cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chronic Pain: Cure It First, Treat It Second.

With back pain burning into his big toe, which was worse when standing and walking, the elderly patient had failed to respond to numerous spinal injections and 2 operations for lumbar stenosis. Despite taking highdose opioids, the pain woke him up from his sleep, and now he stumbled a lot, curtailed his work, and was seen by his family as being increasingly moody and forgetful. His pain specialist suggested an implant. Except.. Except that his family insisted on a second opinion. By a physiatrist. Who actually examined him. The patient had a tender sacroiliac joint and a purple toe. The new suspicions were confirmed with a diagnostic injection and a positive toe-brachial index. With appropriate treatment for true arterial claudication, the pain disappeared, the opioids were tapered, and the patient became perfectly functional and happy. It’s wrong to treat chronic pain when a cure is possible, yet this happens all the time. Why? And what should be done? Decades of global efforts to improve the treatment of pain have had unintended consequences in which treatment of pain precedes treatment of the disease that caused the pain. For example:
Regional Integration and Economic Convergence in Northeast Asia: Evidence from the Greater Tumen Initiative

Since the early 1990s, the Greater Tumen Initiative (GTI) has emerged as one of the major platforms for cross-border regional integration in Northeast Asia. Founded officially in 1995 with the support of UNDP, it was given a major boost in 2005 as China, South Korea, Russia, and Mongolia took ownership of the initiative. This paper assesses the effectiveness of GTI in terms of convergence in relative per-capita GDP across the 12 member regions over the period 1995-2013. The analysis is conducted using a combination of parametric and nonparametric methods and focuses on the shifts of the kernel density distribution of relative GDP and its intradistributional dynamics over time. The results indicate that in the first decade of the sample period intradistributional convergence was strong, while after 2005 improvements in living standards relative to a common benchmark dominated the process. Regression analysis reveals that on average cross-border convergence was annually 0.15% higher after 2005 than in the preceding decade. Moreover, the marginal rate of cross-border convergence was almost 40% of the rate of intranational convergence after 2005. Overall, the findings suggest that GTI has promoted regional convergence, especially over the past decade.
Ventricular Arrhythmias, Part II: Special Concerns In Evaluation

In the initial installment of this series, the prevalence, significance, and indications for treatment of ventricular arrhythmias were discussed. In this section, we address special concerns in the evaluation of patients with ventricular arrhythmias including the importance of extracardiac and exacerbating factors, the likely role of silent myocardial ischemia, benefits and drawbacks of monitoring methods, proarrhythmic effect, and torsades de pointes. Treatment considerations and discussion of pitfalls in management will follow in the final two installments of this series.
Abstract OP-01: Global Initiatives in Cancer Prevention Research

As estimated by the World Health Organization in its 2010 Global Status Report, for 2008, some 36 million of the 57 million deaths worldwide could be attributed to non-communicable chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The emergence of cancer as a global health threat has been particularly challenging for less developed nations- two thirds of cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, where poor people with cancer tend to suffer more and die younger than in more developed countries. With the increasing age of the world population and its tendencies for tobacco use, decreasing physical activity, and poor dietary habits, the global epidemic of cancer will get substantially worse unless concerted and coordinated efforts by researchers, medical care providers, governments, and commercial entities can deliver rational and practical strategies for cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment that are truly effective, and with refinement can become cost-effective. The AACR Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Conferences have attempted to bring together the broad collection of cancer research disciplines capable of contributing to the reduction of cancer and cancer mortality at a population scale, attracting experts in epidemiology, behavioral science, health services/economics, genetics, molecular biology, carcinogenesis, animal tumor modeling, imaging, clinical trials, and clinical care. Catalyzed in part by the Conferences, what started as increased dialog among these fields has started to yield productive scientific teams, with diverse members, poised to deliver solutions. Some of the teams have spontaneously organized around themes, such as infections and cancer, chronic or recurrent inflammatory processes and cancer, the epigenome as the genome record of life experience, etc., that have created a language and a logic that can transcend the perspectives of specific disciplines. Already, the power of technology drivers, including the progressive ease of genome-scale analyses and nearly vanishing costs of information storage and sharing, in support these teams has been balanced by significant limits, particularly in the consistent and quantitative collection of phenotypic and exposure data throughout the world. The promise and problems of cancer prevention will be considered using the example of prostate cancer, a growing global health problem encompassing all of the foundational disciplines of cancer prevention and control. Citation Format: William G. Nelson. Keynote Lecture: Global Initiatives in Cancer Prevention Research. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2012 Oct 16-19; Anaheim, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Prev Res 2012;5(11 Suppl):Abstract nr OP-01.
Computational Analysis of Strut Induced Mixing in a Scram-Jet

ve struts had fuel injectors present. The total pressure loss and equivalence ratio were compared between the ve struts. An increase in the size of the baseline strut caused increased total pressure loss and increased the combustion area behind it. A decrease in the height of the strut decreased the pressure loss and also the combustion area while a decrease in the width decreased the pressure loss but increased the mixing. This increase in mixing is most likely due to the fuel injectors not being on the leading wedge of the strut.
Iridium-Promoted, Palladium-Catalyzed Direct Arylation of Unactivated Arenes

A Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction between Cp*(PMe3)IrBn2 and aryl halides was developed. Examining the scope of this reaction led to the discovery that Cp*(PMe3)IrMeCl activates C–H bonds on arene substrates that undergo subsequent Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling with aryl iodides. This Ir-promoted, Pd-catalyzed direct arylation is notable for its distal selectivity on substituted arenes lacking directing groups or a particular electronic bias.
Epidemiology and impact on quality of life of postherpetic neuralgia and painful diabetic neuropathy.

Objective This article reviews the prevalence, risk factors, natural history, and impact on quality of life of painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Discussion Diabetes mellitus afflicts more than 14 million persons in the U.S. An estimated 20% to 24% of these persons experience PDN. Data on risk factors for PDN are limited, but duration of diabetes mellitus and poor glycemic control are probably important factors. Painful diabetic neuropathy may interfere with general activity, mood, mobility, work, social relations, sleep, leisure activities, and enjoyment of life. Herpes zoster strikes an estimated 800,000 persons each year in the U.S., most of whom are elderly or immunosuppressed. Using pain at 3 months after rash onset as a definition of PHN, between 25% and 50% of adults older than 50 years develop PHN, depending on early antiviral therapy for herpes zoster. Increasing age, greater pain and rash severity, greater degree of sensory impairment, and psychological distress are risk factors for PHN. Postherpetic neuralgia may cause fatigue, insomnia, depression, anxiety, interference with social roles and leisure activity, and impaired basic and instrumental activities of daily living. Conclusions Both conditions are common complications of their underlying disorders and can profoundly diminish the quality of life of affected persons.
Modeling Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibition with Carbonic Anhydrase

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) is being used as a model for matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). CA is a more ubiquitous protein that binds zinc in the same manner as MMPs, His3(OH). Current MMP inhibitors target both unregulated and normal functioning MMPs at the catalytic Zn(II) site, but show minimal specificity and high toxicity. A new class of inhibitor building blocks are being evaluated as potential MMP inhibitor scaffolds, based on their interactions with Zn- and Co- containing CA.
Protecting Mental Interests Making the Civil Liability Law Irreplaceable

With the modern social security system being established,the civil liability law has been questioned for its necessity of existence,and thereby suffered from an unparalleled "survival crisis"seemingly. However,the modern social security system cannot resolve the problem of people's mental interests protecting. Mental interests protecting makes the civil liability law irreplaceable. The civil liability law lies in its morality nature; any theory could not justify itself when it interprets civil liability law against morality principle; both the modern social remedy theory and its practice are not able to deny civil liability law's repaying mechanism and its inherent function.
Credit Market Conditions and the Propagation of Korea's 1997 Financial Crisis

We consider the roles of monetary shocks and tightening credit market conditions in the transmission of South Korea's 1997 financial crisis to the real sector, and compare the relative impacts of these factors on production in light and heavy industries. Using structural regression equations, vector autoregressive models, and the accompanying dynamic forecasts, we find that the ratio of commercial bills dishonored to the total value of bills to be cleared can explain the decline in industrial production more fully than either the decline in the real stock of money or the spread between yields on corporate and government bonds. These results are most emphatic in light industry, for which small and medium-sized firms account for more than 70 percent of the total value added. Since fluctuations in the dishonored bills ratio may reflect components related to increases in the cost of credit intermediation and its effect on small and medium-sized firms more precisely than the corporate-government bond spread, we interpret the evidence as suggestive of a credit channel and "flight-to-quality" at work.
Image-Based Positioning of Mobile Devices in Indoor Environments

Indoor positioning allows for many commercially viable applications, such as navigation, behavior and movement tracking, and augmented reality (AR). These applications all require the user’s location and orientation to be reliably estimated. Positioning is noticeably more challenging indoors than outdoors since GPS is typically unavailable in interior environments due to the shielding effect of structures. As a result, much research has been focused on relying on other types of signals, or in our case, images as a basis for positioning.
Multiple Point Cutting Processes

A multipoint tool can be regarded as a series of two or more cutting parts secured to a common body. The majority of multipoint tool are intended to be rotated and the workpiece is moved in a plane normal (as in milling) or parallel (as in drilling) to the axis of spindle rotation. Although the tool geometry and the resulting part features in multipoint machining are different from those in turning processes, the fundamental aspects of chip formation and cutting energy are very similar.
Demographic and Life Style Determinants of Household Consumption Patterns

The authors propose a model of household consumption based on existing literature and provide empirical evidence substantiating the typology. The basic empirical issue focuses on the role of life s...
Breast cancer care redesign as an approach to streamline survivorship care: Outcomes and challenges.

9Background: Optimal follow up care for the 3.1 million breast cancer (BC) survivors in the United States has not been definitively determined. ASCO and NCCN recommend that early stage BC patients have a history and physical by their oncology or primary care provider every 3 to 6 months in the first three years post treatment. Additional visits have not been shown to improve outcomes. However, many patients are seen more frequently, leading to increased healthcare costs. In this context, we developed and implemented a BC care redesign algorithm (BCCRA) to reduce redundant follow up. Methods: The BCCRA multidisciplinary team recommended BC survivors be seen by an oncology provider every 6 months for the first five years post treatment and annually thereafter. Retrospective chart review was conducted to evaluate BCCRA adherence from November 2014 to November of 2015. Patients were deemed ineligible if there was a medically necessary reason for visits outside of the BCCRA such as reconstruction, ongoing trea...
From toes to top-of-atmosphere: Fowler's Sneaker Depth index of water clarity for the Chesapeake Bay.

Fowler’s Sneaker Depth (FSD), analogous to the well known Secchi disk depth (Zsd), is a visually discerned citizen scientist metric used to assess water clarity in the Patuxent River estuary. In this study, a simple remote sensing algorithm was developed to derive FSD from space-borne spectroradiometric imagery. An empirical model was formed that estimates FSD from red-end remote sensing reflectances at 645 nm, Rrs(645). The model is based on a hyperbolic function relating water clarity to Rrs(645) that was established using radiative transfer modeling and fine tuned using in-water FSD measurements and coincident Rrs(645) data observed by NASA’s Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer aboard the Aqua spacecraft (MODISA). The resultant FSD algorithm was applied to Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager data to derive a short time-series for the Patuxent River estuary from January 2015 to June 2016. Satellite-derived FSD had an inverse, statistically significant relationship (p 4 μg L−1). The complex nature of water quality in the mid-to-upper Chesapeake Bay was captured using a MODISA-based FSD time series (2002-2016). This study demonstrates how a citizen scientist-conceived observation can be coupled with remote sensing. With further refinement and validation, the FSD may be a useful tool for delivering scientifically relevant results and for informing and engaging local stakeholders and policy makers.
Using an Open Source Application Program Interface

Chapter 10 provided details for writing client software to communicate with a table-mounted eye tracker via an Application Programming Interface (API), specifically the Linux Tobii API.
On Speaking and Not Speaking: Autism, Friendship, Interdependency

This creative nonfiction piece reflects on experiences relating to autism and speech, exploring tensions between independence and interdependency, as well as the potential lines between friendship and accommodation/support in the medical and professional realms.
Development and assessment of regeneration imputation models for National Forests of Oregon and Washington

Abstract Imputation models were developed to predict seedling regeneration density and composition on National Forest System (NFS) lands in Oregon and Washington. The models were based on Forest Inventory and Analysis and Pacific Northwest Regional NFS Monitoring data. Individual models were developed based on broad forest plant association groups (FPAGs) with all model development and analysis conducted in R using a most similar neighbor-like imputation approach. Model performance was evaluated based on bias, mean absolute deviation, root mean-squared error (RMSE), and error rate in correctly predicting the total presence or absence of any regenerating species regardless of species (Total ER). Low to moderate RMSE (≤7400 regeneration stems ha−1) and low to moderate Total ER (≤50%) were observed for 25 out of 58 FPAG-specific models. The regeneration imputation models produced in this study represent a large first step towards developing flexible, expandable, and adaptable regeneration models that can be easily incorporated into existing growth models like the Forest Vegetation Simulator.
Precocious deposition of perineuronal nets on Parvalbumin inhibitory neurons transplanted into adult visual cortex

The end of the critical period for primary visual cortex (V1) coincides with the deposition of perineuronal nets (PNN) onto Parvalbumin (PV) inhibitory neurons. Recently, we found that transplantation of embryonic inhibitory neurons into adult V1 reinstates a new critical period. Here we used Wisteria Floribunda Agglutinin (WFA) staining to compare the deposition of PNNs onto neurons during normal development and following transplantation at equivalent cell ages. In accord with previous findings, PV and PNN expression increases from negligible levels at postnatal day 14 (P14) to mature levels by P70. In contrast to P14, PNNs are found on transplanted PV neurons by 21 days after transplantation and persist to 105 days after transplantation. This precocious deposition was specific to PV neurons and excluded transplanted neurons expressing Somatostatin. Notably, the onset of PV expression in transplanted inhibitory neurons follows the timing of PV expression in juvenile V1. Moreover, transplantation has no discernible effect on host PNNs. The precocious deposition of PNNs onto transplanted PV neurons suggests that PNN expression identified by WFA does not reflect neuronal maturity and may be an inaccurate marker for transplant-induced plasticity of cortical circuits.
An Atomistic Study of Interfacial Diffusion in Lamellar TiAl Alloys

In this paper we investigate self-diffusion of Ti and Al along interfaces present in the lamellar L10 TiAl by atomistic computer modeling. The interactions between the atoms are described by central-force many-body potentials. The approach adopted is similar to that used in earlier atomistic modeling of bulk diffusion in TiAl [1, 2]. Both the formation and migration of vacancies is examined. The interfaces studied are the three types of γ–γinterfaces: ordinary twin, pseudotwin and 120° rotational fault. For the latter two interfaces the diffusion was investigated not only for the stoichiometric case but also when the interfaces possess a surplus of titanium in the form of a layer with the composition and structure of Ti3Al, as was found in an earlier Monte Carlo study of titanium segregation to these interfaces. The calculations suggest that the diffusivity along γ–γinterfaces is higher than in the bulk. However, the difference between bulk and interfacial diffusivity is not as drastic as it may be encountered in grain boundaries. At the same time the above mentioned surplus of Ti appears to affect the interfacial diffusion only marginally.
Intraoperative assessment of the mitral valve by transoesophageal echocardiography: an overview.

Mitral valve leaflets: The two leaflets are different in shape and together occupy two and one half times the area of the orifice–thereby permitting large areas of coaptation. The anterior/anteromedial leaflet is triangular in shape and is in continuity with the aortic annulus. The leaflet is juxtaposed with the non-coronary and left coronary cusps of the aortic valve. It encircles only one third of the annulus, however covers approximately two-thirds of the valve orifice area. The posterior/posterolateral mitral leaflet is quadrangular in shape and occupies two-thirds of the annulus. It covers only one-third of the valve area. The anatomical landmarks are integrated with the Carpentier nomenclature for better understanding of the TEE 2D images and uniformity in communicating with surgical team. 2 The anterior leaflet is termed A, and divided into three parts: lateral third (A1), middle third (A2) and medial third (A3). The posterior mitral leaflet termed P comprises of a lateral (P1), middle (P2) and medial scallop (P3). (Fig. 1 and 2) Both leaflets are thick at the bases and also at the tips, with central thinning. The anterior leaflet is more mobile, while the posterior leaflet fulfills a supporting role. The commissural area is in between the anterior and posterior leaflets and is identified by the attachment of the commissural “fan” chordae. As seen by the surgeon through an atriotomy, the lateral commissure is termed anterior commissure (Ac) and the medial commissure is termed posterior commissure (Pc) (Fig. 1 and 2). Chordae tendinae: The chordae tendinae are fine fibrous strings radiating from the papillary muscles and attach to corresponding halves of the anterior and posterior mitral leaflets in an organised pattern. 3 Chordae arising from the anterior papillary muscle attach to the lateral half of A2, A1, Ac, P1 and lateral half of P2. Chordae arising from the posterior papillary muscle attach to medial half of A2, A3, Pc, P3 and medial half of P2. The chordae tendinae attach to the leaflets in three different orders. First order chordae attach to the free margin of the leaflet; second order chordae insert into the ventricular aspect of the leaflet; and the third order chordae travel from the ventricular wall and insert into the undersurface of the leaflet – posterior leaflet only.
Pure testicular choriocarcinoma presenting as a friable hemorrhagic nodule on the lip

Here we present a case of metastatic cutaneous choriocarcinoma presenting as a lesion on the upper lip. This report briefly discusses choriocarcinoma, cutaneous manifestations, and prognosis.
UV plasmonics: materials, methods, and mechanisms (Conference Presentation)

There is growing research interest in UV plasmonics, in part because the UV regime has seen comparatively little activity compared to the visible, NIR/IR, and THz regimes, but also because of application areas such as UV sources and detectors, label-free fluorescence detection of biomolecules, and photocatalysis. There is a rich spectrum of materials that exhibit plasmonic response in the UV. Although no single material can be considered the “best” for all applications, Al is the most often utilized. Our research has focused on Al, Mg, Ga, and their alloys. We have developed deposition methods and top-down and bottom-up patterning methods, and utilized materials analysis methods to gain understanding of the UV plasmonic response of these materials. We have also enabled materials such as Mg and Ga to be used in applications such as enhanced fluorescence. Studies of native fluorescence modification from Al and Mg plasmonic structures show some key differences between the two materials, which I will explain. I will also discuss some plasmonic structures that exhibit very large UV enhancements, some of which can be readily fabricated by nanosphere lithography methods.
From Liberal Freedom to Neo-liberal Inequality: The History of the Freedom Agenda

This chapter surveys the historical and political processes that have produced and informed the centrality of freedom in Western liberal philosophy. It begins with an analysis of the freedom argument, its roots, rationale, and manifestation in modern liberal practices. The chapter argues that in the processes of reformulating the notion of the good-life argument of classical liberalism, justice was alienated from the realm of politics and amalgamated into the fringe of ethics. The history of these composite and complex categories matters in understanding the problem of globalized liberalism. Political Islam idealizes literal conceptions of justice and equality, while neo-liberalism upholds individual freedom in its extreme forms of inequality and the mere pursuit of happiness.
Analysis of Smart Loads in Nanogrids

Low-inertia power generation units make nanogrids vulnerable to the voltage and power fluctuations caused by pulse loads and abnormal grid conditions. The conversion of critical loads to smart loads is a potential solution for improving the stability and power quality in nanogrids. This paper investigates the effects of utilizing smart loads on the performance of nanogrids. A smart load can compensate for sudden deviations between supply and demand and therefore can mitigate voltage and power oscillations in low-inertia nanogrids. The conversion of critical loads to smart loads can reduce the stress on the energy storage units and minimize the required battery banks in nanogrids. In this paper, several case studies are considered to verify the stability and power quality improvement of nanogrids when some loads are converted to smart loads.
What about race?: internalised dominance in the Opt Out Florida movement

Opt Out Florida, a largely White, middle-class social movement comprised of parents – most often, mothers – opposed to high-stakes standardised testing in U.S. public schools, has received media cr...
Safety profile of HTX-019 administered as an intravenous push in cancer patients: a retrospective review.

Objectives: HTX-019 (Cinvanti®) is a novel injectable emulsion formulation of the neurokinin 1 receptor antagonist (RA) aprepitant, approved (as 30-min infusion and 2-min injection) for preventing ...
Crack Propagation Characterization of Asphalt Mixtures: Weibull Distribution and Entropy Approach

AbstractThe semicircular bending (SCB) test is used to characterize crack propagation of asphalt mixtures at intermediate temperatures using the critical strain energy release rate or the flexibili...
Homeostatic Plasticity Commonly Fails at the Intersection of Autism-Gene Mutations and a Novel Class of Common Phenotypic Modifier

ABSTRACT We identify a set of common phenotypic modifiers that interact with five independent autism gene orthologs (RIMS1, CHD8, CHD2, WDFY3, ASH1L) causing a common failure of presynaptic homeostatic plasticity (PHP). Heterozygous null mutations in each autism gene are demonstrated to have normal baseline neurotransmission and PHP. However, we find that PHP is sensitized and rendered prone to failure. A subsequent electrophysiology-based genetic screen identifies the first known heterozygous mutations that commonly genetically interact with multiple ASD gene orthologs, causing PHP to fail. Two phenotypic modifiers identified in the screen, PDPK1 and PPP2R5D, are characterized. Finally, transcriptomic, ultrastructural and electrophysiological analyses define one mechanism by which PHP fails; an unexpected, maladaptive up-regulation of CREG, a conserved, neuronally expressed, stress response gene and a novel repressor of PHP. Thus, we define a novel genetic landscape by which diverse, unrelated autism risk genes may converge to commonly affect the robustness of synaptic transmission.
How Does Ginsenoside Rh2 Mitigate Adipogenesis in Cultured Cells and Obese Mice

Ginsenoside Rh2, an intermediate metabolite of ginseng, but not naturally occurring, has recently drawn attention because of its anticancer effect. However, it is not clear if and how Rh2 inhibits preadipocytes differentiation. In the present study, we hypothesized that ginsenoside Rh2 attenuates adipogenesis through regulating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) pathway both in cells and obese mice. Different concentrations of Rh2 were applied both in 3T3-L1 cells and human primary preadipocytes to determine if Rh2 inhibits cell differentiation. Dietary Rh2 was administered to obese mice to determine if Rh2 prevents obesity in vivo. The mRNA and protein expression of PPAR-γ pathway molecules in cells and tissues were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively. Our results show that Rh2 dose-dependently (30-60 μM) inhibited cell differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells (44.5% ± 7.8% of control at 60 μM). This inhibitory effect is accompanied by the attenuation of the protein and/or mRNA expression of adipogenic markers including PPAR-γ and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha, fatty acid synthase, fatty acid binding protein 4, and perilipin significantly (p < 0.05). Moreover, Rh2 significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited differentiation in human primary preadipocytes at much lower concentrations (5-15 μM). Furthermore, dietary intake of Rh2 (0.1 g Rh2/kg diet, w/w for eight weeks) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced protein PPAR-γ expression in liver and hepatic glutathione reductase and lowered fasting blood glucose. These results suggest that ginsenoside Rh2 dose-dependently inhibits adipogenesis through down-regulating the PPAR-γ pathway, and Rh2 may be a potential agent in preventing obesity in vivo.
Scattering of axial gravitational wave pulses by monopole black holes and QNMs.

We study scattering of short Gaussian pulses of axial gravitational waves by a black hole that has swallowed one or more global monopoles. We show how the response of the black hole to the impinging pulses depends both on the number of monopoles the black hole has swallowed and on the symmetry breaking scale of the model which gave rise to the monopoles. We determine the corresponding quasinormal modes that get excited by the impinging pulses and that get imprinted in the black hole's response to the pulses. These modes are also expected to show up in various other dynamical processes such as the ringdown phase of a binary black hole merger in case at least one of the companion black holes of the binary has swallowed one or more global monopoles.
The complex relationships among race/ethnicity, social determinants, and opioid utilization.

Objective To examine individual- and community-level factors associated with racial/ethnic differences in individuals' opioid prescription use. Data sources Outpatient opioid prescription utilization and demographic, socioeconomic, and health characteristics from a nationally representative sample of the US noninstitutionalized civilian population obtained from 2013-2016 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data and combined with 2012-2016 American Community Survey data and 2015 Health Area Resources File data. Study design We use the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition method to disaggregate racial/ethnic differences in prescription opioid utilization into differences explained by underlying predisposing, enabling and need characteristics, and unexplained differences. Data collection/extraction methods We use restricted-use geographic identifiers to supplement the MEPS data with information on community characteristics and local health care resources. Principal findings The average annual rate of any outpatient opioid prescription use was higher for non-Hispanic whites (15.8%; standard errors [SE]: 0.3) than for non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics by 1.4 percentage points (SE: 0.5) and 6.2 percentage points (SE: 0.4), respectively. The smaller difference between non-Hispanic blacks and whites is not explained by the differences in the risk factors, while almost all the difference between Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites can be explained by the differences in the means of the risk factors. The differences in the prevalence of pain, the rate of being United States-born, and the racial/ethnic composition of the community explain 2.4 (SE: 0.2), 1.4 (SE: 0.3), and 1.9 (SE: 0.4) percentage-point differences, respectively. Pain prevalence explains the difference regardless of opioid potency, while foreign-born status and community racial/ethnic composition explain the difference in higher-potency opioid utilization only. Conclusions This study underscores the importance of accounting for both individual and community characteristics when investigating patterns in opioid use. Our results could assist policy makers in tailoring strategies to promote safer and more effective pain management based on individual and community characteristics.
Not Breathing Easy: "Disarticulated Homework" in Asthma Management.

Recent health policy in the United States encourages an outsourcing of labor from professional practice into domestic spaces, where in theory, medical professionals supply the training, technologies, and guidance needed to discharge responsibility for care to patients or caregivers. Mattingly et al. (2011) term this labor "chronic homework," describing the relationship between the assigning and undertaking of medical care at the borders of professional and domestic domains. This is a system predicated on relationships between professional and caregiver. However, in our research with families and providers in two U.S. sites, we observed a "disarticulation" of asthma care from professional medicine. Caregivers may undertake routine asthma management with little physician oversight, transforming chronic homework into what we term "disarticulated homework." We argue that expanding the concept of chronic homework to theorize disarticulation processes can help elucidate how health disparities are reproduced in the gap between medical systems and domestic life. [asthma, self-management, caregiving pharmaceuticalization, health disparities].
Racial differences in tumor biology and treatment of gastric cancer in the United States.

174Background: Racial disparities for gastric cancer are often identified in the literature. Although patients in Asia consistently demonstrate a survival benefit compared to those in the West, Asi...
Multi-agent system optimisation in factories of the future: cyber collaborative warehouse study

The rapid advancement of technologies leading to automation 5.0 has challenged manufacturers preparing for factories of the future, including warehouses, which are considered a key element in suppl...
Enhancing the impact of science data toward data discovery and reuse

The a mount of data produced in support of scientific research continues to grow rapidly. Despite the accumulation and demand for scientific data, relatively little data are actually made available for the broader scientific community. We surmise that one root of this problem is the perceived difficulty of electronically publishing scientific data and associated metadata in a way that makes it discoverable. We propose exploiting Semantic Web technologies and best practices to make metadata both discoverable and easy to publish. We share experiences in curating metadata to illustrate the cumbersome nature of data reuse in the current research environment. We also make recommendations with a real-world example of how data publishers can provide their metadata by adding limited additional markup to HTML pages on the Web. With little additional effort from data publishers, the difficulty of data discovery, access, and sharing can be greatly reduced and the impact of research data greatly enhanced.
Leptin and Cancer

Because obesity is an established risk factor in various cancers and leptin plays a significant role in the physiopathology of obesity, the exploration of leptin’s link to cancer risk is of considerable importance. We have reviewed the reported findings on the role of leptin in the pathogenesis of a series of different forms of cancer, which have been more intensively studied, namely those related to human reproduction (breast, endometrial, ovarian and prostate cancer), cancers of the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, gastric and colon cancer) and leukemias.
Choosing free trade without amending the U.S. Constitution

This paper documents the functioning of the market in trade protection. It uses a narrative approach to demonstrate that politicians respond to the demands of special interests by forcing open foreign markets and by closing domestic markets. In the process government officials violate property rights, disregard economic logic, damage the world trading system, multiply rent-seeking costs, and destroy wealth. Such outcomes imply that there is a constitutional failure, and that the rules and institutions governing international trade need to be reformed. This paper discusses several such changes and considers how consumers could be mobilized to support them.
Role of the kidney in staphylococcal enterotoxemia.

Abstract Highly purified staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) is known to accumulate rapidly within the kidneys of experimental animals. The present study was performed to determine whether the predominant renal localization of SEB was of fundamental pathophysiologic importance in the development of lethal shock after the intravenous administration of this toxin to monkeys. Eight bilaterally nephrectomized Macaca mulatta given 10 μg of SEB per kg survived for an average time period less than half that of nephrectomized control animals (P < 0.001). Their survival time, however, was similar to that of control, sham-nephrectomized monkeys given an equal amount of SEB. Thus, no evidence was obtained to suggest that the kidney converted purified SEB to a more potent toxin. The glomerular filtration and proximal tubule cell accumulation of SEB possibly occurred as a nonspecific consequence of its molecular size, and such localization within the kidney might have served to reduce the quantity of SEB reaching some other site of toxic activity. Similar pathological and clinical findings were demonstrated in monkeys from both experimental and control groups; these could not be ascribed to SEB alone.
Certificate-based access control for widely distributed resources

We have implemented and deployed an access control mechanism that uses digitally-signed certificates to define and enforce an access policy for a set of distributed resources that have multiple, independent and geographically dispersed stakeholders. The stakeholders assert their access requirements in use-condition certificates and designate those trusted to attest to the corresponding user attributes. Users are identified by X.509 identity certificates. During a request to use a resource, a policy engine collects all the relevant certificates and decides if the user satisfies all the requirements. This paper describes the model, architecture and implementation of this system. It also includes some preliminary performance measurements and our plans for future development of the system.
A Radioimmunoassay for Plasma Aldosterone

The properties of antibodies to steroid-protein conjugates were investigated many years ago by Lieberman and his coworkers (1). Recently antibodies to an estradiol-protein conjugate have been used for assay of estradiol in human plasma (2). This report describes a method, using antibodies to an aldosterone-protein conjugate, to measure aldosterone in extracts of plasma purified by one column and one paper chromatography. MATERIALS AND REAGENTS 1,2-3H-aldosterone (New England Nuclear Corp., 29.5 c/mM) was purified every two weeks by paper chromatography in the system benzene:methanol:water 100:50:25. The purity of the labelled steroid was also examined once by acetylation and chromatography of the diacetate. Aldosterone was used as obtained from Mann Research Laboratories. The source and purification of solvents and the preparation of columns were as previously described (3). Silica gel (Merck, no. 7734) purified as previously described for Al2O3 (3). The source and method for washing chromatography paper ...
PARTISANSHIP AND THE WELFARE STATE IN AN ERA OF CRISIS: REVISITING "INSIDER-OUTSIDER" DYNAMICS IN SPAIN 1

ABSTRACT To understand the policy preferences of Social Democratic (SD) parties, contemporary scholarship on the welfare state has differentiated between “insiders” (those with secure jobs) and “outsiders” (those without secure jobs). According to this thesis, SD governments mainly cater to insiders—a group that favors employment protection schemes over labor market policies. As insiders join the ranks of outsiders given the current economic crisis, I ask: Do these arguments still hold? How do SD governments behave in light of the economic crisis? This paper explores these questions by focusing on the policies adopted by the Spanish SD government during the economic crisis. It shows that increases in the pool of unemployed pool pushes SD governments to re-access their social policy choices. More specifically, as insiders become like outsiders, SD governments will expand labor market policies. Simultaneously, even if it hurts insiders, SD parties could cut social protection to help this new pool of people and reduce hiring costs. Finally, the fiscal crisis could serve as a “window of opportunity” to introduce pending, unpopular reforms; these reforms are more likely to affect insiders and lead to a modest recalibration of the welfare state.
QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF SERUM TRIGLYCERIDES BY GLASS-FIBER PAPER CHROMATOGRAPHY.

Abstract A rapid and reproducible procedure for the quantitative determination of serum triglycerides based on their isolation by glass-fiber paper chromatography and the colorimetric estimation of the triglycerides by hydroxylaminolysis is presented and has been utilized for a series of biological experiments to illustrate the usefulness of this technique. There was a marked increase in serum triglyceride concentration after the consumption of an emulsion containing glyceryl monolinoleate. This was not observed when glyceryl monostearate was the source of fat in the emulsion.
New geographies of energy: Introduction to the special issue

Energy issues are fueling expanded and contested policy differences as well as political and economic conflicts and a general social–ecological crisis of now major proportions. Current energy dilem...
Low‐Voltage All‐Polymer Field‐Effect Transistor Fabricated Using an Inkjet Printing Technique

An all-polymer field-effect transistor (FET) fabricated using an inkjet printing technique is presented in this paper. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophe), works as the conductivity. Polypyrrole acts as the semiconducting layer. the polymers are diluted with dionized water, and can be printed with a piezoelectric inkjet printing system. The device functions at a depletion mode with low operation voltage. It has a field-effect mobility of 0.1 cm 2 . V -1 . s -1 , an on/off ratio of 29 × 10 3 , and a subthreshold slope of 2.81 V.decade -1 .
Interaction between entropy imbalance and superconductivity in U1-xThxBe13

For U1−xThxBe13 (x≲5 at.%) and particularly for U0.97Th0.03Be13 a strong increase of the effective mass or, equivalently, of the renormalized density of states at EF is expected below the superconducting transition temperature Tc≈0.6 K, since this heavy-fermion system has not yet entered into a Fermi liquid state (C/T=const.). With a few plausible premises it is possible to calculate the effect of this increasing density of states with decreasing temperature on the superconducting specific heat below Tc without knowledge of a microscopic model just by using thermodynamic arguments. Using a straight forward assumption for the temperature dependence of m∗, the unusual shape of the specific heat between the upper and the lower transition of U0.97Th0.03Be13 can be reproduced quantitatively assuming weak coupling, isotropic BCS-superconductivity.
Fourier transform infrared investigation of the effects of irradiation on the 19 and 30°C phase transitions in polytetrafluoroethylene

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy has been used in conjunction with differential scanning calorimetric measurements to investigate the nature of molecular degradation and its effect on the phase transition temperatures in irradiated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Both the 19 and 30/sup 0/C transitions are observed to exhibit similar shifts to low temperatures upon irradiation. Infrared absorbance subtraction data from irradiated PTFE indicate a continual decrease in sample crystallinity accompanied by an increase in the number of free and bonded - COOH groups with increasing dose consistent with molecular degradation by chain scission. By comparing infrared band intensities on a number of irradiated PTFE samples with those from short chain perfluoro n-alkanes, it was determined that the overall reduction in chain length caused by irradiation was primarily responsible for the observed reduction in both phase transition temperatures.
MCM7 Interacts with Androgen Receptor

MCM7 is a critical component of the DNA replication licensing complex that controls DNA replication in both yeast and Xenopus. Our previous studies have indicated that MCM7 is both amplified and overexpressed in metastatic prostate cancer. In this study, we found that MCM7 interacts with the androgen receptor (AR) with high affinity both in vitro and in vivo. We identified the AR-binding motif for MCM7, comprised of amino acids 221 to 248, and the MCM7-binding motif for the AR, comprised of amino acids 426 to 475. AR stimulation with high doses of the synthetic androgen R1881 led to a decrease in MCM7 binding to genomic DNA, a reduction of DNA synthesis, decreases in the number of cells progressing through S phase and cell proliferation, whereas low doses produced an increase in the DNA licensing activity of MCM7 and higher levels of cell proliferation. In addition, the MCM7/AR interaction down-regulated MCM7 expression. The gene transcription or repressor activity of AR is dependent on its interaction with MCM7 because either a mutant AR defective in its interaction with MCM7 or a MCM7 knockdown primarily eliminated AR effects on gene expression. Thus, this study reveals a novel mechanism by which AR and MCM7 facilitate each other's function, suggesting that AR-independent activation of MCM7 may be a mechanism by which prostate cancers bypass therapeutically induced AR blockade.
Technical Note: Localized Corrosion of Pure and Sulfur-Doped Nickel in Neutral Sodium Sulfate Solution

Abstract The localized corrosion of pure and sulfur-doped Ni has been investigated in 0.25 M Na2SO4 (pH 6.5), both with and without addition of chloride ions, at 25 C. Addition of more than 500 ppm l− to Na2SO4 solution is found to cause pitting of annealed pure Ni. Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) examination of the fracture surface of nickel previously exposed to SO2 at 800 for 10 min showed that sulfur had penetrated along the grain boundaries by ∼100 µm. Grain boundary sulfur coverage of more than about 0.01 monolayer causes pitting, with induction time and pitting potential independent of increasing sulfur coverage, in 0.25 M Na2SO4 (pH 6.5), both with and without l−. The diffusivity of sulfur along grain boundaries in Ni at 800 is calculated to be ∼4.6×10−10m2/S.
Respiratory Effects in Relation to Estimated Tar Exposure from Current and Cumulative Cigarette Consumption

Relationships between estimated "tar" exposure from current and past cigarette consumption, were related to respiratory symptoms and function during the seventh survey (1981-1983) of the Tucson epidemiologic study of airways obstructive diseases. Smokers (n = 582; 280 males and 302 females) and exsmokers (n = 621; 345 males and 276 females), answered detailed questions on current and past smoking, and performed flow-volume maneuvers. Cough and phlegm were significantly associated with estimated "tar" exposure from current cigarette consumption. Cough, phlegm, and dyspnea were associated with reported deep inhalation in both sexes, while wheeze was so associated in females. In young smokers (less than 35 years), symptoms were more prevalent in those who had predominantly smoked cigarettes with estimated high "tar." Total exposure was more important in older smokers. Generally, exsmokers showed a lower prevalence of symptoms than smokers. Cross-sectional lung function measurements were significantly related to total estimated "tar" exposure and age. Multiple logistic regressions provided models which helped predict symptoms and lung function impairment in smokers and exsmokers on the basis of estimated "tar" exposure and pack-years of smoking.