cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Motor neuron disease mortality rates in U.S. states are associated with well water use

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease with an unknown cause and invariably fatal outcome. We sought to evaluate a correlation between motor neuron disease (MND) mortality rates and residential radon levels that was previously reported for counties in the United Kingdom. We examined the relationships between age-adjusted MND mortality rates in U.S. states with residential radon levels, well water use, and other variables using structural equation modeling. We observed a significant correlation between MND mortality rates and radon levels. However, in structural equation models, radon did not have a significant, direct effect on MND mortality rates. Conversely, MND mortality rates were significantly and directly predicted by race and by the percentage of the population of each state using well water (p < 0.001 and p = 0.022). We observed similar, significant effects for well water use and MND mortality for males and females separately (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we hypothesize that the association of MND mortality rates with well water use reflects contamination of wells with Legionella, a bacterium common in well water that is known to cause neurologic disease. A Legionella hypothesis is a biologically plausible cause of ALS and suggests new avenues for etiologic research.
General Competitive Equilibrium

This chapter examines a hidden characteristic problem of great significance: We take an economy-wide perspective and ask if there is a mechanism that will elicit private information about individual preferences and firm production recipes in a way that allows an efficient allocation of private goods and services to be identified and implemented. We assume away all other hidden information problems. In particular, every consumer is assumed to know the quality of every firm's output, every employer knows the abilities of every prospective employee, every lender knows the probability of default of every creditor, and so on. Every manager can be relied on to maximize profit. In fact there is no shirking by anyone. The economy still has an impressive challenge—to induce truthful revelation of the remaining hidden information, specifically the preferences and production functions. In fact, three of the five sections even assume away this hidden information problem, highlighting instead the transmission of information. Recall that an outcome is efficient if there is no other arrangement of production and consumption activities that makes one person better off without lowering the utility of anyone else. Identification of an efficient outcome would seem to require an enormous amount of information about all of the private characteristics. Therefore, even with most of the hidden information problems assumed away, identification of an efficient outcome by the market system is a remarkable accomplishment. Marginal social cost pricing is the key.
Abstract SY22-02: Exercise and cancer progression: Preclinical evidence

A major objective of the emerging field of exercise-oncology research is to determine the efficacy of, and biological mechanisms by which, aerobic exercise affects cancer incidence, progression and/or metastasis. There is a strong inverse association between self-reported exercise and the primary incidence of certain forms of cancer, while emerging data suggest that post-diagnosis exercise exposure may improve outcomes for early-stage breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer. Arguably, critical next steps in the development of exercise as a candidate treatment in cancer control require preclinical studies that validate the biological efficacy of exercise, identify the optimal “dose” and pinpoint mechanisms of action. However, as we reviewed the extant literature, we were struck by substantial heterogeneity in the methods and means of analysis across pre-clinical exercise studies. As a result, we were unable to derive any cardinal features of exercise studies that could and should be adhered to. Furthermore, exercise protocols employed in many pre-clinical trials would never translate directly to human studies. At a minimum, we would argue that such studies must be conducted to mirror human studies as closely as possible. We found that mice that voluntarily run on wheels ad libitum exhibit slowed tumor growth compared with sedentary controls. Further, we observed improved perfusion in multiple tumor models. Interestingly, the increases in perfusion are associated with increases in HIF-1 and VEGF. Although upregulation of VEGF is normally associated with reduced vascular maturity, exercise increased vascular maturity, as assessed by association of CD31 (an endothelial cell marker) and desmin, a marker of pericytes was observed with animals that exercised. The improvement in perfusion was associated with concomitant reduction in hypoxia in the primary tumor. This has important clinical implications, as we observed enhanced anti-tumor effects when voluntary exercise was combined with either cyclophosphamide or radiotherapy in the 4T1mouse mammary carcinoma model. We further found that exercise reduced metastatic burden alone and when combined with radiotherapy to the primary tumor site. These are the first pre-clinical studies that have examined the value of exercise combined with chemo / radiotherapy. The results lead us to suggest that exercise intervention in human patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy can enhance local tumor control as well as reducing risk for metastasis. Future pre-clinical studies will identify mechanisms underlying these effects as well as establishing optimal exercise regimens to achieve enhanced treatment response. Work supported by a grant from the NIH/NCI CA40355 Citation Format: Mark W. Dewhirst, Kathleen Ashcraft, Lee Jones. Exercise and cancer progression: Preclinical evidence. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr SY22-02.
Numerical model of graphene-based radiation detector response

Graphene-based radiation detectors (GRDs) have a potential to provide new and improved capabilities when compared to more conventional detectors. The unique electrical properties of graphene can result in a GRD response that resembles that of a transition edge sensor. We have modeled the interaction of gamma rays with a variety of GRD absorber materials using GEANT4. The transport of the charge carriers through the detector is then modeled using an electric field calculated by the COMSOL multiphysics model. During the drift of the electrons to the graphene, the Shockley-Ramo theorem is used to calculate the time-resolved detector response. We present the calculation of the expected time-resolved signal from a gamma ray interaction. Additionally, we present a preliminary analysis of expected energy resolution and noise analysis for GRDs.
Marginal Effects in Interaction Models: Determining and Controlling the False Positive Rate:

When a researcher suspects that the marginal effect of x on y varies with z, a common approach is to plot ∂y/∂x at different values of z along with a pointwise confidence interval generated using t...
An update on rectal cancer evaluation by magnetic resonance imaging in neoadjuvant therapy decision making: Retrospective case review.

762Background: During the last decade, MRI used for staging of rectal cancer has been reported to up or down stage rectal cancer by 20%. Poor staging affects guided pre-operative decision-making. Adequate staging would enable to stratify treatment, avoiding unnecessary surgical morbidity and allowing aggressive interventions according to patient risk. After novel techniques and image acquisition for MRI became available at our Cancer Center, we aimed to analyze perfusion pattern and qualitative T2 signal before and after chemoradiationtherapy (CRT) tumor response to the gold standard pathological stage. Methods: Data was retrospectively reviewed from our institution cancer registry. Patients were selected with a diagnosis of rectal cancer by biopsy, between 2011-2015. Inclusion criteria were to have documented radiological AJCC 7th edition < IV, accessible diffusion weighted MRI for apparent diffusion coefficient analyzes, completed CRT and pathology report. Results: A total of 57 patients were diagnosed ...
Secretin-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography for Assessing Pancreatic Secretory Function in Children.

Objective To assess the accuracy and interrater reproducibility of measurements of pancreatic secretory function by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in response to secretin administration and to describe our experience using the technique to noninvasively assess pancreatic secretory function in a pediatric population. Study design In the accuracy study, phantoms with varying fluid volume (47-206 mL) were imaged using the clinical quantification sequence. Fluid volume was measured by image segmentation (ImageJ). Measurement accuracy was expressed in terms of error (absolute and percent) relative to known fluid volume. In the reproducibility study and clinical experience, 31 patients with suspected pancreatic disease underwent 33 secretin-enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography exams. Two-dimensional T2-weighted, fat-saturated single shot fast spin echo sequences were acquired before and after secretin injection (0.2 µg/kg, max 16 µg). Secreted fluid volume (postsecretin minus presecretin) was independently measured by 2 blinded reviewers. Between reviewer measurement reproducibility was assessed based on correlation (Spearman) and bias (Bland-Altman analysis). Results For the accuracy study, fluid volumes were measured with mean volume errors of −0.3 to +12.5 mL (percent error −0.03% to +9.0%). For the reproducibility study, the mean secreted fluid volumes measured by reviewer 1 and reviewer 2 were 79.1 ± 54.3 mL (range 5.5-215.4) and 77.2 ± 47.1 mL (range 6.7-198.1 mL), respectively. Measured secreted fluid volumes were very strongly correlated (r = 0.922) between reviewers with a bias of only 1.9 mL (95% limits of agreement −40.5 to 44.2). Conclusions Measurement of fluid volume by magnetic resonance imaging is highly accurate with
Aminofutalosine Synthase: Evidence for Captodative and Aryl Radical Intermediates Using β-Scission and SRN1 Trapping Reactions.

Aminofutalosine synthase (MqnE) is a radical SAM enzyme involved in the menaquinone biosynthetic pathway. In this communication, we propose a novel mechanism for this reaction involving the addition of the adenosyl radical to the substrate double bond to form a captodative radical followed by rearrangement and decarboxylation to form an aryl radical anion which is then oxidized by the [4Fe–4S]+2 cluster. Consistent with this proposal, we describe the trapping of the captodative radical and the aryl radical anion using radical triggered C–Br fragmentation reactions. We also describe the trapping of the captodative radical by replacing the vinylic carboxylic acid with an amide.
The importance of seasonal resource selection when managing a threatened species: targeting conservation actions within critical habitat designations for the Gunnison sage-grouse

Context The ability to identify priority habitat is critical for species of conservation concern. The designation of critical habitat under the US Endangered Species Act 1973 identifies areas occupied by the species that are important for conservation and may need special management or protection. However, relatively few species’ critical habitats designations incorporate habitat suitability models or seasonal specificity, even when that information exists. Gunnison sage-grouse (GUSG) have declined substantially from their historical range and were listed as threatened by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in November 2014. GUSG are distributed into eight isolated populations in Colorado and Utah, and one population, the Gunnison Basin (GB), has been the focus of much research. Aims To provide season-specific resource selection models to improve targeted conservation actions within the designated critical habitat in the GB. Methods We utilised radio-telemetry data from GUSG captured and monitored from 2004 to 2010. We were able to estimate resource selection models for the breeding (1 April–15 July) and summer (16 July–30 September) seasons in the GB using vegetation, topographical and anthropogenic variables. We compared the seasonal models with the existing critical habitat to investigate whether the more specific seasonal models helped identify priority habitat for GUSG. Key results The predictive surface for the breeding model indicated higher use of large areas of sagebrush, whereas the predictive surface for the summer model predicted use of more diverse habitats. The breeding and summer models (combined) matched the current critical habitat designation 68.5% of the time. We found that although the overall habitat was similar between the critical habitat designation and our combined models, the pattern and configuration of the habitat were very different. Conclusions These models highlight areas with favourable environmental variables and spatial juxtaposition to establish priority habitat within the critical habitat designated by USFWS. More seasonally specific resource selection models will assist in identifying specific areas within the critical habitat designation to concentrate habitat improvements, conservation and restoration within the GB. Implications This information can be used to provide insight into the patterns of seasonal habitat selection and can identify priority GUSG habitat to incorporate into critical habitat designation for targeted management actions.
Retrospective Review of Comorbid Conditions in a Multidisciplinary Pediatric Weight Management Clinic.

A retrospective medical chart review was conducted of patients enrolled in the Fit for Healthy Weight Clinic (Fit Clinic). At initial evaluation, comorbidities were identified by the patient and pediatrician. The number of comorbidities increased with age among patients. In reviewing the differences among the number of identified comorbidities among grade school age and adolescent patients, increases of 30% were observed in gastrointestinal-associated, 23% in psychiatric, 18% in endocrine, 16% in cardiovascular, and 14% in respiratory comorbidities. Fit Clinic patients already manifest many known obesity-related comorbidities as evidenced in identified conditions and abnormal laboratory values. The elevated blood pressures, blood glucose, and cholesterol levels raise concern for the future development of coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. With an average of five obesity-related comorbidities, Fit Clinic patients already have more comorbidities than what is evidenced in large US populati...
Providing Services to Female Offenders: Policy Perspectives on Sentencing and Parole

This paper discusses the effect female offenders have on the California criminal justice system, relevant policy considerations, and the need to address female offenders' specific and multiple needs in order to facilitate successful crime reduction policy. Some California programs are evaluated, and a course of action for California policymakers is outlined that would best address the special needs of female offenders.
One-Sided Confidence Regions on the Upper and Lower Tail Areas of the Normal Distribution

Tables are provided for constructing one-sided simultaneous confidence limits for the two tail areas of a normal distribution with unknown mean and unknown variance. The two tail areas are the proportion of product above an upper specification limit and..
STRUCTURAL AND ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES OF TRANSITION-METAL/BATIO3(001) INTERFACES

Electronic and structural properties of transition-metal/BaTiO{sub 3}(001) interfaces are studied by first-principles local-density full-potential linearized augmented plane-wave calculations with slab models. Equilibrium interlayer separations between metal overlayers (for the 5d metals Ta, W, Ir, and Pt) and the BaTiO{sub 3} substrate are calculated by total-energy determinations. It is found that the preferred adsorption site for metal atoms on the BaTiO{sub 3} surface is above the O site and the metal-oxygen distance increases from Ta to Pt while the binding energy decreases. Significant hybridization is found between metal d states and the O 2p{endash}Ti 3d states. The Fermi levels of the metals lie in the gap of BaTiO{sub 3} and metal-induced gap states, as suggested by Heine{close_quote}s theory [Proc. Phys. Soc. London {bold 81}, 300 (1962); Surf. Sci. {bold 2}, 1 (1964); Phys. Rev. {bold 138}, A1689 (1965)], are observed. The Schottky barrier in the interfaces is calculated by the position of E{sub F} in the gap and the dependence of the barrier height on the metal work function is different from either Schottky and Mott{close_quote}s or Bardeen{close_quote}s [Phys. Rev. {bold 71}, 717 (1947)] speculation. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
The Capricious Cushion: The Implications of the Directors and Insurance Liability Crisis on Canadian Corporate Governance

One of the clearest legacies of the growing concern expressed over the international competitiveness of Canadian and American businesses has been the urgency it has lent to a very old debate respecting the efficacy of the apparatus used to govern the business and affairs of large, public corporations. For instance, Michael Porter, one of the most articulate if not the most prolific of the new competitiveness scholars, has suggested that American economic performance could be improved by enhancing the performance of the traditional corporate governance apparatus. In this respect, his suggestions closely track the thrust of recent reform initiatives proposed by investors and regulators who seek to increase the performance of the board by making it more responsive, indeed responsible, to shareholder interests. Although some of the current critics of the corporate board have placed exclusive faith in the ability of market mechanisms to ensure heightened board effectiveness, most initiatives rely to some extent on strengthened legal duties and responsibilities to achieve this task. And, as measured by the growing willingness of both courts and securities regulators to impose liability on directors for failing to review diligently various corporate transactions (i.e., self-interested transactions, public financings, etc.), it is clear that the reformist calls made by these critics are slowly but surely being heeded. Paralleling the trend to increased legal liability of boards for actions that are inimical to shareholder interests has been an equally clear trend towards enhanced legal responsibility for corporate conduct deemed contrary to broader stakeholder or community interests.
Evaluating Resident Training in Oculoplastic Surgery: A Case Series of 104 Eviscerations

Purpose The aim of this study is to evaluate resident surgical performance based on complications after ocular evisceration. Methods A retrospective chart review of eviscerations performed between October 2011 and May 2017 by ophthalmology residents as the primary or assistant surgeon under the guidance of a single oculofacial plastic surgeon (M.O.G.) was completed. Data collected included reason for evisceration, resident participation in the case and resident's month of oculoplastic training, surgical technique, subsequent complications, and duration of follow-up. Results There were no significant differences in complication rates or surgical sequelae in resident-led versus attending-led surgeries. The complication rate for all cases in total was 5.77%. A slight negative correlation existed between the resident's month of training and the presence of postoperative complications. The number of adverse events was found to be significantly correlated with the duration of patient follow-up. Discussion Ocular eviscerations performed by ophthalmology residents as primary surgeons achieve outcomes equivalent to published reports, suggesting ocular eviscerations are a safe, effective procedure wherein residents can refine surgical skills. Some surgical sequelae may be linked to particular surgeons, implying evisceration outcomes can be used to assess resident surgical performance. Fewer adverse events arose as the resident's length of oculoplastic training increased, but this finding did not reach significance. Larger studies are needed to explore these trends.
Does 24-hour CT Scan Post Thrombolysis Change Management in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients? (P5.203)

Objective: We wanted to assess the usefulness of 24-hour scan and to evaluate if it changes the management of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. Background: Obtaining a 24-hr post IV-tPA CT head (24-hr CT) is included in the AHA/ASA’s AIS guidelines. The usefulness of the test in stable patients is not well known. Recent studies have shown that 24-hr CT does not change management of AIS patients and can be omitted. Design/Methods: Using our institutional GWTG stroke registry, we analyzed 1,275 consecutive stroke admissions from March, 2015 till December, 2016. Results: Of the 1,275 patients, 233 (19%) received IV tPA and 49 (4%) underwent endovascular intervention post-tPA. 88% of patients had a post tPA 24-hr CT and 85% had MRI brain after thrombolysis. Twenty-nine patients had MRI brain but not 24-hr CT. 48 (20%) had hemorrhagic transformation of some degree (HT1/2, PH1/2) on the 24-hr CT while 43(18%) had susceptibility indicating hemorrhage on MRI. 13% had clinical worsening with cerebral edema, bleed or other medical issues. All of the patients who had CT/MRI findings of PH2 had significant clinical worsening prompting early imaging. Anti-platelet was held in 16% of patients due to imaging findings while sqheparin was held in 14%. MRI was performed before 24-hr CT in 87% of cases. 24-hr CT after MRI didn’t provide any additional information to change the management of AIS patients. Conclusions: Our study showed that scan after tPA influences the timing of initiation of anti-platelet therapy and/or DVT-prophylaxis but patients with large hematoma would have clinical worsening warranting an earlier imaging. Data also showed that MRI brain post-tPA is as useful in evaluating hemorrhagic transformation as is 24-hr CT and if MRI brain is performed before 24hr CT, then CT does not add any additional information to change post-stroke care. Disclosure: Dr. Ali has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gundapaneni has nothing to disclose. Dr. Nalleballe has nothing to disclose. Dr. Onteddu has nothing to disclose.
Psychiatric Symptoms and Behaviors in Adolescence that Are Associated with Violence

This chapter reviews psychiatric symptoms in adolescence that are associated with concurrent or future violence. Adolescence is a developmentally challenging transition period into young adulthood. Mental illness, in its many different forms, must be considered and treated with a great deal of caution at this age, given the developmental nature of those disorders. Rather than psychosis-related disorders, adolescents tend to express symptoms of conduct disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and other behavioral problems that are predictive of future violence. Common underlying factors for adolescents’ problem behaviors are varied and include developmental delays (including lack of hearing and communication skills), early and/or later trauma exposure, and antisocial family values. The chapter concludes with a brief discussion about the importance of not over diagnosing mental illness within the adolescent population, and the need to focus on treating symptoms no matter how the underlying condition is classified.
Impact of modulation of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor on nicotine reward in the mouse conditioned place preference test

The α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) has been implicated as a target in modulating nicotine reward. However, the effect of pharmacological agents that have been shown to alter the channel properties of the α7 nAChR is not well understood in nicotine reward. This study aimed to investigate the impact of α7 nAChR pharmacological modulation on nicotine conditioned place preference (CPP) in mice by using positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) and a silent agonist. The effect of the orthosteric α7 nAChR full agonist PNU282987 (1.3 and 9 mg/kg, s.c.), Type I α7 PAM NS1738 (1 and 10 mg/kg; i.p.), the Type II α7 PAM PNU120596 (0.3, 1, and 3 mg/kg, i.p.), and the α7 silent agonist NS6740 (1 and 3 mg/kg, i.p) on nicotine CPP was measured in mice. Mice were conditioned with either saline or nicotine (0.5 mg/kg) for 3 days in the CPP paradigm. The α7 full orthosteric agonist PNU282987 and the Type II α7 nAChR PAM PNU120596 reduced nicotine CPP, while the silent agonist NS6740 and Type I PAM NS1738 had no effect. The effects of PNU282987 and PNU120596 did not have an effect on morphine CPP. Taken together, our results suggest that modulation of the α7 nAChR can play important roles in nicotine CPP in mice. In addition, the Type II α7 nAChR PAM PNU120596 attenuated nicotine reward suggesting that endogenous acetylcholine/choline tone is sufficient to reduce nicotine CPP. These findings highlight a beneficial effect of using α7 nAChR PAMs in nicotine reward.
Reliability, construct validity and responsiveness to change of the PROMIS-29 in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease.

Objectives PROMIS-29 is a generic health-related quality of life instrument. Our objective was to assess the reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness to change of PROMIS-29 in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). Methods Seventy-three participants with SSc-ILD were administered patient reported outcomes (PROs) at baseline and follow-up visits which included PROMIS-29 and other measures of generic health, dyspnea, and cough instruments. We assessed internal consistency reliability using Cronbach's α, an alpha of ≥ 0.70 was considered satisfactory. We assessed the responsiveness to change using linear regression models. Results Mean age of the participants was 51.9 years and the mean disease duration was 7.9 years after first non-Raynaud's symptom. Of the 73 participants, 56.2% were classified as diffuse SSc and 26% limited SSc. The baseline (mean ± SD) FVC % predicted was 73.9±15.5 with a DLCO % predicted of 57.7±21.1; 95.9% had fibrotic NSIP pattern on HRCT. PROMIS-29 scores were 0.2 to 0.9 SD below the US population. Cronbach's α reliability was acceptable for all domains (ranged from 0.77 to 0.98). All scales showed statistically significant correlations with hypothesised PROMIS-29 domains (p≤0.05 for all comparisons). PROMIS-29 showed none-to-small discriminatory ability in comparison with physiologic measures (FVC and DLCO). There was no significant relationship between the change in FVC versus the change in PROMIS-29 measures over time. Conclusions PROMIS-29 has adequate reliability and construct validity for evaluation in SSc-ILD. It has moderate-to-large correlations with other PROs. The PROMIS-29 domains were not found to change over time in this cohort, likely due to stable nature of the observational cohort.
Bob Lusch: Co-Creator of Careers:

This recollection discusses my interactions with Bob Lusch over the years, from the time we were starting assistant professors to his untimely passing.
Pre-existing immunity to SARS-CoV-2: the knowns and unknowns.

T cell reactivity against SARS-CoV-2 was observed in unexposed people; however, the source and clinical relevance of the reactivity remains unknown. It is speculated that this reflects T cell memory to circulating ‘common cold’ coronaviruses. It will be important to define specificities of these T cells and assess their association with COVID-19 disease severity and vaccine responses. Recent studies have shown T cell reactivity to SARS-CoV-2 in 20–50% of unexposed individuals; it is speculated that this is due to T cell memory to common cold coronaviruses. Here, Crotty and Sette discuss the potential implications of these findings for disease severity, herd immunity and vaccine development.
Palmoplantar Pustulosis: A Case Report.

Author(s): Dulski, Anne; Varamo, Vince | Abstract: Introduction: Dermatology complaints account for 3.3% of emergency department (ED) visits per year. Most rashes are benign, but there are a select few that emergency physicians must be familiar with as delay in treatment could be life threatening.Case Report: A well-appearing, 76-year-old male presented to the ED with multiple coalescing pustules to his palms and soles and was transferred to the nearest tertiary care hospital for dermatology consult. He was diagnosed with palmoplantar pustulosis and discharged home with a five-day course of clobetasol propionate 0.05% cream twice daily and outpatient dermatology follow-up.Conclusion: Palmoplantar pustulosis is an uncommon skin condition characterized by recurrent eruptions of sterile pustules localized to the palms and soles. Emergency physician awareness of this rare diagnosis may help prevent hospital admissions and lead to earlier initiation of treatment with outpatient dermatology follow-up.
A Review on Mode of Delivery during COVID-19 between December 2019 and April 2020.

Objective This study aims to review the published literature to determine mode of delivery in pregnant women with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the indications reported for cesarean section early in the pandemic to add information to the current narrative and raise awareness of trends discovered. Study Design A systematic review was conducted by searching PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases for articles published between December 2019 and April 29, 2020 using a combination of the keywords such as COVID-19, coronavirus 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), pregnancy, vaginal delivery, cesarean section, vertical transmission, management, and guidelines. Peer-reviewed case studies with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 women who delivered were included to determine mode of delivery, indications for cesarean section, and maternal and neonatal characteristics. Results A review of 36 total articles revealed deliveries in 203 SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnant women. A comparable severity of disease in pregnant versus nonpregnant women was noted, as previously determined. Overall, 68.9% of women delivered via cesarean section, with COVID-19 status alone being a common indication. Maternal COVID-19 may also be associated with increased risk of preterm labor, although neonatal outcomes were generally favorable. Despite eight of 206 newborns testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, there remains no definitive evidence of vertical transmission. Conclusion COVID-19 status alone became a common indication for cesarean delivery early in the pandemic, despite lack of evidence for vertical transmission. The increase in cesarean rate in this data may reflect obstetricians attempting to serve their patients in the best way possible given the current climate of constantly evolving guidelines on safest mode of delivery for the mother, infant, and provider. Upholding current recommendations from trusted organizations as new data are published, while also providing individualized support to expecting mothers on most appropriate mode of delivery, will reduce the amount of unnecessary, unplanned cesarean sections and could lessen the psychological impact of delivering during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key Points
Pinning Characteristics of Zr and Hf- Added REBCO Coated Conductors Made by Advanced MOCVD in Low-to-High Magnetic Fields

BaMO3 (M = Zr, Hf) pinning centers introduced in REBa2Cu3O7-x (REBCO and RE = rare earth) coated conductors yield superior performance in high magnetic fields. We present the critical current density Jc over a temperature range of 4.2–77 K and magnetic fields of 0–14 T ( B || c- axis), of 5-15 mol.% Zr- and Hf- added REBCO 4+ μm thick film tapes fabricated by advanced metal organic chemical vapor deposition (A-MOCVD). The morphology of self-assembled BMO nanorods aligned along c-axis is found to be dependent on the Zr/Hf content. We also observe a correlation between the density of RE2O3 in-plane nanoprecipitates and the continuity and concentration of BMO nanorods in films of different Ba content. It is found that the (Ba + M)/Cu (M = Zr, Hf) content in REBa2Cu3O7-x affects the shape of pinning force density curves over a wide magnetic field range and temperatures below 20 K. Another remarkable observation is the similarity in the critical current properties of Hf and Zr- added REBCO films as function of (Ba + M)/Cu content at intermediate to high range of (Ba + M)/Cu content. A quantitative analysis of pinning efficiency and correlation with the microstructure of Zr and Hf- added REBCO coated conductors is discussed.
Patent Law: An Open-Source Casebook (Chapter 8: Defenses)

Less than a handful of casebooks are truly open source, in the sense of being fully modifiable. Patent Law: An Open-Source Casebook is the first patent law casebook that provides adopting professors, students, and others the ability to fully modify its contents. This chapter of the casebook covers remedies in patent infringement actions, including preliminary and permanent injunctions, ITC exclusion orders, lost profits, reasonable royalties, ongoing royalties, attorneys’ fees, enhanced damages, patent marking, and declaratory judgment relief.
Development of principles for construction of a rational method for formalization the assessment process of the negative impact of the environmental problem on the competitive market

The object of research is environmental issue, caused by global warming which has negative impact on market. Since, any negative impact is associated with externalities, a market cannot be considered as an efficient market. According to the literature research, market with externalities cannot recover by itself.Thus, one of the most problematic places is the proper identification of the problem related to environmental factors. The identified problem and its impact on a market should be modeled to determine possible negative effects on market participants. Based on the study’s results it is possible to approach the development of alternative solutions to the problem in order to increase economic efficiency. Because environmental factors are dynamic and have significant impact on a market, it is not possible to ignore such a relationship, which can lead to a source of a wide range of dangers.The problem can be attributed to the not studied enough, which, in turn, provides a large field of activity for its further study.One of the productive ways to solve this problem is to perform an economic analysis of the environmental problem as an external problem and develop principles for building a rational method of formalizing the assessing process for the negative impact of environmental problems on the competitive market. This will make it possible to automate the process, which will serve as a basic aspect of developing a plan of further actions.To achieve this aim, the author analyzed the environmental factors caused by climate change and have an impact on the ecosystem and markets. The foundations and needs for a climate policy were also analyzed. The climate policy is designed to improve the situation. The basic principles of constructing a rational method of formalizing the process of assessing the negative impact of environmental problems on the competitive market have been proposed by the author.
EPV186/#240 Knowledge about advanced ovarian cancer and maintenance therapy: does experience matter?

Objectives As part of a study to construct a shared-medical decision tool for ovarian cancer maintenance therapy (MT), we developed a knowledge survey to measure patients’ understanding of their cancer and treatment. With the recent expansion of MT indications, patients need to decide if MT is right for them. An understanding of potential risks and benefits associated with MT is paramount to making an informed decision. We explored knowledge differences between newly diagnosed and recurrent patients. Methods A 32-question survey focused on ovarian cancer (OC) and MT was developed based on interviews with patients and subject matter experts. The survey was modified iteratively using cognitive interviews with patients. Patients with OC with ≥ 3 cycles of chemotherapy and cytoreductive surgery completed the survey by email or phone. No prior background information was given to patients. Results Clinico-demographic characteristics are shown in table 1 (n=87). Sixty percent had recurrent disease. General knowledge about advanced OC was similar between groups. The majority of patients did not understand the purpose of MT or the definition of progression-free survival. The recurrent group showed a similar lack of knowledge in the same questions as the newly diagnosed group, with no statistically significant differences observed (figure 1). Conclusions Our data suggests that knowledge of OC among patients is highly variable. The overall lack of understanding regarding the goal of MT even among patients who have recurred is concerning. These gaps in knowledge suggest an important role for shared decision making to improve patients’ decision making about treatment of advanced OC.
Jewish Translation History: A bibliography of bibliographies and studies

A classified bibliographic resource for tracing the history of Jewish translation activity from the Middle Ages to the present day, providing the researcher with over a thousand entries devoted solely to the Jewish role in the east-to-west transmission of Greek and Arab learning and science into Latin or Hebrew. Other major sections extend the coverage to modern times, taking special note of the absorption of European literature into the Jewish cultural orbit via Hebrew, Yiddish, or Judezmo translations, for instance, or the translation and reception of Jewish literature written in Jewish languages into other languages such as Arabic, English, French, German, or Russian. This polyglot bibliography, the first of its kind, contains over 2,600 entries, is enhanced by a vast number of additional bibliographic notes leading to reviews and related resources, and is accompanied by both an author and a subject index.
Tradition versus Power: When Indigenous Customs and State Laws Conflict

Table of ContentsI. Introduction 378II. Understanding "Indigenous" 380A. Shared Indigenous Qualities and Legal Claims 381B. The Varying International Experiences of Indigenous Communities 382III. The Evolution of International Law Regarding Indigenous Autonomy 384A. Early International Law Efforts in Indigenous Rights Fell Short 384B. Toward Less Paternalistic, More Autonomous End Goals 386C. Scholarly Recognition of Increased Indigenous Autonomy 389IV. Legal Pluralism as a Powerful Tool 390A. Legal Pluralism in the Indigenous Context 390B. Arguments in Support of and Opposition to Legal Pluralism 391V. Analysis of Conflicting Indigenous-State Legal Systems 393A. Some Indigenous Practices Considered "Affronting" by Mainstream Culture 393B. Other Practices, While Less Affronting, Still Diverge Significantly from Official Law 396C. Indigenous Societies Generally Differ from State Cultures in Their Conceptions of Punishment and Culpability 397D. The Differing Legal Conceptions of Indigenous and Nonindigenous Groups 398VI. Proposed International Law Response to Conflicting Indigenous-State Legal Systems 399A. Human Rights Violations Should Be Policed 403B. Other Practical Considerations 405VII. Conclusion 407I. INTRODUCTIONThe Yasuni jungle in Ecuador is home to no more than 200 indigenous individuals who live in complete isolation from the surrounding world. One of them in late 2013 was Conta, a six-year-old girl and member of the Taromenane native group, whose members do not trade or communicate with outsiders and reject any attempts to do so.1 Anthropologists know very little about members of Conta's group, but what is known is that they live near no large rivers and have had a very small population since the Spanish Conquest.2 Their language is unrelated to any other known language, they are seminomadic, wear no clothes, and have developed very little by means of tools.In late 2013, a rival tribe killed Conta's family and other tribe members in a rare moment of interaction. By November of that year, the Ecuadorean government sent in helicopters to save Conta and her sister, providing by all accounts Conta's first interaction with any sort of modern technology, nonindigenous people, new language, and bacteria to which her tribe never developed immunity.3 Her arrival in a nearby city (presumably also her first interaction with permanent buildings) presented a stark literal and figurative illustration of the types of interactions that have been occurring between indigenous and invading cultures for the past five centuries.European colonization did not, as popular history may frequently portray, entirely decimate all indigenous societies it encountered. These native societies were certainly damaged, but not all of them were left beyond repair. To this day, indigenous societies remain across the world. And while often integrated in varying degrees to surrounding society (with groups like Conta's being the exception), they still retain elements of their traditional, pre-European culture. …
How Mediterranean Fruit Flies Resist Aging, Live Long and Remain Fertile

The Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata; medfly) is one of the most successful insects in the world with respect to its ability to invade new regions (Carey 1991). The species has spread from its origins in tropical Africa to virtually all areas of Mediterranean Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, to most countries in South and Central America, to isolated pockets in North America (e g, California and Florida), and to several regions in the Pacific, including the Hawaiian Islands and western Australia (Carey 1997)
Hemolysin of Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Somerson, Norman L. (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Md.), Robert H. Purcell, David Taylor-Robinson, and Robert M. Chanock. Hemolysin of Mycoplasma pneumoniae . J. Bacteriol. 89: 813–818. 1965.—Discrete colonies of Mycoplasma pneumoniae or M. laidlawii on agar produced complete (β) lysis of guinea pig erythrocytes. Crowding of colonies on agar plates, omission of yeast extract from the medium, and incubation under reduced oxygen tension inhibited hemolysin production. Colonies which were not viable after ultraviolet radiation or heating at 56 C did not produce hemolysin. In addition, hemolysis was suppressed in old cultures in which viability was diminished, and was eliminated when colonies were removed from the agar surface by micromanipulation. The hemolysin passed through a viscose dialysis membrane. These findings suggest that the hemolysin is labile, continuously released by the colonies, of low molecular weight, and probably nonprotein in nature. Images
Removal of nonspecific antiproteinases from serum of rabbits hyperimmunized against Micrococcus and Staphylococcus proteinases.

Abstract The naturally occurring (nonspecific) proteinase inhibitor which occurs in the alpha globulin fraction of immune rabbit serum was separated from specific staphylococcal and micrococcal antiproteinases by treatment of the antiserum with 2-ethoxy-6-9-diaminacridine. The 2-ethoxy-6-9-diaminacridine-treated serum could then be used to classify these bacterial proteinases by testing directly on casein agar without prior electrophoresis of the serum.
Beyond the Coast, a Tenuous Relationship between Michigan Local Governments and the Great Lakes

This report presents the opinions of Michigan’s local government leaders regarding the bonds – economic and otherwise – between their jurisdictions and the Great Lakes, their support or opposition to policies designed to protect the health of the Lakes, and their views on which level of government should be responsible for taking such action. The findings in this report are based on a statewide survey of local government leaders in the Fall 2013 wave of the Michigan Public Policy Survey (MPPS).
Speech enhancement and coding in harsh acoustic noise environments

Recent advances in speech enhancement and noise pre-processing algorithms have dramatically improved the quality and intelligibility of speech signals, both in the presence of acoustic noise as well as in benign environments. The use of speech enhancement in combination with voice coding algorithms and applied to governmental wireless communications systems is an important application area. This paper will first introduce one such system, the 2.4 kbps US Government Military Standard mixed excitation linear prediction (MELP) speech coding algorithm coupled with a speech enhancement algorithm developed by AT&T Research Labs. Next, the paper presents a discussion of the test conditions and results, and provide an interpretation of these results. Finally, a general discussion of related issues and conclusions is presented.
Purine N-Oxides and Cancer

Publisher Summary This chapter presents an overview on purine N-oxides and cancer. The oxidative transformation of purines into N-oxide derivatives that are potent oncogenic agents introduces the possibility that such derivatives may play a role in the origin of spontaneous cancers. Some of the chemical and biological information about N-oxides collected in the chapter may be important in deciphering the enigma of a purine derivative redirecting growth into disorder. Heterocyclic N-oxides have received attention from organic chemists because of their utility in the syntheses of variously substituted nitrogen-heterocycles and, more recently, because of the discovery of the heterocyclic AT-oxide group in several antibiotics. The presence of the N-oxide introduces some profound differences from the parent purines in the behaviors of both the ring system and of substituents. In purine N-oxides, there is almost always an active hydrogen that can tautomerize, more or less readily, to the oxygen of the N-oxide.
A Case Study of Teacher Personal Practice Assessment Theories and Complexities of Implementing Formative Assessment

The value and effectiveness of formative assessment in the classroom has gained an increasing amount of attention during the past decade, especially since the publication of seminal work by Black and Wiliam titled Assessment and Classroom Learning. Since that time, there has been a renewed interest in describing and evaluating teacher practices related to formative assessment. Based on evidence of its effectiveness in the classroom and on improving standardized test scores, many prominent educational entities have initiated reform efforts to promote the use of formative assessment, yet these practices have not been embraced by classroom teachers. This case study investigated internally constructed and externally imposed contextual elements that constrained or facilitated the use of formative assessment by three high school science teachers. Cornett’s curriculum development model of personal practice theories was modified to include assessment, termed personal practice assessment theories (PPATs), and chos...