cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What’s Social Policy Got To Do With Economic Growth?

So what's social policy got to do with economic growth? Quite a lot, it would appear, if one takes the results of cross -country growth regressions at face value, as they are by many social policy analysts, even as they criticize the findings of the economic policy part of the very same regressions. I have argued that these regressions are deeply problematic, and are antithetical to social policy analysts' normal instincts on the importance of country and community specificity. At the same time, attempts to distinguish social policy from economic policy in terms of policy objectives is not very successful, while classifying policy instruments into economic or social also leaves a significant grey area. But the economic and social policy analysis literatures can indeed be distinguished in their approaches to understanding the mechanisms of policy transmission. Despite the difficulties of defining social analysis, except in contradistinction to economic analysis, both types of analysis are needed to advance understanding of policy impact and design of policy. The Bank should (i) play a lead role in developing and assessing such multidisciplinary approaches, (ii) move to a much more outcomes based system of aid allocation in recognition of the country-specific complexities of linkage between (economic or social) policy and outcomes, and (iii) understand itself better as an institution, and its institutional footprint in countries where it is big player.
Economic Evaluations, Prime Ministerial Approval and Governing Party Support: Rival Models Reconsidered

The argument that personal economic expectations drive support for British governing parties has received wide attention. This article employs aggregate data for the 1979–92 period to assess the effects of personal expectations, other subjective economic variables and evaluations of prime ministerial performance in rival party-support models. Analyses of competing models, including error correction specifications that take into account nonstationarity in the time series of interest, indicate that the personal expectations variants generally do very well, although they do not outperform one or more alternatives incorporating other types of economic evaluations. The error correction models show that the prime minister's approval ratings have significant short-term and long-term effects on governing party popularity.
More Than a Few Northerly Running Rivers in the World

The purpose of this paper is to correct that mistaken assumption and the associated statements. After a brief explanation of the scientific facts associated with the orientation of rivers in general, an approximate number of major rivers that flow north will be provided. Direction of rivers has less to do with magnetic forces than gravity, topography, and geomorphology. It is believed that as long as the source of a river is higher than the mouth, it will follow a path of least resistance to utilize energy efficiently. Although small rivers, and those with no clear patterns, were not included, more than 245 rivers in the world that flow north were identified, unarguably a little more than only two or a few! Thus, contrary to what it intends to suggest, the title of the film Where the Rivers Flow North (1994) hardly defines a unique or limited territory.
Stimulants and sudden death: what is a physician to do?

OBJECTIVE. Recently, a US Food and Drug Administration advisory committee raised concerns about cardiovascular risks and sudden death in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder who are receiving stimulants. METHODS. We comment on the risk of sudden death in children/adolescents taking stimulants compared with population rates, biological plausibility, and known cardiovascular effects of stimulants to determine specific risk. RESULTS. There does not seem to be higher risk of sudden death in stimulant-treated individuals compared with the general population. Although there is evidence of biological plausibility, the known effects of the stimulants on cardiovascular electrophysiology and vital signs seem to be benign. CONCLUSIONS. There does not seem to be compelling findings of a medication-specific risk necessitating changes in our stimulant treatment of children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The use of existing guidelines on the use of stimulants (and psychotropic agents) may identify children, adolescents, and adults who are vulnerable to sudden death.
"Just the facts, ma'am": if it were only that simple, Joe.

Change is in the air. Climate change, economic change, political change. In this month's issue of PTJ , we read that even our view of “variability” itself is changing. Specifically, Regina Harbourne and Nicholas Stergiou in “Movement Variability and the Use of Nonlinear Tools: Principles to Guide Physical Therapist Practice”1 argue that nonlinear measures, such as the Lyapunov exponent and approximate entropy, can reveal the “hidden structure” within the variability of data over time. These methods were developed to handle complexity and, thus, often fit well with rehabilitation research. They are, however, a bit complex themselves. To assist readers like me, the authors provide an appendix of jargon terms; multiple examples of nonlinear analysis of biological systems, including clinical studies; and a virtual case study illustrating the use of nonlinear thinking in clinical decision making. Nice. But wait, there's more. Accompanying this article …
Vesicle fusion, pseudopod extension and amoeboid motility are induced in nematode spermatids by the ionophore monensin

Abstract The sodium- and potassium-transporting ionophore monensin induces the maturation of Caenorhabditis elegans spermatids to spermatozoa in vitro. Rearrangement of cytoplasm, fusion of membranous organelles with the plasma membrane and growth of pseudopodia, all characteristic of in vivo spermiogenesis, occur within five minutes after exposure to monensin at concentrations of 0.1–1.0 μM. This activation is dependent upon external Na + and K + ions but not Ca 2+ ions. Monensin-activated spermatozoa have normal morphology and normal amoeboid motility. During activation spermatids twitch and rotate prior to pseudopod extension. Analysis of intermediates by transmission and scanning electron microscopy reveals that the sequence of morphogenetic events leading from the spherical spermatid to the polarized spermatozoan involves microvilli rearrangement and membranous organelle fusion, cytoplasmic polarization, then pseudopod extension.
Is Participatory Ergonomics Appropriate across Cultures? Trends and Future Criteria

This paper examines the concept of participatory ergonomics and its conceptual underpinnings. Available evidence on successful applications of participatory ergonomics are covered. These successful applications across cultures are necessary to establish that participatory ergonomics is a robust, culture-free method. Three areas of research are identified and suggested as future criteria for evaluating future participatory ergonomic interventions. These criteria will create systematic evaluations of both individual and organizational systems.
Reducing Cancer Health Disparities among Pacific Islanders in the U.S.

Cancer mortality is on the decline in the U.S. (Jemal, Siegel, Xu, & Ward, 2010), but like so many other health conditions this is not enjoyed by all Americans. Among the most underserved are Pacific Islanders (PIs), who in 2000 numbered 874,414 (alone or in combination with one or more other races). California is second only to Hawai’i in the number of PIs, with half of the state’s 221,458 PIs living in Southern California (APALC, 2005). Pacific Islanders (PIs) represent a wide diversity of ethnic populations, with over 19 census defined groups that each have their own culture, language, traditions, world and health perspectives, and political and migration history. Some of these PI populations have close ties to the U.S. territories and jurisdictions in the Pacific, including American Samoa, Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Commonwealth Nations of the Mariana Islands. Other groups such as Tongans, have migrated from their small island nations in search of higher earnings to support families back home (Small, 1997). Despite their differences in nationalities, PIs generally face high socioeconomic barriers to health and other care (US Census Bureau, 2004). For instance, educational attainment is low: 14-40% of PIs have less than a high school degree compared to the California average of only 10% (APALC, 2005). While only 8% of Californians were at or below the poverty line, this was true for 10-20% of PIs. Compared to nearly all other ethnic groups, PIs suffer from higher prevalence of the leading health disparity indicators, including cigarette smoking, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, infant mortality, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, and asthma (CDC, 2002). PIs face critical cancer health disparity needs and barriers to care. With regards to cancer prevention, Native Hawaiians, American Samoans, Chuukese and Palauans have been found to have rates of tobacco use between 4258% among men, and between 11-67% among women (Lew & Tanjasiri, 2003). A 2004 study for the California Departments of Justice and Education found that among 12th graders, heaviest daily smoking was observed for Hawaiians (35%) and Samoans (30%), compared with 19% Koreans, 16% Filipinos, 12% Japanese, and 5% Chinese youth (Austin & Chorpita, 2004). Similarly, a 2003 study found PI 9th graders in California have the highest smoking rate (19.7%) compared to whites (16.3%). Obesity has also been implicated as a causal factor in the onset of cancer (including breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, and kidney cancers), and rates of obesity are high in PI populations (Shabbir, Kwan, Wang, Shih, & Simon, 2010). A 2008 needs assessment of PI young adults in Southern California found that 76% of Samoans and 84% of Tongans were overweight (defined as greater than 85th percentile), and levels of nutritional intake and physical activity identified many areas of need.
Abstract 201: Changes In Inflammatory Response To Ischemic Stroke Across The Life Span

Background/Purpose- Inflammation plays a critical role in the response to stroke, and post-ischemic inflammatory responses strongly contribute to the extent of ischemic brain injury. Although much is known about the post stroke inflammatory cascade in brain; the contribution of age to post ischemic inflammation has been understudied. Aging is a non-modifiable risk factor for stroke and is a critical determinant to stroke outcome. Since 75-89% of strokes occur in the elderly, it is important to characterize the differential effects of aging on the inflammatory response to stroke before translation of immunomodulatory therapeutic strategies into the clinic. Therefore, the objective of this study was to study the impact of aging on post s troke inflammatory milieu of the brain . Methods- Young(6 months), aging(15 months) and aged(22 months) male and female mice were subjected to 60 minutes of MCAO (n=5-6/ group). The ischemic hemisphere was subjected to mechanical and enzymatic digestion and then brain mononuclear cells were harvested at the 30%-60% interphase of percoll gradient. Cells were stained with fluorophore conjugated antibodies for CD45,CD3,CD11b and Gr1 and counted on LSRII cytometer(BD Biosciences). Results- Blood derived leukocytes(CD45high) increased in the brain in stroke(7133+−4514) vs. sham(1081+−279.9). We found a significant main effect of age, F(2,38)=5,p and stroke, F(2,38)=19.5,p in the percentage of T cells(CD45highCD3+). There was also a significant age by stroke interaction in the percentage of T cells, F(2,38)=0.58,p In the CD45intermediateCD11b+ microglia population, we saw a significant main effect of stroke, F(1,38)=18.6,p (sham 19199.2+−3439 vs. stroke 38365.4+−1111 ). Similarly, there was a significant main effect of stroke on CD45intermediate/CD11b+/Gr1+ microglia numbers, F(1,38)=12.6,p . Conclusions- T cells, microglia and Gr1+ microglia numbers increase in the brain after an ischemic stroke. However, only the CD45hiCD3+T cells significantly increased in the aging brain after an ischemic insult in the two sexes. Microglia and Gr1+microglia did increase after stroke in both sexes, but there was no significant effect of age. Our study suggests that aging creates a differential inflammatory milieu in the brain after an ischemic event and that elderly mount a profound T cell response to stroke. Since most of our stroke patients are old, bench to clinic translation of stroke therapies needs to account for this heterogeneity in inflammatory response across different ages.
Construir Y No Destruir (Build and Do Not Destroy): Tucson Resisting

On the evening of January 12, 2012 the Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) school board voted 4-1 to eliminate the highly successful and quantitatively proven Mexican American Studies Program (Cabrera, Milem, Jaquette, & Marx, 2014). Sitting in the school board meeting that evening with my then thirteen year old son, we watched in disbelief as board members stated their reasons for banning a program that had improved graduation rates, increased matriculation to higher education and even improved standardized test scores. The following week TUSD representatives entered the Mexican American Studies (MAS) classrooms and boxed up the supposed “subversive” and “anti-American” literature that included works by Sandra Cisneros, Rudy Acuna, Luis Alberto Urrea, Ana Castillo and other highly acclaimed Latin@ and Native authors.
Self-Regulation and Securites Markets

Securities exchanges can police market abuses if government provides them the needed tools. Securities markets cannot operate without trust. Investors can trust exchanges to regulate because of their powerful incentive to maximize trading volume. The many choices that investors have today remind exchanges that investor protection is a crucial part of their business. Investors will leave markets that fail to protect investors to find markets that will. Government regulation, by contrast, is unlikely to be as responsive to the needs of the securities markets and risks burdening investors with the cost of unnecessary regulation. If government provides exchanges with the necessary tools, financial markets can produce the regulation that encourages investor participation while retaining the powerful incentive provided by competition. As Adam Smith explained long ago, competition is the most powerful tool known for channeling man's baser instincts toward the social good. Securities regulation cannot afford to ignore that tool.
CU++ET: An Object Oriented Tool for Accelerating Computational Fluid Dynamics Codes using Graphical Processing Units

The application of graphical processing units (GPU) to solve partial dierential equations is gaining popularity with the advent of improved computer hardware. Various lower level interfaces exist that allow the user to access GPU specic functions. One such interface is NVIDIA’s Compute Unied Device Architecture (CUDA) library. CUDA has been applied previously to solve the Three-Dimensional Euler equations, and a speed-up of the order of 500 has been reported in literature using multiple GPU units. However, porting existing codes to run on the GPU requires the user to write kernels that execute on multiple cores, in the form of Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD). In the present work, a higher level framework has been developed that uses object oriented programming techniques available in C++ such as polymorphism, operator overloading, and template meta programming. Using this approach, CUDA kernels can be generated automatically during compile time. Briey, CU++ET allows a code developer with just C/C++ knowledge to write computer programs that will execute on the GPU without any knowledge of specic programming techniques in CUDA. It allows the user to reuse existing C/C++ CFD codes with minimal changes. This approach is tremendously benecial for CFD code development because it mitigates the necessity of creating hundreds of GPU kernels for various purposes. In its current form, CU++ET provides a framework for parallel array arithmetic, simplied data structures to interface with the GPU, and smart array indexing. Using this framework, a higher-order 3D Euler solver (ARC3D-GPU) has been developed with a performance improvement of about 70x on a single GPU compared to traditional FORTRAN/CPU execution. An implementation of heterogeneous parallelism, i.e., utilizing multiple GPUs to simultaneously process a partitioned grid system with communication at the interfaces using MPI has been developed and tested. An unstructured version of CU++ET is also demonstrated with its application towards solving the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations.
Accuracy criterion and analysis of numerical result for tiny-oil ignition burner

In order to improve numerical precision,a criterion to judge the accuracy is needed.Combining with the retrofit of tiny-oil ignition burner in No.1 unit of Maliantai plant,the contrast method of flame shape in furnace was presented,which can quantize the accuracy of numerical result by comparing the shapes of the numerical results with the actual flame and calculating their similarity.And this contrast method has applied in tiny-oil ignition burner successfully.According to the method of flame shape similarity comparison,the computational model is reasonable and the accuracy of result is higher.It can reflect the actual ignition process.Finally,numerical simulation on combustion and heat transfer of the mixture of pulverized coal and gasified fuel-oil was analyzed;the data of flow field and particle field in tiny-oil ignition burner was well mastered.
Identification of drugged drivers using oral fluid

Introduction Several European countries have either already implemented oral fluid analysis for the detection of drugs in drivers or are contemplating its utility. In the USA, researchers involved in roadside surveys are increasingly including oral fluid collection and analysis in order to establish prevalence rates for drugs in drivers and decide whether oral fluid testing is reliable in this context. Aims Oral fluid provides several advantages over blood, such as ease and speed of sample collection, particularly in terms of proximity to a traffic incident. Recently, several studies have been carried out with the specific aim of determining whether oral fluid, when collected simultaneously with blood provides similar information about recent drug intake. Methods Drivers are stopped and are asked to submit voluntarily to the collection of an oral fluid and blood sample. In 2007 and 2013 over 7000 oral fluid and 3000 blood samples were collected nationally in the USA and analyzed for a wide range of drugs. In other projects, roadside instruments using oral fluid for analysis were also evaluated in conjunction with police officer observations and blood tests. Results Oral fluid provided similar information to blood regarding the recent intake of drugs. The overall results of several surveys will be presented, along with a discussion of the issues associated with practical aspects of saliva testing such as collection, analysis and interpretation. The outcome from several state projects, which incorporated the use of rapid oral fluid, tests using roadside instruments also provided supportive data and results will be presented. Rapid test instruments have a limited drug test panel and lack sensitivity for the detection of benzodiazepines in particular, which tend to be present in low concentrations in oral fluid compared to blood. The advantages and drawbacks of using oral fluid as a drug test specimen will be highlighted. Conclusion Oral fluid is being increasingly studied for use in the area of driving under the influence of drugs. It has been shown to provide similar information to blood. Roadside instruments have been evaluated and some have been shown to be reliable, however improvements in the detection of benzodiazepines as well as extended drug test panels are necessary.
China’s Economic Development

Output per worker in China tripled within the span of a generation. Productivity gains came from the introduction of the household responsibility system, the restructuring of state-owned enterprises, and the influx of foreign direct investment. Just as Arthur Lewis predicts, China’s productivity growth came with a high savings rate, rising from 30 percent of GDP in 1980 to 53 percent of GDP in 2007. Most of these savings, predominantly from corporations and wealthy individuals, were invested in the Chinese economy. While many have criticized China for its build-up of foreign reserves, it seems to have been due to absorption constraints, that is, the inability to absorb a large influx of foreign exchange in its entirety, as often is the case for resource-rich countries.
Public attitudes toward larger cigarette pack warnings: Results from a nationally representative U.S. sample

A large body of evidence supports the effectiveness of larger health warnings on cigarette packages. However, there is limited research examining attitudes toward such warning labels, which has potential implications for implementation of larger warning labels. The purpose of the current study was to examine attitudes toward larger warning sizes on cigarette packages and examine variables associated with more favorable attitudes. In a nationally representative survey of U.S. adults (N = 5,014), participants were randomized to different warning size conditions, assessing attitude toward "a health warning that covered (25, 50, 75) % of a cigarette pack." SAS logistic regression survey procedures were used to account for the complex survey design and sampling weights. Across experimental groups, nearly three-quarters (72%) of adults had attitudes supportive of larger warning labels on cigarette packs. Among the full sample and smokers only (N = 1,511), most adults had favorable attitudes toward labels that covered 25% (78.2% and 75.2%, respectively), 50% (70% and 58.4%, respectively), and 75% (67.9% and 61%, respectively) of a cigarette pack. Young adults, females, racial/ethnic minorities, and non-smokers were more likely to have favorable attitudes toward larger warning sizes. Among smokers only, females and those with higher quit intentions held more favorable attitudes toward larger warning sizes. Widespread support exists for larger warning labels on cigarette packages among U.S. adults, including among smokers. Our findings support the implementation of larger health warnings on cigarette packs in the U.S. as required by the 2009 Tobacco Control Act.
Abstract B62: Circulating vitamin D binding protein, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and advanced and lethal prostate cancer risk

Introduction: Circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) is the most commonly accepted blood biomarker for vitamin D status in epidemiologic studies. We have previously shown that higher circulating 25(OH)D was related to a reduced risk of advanced and lethal prostate cancer (PCa). However, 85-90% of circulating 25(OH)D is bound to vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) and current laboratory assays do not differentiate between bound and unbound forms of 25(OH)D. The role of DBP on PCa remains unclear. DBP extends the half-life of circulating 25(OH)D, but it is not known whether DBP-bound vitamin D activity on prostate cells is less than in the unbound form. DBP circulates at much higher levels than 25(OH)D and may also have independent effects on prostate carcinogenesis. Using prospectively measured circulating DBP and 25(OH)D, we assessed whether DBP was related to advanced/lethal PCa and whether the relationship between 25(OH)D and advanced/lethal PCa was modified by DBP levels. Methods: We included 164 men diagnosed with advanced (Stage T3b or higher) and lethal (distant metastases or PCa specific cause of death) PCa and 164 matched controls nested in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. We used unconditional logistic regression, adjusted for matching factors, to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between DBP, 25(OH)D, and advanced/lethal PCa. We assessed effect modification by high and low 25(OH)D or DBP levels using the median value as the cut point. Results: Circulating DBP and 25(OH)D were modestly correlated in controls (Spearman correlation=0.17; p=0.04). Consistent with our previous study, higher plasma 25(OH)D was associated with a reduced risk of advanced/lethal PCa (OR (95% CI) for highest vs. lowest quartile of 25(OH)D: 0.28 (0.14-0.57); p-trend Conclusions: Adjusting for circulating DBP did not influence the association between 25(OH)D and advanced/lethal PCa in our study. However, the role of DBP in prostate carcinogenesis warrants future investigation. Citation Format: Irene Shui, Kathryn Wilson, Meir Stampfer, Lorelei Mucci, Ed Giovannucci. Circulating vitamin D binding protein, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and advanced and lethal prostate cancer risk. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2013 Oct 27-30; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2013;6(11 Suppl): Abstract nr B62.
MyoBuddy: Detecting Barbell Weight Using Electromyogram Sensors

Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic diseases that cause the loss of muscles and hence weakening the muscle strength. A typical treatment for muscular dystrophy patients is routinely performing weight exercise to slow down the loss in muscles. Thus, we propose a system MyoBuddy to help both physical therapists and patients to keep track of the weights in workout activities based on electromyography (EMG) sensors embedded in Myo armband. In our study, we collect 102 sessions of EMG data from barbell bicep curl exercise with a range of weights from 20 to 70 lbs with a 10-pound increment. Both Support Vector Machine and Random Forest algorithms are explored to classify which weight of barbells are lifted. At the end, we achieve 77.1% classification accuracy on average.
Traditional God Images and Attitudes Towards Voluntary Euthanasia

I use data from the General Social Survey (N = 8905) to evaluate whether imagining God in traditional ways is associated with attitudes towards voluntary euthanasia. Bivariate analysis reveals that individuals who imagine God as a father, a master, and a king have negative attitudes towards voluntary euthanasia. The associations between imagining God as a father and as a master and attitudes towards voluntary euthanasia hold after controlling for religious affiliation, frequency of religious attendance, views of the Bible, and other sociodemographic characteristics that predict attitudes towards voluntary euthanasia; however, the association between imagining God as a king do not. I also find that while there is no association between imagining God as a judge on voluntary euthanasia attitudes at the bivariate level, there is a significant and positive association with having favorable voluntary euthanasia attitudes in the full model, revealing a suppression effect. These findings highlight the importance of evaluating if different, distinct beliefs about the same religious object have differential associations with social attitudes and behaviors.
The effects of the resonant network and control variables on the dc-link capacitor of a wireless charging system

In this paper, the effects of the resonant network characteristic and control variables on the dc-link capacitor of a wireless charger are investigated for electric vehicles, by deriving an analytical expression for the capacitance in terms of the resonant network parameters and system control variables. With this equation, the minimum dc-link capacitance needed can be obtained to keep the dc-link voltage ripple within a desired limit for a wide load range. A comparison between the conventional series-primary resonant networks in terms of the dc-link capacitance needs is presented as well as simulation results to validate the derived equation.
On the Extension of Complex Numbers

This paper proposes an extension of the complex numbers, adding further imaginary units and preserving the idea of the product as a geometric construction. These ‘supercomplex numbers’, denoted S, are studied, and it is found that the algebra contains both new and old phenomena. It is established that equal-dimensional subspaces of S containing R are isomorphic under algebraic operations, whereby a symmetry within the space of imaginary units is illuminated. Certain equations are studied, and also a connection to special relativity is set up and explored. Finally, abstraction leads to the notion of a ‘generalised supercomplex algebra’; both the supercomplex numbers and the quaternions are found to be such algebras. Acknowledgements: Jan Philip Solovej, Ryszard Nest and my sponsor Niels Gronbaek, Dept. of Mathematics, University of Copenhagen, have been most helpful in commenting on the work presented in this paper. Also I sincerely thank the referee on the paper for the useful suggestions for improvement. Finally, I am very grateful to my former teacher of mathematics, Christian Thune Jacobsen, Gl. Hellerup Gymnasium (and DTU), who has supported me throughout the project. Page 126 RHIT Undergrad. Math. J., Vol. 13, No. 2
Community Engagement in an Urban Daylighting Project: A Case Study of a Salt Lake City Creek

During the industrialization era in the U.S., most waterways in urban areas were buried underground. Daylighting, the process of resurfacing and restoring buried aquatic systems, has grown as a planning practice. This practice can bring to communities environmental, economic, and social benefits—making cities more sustainable and livable. City Creek in Salt Lake City will be used as a case study of a future daylighting project in Euclid, a minority and low income neighborhood. In particular, this paper will highlight planning and locally-driven efforts to raise awareness among residents on the importance of conserving and restoring stream ecosystems. The article will discuss what community members involved in a visioning process would like to see in the development of a much-needed recreational trail and why it matters that City Creek becomes a vital community asset. Ultimately, this paper seeks to empower communities to plan and implement daylighting projects at the local level.
Vicki Stroeher, Nicholas Clark and Jude Brimmer (eds), My Beloved Man: The Letters of Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears (2016)

A review of Vicki Stroeher, Nicholas Clark and Jude Brimmer (eds), My Beloved Man: The Letters of Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears, Aldeburgh Studies in Music, 10 (Woodbridge: The Boydell Press, 2016). ISBN 978-1-783-27108-5.
Multimodal Communication Program for Adults: Cognitive Considerations

People with complex communication needs often rely on a system of augmentative and alternative communication strategies. The Multimodal Communication Program (MCP) was developed for people with aph...
Dyslipidaemia: In vivo genome editing of ANGPTL3: a therapy for atherosclerosis?

Hyperlipidaemia is an important risk factor for coronary artery disease. Chadwick and colleagues report significantly reduced blood lipid levels following CRISPR-based in vivo genome editing in mice to introduce loss-of-function mutations in Angptl3, encoding a lipoprotein lipase inhibitor. Treatment was effective in both wild-type and Ldlr−/− mice and had a similar effect to that of Pcsk9-targeted genome editing, without causing off-target mutations.
Sex differences in a rabbit eyeblink conditioning model of PTSD.

Abstract We have developed a rabbit model of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which recapitulates several core features of PTSD, particularly hyperarousal and conditioned responding to trauma-associated cues. The work conducted with this model has all been done in male rabbits and, given sex differences in PTSD prevalence, it is important to expand our animal model of PTSD to include female rabbits to determine if they develop core features of PTSD, and if those core features can be treated. This is particularly important because, contrary to human studies, nearly all animal studies have found that males are consistently more vulnerable to various forms of acute and chronic stress than females. Using eyeblink conditioning in which we paired tone with a brief periorbital shock, we found that although both male and female rabbits acquired identical levels of conditioning, females showed more hyperarousal after conditioning but seemed to respond somewhat better to treatment.
Insulin and Muscle

The immediate effects of insulin in a normal or diabetic animal are lowering of the glucose, phosphate, and amino acid concentration in the extracellular fluid, and increase in the respiratory quotient (R.Q.) of the animal. These effects can all be reproduced in isolated muscle. The relation of the extracellular glucose concentration to the insulin effect on glucose uptake has been explored both in the eviscerated animal and in isolated rat diaphragm. The fate of the extra glucose taken up under the influence of insulin varies with the animal preparation and its state of activity. Early efforts to demonstrate an effect of insulin on oxygen uptake or CO 2 production by mammalian muscle yielded negative or conflicting results. However, Shorr found that the capacity of lactate to raise the R.Q. was impaired in isolated muscle from diabetic donor dogs. A number of investigators found no increase after insulin in oxygen consumption by normal rat diaphragms with glucose as substrate; the same was true for dog sternohyoideus muscle strips.
Assessing cardiovascular risk in women: A growing body of evidence.

It is underappreciated that cardiovascular (CV) disease is the number one cause of death in women. In fact, women are more likely to die after a myocardial infarction than men [(1)][1]. Conventional risk factors such as tobacco use, diabetes, high triglycerides, and low high-density lipoprotein
The epidemiology of firearm injuries managed in US emergency departments

Firearm-related injuries cause significant morbidity and mortality in the United States (US), consuming resources and fueling political and public health discourse. Most analyses of firearm injuries are based on fatality statistics. Here, we describe the epidemiology of firearm injuries presenting to US emergency departments (EDs). We performed a retrospective study of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Program Nationwide Emergency Department Survey (NEDS) from 2009 to 2012. NEDS is the largest all-payer ED survey in the US containing approximately 30 million annual records. Results include survey-adjusted counts, proportions, means, and rates, and confidence intervals of age-stratified ED discharges for firearm injuries. There were 71,111 (se = 613) ED discharges for firearm injuries in 2009; the absolute number increased 3.9% (se = 1.2) to 75,559 (se = 610) in 2012. 18-to-44-year-olds accounted for the largest proportion of total injuries with 52,187 (se = 527) in 2009 and 56,644 (se = 528) in 2012—a 7.2% (se = 1.6) relative rate increase and an absolute increase of 3.3/100,000 (se = 0.7). Firearm injuries among children < 5-years-old increase 16%, and 19% among children 5-to-9-years-old. 136,112 (se = 761)—or 48.2%—of those injured were treated and discharged home without admission; 106,927 (se = 755) were admitted. Firearm deaths represented one-third of all trauma mortality. Three-quarters of those injured resided in neighborhoods with median incomes below $49,250. Firearm injuries increased from 2009 to 2012, driven by adults aged 18-to-44-years-old, and disproportionately impacting lower socioeconomic communities. Injuries also increased among young children. Firearm injuries remain a continued public health challenge, and a significant source of ED morbidity and mortality.
Your biggest refund, guaranteed? Internet access, tax filing method, and reported tax liability

The fraction of US individual income tax returns filed as hand-prepared paper returns fell from 31 to 15% between 1999 and 2004, reflecting the spread of high-speed Internet and increased use of tax preparation software. I use zip code-level Internal Revenue Service tax data from 1998 to 2007 and Federal Communications Commission Internet service provider data to examine the effect of high-speed Internet availability on tax reporting behavior. Differences-in-differences results show increased rates of itemizing, higher total value of itemized deductions, and lower tax-to-income ratios after high-speed Internet becomes available. I differentiate between access in the tax year and the filing year and show that the tax reporting effects are driven by filing year availability and that filing year Internet availability also positively predicts electronic filing. I use instrumental variables methods to explore the relationship between Internet availability-induced electronic filing on tax reporting behavior and find suggestive evidence that e-filing driven by Internet access increased itemizing rates and total value itemized and lowered tax-to-income ratios. The results suggest changes in tax filing method driven by increased computer use and Internet access helped taxpayers identify relevant deductions and credits and lowered reported tax liability.
The Impact of Cause-Related Marketing on Millennials’ Product Attitudes and Purchase Intentions

This study, using scenarios, examined the impact of two kinds of cause-related marketing (CRM) efforts (a traditional donation of a portion of sales to a related cause and a more strategic one-for-...
Abstract BS1-3: New insights into early-stage bone colonization of disseminated breast cancer cells

The fate of disseminated tumor cells is heavily influenced by their microenvironment niche. The osteogenic niche promotes cancer cell proliferation and bone metastasis progression. We investigated the underlying mechanisms using a variety of pre-clinical models and bioinformatics analyses of clinical data. We find that disseminated tumor cells may follow a “migration-by-tethering” mechanism to reach the osteogenic niche and establish tight direct interaction with the osteogenic cells. This interaction in turn profoundly alters signaling cascades in bone micrometastases. Heterotypic adherens junctions between cancer cells and osteogenic cells induce activation of the mTOR signaling. Gap junctions mediate calcium flux from osteogenic cells to cancer cells, and activate the calcium signaling. Upon the development of these junctions, ER signaling in ER+ breast cancer cells is dramatically suppressed, conferring endocrine independence. These alterations lead to unexpected therapeutic resistance and sensitivity, which were elucidated in part by a novel ex vivo bone-in-culture array system. Our findings, together with others in the literature, demonstrate the importance of considering microenvironment effects in metastatic therapies, and suggest novel therapeutic strategies to eliminate micrometastases. Citation Format: Zhang X. New insights into early-stage bone colonization of disseminated breast cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr BS1-3.
Duration ≠ Seriousness of Commitment: An Empirical and Theoretical Critique of Nyarko's Treaties vs. Executive Agreements

In “Giving the Treaty a Purpose,” Julian Nyarko distinguishes between treaties and executive agreements and argues that treaties signal a higher level of commitment to our partners in cooperation than do executive agreements because treaties are more durable. Nyarko uses survival-time analysis to demonstrate that treaties last longer than executive agreements—that is, treaties are less likely to drop out of the Treaties in Force (TIF) series in any given year. The longer life of treaties is Nyarko's proxy for their greater durability. Nyarko argues that his result holds “even after controlling for a number of covariates that could influence the durability of the agreement,” like particular presidents, subject areas, and partner countries as well as the degree of divided government. Nonetheless, Nyarko's list omits the most important variable affecting durability as he defines it: intended duration. Sometimes the intended duration of a piece of formal international law is finite. Indeed, as I will explain in this response, under certain (and common) conditions, this choice of a finite duration is what makes the commitment credible (or, in Nyarko's language, reliable).
Endovascular Management of Hemarthrosis in Patients with Bleeding Diatheses: Systematic Review.

In this systematic review, we report the safety and efficacy of embolization for treating hemarthrosis in patients with bleeding diatheses with or without a history of prior arthroplasty. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. A structured search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and SCOPUS databases of patients undergoing embolization for hemarthrosis. Demographic data, clinical history, angiographic findings, interventions, and outcomes were extracted and tabulated. The search identified 97 unique titles of which 15 were deemed relevant comprising 78 patients with coagulopathies undergoing 93 embolization procedures. Mean follow-up time was 29 months (range 3–116.5). In the 29 patients who underwent arthroplasty prior to embolization for hemarthrosis, there were 11 bleeding recurrences (37.9%). Of these patients who experienced recurrences, 10 underwent repeat embolization as coagulation factor replacement was not sufficient to address the re-bleeding. In the 49 patients with bleeding diatheses who underwent embolization for hemarthrosis with no history of prior arthroplasty, there were 11 recurrences (22.4%) and 4 of these patients underwent repeat embolization with favorable results. There were four major procedure-related complications. Transarterial embolization is safe and effective in addressing recurrent hemarthrosis in patients with bleeding diatheses with or without a history of arthroplasty of the affected joint.
Management duration controls the synergistic effect of tillage, cover crop, and nitrogen rate on cotton yield and yield stability

Abstract Resilient agroecosystems are foundational for stable and profitable food, feed, and fiber production in the face of increasing climatic perturbations and environmental stresses. Enhanced soil and environmental benefits of cover crops applied to conservation tillage systems has been well documented. However, little is known about the timespan for interactions of no tillage and cover crops to achieve enhanced yield and yield stability while lowering N fertilization. Using a long-term continuous cotton experiment in southeastern USA, we analyzed yield data collected from 1986 to 2018 from 32 management systems to identify how management duration controls the synergistic effect of applied mineral N rates (0, 34, 67, and 101 kg ha−1), cover crops (no cover [NC], hairy vetch [HV], crimson clover [CC], and winter wheat [WW]), and tillage practices (no tillage [NT] and conventional tillage [CT]) on cotton yield and yield stability. Yield stability was analyzed using Finlay—Wilkinson regression model, Wricke’s Ecovalance, and coefficient of variation, and a mixed model approach was used to compare the yield and yield stability within three time phases (1−10 years, 11–20 years, and 21−33 years) at the 95% confidence level. During the initial 10 yr period (phase 1) CT resulted in greater cotton yield (7%) and yield stability than NT. However, in phase 2 (11–20 years) and phase 3 (21−33 years) NT led to greater yield (7%) and yield stability for almost all cover crop × N interactions, except for zero N following NC and WW. Increased N during the initial phase reduced both yield and yield stability under legume cover crops. During phases 2 and 3, however, the higher N rates (67 and 101 kg N ha−1) increased cotton yield, although management systems with 0 and 101 kg N ha−1 showed the largest temporal yield variability. Legume cover crops increased yield and yield stability under low N rates. The maximum combined yield and yield stability benefit was obtained from HV cover on NT with additional application of 34 kg N ha−1. Our results suggest that after the initial phase NT delivers the most consistent yield benefits while enhancing yield stability against unfavorable environmental conditions. Long-term integration of legume cover crops (particularly HV) to NT systems was effective in maintaining high yield and increasing yield stability while lowering N rates.
Aquagenic pruritus in an adolescent effectively managed with β‐alanine supplementation

Aquagenic pruritus is a rare debilitating condition, which can be idiopathic, iatrogenic, or associated with systemic disease. In idiopathic cases, treatment can be challenging as options are limited and of variable efficacy. Here, we report the case of a teenage boy with refractory idiopathic aquagenic pruritus effectively managed with administration of β-alanine supplementation, a treatment gaining traction in lay media but not yet reported in the medical literature. This report adds to the limited options published for treatment of idiopathic aquagenic pruritus in pediatric patients.
Pandemics, Paid Sick Leaves, and Tax Institutions

The COVID-19 pandemic is currently ravaging the world, and the United States has been largely unsuccessful at containing the coronavirus. One long-standing policy failure stands out as having exacerbated the pandemic in our country: the lack of a national mandate of paid sick leaves, without which workers face financial and workplace-cultural pressures to attend work while sick, thus spreading the virus to their fellow employees and the public at large. This Article provides the blueprint for a national, subsidized mandate of paid sick leaves and two additional insights about our tax institutions as mechanisms of effectuating broader societal goals. It first justifies a paid-sick-leave mandate on the grounds of market failures (both cognitive biases and externalities) and workplace equality. It also argues for the need of subsidies in order to protect lower-income workers from unemployment risks imposed by a national mandate. Second, the Article critically assesses the current federal legislative approach utilized in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The Article then proposes designing a national employer mandate of paid sick leaves funded by general-revenue business tax credits and providing partial wage replacement. This Article’s discussion of paid sick leaves yields two insights about our tax institutions. First, it questions the role of payroll taxes, which are highly regressive, impose burdens almost exclusively on labor, and are normatively unjustified when the spending funded by payroll taxes benefits the broader non-wage-earning public. Second, the Article reveals the malleability of tax institutions with respect to funding, administrability, and costs. These comparative advantages of tax institutions make them perennially popular in times of crisis.
How are Attitudes Toward COVID-19 Associated with Traveler Behavior During the Pandemic?

This article uses data from the first wave of the COVID Future Panel study to evaluate attitudes towards COVID-19 and their influence on traveler behaviors. An exploratory factor analysis identified two underlying constructs based on the measured attitudes, namely “Concern about Pandemic Response” and “COVID Health Concern.” A cluster analysis based on the factor scores yielded four groups with distinct attitudes. Those primarily concerned about the pandemic response traveled the most using private vehicles, while those equally concerned about the response to the pandemic and the health effects of COVID-19 were found to use personal bicycles and transit the most.
Social Media Debate Position 1: Against the Use of Social Media as a Credible Source of Information

There are ongoing conversations among information professionals on whether social media can be considered a credible source of information. The very features of social media platforms that make the...