cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Urinary interleukin-1β levels among gynecological patients.

Background Early detection of epithelial ovarian cancer (OC) is necessary to overcome the high mortality rate of late stage diagnosis; and, examining the molecular changes that occur at early disease onset may provide new strategies for OC detection. Since the deregulation of inflammatory mediators can contribute to OC development, the purpose of this pilot study was to determine whether elevated urinary levels of Interleukin-1beta (IL-1 beta) are associated with OC and associated clinical parameters.
Expression and location of mRNAs encoding multiple forms of secretory phospholipase A2 in the rat retina.

Low-molecular-weight secretory phospholipases A 2 (sPLA 2 s) are a subgroup of PLA 2 s, which are secreted, bind to receptors, and may act as intercellular signaling modulators. At least 10 different groups have been characterized in mammals, and there is expanding evidence of the significance of sPLA 2 s in neuronal signaling and survival [Kolko et al. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271: 32722-32728]. To date, no retinal sPLA 2 s have been cloned or characterized. We evaluated the existence and abundance of sPLA 2 subtypes in rat retina and explored their possible involvement in light-induced retinal damage. We designed primers to identify the sPLA 2 s in rat retina, based on known sequences of sPLA 2 -specific mRNAs in other tissues. RNA was isolated from rat retina, and cDNA was produced and used for PCR cloning to identify the novel subtypes of sPLA 2 . Our study revealed the presence of mRNAs encoding sPLA 2 -IB, -X, -V, -IIE, -IIA, and -IIF in the retina, and quantification by real-time PCR revealed different abundances of the sPLA 2 s. We showed a time-dependent gene induction of sPLA 2 -X, -IB, and -V in light-induced retinal damage. We further explored the location of sPLA 2 -IB by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. This study is the first to reveal the presence, abundance, and induction of mRNAs encoding sPLA 2 s in rat retina. We suggest that these enzymes are themselves intercellular signaling modulators of retinal cell function and perhaps also of retinal degeneration.
Transport in molecular states language: Generalized quantum master equation approach

A simple scheme, capable of treating transport in molecular junctions in the language of many-body states, is presented. By introducing an ansatz in Liouville space, similar to the generalized Kadanoff-Baym approximation, a quantum master equation (QME)-like expression is derived starting from the exact equation of motion for Hubbard operators. Using an effective Liouville space propagation, a dressing similar to the standard diagrammatic one is proposed. The scheme is compared to the standard QME approach and its applicability to transport calculations is discussed.
MODELING OF TURBULENT DIFFUSION FLAME STABILIZATION REGION

The flame base stabilization phenomenon in turbulent diffusion flames, formed by a vertical cylindrical injector operating in still atmosphere, is studied numerically by applying two different turbulent models, namely the Reynolds stress model (RSM) and the k-e model. These two models are used in conjunction with the eddy dissipation model and a two-step reaction kinetics to determine the variation of the flame base height as a function of the fuel jet velocity. The governing equations are solved by a finite volume procedure. Results indicate that the RSM produces results that are in good agreement with experiments. In contrast, the k-e model produces flame base height results that deviate significantly from the observed results. Both the RSM and the k-e model produce results that are consistent with the tangency hypothesis of Van Quickenbourne and van Tiggelen for flame base stabilization. However, the k-e model meets the tangency condition at a point closer to the injection point than indicated by experiments. In the far field, both the RSM and the k-e model yield flow properties, such as k, e, temperature and velocity components that are in good agreement with one another. The large streamline curvature in the vicinity of the flame base suggests that the RSM is the model of choice to use in conjunction with the eddy dissipation model for predicting near field characteristics of diffusion flames considered in the present study.
Convolution theorems for linear transforms

This correspondence explores the existence of convolution theorem for linear transformations under a variety of different assumptions. There are eight convolution theorems, all Fourier-related with only N operations in the transform domain and no ordering constraints on the convolution components in the result. They include circular convolutions and correlations.
Electrophysiological Actions of Lidocaine on Canine Ventricular Muscle and Purkinje Fibers

Isolated canine papillary muscles with attached false tendons were perfused with Tyrode's solution containing lidocaine. Transmembrane action potentials of ventricular muscle fibers and Purkinje fibers were recorded with glass microelectrodes. Repolarization of Purkinje fibers was accelerated by lidocaine but that of ventricular muscle fibers was unaffected. The maximum rate of rise of the action potential of Purkinje fibers decreased only at 50.0 mg/liter lidocaine; that of ventricular muscle fibers was unchanged by any concentration. The curve relating rate of rise of premature responses to level of membrane potential for Purkinje fibers was unchanged with 5.0 mg/liter but shifted down and to the right with 10.0 and 50.0 mg/liter. The effective refractory period of Purkinje fibers shortened at 5.0 and lengthened at 50.0 mg/liter. The level of membrane potential needed to elicit premature propagated responses in Purkinje fibers with a standardized test stimulus increased and the earliest responses obtain...
The Adhesion of Irregularly-shaped 8 μm Diameter Particles to Substrates: The Contributions of Electrostatic and van der Waals Interactions

Abstract The forces needed to remove irregularly-shaped, 8 μm diameter, polyester particles from a polyester substrate were measured using an ultracentrifuge. Measurements were also made on a second set of similar particles where nanometer-size silica clusters had been placed on their surfaces. These silica clusters acted as spacers, reducing direct contact between the particle and the substrate. It was found that the separation forces for the bare particles were consistent with predictions of the JKR theory of adhesion, but were much larger than could be accounted for from simple electrostatic interactions associated with either uniformly-charged particles or particles with localized charged patches. It was found, however, that the forces needed to effect separation decreased with increasing silica concentration. For particles with 2% by weight silica clusters on their surfaces, the separation force was only about 5% of the separation forces of the bare particles. At this concentration of silica, the est...
Reconciling the effects of inflammatory cytokines on mesenchymal cell osteogenic differentiation

Therapies using mesenchymal stem cells are a popular current avenue for development and utilization, especially in the fields of de novo tissue engineering (Sanchez-Ramos J, Song S, Cardozo-Pelaez F, et al. Adult bone marrow stromal cells differentiate into neural cells in vitro. Exp Neurol 2000;164:247.) or tissue regeneration after physical injury (Kitoh H, Kitakoji T, Tsuchiya H, et al. Transplantation of marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and platelet-rich plasma during distraction osteogenesis-a preliminary result of three cases. Bone 2004;35:892; Shumakov VI, Onishchenko NA, Rasulov MF, Krasheninnikov ME, Zaidenov VA. Mesenchymal bone marrow stem cells more effectively stimulate regeneration of deep burn wounds than embryonic fibroblasts. Bull Exp Biol Med 2003;136:192; Bruder SP, Fink DJ, Caplan AI. Mesenchymal stem cells in bone development, bone repair, and skeletal regeneration therapy. J Cell Biochem 1994;56:283.). The osteogenic potential of these cells is of particular interest, given their recent usage for the closure of critical-sized bone defects and other nonhealing bone scenarios such as a nonunion. Recent literature suggests that inflammatory cytokines can significantly impact the osteogenic potential of these cells. A review of relevant, recent literature is presented regarding the impact of the inflammatory cascade on the osteogenic differentiation of these cells and how this varies across species. Finally, we identify areas of conflicting or absent evidence regarding the behavior of mesenchymal stem cells in response to inflammatory cytokines.
ACTIVITY PATTERNS AND SYNAPTIC ORGANIZATION OF VENTRALLY LOCATED INTERNEURONS IN THE EMBRYONIC CHICK SPINAL CORD

To investigate the origin of spontaneous activity in developing spinal networks, we examined the activity patterns and synaptic organization of ventrally located lumbosacral interneurons, including those whose axons project into the ventrolateral funiculus (VLF), in embryonic day 9 (E9)–E12 chick embryos. During spontaneous episodes, rhythmic synaptic potentials were recorded from the VLF and from spinal interneurons that were synchronized, cycle by cycle, with rhythmic ventral root potentials. At the beginning of an episode, ventral root potentials started before the VLF discharge and the firing of individual interneurons. However, pharmacological blockade of recurrent motoneuron collaterals did not prevent or substantially delay interneuron recruitment during spontaneous episodes. The synaptic connections of interneurons were examined by stimulating the VLF and recording the potentials evoked in the ventral roots, in the VLF, or in individual interneurons. Low-intensity stimulation of the VLF evoked a short-latency depolarizing potential in the ventral roots, or in interneurons, that was probably mediated mono- or disynaptically. At higher intensities, long-latency responses were recruited in a highly nonlinear manner, eventually culminating in the activation of an episode. VLF-evoked potentials were reversibly blocked by extracellular Co2+, indicating that they were mediated by chemical synaptic transmission. Collectively, these findings indicate that ventral interneurons are rhythmically active, project to motoneurons, and are likely to be interconnected by recurrent excitatory synaptic connections. This pattern of organization may explain the synchronous activation of spinal neurons and the regenerative activation of spinal networks when provided with a suprathreshold stimulus.
Academic Programs Adequate For The Software Profession

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, close to 1.8 million people, or 77% of all computer professionals, were working in the design, development, deployment, maintenance, and management of software in 2006. The ACM model curriculum for the BS in computer science proposes that about 42% of the core body of knowledge be dedicated to software engineering, including programming. An examination of the curriculum of a typical computer science department shows that, excluding programming courses, no courses specific to software engineering are required for the BS, although several are available as elective courses. Academics typically resist the demands of the industry, in part because some of them are for specific software tools, design methods, or programming languages whose use does not last. Under market pressure, more required software engineering courses may slowly be included in the curriculum. The usual solution is for businesses to offer their software professionals needed courses in software engineering.
Off‐The‐Shelf Enablers of AD HOC Networks

Today, when ad hoc networking professionals or would-be professional talk about ad hoc networks, they almost always implicitly assume that these networks are based on one of the wireless local area network (WLAN) technologies. The majority of research papers published on simulation-based performance evaluation of proposed ad hoc routing protocols assume underlying WLAN medium access control (MAC) and physical (PHY) layers. Most recently, with the appearance of short-range wireless personal area networking (WPAN) technologies, researchers also started to use the characteristics of these technologies as a basis for underlying transport assumptions to evaluate their novel network (or higher-) layer protocols. It is extremely important to point out, that WLANs and WPANs are significantly different from ad hoc networks. Ad hoc networks have received their name due to the fact that there is no predefined structure or infrastructure of communication over which they should be established, but they consist of nodes that relay information to their neighbors possibly on behalf of other neighbors. Ad hoc networks are often called wireless multihop networks due to the fact that most packets will have to be relayed by several nodes before they reach their destinations. WLANs, on the other hand, are based on infrastructure—just like cellular networks—where there are dedicated access points (likely connected to the wired infrastructure) controlling their entire transmission range, namely their wireless domain. WLANs are considered single-hop networks, since all nodes attached to the access point talk to only the access point, which is the only entity equipped with a routing function. Fortunately, as outlined in the next subsection, the histories and requirements for ad hoc and
A truly liberal orientation: Laurance Roberts, modern architecture, and the postwar American academy in Rome

After World War II, the American Academy in Rome faced a choice: remain a bastion of declining Beaux-Arts classicism or pursue a more modernist agenda. In “A Truly Liberal Orientation”: Laurance Roberts, Modern Architecture, and the Postwar American Academy in Rome, Denise R. Costanzo demonstrates how Laurance Roberts, director of the Academy from 1946 to 1959, orchestrated its reorientation and welcomed architectural modernism. Under Roberts, a reconfigured Rome Prize in architecture—with no prescribed activities or stylistic limits—attracted graduates of top modern programs. During the 1950s conservative alumni attempted a counterreformation, and Roberts’s efforts to engage prominent modernists as resident architects faltered, highlighting the Academy’s limited relevance to the postwar discipline. Despite these challenges, Roberts established a more progressive administration that allowed Louis Kahn’s and Robert Venturi’s epochal stays, kept Rome on the American architect’s map, and offered one possible model of a “modernist academy.”
Message Formats, Numeracy, Risk Perceptions of Alcohol-Attributable Cancer, and Intentions for Binge Drinking Among College Students

We conducted an experiment to examine whether risk perceptions of alcohol-attributable cancer influence college students' binge-drinking intention and to explore how message formats (text, table, and graph) and numeracy influence risk perceptions of alcohol-attributable cancer. We found that a majority of participants (87%) perceive some risks of alcohol-attributable cancer. Risk messages in tabular and graphic formats are more effective in elevating risk perceptions, but there is no significant difference between these two formats. Numeracy and its interaction with message formats, however, do not predict risk perceptions. We recommend risk messages should be delivered using tabular or graphic formats to enhance risk perceptions. We also advocate the less-is-more principle in presenting risk information.
One Regions Response: The Emergence Of Hispanic Workers In Appalachia

Surveys were conducted assessing level of preparedness of businesses in Eastern Kentucky for the coming wave of Hispanic immigration. Information was summarized for businesses that have not employed Hispanic workers in the past, including a general overview of the cultural and language barriers providing guidelines to ease the transition. Specific guidelines were accumulated regarding general cultural differences and language problems. The information has been organized into four areas containing both general and specific concepts.
Pityriasis Rotunda: A Case Report of Familial Disease in an American-Born Black Patient

Pityriasis rotunda is an uncommon dermatosis with an unusual geographic and racial distribution. The skin disorder is characterized by sharply defined, perfectly circular, scaly patches with no inflammatory changes. Notably, it may be associated with underlying malignancy or chronic infection. We report an uncommon familial case in an American-born female.
A conceptual model for characterizing the problem domain

Defining characteristics of a problem domain continues to challenge developers of visualization software although it is essential for designing both tools and resulting visualizations. Additionally, effectiveness of a visualization software tool often depends on the context of systems and actors within the domain problem. The nested blocks and guidelines model is a useful template for informing design and evaluation criteria for visualization software development because it aligns design to need. Characterizing the outermost block of the nested model—the domain problem—is challenging, mainly due to the nature of contemporary domain problems, which are dynamic and by definition difficult to problematize. We offer here our emerging conceptual model, based on the central question in our research study—what visualization works for whom and in which situation—to characterize the outermost block, the domain problem, of the nested model. We apply examples from a 3-year case study of visualization software design...
DC Plasma Discharge Effects on a Mach 5 Flow Between Small Plate Electrodes

In this paper the effects of a DC plasma discharge generated between two narrow, flat plat electrodes located in a Mach 5 flow are studied from an experimental perspective. This type of arrangement causes plasma to be present upstream and downstream of two shocks, one coming off the top electrode and one coming off the bottom electrode. It also causes plasma to be present in the boundary layers and in the core of the flow. Most of the data presented is for a 50 mA discharge with some data for a 100 mA discharge. The measured parameter used to quantify the effects of the plasma on the Mach 5 flow is the pitot pressure. Pitot probe measurements are presented as a function of axial positio n, horizontal position, and vertical position in the flow. In order to quantify the plasma discharge Langmuir probe measurements are made. Ion number densities and electron temperature results are presented as a function of the axial, vertical, and horizon tal directions between the electrodes. Some electrical conductivity results are also presented.
Radiation heat-transfer model for the ablation zone of low-density carbon-resin composites

Direct numerical simulations of radiation heat-transfer have enabled the validation of a semi-analytical model for the eective radiative conductivity of two-dimensional carbonber preforms. The eective conductivity is shown to be a function of three parameters: the local temperature, the extinction coecient, and the sample thickness. The integration of the proposed model in state-of-the-art ablation tools is relatively simple because only the eective conductivity needs to be modied (the formulation of the energy equation is not modied). This fundamental study has been applied to ablation. In the ablation zone of low-density carbon-resin composites, the matrix is removed and the carbon bers lie unprotected. The eective radiative conductivity is found to be about twice as large when the matrix is removed. Although the ablation zone is very thin, its presence is shown to slightly modify the internal temperature prole.
What Scientists Who Study Emotion Agree About

In recent years, the field of emotion has grown enormously-recently, nearly 250 scientists were identified who are studying emotion. In this article, I report a survey of the field, which revealed high agreement about the evidence regarding the nature of emotion, supporting some of both Darwin's and Wundt's 19th century proposals. Topics where disagreements remain were also exposed.
Eén nachtelijke traumahelikopter geen wezenlijke verbetering van acute hulpverlening

provement in emergency assistance. - The medical benefits ofnighttime missions by one single helicopter emergency medical service for trauma patients in the Netherlands are probably outweighed by the high risk for the crew and the general obstacles to nighttime flight operations. It is doubtful whether one nighttime trauma helicopter will have a favourable effect on the morbidity and mortality due to major trauma in the Netherlands. However, extending the role of regional centres in pre-hospital emergency medicine could be an approach to achieving long-term improvements in trauma care.
Multi-electron redox processes at a Zr(iv) center facilitated by an appended redox-active cobalt-containing metalloligand.

The reactivity of a reduced heterobimetallic Co−I/ZrIV complex, (tBuNC)Co(iPr2PNMes)3Zr(THF) (2), with a series of azido and diazo reagents is explored to demonstrate the feasibility of facilitating two-electron redox processes at a formally d0 Zr(IV) center using the appended Co fragment exclusively as an electron-reservoir. Addition of mesityl or adamantyl azide to 2 affords the terminal (tBuNC)Co(iPr2PNMes)3ZrNMes (3) and bridging (tBuNC)Co(iPr2PNMes)2(μ-NAd)Zr(iPr2PNMes) (4) CoI/ZrIV imido products, respectively. Similarly, diphenyldiazomethane reacts with 2 to afford the terminal Ph2CN22−-bound product (tBuNC)Co(iPr2PNMes)3ZrN–NCPh2 (5) via a two-electron oxidation of the Co center. Thermolysis of 5 results in a structural rearrangement to the diazomethane-bridged isomer (tBuNC)Co(iPr2PNMes)2(μ-N2CPh2)Zr(iPr2PNMes) (6). In contrast, treatment of 2 with 0.5 equivalents of the conjugated diazo reagent ethyl diazoacetate affords a tetranuclear ZrIV/Co0 complex, (tBuNC)Co(iPr2PNMes)3Zr(μ2–κ1-O-η2-N,N-OC(OEt)CHN2)Zr(MesNPiPr2)3Co(CNtBu) (7), bridged through enolate and η2-bound diazo functionalities.
Professional Committee Staff as Policymaking Partners in the U.S. Congress

Members of Congress often act on the advice of professional, unelected staffers who now outnumber them by more than 75 to one. From this observation arises the criticism that congressional aides un...
Access to substance use treatment among young adults who use prescription opioids non-medically

Non-medical prescription opioid (NMPO) use is a substantial public health problem in the United States, with 1.5 million new initiates annually. Only 746,000 people received treatment for NMPO use in 2013, demonstrating substantial disparities in access to treatment. This study aimed to assess correlates of accessing substance use treatment among young adult NMPO users in Rhode Island, a state heavily impacted by NMPO use and opioid overdose. This analysis uses data from a study of 200 Rhode Island residents aged 18 to 29 who reported NMPO use in the past 30 days. We compared individuals who had ever successfully enrolled in a substance use treatment program without ever facing barriers, individuals who had ever attempted to enroll but were unable, and individuals who never attempted to enroll. We used multinomial logistic regression to determine the independent correlates of never attempting and unsuccessfully attempting to access substance use treatment. Among 200 participants, the mean age was 24.5, 65.5% were male, and 61.5% were white. Nearly half (45.5%) had never attempted to enroll in substance use treatment, while 35.0% had successfully enrolled without ever facing barriers and 19.5% were unsuccessful in at least one attempt to enroll. In multivariable models, non-white participants were more likely to never have attempted to enroll compared to white participants. Previous incarceration, experiencing drug-related discrimination by the medical community, and a monthly income of $501 - $1500 were associated with a decreased likelihood of never attempting to enroll. A history of overdose and a monthly income of $501 - $1500 were associated with an increased likelihood of unsuccessfully accessing treatment. The most commonly reported barriers to accessing treatment were waiting lists (n = 23), health insurance not approving enrollment (n = 20), and inability to pay (n = 16). This study demonstrates significant disparities in access to treatment among young adults who report NMPO use. A history of overdose was shown to correlate with experiencing barriers to substance use treatment utilization. Interventions are needed to reduce drug-related discrimination in clinical settings and to provide mechanisms that link young adults (particularly with a history of overdose) to evidence-based treatment.
Electrochemical catalysis of artemisinin on hemoglobin functionalized carbon nanofibers

Artemisinin (ART) is a sesquiterpene lactone and a popular malaria drug used in the Asian subcontinent and some parts of Africa. Understanding the mechanism of action of this drug is important, given recent reports of emergence of resistance of malaria to ARTs. We have investigated biocatalytic reduction of ART on hemoglobin anchored on carbon nanofibers using electrochemistry. We have also investigated the drug interaction with hemoglobin in free solution using liquid chromatography and UV-visible spectroscopy. Using electrochemistry, linear relationships between the catalytic peak current and the ART concentration was observed. The linear range was from 0 to 200 μM and with 0.329 mA mM−1 sensitivity. The calculated apparent Michaelis–Menten constant Km for hemoglobin anchored on carbon nanofibers towards catalysis of ART was 0.093 mM. The analysis of free hemoglobin reacted with ART monitored using UV-visible spectroscopy and liquid chromatography indicated formation of adducts.
Recurrent Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome in an Extremely Low-Birth-Weight Neonate

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) in premature infants is a rare condition. We present SSSS in an extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infant with recurrent and confirmed bacterial sepsis. We present it to emphasize the importance for clinicians to not only recognize the clinical manifestations of SSSS, but also the need to closely monitor infants, especially very low-birth-weight (VLBW) and ELBW infants with SSSS for recurrence and bacterial sepsis. SSSS in preterm infants is a potentially lethal condition and early recognition and appropriate supportive care could be life-saving.
Graphene-Supported Cobalt(III) Complex of a Tetraamidomacrocyclic Ligand for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are at the cusp of providing large scale energy solutions, yet challenges in developing high performance, durable, and cost effective platinum catalyst alternatives continue to impede commercialization efforts. A graphene-supported cobalt(III) catalyst nanocomposite was prepared and investigated for the first time as a potential cathode material for PEMFCs. The material was characterized using a variety of microscopy and spectroscopy techniques, and the electrochemical performance was assessed using voltammetry equipment. A peak potential at − 0.088 V versus standard hydrogen electrode was observed by cyclic voltammetry during oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The material was found to reduce oxygen via a four-electron process in both acidic and alkaline pH conditions, with rotating disk electrode and rotating ring disk electrode studies revealing the ORR to occur via 3.60 and 3.86 electrons at pH 2, respectively. A rate constant of 9.78 × 106 mol− 1 s− 1 was observed for the cobalt(III) catalyst/graphene complex in acidic conditions, and a mechanism has been proposed based on these results. An economic, non-precious cobalt(III) complex supported on graphene successfully reduced oxygen at a high rate in cathodic fuel cell applications.
Using structural mimics for accessing and exploring structural landscapes of poorly soluble molecular solids

The importance of using structural mimics for mapping out the structural landscape of a poorly soluble active pharmaceutical ingredient was investigated using erlotinib as an example. A mimic was synthesized by preserving the main molecular functionalities responsible for creating the most probable structural arrangements in the solid state. Calculated molecular electrostatic potentials on both erlotinib and the mimic showed very comparable values indicating that the latter would be able to form hydrogen bonds of similar probability and strength as those of erlotinib. In order to establish the binding preference in co-crystallization experiments, the mimic molecule was co-crystallized with US Food and Drug Administration approved dicarboxylic acids. The crystal structures of the mimic and of four co-crystals thereof were obtained. The mimic forms hydrogen bonds in a way that closely resembles those found in the crystal structure of erlotinib. The four co-crystals display self-consistent hydrogen-bond interactions. Thermal and solubility data for the co-crystals demonstrate that by making systematic and controllable changes to the solid forms of the mimic, it is also possible to alter the behaviour and properties of the new solid forms. The use of a suitable structural mimic can allow for a systematic structural examination of a compound that is otherwise not amenable to such investigations by facilitating the elucidation and mapping out of a closely related structural landscape.
Cardiovascular Safety of Febuxostat or Allopurinol in Patients with Gout

Abstract Background Cardiovascular risk is increased in patients with gout. We compared cardiovascular outcomes associated with febuxostat, a nonpurine xanthine oxidase inhibitor, with those associated with allopurinol, a purine base analogue xanthine oxidase inhibitor, in patients with gout and cardiovascular disease. Methods We conducted a multicenter, double-blind, noninferiority trial involving patients with gout and cardiovascular disease; patients were randomly assigned to receive febuxostat or allopurinol and were stratified according to kidney function. The trial had a prespecified noninferiority margin of 1.3 for the hazard ratio for the primary end point (a composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or unstable angina with urgent revascularization). Results In total, 6190 patients underwent randomization, received febuxostat or allopurinol, and were followed for a median of 32 months (maximum, 85 months). The trial regimen was discontinued in 56.6% of pat...
Impact of Stover Collection on Iowa Land Use

The study evaluates land use impacts of corn stover markets for the state of Iowa. To tie land use decisions to their economic basis, we use an economic model to simulate profit-maximizing choices of crop-tillage rotations and stover collection, and evaluate the impacts of the stover collection restrictions imposed on the land of lower productivity, as defined by the land with Corn Suitability Rating below 80. We find that stover collection is likely to lead to substantial shifts in rotations favoring continuous corn at stover prices above $50/ton. This crop rotation shift is accompanied by the changes in tillage rotations favoring both continuous conventional tillage and, to a lesser extent, continuous conservation tillage. The crop-rotation impacts of stover markets differ substantially between the restricted and unrestricted stover markets. This finding illustrates the importance of differentiating among the cropland of alternative soil quality when assessing the impacts of corn stover markets.
Cubital tunnel syndrome: Anatomy, clinical presentation, and management

Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common peripheral nerve compression seen by hand surgeons. A thorough understanding of the ulnar nerve anatomy and common sites of compression are required to determine the cause of the neuropathy and proper treatment. Recognizing the various clinical presentations of ulnar nerve compression can guide the surgeon to choose examination tests that aid in localizing the site of compression. Diagnostic studies such as radiographs and electromyography can aid in diagnosis. Conservative management with bracing is typically trialed first. Surgical decompression with or without ulnar nerve transposition is the mainstay of surgical treatment. This article provides a review of the ulnar nerve anatomy, clinical presentation, diagnostic studies, and treatment options for management of cubital tunnel syndrome.
The influence of microenvironment and extracellular matrix molecules in driving neural stem cell fate within biomaterials

Abstract Transplantation of stem cells is a promising potential therapy for central nervous system disease and injury. The capacity for self-renewal, proliferation of progenitor cells, and multi-lineage potential underscores the need for controlling stem cell fate. Furthermore, transplantation within a hostile environment can lead to significant cell death and limited therapeutic potential. Tissue-engineered materials have been developed to both regulate stem cell fate, increase transplanted cell viability, and improve therapeutic outcomes. Traditionally, regulation of stem cell differentiation has been driven through soluble signals, such as growth factors. While these signals are important, insoluble factors from the local microenvironment or extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules also contribute to stem cell activity and fate. Understanding the microenvironment factors that influence stem cell fate, such as mechanical properties, topography, and presentation of specific ECM ligands, is necessary for designing improved biomaterials. Here we review some of the microenvironment factors that regulate stem cell fate and how they can be incorporated into biomaterials as part of potential CNS therapies.
Discrete-Time Finite Markov Chains

In this chapter, we examine some of the properties of discrete-time finite Markov chains. These processes are discrete valued, and to keep the analysis as elementary as possible, we restrict our attention to homogeneous, i.e., time-invariant, and finite chains, i.e., chains where the process X(t) can take only a finite number of values. Under these simplifying assumptions, Markov chains can be analyzed by using tools of linear algebra. Yet, the class of finite homogeneous Markov chains covers a wide range of engineering systems, since it is in essence identical to the class of synchronous stochastic automata.
Climate drives loss of phylogenetic diversity in a grassland community

While climate change has already profoundly influenced biodiversity through local extinctions, range shifts, and altered interactions, its effects on the evolutionary history contained within sets of coexisting species—or phylogenetic community diversity—have yet to be documented. Phylogenetic community diversity may be a proxy for the diversity of functional strategies that can help sustain ecological systems in the face of disturbances. Under climatic warming, phylogenetic diversity may be especially vulnerable to decline in plant communities in warm, water-limited regions, as intensified water stress eliminates drought-intolerant species that may be relicts of past wetter climates and may be distantly related to coexisting species. Here, we document a 19-y decline of phylogenetic diversity in a grassland community as moisture became less abundant and predictable at a critical time of the year. This decline was strongest in native forbs, particularly those with high specific leaf area, a trait indicating drought sensitivity. This decline occurred at the small spatial scale where species interact, but the larger regional community has so far been buffered against loss of phylogenetic diversity by its high levels of physical and biotic heterogeneity.
The Influence of Caregiver Distress and Child Anxiety in Predicting Child Somatization in Youth with Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders

Pediatric functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPD) are associated with adverse outcomes including increased somatization (e.g., heightened physiological sensations that include gastroenterological and non-gastroenterological symptoms) and increased functional disability. Caregiver distress and child anxiety are separately associated with the adverse outcomes of pediatric FAPD. However, the cumulative role of caregiver (i.e., stress, anxiety, and depression) and child psychological functioning (anxiety) in relation to adverse outcomes associated with FAPD, and particularly somatization, is unclear. Thus, the present investigation sought to examine the role of caregiver distress and child anxiety in relation to pain-related functioning (i.e., somatization, pain intensity, functional disability) in youth with FAPD. Data were gathered as part of a larger study examining a psychological treatment for youth with FAPD. Participants (ages 9–14) with FAPD completed measures of child anxiety, pain, and pain-related functioning. Caregivers completed a measure of caregiver distress (e.g., stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms). Pearson correlations revealed significant positive associations between child anxiety and child functional disability. Additionally, caregiver anxiety, child anxiety, and child somatization were all significantly and positively correlated with one another. Therefore, we assessed whether child anxiety may potentially mediate the relationship between caregiver anxiety and child somatization in this cross-sectional study. The indirect association between caregiver anxiety and child somatization via child anxiety was not significant. Future research including longitudinal designs to further understand the relationship between caregiver anxiety, child anxiety, and child pain-related functioning, would enhance understanding of how these potentially modifiable psychological factors may impact adverse outcomes of FAPD.
Rapid Review to Inform the Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Child Returnees from the Islamic State.

Background: An estimated 49,000 women and children who lived in the Islamic State are being held in the Al-Hol refugee camp in Syria. Several countries have repatriated some of these women and children, though most have thus far refused to do so. Many countries are asking whether it is possible to successfully rehabilitate and reintegrate this group and how the evidence base could inform their approach. Objective: The overall objective of this paper is to inform the rehabilitation and reintegration of child returnees from the Islamic State by rapidly reviewing the evidence on children exposed to trauma and adversity. Methods: A rapid review was conducted to identify pertinent evidence regarding outcomes, risk and protective factors, and interventions and to build a framework that could guide policies and practices. Prior work in the areas of refugee children, war-impacted children, child criminal gang members, child victims of maltreatment, and child victims of sex trafficking was reviewed. Evidence was collected and analyzed from 31 prior reviews and studies. Findings: The Rehabilitation and Reintegration Intervention Framework (RRIF) incorporates five levels (individual, family, educational, community, and societal) and identifies five primary goals: 1) promoting individual mental health and well-being; 2) promoting family support; 3) promoting educational success; 4) promoting community support; and 5) improving structural conditions and protecting public safety. Implementing this framework requires public-private partnership with extensive civil society involvement. Conclusions: Rehabilitation and reintegration programs should be based on the evidence of prior work with children exposed to trauma and adversity. RRIF defines a multi-level approach that encompasses promoting individual mental health and well-being, family support, educational success, community support, structural conditions, and public safety. Further multi-disciplinary research is needed to develop evidence in several identified areas concerning child health and developmental problems, family custody, faith and religiosity, and violent extremism assessment and prevention.
Stock volatility and trading

Abstract Both, rational and behavioral models predict that stock and market volatility affect trading by investors. Tax-induced trading hypothesis predicts that investors increase realization of capital losses short term and capital gains only long term as volatility increases. Behavioral models predict that disposition biases of holding on to losers and disposing of winners intensifies with volatility. We document that market and stock volatility influence stock trading. Evidence on trading in response to rise in market volatility supports tax-loss harvesting hypothesis – abnormal trading of losers increases and winners decreases. However, evidence on trading patterns conditional on individual stock volatility is in support of both tax-loss-harvesting and behavioral models: trading in both losing stocks (tax-loss-harvesting hypothesis) and winning stocks (disposition effect hypothesis) increases with rise in stock volatility.
Piezo-Optomechanics in Lithium Niobate on Silicon-on-Insulator for Microwave-to-Optics Transduction

We demonstrate efficient p iezoelectricity a nd optomechanics in a hybrid platform combining thin-film l ithium n iobate w ith silicon-on-insulator. The devices establish an intriguing path towards low-energy classical and quantum transduction between microwaves and optics.
Disparities in Minimally Invasive Myomectomy When Matched for Fibroid Burden

Study Objective To identify whether disparities persist between route of myomectomy when matching African American and Caucasian women for fibroid burden, using preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative findings. Design This is a retrospective chart review of all myomectomies at a tertiary care center between 2012 and 2018. Surgical approach to myomectomy was classified as open, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted laparoscopic. Fibroid burden was quantified preoperatively using uterine volume, intraoperatively by number of fibroids on operative report, and postoperatively by fibroid weight from pathology report. Setting A single academic center where all patients have equal access to surgeons who perform minimally invasive and open myomectomy. Patients or Participants 689 women who underwent surgical treatment of fibroids were included. Interventions n/a Measurements and Main Results African-American women had higher fibroid burden by preoperative imaging (p We then used the greedy nearest neighbor matching without replacement, within caliper width of 0.5, to match Caucasian women and African-American women by fibroid burden. Using propensity score matching for preoperative uterine volume (p=0.38), number of fibroids on operative report (p=0.84), and fibroid weight on pathology report (p=0.26), there was no statistically significant difference between African American and Caucasian women undergoing minimally invasive or open myomectomy. Conclusion In a single institution where all women have access to minimally invasive and open myomectomy, race did not affect whether women underwent an open or minimally invasive procedure when matched for fibroid burden. This finding suggests that access to minimally invasive myomectomy for women with a similar fibroid burden plays a role in the national disparity between African American and Caucasian women undergoing surgical treatment of fibroids.
LGBTQ youth and digital media: online risks

Abstract Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth consume more digital media than their peers. This chapter offers an examination of the existing literature of pertinent theoretical frameworks, LGBTQ youth and their digital media use, as well as the potentially harmful impact these digital experiences may engender. The synthesis offers a broad illustration of the research in this area as well as identifies limitations in the field. Digital media offer useful tools for navigating some of unique developmental issues such as meeting partners, feeling supported, and getting sexual health information. However, these tools may be associated with risk and poor outcomes such as unsafe sexual behavior, sexual victimization, stigma within the LGBTQ community, body image issues, as well as potential criminal charges for producing and disseminating illegal sexual content. Challenges associated with this line of research are discussed and future directions are proposed.
Trivariate Windowed Cross-Correlation and the Association between Three Time Series.

In time series analyses, it can be useful to understand patterns of similarity between several concurrent time series, especially when these patterns provide information about the underlying psycho...
Brain Drain: Rural Poverty and the Quebecois Zombie Film

Robin Aubert’s 2017 film Les Affames is a zombie genre film, set in an unspecified region of rural Quebec. The first Quebecois addition of note to the zombie film genre, Les Affames follows the few...
Evaluation of Peripartal Calcium Status and Neutrophil Function of Dairy Cows of Low or High Risk of Developing Uterine Diseases

Objectives were to establish the relationships among postpartum serum calcium (Ca) status, neutrophil function, and incidence of uterine diseases in dairy cows considered to be of low (LRM) or high risk (HRM) of developing metritis. Our hypothesis was that subclinical hypocalcemia (SCH) impairs in vitro neutrophil function and increases the incidence of metritis in early lactation in both LRM and HRM cows.
A mathematical system for human implantable wound model studies

In this work, we present a mathematical model, which accounts for two fundamental processes involved in the repair of an acute dermal wound. These processes include the inflammatory response and fibroplasia. Our system describes each of these events through the time evolution of four primary species or variables. These include the density of initial damage, inflammatory cells, fibroblasts and deposition of new collagen matrix. Since it is difficult to populate the equations of our model with coefficients that have been empirically derived, we fit these constants by carrying out a large number of simulations until there is reasonable agreement between the time response of the variables of our system and those reported by the literature for normal healing. Once a suitable choice of parameters has been made, we then compare simulation results with data obtained from clinical investigations. While more data is desired, we have a promising first step towards describing the primary events of wound repair within...
2 – Functions of Fire Protection Systems

Publisher Summary This chapter deals with functions of fire protection systems based on engineered systems, which are implemented in the project design stage. Engineered fire prevention measures include: separation distances between hazards and exposures; combustion safeguards on fuel-fired equipment; systems for liquid containment, drainage, or run-off; provisions for bonding and grounding to control static; explosion-proof electrical and heating equipment in hazardous areas; and process safety control systems. Different types of fire protection systems include: detection systems with interlocks for door or damper closure, HVAC shutdown, or process shutdown; fireproofing for buildings, structures, or processes; fire walls, fire barriers, fire doors, and other fire resistant construction; inerting systems; smoke control systems; sprinkler systems; deluge and preaction systems; and special extinguishing systems, including those using wet or dry chemicals, foam, or “clean” agents. Reasons for installing fire protection include: meeting codes; making trade-offs; satisfying AHJs; protecting assets; and maintaining community relations. A common misconception is that fire detection is a form of protection. The time occupants have to evacuate a building depends on how soon they are notified of conditions requiring evacuation, and the speed of fire department response depends on how quickly they are notified. Hazardous processes can be shut down upon detecting any number of abnormal conditions. The design goal of most smoke control systems is to keep smoke from harming occupants during evacuation. Fire protection engineers can design control and extinguishment systems for many types of hazards.