cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Planning approaches to mitigate adverse human impacts on land-water ecotones

Land-inland water ecotones are environments of exceptional diversity, but are also highly vulnerable to impacts from human settlement. Settlement on floodplains and exacerbation of peak runoff from land-use changes have resulted in flood damage to human structures, leading in reaction to widespread efforts to control flooding through such measures as land drainage and construction of levees and artificial flood control channels. These measures increase flood hazard downstream and result in loss of valuable riparian and aquatic habitats. Similarly, human settlements along river banks may be threatened by natural channel migration, leading to ill-conceived bank stabilization projects, which eliminate riparian habitat. Environmental planning strategies to minimize these impacts include reducing stormwater runoff through use of permeable pavement, infiltration galleries, and detention basins; ordinances protecting urban streams and riparian corridors (from development, filling, etc.); prohibitions or restrictions on development on floodplains; retention of vegetative buffer strips along stream channels; maintenance of continuity of riparian corridors for wild-life and human use; use of alternatives to traditional flood control strategies; and release of flushing flows to mimic effects of natural floods below reservoirs.
Associations of self-reported and actigraphy-assessed sleep characteristics with body mass index and waist circumference in adults: moderation by gender.

Abstract Objectives Self-reported sleep duration has been linked to body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference in previous work; however, data regarding if these associations are stronger in men or women have been mixed, and few studies have objectively measured sleep. We investigated self-reported and actigraphy-assessed sleep characteristics in relation to BMI and waist circumference and examined the extent to which these associations differ by gender. Design Archived cross-sectional data collected from 2004 to 2006 from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) Biomarkers Study were used. Participants included 1248 adults (43% men) who reported their habitual sleep duration, and a subset of participants ( N =441; 40% men) who underwent seven nights of wrist actigraphy. Results Self-reported total sleep time (TST), actigraphy-assessed TST, and actigraphy-assessed sleep efficiency (SE) were inversely associated with BMI in the full sample of both men and women. Gender moderated associations between actigraphy assessments of sleep and anthropometric variables; however, TST and SE were related to BMI and waist circumference in women only. Associations between sleep and waist circumference were independent of BMI. Conclusions Sleep duration and sleep continuity are associated with body weight and distribution of body fat, but these associations were stronger or were only present in women.
Moral Theory and Explanatory Impotence

L'A. s'interroge sur la valeur et les criteres de l'explication en theorie morale. Il soutient qu'il est possible de formuler de tels criteres a condition qu'ils realisent une authentique justification des theses morales
Ontogeny of the immune system and the invisible frontier to immune regulation.

The data presented focus on three topics: 1) Self-reactivity of early B cells as a constitutive feature of the immune system; 2) Self-reactive V regions and their possible involvement in immune regulation; and 3) Autoantibodies directed at T cell surface molecules as a new form of direct regulation of the B cell repertoire on the T cell compartment. Evidence is provided for lack of substantial difference in the reactivity of neonatal hybridomas from normal and autoimmune mice, and the proposal is made that the immune systems of normal and autoimmune neonatal mice start with similar characteristics implying that avoidance of autoimmune disease is matter of active regulation through a process learned in ontogeny. Two general possibilities for immune regulation are discussed. One is based on the V regions of self-reactive antibodies and their antigenic determinants. The other is through natural autoantibodies able to interfere with the state of activation of T cells. It is concluded that the role of highly c...
Manipulating Meaning in Sri Lanka

Exploring Confrontation: Sri Lanka: Politics, Culture and History. Michael Roberts “Who Is He, What Is He Doing”: Religious Rhetoric and Performances in Sri Lanka during R. Premadasa's Presidency (1989-1993).
On the Selection of a Sampling Filter Bandwidth for a Digital Data Detector

We consider here the problem of selecting the lowpass sampling bandwidth for a digital mechanization of a matchedfilter bit-synchronizer combination. In particular, if digital data at a rate R bits/second plus Gaussian noise is passed through a filter of bandwidth KR and then sampled at the Nyquist rate, i.e., 2 KR , then how small can we choose K without paying an appreciable penalty in the SNR performance of the data detector?
Effect of molecular structure on polyethylene melt rheology. II. Shear‐dependent viscosity

The investigation of the effect of molecular structural variables on the melt viscosity of polyethylene was extended to the shear dependent region by application of a reduced variables treatment following, in a formal sense, that of Bueche. Viscosity–shear rate data were obtained for a series of experimentally polymerized linear polyethylene samples having a range of molecular weights and molecular weight distributions as characterized primarily by gel permeation chromatography. These data could be superimposed on a single reduced variables flow curve using parameters which were a function only of temperature, limiting Newtonian viscosity, Mw, and Mw/Mn. The same treatment was successfully applied also to branched (low-density) fraction data discussed in a previous paper, with additional correction for long-chain branching. However, different reduced variables curves were obtained for the branched and linear cases.
Prediction of Full Field Dynamic Stress/Strain from Limited Sets of Measured Data

Transient events may cause degradation of a structure’s useful life. Often these events have an unknown effect on the structure. Some examples are helicopter hard landing, strong wind gusts on large turbine blades, and other similar occasional events. In many cases, only a handful of sensors are available for the evaluation of these rare, short-term events. This limited data does not always provide the detail necessary in order to determine the effects of the events that occur; this is very important especially in terms of the overall fatigue usage for the system. While a finite element model may be available, use of this limited data does not lend itself to easily integrate into the identification of the dynamic stress and dynamic strain. Often times, estimates of the forcing function can be approximated and used to identify the response. But these techniques are very approximate. A newly developed real time operating data expansion technique has been successfully used for the identification of more detailed information from limited sets of data. This expansion has mainly been used to augment the limited data acquired and allows for better overall visualization of these transient types of events. This technique has mainly been used for general response characteristics for structures. In this work, expansion techniques are developed in conjunction with the finite element mass and stiffness matrices to provide information at all of the finite element degrees of freedom from these limited sets of measured data points. With this approach, dynamic stress and dynamic strain can be identified from measured transient events thereby enabling estimation of fatigue accumulation or usage. Several cases are described to illustrate the overall process and results that are obtained from the expansion technique; these are compared to full reference solution results to verify the accuracy of the technique.
Impact of immediate evaluation of touch imprint cytology from computed tomography guided core needle biopsies of mass lesions: Single institution experience

Background: Computed tomography (CT) guided core needle biopsy (CT-guided CNB) is a minimally invasive, safe and effective manner of tissue sampling in many organs. The aim of our study is to determine the impact of on-site evaluation of touch imprint cytology (TIC) to minimize the number of passes required to obtain adequate tissue for diagnosis. Design: A retrospective review of all CT-guided CNBs performed during 4 year period, where pathologists were present for on-site TIC evaluation. Each case was evaluated for the number of passes required before TIC was interpreted as adequate for diagnosis. Results: A total of 140 CT-guided CNBs were included in the study (liver, lung, kidney, sacral, paraspinal, omental, splenic and adrenal masses). Of the 140 cases, 109 were diagnosed as malignant, 28 as benign and three insufficient. In 106 cases (75.7%), the biopsies were determined adequate by TIC on the first pass, 19 cases (13%) on the second pass and 7 cases (5%) on the third pass. Only in 5 cases (3.6%), more than three passes were required before diagnostic material was obtained. Three cases (2.14%) were interpreted as inadequate both on TIC and on the final diagnosis. Of the biopsies deemed adequate on the first pass, 71% resulted in either termination of the procedure, or only one additional pass was obtained. In five cases, based on the TIC evaluation, a portion of the sample was sent for either flow cytometric analysis or cytogenetic studies. Conclusions: In the majority of cases, adequate material was obtained in the first pass of CT-guided CNB and once this was obtained, either no additional passes, or one additional pass was performed. This study demonstrates the utility of on-site evaluation in minimizing the number of passes required for obtaining adequate diagnostic material and for proper specimen triage for ancillary studies, which in turn decreases the risk to the patient and costs. However, tumor exhaustion in the tissue as a result of TIC is an important pitfall of the procedure, which occurred in 9 (8.2%) of our malignant cases.
Low-temperature ionic conductivity and dielectric relaxation phenomena in fluorite-type solid solutions

Abstract Low-temperature ionic conductivity and dielectric relaxation phenomena in Ba 1- x La x F 2+ x crystals (1.19 × 10 -3 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.492) have been studied by ionic thermal current (ITC) and ac dielectric loss (DL) techniques. The conductivity results agree with those of an earlier study of the same crystals at higher temperatures. At low LaF 3 concentrations, i.e. 1.19 × 10 -3 ⩽ x ⩽ 2.37 × 10 -2 , the dielectric spectra show three relaxation peaks, two of which are ascribed to simple associates of interstitial F - ions (F ' 1 ) nearest-neighbour (nm) and next-nearest-neighbour (nnn) to subtitutional La 3+ ions (La Ba ). They are denoted as type I and II dipoles, respectively. We attribute the third peak to angled (“L-shaped”) { La Ba 2 F i } ' complexes. Relaxation parameters for the relaxations are presented. We have calculated effective dipole moments for type I and II dipoles μ eff I and μ eff II , taking into account the displacements and polarizabilities of the defects. Several combinations of host lattice cations and dopant ions have been considered for the fluorites M 1- x RE x F 2+ x , i.e. M = Ca, Sr, Ba, and RE = La, Eu, Lu. For nearly all combinations the ratio μ eff II / eff II is found to have a value of 2.4 ± 0.1. With the μ eff values. thus obtained, the dipole concentrations of type I and II dipoles can be calculated. Their dependence on solute content is discussed. In the calculations, Debye-Huckel-Lidiard interactions between defects and the charge clouds surrounding them have been taken into account. At high concentrations, i.e. 0.133 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.492, broad structureless absorption losses dominate the dielectric relaxation spectra. These losses are analysed by the fractional polarization (FP) technique, and by a special analysis of the DL data. The feasibility of these techniques is discussed. The analysis reveals that two localized relaxation processes occur in concentrated solid solutions. One is characterized by reorientation activation enthalpies (Δ H R ) which are the same as the corresponding conductivity activation enthalpies (Δ H ), and is ascribed to F-interstitial motion in crystal areas around defect clusters. The second process is characterized by Δ H R values which are much lower than Δ H . We propose that this process is related to F-interstitial reorientation within clusters. The results presented indicate that no typical polarizable cluster is preferred in concentrated Ba 1- x La x F 2+ x solid solutions.
OPRON: a new approach to planar OTC routing

In this paper we solve the planar over-the-cell routing problem, in which nets must have at least one terminal on the boundary. Such nets allow for nontraditional cell designs, where all terminals must be placed on the boundaries giving a degree of freedom to the cell designer. We present a dynamic programming algorithm that optimally solves this problem, in O(K/sup 2/n/sup 4/) time, where K is the number of tracks available over the cell for a given cell row region, and n is the number of nets to be routed.
Patients with a history of hyperemesis gravidarum have similar symptoms during egg stimulation and develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: case series

Objective To investigate the symptoms and outcomes of ovarian stimulation in patients with a history of hyperemesis gravidarum. Design Retrospective case series. Setting Research laboratory of a university hospital. Patient(s) Participants in an ongoing study on hyperemesis gravidarum that reported ovarian stimulation for gestational surrogacy. Intervention(s) Review of medical records. Main Outcome Measure(s) Pregnancy history, symptoms, estradiol level and mature oocyte number in cases, and nausea and vomiting level reported in surrogate. Result(s) Three cases in their early thirties with a history of hyperemesis gravidarum presented with severe nausea and vomiting during ovarian stimulation and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Gestational carriers reported normal nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. Conclusion(s) This series provides lessons for in vitro fertilization for cases with a history of hyperemesis gravidarum and their gestational carriers as well as insight into the cause of hyperemesis gravidarum and its potential role in fertility. A link between hyperemesis gravidarum and an evolutionary advantage of increased fertility suggests a novel theory to explain the selection for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.
The Characteristics and Quality of Pre-School Education in Spain.

Abstract We examined 25 four-year-old pre-school classrooms from a random sample of 15 schools within a large urban city in southern Spain. Observational measures of classroom quality included the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised, the Classroom Assessment Scoring System and the Observation of Activities in Pre-school. Findings revealed that, on average, classroom quality was low in regards to space and materials, developmentally appropriate activities and instruction; however, classrooms were relatively high on positive climate and productivity, and teachers demonstrated positive relationships with families. The observed ratio of children to teachers was high across classrooms. Results from regression analyses indicate that a higher ratio was associated with lower quality language modelling, teacher feedback and personal care routines available in these settings. Qualitative data from teacher interviews highlighted the importance of a pre-school education for children's development and sch...
The influence of tumor necrosis factor gene polymorphisms on experimental and clinical pain responses in humans

Acute inflammation following tissue injury is characterized by the synthesis, release, and expression of inflammatory mediators and their activation of pain receptors. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family is associated with many chronic inflammatory conditions; however, its role in acute inflammation and pain has not been clearly elucidated. In this study, we examined the influence of common genetic polymorphisms of TNF-α and β genes on the modulation of clinically and experimentally induced acute pain in humans. Subjects (N=560) rated sensory intensity and unpleasantness for heat stimuli and 3 min cold pressor test. From the total sample, 146 patients underwent standardized oral surgery; maximum postoperative pain was recorded after local anesthetic offset by visual analog scale; the response to a fixed dose of NSAID analgesic (ketorolac 15 mg I.V.) was evaluated. For genotyping of genomic DNA, 5′ exonuclease allelic discrimination assay was used. In the present human cohort, 4 TNF-α single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in promoter region and one mis-sense and 5′ untranslated region SNPs from TNF-β gene did not demonstrate any significant association with clinically or experimentally induced pain responses or on NSAID analgesia. Although none of the SNPs evaluated showed an association with pain responses for this cohort, this may not be representative of individual responses, the effect of other TNF polymorphisms, or other acute pain conditions. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 75, P70–P70; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2003.11.262
Miniaturized Thermoelectric Cooler

Vapor-deposited bismuth telluride (n-type) and antimony telluride (p-type) films are used in a micro, column-type, patterned thermoelectric cooler. The optimum number of thermoelectric pairs and operating current are predicted. Such devices contain a number of metal/thermoelectric and metal/elecrical-insulator interfaces. In the analysis, various interfacial resistances (phonon and electron boundary resistances and thermal and electrical contact resistances) have been included. The boundary resistances cause a reduction in the thermal conductivity (desirable) and a reduction in the Seebeck coefficient (undesirable) of the thermoelectric elements. The contact resistances reduce the overall device performance. In the fabrication, the stoichiometry of the deposited thermoelectric films, the patterned film deposition, and the selection of the conducting connectors, are discussed. The thermoelectric films are about 4 μm thick and are deposited on patterned platinum (first trial layer for connectors), which are in turn deposited on oxide coated silicon wafers. The top, suspended connectors that close the electrical circuit are bonded to the surface to be cooled. The non-uniformity of the composition in the thermoelectric films influences the measured Seebeck coefficients. The analysis shows that a coefficient of performance of 0.38 is obtainable for a wireless micro sensor application.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Decomposition of chestnut oak (Quercus prinus) leaves and nitrogen mineralization in an urban environment

We studied soil processes along an urban to rural gradient. To determine the ecosystem response to the urban soil environment, we measured (1) leaf litter decomposition rates using a reference leaf litter, and (2) net N-mineralization and net nitrification rates using paired in situ soil cores. A significant trend toward slower litter decomposition rates toward the urban end of the gradient was observed. In addition, percent ash-free dry mass remaining of the litter was significantly higher during the course of the study but was not statistically significant at the final sampling date. Litter C:N ratio had a complex response with respect to degree of urban land use, and litter % N did not differ between land-use types. Litter decomposition rates were not significantly correlated with observed soil physicochemical and biological characteristics but were influenced by soil moisture and soil organic matter. Net N-mineralization rates were higher in urban soils. Net nitrification rates did not differ with land-use type. Net N-mineralization rates were positively correlated with soil temperature, indicating a response to the urban heat island effect. Net N-mineralization rates were negatively correlated with the numbers of higher trophic level nematodes.
Soluble Concentrations of the Interleukin Receptor Family Member ST2 and β-Blocker Therapy in Chronic Heart Failure

Background—Concentrations of soluble (s)ST2 predict prognosis in heart failure. We recently found changing doses of β-blocker (BB) may affect sST2 concentrations. It remains unclear whether sST2 concentrations identify benefit of BB therapy, however. Methods and Results—A total of 151 subjects with heart failure attributable to left ventricular systolic dysfunction were examined in this post hoc analysis; >96% were taking BB at enrollment. Medication regimen and sST2 values were obtained during 10 months. Cardiovascular events were examined as a function of baseline sST2 status (low ≤35 versus high >35 ng/mL) and final achieved BB dose (high ≥50 versus low <50 mg daily equivalent dose of metoprolol succinate). Patients with low sST2 titrated to high-dose BB had the lowest cardiovascular event rate at 0.53 events (P=0.001), and lowest cumulative hazard (P=0.003). Those with low sST2/low-dose BB, or high sST2/high-dose BB had intermediate outcomes (0.92 and 1.19 events). Patients with high sST2 treated with...
Evaluation of Mono/Binocular Depth Perception Using Virtual Image Display

Augmented reality (AR) is a very popular technology in various applications. It allows the user to see the real world, with virtual objects composited with or superimposed upon the real world. The usability of interactive user interface based on AR relies heavily on visibility and depth perception of content, virtual image display particularly. In this paper, we performed several basic evaluations for a commercial see-through head mounted display based on those factors that can change depth perception: binocular or monocular, viewing distance, eye dominance, content changed in shape or size, indicated by hand or reference object. The experiment results reveal many interesting and fascinating features. The features will be user interface design guidelines for every similar see-through near-eye display systems.
Advancing research on engineering design using e-Journal

The potential of typical, handwritten engineering design journals to advance knowledge in engineering education is diminished by technical issues (e.g., readability and interpretability), writing lens (i.e., focus on the result not the process), and the ‘freshness’ of the events recorded. The authors argue that utilization of a novel online electronic-Journal (e-Journal) can overcome these challenges and open a new avenue to learn about students' self-regulation within the context of engineering design. Work is underway to develop a system fulfilling this need. The resulting e-Journal is designed concordant with the engineering design phases: Problem Definition, Conceptual Design, Preliminary Design, Detailed Design, and Design Communication. The e-Journal enables the act of going back and forth between phases to support the iterative nature of engineering design. The online nature of this e-Journal ensures data currency because students can report their activities concurrently with design activities or at their convenience. Analyzing rich recorded data will enable researchers to learn about student's activities in areas such as task interpretation, project planning and execution, monitoring efforts and design goals, and management of resources, time and teamwork as individuals and teams. Additional work will focus on the way the e-Journal is utilized within a two-part mechanical engineering capstone course and will analyze the obtained results after both parts conclude.
Trends and Problems in Growth of Farm Size

FIGURES for the first half of the decade of the 1960's indicate that the long-standing trend towards increasing size of U.S. farms is continuing at an accelerating pace. Acres per farm, capital per farm, output per farm are all increasing rapidly. The general nature and magnitude of this trend are well known, especially among agricultural economists; therefore, it will not be necessary nor appropriate for us to spend much time here restating facts and reviewing statistics. Instead, we will use our time to comment at somewhat greater length on the prospects for future growth of farm size and on the relation of present and prospective trends in farm size to present and prospective problems of agricultural firms. First, some brief comments about the trends to give perspective. There are numerous statistics from which one might choose for estimation and illustration of farm-size growth trends. We have chosen to follow the majority of agricultural economists and use the statistic gross sales per farm. It has limitations, but probably fewer than others. Perhaps more importantly, it gains a measure of respectability from being closely related to the variable "output" that appears on the x-axis of economies-to-scale functions in economic theory texts. The statistic gross sales per farm has grown at an average rate of about 6 percent per year over the past 25-year period. However, before accepting that as a measure of trend, it is necessary to determine that it refers to the desired characteristic and population. We are interested today in growth of farm size such as might be represented by movement to a point further to the right on a long-run average cost or scale curve. We are assuming that, furthermore, our interest is in farm business, that is to say, in commercial farms. In order to have an estimated growth rate that refers to the desired characteristic and population, it will be necessary to make some adjustments, because statistics on growth in average size of U.S. farms reflect, not only increasing scale of operation, but also two important concomitant developments. One is the sharp decline in numbers of very small, nominal farms-those with less than $2,500 of sales (1959 dollars). The other is growth in technology and productivity. As late as 1939, nominal farms constituted nearly two-thirds of the total number of farms in the United States [7, p. 24]. By 1965, their numbers had fallen from 3.8 million to an estimated 1.4 million. Almost all of this
Article: The 'Unprecedented Intrusion': A Survey and Analysis of Selected Grandparent Visitation Cases

This article takes the position that the status of family life as a private sphere insulated from governmental intrusion leads inevitably to the conclusion that where fit married parents decide grandparent visitation is not in their offspring's best interest, state authority provides no legitimate means of overriding that decision.
Updated approach to screening for cervical cancer in older women.

Older women are often not adequately screened for cervical cancer for several reasons: 1) patients often do not know that they need screening. 2) Primary care physicians may assume that the womans gynecologist did it although many women never visit a gynecologist after menopause. 3) There is disagreement about how often screening should be done. 4) Cytologic laboratories vary in thoroughness. Risk factors for cervical cancer are: age over 50 early menarche young age at 1st intercourse a large number of sexual partners history of sexually transmitted disease and smoking. Oral contraceptive use has shown to be protective against cervical cancer and the human papilloma virus in now considered the leading cause of it. The American Cancer Society recommends Pap tests every 3 years for women between age 20 and age 65. The single most important risk factor for cervical cancer in older women is failure to receive routine periodic screening. Of 1500 elderly patients seen at an urban ambulatory care center 25% had never been screened before and the prevalence of positive smears was 13.5/1000. Of 153 women diagnosed with cervical Cancer at Johns Hopkins Hospital in 1982-84 only 1 out of 3 had had pap smear in the previous 3 years; yet over 80% of them were receiving routine office care from a primary care physician. Some barriers that prevent physicians from screening elderly patients include inadequate equipment need for a chaperone fears of lack of competence and patient objections. It is essential that primary care physicians determine the screening history of patients screen them or refer them for screening and follow up abnormal results.
Is mode of delivery associated with the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis

Background The pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis remains poorly understood. Different newborn bacterial colonization due to cesarean delivery as opposed to vaginal delivery has been implicated as one potential contributing factor. Objective We sought to determine whether mode of delivery is associated with the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates of women who were at imminent risk of delivery Study Design This is a secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial of magnesium sulfate for the prevention of cerebral palsy. The parent trial included women with pregnancies at 24 to 31 6/7 weeks of gestation who were considered at imminent risk for preterm delivery. Women with a viable singleton gestation and data available on mode of delivery and development of necrotizing enterocolitis were included. Neonates delivered by vaginal delivery were compared to those delivered by cesarean delivery in bivariable analyses. Multivariable analysis was used to adjust for potential confounders. Results A total of 2012 mother-neonate pairs were analyzed. Of these, 731 (36%) women delivered by cesarean delivery and 170 neonates (8.4%) developed necrotizing enterocolitis. In bivariable analyses, women who delivered by cesarean delivery were older (27 [interquartile range, 22-32] vs 24 [interquartile range, 20-29] years, P P = .021) compared to those who delivered vaginally. Neonates delivered by cesarean delivery were more premature (29.3 [interquartile range, 27.1-31.4] vs 30.3 [interquartile range, 27.9-31.9] weeks, P P P = .001), and had a higher frequency of proven sepsis (20.1% vs 14.7%, P = .002) compared to those who delivered vaginally. Rates of necrotizing enterocolitis (8.1% vs 8.7%, P = .65) and stage 2 or 3 necrotizing enterocolitis (4.4% vs 4.7%, P = .75) did not differ by mode of delivery. After adjusting for potential confounders, cesarean delivery continued to have no association with the frequency of necrotizing enterocolitis (adjusted odds ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.52–1.04) or stage 2 or 3 necrotizing enterocolitis (adjusted odds ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.46–1.16). This study was powered to detect a minimum relative risk of 1.5 for necrotizing enterocolitis associated with mode of delivery. Conclusion Mode of delivery was not significantly associated with necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates born to a cohort of women who were considered at imminent risk of extreme preterm delivery.
Design of Wireless Transmission System for Parameters of Instruments in Well Site Based on Single Chip

The wireless transmission system for parameters of instruments in well site is developed by the use of STC single chip and wireless communication module FC211.This system can collect DC 4～20mA analog signals,DC 1～5V analog signals,binary signals,impulse signals,and it can also output binary signals to realize wireless control for motors in well site.The slave machine send data collected by the instruments distributed in well site to the master machine which is in the control room by the way of wireless transmission.Then the master machine transmit the data to the computer where the data is processed and displayed.The applied situation indicate that the running results of the system are good.
Venous sinus stenting in patients without idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Background Venous sinus stenting is an effective treatment for patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and venous sinus stenosis. Objective To determine the usefulness of venous sinus stenting in the treatment of patients with symptomatic venous sinus stenosis without a diagnosis of IIH. Methods We performed a retrospective review of a prospective multicenter database of patients undergoing venous sinus stenting between January 2008 and February 2016. Patients with acute dural venous sinus thrombosis, arteriovenous fistula or arteriovenous malformation, or IIH were excluded. Clinical, radiological, and ophthalmological information was recorded. Results Nine patients met the inclusion criteria and underwent venous sinus stenting for symptomatic dural venous sinus stenosis. Reasons for treatment included isolated unilateral pulsatile tinnitus (n=1), congenital hydrocephalus (n=2), unilateral pulsatile tinnitus following prior venous sinus thrombosis (n=1), acquired hydrocephalus following dural sinus thrombosis (n=2), meningitis (n=2) and tumor invasion into the dural venous sinus (n=1). Six patients underwent lumbar puncture or shunt tap, and all of these patients had elevated intracranial pressure. All stenoses were located in the transverse sinus, transverse–sigmoid junction and/or jugular bulb, and all were treated with self-expanding bare-metal stents. At follow-up, clinical symptoms had resolved in all but two patients, both of whom had congenital hydrocephalus and pre-existing shunts. There was no significant in-stent stenosis, and patients with ophthalmological follow-up demonstrated improvement of papilledema. Conclusions Dural venous sinus stenting may be an effective treatment for patients with symptomatic venous sinus stenosis without IIH in carefully selected cases, but may not be effective in resolving the symptoms of congenital hydrocephalus.
DeSCJOB: the deep space cam joined observation bot

Large spacecraft missions have both technical and financial needs. Technical needs drive the inclusion of numerous subsystems, which must be configured or deployed. Financial needs, for many spacecraft, are filled through generating public support, which is enhanced by being able to show the spacecraft in operation. This paper presents DeSCJOB, a small satellite that is deployed from a larger spacecraft. It launches from the parent spacecraft, captures images of whatever is desired (moving around the larger spacecraft, if desired) and then retracts back to its docking point automatically. Its utility for operational and public relations imaging is discussed.
Impact of De Novo and Preexisting Inflammatory Bowel Disease on the Outcome of Orthotopic Liver Transplantation.

BACKGROUND Diarrhea is a common problem in the setting of solid-organ transplantation, especially orthotopic liver transplant (OLT). De novo or preexisting inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is one of the differential diagnoses. The aims of our study were to evaluate the frequency of de novo IBD in patients with OLT and to assess the impact of de novo IBD and preexisting IBD on the outcome of OLT. METHODS This case-control study included all eligible patients who had OLT from January 2001 to December 2009. The study group included all patients who had a biopsy-proven diagnosis of IBD after their OLT (the de novo IBD group). The control groups included patients with existing IBD before OLT and those without IBD before and after OLT. The groups were matched based on their underlying diagnoses of end-stage liver disease. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS A total of 66 subjects were included in the study. The mean age was 45.4 ± 13.4 years, with 44 (66.7%) being male. Fifteen patients (23%) had de novo IBD, 21 (32%) had existing IBD before OLT, and 30 (45%) had no underlying IBD before or after OLT. There were no significant differences between the 2 IBD groups in any of the IBD characteristics, including IBD medications. Subjects without IBD were more likely to receive mycophenolate mofetil within 1 week of OLT than those in the de novo or preexisting IBD (70% versus 23% P = 0.018). Episodes of graft rejection were more commonly observed in subjects with preexisting IBD (52%) than de novo IBD (27%) or no IBD (20%) (P = 0.045). The rate of retransplantation was highest in the de novo IBD group followed by the preexisting IBD group and non-IBD group (20% versus 14% versus 0%; P = 0.029). Combined together, patients with IBD in the setting of OLT were more likely to be retransplanted than those without IBD (16.7% versus 0%, P = 0.045). In multivariate analysis, we found that patients with IBD were 6.7 (95% confidence interval, 1.9-23.9) times more likely to have an adverse outcome after liver transplant (P = 0.004), after adjusting for primary sclerosing cholangitis. CONCLUSIONS De novo IBD can occur in patients after OLT. De novo IBD and preexisting IBD were found to be associated with a higher risk for graft failure, suggesting that early diagnosis and closer monitoring of the patients at risk are critical.
Ongoing Endings Migration, Love, and Ethnography

This paper explores intersecting narratives of loss and possibility through the experiences of undocumented Peruvian migrant workers who find previously unimaginable possibilities for migration and...
Hidden style in the city: an analysis of geolocated airbnb rental images in ten major cities

In this article, we analyze geolocated Airbnb rental images in ten major cities. Airbnb is a hallmark institution in the sharing economy, allowing anyone with a bed and shelter to act like a micro-hotel, i.e. a bed-and-breakfast for other travelers. Travelers often spend less on Airbnb rentals than hotels and get a residential experience in a new place.Since hosts advertise their rentals on Airbnb, the site has a wealth of residential interior images from all over the world: from rural Africa to downtown Manhattan. As part of an ongoing project, we have downloaded over 200,000 images posted on Airbnb to ask: how do people decorate their homes in different locales? Do they use certain colors, or have a certain ornate or simple style?Here, we test ten major metropolitan areas using image rating responses from Mechanical Turk as well as automated image color predominance routines to investigate geographical differences in interior styles. We find overarching indicators of globalization and a lack of local culture in the case of color, but that different neighborhoods within cities have different levels or ornateness when decorating their properties. The results of this research can also help to identify the kinds of interiors that are more pleasant in the eyes of customers.
The existential cost of economic insecurity: Threatened financial security undercuts meaning

Financial security (i.e., a person's sense that they can afford the things they need now and in the foreseeable future) contributes to psychological health and well-being. In the present research, we explored the implications of financial security for perceptions of meaning in life. In Study 1, we found that perceptions of financial insecurity predicted perceptions of meaning in life above and beyond income. Further, income only predicted perceptions of meaning to the extent that it was associated with reduced financial insecurity. In Studies 2 and 3, we found that financial security threats undermined perceptions of meaning in life. Taken together, these studies suggest that maintaining financial security is important for a sense of meaning in life.
Mental health consequences of sexual assault among first-year college women.

Objective: One in five college women experience unwanted sexual contact while in college, with first-year women being at the greatest risk. Given these data, we investigate how first-semester sexua...
The perceived effects of volunteer use by public child welfare agencies

Abstract Public Child Welfare Agencies (PCWAs) may use volunteers in a number of capacities to support improved youth outcomes while addressing resource shortages and promoting positive community relationships. However, no prior research has examined volunteer use in various capacities by PCWAs and the potential outcomes of this use. This qualitative study explores how PCWAs in one state utilize volunteers and the perceived effects of this volunteer use. Qualitative telephone interviews were conducted with representatives from PCWAs in twelve metropolitan counties. Using grounded theory analysis, interview data were thematically coded and organized into a conceptual model depicting the potential effects of volunteer use on agency and child outcomes. Most (n = 9) agencies used volunteers, but only four used volunteers in roles where they had direct contact with youth (e.g., as mentors). Respondents described volunteer programs as promoting outcomes in three major areas: community engagement, agency access to supports and resources, and positive youth development. Moreover, respondents described potential connections among these outcome areas, with community engagement leading to more supports and resources, which in turn, promoted positive youth development. Findings suggest that the use of volunteers may help PCWAs to achieve their goals of advancing child permanency, safety, and well-being.
“I Had Peopled Else”: Shakespeare’s Queer Natalities and the Reproduction of Race

“‘I Had Peopled Else’: Shakespeare’s Queer Natalities and the Reproduction of Race” explores representations of queer natality in four plays by William Shakespeare. This chapter suggests that the queerest child is the child who is altogether absent; thus, representations of anti-natalism and queer natality in these plays reveal the essentially precarious, tenuous nature of reproductive futurity. In so doing, I argue, they also expose the racialized assumptions underwriting the central figure of futurity, the child. If The Tempest and The Merchant of Venice emphasize figures of foreign hyper-fecundity and miscegenation amidst depictions of barrenness and lineal disruption, Titus Andronicus highlights the dangers of legible natality, while A Midsummer Night’s Dream prompts audiences to interrogate the persistent fictions around the promise of natal futurity.
Employment Equity and Institutional Commitments to Diversity: Disciplinary Perspectives from Public Administration and Public Affairs Education

Are racism and discrimination forgotten issues in public administration research on the promotion of diversity in graduate education and faculty employment? Studies touching on diversity and employ...
PHARMACOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF MARSH PLANTS

ABSTRACT The presence of benzyl cyanide in the volatile constituents of Juncus roemerianus prompted us to initiate analyses of alkaloids in three species of vascular plants that are most abundant in the tidal marshes of Mississippi. An unexpected high amount (2.0 g/kg) of total alkaloidal fraction was found in the adult needlerush Juncus roemerianus and as much as 1.5 g/kg in the giantcordgrass Spartina cynosuroides, and the bulrush Scirpus americanus. Subsequent analysis of the volatile constituents of S. cynosuroides by combined GLC-MS revealed indole among 60 compounds which we could identify. The presence of benzyl cyanide and indole in the volatile constituents of these plants also pointed toward the possible presence of indole alkaloids. Since two of the most potent anti-leukemic agents, VLB and vincristine, are dimeric indole alkaloids, these observations led us to submit crude extracts from these plants to the National Cancer Institute for screening of their possible antitumor activity. Extracts of seventeen species of marsh plants have been screened against P 388 lymphocytic leukemia in BDF 1 mice. These tests have resulted in the detection of significant activity in some twelve species of marsh plants. Further examination of the extract of Juncus roemerianus has resulted in the isolation of the new tumor inhibitor, juncusol. Antitumor agents are currently being isolated from the other marsh plants which have demonstrated significant activity.
Race and ethnicity in research on infant mortality.

Background and Objectives: Race and ethnicity are variables frequently used in medical research. However, researchers employ race and ethnicity in different ways and with differing intent. This leads to confusion over the interpretation of racial or ethnic differences. This study sought to determine how race and ethnicity are used in research on infant mortality. Methods: We did a structured literature review of original research related to infant mortality published between January 1995 and June 1996 and indexed in the Core Contents section of MEDLINE. Results: The majority of articles (54%) mentioned race and ethnicity. US studies mentioned race or ethnicity more than non-US studies (80% versus 22%). Only one study defined the method used to determine the ethnicity of patients; no study defined race or the methodology used in determining patients’ race. Researchers primarily used race and ethnicity to describe study populations. Some racial and ethnic identifiers may have been stigmatizing to the subjects studied. The second most common use of race or ethnicity was as a potential confounder. Only one article discussed racism as a contributing factor in infant mortality. Conclusions: There are several problems and ambiguities in the use of race and ethnicity in clinical research. Researchers who use racial or ethnic categories should do so for specified reasons and adopt clear definitions of the categories used.
Modes of Autonomy

The most problematic of all ethical principles for a medical point of view is the principle of autonomy. Perhaps the biggest reason for this perception stems from the way in which autonomy is interpreted to mean both the source of patient rights vis a vis the physician’s fabled paternalism, and the focus of the principle itself on rights rather than goods in the relationship. Medicine has a different emphasis altogether. It accents the good of health and healing, and perforce, the imbalance of the relationship between helper and patient. Howard Brody, for example, reflecting on the nature of modem medicine and the contemporary emphasis on autonomy, argues that the healer’s power derives from the patient’s own acceptance of that imbalance — of the placebo effect that it is the healer him- or herself (1992). Traditionally speaking, then, rights are external constraints on the relationship and do not seem to stem from its inherent character. Yet Brody reminds us in the same book that the patient is the one who transfers the power to heal to the doctor, giving the doctor permission to embark them both on the healing process.