cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Breastfeeding Success Among Women with Gestational Diabetes Managed by Diet Only Compared with Those Requiring Medications

Objective: Breastfeeding is known to have a positive impact on maternal and neonatal health. Some have suggested that gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with lower breastfeeding rates, but it is not known whether rates are further impacted by glucose control in pregnancy. Thus, we examined whether patients with GDM requiring medication (A2 GDM) were more likely to not initiate or discontinue breastfeeding compared with patients with GDM well controlled by diet (A1 GDM). Research Design and Methods: This is a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study of 600 patients with GDM. Eligible patients were enrolled during their delivery hospitalization and followed prospectively postpartum. The primary outcome was exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge and secondary outcomes included breastfeeding rates at 3 months postpartum. Patients classified as A2 GDM were compared with those classified as A1 GDM. Results: Of the 600 patients enrolled, 301 had A2 GDM and 299 had A1 GDM. Patients who needed medication were observed to be older and more likely to be parous and obese. There were no significant differences in labor outcomes or neonatal complications. After adjusting for baseline differences between the two groups, adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for exclusive breastfeeding rates were similar in mothers with A2 GDM compared with those with A1 GDM at hospital discharge (aOR 0.83 [0.54-1.28]) and 3 months postpartum (aOR 0.58 [0.34-1.01]). Additionally, any breastfeeding rates were similar in mothers with A2 GDM compared with those with A1 GDM, both at hospital discharge (aOR 0.72 [0.44-1.16]) and 3 months postpartum (aOR 0.63 [0.34-1.17]). Conclusions: After adjusting for baseline differences, there was no difference in any or exclusive breastfeeding rates at hospital discharge or 3 months postpartum among patients with A2 GDM compared with those with A1 GDM.
Integrated Water Resources Management and Effective Intergovernmental Cooperation on Watershed Issues

Recent efforts to study and optimize water resources management have largely endorsed an integrated approach that is implemented at the watershed level and necessarily crosses traditional geopolitical and agency boundaries. Known as “integrated water resources management,” this methodology generally aims to coordinate development and management of diverse water and water-related resources to maximize economic and social welfare without compromising environmental sustainability. Although its precise scope and content remains unclear, policy makers attempting to implement it must adopt innovative and cooperative governance mechanisms. Starting from an analysis of existing programs and interviews with involved regulators, this interdisciplinary Article draws from recent literature in a variety of fields to inform and evaluate legal and policy strategies for integrated watershed management in two areas that have proven problematic for traditional regulatory approaches: 1) controlling non-point pollution from agricultural sources; and 2) overcoming legal and policy barriers to adoption of green infrastructure. Applying integrated management strategies and fostering intergovernmental cooperation in these areas could lead to important environmental and technological advances while conserving socially valuable resources. Although progress toward implementing integrated solutions has generally been slow, incorporating three important “lessons learned” from previous integrated water resources management projects — specifically, the need to create an enabling regulatory environment, to ensure the availability of adequate resources, and to build management capacity — could significantly further such efforts in the future.
Paclitaxel versus docetaxel-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy and risk of lymphedema in breast cancer patients.

e12620Background: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is commonly utilized in women with locally advanced breast cancer, usually followed by surgery and radiation therapy (RT). Many studies aimed to add...
Advance care planning in patients undergoing surgery to resect pancreatic adenocarcinoma: Underlying tension between balancing hope and realism.

Abstract Background The timing and the dose of Advanced Care Planning in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma undergoing curative-intent resection are generally dictated by the surgeon performing the operation. Methods A qualitative investigation using 1:1 interviews with 40 open-ended questions was conducted with a convenience sample of 10 high-volume pancreatic surgeons from across the country. The grounded theory approach was used for data analysis. Results A total of 10 interviews were conducted with expert pancreatic surgeons—6 males and 4 females. During preoperative counseling, all surgeons attempt to motivate patients by emphasizing hope, optimism, and the fact that surgery offers the only opportunity for cure. All surgeons discuss the possibility of recurrence as well as postoperative complications; however, a majority perceived that patients do not fully appreciate the likelihood of recurrence or postoperative complications. All surgeons acknowledged the importance of end-of-life conversations when death is imminent. Seventy percent of surgeons had mixed opinions regarding benefits of preoperative Advanced Care Planning in the preoperative setting, while 20% felt it was definitely beneficial, particularly that delivery of care aligned with patient goals. All surgeons emphasized that Advanced Care Planning should be led by a physician who both knows the patient well and understands the nuances of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma management. Most common barriers to in-depth Advanced Care Planning discussion reported by surgeons include taking away hope, lack of time, and concern for sending “mixed messages.” Conclusion We identified that surgeons experience a fundamental tension between promoting realistic long-term goals and expectations versus focusing on hope and enabling an overly optimistic perception of prognosis.
Independent validation of saliva mRNA biomarkers for oral cancer detection

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 14-18, 2007; Los Angeles, CA 3504 The 5-year survival rate of patients with advanced stages (III/IV) of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has been around 50% for thirty years, however, if diagnosed early (stage I/II), it can be over 80%. Biomarkers that can aid the early detection of this disease are therefore highly desirable. The goal of this study is to validate the diagnostic value of the salivary transcriptome for non-invasive detection of OSCC. Our earlier pilot study (Li Y, et al. Clin Cancer Res 2004) has identified 7 saliva RNA biomarker candidates (OAZ1, SAT, H3F3A, DUSP, S100P, IL1B, IL8) and the combination of four of them (OAZ1, SAT, IL8 and IL1B) was highly discriminatory for OSCC with 91% sensitivity and 91% specificity. To validate these saliva candidate markers, an independent cohort of 49 OSCC and 32 matched control saliva were tested. Each biomarker is quantified by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) calibrated with a gene-specific, external recombinant RNA standard to minimize the assay variation between experiments. We have also tested a small cohort of oral cancer/control saliva samples (8/5) from Serbia to determine if these oral cancer saliva RNA biomarkers can discriminate the European Serbia samples. The diagnostic value of these markers, individually and in combination, was estimated both by the area under the ROC curve (AUC) and by three different prediction models. Results: 1) Consistent with the pilot study, all 7 saliva RNA markers were over 3-times higher in OSCC samples (p<0.05) with similar discriminatory power as the pilot study. 2) Four markers (IL8, IL1B, SAT, H3F3A) in combination for the DLDA model (weighted voting) demonstrated the strongest discriminative power with an AUC of 0.86 and a leave-one-out cross validation accuracy rate of 81%. 3) Six out of these 7 markers seem also discriminatory for the European Serbia cohort with the expression levels over 3-times higher in OSCC (p<0.05). In summary, this independent validation demonstrate that the discriminatory power of most of these salivary RNA markers remain the same, as in the pilot study, with an overall accuracy rate of ~81%. This marks as the Phase II EDRN validation (Pepe MS, et al. J Natl Cancer Inst 2001) of salivary RNA biomarkers for oral cancer detection. The external RNA standard calibration technique has proven to be reliable and useful for independent qPCR biomarker validation. The results for the Serbia samples suggest that the North America saliva oral cancer RNA biomarker panel may be applicable for oral cancer detection in broader ethnic backgrounds. This study is supported by PHS Grant RO1-DE15970
Arguments of Nominals in Semantic Interpretation of Biomedical Text

Based on linguistic generalizations, we enhanced an existing semantic processor, SemRep, for effective interpretation of a wide range of patterns used to express arguments of nominalization in clinically oriented biomedical text. Nominalizations are pervasive in the scientific literature, yet few text mining systems adequately address them, thus missing a wealth of information. We evaluated the system by assessing the algorithm independently and by determining its contribution to SemRep generally. The first evaluation demonstrated the strength of the method through an F-score of 0.646 (P=0.743, R=0.569), which is more than 20 points higher than the baseline. The second evaluation showed that overall SemRep results were increased to F-score 0.689 (P=0.745, R=0.640), approximately 25 points better than processing without nominalizations.
Politics and the Principle that Elected Legislators Should Make the Law

The Supreme Court's decision in Whitman v. American Trucking Association has been widely understood as repudiating decisively the principle that elected legislators should make the law or as refusing to enforce this principle on the basis that the Court lacks a judicially manageable standard. This article argues that at least some Justices believe that the Constitution does embrace that principle and further believe that it is judicially manageable, but shy away from enforcing it because it is politically impossible for it to stop Congress from delegating politically controversial choices to administrative agencies. The Court has, however, found it possible to prevent the practice of delegation from spreading to include delegations to governmental institutions other than agencies and has done so. Seeing the delegation case law as driven by political constraints provides a way to understand seeming disparate areas of case law and also shows that the Court does have a useful, although not all-powerful role in enforcing the constitutional principle that elected legislators should make the law. Moreover, the Court has begun, however subtly, to play that role in ways that could eventually have repercussions for delegations to agencies.
Velafermin (rhFGF-20) reduces fractionated radiation- induced oral mucositis in hamsters

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 14-18, 2007; Los Angeles, CA 3758 Oral mucositis is a debilitating side effect of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy in the treatment of cancer. Velafermin (rhFGF-20) has been shown to be a novel cytoprotectant of the oral mucosa and to reduce mucositis in preclinical acute (single dose) radiation, as well as chemotherapy/radiation-induced models of oral mucositis. Currently, velafermin is in a Phase II clinical trial for the prevention of severe oral mucositis in patients receiving myeloablative therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of velafermin scheduling on the incidence, severity and duration of oral mucositis that occurs as a consequence of fractionated radiation. In this study, Golden Syrian hamsters were exposed to 8 doses of 7.5 Gy (cumulative dose of 60 Gy) to the cheek pouch on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8 and 9 resulting in severe mucositis (score >3) by days 14-16. Velafermin was administered as a 4 mg/kg dose intraperitoneally on days 3 and 9; days 2, 3, 8 and 9; days 3, 4, 9 and 10; or days 4, 5, 10 and 11. Our results demonstrated that all of the groups treated with velafermin showed some reduction in the degree of mucositis and a significant increase in weight gain relative to those hamsters treated with the vehicle control alone. A significant reduction (p<0.001) in mucositis was seen in the group treated on days 4, 5, 10 and 11 in the number of days with a score of 3 or higher, as well as within the rank sum analysis of individual daily mucositis scores. Remarkably, a single weekly treatment with velafermin on days 3 and 9 also resulted in a significant reduction (p<0.001) in the number of days with a score of 3 or higher, as well as within the rank sum analysis of individual daily mucositis scores. Both dosing schedules also revealed statistically significant improvements in weight gain. Histology, as well as epithelial degradation, stromal degradation and inflammation severity morphometics are evaluated. All of these data support the continued investigation of velafermin for the reduction of oral mucositis induced by fractionated radiation #
Multilateral basic hypergeometric summation identities and hyperoctahedral group symmetries

We give new proofs for certain bilateral basic hypergeometric summation formulas using the symmetries of the corresponding series. In particular, we present a proof for Bailey's $_3\psi_3$ summation formula as an application. We also prove a multiple series analogue of this identity by considering hyperoctahedral group symmetries of higher ranks.
Spatial confidence regions for quantifying and visualizing registration uncertainty

For image registration to be applicable in a clinical setting, it is important to know the degree of uncertainty in the returned point-correspondences. In this paper, we propose a data-driven method that allows one to visualize and quantify the registration uncertainty through spatially adaptive confidence regions. The method applies to various parametric deformation models and to any choice of the similarity criterion. We adopt the B-spline model and the negative sum of squared differences for concreteness. At the heart of the proposed method is a novel shrinkage-based estimate of the distribution on deformation parameters. We present some empirical evaluations of the method in 2-D using images of the lung and liver, and the method generalizes to 3-D.
Quantification of whitening effects in adaptive filtering

The authors propose a scheme for whitening a signal spectrum in a time-recursive manner. They present a detailed theoretical analysis of the proposed scheme and derive a set of equations referred to as the (A-K) normal equations. The authors also derive a figure of merit which provides a useful measure of the degree of whitening attained by a system at a given instant of time. In the special case when the time index is fixed, the proposed scheme reverts to existing fixed whitening schemes, with the proposed theory being applicable to such schemes. >
A Ordem do Tempo Histórico: a Longue Durée e a Micro-História

Este artigo aborda a concepcao de temporalidade plural de Fernand Braudel e, sobretudo, a longue duree como instrumento pratico para a pesquisa historica. Por meio da analise do trabalho de Erenst Labrousse, colega de Braudel, enfatiza os pressupostos teoricos e metodologicos que permeiam a pratica da historia serial como meio para reconstrucao dessas "temporalidades estruturais". Por fim, trata da preocupacao com o episodico e com o curto prazo que caracteriza a micro-historia italiana como uma reacao ao dominio da historia serial francesa, a qual, entretanto, permanece ligada a concepcao braudeliana de tempo plural. O artigo procura, desse modo, deixar explicita a relacao entre a chamada "segunda fase" dos Annales de Braudel e a micro-historia italiana, bem como sugerir caminhos pelos quais as concepcoes de temporalidade podem promover o dialogo entre abordagens historiograficas diversas.
Thrombocytosis distinguishes POEMS syndrome from chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.

Introduction POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal plasma cell disorder, and skin changes) syndrome may be mistaken for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Differentiating the 2 entities is crucial, as there are major treatment implications. Methods We compared platelet counts in 136 POEMS patients and 67 CIDP controls. Results Of the patients with POEMS, 53.7% had thrombocytosis, compared with 1.5% of those with CIDP (P < 0.0001). The median platelet count in patients with POEMS was 467,000/μl compared with 275,000/μl in those with CIDP (P < 0.0001). Conclusions Thrombocytosis is a helpful indicator to prompt clinicians to consider the diagnosis of POEMS syndrome in patients who are thought to have CIDP, and is an important reminder of the increased risk of thrombotic events in POEMS syndrome. Muscle Nerve 52: 658–659, 2015
Measuring Gene Flow among Populations Having High Levels of Genetic Fragmentation

We present an analysis of the genetic structures of 22 species of salamanders, with regard to levels of gene flow among populations. We estimate the gene flow parameter, Nm (the product of the effective population number and rate of migration among populations) using two alternative methods described by Wright and Slatkin. For most species, these two methods give approximately congruent estimates of Nm; when estimates differ, the method of Wright produces values slightly larger than those derived by the method of Slatkin. We analyze these results in light of independently derived historical inferences of the fragmentation of populations. This analysis suggests that the Nm values calculated from protein polymorphisms may contain information more relevant to historical patterns of gene exchange than to the current population dynamics; moderately large values of Nm may be calculated for species containing populations known to be no longer exchanging genes. Application of a method for estimating the maximum possible rate of gene exchange among populations indicates that, for most species studied here, gene flow among populations probably is no greater than the mutation rate. We suggest that most plethodontid species cannot be viewed as units whose cohesion is maintained by continuing gene exchange. Furthermore, we suggest that phenotypic uniformity among populations is not easily explained by hypotheses of continual stabilizing selection and propose that future work concentrate upon clarification of the genetic and epigenetic factors conferring self-maintenance or autopoietic properties on living systems.
An Enriching Reference Source: Handbook of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology. G. Denes and L. Pizzamiglio (Eds.). 1999. Hove, UK: Psychology Press. 1108 pp., $150.00.

This handbook is an extensive reference source for clinical neuropsychology. It emerged from a 1988 Italian text and has mostly Italian contributors. The book is well organized and well written. The chapters include both theoretical thinking about and anatomic correlates of neuropsychological disorders in addition to their clinical features. This reviewer particularly liked the numerous theoretical discussions. Animal or cognitive experiments generally are not discussed. The topics cover current thinking in most areas and it is exceptionally well referenced with over 5000 citations.
Astro research fellowship : The role of BCL-2 and glutathione in an antioxidant pathway to prevent radiation-induced apoptosis

Abstract Purpose: The expression of the bcl-2 proto-oncogene has been associated with resistance to radiation-induced apoptosis. There is evidence that the bcl-2 protein acts in an antioxidant pathway to block the effects of reactive oxygen species that mediate apoptosis possibly by increasing the levels of intracellular glutathione. Our hypothesis is that pretreatment of radiation-sensitive cells, known to lack bcl-2 expression, with antioxidants will reduce radiation-induced apoptosis. For this purpose, the apoptotic response to radiation and the intracellular levels of GSH were tested before and after pretreatment with antioxidants in two murine lymphoma cell lines, a radiation-resistant, bcl-2- expressing (LY-ar) line and a radiation-sensitive, non-bcl-2-expressing (LY-as) line. Methods and Materials: LY-ar and LY-as cells were irradiated at 0,1,2,3, and 4 hours before collection. The intracellular levels of reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione were determined by the use of the fluorescent dye o-phthalaldehyde. LY-as cells were treated with GSH ethyl-ester for 1 and 2 hours after irradiation. Apoptotic response was measured by the DNA fragmentation assay. The radiation dose was 2.5 Gy. Results: After irradiation, the apoptotic rate of LY-ar and LY-as cells was 10–20% and 50–70% respectively. LY-ar cells had higher intracellular GSH and GSSG levels compared to LY-as cells by 69.9% and 91.9% respectively and the GSH/GSSG ratio in LY-ar and LY-as cells was 15.09 and 17.09 respectively. GSH levels did not change during the first 2 hours after irradiation; however, there was a 49% and 84% reduction at 3 and 4 hours after irradiation, respectively, times at which the LY-as cells have already fragmented their DNA. Treatment of LY-as cells with GSH ethyl-ester at a concentration of 7 mM for 1 and 2 hours resulted in 70% and 231% increases in the intracellular GSH levels respectively. Treatment of LY-as cells with GSH ethyl-ester for 1 and 2 hours also conferred a 25–50% decrease in their apoptotic response after irradiation. Conclusions: GSH and GSSG levels are elevated in radiation-resistant, bcl-2-expressing murine lymphoma cells compared to radiation-sensitive, non-bcl-2-expressing cells. GSH levels decline only in radiation-sensitive cells after irradiation but this appears to occur at the time of apoptotic cell death. Exogenous thiols increase intracellular GSH levels and repress radiation-induced apoptosis. In conclusion, intracellular thiols appear to be involved in protecting cells from apoptotic cell death. Further investigation should be directed in identifying substances which by lowering intracellular thiols may result in sensitization to radiation.
Variation in larval fitness of a black fly species (Diptera: Simuliidae) over heterogeneous habitats

Habitats vary over landscapes, resulting in non-random distributions of organisms. In turn, habitat selection involves the interplay between choices made by individuals and the consequences of these choices. Larvae of Simulium ubiquitum Adler, Currie and Wood, 2004 (Diptera: Simuliidae) are filter-feeders that live in a variety of lotic habitats. Using larval size as a proxy for adult fitness, we examined whether size varied over a heterogeneous riverscape. Regression analysis showed a significant (P < 0.001) negative relation of larval size and stream temperature, depth and discharge, and a significant positive relation with stream width. Habitat selection, therefore, has fitness consequence for S. ubiquitum. No significant difference was found in head-capsule size between male and female final-instar larvae.
Splenic lymphangioma: an unusual manifestation of the Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome is a congenital vascular anomaly consisting of the clinical triad of port-wine nevus (cutaneous capillary hemangloma), with varicose veins on the lateral aspect and osseous and soft tissue hypertrophy of the affected extremity. Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome or Parkes-Weber syndrome refers to the same triad plus arteriovenous fistulas/ectasia in the affected extremity. Involvement Is most commonly unilateral (85%) and in a lower extremity (95%). Associated findings Include hemanglomas of the liver, spleen, colon, bladder, and spine, as well as lymphanglomas of limbs and trunk.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Diverse Populations

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder of childhood. Given the high prevalence of ADHD and its significant impact on children and families, it is important for social workers to understand and know how to respond. This paper looks at Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, explores its causes, and gives special attention to its effect on diverse populations. In addition, it discusses empirically supported treatment interventions used for children with ADHD, particularly the role of parent training in the management of ADHD. Finally, it discusses the applicability of using parent-training programs with diverse populations.
Enhancing Patient Autonomy Through Peer Review To Replace The FDA’s Rigorous Approval Process

There may once have been a time when doctors unquestioningly accepted the government’s declaration of a drug’s effectiveness and when patients unquestioningly accepted the prescriptions of their doctors. That time has passed. Now, information—good and bad—showers from all directions on patients and physicians alike. A filter is needed, and peer review provides the best one. But who or what is this validated information for? Ethically, its primary purpose is to enable patients to make decisions consistent with their values. Providing vetted information in a form that is useful to patients requires an emphasis on comprehensible, comprehensive, trustworthy, verifiable, and transparent communication. The hypothetical comparative effectiveness case study in this month’s Health Affairs does not appear to rise to the level that would be helpful to providers or patients.
Alterations in Splanchnic Blood Flow After Low and High Doses of Ethanol

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of various acute doses of ethanol (1.0, 3.0, 4.0 g/kg) on the distribution of cardiac output (%CO) and blood flow to the splanchnic vascular bed in conscious male Wistar rats. Regional blood flow and cardiac output (CO) were measured by the reference microsphere technique. Mean arterial pressure and CO were significantly reduced 60 min after 3.0 g/kg and 4.0 g/kg of ethanol, while no changes occurred over time in total peripheral vascular resistance or heart rate. Acute ethanol administration produced an early non-sustained increase in portal vein blood flow, that was most pronounced after a low dose of ethanol, and was attenuated after the 3.0 g/kg and 4.0 g/kg doses of ethanol. The early increase in portal vein blood flow produced a corresponding increase in total liver blood flow. Additionally, we found increases in hepatic arterial blood flow after the higher doses. The combined increase in portal vein and hepatic arterial supply to the liver may serve to increase oxygen delivery, more than the singular increase in portal vein blood flow. This early increase in total liver blood flow after high doses of ethanol may be important for protecting hepatocyte function in the presence of high blood ethanol levels.
The formation of different phases of CuxTe and their effects on CdTe/CdS solar cells

Abstract Material studies and device applications of CuxTe in an NREL-developed CdTe solar cell structured as glass/Cd2SnO4/ZnSnOx/CdS/CdTe are presented. The CuxTe primary back contact was formed by evaporating a Cu layer with various thicknesses at room temperature on HNO3/H3PO4 (NP) solution etched CdTe layer. A post-annealing was then followed. The structural evolution and electrical properties of CuxTe were investigated. Cu/Te ratio and post-annealing temperature are two processing parameters in this study. The CuxTe phases are mainly controlled by the Cu/Te ratio. After a post-annealing at a low temperature, such as 100 °C, no CuxTe phase transformation from its as-deposited phase was observed. A post-annealing treatment at a higher temperature, such as 250 °C, can reveal the stoichiometric CuxTe phases based on the Cu/Te ratio used in the devices. But a post-annealing at a further higher temperature, such as 400 °C, resulted in a complicated CuxTe phase appearance. CuTe, Cu1.4Te, and Cu2Te are three major phases detected by X-ray diffraction (XRD) for different Cu thickness application annealed at 250 °C. Application of Cu thicker than 60 nm degrades open-circuit voltage (Voc) and shunting resistance (Rsh), but increases series resistance (Rs). The correlation between device performance and the CuxTe back contact illustrates that the process used for forming the Cu2Te back contact failed to produce good fill factor (FF) and also introduced higher barrier height. The best device was observed for a back contact with a mixed Cu1.4Te and CuTe phases.
Labor Migrations of Poles in the Atlantic World Economy, 1880–1914

The recent influx to the United States of a new large wave of immigrants from Hispanic America and Asia has reinvigorated immigration and ethnic studies, including those devoted to the analysis of the origins and process of international migrations. The accumulation of research in this field in the last fifteen years has brought about a shift in the theoretical paradigm designed to interpret these movements. The classical approach explains the mass flow into North America of immigrants (from Southern and Eastern Europe, in the period 1880 to 1914), as an international migration interpreted in terms of push and pull forces. Demographic and economic conditions prompted individuals to move from places with a surplus of population, little capital, and underemployment, to areas where labor was scarce and wages were higher (Jerome, 1926; Thomas, 1973; Piore, 1979; Gould, 1979). This interpretation views individual decisions and actions as the outcome of a rational economic calculation of the costs and benefits of migration. Recent studies of international population movements have reconceptualized this problem, recasting the unit(s) of analysis from separate nation-states, linked by one-way transfer of migrants between two unequally developed economies, to a comprehensive economic system composed of a dominant core and a dependent periphery— a world system that forms a complex network of supranational exchanges of technology, capital, and labor (Castells, 1975; Cardoso and Faletto, 1979; Kritz, 1983; Sassen-Koob, 1980; Portes, 1978; Portes and Walton, 1981; Wood, 1982). In this conceptualization, the development of the core and the underdevelopment of the peripheral societies are seen not as two distinct phenomena, but as two aspects of the same process—the expanding capitalist world system, explained in terms of each other. Generated by the economic imbalances and social dislocations resulting from the incorporation of the peripheries into the orbit of the core, international labor migrations between the developing and industrialized regions are viewed as part of a global circulation of resources within a single system of world economy. This interpretation shifts the central emphasis from the individual (and his/her decisions) to the broad structural determinants of human migrations within a global economic system.
Aestivation and Phenology of the Hessian Fly (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in Indiana

In the northern part of its range in North America, the Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say), has one generation each year and overwinters in diapause. In the southern part of its range, it may have six generations each year, and does not overwinter in diapause; however, its summer development is interrupted by an aestival period. Between these two extremes, the number of generations varies with geographical location and prevailing climatic conditions, and the species usually diapauses and aestivates each year. Laboratory aestivation can be induced by high temperatures (daily thermocycles ranging from 17 to 36°C), and terminated by exposure to four or more consecutive days at 21.1°C. Diapause was terminated at 21.1°C in about the same number of days of exposure to daylengths of 8:16 or 16:8 (L:D), suggesting that photoperiod is less important than temperature. Extremely high Indiana temperatures during the summer of 1988 induced a more intense aestivation, and its termination was delayed in the field. Many eggs were laid on wheat that fall after the Hessian fly-free date, and a very mild winter followed, resulting in the largest spring fly infestation recorded in the last 24 yr. A large percentage of aestival puparia submerged under water for weekly intervals up to seven weeks delayed pupating by the duration of time that they were submerged, suggesting that a higher titer of oxygen might be necessary to break aestivation.
Influence of Glucose Supply and Demand on Determination of Brain Glucose Content with Labeled Methylglucose

The equilibrium brain/plasma distribution ratio for 3-0-methyl-D-glucose (methylglucose) varies with plasma and tissue glucose contents and can be used to determine local glucose levels in brain. This ratio was previously found to rise as brain glucose concentration fell in response to lowered plasma glucose content. The ratios, however, differed with the same tissue glucose levels in conscious and pentobarbital-sedated rats, suggesting that changes in metabolic demand might alter the quantitative relationship between the methylglucose distribution ratio and brain glucose concentration. To examine this possibility, metabolic rate was varied by focal drug application, and hexose concentrations measured in treated and surrounding tissue. When tissue glucose levels were reduced by raised metabolic demand, methylglucose distribution ratios also fell. When brain glucose levels rose due to reduced consumption, the methylglucose distribution ratio also rose. Thus, in contrast to the inverse relationship between brain/plasma methylglucose ratio and brain glucose concentration when brain glucose content is altered secondarily to changes in plasma glucose level, changes in brain glucose content induced by altered glucose utilization cause the brain glucose level and methylglucose distribution ratio to rise and fall in a direct relationship. Determination of brain glucose content from methylglucose distribution ratios must take into account rates of glucose delivery and consumption.
Ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) limits murine gammaherpesvirus-68 induced monokine expression

While Ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, MDMA) has been shown to modulate immune responses, no studies have addressed drug-induced alterations to viral infection. In this study, bone marrow-derived macrophages were exposed to MDMA, then infected with murine gammaherpesvirus-68, and the expression of monokines assessed. MDMA-induced reductions in virus-stimulated monokine mRNA expression were observed in a dose-dependent manner. In particular, IL-6 mRNA expression and secretion was significantly decreased in gammaherpesvirus-infected macrophages exposed to MDMA. Concentrations of MDMA capable of reducing monokine production did not induce significant cell death and allowed normal viral gene expression. These studies represent the first to demonstrate the ability of this drug of abuse to alter a viral-induced macrophage response.
Superior Vena Cava Echocardiography as a Screening Tool to Predict Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device Lead Fibrosis

BACKGROUND: Currently there is no noninvasive imaging modality used to risk stratify patients requiring lead extractions. We report the novel use of superior vena cava (SVC) echocardiography to identify lead fibrosis and complex cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) lead extraction. With an aging population and expanding indications for cardiac device implantation, the ability to deal with the complications associated with chronically implanted device has also increased. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of Doppler echocardiography recorded in our outpatient Electrophysiology/Device Clinic office over 6 months. Images from 109 consecutive patients were reviewed. RESULTS: 62% (68/109) did not have a CIED and 38% (41/109) had a CIED. In patients without a CIED, 6% (4/68) displayed turbulent color flow by Doppler in the SVC, while 22% (9/41) of patients with a CIED displayed turbulent flow. Fisher's exact test found a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p value < 0.05). The CIED group was subdivided into 2 groups based on device implant duration (< 2 years vs. ≥ 2 years). Of the CIED implanted for ≥ 2 years, 27% (9/33) had turbulent flow in the SVC by Doppler, while no patients (0/8) with implant durations < 2 years demonstrated turbulent flow. Nine patients underwent subsequent lead extraction. A turbulent color pattern successfully identified all 3 patients that had significant fibrosis in the SVC found during extraction. CONCLUSION: Our data suggests that assessing turbulent flow using color Doppler in the SVC may be a valuable noninvasive screening tool prior to lead extraction in predicting complex procedures.
Biomarker evidence for mild central nervous system injury after surgically-induced circulation arrest

Previously, we identified 14-3-3 β and ζ isoforms and proteolytic fragments of α-spectrin as proteins released from degenerating neurons that also rise markedly in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) following experimental brain injury or ischemia in rodents, but these proteins have not been studied before as potential biomarkers for ischemic central nervous system injury in humans. Here we describe longitudinal analysis of these proteins along with the neuron-enriched hypophosphorylated neurofilament H (pNFH) and the deubiquitinating enzyme UCH-L1 in lumbar CSF samples from 19 surgical cases of aortic aneurysm repair, 7 involving cardiopulmonary bypass with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). CSF levels of the proteins were near the lower limit of detection by Western blot or enzyme-linked fluorescence immunoassay at the onset of surgical procedures, but increased substantially in a subset of cases, typically within 12–24 hours. All cases involving DHCA were characterized by >3-fold elevations in CSF levels of the two 14-3-3 isoforms, UCH-L1, and pNFH. Six of 7 also exhibited marked increases in α-spectrin fragments generated by calpain, a protease known to trigger necrotic neurodegeneration. Among cases involving aortic cross-clamping but not DHCA, the proteins rose in CSF preferentially in the subset experiencing acute neurological complications. Our results suggest the neuron-enriched 14-3-3β, 14-3-3ζ, pNFH, UCH-L1, and calpain-cleaved α-spectrin may serve as a panel of biomarkers with clinical potential for the detection and management of ischemic central nervous system injury, including for mild damage associated with surgically-induced circulation arrest.
Breaking symmetries: regulation of Dictyostelium development through chemoattractant and morphogen signal-response

Dictyostelium discoideum grow unicellularly, but develop as multicellular organisms. At two stages of development, their underlying symmetrical pattern of cellular organization becomes disrupted. During the formation of the multicellular aggregate, individual non-polarized cells re-organize their cytoskeletal structures to sequester specific intracellular signaling elements for activation by and directed movement within chemoattractant gradients. Subsequently, response to secreted morphogens directs undifferentiated populations to adopt different cell fates. Using a combination of cellular, biochemical and molecular approaches, workers have now begun to understand the mechanisms that permit Dictyostelium (and other chemotactic cells) to move directionally in shallow chemoattractant gradients and the transcriptional regulatory pathways that polarize cell-fate choice and initiate pattern formation.
Hydrothermal studies of type V cement-quartz mixes

Abstract Type V cement-quartz mixes were studied hydrothermally at temperatures of 110°C and 200°C, and pressures of 6.8 MPa to 68 MPa. Major attention was focussed on the kinetics of the reactions, while other properties such as strength were also studied. The final products were characterized by x-ray diffraction analysis, differential thermal analysis (DTA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that there is a linear relationship between compressive strength and the percentage of completion of reaction and that tates of reaction follow this order 2:1 > 1:1 > 1:2 (ratios of cement: quartz in starting material).
Operando NMR and XRD study of chemically synthesized LiCx oxidation in a dry room environment

Abstract We test the stability of pre-lithiated graphite anodes for Li-ion batteries in a dry room battery processing room. The reaction between LiCx and laboratory air was followed using operando NMR and x-ray diffraction, as these methods are sensitive to change in Li stoichiometry in graphite. There is minimal reactivity between LiC6 and N2, CO2 or O2; however, LiC6 reacts with moisture to form lithium (hydr)oxide. The reaction rate follows zero-order kinetics with respects to intercalated lithium suggesting that lithium transport through the graphite is fast. The reaction occurs by sequential formation of higher stages–LiC12, then LiC18, and then LiC24–as the hydrolysis proceeds to the formation of LixOHy and graphite end products. Slowing down the formation rate of the LixOHy passivation layer stabilizes of the higher stages.
Gilles Caron's Coverage of the Crisis in Biafra

From 1967 to 1970, ethnic, sectarian war ravaged Nigeria. When the Ibo and other peoples in the Eastern region seceded and formed the Republic of Biafra, the federal government, controlled by the Hausa, Fulani, and Yoruba peoples, responded with total war. Nigeria imposed a blockade and instituted starvation as a deliberate war strategy. In the first genocide since World War II, this policy starved to death more than one million Biafrans. Gilles Caron was among the first western photojournalists to cover the crisis. He made three trips to Biafra in April, July, and November 1968. Photographs from his April trip, published in the May 4, 1968 edition of Paris Match, were the first major reportage of the war in the Western Picture Press, putting this “ignored war” on the public agenda. This article analyzes Caron's coverage of the Biafran crisis. It argues that his humanistic vision helped persuade western readers that the Biafrans were not merely pitiable, but deserving of help; that his thorough approach d...
RecA protein in the SOS response: milestones and mysteries

The role of RecA protein in the SOS response of Escherichia coli is traced from the isolation of the first recA mutant to our current understanding of the scope and regulation of this DNA damage-inducible system. In addition, possible RecA protein activities that may be essential in the expression of several SOS phenotypes (stable DNA replication, DNA replication recovery, SOS mutagenesis and RecA association with the cell membrane) are discussed.
Further evidence from an elastic artery that angiotensin II amplifies noradrenaline-induced contraction through activation of protein kinase C

Angiotensin II (AII, 0.1 nM) increased concentration dependently the sensitivity of rabbit aortic rings to low concentrations of noradrenaline. This was not associated with increases in noradrenaline-induced 45Ca2+ uptake or efflux and was prevented by the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors staurosporine (0.01 microM) and calphostin C (0.1 microM). Pretreatment of the rings with PMA (phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate, 0.1 and 1 microM, 24 h at 4 degrees C) abolished the potentiation phenomenon. We conclude that AII potentiation of noradrenaline-induced vascular tone may be due to a PKC-mediated increase in intracellular sensitivity of the contractile apparatus to Ca2+.
Analysis of the Radio Astronomy Explorer lunar orbit mission.

The second Radio Astronomy Explorer spacecraft (RAE-B) is planned to be inserted into lunar orbit in 1973. The transfer trajectory design, lunar orbit selection and launch opportunities are developed in relation to the spacecraft mass properties, propulsion capability and the scientific, environmental and engineering constraints. Alternative midcourse guidance and lunar orbit trim strategies are analyzed and compared. A means of achieving a launch window without varying launch azimuth and park orbit coast time is described. The resulting mission design is characterized by near-minimum energy lunar transfer trajectories and low eccentricity, retrograde critical inclination lunar orbits. Acceptable launch periods are shown to exist for six consecutive months and for two to four consecutive days per month.
Positions of cations and molecules in zeolites with the mordenite-type framework

Abstract Natural mordenite was ion-exchanged in NaCl solution and dehydrated at 300°C [ a 17.92(1) b 20.31(1) c 7.480(7)A at room temperature]. Dehydration reduced the symmetry from Cmcm to Pbcn. All diffractions violating the C-centering are diffuse, and in one crystal are split into doublets indicating a domain structure with a (true cell) ∼5 a (pseudo-cell). The diffuse diffractions disappear upon rehydration. Diffraction intensities were collected using a wide scan for diffuse diffractions. Site occupancies are: I', 3.1Na; IV, 2.6Na; VI, 1.5Na. Electron microprobe analysis yielded Na7.3K0.2Ca0.03Al8.3Si39.9O96, and some cationic Al, or OH−, or both, may be needed for charge balance. (Na(I') is displaced 0.53A from its ideal position at (0,0.5,0), perhaps because of electrostatic repulsion between adjacent ions. An ordered model with 3.2Na and 0.8 vacancies in site I' provides a qualitative explanation of the domain structure. Na(IV) is displaced laterally from the center of an eight-ring. The effect of “decationization” on site occupancy and molecular sorption is discussed.
Photoparameters in Photofermentative Biohydrogen Production

Research on hydrogen production by photofermentation has gained renewed interest in recent times because of its potential to generate hydrogen from renewable sources in a sustainable manner for use as an alternate energy carrier. Photofermentative bacteria use nitrogenase enzyme in the presence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and reducing power for hydrogen production in photobioreactors (PBRs). Depending on the pigments present in the bacteria, an optimal combination of photoparameters such as light source, intensity, duration, and wavelength have to be maintained in PBRs for efficient light-to-hydrogen conversion. In this article, over 130 literature reports on photoparameters are reviewed to aid in optimal design and operation of photobioreactors. This review includes a discussion of mathematical models reported in the literature to predict light attenuation and photochemical efficiencies of photobioreactors. As part of this study, models for predicting hydrogen evolution and predicting photochemical e...
The Antioxidants Vitamin E and β-Carotene Protect Against Ethanol-Induced Neurotoxicity in Embryonic Rat Hippocampal Cultures

Fetal alcohol syndrome is characterized by numerous nervous system anomalies with the developing hippocampus being highly vulnerable. Other conditions can result from maternal ethanol consumption including oxidative stress. Critical antioxidants, such as vitamin E, can be decreased and antioxidative defenses altered. Gestational day 18 rat hippocampal cultures were exposed to ethanol ranging from 400 to 2400 mg/dl (16 h). MTT assays assessed neurotoxicity. Viability was decreased dose dependently. Supplementation with vitamin E or beta-carotene afforded neuroprotection against all ethanol concentrations. Vitamin E completely ameliorated neuronal loss following 400 and 800 mg/dl ethanol. Vitamin E increased survival to 95%, 79%, 66%, and 75% during 1600, 1800, and 2000 and 2400 mg/dl ethanol compared to nonethanol treatment. Vitamin E increased viability by 38%, 23%, 12%, and 29% at 1600, 1800, 2000, and 2400 mg/dl compared to non-vitamin E-supplemented, ethanol treatment. beta-Carotene completely ameliorated cell loss from 400 mg/dl ethanol and increased survival by 18% at 1600 mg/dl and 12% at 2000 mg/dl. This study demonstrates in vitro antioxidative neuroprotection against developmental ethanol exposure and suggests that nutritional therapies incorporating antioxidants may help protect against deleterious fetal effects from maternal alcohol abuse.