cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Livelihood Assets as a Multidimensional Inverse Proxy for Poverty: A District‐level Analysis of the Indian Indo‐Gangetic Plains

Abstract The measurement of poverty is important yet problematic and controversial. This study assesses livelihood asset indicators from the sustainable livelihood approach as a multidimensional inverse proxy for poverty. The study develops and contrasts different asset‐based proxies building on the five livelihood capitals: natural, physical, human, social and financial. The Indian Indo‐Gangetic Plains with 280 million rural inhabitants and covering 0.47 million km2 are used as an empirical case to illustrate and contrast the multidimensional proxies, drawing on secondary data for 18 quantitative district‐level indicators. Principal components derived directly from the district‐level indicators proved to be a good proxy for the district‐level poverty head count ratio (adjusted R 2 = 0.51). A composite livelihood asset index aided interpretation but at a significant cost of overall explanatory power (adjusted R 2 = 0.42). Alternative models derived from the five livelihood assets provide more acceptable t...
Depression and Cardiac Disease: Epidemiology, Mechanisms, and Diagnosis

In patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD), depression is common, persistent, and associated with worse health-related quality of life, recurrent cardiac events, and mortality. Both physiological and behavioral factors—including endothelial dysfunction, platelet abnormalities, inflammation, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and reduced engagement in health-promoting activities—may link depression with adverse cardiac outcomes. Because of the potential impact of depression on quality of life and cardiac outcomes, the American Heart Association has recommended routine depression screening of all cardiac patients with the 2- and 9-item Patient Health Questionnaires. However, despite the availability of these easy-to-use screening tools and effective treatments, depression is underrecognized and undertreated in patients with CVD. In this paper, we review the literature on epidemiology, phenomenology, comorbid conditions, and risk factors for depression in cardiac disease. We outline the associations between depression and cardiac outcomes, as well as the mechanisms that may mediate these links. Finally, we discuss the evidence for and against routine depression screening in patients with CVD and make specific recommendations for when and how to assess for depression in this high-risk population.
Scaling of the distribution of price fluctuations of individual companies.

We present a phenomenological study of stock price fluctuations of individual companies. We systematically analyze two different databases covering securities from the three major U.S. stock markets: ~a! the New York Stock Exchange, ~b! the American Stock Exchange, and ~c! the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation stock market. Specifically, we consider~i! the trades and quotes database, for which we analyze 40 million records for 1000 U.S. companies for the 2-yr period 1994‐95; and ~ii! the Center for Research and Security Prices database, for which we analyze 35 million daily records for approximately 16 000 companies in the 35-yr period 1962‐96. We study the probability distribution of returns over varying time scales Dt, where Dt varies by a factor of ’10 5 , from 5 min up to ’4 yr. For time scales from 5 min up to approximately 16 days, we find that the tails of the distributions can be well described by a power-law decay,
Behavioral Approach System (BAS) Sensitivity and Bipolar Spectrum Disorders: A Retrospective and Concurrent Behavioral High-Risk Design

In this article, we tested the vulnerability hypoth- esis of the behavioral approach system (BAS) hypersensitiv- ity model of bipolar disorders. We examined whether self- reported BAS sensitivity predicts lifetime bipolar spectrum diagnoses as well as symptoms and personality character- istics associated with bipolar disorder using a retrospective and concurrent behavioral high-risk design. Participants with high (HBAS; n = 28) or moderate (MBAS; n = 24) BAS sen- sitivity were selected and given a lifetime psychiatric diag- nostic interview and self-report measures of proneness to bipolar symptoms, current symptoms, and personality char- acteristics relevant to bipolarity. HBAS participants were significantly and substantially more likely to have a life- time bipolar spectrum disorder diagnosis than were MBAS participants, but did not differ from MBAS participants in their likelihood of a unipolar depression diagnosis. Also, the HBAS group exhibited higher impulsivity and prone- ness to hypomanic symptoms than the MBAS group, and BAS-reward responsiveness predicted hypomanic personal- ity characteristics. Finally, high behavioral inhibition system (BIS) sensitivity was associated with proneness to and cur- rent depressive symptoms.
Pancreatic and gastrointestinal trauma in children.

Blunt abdominal trauma in children presents a significant challenge to the responsible physician in regard to recognition, diagnosis, and treatment. Whereas much attention has been given to the more common intraabdominal injuries (liver, spleen, and kidney), pancreatic and gastrointestinal trauma have received relatively little attention. Injuries to the pancreas and gastrointestinal tract continue to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children and typify the diagnostic difficulties encountered in patients with blunt abdominal trauma. This article describes experiences with these injuries in 56 children.
Correlations Between Optical, Electrical, and Structural Properties of In-Situ Phosphorus-Doped Hydrogenated Microcrystalline Silicon - Effects of Rapid Thermal Annealing on Material Properties

Films of in-situ phosphorus-doped hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon (n--μc-Si:H) were deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) on Si(100) and fused quartz substrates over a range of substrate temperatures (100 - 500°C) and reactant gas dilutions (I - 100% of 1% PH3/SiH4 in H2) while maintaining a constant RF power density (0.1 W-cm−2) and total gas pressure (1 Torr). Some of the films were subjected to a rapid thermal anneal (RTA) at temperatures between 600- 1000°C for a duration of 10 seconds. The μ-Mc-Si:H films were characterized, before and after RTA, in terms of their microstructure, optical band-gap, electrical conductivity, and hydrogen and phosphorus content. The deposition rate was determined to be insensitive to substrate temperature and to decrease with increasing H2 gas dilution indicating that deposition kinetics are dominated by plasma chemistry and are not thermally activated. For pre-annealed films, cross-sectional TEM confirmed the presence of a mixed phase material at all deposition temperatures with gas dilutions ≤10%. The surfaces of thick films (>0.15 μm) were rough, giving them a hazy appearance, while thin μic-Si:H films (<0.15 μm) were smooth and mirror-like. The rough surfaces were correlated with voids and microcracks in the μuc-Si:H films observed by TEM. The optical band-gap of all pre-annealed films was 11.8eV and the electrical conductivity varied between 1 and 20 (Δ-cm)−l. The H content was found to be independent of gas dilution but decreased with increasing substrate temperature; the P content depended on both the gas dilution and substrate temperature, decreasing at high deposition temperatures. RTA was observed to significantly alter film morphology and microstructure, increase electrical conductivity, and decrease the optical band-gap.
Trace Metal Distribution in Drowned Plants, Shasta Reservoir, California

Long-term pollution impact of runoff from old sulfide mines into Shasta Reservoir was qualitatively investigated by determination of content of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd in 3-normal hydrochloric acid extracts of rooted plant remnants flooded by the reservoir and of driftwood. Ashes of plant tissues, rather than wood scrapings, were used for extraction. Values obtained were recalculated to show the metal content in wood. Altogether, 12 wood samples of rooted plants, 9 samples of driftwood, 4 samples of topsoil and growing plants, and 8 samples of reservoir water were collected at 12 sites in November 1981 and July 1982. In water samples all four trace metals were either absent or present below their detection limits. With the exception of three samples, in which lead was either absent or present below the detection limit, all trace metals were detected in ashes of all plant tissues. The metal content of driftwood was consistently lower than the metal content of dead rooted plants. There also was a notable increase of concentration of trace metals in rooted plant remnants collected in reservoir arms located near old mines. A similar approach may be suggested for a reconnaissance study of the distribution of pollution in other water bodies.
Skin Tests in Schistosomiasis Mansoni with Antigen from Heterologous Worms (Pneumoneces; Planaria)

performed with extracts of the comparatively closely related schistosomes of animals?-e.g., Schistosomum spindalis} Later, extracts of certain distomes? Fasciola hepatica2 and Eurytrema coelomaticumz of cattle?also were reported to serve as sources of antigen for immunological tests in human schistosomiasis. It appears from these studies that antigens common with some of those in the schistosomes of man are probably fairly widely dispersed among trematode worms, although there are
The Evolution of Host Suitability in a Polyphagous Parasite with Special Reference to the Role of Parasite Egg Encapsulation

Attempts were made to reconstruct the evolutionary pathways by which suitability to new hosts might be acquired and developed by a polyphagous parasite. Three criteria of host suitability—acceptability for oviposition, incidence of parasite egg encapsulation, and fitness for maturation of parasite larvae—were measured in some new and some regular host scale insects of the encyrtid parasite Metaphycus luteolus (Timberlake). Values of each suitability measure varied within each host species, no single criterion serving as a reliable index of overall suitability. Certain similarities and differences in egg encapsulation capacities of the hosts suggested possible routes for the genesis and progression of this host defense mechanism, and indicated possible routes of parasite accommodation. Parasite egg encapsulative capacity was shown to develop in a host independently of the presence of the parasite involved. Fitness of a host for larval parasite development appeared to be a less flexible attribute than expected. Little tendency could be shown for parasite adaptation to the host suitability factors studied.
In-plane performance of gypsum board partition wall systems subjected to cyclic loadings

Abstract The objective of this study was to develop a better understanding of the seismic behavior of nonstructural partition walls and to provide damping methods in order to improve such behavior. This paper summarizes the findings of the study, where nine full scale wall specimens were divided into three groups of different damping systems and tested under cyclic loading conditions. The wall specimens were made of light gauge steel studs and sheathed on both sides with gypsum board (GB). Three specimens were constructed with single rubber grommet dampers, three specimens with double dampers and three wall specimens were constructed without damping system in order to have a basis for comparison. Test results included cyclic hysteresis and envelop curves of load–displacement relationships, damages and failure modes as described by photographs taken during and after testing, and ductility factor for each damping system. Based on the cyclic envelope curves, peak load capacities and their corresponding drifts were determined. Further, comparison of the peak points envelopes for none, single, and double damping specimens provided vital understanding of the relative drift capacities of the walls in addition to the ductility factor which is a measure of ductility. Damages and failure modes were noted through visual inspection and photographs. The study concluded with recommendations for further studies.
The New Century: Profits and Perils

The twentieth century dawned with Blue Funnel in the midst of an expansive and prosperous phase. New ships and tighter conference arrangements had given Holt vessels an edge over their competitors, while large reserves and conservative finance enabled the Company to ride with some ease the ups and downs of the trade cycle which were part and parcel of commercial activity. Despite such cyclical movements, the years between the late 1890s and 1914 saw a sustained growth of Britain’s imports and exports, and all the main Blue Funnel trades participated in the expansion. For example, the volume of imports from Malaya and Singapore to the United Kingdom approximately trebled between 1900 and 1914, imports from Japan doubled, and from the Dutch East Indies nearly trebled (far more significant here was a doubling to the Netherlands, since the absolute amounts carried were so much greater). All these regions provided sources of a growing variety of primary products which formed the bulk of Blue Funnel cargoes. As far as Britain’s exports were concerned — still dominated by cotton textiles and other basic manufactured goods — the great Blue Funnel markets of China, Hong Kong, and Japan were all buoyant in these years. China’s direct purchases of British goods roughly trebled, while China’s imports from Hong Kong (which included transhipped British goods) also expanded rapidly.
Vertebrate Secretory (RNase A) Ribonucleases and Host Defense

Bovine pancreatic ribonuclease, also known as RNase A, is the prototype of an extensive, multi-lineage family of vertebrate secretory proteins that share elements of structure and catalytic activity despite substantial functional divergence. In this review, we feature the RNase A family and its members that are implicated in promoting host defense – activities that include sustaining mucosal barriers, as well as participating in various aspects of innate and acquired immunity – and explore relationships linking gene evolution, enzymatic activity, and physiologic function.
Selected Topics of Interest for Future Research in Two-Phase Flow Analyses

Considerable progress in understanding and predicting various two-phase flow phenomena has been made by a combination of rigorous model development, a number of small and large scale experiments and advanced computational techniques. However, there are many important outstanding problems which require further research in this area. Selected topics among them are given below.
Friedreich’s Ataxia with Retained Reflexes

Genetic linkage analyses in 11 patients from 6 families with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) phenotype, including cardiomyopathy, but retained reflexes (FARR), are reported from the University of Naples and C Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy; and La Fe University Hospital, Spain.
Interaction of Staphylococci with Human B cells

Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of human infections worldwide. The pathogen produces numerous molecules that can interfere with recognition and binding by host innate immune cells, an initial step required for the ingestion and subsequent destruction of microbes by phagocytes. To better understand the interaction of this pathogen with human immune cells, we compared the association of S. aureus and S. epidermidis with leukocytes in human blood. We found that a significantly greater proportion of B cells associated with S. epidermidis relative to S. aureus. Complement components and complement receptors were important for the binding of B cells with S. epidermidis. Experiments using staphylococci inactivated by ultraviolet radiation and S. aureus isogenic deletion mutants indicated that S. aureus secretes molecules regulated by the SaeR/S two-component system that interfere with the ability of human B cells to bind this bacterium. We hypothesize that the relative inability of B cells to bind S. aureus contributes to the microbe’s success as a human pathogen.
History of Hip Arthroscopy in the USA

Anatomic constraints greatly contributed to the difficulty with arthroscopic hip access. Burman from New York, in 1931, did publish his experience on achieving intra-articular visualization in cadavers, but only in the peripheral compartment. In North America, clinical experience began in the early 1980s, following Glick and McCarthy’s development of dedicated hip distractors. Johnson, in a similar time frame, published his technique utilizing a fracture table in the supine position. Both portal access and hip-specific instrumentation have evolved significantly as procedural indications and complexity have expanded. Cartilage and labral imaging were greatly facilitated by Palmer and McCarthy’s publication on the use of gadolinium-enhanced arthro MRI scanning and oblique views. Potter’s pioneering work, at Hospital for Special Surgery, with multiplanar, thin-slice, high-resolution non-contrast MRI advanced understanding of both joint and soft-tissue pathology. Dgemric, initiated at Boston Children’s Hospital, furthered our understanding of early stages of cartilage wear. All of these developments, in concert with the work of international colleagues, have facilitated procedural advancements in the central and peripheral hip compartments and now to the extra-articular tissues.
Ophthalmic Surgery in Cirrhosis

When planning an eye surgery for patients with cirrhosis, as with any surgical intervention, it is important to assess their propensity for abnormal bleeding. This factor must be taken into consideration for both anesthesia as well as the selection of the surgical technique. In cases with a hypocoagulopathy, less invasive anesthesia techniques, including topical with or without intracameral, subconjunctival, and sub-Tenon injections, are safer choices. Whenever possible, it is best to avoid the use of a standard retrobulbar injection due to the risk of blindness from a retrobulbar hemorrhage.
The PAS domains of the major sporulation kinase in Bacillus subtilis play a role in tetramer formation that is essential for the autokinase activity.

Sporulation in Bacillus subtilis is induced upon starvation. In a widely accepted model, an N-terminal "sensor" domain of the major sporulation kinase KinA recognizes a hypothetical starvation signal(s) and autophosphorylates a histidine residue to activate the master regulator Spo0A via a multicomponent phosphorelay. However, to date no confirmed signal has been found. Here, we demonstrated that PAS-A, the most N-terminal of the three PAS domains (PAS-ABC), is dispensable for the activity, contrary to a previous report. Our data indicated that the autokinase activity is dependent on the formation of a functional tetramer, which is mediated by, at least, PAS-B and PAS-C. Additionally, we ruled out the previously proposed notion that NAD+ /NADH ratio controls KinA activity through the PAS-A domain by demonstrating that the cofactors show no effects on the kinase activity in vitro. In support of these data, we found that the cofactors exist in approximately 1000-fold excess of KinA in the cell and the cofactors' ratio does not change significantly during growth and sporulation, suggesting that changes in the cofactor ratio might not play a role in controlling KinA activity. These data may refute the widely-held belief that the activity of KinA is regulated in response to an unknown starvation signal(s).
The Relationship between Sexual Minority Status and Suicidal Ideations among Urban Hispanic Adolescents

ABSTRACTYouth identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ), and more specifically Hispanic youth identifying as LGBTQ, experience suicidal ideation (SI) at disproportionate rates. Furthermore, adolescents identifying as LGBTQ are likely to experience high rates of bullying, depression, and limited social support, increasing SI. Counselors often have difficulty working with youth at the intersection of sexual and ethnic minority statuses. Using structural equation modeling techniques, the present study examined sexual minority status as a predictor of school bullying, depression, social support, and SI, among urban Hispanic youth (N = 538). The authors also tested social support as a buffering mechanism.
Sinonasal quality of life after endoscopic resection of malignant sinonasal and skull base tumors

Objectives Improvement in sinonasal quality of life (QoL) following sinus surgery has been well-documented across the literature. To our knowledge, only one series has evaluated long-term QoL in patients undergoing tumor resection, and that study demonstrated no improvement in rhinologic QoL following malignant tumor resection at 2-year follow-up. The objective of the present study was to evaluate QoL in the 2 years following endoscopic malignant tumor resection. Methods A prospective cohort study was performed, including patients with both malignant and benign sinonasal tumors in a tertiary academic medical center. Patients undergoing endoscopic tumor resection who had completed Sinonasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22) questionnaires were included in the cohort. SNOT-22 questionnaires were administered preoperatively and over a 2-year follow-up period at clinic visits. Longitudinal linear mixed-effects regression was used to compare preoperative QoL to QoL over the 2 years following surgery. Results Among 145 patients included in this study, 64 had malignant tumors. There was a statistically significant improvement in SNOT-22 score from baseline to 2 years for patients with both malignant tumors (37.0, 95% confidence Interval [CI] 32.0–42.1 at baseline; 26.5 95% CI 20.8–32.2 at 2 years; P < 0.001) and benign tumors (26.5, 95% CI 21.4–30.4 at baseline; 12.9 95% CI 7.6–18.2 at 2 years; P < 0.001). Conclusion In contrast to previously reported series, in this cohort endoscopic resection of sinonasal tumors appears to be followed by an improvement in QoL, which is sustained over a 2-year period. Level of Evidence 2b. Laryngoscope, 2017
Anxiety and Ephemeral Social Media Use in Negative eWOM Creation

Abstract Consumers regularly share negative eWOM regarding brand experiences, yet the effects of emotions in this process are unknown. Using the framework of Stimulus–Organism–Response theory we operationalized our study in the context of ephemeral (self-deleting) social media. Across two studies, consumers experienced anxiety during the creation of eWOM, particularly after considering a negative brand experience. Anxiety was manifest in consumers' decisions to reduce the time availability of online messages and appeased by the use of ephemeral social media. This behavior, in theory, reduces the threat to consumers' impression management goals caused by sharing negative eWOM within their social networks. Further evidence is found as consumers limit (lengthen) message availability a) when including less (more) positive words in their messages, or b) when sharing about non-economic (economic) experiences. We discuss the implications of consumer emotion and anxiety on the availability of eWOM in social media.
Predictors of positive drinking outcomes among youth receiving an alcohol brief intervention in the emergency department.

Abstract Background Reducing underage drinking is a public health priority given increased risk for injury and other consequences. Emergency department (ED) visits offer a potential “teachable moment” to initiate interventions among youth engaged in risky drinking. Given mixed findings for alcohol brief interventions (BIs), this paper examined baseline markers of BI response in order to inform future interventions. Method We conducted secondary analyses of data from a randomized controlled trial of an alcohol BI delivered to youth in an ED. Among 475 participants (Mage = 18.6, SD = 1.4; 48.7% Female, 78.6% White/Caucasian) receiving a computer or therapist BI, we examined baseline characteristics (i.e., demographic, substance use, mood, risk/protective factors, and readiness to change) that predicted positive intervention response (i.e., BI responder) at 3-month follow-up using AUDIT-C scores (cut offs: Results Mediated logistic regression analysis (controlling for demographics) showed that greater readiness to change at baseline was positively related to BI response and baseline alcohol consumption was negatively related to BI response. Having a mentor was indirectly related to BI response via baseline alcohol consumption. Baseline readiness to change and alcohol consumption mediated the association between positive peer influences and BI response, whereas readiness to change mediated the relation between depression and BI response. Conclusion Findings suggest that BI response is influenced by protective social factors, such as positive peers and mentors, and depression, via baseline alcohol severity indicators (i.e., readiness to change, consumption), thus providing clues for enhancing the content and dose of early interventions.
30-Day readmission following outpatient rotator cuff repair: an analysis of 18,061 cases

ABSTRACTObjectives: The purpose of this study is to identify patient characteristics that increase risk for unplanned readmission within 30 days of an initial hospital stay after outpatient rotator cuff repair (RCR).Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed utilizing the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) datasets from 2012 to 2015. Patients were preliminarily included in the study based on the presence of a primary Common Procedural Terminology code for RCR (23410, 23412, 23420, and 29827). Only non-emergent, outpatient, and elective procedures performed on patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) ≤4 were considered. The primary outcome variables were 30-day unplanned readmission after outpatient surgery. Secondary analyses were implemented to establish reason and timing of readmission.Results: A total of 18,061 cases were reviewed, and 199 (1%) patients experienced 30-day unplanned readmission. Age ≥80 (OR = 2.13, p = 0.0276), COPD (OR = 1.75, p = 0.0354...
Molecularly Imprinted Polymers

Molecularly imprinted polymers are synthetic receptors for a targeted molecule. As such, they are analogues of the natural antibody–antigen systems. In this review, after a recounting of the early history of the general field, we specifically focus on the application of these polymers as sensors. In these applications, the polymers are paired with a reporting system, which may be electrical, electrochemical, optical, or gravimetric. The presence of the targeted molecule effects a change in the reporting agent, and a calibrated quantity of the target is recorded. In this review, we describe the imprinted polymer production processes, the techniques used for reporting, and the applications of the reported sensors. A brief survey of recent applications to gas-phase sensing is included, but the focus is primarily on the development of sensors for targets in solution. Included among the applications are those designed to detect toxic chemicals, toxins in foods, drugs, explosives, and pathogens. The application...
Patients preference in receiving phone call from oncologist after cancer diagnosis and before in person consultation.

e18044Background: Diagnosis of cancer creates an emotionally challenging time for patients. Waiting period between receiving diagnosis, and formal consultation with an Oncologist is associated with...
The Diffeomorphism Field Revisited

We revisit the dynamical action, developed in earlier studies [1-3], of the gravitational analog of Yang-Mills field, called the diffeomorphism field. We show an inconsistency in the construction of this action and solve it by a modification. The modified action becomes structurally similar to the Yang-Mills action. Then we explain the problems that arise from interpreting the diffemorphism field as a tensor. We leave out this interpretation, thereby also covariantization as a method to reach diffeomorphism invariance. By introducing corrections that involve affine connection coefficients we recover full diffeomorphism invariance in interactions of the diffeomorphism field with other fields. We also show that this approach maintains the spatial diffeomorphism invariance of the theory itself.
A Data-driven Approach for Fast Simulation of Robot Locomotion on Granular Media

In this paper, we propose a semi-empirical approach for simulating robot locomotion on granular media. We first develop a contact model based on the stick-slip behavior between rigid objects and granular grains, which is then learned through running extensive experiments. The contact model represents all possible contact wrenches that the granular substrate can provide as a convex volume, which our method formulates as constraints in an optimization-based contact force solver. During simulation, granular substrates are treated as rigid objects that allow penetration and the contact solver solves for wrenches that maximize frictional dissipation. We show that our method is able to simulate plausible interaction response with several granular media at interactive rates.
Evolution of sectoral emissions and contributions to mortality from particulate matter exposure in the Asia-Pacific region between 2010 and 2015

Abstract Anthropogenic emissions in the Asia-Pacific region have changed rapidly in recent years due to increasing industrialization and mobility, as well as the implementation of emission abatement controls. These changes are likely to have affected the region's burden of premature mortalities associated with exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5). However, the contribution of each sector and effectiveness of different policy measures has not yet been quantified. As such, this study estimates changes in regional anthropogenic emissions by sector between 2010 and 2015. These changes are combined with an existing high-resolution emissions inventory to estimate emissions for the year 2015. Using a chemistry-transport model, we then estimate (i) the total contribution of each sector to premature mortality in 2015; and (ii) the effects of changes in each sector's contribution to total PM2.5-driven premature mortalities between 2010 and 2015. We estimate that globally, 2,030,000 (95% CI: 1,770,000 to 2,280,000) PM2.5-driven premature mortalities are attributable to anthropogenic emissions in 2015 in Asia-Pacific with the top three sources being the agricultural, industrial, and residential sectors. Between 2010 and 2015, excluding the effects of changes in population distribution or other social factors, sustained growth in economic activity led to an estimated 99,000 (95% CI: 81,000 to 130,000) additional premature mortalities annually, primarily across India, Indonesia, and Bangladesh. Simultaneously, changes such as electrification of railroads and newly-introduced abatement measures, e.g. China's Action Plan on the Prevention and Control of Air Pollution, region-wide adoption of Euro IV/V/VI-compliant road vehicles, and implementation of fuel quality standards, resulted in an estimated total reduction of 76,000 (95% CI: 65,000 to 100,000) annual premature mortalities, primarily across East Asia, including China and Japan. These opposing drivers add to a net change of an additional 22,000 (95% CI: 12,000 to 33,000) PM2.5-driven annual premature mortalities between 2010 and 2015 associated with anthropogenic combustion emissions in Asia-Pacific.
Welfare and Federalism

For decades the rhetoric of federalism has been an important part of the debate over welfare reform. The alignments were predictable. Anti-big government conservatives argued for state and local control over welfare programs arrayed against New Deal liberals seeking federal funding and control.of those programs. Considering the predictable nature of these alignments and the stereotyped quality of most federalism rhetoric, skeptics might argue that this is an arena in which “the emperor has no clothes” on either side of this debate. I argue that this skepticism is partially, but only partially, justified. References to state or federal control serve as a proxy for a variety of underlying normative concerns - concerns that should indeed be taken seriously. Too often these concerns become detached from the empirical realities of life. Thus, the abstractions comprising the rhetoric of federalism serve to mask conflicts and lead us to apply our normative concerns to an idealized eighteenth century world, instead of our own. Rhetoric is substituted for hard thinking. After pulling apart the rhetoric of federalism I attempt to deepen the reader’s understanding of our underlying concerns in two ways. First, I review the historical development of one program - Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) - and apply the concerns underlying federalism arguments in light of that experience. The lesson I draw is that neither federal nor state control necessarily protects the concerns underlying federalism, and either can lead to results inconsistent with those concerns. Second, I consider the arguments for federal control of welfare in light of empirically based theories about the circumstances that will produce federal or state control over welfare functions. I conclude that federal control may indeed be linked with more generous programs, but supporters of federal control must reconceptualize the images and realities of welfare programs and emphasize the ties between welfare and economic development to achieve more generous welfare benefits on either federal or state level.
Knockout mouse models are predictive of malformations or embryo-fetal death in drug safety evaluations

Traditionally, understanding potential developmental toxicity from pharmaceutical exposures has been based on the results of ICH guideline studies in two species. However, support is growing for the use of weight of evidence approaches when communicating the risk of developmental toxicity, where the intended pharmacologic mode of action affects fundamental pathways in developmental biology or phenotypic data from genetically modified animals may increasingly be included in the overall assessment. Since some concern surrounds the use of data from knockout (KO) mice to accurately predict the risk for pharmaceutical modulation of a target, a deeper understanding of the relevance and predictivity of adverse developmental effects in KO mice for pharmacological target modulation is needed. To this end, we compared the results of embryo-fetal development (EFD) studies for 86 drugs approved by the FDA from 2017 to 2019 that also had KO mouse data available in the public domain. These comparisons demonstrate that data from KO mouse models are overall highly predictive of malformations or embryo-fetal lethality (MEFL) from EFD studies, but less so of a negative outcome in EFD studies. This information supports the use of embryo-fetal toxicity data in KO models as part of weight of evidence approaches in the communication of developmental toxicity risk of pharmaceutical compounds.
Post-infectious Encephalomyelitis

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system characterized by encephalopathy and polyfocal CNS neurological deficits, with higher incidence in children. It can be triggered by an immunological stressor such as an infection. It is important to differentiate ADEM from acute infectious encephalomyelitis because the mainstay of therapy for ADEM is immunosuppression such as with corticosteroids. ADEM is typically a monophasic syndrome with favorable outcome. However, recently described variants with antibody or paraneoplastic-associated disease may portend a relapsing course or require tumor screening. Examples of these include autoimmune astrocytopathies such as myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-IgG-associated encephalomyelitis and aquaporin 4 (AQP4)-associated neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD), as well as autoimmune encephalitides associated with antibodies against neuronal surface antigens such as N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDAR) receptor encephalitis. Additionally, it is critical to differentiate ADEM from a first attack of a chronic demyelinating disorder such as multiple sclerosis (MS).
Fracture resistance of cement-retained and screw-cement-retained milled posterior crowns with screw-access hole preparations before and after firing: An in vitro study.

Abstract Statement of problem When a cement-retained lithium disilicate crown needs to be removed, perforation is needed to reach the abutment screw. How this process affects its strength is unclear. Purpose The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the fracture strength of milled lithium disilicate implant crowns with screw-access holes created before and after the firing stages. Material and methods Nine implant replicas with stock abutments were embedded in acrylic resin. Forty-five lithium disilicate (IPS e.max CAD) crowns were designed, milled, and divided into groups. The control group had no screw access, the blue state group had the screw access created in the intermediate phase of the ceramic, and the postfiring group had the screw access created after firing. The crowns were cemented with a self-adhesive resin cement, placed in an incubator for 24 hours and then thermocycled. The screw-access holes were sealed with composite resin. The crowns were loaded to failure with a universal testing machine using a 1- mm-diameter ball at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min and a 5-kN cell load. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and the Tukey post hoc test (α=.05). Results Screw-access holes created before and after firing stages had a significant effect on the fracture resistance of lithium disilicate crowns (P=.002). No difference in fracture resistance was observed between the control group and the blue state group (P>.05), while the fracture resistance of the postfiring group was significantly lower than that of the control group and the blue state group (P Conclusions The fracture strength of lithium disilicate crowns was not affected by a screw-access hole created during the blue state of the ceramic followed by repair with composite resin. Creating a screw-access hole after firing the ceramic reduced fracture strength.
Ineffectual AEC1 differentiation from KRT8 hi transitional state without fibrosis is associated with fatal COVID-19 ARDS

COVID-19 ARDS is associated with prolonged ventilator dependence and high mortality, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Critical to the pathogenesis of ARDS is injury to the alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) barrier; clinical recovery requires epithelial regeneration. We previously identified a KRT8 hi transitional state that regenerating AEC2s adopt during differentiation into AEC1s, the persistence of which may be pathogenic in pulmonary fibrosis. Here, we hypothesize that ineffectual differentiation of transitional cells into AEC1s without fibrosis may perpetuate barrier permeability and poor clinical outcomes in COVID-19 ARDS. To test this hypothesis, we examined postmortem lung tissue of COVID-19 ARDS patients. We observed extensive AEC1 injury, rare mature AEC2s, and abundant transitional cells. Transitional cells were cuboidal, partially spread or, rarely, flat but did not express AEC1 markers. They formed monolayers on alveolar septa denuded of AEC1s but structurally normal without fibrosis. We conclude that ineffectual AEC1 differentiation from transitional AECs may perpetuate barrier permeability and respiratory failure in COVID-19 ARDS. In contrast to fibrosis, transitional AECs may retain the capacity for physiologic AEC1 regeneration with restoration of normal alveolar architecture and function. Novel therapies to promote AEC1 differentiation from transitional cells may accelerate barrier restitution and clinical recovery in ARDS.
Perioperative Management of Antithrombotic Medications: An Investigation into Current U. S. Ophthalmologic Recommendations.

Purpose: To investigate the availability and content of educational statements or recommendations disseminated by U. S. ophthalmologic organizations regarding perioperative management of antithrombotic agents for ophthalmic and orbital surgery, given the highly variable management of these agents by U. S. ophthalmologists and limited consensus recommendations in the literature. Methods: National U. S. ophthalmic surgical organization websites were systematically examined for educational statements, which were reviewed for discussion of perioperative management of antithrombotic agents including antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications. A “statement” was defined as either: (a) a guideline directed toward ophthalmologists or (b) a surgical/clinical educational posting directed toward ophthalmologists or patients. Results: Fourteen surgical organizations were identified, with eight of these publishing clinical/surgical educational statements. A total of 3408 organizational statements were identified, with 252 (7.4%) and 3156 (92.6%) statements directed toward physicians and patients, respectively. In total, 0.3% (9/3408) of statements discussed perioperative management of antithrombotics. These accounted for 0.8% (2/252) of ophthalmologist-directed statements and 0.2% (7/3156) of patient-directed statements. The majority of patient-directed statements (57.1%, 4/7) recommended that patients discuss antithrombotic cessation with their ophthalmologists, though ophthalmologist-directed information regarding these medications was scant or absent. Conclusions: Educational material from U. S. ophthalmologic organizations regarding perioperative management of antithrombotics is notably lacking despite the fact that ophthalmic and orbital surgeries carry unique vision-threatening hemorrhagic risks. Given these risks, as well as the medicolegal consequences of hemorrhagic complications in ophthalmic surgery, increased dissemination of educational material, and consensus statements by ophthalmic surgical organizations on the perioperative management of antithrombotics may be justified.
Preliminary Study of the Open Quotient in an Ex Vivo Perfused Human Larynx.

Importance Scientific understanding of human voice production to date is a product of indirect investigations including animal models, cadaveric tissue study, or computational modeling. To our knowledge, direct experimentation of human voice production has previously not been possible owing to its invasive nature. The feasibility of an ex vivo perfused human phonatory model has recently allowed systematic investigation in virtually living human larynges with parametric laryngeal muscle stimulation. Objective To investigate the association between adductor muscle group stimulation and the open quotient (OQ) (the fraction of the cycle during which the glottis remains open) of vocal fold vibration. Design, Setting, and Participants An ex vivo perfused human tissue study was conducted at a physiology laboratory. Human larynx recovered from organ donors within 2 hours of cardiac death was used. The study was performed on May 19, 2014; data analysis took place from June 1, 2014, to December 15, 2014. Interventions Perfusion with donated human blood was reestablished shortly after cardiac death. Ex vivo perfused human phonation was then achieved by providing subglottal airflow under graded neuromuscular electrical stimulation bilaterally to the intrinsic adductor groups and cricothyroid muscles. Main Outcomes and Measures Phonation resulting from the graded states of neuromuscular stimulation was evaluated using high-speed vibratory imaging; the OQ was derived through digital kymography and glottal area waveform analysis. Results During constant glottal flow, a stepwise increase in adductor muscle group stimulation decreased the OQ. Quantitatively, OQ values decreased with increased stimulation levels from 2 V (OQ, 1) to 5 V (OQ, 0.68) and reached a lower limit of 8 V (OQ, 0.42). Increased stimulation above maximal muscle deformation was unable to affect OQ beyond this lower limit. Conclusions and Relevance To our knowledge, a negative association between adductor muscle group stimulation and phonatory OQ has been demonstrated for the first time in a neuromuscularly activated human larynx. Further experience with the ex vivo perfused human phonatory model will aid in systematically defining this causal relationship.
Effect of cations on activation of Bacillus popilliae spores.

Abstract Splittstoesser, D. F. (Cornell University, Geneva, N.Y.), and D. F. Farkas. Effect of cations on activation of Bacillus popilliae spores. J. Bacteriol. 92: 995–1001. 1966.—Cations affected the rate at which dormant Bacillus popilliae spores were heat-activated. Maximal rates were achieved in calcium solution at pH 7 or in tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane buffer at pH 9 to 10. A combination of calcium plus an alkaline pH, however, retarded activation. The rates also were markedly reduced by potassium and hydrogen ions but were not affected by sodium, cesium, or lithium. Divalent cations may be required for activation since ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid also inhibited, and potassium was shown to be competing with calcium for some active site.
Spectrum reassignment in a class of vibrationally controlled linear systems with time delays

The authors address the problem of spectrum reassignment in the averaged description of the vibrationally controlled time delay system in terms of the parameters of the vibrations. The formulas presented facilitate a search for stabilizing vibrations for a class of time-lag systems. Robustness of correction terms with respect to delays is also discussed. >
Pearl Millet in Diets of White Pekin Ducks

Abstract In two 21-d experiments, the performance, nutrient utilization, and carcass composition of ducks fed diets containing pearl millet were compared with those fed diets containing corn. Corn, in diets at two protein levels (22 vs 18% in Experiment 1 and 22 vs 16% in Experiment 2), was replaced by pearl millet either on an equal-weight or isonitrogenous basis. During the first 2 wk of the first experiment, corn diets compared on an isonitrogenous basis were superior (P
Simulation of a MEMS RF Filter

We simulate the motions in a MEMS bandpass Radio-Frequency (RF) filter. The filter model is obtained by discretizing the Lagrangian of the distributed-parameter system using a Galerkin procedure. The Euler-Lagrange equations are then used to obtain a two-degree-of-freedom model consisting of two non-linearly coupled ordinary-differential equations of motion. We use the model to study the transmission characteristics of a bandpass filter made up of two coupled resonators. Three distinct response regimes, separated by two critical amplification levels Vcr1 and Vcr2 , are identified in the filter response. For amplification levels up to Vcr1 , the pass signal is artifact free. Two types of artifacts due to the filter dynamics appear and distort the signal for amplification levels beyond Vcr1 .Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Automatic image analysis and spot classification for detection of pathogenic Escherichia coli on glass slide DNA microarrays

A computer algorithm was created to analyze and quantify scanned images from DNA microarray slides developed for detecting pathogenic Escherichia coli isolates recovered from agricultural food products. The algorithm computed centroid locations for signal and background pixel intensities in RGB space and defined a plane perpendicular to the line connecting the centroids as a decision boundary. The algorithm was tested on 1534 potential spot locations which were visually classified depending on the strength of the signal. Three other standard measures of SNR (SSR, SBR, and SSDR) were also performed for each potential spot location. The number of errors as compared to visual classifications was computed for each of the four measures. SSR and SSDR, which depend on pixel intensity standard deviations, performed poorly with high false positive results, while the current algorithm and SBR, which were independent of standard deviations, performed much better. Overall error rates were 1.4% for the reported algorithm, 2.0% for SBR, 14.2% for SSDR, and 16.8% for SSR.