cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prise en charge invasive versus traitement médical exclusif dans les syndromes coronariens aigus avec sus-décalage du segment ST (SCA ST+) chez les patients de85 ans et plus. Étude départementale

Introduction Les patients 85 ans et plus sont des sujets fragiles chez qui il peut paraitre risque de realiser une coronarographie en phase aigue d’un SCA ST+. Si le geste en lui-meme est techniquement realisable, la question se pose du benefice a moyen terme dans cette population. Peu de donnees existent sur la prise en charge des SCA ST+ des sujets tres âges. L’objectif de notre etude est de comparer la mortalite des patients de 85 ans et plus ayant presente un SCA ST+ traites par coronarographie ou fibrinolyse d’un cote (groupe « INVASIF ») et ceux ayant recu un traitement medical exclusif (groupe « NON INVASIF »). Les objectifs secondaires evaluent la morbidite (institutionnalisation…). Materiels et methodes Ont ete inclus de maniere retrospective tous les patients de 85 ans et plus hospitalises dans les services (dont la cardiologie) du centre hospitalier departemental de Vendee (Sites Montaigu, Lucon, La Roche-sur-Yon) pour un SCA avec elevation du segment ST entre le 1er janvier 2008 et le 31 decembre 2011. Resultats Sur les 838 patients hospitalises pour SCA ST+ au cours de la periode de l’etude, 71 (8,5 %) avaient 85 ans et plus. 39 patients ont ete inclus dans le bras « INVASIF » (36 coronarographies et 3 fibrinolyses) et 32 dans le groupe « NON INVASIF ». L’âge moyen du premier groupe est 87,6 ans(± 2,8) contre 89,6 ans (± 4,0) (p = 0,01) dans le deuxieme. La mortalite intra-hospitaliere dans le bras « INVASIF » etait de 15,4 %. Celle dans le bras « NON INVASIF » de 28,1 % (p = 0,19). La mortalite a 1 an etait plus faible dans le premier groupe (20,5 % contre 43,7 %, p = 0,03). 12,8 % des patients du groupe « INVASIF » vivaient en Institution a l’admission contre 21,9 % du groupe « NON INVASIF » (p = 0,31). A 1 an, 35,9 % des patients du premier groupe vivaient en institution (ou etaient en attente de l’etre) contre 40 % du deuxieme groupe (p = 0,33). Dans le groupe « INVASIF », les complications post-interventionnelles (hemorragie exteriorisee, AVC hemorragique, necessite de transfusion, insuffisance renale dialysee) representaient 15 % des patients (sous-groupe « Fibrinolyse » : 66,7 %, sous-groupe « coronarographie » : 11,1 %). Dans le groupe « INVASIF », 21 % des patients presentaient un symptome initial atypique contre 37,5 % dans le groupe par traitement medical exclusif (p = 0,13). Conclusion La prise en charge invasive du SCA ST+ permet de diminuer la mortalite des patients tres âges en s’exposant a un risque acceptable de complications.
Optimized intensity-modulated arc therapy for prostate cancer treatment.

We recently implemented intensity-modulated arc therapy (IMAT) at our institution. In this study, we evaluate the dosimetric merits of the application of this technique to the treatment of prostate cancer. Each IMAT treatment plan incorporated bilateral overlapping arcs. The dose from each beam segment was computed using the three-dimensional dose model of a clinical treatment planning system (Render Plan 3.5, Precision Therapy). The weights assigned to the individual arc segments were optimized using a gradient search method. For 12 patients, comparisons were made between the IMAT treatment plans and corresponding plans using fixed cone-beam intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) from a commercial inverse planning system (CORVUS, NOMOS Corp.). We found that the optimized IMAT treatments produced similar dose distributions to the IMRT deliveries. Compared with the IMRT treatments, the IMAT treatments produced slightly less target dose homogeneity with consistently greater sparing of the rectum in regions of lower dose. The trade-off between target dose conformity and rectum sparing can be adjusted in both optimization procedures. Because the total beam-on time for IMAT delivery is 1 to 2 minutes with approximately 5-6 minutes of patient setup time, the delivery efficiency of the IMAT treatment was significantly better than the multiple-beam IMRT treatment.
Vibrational properties of CO at the Pt(111)-solution interface: The anomalous stark-tuning slope

Vibrational properties of CO have been studied on Pt(111) in acid and alkaline electrolytes by synchronous measurements of CO oxidation current (0.5 mV/s) and IRAS spectra (one spectrum for every 1 mV). We found that in acid solutions the frequency-tuning rate (dνCO/dE) as well as the potential-dependent bandwidth (dΔν1/2/dE) deviates from expected linear relationships. This unusual potential-dependent behavior is interpreted in terms of compression/dissipation of CO islands during the CO oxidation, engendered by competitive adsorption between inactive anions from a supporting electrolyte and the reactive OH species.
Cloning of DNA sequences from the white locus of D. melanogaster by a novel and general method

We describe the isolation of a cloned DNA segment carrying unique sequences from the white locus of Drosophila melanogaster. Sequences within the cloned segment are shown to hybridize in situ to the white locus region on the polytene chromosomes of both wild-type strains and strains carrying chromosomal rearrangements whose breakpoints bracket the white locus. We further show that two small deficiency mutations, deleting white locus genetic elements but not those of complementation groups contiguous to white, delete the genomic sequences corresponding to a portion of the cloned segment. The strategy we have employed to isolate this cloned segment exploits the existence of an allele at the white locus containing a copy of a previously cloned transposable, reiterated DNA sequence element. We describe a simple, rapid method for retrieving cloned segments carrying a copy of the transposable element together with contiguous sequences corresponding to this allele. The strategy described is potentially general and we discuss its application to the cloning of the DNA sequences of other genes in Drosophila, including those identified only by genetic analysis and for which no RNA product is known.
Transforming growth factor-β1 modulates insulin-like growth factor binding protein-4 expression and proteolysis in cultured periosteal explants

Abstract Objective Periosteum is involved in bone growth and fracture healing and has been used as a cell source and tissue graft for tissue engineering and orthopedic reconstruction including joint resurfacing. Periosteum can be induced by transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) or insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) alone or in combination to form cartilage. However, little is known about the interaction between IGF and TGF-β signaling during periosteal chondrogenesis. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of TGF-β1 on IGF binding protein-4 (IGFBP-4) and the IGFBP-4 protease pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) expression in cultured periosteal explants. Design Periosteal explants from rabbits were cultured with or without TGF-β1. IGFBP-4 and PAPP-A mRNA levels were determined by real-time quantitative PCR. Conditioned medium was analyzed for IGFBP-4 and PAPP-A protein levels and IGFBP-4 protease activity. Results TGF-β1-treated explants contained lower IGFBP-4 mRNA levels throughout the culture period with a maximum reduction of 70% on day 5 of culture. Lower levels of IGFBP-4 protein were also detected in the conditioned medium from TGF-β1-treated explants. PAPP-A mRNA levels were increased 1.6-fold, PAPP-A protein levels were increased threefold, and IGFBP-4 protease activity was increased 8.5-fold between 7 and 10 days of culture (the onset of cartilage formation in this model) in conditioned medium from TGF-β1-treated explants. Conclusions This study demonstrates that TGF-β1 modulates the expression of IGFBP-4 and PAPP-A in cultured periosteal explants.
Blank-map orienteering for a mobile robot using certainty grids

Certainty grids have been shown to be an effective method of generating accurate map data from incomplete sensor data. This is put to the test as we use a robot based certainty grid to maintain map information generated from eight fixed sonars to compare three robot navigators. Due to the low resolution and single sensor type, the certainty grid includes a variety of averaging and weighting techniques to improve sonar accuracy and reduce noise. The navigators are constrained by two design parameters: they should not use domain specific knowledge and the navigators and mapper are independent. Navigation decisions are based solely on the internal map. Each navigator uses a weighting function to determine a potential for each grid element and navigates by minimizing the potential over the robot's immediate surroundings. Local route selection is performed in real time while traveling as the local navigator continuously re-evaluates the path with new information from the certainty grid. The navigators differ in their methods of global route selection. One uses intermediate destinations and backtracking to handle dead ends. The other two incorporate dead end information directly into local route selection, one with intermediate destinations and the other without them.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Comparison of spatial variables over subregions using a block bootstrap

In environmental and agricultural studies, it is often of interestto compare spatial variables across different regions. Traditional statistical tools that assume independent samples are inadequate because of potential spatial correlations. In this article, spatial dependence is accounted for by a random field model, and a non parametric test is developed to compare the overall distributions of variables in two neighboring regions. Sampling distribution of the test statistic is estimated by a spatial block bootstrap. For illustration, the procedure is applied to study root-lesion nematode populations on a production farm in Wisconsin. Choices of the bootstrap block size are investigated via a simulation study and results of the test are compared to traditional approaches.
Some Models for the Interaction between Cells of the Immune System

It is by now abundantly clear that interactions between cells are of great importance in regulating immune responses. For example, it has been demonstrated by adoptive transfer experiments in vivo (Greaves, et. al., 1974; Roit, 1974), that antibody production by B lymphocytes in response to an antigen, is generally regulated by T lymphocytes having specificity for the antigen. Similar regulation has been found in vitro (e.g. Feldmann, 1978) for all save a limited class of so-called thymus independent antigens. In addition, activation of any T-lymphocyte function in vitro seems to be regulated by and require the presence of macrophages or other adherent cells in the culture. (Immunological Reviews, 1978). Such examples could be enumerated indefinitely.
Collagen concentration as a significant variable for growth and morphology of mouse mammary parenchyma in collagen matrix culture

Multicellular organoids of mouse mammary epithelium were established in culture either upon or within collagen matrices of various concentrations. Growth and tubule morphogenesis within the matrices were dependent upon the concentration of collagen, both being maximal in gels composed of 2 mg collagen/ml gel. Growth was more extensive in cultures established in gel than on gel especially at intermediate concentrations of collagen, with cell growth on gel seemingly independent of collagen concentration. Our results demonstrate that local collagen concentration can significantly affect epithelial cell growth and morphology.
COMPARISON OF SLOW AND FAST ACID-PRODUCING STREPTOCOCCUS LACTIS.

Abstract From Streptococcus lactis C2, a fast strain which produced sufficient acid to coagulate sterile nonfat milk in 18 hr at 21C, a slow mutant was isolated which required incubation for at least 48 hr to effect coagulation. Nonfat milk cultures of these two organisms were compared to find causes for the apparent reduced acid production by the slow strain. The two organisms had the same generation time (1.4 hr) in the log phase of growth and produced the same amount of acid per cell. The average viable population of the fast culture after 18 hr at 21C, however, was about four times as great as the slow. Also, the fast culture was four times more proteolytic in nonfat milk than the slow. There was, therefore, a direct relationship between available nitrogen and total growth in milk, reflected by the final amount of acid produced in the cultures.
Rational Choice in Collective Protests

A rational choice (RC) formulation of value-expectancy theory of participation in collective protests is described and applied to East German popular protests against the Communist regime in 1989. The heart of the RC model is a production function for collective good attainment, an assurance process that overcomes free rider tendencies and strategic interaction based on expectations.
New requirements imposed on education by advancing technology

On the dedication of a new laboratory of the Union Carbide and Carbon Company, the president of Massachusetts Institute of Technology states that expanding industrial research bears a symbiotic relationship to our universities. As American industry, in response to an on-rushing technology, grows more complex, our universities find themselves with new duties — the degree of success will be seen in the future.
Development of the Microwave Radiometer Technology Acceleration (MiRaTA) CubeSat for all-weather atmospheric sounding

The Microwave Radiometer Technology Acceleration (MiRaTA) is a 3U CubeSat mission sponsored by the NASA Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO). The science payload on MiRaTA consists of a tri-band microwave radiometer and GPS radio occultation (GPSRO) experiment. The microwave radiometer takes measurements of all-weather temperature (V-band, 52–58 GHz), water vapor (G-band, 175–191 GHz), and cloud ice (G-band, 207 GHz) to provide key observations used to improve weather forecasting. The GPSRO experiment, called the Compact TEC (Total Electron Content) and Atmospheric GPS Sensor (CTAGS) measures profiles of temperature and pressure in the upper neutral atmosphere and electron density in the ionosphere. The MiRaTA mission will validate new technologies in both passive microwave radiometry and GPS radio occultation: (1) new ultra-compact and low-power technology for multi-channel and multi-band passive microwave radiometers, (2) new GPS receiver and patch antenna array technology for both neutral atmosphere and ionospheric GPS radio occultation retrieval on a nanosatellite, and (3) a new approach to spaceborne microwave radiometer calibration using adjacent GPSRO measurements.
Present Climatic Cooling and a Proposed Causative Mechanism

Abstract Evidence has been presented and discussed to show a cooling trend over the Northern Hemisphere since around 1940, amounting to over 0.5°C, due primarily to cooling at mid- and high latitudes. Some regions of the middle latitudes have actually warmed while others, such as the central and eastern United States, have experienced sharp cooling. A representative station for this latter region is Lafayette, Ind., which has recorded a drop of 2.2°C in its mean annual temperature from 1940 through 1978. The cooling trend for the Northern Hemisphere has been associated with an increase of both the latitudinal gradient of temperature and the lapse rate, as predicted by climate models with decreased solar input and feedback mechanisms. Observations and interpretation of sunspot activity have been used to infer a direct thermal response of terrestrial temperature to solar variability on the time scale of the Gleissberg cycle (∼90 years, an amplitude of the 11-year cycles). Measurements at the Greenwich Obser...
Life at the Bottom of the Fiscal Food Chain: Examining City and County Revenue Decisions

Any shifting of responsibilities from the state orfederal governments to local governments would fall mostly on the shoulders of general-purpose governments, namely, cities (municipalities) and counties. This study explores city and county revenue decisions associated with general funds-the governmental fund most likely to be affected by state requirements for greater local financing responsibility for new or devolved programs. The results suggest that state control over local revenue authority affects decisions regarding the imposition offinancial burdens on residents, and that intergovernmental aid to cities and counties does not necessarily mitigate those burdens. Despite evidence of healthy financial reserves, especially for cities, shifting responsibilities from the state to city or county governments could place cities and counties in difficult fiscal positions. Given the importance of own-source revenues to current budgets, and in view of the questionable impact of intergovernmental aid on city and county residents' revenue burdens, questions persist about the ability of city and county governments to maintain (and, if necessary, to expand) services during economic recession.
A Tsunami Ball Approach to Storm Surge and Inundation: Application to Hurricane Katrina, 2005

Most analyses of storm surge and inundation solve equations of continuity and momentum on fixed finite-difference/finite-element meshes. I develop a completely new approach that uses a momentum equation to accelerate bits or balls of water over variable depth topography. The thickness of the water column at any point equals the volume density of balls there. In addition to being more intuitive than traditional methods, the tsunami ball approach has several advantages. (a) By tracking water balls of fixed volume, the continuity equation is satisfied automatically and the advection term in the momentum equation becomes unnecessary. (b) The procedure is meshless in the finite-difference/finite-element sense. (c) Tsunami balls care little if they find themselves in the ocean or inundating land. (d) Tsunami ball calculations of storm surge can be done on a laptop computer. I demonstrate and calibrate the method by simulating storm surge and inundation around New Orleans, Louisiana caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and by comparing model predictions with field observations. To illustrate the flexibility of the tsunami ball technique, I run two “What If” hurricane scenarios—Katrina over Savannah, Georgia and Katrina over Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Controlled optomechanical quantum phase gate of phonon states

We describe a scalable optomechanical array, with double-disk resonators, for two-qubit quantum phase gate of phonon states where mechanical systems exhibit significantly long lifetime. Simulation results show high fidelity and low photon loss.
The birth of high-energy neutrino astronomy: A personal history of the DUMAND project

DUMAND is a project to build a Deep Underwater Muon And Neutrino Detector offshore near the island of Hawaii. At present under construction, it hopes to inaugurate the field of high-energy neutrino astronomy. Potential sources of high-energy neutrinos are listed, and estimates of neutrino intensity given. The paper is concerned with the physics, technology, and history of the project, which started informally in 1973. It survived through a series of summer conferences until it was funded as a feasibility study in 1979 and established in the Hawaii DUMAND Center, at the University of Hawaii. Over a dozen collaborating groups have contributed to the successful construction and operation of DUMAND I, the SPS or Short Prototype String, which established the benign character of the ocean environment and demonstrated its suitability for DUMAND II, a 216-phototube array now under construction. DUMAND II, recently funded, will have more than 20 times the area of any existing detector and a mass of almost 2 million tons; this size is minimal for the intensities and cross sections anticipated. The project became feasible---both technically and financially---through important technical advances in data transmission via fiber optics, high-speed computer technology, special photomultiplier tubes made by Hamamatsu and Philips,more » remotely controlled undersea vehicles with manipulative abilities, and many deep-sea electronic and oceanographic components. It is supported by an international collaboration with 15 collaborating institutions in the U.S., Europe, and Japan. It is scheduled to install a three-string test array (TRIAD) by late 1992, and the complete nine-string array is scheduled for operation in late 1993.« less
A flux model of glycolysis and the oxidative pentosephosphate pathway in developing Brassica napus embryos

Developing oilseeds synthesize large quantities of triacylglycerol from sucrose and hexose. To understand the fluxes involved in this conversion, a quantitative metabolic flux model was developed and tested for the reaction network of glycolysis and the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (OPPP). Developing Brassica napus embryos were cultured with [U-13C6]glucose, [1-13C]glucose, [6-13C]glucose, [U-13C12]sucrose, and/or [1,2-13C2]glucose and the labeling patterns in amino acids, lipids, sucrose, and starch were measured by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and NMR. Data were used to verify a reaction network of central carbon metabolism distributed between the cytosol and plastid. Computer simulation of the steady state distribution of isotopomers in intermediates of the glycolysis/OPPP network was used to fit metabolic flux parameters to the experimental data. The observed distribution of label in cytosolic and plastidic metabolites indicated that key intermediates of glycolysis and OPPP have similar labeling in these two compartments, suggesting rapid exchange of metabolites between these compartments compared with net fluxes into end products. Cycling between hexose phosphate and triose phosphate and reversible transketolase velocity were similar to net glycolytic flux, whereas reversible transaldolase velocity was minimal. Flux parameters were overdetermined by analyzing labeling in different metabolites and by using data from different labeling experiments, which increased the reliability of the findings. Net flux of glucose through the OPPP accounts for close to 10% of the total hexose influx into the embryo. Therefore, the reductant produced by the OPPP accounts for at most 44% of the NADPH and 22% of total reductant needed for fatty acid synthesis.
The effect of sound level, temperature and dehydration on the brainstem auditory evoked potential in anuran amphibians

Abstract Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) were used to examine the effects of sound level, temperature, and dehydration on the auditory pathway of three species of anuran amphibians: Rana pipiens, Bufo americanus and B. terrestris. BAEP latency, amplitude and a measure of threshold were determined for all stimulus and test conditions. Threshold values obtained with this technique were similar to other neural measures of threshold in anurans, and were stable for repeated measures within 12 h and over three days. Transient changes in temperature caused non-linear changes in BAEP threshold and latency. Above 20°C small threshold shifts were elicited, while below 20°C we observed rapid deterioration of threshold. Animals acclimated to a cold temperature (14°C) were acoustically less sensitive than warm (21°C) animals, even when both groups were tested at colder temperatures. Because peripheral components of the BAEP were most affected by both transient and acclimation (longer term) cooling and warming, the sensory epithelium appears to be the most temperature-sensitive component of the auditory pathway. Dehydrated frogs showed no auditory dysfunction until a critical level of dehydration was reached. More dehydration-resistant species ( B. terrestris and B. americanus ) were less susceptible to BAEP degradation near their critical dehydration level.
Multivariate analysis of experimental marine ecosystems

Twelve replicate 150-l laboratory microcosms were developed using whole water samples and natural benthic communities from Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island (USA). The microcosms were scaled to the bay in terms of salinity, temperature, light input, volume pelagic community to area of benthic community, density of macrofauna, turbulent mixing, and flushing time. The microcosms were self maintaining during a six month study period with over 35 species of phytoplankton and 30 species of macro-invertebrates. Some 25 species of meroplankton entered the microcosms and sucessfully colonized the benthic communities. Zooplankton were present in all life stages. After an initial study of replication among the 12 tanks, the microcosms were perturbed with 3 levels of treated urban sewage for a three month period. Three microcosms were maintained at each level with 3 tanks remaining as controls. At the end of 3 months, the sewage input was terminated and the response of the systems was followed for an additional 2 months. Both time series data and multivariate statistical analysis of over 10 different parameters indicated that the replication of the microcosms was adequate to show the effects of experimental treatments. Control microcosms were generally within the range of variation expected in Narragansett Bay. Moreover, the results suggested that the microcosms responded to the gradient of sewage input in a manner similar to that of the bay. During the two month period after the sewage was discontinued, all of the microcosms became increasingly similar, though the tanks that had been subjected to higher levels of sewage remained distinct. It was apparent throughout the study that comparisons of microcosms and natural systems must account for the large variation characteristic of each. For this, and other reasons, multivariate statistical techniques appear to provide a powerful tool for experimental ecosystem analysis.
Testing current status data for dependent censoring

An approach to testing current status data for dependence between the examination times and the event times is presented. The approach is based on a rank statistic that detects decreasing trends, as a function of the examination time, in the probability that the event occurs before the examination.
Objects first using Alice to introduce object constructs in CS1

Java has become the programming language of choice for the first computer programming course in most of the computer science programs in the country. However, Java is a true objected-oriented language and requires instructors to introduce object-oriented constructs (classes, objects and methods) early in the course. This poses a problem for both students (who find the introduction to objects to be very dry and abstract) and instructors (who attempt to enliven this material). In this paper, the authors describe how Alice is used to introduce the essential concepts of object-oriented programming in the beginning of a CS1 Java course.
Predicting tidal flooding of urbanized embayments: A modeling framework and data requirements

Numerous urbanized embayments in California are at risk of flooding during extreme high tides caused by a combination of astronomical, meteorologic and climatic factors (e.g., El Nino), and the risk will increase as sea levels rise and storminess intensifies. Across California, the potential exists for billions of dollars in losses by 2100 and predictive inundation models will be relied upon at the local level to plan adaptation strategies and forecast localized flood impacts to support emergency management. However, the predictive skill of urban inundation models for extreme tide events has not been critically examined particularly in relation to data quality and flood mapping methodologies. With a case study of Newport Beach, California, we show that tidal flooding can be resolved along streets and at individual parcels using a 2D hydraulic inundation model that captures embayment amplification of the tide, overtopping of flood defenses, and overland flow along streets and into parcels. Furthermore, hydraulic models outperform equilibrium flood mapping methodologies which ignore hydraulic connectivity and are strongly biased towards over-prediction of flood extent. However, infrastructure geometry data including flood barriers, street and parcel elevations are crucial to accurate flood prediction. A real time kinematic (RTK) survey instrument with an error of approximately 1 cm (RMSE) is found to be suitable for barrier height measurement, but an error of approximately15 cm (RMSE) typical of aerial laser scanning or LiDAR is found to be inadequate. Finally, we note that the harbor waterfront in Newport Beach is lined by a patchwork of public and private parcels and flood barriers of varied designs and integrity. Careful attention to hydraulic connectivity (e.g., low points and gaps in barriers) is needed for successful flood prediction.
Using critical questions to disambiguate and formalize statutory provisions

This paper outlines a process model for disambiguating legal provisions in order to ease their formalization into logic. It centers around a reformulation of the provision driven by critical questioning and mandatory legal justifications.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy during pregnancy

There is a strong association between pregnancy and gallstones. When acute cholecystitis or recurring bouts of biliary colic occur during pregnancy, medical therapy is usually initiated but occasionally fails. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has recently been described for the treatment of symptomatic cholelithiasis, but many authors consider pregnancy to be an absolute contraindication to this operation. We herein describe the management of markedly symptomatic cholelithiasis during the second trimester of pregnancy using laparoscopic techniques in five patients. Tocolytic medications were administered perioperatively in two patients, and open laparoscopy or the use of an alternative site for insertion of the initial port was used in all patients. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy without cholangiograms was successful in all five patients and postoperative hospitalization ranged from 24 to 48 h. Uncomplicated term delivery has occurred in three of the five patients; in the other two patients, normal pregnancies are continuing. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed safely during pregnancy, as long as the patient is monitored carefully and specific precautions are observed.
Association Between a Positive ED FAST Examination and Therapeutic Laparotomy in Normotensive Blunt Trauma Patients

eAbstract—Although a positiveFAST (focused assessment with sonography for trauma) examination in hypotensive blunt trauma patients generally suggests the need for emergent laparotomy, this finding’s significance in normotensive trauma patients is unclear. We tested the association between a positive FAST and the need for therapeutic laparotomy in normotensive blunt trauma patients. This was a retrospective cohort analysis of consecutive normotensive blunt trauma patients presenting to two trauma centers. The outcome was therapeutic laparotomy. The unadjusted association between a positive FAST and laparotomy was odds ratio (OR) 116 (95% confidence interval [CI] 49.5‐273). This association persisted after adjusting for confounding variables (OR 44.6, 95% CI 1.77‐1124). Thirty-sevenpercent of patients with a positive FAST required therapeutic laparotomy vs. 0.5% with a negative FAST. Among normotensive blunt trauma patients, there was a strong association between a positive FAST and the need for therapeutic laparotomy. Very few normotensive patients with a negative FAST required therapeutic laparotomy. © 2007 Elsevier Inc.
Electric-field effects on confined hydrogenic impurities in semiconductors.

We report the observation of electric-field effects on the electronic states of shallow impurities confined in semiconductor quantum wells. As p-``i''-n diode structure was used to produce the controllable electric field, and the states of donors doped in the well center were monitored by far-infrared magnetospectroscopy. A broadened, impurity-related peak is observed, which changes signficantly both in shape and in position with electric field. Observed shifts and changes in the line profile are in good agreement with a variational calculation that incorporates the impurity distribution within the well.
Theoretical study of the relative stability of wurtzite and rocksalt phases in MgO and GaN

We report local density functional calculations using the full-potential linearized muffin-tin orbital method for MgO and GaN in the wurtzite and rocksalt structures and for orthorhombic structures along a homogeneous strain transition path linking wurtzite to rocksalt. MgO is found to be unstable in the wurtzite and marginally metastable in a layered hexagonal phase, labeled h-MgO, in which Mg is approximately fivefold coordinated, the stable phase being rocksalt. GaN is stable in the wurtzite at ambient pressures but exhibits a phase transition to the rocksalt. Band structures and charge densities exhibiting the bond formation as one goes from one structure to the other are presented.
Perceived mobility channels: Criteria for intraorganizational job mobility☆

Abstract In a factor-analytic study of 957 employees of a heavy manufacturing plant, it was proposed and found that employees perceive three means for obtaining another job in the same organization. These three perceived job mobility channels were performance, race/sex, and luck/favoritism. Data suggested that (1) performance may be an internally controlled channel while race/sex and luck/favoritism may be externally controlled channels, (2) these three channels were differentially related to several individual and organizational characteristics, and (3) these perceived mobility channels may be influenced by both ego defense mechanisms and more objective reality. It was suggested that the concept of perceived job mobility channels would be useful in studies of intraorganizational career movements within an expectancy theory framework.
Graduated Resistance to Gas Flow Through a GDL in an Unconventional PEM Stack

The goal of this study is to design a gas diffusion layer (GDL) for a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell with a graduated permeability and thereby graduating the resistance to flow throughout the GDL. It has been shown that in using conventional materials, the GDL exhibits a higher resistance in the through-plane direction due to the orientation of the small carbon fibers that make up the carbon paper or carbon cloth. In this study, a GDL is designed for an unconventional PEM fuel cell stack where the reactant gases are supplied through the side of the GDL rather than through flow field channels machined into a bipolar plate. The effects of changing in-plane permeability, through-plane permeability, GDL thickness, and oxygen utilization on the expected current density distribution at the catalyst layer are studied. Three different thicknesses and three different utilizations are investigated. It has been found that a thinner GDL with a lower utilization yields a higher current density on the electrode. A quantitative metric to measure uniformity of reactant distribution and the ratio of the standard deviation of the current density to the average current density was introduced, and it was found that while the uniformity of the reactant distribution is independent of thickness of the GDL, it is inversely proportional to utilization.
Risk factors associated with the seroprevalence of pseudorabies virus in Illinois swine herds

Abstract Risk factors for the seroprevalence of pseudorabies virus (PRV) were evaluated for 499 swine herds in Illinois (USA) diagnosed as PRV-infected. The outcome analyzed was the PRV seroprevalence rate for a herd, as determined from serum-neutralization testing conducted during a 180-day period around the time that the herd PRV eradication plan was developed (120 days before to 60 days after). Primary risk factors tested by multiple linear regression analysis were herd size, farrow-to-finish operation, degree of confinement, age at weaning, all-in/all-out pig flow, and density of infected herds in the geographical region. Vaccination, calendar date when eradication plan was developed, and time from quarantine until development of herd plan were included as model covariates. PRV seroprevalence increased with increasing geographical density of infected herds, and was higher with total confinement. In addition, PRV seroprevalence was higher in vaccinated herds, increased over the course of the eradication program, and decreased with an increased time between quarantine and the development of a herd plan.
Architecture considerations for 60 GHz wireless networks

Providing high data rates to wireless users has long been a goal that has driven the development of new technologies and standards in the past decade. Now, with the opening up of the spectrum at 60GHz, it has become possible to design WLANs that can meet the goal of Gbps/user connectivity. This paper examines several unique design challenges brought about because of the physical characteristics of this frequency band. We show that antenna geometry has a significant impact on throughput. This result is obtained when we utilize realistic 3D beam patterns, rather than the common 2D approximation. Indeed, the maximum average throughput for a linear antenna array of 8Gbps (using only 640MHz of spectrum) is more than double that obtained with a circular array consisting of the same number of antenna elements. We explore the challenge of providing coverage in dead spots using the novel idea of passive reflectors.
Phospholipid Reorientation at the Lipid/Water Interface Measured by High Resolution 31P Field Cycling NMR Spectroscopy

The magnetic field dependence of the 31P spin-lattice relaxation rate, R1, of phospholipids can be used to differentiate motions for these molecules in a variety of unilamellar vesicles. In particular, internal motion with a 5- to 10-ns correlation time has been attributed to diffusion-in-a-cone of the phosphodiester region, analogous to motion of a cylinder in a liquid hydrocarbon. We use the temperature dependence of 31P R1 at low field (0.03–0.08 T), which reflects this correlation time, to explore the energy barriers associated with this motion. Most phospholipids exhibit a similar energy barrier of 13.2 ± 1.9 kJ/mol at temperatures above that associated with their gel-to-liquid-crystalline transition (Tm); at temperatures below Tm, this barrier increases dramatically to 68.5 ± 7.3 kJ/mol. This temperature dependence is broadly interpreted as arising from diffusive motion of the lipid axis in a spatially rough potential energy landscape. The inclusion of cholesterol in these vesicles has only moderate effects for phospholipids at temperatures above their Tm, but significantly reduces the energy barrier (to 17 ± 4 kJ/mol) at temperatures below the Tm of the pure lipid. Very-low-field R1 data indicate that cholesterol inclusion alters the averaged disposition of the phosphorus-to-glycerol-proton vector (both its average length and its average angle with respect to the membrane normal) that determines the 31P relaxation.
The Web and Teachers' Decision-Making in Global Education.

Web-based resources have the potential for improving classroom instruction through access to new scholarship, diverse perspectives on historical events and current issues, and online connections to people under study. This study is based on a three-year examination of how social studies teachers make decisions on using websites to rethink their instruction about the world and its peoples. Data were collected on the teachers' backgrounds, their instructional goals, critiques of sites, and their explanations of how web resources were selected and incorporated into their instruction. Findings include the infusion of contrapuntal voices, strategies to incorporate global changes, and some paradoxes about teacher preferences for particular types of websites.
Brain Tumors in Children: Evaluation and Management

Brain and spinal cord tumors represent the most common solid tumors in children. Recent advances in imaging techniques, neurosurgical techniques, chemotherapy approaches, and radiation oncology have resulted in some improvement in overall survival and morbidity. However, the prognosis for many children with high-grade and malignant brain tumors remains guarded in terms of mortality and long-term sequelae. Given the rarity of tumors in children, patients are likely best served at tertiary center that can offer a comprehensive multidiscipline approach.
Social and Economic Structural Antecedents of Fertility

Social and economic structural characteristics of counties are used to predict differences in county fertility rates using 1970 census data for North Carolinas 100 counties. The authors argue that fertility rates are affected by county social and economic structures and hypothesize that fertility rates vary directly with the level of occupational sex segregation and inversely with the degree of urbanization industrialization population size and female labor force participation rates of counties. Variables reflecting general sociodemographic characteristics of counties are also included in the analysis. Using multiple linear regression and factor analytic techniques a preliminary model of social and economic structural antecedents of fertility is constructed. 3 factors which collectively account for 69% of the variance in fertility rates are indicative of the importance of social and economic structural conditions in accounting for variation in local fertility. (authors modified)
Grading the Evidence: The Core of EBD

Three different types of systematic experiments are powerful tools to evaluate whether the low-level evidence on cause and effect indeed translates into tangible outcomes in humans. The evidence pyramid forms the core of evidence-based dentistry that allows grading the evidence.
Use of statins and blood pressure.

Background Markers of inflammation such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) were shown to be elevated in patients with hypertension. Small trials using statin therapy showed blood-pressure (BP) reductions, but it is unknown whether this association extends to larger populations. The objective of this study was to determine whether statin use was associated with better blood-pressure control in adults with hypertension and whether inflammation levels mediated this relationship. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 2584 hypertensive adults aged ≥40 years with no known cardiovascular disease from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2002. Logistic regression models were calculated to determine whether there was an association between statin use and blood-pressure control. C-reactive protein was added to the full model to determine its impact on the association. Results Compared with people not using statin medication, significantly more statin users had their blood pressure under control (52.2% v 38.0%). After adjustment for demographic factors, statin users were two times (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.46 to 2.72) more likely to have their blood pressure under control ( Conclusions Statin use was associated with a BP level
Using word burst analysis to rescore keyword search candidates on low-resource languages

For low-resource languages, keyword search (KWS) remains challenging due to the lack of training data. This work aims to bolster KWS performance in low-resource languages by incorporating word burst information into the decision process. We find that this information can improve performance when we focus analysis on particularly problematic KWS candidates: low-scoring correct hits, and high-scoring false alarms.
Teenage acute macular neuroretinopathy.

PURPOSE To present the first case of acute macular neuroretinopathy in a teenager. METHODS Case report, optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, electroretinography. RESULTS Optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, and electroretinography were used to diagnose acute macular neuroretinopathy. Laboratory results were positive for HLA-B7. CONCLUSIONS The rare diagnosis of acute macular neuroretinopathy should be considered in girls on oral contraceptives, with a recent history of acute viral illness, who present with acute rapid onset of multiple, paracentral scotomas.
Intermittent Preventive Therapy for Malaria in Pregnancy: Is Sulfadoxine–Pyrimethamine the Right Drug?

Pregnant women are at particularly high risk for morbidity and mortality from malaria, and pregnancy can markedly affect drug pharmacokinetics, yet the pharmacokinetics of antimalarial drugs in pregnancy has been little studied. An important malaria-control measure in Africa is intermittent preventive therapy (IPT) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) during pregnancy. We discuss IPT with SP in light of several concerns and highlight recent findings from a pharmacokinetic study of SP in this population.
Nonhydrolytic chemical conversion of octaethylverdochemocrome to octaethylbiliverdin

Abstract Octaethylverdohemochrome, a ferrous oxaporphyrin, was converted to octaethylbiliverdin with the incorporation of an oxygen atom from 18O2 into the latter; this result showed that hydrolysis is not essential for this conversion and that an oxygen-bridged compound cannot be excluded as a precursor of biliverdin.
A survey of microbial levels for incoming raw beef, environmental sources, and ground beef in a red meat processing plant

Abstract A microbial survey was performed for a midwestern red meat processing plant that produces retail cuts and ground beef. Samples were obtained from incoming ingredients, beef during processing, finished product, food contact and environmental surfaces, and the air. Aerobic plate count (APC), coliform count (CC), and Escherichia coli count (ECC) were determined for each sample. Product samples (25 g) were taken from beef carcasses, boxed beef, and ground beef. Swab samples (10 cm 2 ) were obtained from food surfaces, food contact surfaces, floors, and walls. All samples were plated on aerobic plate count Petrifilm (for APC) and E. coli Petrifilm (for CC and ECC). Average log 10 APC for product samples ranged from 3 cfu g −1 for retail cuts to nearly 7 cfu g −1 for boxed beef and the brisket and flank areas of beef carcasses. Average log 8 APC for ground beef samples was 4.6 cfu g −1 . Average log 10 CC for product samples ranged from 1.4–2.3 cfu g −1 . Highest CC was usually obtained from the brisket area of the beef carcass. Average log 10 ECC ranged from −1 and ECC was usually highest in finished ground beef. Average surface counts for log 10 APC ranged from −2 on sanitized processing equipment to 5 cfu cm −2 on processing floors. Coliforms and E. coli were rarely recovered from food contact surfaces or from food surfaces. Airborne log 10 APC was generally low (0.6 cfu m −3 ), except for the carcass receiving area where counts were 2.4 cfu m −3 . The most important factor contributing to source and level of microbial contamination for ground beef and retail cuts was from incoming raw materials obtained from different suppliers of beef. Microbial testing for beef products and the environment is an important tool for identifying and monitoring potential hazards as part of HACCP and GMP program development.