cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relation of statin use with non-melanoma skin cancer: prospective results from the Women’s Health Initiative

The relationship between statin use and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is unclear with conflicting findings in literature. Data from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) Observational Study and WHI Clinical Trial were used to investigate the prospective relationship between statin use and NMSC in non-Hispanic white (NHW) postmenopausal women. The WHI study enrolled women aged 50–79 years at 40 US centres. Among 133 541 NHW participants, 118 357 with no cancer history at baseline and complete medication/covariate data comprised the analytic cohort. The association of statin use (baseline, overall as a time-varying variable, duration, type, potency, lipophilicity) and NMSC incidence was determined using random-effects logistic regression models. Over a mean of 10.5 years of follow-up, we identified 11 555 NMSC cases. Compared with participants with no statin use, use of any statin at baseline was associated with significantly increased NMSC incidence (adjusted odds ratio (ORadj) 1.21; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07–1.35)). In particular, lovastatin (OR 1.52; 95% CI: 1.08–2.16), simvastatin (OR 1.38; 95% CI: 1.12–1.69), and lipophilic statins (OR 1.39; 95% CI: 1.18–1.64) were associated with higher NMSC risk. Low and high, but not medium, potency statins were associated with higher NMSC risk. No significant effect modification of the statin–NMSC relationship was found for age, BMI, smoking, solar irradiation, vitamin D use, and skin cancer history. Use of statins, particularly lipophilic statins, was associated with increased NMSC risk in postmenopausal white women in the WHI cohort. The lack of duration–effect relationship points to possible residual confounding. Additional prospective research should further investigate this relationship.
Environmental Regulation and Enforcement: Structures, Processes and the Use of Data for Fraud Detection

Several major environmental programmes require regulated entities to measure and self-report pollutant levels to state regulatory agencies. This data is used to assess compliance, but critics suggest that it could be used more effectively to detect fraud in self-reports, a criminal offense. Efforts to develop and implement fraud detection tools are restricted by a lack of knowledge regarding how regulatory and enforcement systems operate in regulatory agencies and whether/how data is used, particularly for fraud detection. To address this gap in knowledge, we conducted a case study of these issues in one state environmental agency. We triangulate interview, focus group and observational data to describe the current system and assess points in the system in which data is being used. We draw upon organisational learning theory to suggest the ways to use data more effectively in the future, particularly to improve fraud detection.
THE EFFECT OF LASER PULSE RISE AND FALL TIME ON MAGNETO-OPTICAL RECORDING

An experimental and computer simulation study of the effect of writing laser pulse rise and fall time on magneto-optic recording performance was performed. We find that reducing the rise/fall time improves the writing efficiency and power margins, as well as improving peak shift and jitter, leading to improved detection margins.
Adsorbate Diffusion on Transition Metal Nanoparticles

Diffusion of adsorbates on transition metal nanoparticles is a precursor process for heterogeneously catalyzed reactions, and as a result, an atomistic understanding of the diffusion mechanism is very important. We systematically studied adsorption and diffusion of atomic and diatomic species (H, C, N, O, CO, and NO) on nanometer-sized Pt and Cu nanoparticles with different sizes and shapes using density functional theory calculations. We show that nanoparticles bind adsorbates more strongly than the corresponding extended single crystal metal surfaces. We find that there is a Bronsted–Evans–Polanyi-type linear correlation between the transition state energy and the initial state energy for adsorbate diffusion across the edges of Pt and Cu nanoparticles. We further show that the barrier for adsorbate diffusion across the nanoparticles edges can be estimated by the binding energy of the adsorbate on the nanoparticles. These results provide useful insights for understanding diffusion-mediated chemical react...
Ways to Commit Autoinfanticide

Is it possible for Suzy to travel back in time and kill her infant self? Vihvelin (1996) and Vranas (2009) hold that autoinfanticide is logically/metaphysically possible but physically impossible. Horacek (2005) believes that autoinfanticide has a nonzero chance of occurring and so is physically possible, but believes that autoinfanticide is metaphysically impossible. To sort out these issues, I describe six ways to commit autoinfanticide; for all six, there is a case to be made for their physical and metaphysical possibility.
Growth and Survival of Japanese Beetle Larvae Reared in Different Media

Fox and Ludwig (1937), in their discussion of methods for the rearing of scarabaeid larvae, stated that the medium used in the rearing boxes may be varied in nature and composition, the main considerations being its capacity to hold moisture and supply food. For this purpose, the use of a vegetable mold, sifted plant detritus, was advocated because it has a high water-holding capacity, losing moisture more slowly than mineral soils and becoming wet less readily when water is added. They stated further that vegetable mold is readily consumed by scarabaeid larvae, Japanese beetles having been reared from egg to adult in this medium alone, although development is more rapid if other food, such as grains of wheat, is added. With this species they report that the best results were obtained when several grains of wheat were added to the plant mold at intervals of about a week during the growing period, the larvae feeding on the grain itself and on the growing rootlets as well as on the mold.
DROPLET DYNAMICS IN THERMAL SPRAYING COATING PROCESSES

Modeling of highly deformable free surface problems presents a great challenge to numerical analysts and computational scientists. Two basic approaches have been used to simulate this kind of problem. One is based on the interface track method in which a deforming finite element with adaptive grid scheme has been employed so that the free surface can be tracked explicitly using the Lagrangian algorithms. Although this method can achieve high resolution at the interface but it is difficult to handle the large deformation and free surface breakup problems. Another approached is based on the volume tracking method, such as volume of fluid (VOF) scheme, in which a finite difference technique with a fixed grid system is used. The VOF method suffers from difficulty in calculating the curvature of free surface from volume fraction. However, the method is easy to use and implement. Beside the VOF method level set methods is also in this category and is widely used to simulate the bubble formation and impact. It can accurately compute the free surface flows with surface tension at complex topology. In plasma spraying, micro-droplet soldering and inkjet printer applications, droplet inflight and impact are important. During simulation, inflight spherical droplet without deformation is usually assumed and its heat transfer and solidification are calculated using either a zero- or a onedimensional model. During droplet impact simulation, a spherical droplet with constant velocity and uniform temperature is usually assumed as initial geometry and condition. The droplet-gas interaction is neglected. In the experiments, melt flow inside the particle will influence the shear stress on the droplet surface, and it will significantly change the drag force of the droplet. Also, surface tension force will cause droplet oscillation, all phenomena are important and have neglected in the modeling. In this paper, a numerical model based on the level set method is developed to simulate the droplet deformation during inflight and spreading after impact. The level set function will be used to track the deformation of the droplet free surfaces. The capability of the model on accurately and efficiently modeling the droplet deformation and oscillation will be demonstrated, and the model will be used to study the melt flow inside the droplet, and deformation of free surface. Particles with different morphologies, especially, hollow particles, are widely used in plasma spraying. For example, YSZ hollow particles are used in thermal barrier coating, which will produce coatings have lower thermal conductivity. The effects of droplet size and morphology on the deformation have been investigated.
Lanekeeping at the Limits of Handling: Stability via Lyapunov Functions and a Comparison With Stability Control

Lanekeeping assistance systems and stability control systems both seek to control the yaw behavior of the vehicle. However, lanekeeping systems are typically thought of as linear systems, while stability control systems are explicitly designed to work at the limits of handling. In order to bring these two systems together, there is a need to investigate lanekeeping up to and beyond the limits of handling. This paper presents a nonlinear tire model suitable for analyzing the behavior of a lanekeeping system at all points along the tire curve and a method for finding common quadratic Lyapunov functions to prove stability. The results show that the lanekeeping system is stable well into the nonlinear tire region. This stability holds even under changes in the lanekeeping gain and the understeering/oversteering characteristics of the vehicle. The results suggest that future safety systems could benefit from incorporating integrated lanekeeping and stability control functionality.© 2008 ASME
Acute and Chronic Splanchnic Blood Flow Responses to Portacaval Shunt in the Normal Dog

Portacaval shunt increases hepatic arterial blood flow, and the magnitude of this response is important clinically. To document persistence of this hyperemia we measured splanchnic regional blood flow by the microsphere technique before and after end-to-side portacaval shunt in dogs. The immediate postshunt increase in hepatic arterial blood flow returned to control 3 wk later, replaced by increases in pancreatic, duodenal, and jejunal blood flow. Any hypothesis for the compensatory relationship between hepatic arterial and portal venous blood flows needs to encompass these results.
SU-F-R-12: Prediction of TrueBeam Hardware Issues Using Trajectory Log Analysis

Purpose: To predict potential failures of hardware within the Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator in order to proactively replace parts and decrease machine downtime. Methods: Machine downtime is a problem for all radiation oncology departments and vendors. Most often it is the result of unexpected equipment failure, and increased due to lack of in-house clinical engineering support. Preventative maintenance attempts to assuage downtime, but often is ineffective at preemptively preventing many failure modes such as MLC motor failures, the need to tighten a gantry chain, or the replacement of a jaw motor, among other things. To attempt to alleviate downtime, software was developed in house that determines the maximum value of each axis enumerated in the Truebeam trajectory log files. After patient treatments, this data is stored in a SQL database. Microsoft Power BI is used to plot the average maximum error of each day of each machine as a function of time. The results are then correlated with actual faults that occurred at the machine with the help of Varian service engineers. Results: Over the course of six months, 76,312 trajectory logs have been written into the database and plotted in Power BI. Throughout the course of analysis MLC motors have been replaced on three machines due to the early warning of the trajectory log analysis. The service engineers have also been alerted to possible gantry issues on one occasion due to the aforementioned analysis. Conclusion: Analyzing the trajectory log data is a viable and effective early warning system for potential failures of the TrueBeam linear accelerator. With further analysis and tightening of the tolerance values used to determine a possible imminent failure, it should be possible to pinpoint future issues more thoroughly and for more axes of motion.
Regulation of Acetylcholine Release From Rodent Cerebrum by Presynaptic Receptors, Methionine Enkephalin and Substance P

Acetylcholine (ACh) is released both spontaneously and upon electrical stimulation of the nerve (9). Both are dependent upon the influx of extracellular Ca++ ions. The occurrence of spontaneous release of ACh suggests that there is a steady state level of ACh in the biophase of synaptic gaps and that there may be equilibrium between the rates of influx and efflux for Ca++ ions. An ACh-amplification mechanism which suggests that the amount of ACh released by a nerve impulse is too little to effect synaptic transmission has been postulated by Koelle (8), but this ACh quickly releases further quantities of ACh to induce a postsynaptic response. A positive feedback mechanism is implicit in Koelle’s postulate because when the released amount of ACh is small, it can flood the nerve terminal to activate presynaptic cholinergic receptors, which results in the stimulation of ACh release. These presynaptic cholinergic receptors seem to be of muscarinic type (Ms) because they are activated by classical muscarinic agonists. So far, no selective agonists or antagonists have been described for these cholinergic receptors.
Corporate Sustainability: A Framework to Guide Academic Research and Corporate Practice

This article proposes an updated and comprehensive sustainability framework to evaluate and guide academic research and corporate practice with respect to corporate sustainability.
Sweet Salvation: One Black Church, Diabetes Outreach, and Trust

Memories of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study persist in the minds of many in the African American community and informs both individual and group responses when exposed to the clinical gaze. However, the contemporary political value of diversity drives new forms of inclusion in both medical research projects and public health programs linking race, risk, and disease. This article is based in part on community-based participant observation and clinical fieldwork in Rochester, New York from 2008 to 2013. I provide an ethnographic narrative of one church's Type 2 diabetes outreach efforts amid the diversity of the African American racial category in which the postcolonial subject is as embedded as the post-Jim Crow citizen. I examine the gendered problematics involved in establishing trust toward achieving robust outreach and recruitment goals within church spaces. This article aims to contribute to the literature on community health practices, the anthropology of trust, the sociology of knowledge, religion, and the study of race as a social category.
The sketch is blank: No evidence for an explanatory role for cultural group selection

As evidence that cultural group selection has occurred, Richerson et al. simply retrodict that humans use language, punish each other, and have religion. This is a meager empirical haul after 30 years. This contrasts sharply with the adaptationist approach to human behavior - evolutionary psychology - which has produced scores of novel, specific, and empirically confirmed predictions.
Ex Vivo Expansion of Cord Blood Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells in a Wharton’s Jelly and Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Based Co-Culture System

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is of great value by providing transplantable hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). Compared with HSPCs from adult bone marrow and periferial blood, UCB cells are more primitive with higher proliferation ability, and UCB HSPC transplantation requires less HLA matching. The major problems in UCB transplantation is the limited number of transplantable cells in each unit which are often insufficient for transplantation in adults In order to elucidate the effects of the main components of bone marrow on cord blood CD34+ expansion, freshly enriched cord blood CD34+ cells were cultured in contact with bone marrow stromal cell (BM-MSC) monolayer, BM-MSCs pre-seeded in decellularized Wharton9s jelly matrix (DWJM), and in DWJM alone, as well as separated by a transwell preventing the physical contact between CD34+ cells and BM-MSCs in a medium supplemented with a cytokine cocktail including Flt-3 igand, stem cell factor, and thrombopoietin. Expansion patterns were analyzed by CD34+ and CD45+ expansion, as well as colony-forming unit (CFU) assay. We found that the number of CFU increases significantly in cord blood CD34+ cells co-cultured with BM-MSCs in DWJM compared to that of control. Particularly, the increase in CFU-GEMM, BFU-E and CFU-GM number is more significant compared to other colonies. Importantly, DWJM alone is not able to increase CFU numbers compared to that of the control indicating there is a synergistic effect between DWJM and BM-MSCs on cell stemness. Surprisingly, BM-MSCs in DWJM also increses CD34+ cell expansion by 2 to 3 fold after one week culture, presumably from enhanced ablilty of self-renewal from CD34+ cells. Therefore, our data suggest DWJM synergizes with BM-MSCs to increase CD34 cell stemness, which can potentially be used in the clinic therapy. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
The Effect of Propensity Score Matching Method on the Quantity and Quality of Matches

ABSTRACTOften program administrators are interested in knowing how students benefit from participation in programs compared to students who do not participate. Such comparisons may be sullied by the fact that participants self-select into programs, resulting in differences between groups prior to programming. By controlling for researcher-identified–self-selection variables, propensity score matching enables researchers to create comparable matched groups. However, when employing propensity score matching, researchers are faced with a plethora of matching options. In the current study, we compared the quantity and quality of matches obtained when applying common matching techniques to real data. The methods produced matches of varying quantity and quality. Moreover, group comparisons on the outcome led to different conclusions depending on the matching method employed.
Predictors of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Placement in Middle Cerebral Artery Acute Ischemic Stroke and Stroke Laterality (P02.018)

OBJECTIVE: To examine predictors of PEG placement in patients with MCA territory stroke. BACKGROUND: Dysphagia is a common complication after strokes involving the cerebral hemispheres. If persistent, alternative means of nutrition including percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube feeding are necessary. Predictors of PEG tube placement in patients with middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory strokes have not been examined. We also determined if laterality (right vs. left) of stroke predicted PEG tube placement in this subset of patients. DESIGN/METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed existing data in our institution9s stroke database of patients presenting to Hartford Hospital with an acute ischemic MCA stroke between January 2005 and December 2010. Demographic, clinical (e.g. NIHSS on admission, intervention done) and swallowing data (e.g. timing of swallowing, number of swallow evaluations before PEG placement, dysphagia severity) were gathered. Volume of infarction of patients who underwent PEG was calculated. All variables that showed statistical difference (p RESULTS: 157 patients were included. The variables NIHSS on admission, administration of IA or IV tPA, aspiration pneumonia and ability to be assessed on first swallow evaluations were entered into the multivariate logistic regression analysis after determining that these variables with the exception of arterial and venous thrombolytic administration were independent predictors of PEG placement. Stroke laterality was not an independent predictor of PEG placement. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that high NIHSS on admission, aspiration pneumonia and inability to undergo first swallow evaluation are independent predictors of PEG placement in patients with acute MCA strokes. This knowledge can be used for early identification of patients that require PEG tube placement to provide prompt nutritional support. Supported by: Hartford Hospital Research Center grant. Disclosure: Dr. San Luis has nothing to disclose. Dr. McCullough has received personal compensation for activities with Genentech, Inc. Dr. Ollenschleger has nothing to disclose. Dr. Staff has nothing to disclose. Dr. Fortunato has nothing to disclose.
The Structures of Political Theory

Political theorists historically occupy a specific place: They either seek or enjoy the favor of the powerful. Theory written from this standpoint is obviously biased toward the state and its functionaries. Writing and reading about utopias is likewise enjoyable; this enjoyment biases political theory toward simple and comprehensive approaches. Increasingly, however, political theory and history are written from independent positions, from which power may be criticized freely, and from which new subjects of examination take precedence. New forms of history and theory are therefore being produced.
Parenchymzelle der Leber

Die vorliegende Aufnahme einer Parenchymzelle der Leber (Ausschnitt) zeigt einige von jenen morphologischen Details, die erst durch die Elektronenmikroskopie entdeckt wurden und dient uns zur Einfuhrung in die Vielzahl der Systeme und Organellen, die wir in diesen und anderen Zellen antreffen. Selbst bei relativ niedriger Vergroserung werden die Grundzuge der Feinstruktur, die fur die Zellbestandteile kennzeichnend sind, auf Grund des hoheren Auflosungsvermogens des Elektronenmikroskops deutlich sichtbar.
Statistical Models to Predict and Assess Spatial and Temporal Low-Flow Variability in New England Rivers and Streams

In the northern hemisphere, summer low flows are a key attribute defining both quantity and quality of aquatic habitat. I developed one set of models for New England streams/rivers predicting July/August median flows averaged across 1985 to 2015 as a function of weather, slope, % imperviousness, watershed storage, glacial geology and soils. These models performed better than most USGS models for summer flows developed at a statewide scale. I developed a second set of models predicting interannual differences in summer flows as a function of differences in air temperature, precipitation, the North Atlantic Oscillation Index (NAO), and lagged NAO. Use of difference equations eliminated the need for transformations and accounted for serial autocorrelations at lag 1. The models were used in sequence to estimate time series for monthly low flows and for two derived flow metrics (tenth percentile (Q10) and minimum 3-in-5 year average flows). The first metric is commonly used in assessing risk to low flow conditions over time while the second has been correlated with increased probability of localized extinctions for brook trout. The flow metrics showed increasing trends across most of New England for 1985-2015. However, application of summer flow models with average and extreme climate projections to the Taunton River, MA, a sensitive watershed undergoing rapid development, projected that low flow metrics will decrease over the next 50 years.
Retreat of Thwaites Glacier, West Antarctica, over the next 100 years using various ice flow models, ice shelf melt scenarios and basal friction laws

Abstract. Thwaites Glacier (TG), West Antarctica, has experienced rapid, potentially irreversible grounding line retreat and mass loss in response to enhanced ice shelf melting. Results from recent numerical models suggest a large spread in the evolution of the glacier in the coming decades to a century. It is therefore important to investigate how different approximations of the ice stress balance, parameterizations of basal friction and ice shelf melt parameterizations may affect projections. Here, we simulate the evolution of TG using ice sheet models of varying levels of complexity, different basal friction laws and ice shelf melt to quantify their effect on the projections. We find that the grounding line retreat and its sensitivity to ice shelf melt are enhanced when a full-Stokes model is used, a Budd friction is used and ice shelf melt is applied on partially floating elements. Initial conditions also impact the model results. Yet, all simulations suggest a rapid, sustained retreat of the glacier along the same preferred pathway. The fastest retreat rate occurs on the eastern side of the glacier, and the slowest retreat occurs across a subglacial ridge on the western side. All the simulations indicate that TG will undergo an accelerated retreat once the glacier retreats past the western subglacial ridge. Combining all the simulations, we find that the uncertainty of the projections is small in the first 30 years, with a cumulative contribution to sea level rise of 5 mm, similar to the current rate. After 30 years, the contribution to sea level depends on the model configurations, with differences up to 300 % over the next 100 years, ranging from 14 to 42 mm.
Clinical Epidemiology of Chronic Liver Disease: Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the world. Incidence of HCC is expected to increase in the future with much of this burden concentrated in developing nations, currently accounting for 83% of total HCC deaths. Worldwide rates of HCC vary dramatically by region, reflecting major epidemiologic differences. Incidence is higher in men and the elderly. Chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C viral infections are the leading causes of HCC with rising rates of obesity, diabetes and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis playing an ever-increasing role in the development and progression of HCC. To develop effective region specific prevention, screening and management strategies will require close examination of the epidemiology of HCC. In this chapter, we aim to explore the global epidemiologic aspects of HCC with a focus on current trends and the risk factors that contribute to these trends.
Gregg Deal's White Indian (2016): The Decolonial Possibilities of Museum Performance

Gregg Deal (Pyramid Lake Paiute) is a performance and visual artist whose work deals explicitly in decolonizing the contemporary experience of Indigenous peoples. An analysis of his performance ofWhite Indian in 2016 at the Denver Art Museum opens up the possibilities of performance as a method for museums to decolonize their spaces and curation.
Culture, Pedagogy, and Power: Issues in the Production of Values and Colonialization:

The problem of culture contains contradictory social interests. It gives reference in current political debates about the role of dominant traditions and disenfranchised groups, providing a point o...
Against epistemic pessimism about moral testimony

My aim in this paper is to argue against what I call “epistemic” pessimism about moral testimony. Epistemic pessimists argue that moral testimony fails to transmit epistemic warrant as non-moral testimony does. I reject epistemic pessimism by defending the No Difference Thesis, that there is no in principle difference between the transmission of epistemic warrant by moral and non-moral testimony. The main thrust of my argument is that there is a good prima facie case to be made for the thesis, namely, that it is supported by all of the major current epistemological views of testimonial warrant, both reductionist and non-reductionist. After making this case, I consider five pessimist attempts to undermine the No Difference Thesis, and argue that none of these attempts succeeds. So, in the absence of any other compelling criticisms, we are justified in rejecting epistemic pessimism and accepting the No Difference Thesis.
Painful Vesicular Eruption on the Index Finger of a Butcher.

A man who worked as a butcher presented with erythema, swelling, and painful lesions on his index finger that did not resolve with antibiotics. Plain radiography did not show bony abnormalities.
Context-Dependent and Context-Independent Effects of D1 Receptor Antagonism in the Basolateral and Central Amygdala during Cocaine Self-Administration

One way that drugs of abuse perturb the dopamine system is by triggering large amounts of extracellular dopamine to efflux into limbic regions. The basolateral (BLA) and central (CeA) nuclei of the amygdala have been shown to play distinct roles in value representation of primary and conditioned reward. However, the precise role of dopaminergic receptors in the BLA and the CeA during reward-related behaviors remains to be determined. Here we investigate the effects of dopamine D1 receptor blockade in the BLA and the CeA during asymptotic performance of cocaine self-administration and in a novel application of contextual renewal under continued access conditions. After more than three weeks of chained seek-take self-administration of cocaine, male Long Evans rats were given a bilateral intra-BLA or intra-CeA infusion of the D1 antagonist SCH-23390 (2 µg/0.3 µl) for multiple days. Intra-BLA D1 receptor blockade before, but not after the self-administration session, gradually suppressed drug seeking and taking responses and persisted with a change in context with continued D1 blockade. In contrast, intra-CeA D1 receptor blockade caused a rapid reduction in self-administration that showed renewal with a change in context with continued D1 blockade. Further, conditioned place aversion developed with intra-BLA but not intra-CeA infusions. Collectively, these results demonstrate that dopamine D1 receptors in the BLA and CeA both contribute to drug seeking and taking, but may do so through distinct mechanisms.
Modeling and simulation of complex dynamic musculoskeletal architectures.

Natural creatures, from fish and cephalopods to snakes and birds, combine neural control, sensory feedback and compliant mechanics to effectively operate across dynamic, uncertain environments. In order to facilitate the understanding of the biophysical mechanisms at play and to streamline their potential use in engineering applications, we present here a versatile numerical approach to the simulation of musculoskeletal architectures. It relies on the assembly of heterogenous, active and passive Cosserat rods into dynamic structures that model bones, tendons, ligaments, fibers and muscle connectivity. We demonstrate its utility in a range of problems involving biological and soft robotic scenarios across scales and environments: from the engineering of millimeter-long bio-hybrid robots to the synthesis and reconstruction of complex musculoskeletal systems. The versatility of this methodology offers a framework to aid forward and inverse bioengineering designs as well as fundamental discovery in the functioning of living organisms. Natural creatures, from fish to snake and birds, combine neural control, sensory feedback and compliant mechanics to operate across uncertain environments. Here the authors present a versatile modeling approach to the dynamic simulation of their architectures based on the assembly of Cosserat rods.
Some Easily Missed Fractures or Dislocations

Some fractures or dislocations may be hard to recognize initially due to overlapping structures, lack of familiarity on the part of the interpreter, or subtleness. Therefore careful evaluation for these hard to spot lesions should be undertaken to prevent delay in treatment. The several examples of easily missed injuries are presented in this chapter.
Endogenous Gender Roles: Evidence From Africa's Gold Mining Industry

Does industrial development change gender roles? This is the first paper to causally explore the effects of a continent-wide expansion of a modern industry on gender roles, captured by attitudes and behaviors. Identification relies on plausibly exogenous spatial-temporal variation in gold mining in Africa. The establishment of industrial-scale mines induces female empowerment—justification of domestic violence decreases by 19%, women have better access to healthcare, and are 31% more likely to work in services— alongside rapid economic growth. Findings are robust to assumptions about trends, distance, and migration and show that gender roles can change rapidly with economic development.
Life in Stalin’s Soviet Union

Historical attention to the quotidian and habitual aspects of life generates fascinating insights. All the more so when the historical era in question is as tumultuous a period as the Stalin era. H...
Exploring the Rhetoric: How State Gender Diversity Laws Address Rights for Gender-Diverse Students

In 2017, the Trump Administration withdrew Obama-era civil rights protections for transgender students in public school in the United States (US). Thus, policies regarding the rights and treatment of sex-/gender-diverse persons—primarily gender non-conforming students—were left in the hands of states and school districts. This article begins with a summary of recent changes in US state educational legislation and policies that purport to help protect gender-diverse students. It then analyzes over twenty hours of public comment at community school district meetings, highlighting opposing rhetoric associated with gender diversity via state educational policy reform for one state in the US—Nevada. Understandings of “rights” and of “safety” are at the core of public statements on gender diversity policies. We analyzed these statements to support the argument that social justice-oriented approaches to educational learning environments are key to empowering administrators, educators, students, and communities—both conceptually and practically. Discussions and findings are intended for use in gender diversity policy education, future advocacy, research, and training. We ask: after passing such legislation, how does the state enforce holistic inclusion based on gender identity? We argue that examining strategies initiated by communities, educators, students, parents, and schools to counteract the marginalization of disadvantaged youth might help in this endeavor.
The Effectiveness of a Preventive Recall Strategy in Children Following Dental Rehabilitation Under General Anesthesia

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A PREVENTIVE RECALL STRATEGY IN CHILDREN FOLLOWING DENTAL REHABILITATION UNDER GENERAL ANESTHESIA By Katherine Anne Nordeen, DDS A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2015 Thesis Advisor: Elizabeth Berry, DDS, MPH, MSD Vice Chair, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatric Dentistry Purpose: This was a pilot study to assess the impact of a preventive strategy following fullmouth dental rehabilitation (FMDR) under general anesthesia in children with early childhood dental caries. Methods: Sixty-six patients completed FMDR and were included in the analysis. At the consultation visit, caries risk assessment (CRA) and dental exam information were recorded, and caregivers completed an oral health knowledge (OHK) questionnaire. Patients returned for a post-surgery and recall visit. Caregivers received oral hygiene instructions in a motivational-
Conformational studies on helicenes—V : Alteration of the conformation of helicenes by annelation of benzo groups

Abstract Analysis of the NMR spectra of five heptahelicenes and some related compounds reveals that annelation of heptahelicene by one or more benzo groups results in a conformational change of the helix. The extent and direction of this change was deduced correctly from the NMR spectra by application only of the ring current theory and the influence of Van der Waals forces, as could be established from the X-ray analyses of heptahelicene and the tribenzo derivative 12.
Saturation of stimulated Brillouin backscatter

Stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) is of much concern to laser fusion, since a significant fraction of the incident light is prevented from reaching the critical density surface. In recent years, experiments have identified SBS in laser plasma interactions (1–5). Lack of reproducibility and the short temporal and spatial scales involved in laser-pellet fusion present serious obstacles to the study of SBS. Therefore, we have performed microwave-plasma interaction studies which are more amenable to a detailed investigation of the physics. Studies of SBS in an underdense plasma n = 0.1 n with a microwave driver have previously shown (6–9) the importance of small coherent chamber wall reflections (rw ≲ 5%) in seeding the ion density fluctuations. For the case rw ≲ 1.5%. saturation of the SBS reflectivity at R ≃ 3–4% associated with ion wave saturation at n/no ≃ 5% appears to be due to ion tail heating (8,9). However, this interpretation is complicated by electron heating (which reduces vo/ve) and by small profile modifications (≲ 10%). These effects have been eliminated as major ion wave saturating mechanisms in SBS by the use of an optical mixing technique (8).
The Effects of Fiscal Decentralization on the Size of Government: A Meta‐Analysis

This study examines the effects of decentralization on the size and scope of government. I use meta-regression analysis in this article to elucidate the impact of differences in study design on study findings. The results indicate that the study's unit of analysis and choice of decentralization measure impact estimates of the effect of decentralization on government size. In particular, studies utilizing the local unit of analysis and federalism measure of decentralization are more likely to find that government shrinks as decentralization increases while studies utilizing the fragmentation measure appear more likely to find the opposite result.
Subnanoliter laser-based refractive index detector for 0.25-mm I.D. microbore liquid chromatography: Reversed-phase separation of nanogram amounts of sugars

Abstract A simple, inexpensive, small-volume refractive index detector has been applied to the separation of nanogram amounts of sugars by capillary column high-performance liquid chromatography.
Recent Aerodynamic Studies of Long-Span Bridges

Wind forces have taken on increased significance and can be a major problem in the design of cable-supported bridge systems. The determination of the response of long-span bridge structures due to wind action is obtained by field observations and wind tunnel testing of models, or both. Current cable-stay bridge designs are subject to the same fundamental wind excitation as the classical suspension bridge; however, the inherent increase in stiffness of the cable-stay box-girder does place it in a different realm of response. Preliminary data are presented relating angle of attack and wind velocity obtained at the Newport, R.I., Suspension Bridge over Naragansett Bay during Hurricane Doria; field observations of the vortex excitation of the pylons of the Sitka Harbor Cable-Stayed Bridge; and wind tunnel tests of the Luling, La., Cable-Stayed Bridge. Results of the wind tunnel tests of the Pasco-Kennewick concrete Cable-Stayed Bridge are also presented.
Hypothesis-driven research for G × E interactions: the relationship between oxytocin, parental divorce during adolescence, and depression in young adulthood

Research in molecular genetics has generally focused on genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and exploratory candidate gene and candidate gene-environment (GE) studies. In this article it is proposed that hypothesis-driven and biologically informed research provides a complementary approach to GWAS to advance pressing research questions about GE relations that are of public health relevance. Prior research studies and developmental and evolutionary theory were used to guide hypothesis testing of GE relationships in this study. The study investigated whether the oxytocin polymorphism, rs53576, moderated the relationship between parental divorce during adolescence and depression symptoms in young adulthood. Oxytocin is a neuropeptide that has been related to the regulation of complex social cognition and behaviors such as empathy, attachment, and nurturance. We hypothesized that the GG polymorphism would be associated with more depressive symptoms following parental divorce, and that this effect would be stronger in females than males. The sample consisted of 340 individuals who participated in a longitudinal study with data used both from adolescence and young adulthood. Findings using prospective follow-up and autoregressive change models supported the hypothesized relationships. Young adult females who had experienced parental divorce during adolescence and had the GG oxytocin genotype reported almost twice as many depressive symptoms relative to young adult females who also experienced parental divorce during adolescence but had the AA or AG genotype. This pattern was not indicated among males. Findings were discussed with regard to how molecular genetic factors in combination with environmental stressors, such parental divorce, framed within a developmental framework may facilitate the future study of G X E relationships in the parental divorce-child adjustment literature and contribute to a prevention science perspective.
Cellular proliferation and infiltration following interstitial irradiation of normal dog brain is altered by an inhibitor of polyamine synthesis

The objectives of this study were to quantitatively define proliferative and infiltrative cell responses after focal {sup 125}I irradiation of normal brain, and to determine the effects of an intravenous infusion of {alpha}-defluoromethylornithine (DFMO) on those responses. Adult beagle dogs were irradiated using high activity {sup 125}I sources. Cellular responses were quantified using a histomorphometric analysis. After radiation alone, cellular events included a substantial acute inflammatory response followed by increased BrdU labeling and progressive increases in numbers of capillaries and astrocytes. {alpha}-Difluoromethylornithine treatment significantly affected the measured cell responses. As in controls, an early inflammatory response was measured, but after 2 weeks there were more PMNs/unit area than in controls. The onset of measurable BrdU labeling was delayed in DFMO-treated animals, and the magnitude of labeling was significantly reduced. Increases in astrocyte and vessel numbers/mm{sup 2} were observed after a 2-week delay. At the site of implant, astrocytes from DFMO-treated dogs were significantly smaller than those from controls. There is substantial cell proliferation and infiltration in response to interstitial irradiation of normal brain, and these responses are significantly altered by DFMO treatment. Although the precise mechanisms by which DFMO exerts its effects in this model are not known, the resultsmore » from this study suggest that modification of radiation injury may be possible by manipulating the response of normal cells to injury. 57 refs., 6 figs.« less
Valinomycin cataract: The relative role of calcium and sodium accumulation

Evidence was obtained which suggests that valinomycin-induced cataracts in cultured rabbit lenses are the result of calcium accumulation. Lenses exposed to 10−5m-valinomycin for 20 hr develop superficial cortical opacities accompanied by an increase in lens Na+, a decrease in lens K+, and an increase in lens Ca2+. Measurable hydration is not observed. Lenses exposed to valinomycin in the presence of low concentrations of Ca2+ in the media do not accumulate excessive calcium and do not become opaque in spite of significant increase in lens sodium. On the other hand, lenses cultured in the presence of ouabain accumulate excessive amounts of Na+, lose K+, maintain normal Ca2+ levels and remain transparent. Thus, Ca2+ accumulation, rather than an imbalance in Na+ and K+, appears to be responsible for lens opacification.
Foldable Printed Circuit Boards on Paper Substrates

This paper describes several low-cost methods for fabricating flexible electronic circuits on paper. The circuits comprise i) metallic wires (e.g., tin or zinc) that are deposited on the substrate by evaporation, sputtering, or airbrushing, and ii) discrete surface-mountable electronic components that are fastened with conductive adhesive directly to the wires. These electronic circuits—like conventional printed circuit boards—can be produced with electronic components that connect on both sides of the substrate. Unlike printed circuit boards made from fiberglass, ceramics, or polyimides, however, paper can be folded and creased (repeatedly), shaped to form three-dimensional structures, trimmed using scissors, used to wick fluids (e.g., for microfluidic applications) and disposed of by incineration. Paper-based electronic circuits are thin and lightweight; they should be useful for applications in consumer electronics and packaging, for disposable systems for uses in the military and homeland security, for applications in medical sensing or low-cost portable diagnostics, for paper-based microelectromechanical systems, and for applications involving textiles.
Numerical experiments with a nonlinear evolution equation which exhibits blow-up

Abstract The results of numerical experiments which involve a nonlinear evolution equation exhibiting blow-up and the use of spectral and pseudospectral methods are examined. It is observed that in spite of the expected exponential-order accuracy of these methods in the case of smooth solutions, they do not perform well in the detection of blow-up.
Primate Conservation in Vietnam: Toward a Holistic Environmental Narrative

Vietnam is home to a considerable diversity of primates: Indeed, five of the world's top 25 most endangered primate species are found within Vietnam. To understand and ultimately address Vietnam's conservation crisis, the complex interplay of history, demography, economics, international relations, and culture must be analyzed within Vietnam's specific context. Conducting a holistic analysis with the example of hunting represents how seemingly disparate factors such as the U.S. war, increased tourism and globalization, population density, and cultural traditions converge to significantly impact wildlife.
The formation of giants in Oxytricha bifaria: A peculiar multi-step cell differentiation.

Summary The induction period of Oxytricha bifaria , namely the time lag elapsing between the beginning of the inducing (= overcrowded) conditions and the formation of the first giant was studied. It was found that this period consists of at least three successive steps: (a) the “early activation window”, roughly corresponding to the first third of the induction period, during which the cell to cell contacts triggering the differentiation must occur; (b) the “late activation window”, which corresponds to the central part of the induction period and during which a specific protein synthesis occurs. These two steps end in the “activation” of Oxytricha , which is now ready for the third phase, (c) “predation” which occurs during the last third of the induction period, when the activated, potential giants actually engulf their preys.
Time course of receptor-channel coupling in frog sympathetic neurons

The M-type potassium current and the N-type calcium current are inhibited by several different neurotransmitters in frog sympathetic neurons. These effects seem to be mediated via G proteins, but it is not clear whether diffusible second messengers are involved. Using a rapid (approximately 100 ms) flow tube perfusion system to apply agonists, the inhibition of calcium current develops and recovers rapidly but not instantaneously (t1/2 = 1–2 s). M-current inhibition is considerably slower, with t1/2 approximately 30 s for recovery from inhibition. At least for M-current inhibition, there appears to be sufficient time for involvement of an enzymatic cascade in receptor-channel coupling.