cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fiber Optic Probe for Near Infra-Red Monitoring of Deep Muscle

The use of near infra-red spectroscopy to monitor the oxygenation state of tissue in vivo with surface mounted probes has been reported (1). However selective monitoring of tissue located deep in the body has required surgery to isolate the tissue and position probes on the tissue surface. To eliminate this requirement a catheter-like fiber optic probe was developed to monitor deep muscle oxygenation.
Aerial drone misadventure: A novel case of trauma resulting in ocular globe rupture.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this case report is to present the novel findings of a drone causing such a traumatic ocular injury and provide recommendations for how it might be prevented. Observations We report on a recent case where a child presented to our Emergency Department after incurring a blow to the face by the propeller of a remote controlled drone. The patient suffered significant trauma including rupture of the right globe. Conclusions As drone sales continue to rise, it is important that physicians be prepared to treat the potential injuries that may result from using these devices. Furthermore, in an attempt to reduce the number of visits associated with remote controlled drones, physicians should be prepared to provide advice as to how patients can reduce the risks of injury. Importance We hope that the framework and recommendations below will help physicians decrease adverse outcomes related to this unusual injury pattern.
Initial experience with intensity modulated proton therapy for intact, clinically localized pancreas cancer: Clinical implementation, dosimetric analysis, acute treatment-related adverse events, and patient-reported outcomes

Abstract Purpose Pencil-beam scanning intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) may allow for an improvement in the therapeutic ratio compared with conventional techniques of radiation therapy delivery for pancreatic cancer. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical implementation of IMPT for intact and clinically localized pancreatic cancer, perform a matched dosimetric comparison with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), and report acute adverse event (AE) rates and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of health-related quality of life. Methods and materials Between July 2016 and March 2017, 13 patients with localized pancreatic cancer underwent concurrent capecitabine or 5-fluorouracil-based chemoradiation therapy (CRT) utilizing IMPT to a dose of 50 Gy (radiobiological effectiveness: 1.1). A VMAT plan was generated for each patient to use for dosimetric comparison. Patients were assessed prospectively for AEs and completed PRO questionnaires utilizing the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Hepatobiliary at baseline and upon completion of CRT. Results There was no difference in mean target coverage between IMPT and VMAT (P > .05). IMPT offered significant reductions in dose to organs at risk, including the small bowel, duodenum, stomach, large bowel, liver, and kidneys (P Conclusions Pencil-beam scanning IMPT was feasible and offered significant reductions in radiation exposure to multiple gastrointestinal organs at risk. IMPT was associated with no grade ≥3 gastrointestinal AEs and no change in baseline PROs, but the conclusions are limited due to the patient sample size. Further clinical studies are warranted to evaluate whether these dosimetric advantages translate into clinically meaningful benefits.
Simultaneous Emission-Transmission Tomography in an MRI Hardware Framework

Multimodality imaging is essential for diagnosis and therapy in challenging cases. A holy grail of medical imaging is a hybrid system combining computed tomography (CT), nuclear imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to deliver registered morphological, functional, and cellular/molecular information simultaneously and quantitatively for precision medicine. Recently, a unique imaging approach was demonstrated that combines nuclear imaging with polarized radiotracers and MRI-based spatial encoding. The detection scheme exploits the directional preference of ${\gamma }$ -rays emitted from the polarized nuclei, and the result is a concentration image with resolution that can outperform standard nuclear imaging at a sensitivity significantly higher than that of MRI. However, the method does not calculate the attenuation image. Here we propose to obtain MRI-modulated ${\gamma }$ -ray data for simultaneous image reconstruction of emission and transmission parameters, which could serve as a stepping stone toward simultaneous CT-single photon emission CT-MRI. This method acquires synchronized datasets to provide insight into morphological features and molecular activities with accurate spatiotemporal registration. We present a complete overview of the system design and the formulation for tomographic reconstruction when the distribution of polarized radiotracers is either global or limited to a region of interest. Numerical results support the feasibility of our approach and suggest further research topics.
Treatment credibility, expectancy, and preference: Prediction of treatment engagement and outcome in a randomized clinical trial of hatha yoga vs. health education as adjunct treatments for depression.

Abstract Background Hatha yoga may be helpful for alleviating depression symptoms. The purpose of this analysis is to determine whether treatment program preference, credibility, or expectancy predict engagement in depression interventions (yoga or a control class) or depression symptom severity over time. Methods This is a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of hatha yoga vs. a health education control group for treatment of depression. Depressed participants (n = 122) attended up to 20 classes over a period of 10 weeks, and then completed additional assessments after 3 and 6 months. We assessed treatment preference prior to randomization, and treatment credibility and expectancy after participants attended their first class. Treatment “concordance” indicated that treatment preference matched assigned treatment. Results Treatment credibility, expectancy, and concordance were not associated with treatment engagement. Treatment expectancy moderated the association between treatment group and depression. Depression severity over time differed by expectancy level for the yoga group but not for the health education group. Controlling for baseline depression, participants in the yoga group with an average or high expectancy for improvement showed lower depression symptoms across the acute intervention and follow-up period than those with a low expectancy for improvement. There was a trend for a similar pattern for credibility. Concordance was not associated with treatment outcome. Limitations This is a secondary, post-hoc analysis and should be considered hypothesis-generating. Conclusions Results suggest that expectancy improves the likelihood of success only for a intervention thought to actively target depression (yoga) and not a control intervention.
Minimum-Fuel Transfer between Coplanar Elliptic Orbits - Global Results Using Green’s Theorem

The use of Green’s theorem to determine the minimum-fuel transfer between coplanar elliptic orbits in the time-free, orientation-free case is reviewed and extended to the consideration of aeroassisted transfers. In addition to the two-impulse Hohmann transfer, there are many other transfers between a given pair of elliptic orbits that satisfy the local optimality conditions. Green’s theorem offers a straightforward and effective means of proving that most of these transfers cannot be globally optimal. Using Green’s theorem, it is shown that the minimum-fuel aeroassisted transfer belongs to one of two one-parameter families of transfers. Direct numerical comparison of the fuel consumption is used to determine the optimal value of the parameter for each family. There remains a best aeroelliptic transfer and a best aero-parabolic transfer which must be compared with the Hohmann and bi-parabolic all-propulsive transfers to determine the minimum-fuel transfer for each pair of initial and final elliptic orbits.
The Kodály Concept in the United States: Early American Adaptations to Recent Evolutions:

Zoltan Kodaly, a Hungarian composer, ethnomusicologist, and music educator, is widely known for his philosophical and pedagogical contributions to music education. The purpose of this article was t...
Nursing Implications for Patients with a Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy or Jejunostomy

As the frequency of placement of the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy tubes in patients who require nutritional support increases, it is imperative that nurses become familiar with the methods and how they impact on patient care. Nurses must be knowledgeable in this area so that patients are prepared correctly prior to the placement, the appropriate care is rendered after placement, and patients are well educated in catheter care. The success of the procedure depends on attention to detail in the placement and care of the tube. This article provides an overview of the care required in the placement of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and jejunostomy tubes.
Compassion and Human Development: Current Approaches and Future Directions

The authors’ aim in this article is to stimulate thinking and a new generation of scholarship on how compassion develops over the life span and may be cultivated to improve individual and societal health, well-being, and interpersonal relationships. The authors discuss conceptualizations of compassion, overview research on the development of compassion, and outline prospects for prevention and health-promotion efforts focused on the cultivation of compassion in children, adolescents, and caregivers. The authors note little programmatic work has been done with regard to providing compassion training to children and adolescents and see this as an area ripe for more exploration. The authors conclude by proposing future directions for research on compassion and human development.
Magnetic tunnel junction based molecular spintronics devices exhibiting current suppression at room temperature

Abstract Molecular bridges covalently bonded to two ferromagnetic electrodes can transform ferromagnetic materials and produce intriguing spin transport characteristics. Previously, we theoretically and experimentally studied the impact of paramagnetic molecules on the magnetic properties of the magnetic tunnel junctions (Tyagi et al. Nanotechnology, Vol.26, p.305602, 2015). In this follow up paper we have investigated the impact of previously demonstrated molecule induced strong coupling on the spin transport. To study molecular coupling effect experimentally we attached paramagnetic molecules between two ferromagnetic electrodes of a magnetic tunnel junction along the exposed side edges. The strong molecule coupling between two ferromagnetic electrodes caused the drastic changes in transport properties of the magnetic tunnel junction testbed. Molecular transport channels along the tunnel junction edges decreased the tunneling current as compared to the leakage current of the bare tunnel junction at room temperature. The current magnitude on the paramagnetic molecule treated magnetic tunnel junction tended to settle in the suppressed state at room temperature.
Paediatric Shoulder Instability

In this chapter, we will explore the differences in pathology, diagnosis and management of paediatric shoulder instability along with the additional challenges and benefits that the paediatric population hold. By covering the anatomical and behavioural difference we aim to enable surgeons to be better equipped to approach this often-daunting condition in the young. Differences in classification of instability in the young have important bearings on the management and prognosis.
LOW RATES OF ORAL ANTICOAGULATION USE AND POOR OUTCOMES AMONG FRAIL PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED WITH ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

Frailty is a common reason that patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are not treated with an oral anticoagulant (OAC) for stroke prevention. Included patients from the Premier Health Database were age ≥ 40 years, admitted January 2011 to June 2015 with a primary or secondary AF diagnosis,
Recreating Periodic Events: Characterizing Footsteps in a Continuous Walking Signal

Multiple fields present a need to characterize what a footstep response looks like, or detect when footsteps are occurring in a periodic walking signal: localization, classification, and gait analysis among them. At the heart of this problem is a periodic signal encoded with biomechanical information of the person walking. In this work, the periodic nature of gait is used to recreate a template of the floor acceleration response to a single step for a particular person. Underfloor accelerometers positioned to measure vertical acceleration will be used. The floor acceleration response is expected to take the form of a sum of decaying sinusoidal responses, and from this assumed response the expected analytical correlation can be found. Correlation functions of the actual response over the course of multiple steps will be used to exploit the periodic nature of walking to give a clean correlation signal which represents the frequency content of each step. Next, these correlation functions are used to fit coefficients which are in turn used to recreate a template of a single step response. After recreating a template of the footstep event, the template could be used as a direct characterization of the person’s gait or to further process the response data such as footstep detection.
Homogeneity assessment for pivotal medical device clinical studies

A question that routinely arises in medical device clinical studies is the homogeneity across demographic subgroups, geographical regions, or investigational sites of the enrolled patients in terms of treatment effects or outcome variables. The main objective of this paper is to discuss statistical concepts and methods for the assessment of such homogeneity and to provide the practitioner a statistical framework and points to consider in conducting homogeneity assessment. Demographic subgroups, geographical regions, and investigational sites are discussed separately as each has its unique issues. Specific considerations are also given to randomized controlled trials, non-randomized comparative studies, and single-arm studies. We point out that judicious use of statistical methods, in conjunction with sound clinical judgment, is essential in handling the issue of homogeneity of treatment effect in medical device clinical studies.
Process Specific Functions for Assurance of Analog/Mixed-Signal Integrated Circuits

This paper investigates the process-induced variation response of analog and mixed-signal ICs to yield anti-counterfeiting and anti-cloning design techniques. It defines unique behaviors called Process Specific Functions (PSFs) that identify circuits of the same pedigree and provide traits for authentication and individual chip identification. To demonstrate PSF utility, expansion of quantization sampling theory is used to produce a statistically bounded digital to analog converter uniqueness model. A parameter space of normalized, challenge driven, non-linear harmonic amplitude responses are then correlated to random and systematic process variations to produce distributions for probability of detection and probability of false alarm statistics. These authenticity characteristics are related to process models to provide a novel analog IC supply chain risk management technology.
Unbiased simulation estimators for jump-diffusions

We develop and analyze an unbiased Monte Carlo estimator for a functional of a one-dimensional jump-diffusion process with a state-dependent drift, volatility, jump intensity and jump size. The approach combines a change of measure to sample the jumps with the parametrix method to simulate the diffusions. Under regularity conditions on the coefficient functions as well as the functional, we prove the unbiasedness and the finite variance property of the estimator. Numerical experiments illustrate the performance of the scheme.
Intensive fertilizer use increases orchard N cycling and lowers net global warming potential.

Abstract Nitrogen (N) fertilizer use has simultaneously increased global food production and N losses, resulting in degradation of water quality and climate pollution. A better understanding of N application rates and crop and environmental response is needed to optimize management of agroecosystems. Here we show an orchard agroecosystem with high N use efficiency promoted substantial gains in carbon (C) storage, thereby lowering net global warming potential (GWP). We conducted a 5-year whole-system analysis comparing reduced (224 kg N ha−1 yr−1) and intensive (309 kg N ha−1 yr−1) fertilizer N rates in a California almond orchard. The intensive rate increased net primary productivity (Mg C ha−1) and significantly increased N productivity (kg N ha−1) and net N mineralization (mg N kg−1 soil d−1). Use of 15N tracers demonstrated short and long-term mechanisms of soil N retention. These low organic matter soils (0.3–0.5%) rapidly immobilized fertilizer nitrate within 36 h of N application and 15N in tree biomass recycled back into soil organic matter over five years. Both fertilizer rates resulted in high crop and total N recovery efficiencies of 90% and 98% for the reduced rate, and 72% and 80% for the intensive rate. However, there was no difference in the proportion of N losses to N inputs due to a significant gain in soil total N (TN) in the intensive rate. Higher soil TN significantly increased net N mineralization and a larger gain in soil organic carbon (SOC) from the intensive rate offset nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, leading to significantly lower net GWP of −1.64 Mg CO2-eq ha−1 yr−1 compared to −1.22 Mg CO2-eq ha−1 yr−1 for the reduced rate. Our study demonstrates increased N cycling and climate mitigation from intensive fertilizer N use in this orchard agroecosystem, implying a fundamentally different result than seen in conventional annual cropping systems.
SAMPLE SIZE PLANNING IN QUANTITATIVE L2 RESEARCH: A PRAGMATIC APPROACH

Researchers are traditionally advised to plan for their required sample size such that achieving a sufficient level of statistical power is ensured (Cohen, 1988). While this method helps distinguishing statistically significant effects from the nonsignificant ones, it does not help achieving the higher goal of accurately estimating the actual size of those effects in an intended study. Adopting an open-science approach, this article presents an alternative approach, accuracy in effect size estimation (AESE), to sample size planning that ensures that researchers obtain adequately narrow confidence intervals (CI) for their effect sizes of interest thereby ensuring accuracy in estimating the actual size of those effects. Specifically, I (a) compare the underpinnings of power-analytic and AESE methods, (b) provide a practical definition of narrow CIs, (c) apply the AESE method to various research studies from L2 literature, and (d) offer several flexible R programs to implement the methods discussed in this article.
I – Biochemical Studies

In the testes of strains of mice which have a high incidence of Leydig cell tumors after continuous estrogen treatment for 7-12 months the estrogens produce a measurable reduction in the activities of three types of enzymes involved in steroid biosynthesis. This reduction takes place within the first 24-48 hours, By the end of 2 weeks the activities are reduced to 5-15 % of those of the untreated controls. This low level continues throughout the period of tumor induction. The effect can be seen in hypophysectomized mice treated with a constant dose of gonadotropin; it is not, therefore, due to an action of estrogens on the hypophysis. Such a marked direct effect is not seen in rats or in strains of mice which do not develop such tumors. A number of other enzymes, including the 3s-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases, are not decreased when the influence on the three types of enzyme is maximal. The reduction is not due to direct inhibition by either the estrogens or their metabolic products, but to a decrease in the concentration of active enzyme molecules. If high specific activity diethylstilbestrol (DES)−3 H is used to treat cryptorchid male mice for 2 weeks, the highest concentration is in the nuclear fraction rather than in the microsomes. Much of this is in the lipoprotein nuclear membrane but considerable amounts remain associated with the chromatin after detergent treatment, lysis and trypsin digestion. If the trypsin-treated material is then fractionated by equilibrium centrifugation in a cesium chloride gradient the protein layer contains all radioactivity except a trace which remains with the DNA. The RNA fraction does not contain any radioactivity. Synthesis of DNA in cryptorchid testes of susceptible mice is increased within the first few hours after estrogen administration is begun. It reaches a peak on the third day and then recedes. Thereafter concentration of DNA remains higher in the testes of the treated mice than in paired controls. This is not true in rats or in a strain of mice which have a low tumor incidence. Radioautographs reveal that the spermatogonia of the tubules of the cryptorchid testes continue to undergo synchronous DNA synthesis and mitosis whether or not the mice are treated for as long as 7 months with DES. The interstitial cells, however, change from very low to marked DNA synthesis within the first 3 days. They then seem to follow either of two courses. In some regions they cease to synthesize DNA rapidly and begin to accumulate ceroid, while in others some incorporation continues. These regions apparently ultimately develop into nodules, some of which become malignant.
Acute Kidney Injury in Children: Being AWARE

* Abbreviations: AKI — : acute kidney injury CKD — : chronic kidney disease eGFR — : estimated glomerular filtration rate KDIGO — : Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes Acute kidney injury (AKI) in either adults or children is associated with both short- and long-term consequences, such as increased mortality, hospitalizations, and higher risk of evolution to chronic kidney disease (CKD).1,2 Studies of AKI in either children or adults were limited in the past by lack of standardized criteria and absence of large-scale data. With the harmonization of other definitions into one globally accepted definition through the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) 2012 AKI criteria,3 more recent studies are now more comparable, but we still have challenges in collecting enough large-scale data for children. The Acute Kidney Injury, Renal Angina, and Epidemiology (AWARE) study was the largest to-date compilation of well-annotated data on AKI in the pediatric intensive care setting.4 In several other studies, researchers have used existing large data repositories to assess AKI in hospitalized but not critically ill children.5,6 However, large national administrative databases cannot be used to assess AKI incidence and follow-up within a community population.7 In this issue of Pediatrics , Parikh et al8 have … Address correspondence to Vikas R. Dharnidharka, MD, MPH, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Hypertension, and Pheresis, School of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis and St Louis Children’s Hospital, Room NWT 10-119, CB 8116, 660 South Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110. E-mail: vikasd{at}wustl.edu
Lactation in the Workplace: A Pediatric Employee Survey

Background: Numerous benefits of breastfeeding exist, including lower incidence of diabetes, asthma, and eczema for infants and decreased risk of postpartum bleeding and depression for mothers. Employers of breastfeeding mothers have improved employee productivity, morale, company image, and employee retention. The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding until six months of age; however, in the US, only 25% of mothers report meeting that goal. Studies investigating the relationship between breastfeeding and employment found that working mothers are more likely to stop breastfeeding in the first month of return to work compared to their non-working counterparts. Barriers to pumping at work include an unsupportive …
Metabolic labeling with an alkyne probe reveals similarities and differences in the prenylomes of several brain-derived cell lines and primary cells

Protein prenylation involves the attachment of one or two isoprenoid group(s) onto cysteine residues positioned near the C-terminus. This modification is essential for many signal transduction processes. In this work, the use of the probe C15AlkOPP for metabolic labeling and identification of prenylated proteins in a variety of cell lines and primary cells is explored. Using a single isoprenoid analogue, 78 prenylated protein groups from the three classes of prenylation substrates were identified including three novel prenylation substrates in a single experiment. Applying this method to three brain-related cell lines including neurons, microglia, and astrocytes showed substantial overlap (25%) in the prenylated proteins identified. In addition, some unique prenylated proteins were identified in each type. Eight proteins were observed exclusively in neurons, five were observed exclusively in astrocytes and three were observed exclusively in microglia, suggesting their unique roles in these cells. Furthermore, inhibition of farnesylation in primary astrocytes revealed the differential responses of farnesylated proteins to an FTI. Importantly, these results provide a list of 19 prenylated proteins common to all the cell lines studied here that can be monitored using the C15AlkOPP probe as well as a number of proteins that were observed in only certain cell lines. Taken together, these results suggest that this chemical proteomic approach should be useful in monitoring the levels and exploring the underlying role(s) of prenylated proteins in various diseases.
CFD on the BlueGene/L Supercomputer

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the BlueGene/L, which is a supercomputer developed jointly by IBM and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory as a part of the United States Department of Energy Accelerated Strategic Computing Initiative (ASCI) Advanced Architecture Research Program. This massively parallel system exploits system-on-a-chip technology to deliver a target peak of 360 teraFLOPS (trillion floating-point operations per second). The machine is scheduled to be operational in the 2004-2005 timeframe. The primary advantages of this system are price or performance, and power consumption or performance. This system is mainly targeted for the discipline of life sciences molecular dynamics computations. This chapter addresses the suitability of the system for large problems in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and also describes the system hardware, the system software, programming considerations, characteristics of some very large problems in CFD, and the examination of some specific codes on such a system.
Observations on the mechanical precipitation of oxy Hb S and other mutants.

Oxyhemoglobin S exhibits greater mechanical instability than oxyhemoglobin A. The rate of precipitation of Hb S when agitated by vortexing depends upon the geometry of the tube, the volume of the hemoglobin solution, and the concentration of hemoglobin. The rate of precipitation is inversely related to concentration. Precipitation is inhibited by temperatures near 4 degrees C and alkylureas whose protective capacity is approximately proportional to the carbon chain length of the alkyl group. Blocking the beta93 -SH group with parahydroxymercuribenzoate has only a small enhancing effect on the precipitation rate. Other mutants such as Hb Gun Hill, Leiden, (both heat unstable), and C-HARLEM are also unstable. In the case of C- HARLEM, the precipitation rate is greater than that for Hb S. The heat- unstable mutants are not as well protected by cold temperatures or alkyl ureas. D2O has only a minor stabilizing effect on hemoglobin S, but NaCl and related salts markedly enhance precipitation at concentrations of 0.5 M. It is concluded that mechanical instability of oxyhemoglobins is a multifactorial process involving surface denaturation, pH, ionic strength, hydrophobic interactions, protein conformation, and primary protein structure. This phenomenon will require more extensive investigation.
Characterization of Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds from Interior Alkyd Paint

Alkyd paint continues to be used indoors for application to wood trim, cabinet surfaces, and some kitchen and bathroom walls. Alkyd paint may represent a significant source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) indoors because of the frequency of use and amount of surface painted. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is conducting research to characterize VOC emissions from paint and to develop source emission models that can be used for exposure assessment and risk management. The technical approach for this research involves both analysis of the liquid paint to identify and quantify the VOC contents and dynamic small chamber emissions tests to characterize the VOC emissions after application. The predominant constituents of the primer and two alkyd paints selected for testing were straight-chain alkanes (C9-C12); C8-C9 aromatics were minor constituents. Branched chain alkanes were the predominant VOCs in a third paint. A series of tests were performed to evaluate factors that may affect emissions following application of the coatings. The type of substrate (glass, wallboard, or pine board) did not have a substantial impact on the emissions with respect to peak concentrations, the emissions profile, or the amount of VOC mass emitted from the paint. Peak concentrations of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) as high as 10,000 mg/m3 were measured during small chamber emissions tests at 0.5 air exchanges per hour (ACH). Over 90% of the VOCs were emitted from the primer and paints during the first 10 hr following application. Emissions were similar from paint applied to bare pine board, a primed board, or a board previously painted with the same paint. The impact of other variable, including film thickness, air velocity at the surface, and air-exchange rate (AER) were consistent with theoretical predictions for gas-phase, mass transfer-controlled emissions. In addition to the alkanes and aromatics, aldehydes were detected in the emissions during paint drying. Hexanal, the predominant aldehyde in the emissions, was not detected in the liquid paint and was apparently an oxidation product formed during drying. This paper summarizes the results of the product analyses and a series of small chamber emissions tests. It also describes the use of a mass balance approach to evaluate the impact of test variables and to assess the quality of the emissions data.
Amoxicillin or erythromycin for the treatment of antenatal chlamydial infection: A meta-analysis

Objective To compare the effectiveness of amoxicillin and erythromycin for the treatment of antenatal Chlamydia trachomatis infection by meta-analysis of available trials involving random assignment of subjects. Data Sources A computer search of English-language abstracts using MEDLINE and the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Database (medical subject heading terms: pregnancy, chlamydia, erythromycin, amoxicillin, antenatal antibiotics) was supplemented with a review of the bibliographies of the relevant articles generated by the computer search. Methods of Study Selection Five trials were identified, four of which met our inclusion criteria for the metaanalysis. Data Extraction and Synthesis Trials to be included in this meta-analysis underwent trial quality evaluation and data abstraction. An estimate of the relative risk (RR) was calculated for the dichotomous outcomes using a fixedeffects model. The pooled RR for the effectiveness of amoxicillin compared with erythromycin was 1.11 (95% confidence interval [CI]1.05–1.18), and the pooled RR for gastrointestinal side effects of amoxicillin compared with erythromycin was 0.29 (95% CI 0.20–0.42). The pooled RR for gastrointestinal side effects that resulted in discontinuation of therapy of amoxicillin compared with erythromycin was 0.14 (95% CI 0.06–0.36). Conclusion The available data suggest that amoxicillin is more effective than erythromycin for the treatment of antenatal C trachomatis infection and has fewer gastrointestinal side effects, leading to better compliance.
The foam test as a prognosticator of fetal pulmonary maturity.

Abstract The foam test is a simple, reliable, economical test to determine fetal pulmonary maturity in utero. It was utilized in 82 consecutive high-risk pregnancies without incident. Termination was performed within 48 hours when the test was positive with no case of respiratory distress syndrome ensuing. With an intermediate test transient respiratory distress syndrome may result but will never progress to hyaline membrane disease. Negative tests may be associated with hyaline membrane disease. However, false negative tests do occur.
Techniques for tuning workflows in cluster environments

An important class of parallel processing jobs on clusters today are workflow-based applications that process large amounts of data in parallel. Traditional cluster performance tools are designed for tightly coupled parallel jobs, and not as effective for this type of application. We describe how the NetLogger Toolkit methodology is more appropriate for this class of cluster computing, and describe our new automatic workflow anomaly detection component. We also describe how this methodology is being used by the Nearby Supernova Factory (SNfactory) project at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Where are we with adjuvant therapy of stage III and IV melanoma in 2009

Adjuvant therapy options for advanced melanoma in 2009 remain active observation, high-dose interferon, or clinical trial participation. Close observation is currently the only required adjuvant management, with the purpose of detecting the emergence of regional or metastatic disease early, when surgical management may still be possible. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for the workup and follow-up of all stages of melanoma must be tailored to specific patients by the treating physician. This article explores the factors to consider when individualizing care within the scope of these guidelines.
Beyond remittance: Evading uselessness and seeking personhood in Fouta Djallon, Guinea

Remittance networks built through transnational migration have transformed local economies as well as social lives in many parts of the world. In this article, I examine the relationship between transnational migration and local business practices for ethnic Fulɓe people of the Fouta Djallon highlands of Guinea. Although some Fouta Djallon residents have withstood poverty with the help of remittances from migrant relatives, many migrants fail to earn money abroad. Although it seldom leads to economic success, migration remains a popular undertaking, especially for young men. Meanwhile, nonmigrants engage in small business projects that yield little or no income. Analyzing informants’ critiques of “uselessness,” I argue that both risky migration quests and seemingly irrational business practices are fueled by a common desire to achieve social personhood under adverse structural conditions. Apparent striving for success mitigates failure to send or earn money even while reproducing ideals of mobility and entrepreneurship in responsible personhood.
Postnatal Patterns of Fatty Acids in Brain of Progeny from Vitamin B-6 Deficient Rats Before and After Pyridoxine Supplementation

The influence of deficient and adequate maternal intakes of pyridoxine on fatty acid profiles in brains of progeny at 5, 10, and 15 days of age was studied. The effects of two different times of initiating rehabilitation of deficient dams on the brain development of progeny at 5, 10, 15, 25, and 50 days of age were also examined. Three groups of weanling, female rats were fed diets deficient in pyridoxine (1.2 mg pyridoxine-HC1/kg diet) and a fourth group received a control diet (30.0 mg pyridoxine-HC1/kg diet) throughout growth, gestation and until 5 and 10 days postpartum. Supplementation with 30.0 mg pyridoxine-HC1/kg was begun in two deficient groups at 5 and 10 days postpartum. Fatty acids C18:2, C20:4, and C22:6 in cerebellum were significantly lower in brains of 15 day-old pups from unsupplemented deficient dams compared to values for pups of control dams. Significant reductions in the omega6 fatty acids (C18:2, C20:4, and C22:4) were evident in cerebellum of 15 day-old progeny of unsupplemented deficient dams. Fatty acids C20:1 and C24:0 were not detectable in cerebellum or cerebrum of the deficient group at 15 days but were evident in other groups. Supplementation of deficient dams with vitamin B-6 at 5 and 10 days postpartum prevented the reduction of omega6 fatty acids found in deficient progeny.
Micromechanisms of deformation and recovery in thermoplastic vulcanizates

Abstract The micromechanisms of deformation and recovery in thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) are studied using a series of micromechanical models. TPVs are a class of composite material consisting of a relatively large volume fraction of elastomeric particles ( v p =0.40–0.90) in a thermoplastic matrix. A representative TPV with v p =0.77 is selected for the study. Six five-particle representative volume element (RVE) models are constructed where the symmetry of particle distribution and the relative thickness of the matrix ligament bridging particles are systematically varied. The macroscopic stress–strain behavior of the TPV during loading and unloading is successfully predicted by the simulation study as shown by direct comparison with experimental data. The simulation study reveals the important role of relative matrix ligament thickness as well as geometric asymmetry in the formation of a pseudo-continuous rubber phase which provides the rubber-like behavior of TPVs during loading. The study shows the important role of matrix ligament thickness in controlling the initial stiffness and flow stress of the TPV; thinner ligaments lead to earlier matrix yielding and thus earlier formation of the pseudo-continuous rubber phase. Upon formation of the pseudo-continuous rubber phase, the matrix material is seen to accommodate the large straining of the rubber phase by nearly rigid body motion (rotation and translation) of the bulky domains of the matrix; the rubber phase is seen to undergo large contortions as it attempts to deform as an almost continuous network around the “rigid” domains of matrix material. Furthermore, the asymmetry together with the thin matrix ligaments greatly aids the recovery of the material during unloading. Upon unloading, the rubber phase attempts recovery in a rubber-like manner. The bulkier regions of matrix material simply rotate and translate with the recovering rubber domains. The thin ligaments also rotate, but eventually also undergo bending and buckling which enables the large amount of recovery observed in thermoplastic vulcanizates.
The Scientist-Practitioner Model: A Rose by Any Other Name Is Still a Rose

This study reviews the continued debate concerning the scientist-practitioner model as a best practice/best approach to training future professionals. However, to begin such an investigation of the fundamental questions regarding the model, researchers must have a starting point. The current study serves as a catalyst for future research, investigating the reported level of use of the model by surveying Web-based program materials from more than 300 doctorate-level programs in school psychology, counseling psychology, and clinical psychology. Results show more than one half of all programs surveyed make specific mention of the model of training. Nearly all have some reference to scholarly research expectations and to training of practitioners. Emphasis of scholarly research is further supported by nearly two thirds of the programs mentioning a requirement of a dissertation. Emphasis of practitioner training is shown by an overwhelming majority of the programs’ indicating practica, internship, or fieldwork...
Fifteen weeks of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid deprivation increase turnover of n-6 docosapentaenoic acid in rat-brain phospholipids.

Abstract Docosapentaenoic acid (DPAn-6, 22:5n-6) is an n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) whose brain concentration can be increased in rodents by dietary n-3 PUFA deficiency, which may contribute to their behavioral dysfunction. We used our in vivo intravenous infusion method to see if brain DPAn-6 turnover and metabolism also were altered with deprivation. We studied male rats that had been fed for 15 weeks post-weaning an n-3 PUFA adequate diet containing 4.6% alpha-linolenic acid (α-LNA, 18:3n-3) or a deficient diet (0.2% α-LNA), each lacking docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) and arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6). [1-14C]DPAn-6 was infused intravenously for 5 min in unanesthetized rats, after which the brain underwent high-energy microwaving, and then was analyzed. The n-3 PUFA deficient compared with adequate diet increased DPAn-6 and decreased DHA concentrations in plasma and brain, while minimally changing brain AA concentration. Incorporation rates of unesterified DPAn-6 from plasma into individual brain phospholipids were increased 5.2–7.7 fold, while turnover rates were increased 2.1–4.7 fold. The observations suggest that increased metabolism and brain concentrations of DPAn-6 and its metabolites, together with a reduced brain DHA concentration, contribute to behavioral and functional abnormalities reported with dietary n-3 PUFA deprivation in rodents. (196 words)
Solar Versus Nuclear Energy: Autonomous or Dependent Technology?

The United States decided to develop a nuclear power industry in part to justify the continued development of its nuclear weapons program. One result of this decision was the repression of solar energy technology. This paper examines the technical, economical, and political factors which have affected the use of solar energy technology in the United States. I look at how solar and nuclear technologies have developed in the light of competing theories about autonomous and dependent technology. I also outline a strategy for the development of solar photovoltaic technology as an alternative to nuclear power plants.
Treatment of ongoing experimental myasthenia gravis with short term high dose cyclophosphamide

We have treated animals with an ongoing autoimmune disease, experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG), using a strategy designed to eliminate the antibody-producing cells. During well-established EAMG, a single high doese of cyclophosphamide was given because of its known effectiveness against B-lymphocytes. To counteract the lethal effects of the drug, the rats were “rescued” by bone marrow cell transplantation. This treatment produced a rapid and sustained fall of antibody titers against both the immunizing antigen (Torpedo acetylcholine receptor) and the autoantigen (rat acetylcholine receptor). Immunologic memory, as measured by an anamnestic response to the antigen, was partially suppressed. Cyclophosphamide treatment produced improvement in the neuromuscular defect: treated animals had, on the average, twice as many acetylcholine receptors at neuromuscular junctions compared with untreated EAMG animals. This treatment method of short-term high doses of an immunosuppressive drug, such as cyclophosphamide, may eventually prove useful for human myasthenia gravis and other autoimmune diseases.
Synchronisation and application of three-phase converters utilising the power-hardware-in-the-loop concept

This paper addresses the timely issues of synchronisation and application of three-phase power converters, connected in parallel, utilising the power-hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) concept. Without proper synchronisation, the converters are normally not able to distinguish the currents that circulate between them. This paper focuses on a control methodology for achieving precise phase synchronisation for equal load sharing, with minimum current circulation between the parallel connected power converter modules, and robust dynamic system control under various transient conditions. The possible converter applications for the configuration presented in this paper are the virtual machine (VM) concept and a conceptual virtual microgrid (VMG), which utilises the reactive power compensation ability of the static synchronous compensator (STATCOM). These concepts provide a solution for de-risking these costs as it utilises the PHIL concept in conjunction with high-fidelity models and detailed load dynamics. Selected experimental results on two, 25 kVA and 15.3 kVA, converters connected in parallel are presented.
Teaching with Interactive Computer Capabilities (PLATO: Computer-Based Education for Animal Breeding)

Abstract Computer-based education can assist in the interactive teaching of animal breeding. Based on the proposition that learning is facilitated by immediate feedback, computer-based education combines the computational capabilities of a computer with individual instruction. Three laboratory lessons were written on the PLATO IV system which was developed at the University of Illinois. These lessons, written for undergraduates studying the mathematical principles of population and quantitative genetics as applied to animal breeding, are coordinated with lectures and demonstrate through computer simulation the relative importance of factors determining genetic improvement in livestock. The PLATO system and the three lessons are described.
The individual interview in couples treatment

This paper describes the use of concurrent individual and conjoint sessions in couples psychotherapy. The introduction of these individual interviews is seen as supporting the individual changes which must be made to effect change in the structure of the relationship. The benefits of this interventive scheme in dynamically oriented couples' treatment will be illustrated through the presentation of case examples.
The Simulation of Random Processes on Digital Computers with Čebyšev Mixing Transformations

Abstract The iteration of the Cebysev polynomial x 2 − 2 generates a mixing transformation on the interval x e [−2, 2]. Extensive computer experiments have demonstrated that this is a convenient method for generating sequences of pseudo-random numbers. Despite the eventual domination of cumulative roundoff errors the asymptotic statistical features of the mixing are preserved. Multiple sequences of stochastically independent variables may be generated by these techniques. In practical computations the Cebysev mixing eventually terminates in long pseudo-ergodic cycles. These results are linked with the general problem of simulating the stochastic behavior of physical systems by means of functional iteration. Contents. 1. Introduction. 2. Randomness Criteria. 3. Computer Simulation of Cebysev Mixing—3.1. Single Sequences of Pseudo-random Numbers; 3.2. Computer Simulations: Growth of Round-off Errors; 3.3. Computer Simulations: Free Running and Terminal Cycles; 3.4. Multiple Sequences of Pseudo-random Numbers; 4. Cebysev Mixing Theorems; Product Transformations; Probabilistic Metrics—Asymptotic Dispersion; Kolmogorov Entropy. 5. Variable Precision Simulations. 6. Terminal Cycles; Simulation of Pre-image Chains; Memory-Dependent Feedback. 7. Other Simulations of Random Processes; Probabilistic Metric for Baker's Transformation; Brolin's Theorem; Sarkovskii's Theorem; Hamiltonian Mechanics; Flow Equation; Non-embeddable Functions.