designed to provide an accurate measure of the Universal Time variation of geomagnetic activity. The dayside reconnection process can quantitatively account for the observed variation in both indices. Control of these variations by the angle of the flow relative to the dipole axis is weaker than control by reconnection.
Case report of grand mal convulsions following more than 150 electric convulsive treatments: a clinical and electro-encephalographic study.

Seizures following electric convulsive treatments are a complication which might be avoided by the judicious teamwork of the electro-encephalogram and the clinician. To avoid this complication, electro-encephalograms before and during convulsive therapy help the clinician decide on the frequency or discontinuation of the treatment.