Nucleon Sigma Terms with N_{f}=2+1 Flavors of O(a)-Improved Wilson Fermions.

We present a lattice-QCD based analysis of the nucleon sigma terms using gauge ensembles with N_{f}=2+1 flavors of O(a)-improved Wilson fermions, with a complete error budget concerning excited-state contaminations, the chiral interpolation as well as finite-size and lattice spacing effects. We compute the sigma terms determined directly from the matrix elements of the scalar currents. The chiral interpolation is based on SU(3) baryon chiral perturbation theory using the extended on-mass shell renormalization scheme. For the pion nucleon sigma term, we obtain σ_{πN}=(43.7±3.6) MeV, where the error includes our estimate of the aforementioned systematics. The tension with extractions based on dispersion theory persists at the 2.4-σ level. For the strange sigma term, we obtain a nonzero value, σ_{s}=(28.6±9.3) MeV.

QCD and strongly coupled gauge theories: challenges and perspectives.

We highlight the progress, current status, and open challenges of QCD-driven physics, in theory and in experiment. We discuss how the strong interaction is intimately connected to a broad sweep of physical problems, in settings ranging from astrophysics and cosmology to strongly coupled, complex systems in particle and condensed-matter physics, as well as to searches for physics beyond the Standard Model. We also discuss how success in describing the strong interaction impacts other fields, and, in turn, how such subjects can impact studies of the strong interaction. In the course of the work we offer a perspective on the many research streams which flow into and out of QCD, as well as a vision for future developments.

Newborn screening for ABO hemolytic disease.

Confusion still exists regarding the true incidence of ABO hemolytic disease and the significance of the various laboratory investigations commonly employed in its evaluation. With such imprecision in diagnosis, early hospital discharge of newborns can be a potential problem. To evaluate the usefulness of more extensive screening than commonly employed and to identify possible indicators of severity, a pilot study of cord blood screening was undertaken. In the study, 1391 cord blood specimens were tested for type, Rh, direct antiglobulin test (DAT), indirect Coombs, and total and indirect bilirubin. Of the specimens, 53.3 percent were type A, B, or AB, and 19.3 percent of both A and B infants and 7 percent of AB infants had immune antibodies in their sera. DAT was neither diagnostic nor predictive of severity. DAT was negative in 48 percent of infants with serum antibody and did not correlate with cord blood or peak serum bilirubin levels. The cord blood bilirubin also was not diagnostic of hemolytic disease but was moderately predictive of peak bilirubin levels. The data do not support the use of any routine screening tests in the management of ABO hemolytic disease.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of intraventricular hemorrhage in premature infants.

Ultrasound and computerized tomographic (CT) methods were used in detecting hydrocephalus and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in three premature infants, with excellent anatomic and pathologic correlation. Ultrasonography may offer an advantageous alternative to CT scanning in evaluating suspected IVH and/or posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in critically ill infants.

Regional care for mothers and their infants.

The development and philosophy of the regionalization of perinatal care are discussed, and descriptions of selected regional programs exemplify the success of this approach. However, significant problems, such as high cost and insufficient staffing, can affect the successful implementation of regional perinatal care.