cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Days of the Giantesses: Voices of Women Pioneers in Neurology (P2.390)

OBJECTIVE: To interview women pioneers in academic neurology currently holding leadership positions (full professors, deans, or chairwomen), using an oral historian’s approach. BACKGROUND: Today half of neurology resident trainees and 1/4 of practicing neurologists are women. However, in 2014, women made up only 15[percnt] of neurology full professors, and only 11 of 101 neurology department chairs. Women in senior academic positions have identified mentorship as key to their success. Oral history offers a compelling method to transmit memories and experiences, and could extend the mentoring potential of the pioneering women who have reached the upper echelons of academic neurology. DESIGN/METHODS: We planned interviews with women neurologists in academic leadership positions, conducted by current resident trainees. Interviews focus on the training years, with the goal to capture the interviewee’s individual experiences and to illuminate the institutional culture within which she built her career. Interviews will be recorded, transcribed, and edited into print and multimedia formats. RESULTS: The first interview was conducted on 12/17/14 with Dr. Linda Lewis, Professor of Neurology at Columbia University and former Dean of Students at Columbia’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. The conversation focused on her years in training at the Neurological Institute of NY during the tenure of H. Houston Merritt, including vivid descriptions of the early levodopa trials; procedures performed by residents (e.g. pneumoencephalograms) and their complications; and standard treatments of the day for subarachnoid hemorrhage and other neurological emergencies. Dr. Lewis also discussed challenges she faced as a woman trainee at a time when most of her colleagues and mentors were men. CONCLUSIONS: An individual’s life story can illuminate an aspect of history. In the first interview of our planned series, Dr. Lewis’s stories of her residency training offered glimpses of the challenges women faced entering academic neurology in the 1960s. Disclosure: Dr. Miller has nothing to disclose. Dr. Elkind has received personal compensation in and editorial capacity for serving as an Associate Editor of the journal Neurology.
Boas-Type Formulas and Sampling in Banach Spaces with Applications to Analysis on Manifolds

My teachers were Vladimir Abramovich Rokhlin (my Master’s thesis advisor) and Selim Grigorievich Krein (my Ph.D. thesis advisor). I first met Paul Butzer when I was about 50 years old, but I also consider him as my teacher since his work had an enormous influence on my carrier and ultimately on my life.
Health Care Providers’ Experience with a Protocol for the Identification, Treatment, and Referral of Human-Trafficking Victims

ABSTRACTThe health care setting is thought to be one of the most promising places to identify victims of human trafficking. The present study was designed to relay the experiences of a sample of 10 health care providers and hospital administrators who developed and have used a protocol to identify victims of human trafficking since February 2014. To our knowledge, the protocol was one of the first to be adopted by any health care system in the United States. Three primary themes emerged from the participant interviews. First, developing the protocol was challenging because, at the time, there were no predecessor examples. Second, providers reported that the protocol is simple to use and victim identification is easier because of it. Third, identifying and serving victims of human trafficking remains challenging, because there is still a deficit of trained providers and a lack of community resources for survivors. The field needs evidence that this and similar protocols improve users’ knowledge and skills,...
The Chemical Causes of Color

Thousands of tourists from all over the world flock to two island sites at opposite ends of the earth from one another for no other reason than to gaze in awe and wonder at the color phenomenon each one is famous for. Hawaii’s Green Sand Beach on the southernmost point of the Big Island boasts an entire beach covered with tiny olivine crystals that sparkle like emeralds in the tropical sun. Olivine is a common constituent of lava flows, but only in this one place has it been found of gem quality—the crystals in this case seem to have floated on a former lava lake. Around the globe in the North Atlantic, a unique body of water known as the Blue Lagoon on Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula plays host to about 400,000 visitors a year who come to take a dip in this unique body of water—also an indirect product of an ancient lava flow flooded by the transforming effluent from a nearby geothermal power plant. What is it about some materials that give rise to these and so many other wonderful colors? Why are other substances colorless, and can we modify them to produce color? The answers to these questions are not simple, and they involve awareness of several important insights regarding the nature of matter, particularly atoms and molecules.
Progress in Educating Students with the Most Severe Disabilities: Is There Any?:

This article examines the issue of who are the most severely disabled students and clients and how they have or have not benefited from educational and postschool professional services to date. A l...
Magma‐facilitated transpressional strain partitioning within the Sawtooth metamorphic complex, Idaho: A zone accommodating Cretaceous orogen‐parallel translation in the Idaho batholith

Structural data from metasedimentary rocks and geochronologic data from intrusive rocks in the Idaho batholith provide evidence for the relationship between deformation and magmatism in the northern U.S. Cordillera. The Sawtooth metamorphic complex (SMC), Idaho, is exposed as an inlier in the central Idaho batholith and contains strongly deformed metasedimentary and intrusive rocks. Geologic mapping reveals north-south-striking, alternating contraction- and shear-dominated domains across strike. The contraction-dominated domains consist of centimeter- to tens of meter-scale, shallowly to steeply plunging upright folds with subhorizontal lineations. The shear-dominated domains are characterized by highly strained subvertical foliations, subhorizontal lineations, and syntectonic intrusive sheets. Pervasive S-C structures, winged porphyroclasts, and asymmetric folds indicate dextral strike-slip shearing. The fabrics in the two types of domains are structurally compatible and are interpreted to be broadly synchronous. This work suggests that the SMC structures represent a wrench-dominated transpressional zone, in which the regional strain partitioned into the contraction- and shear-dominated domains and the partitioning was facilitated by emplacement of syntectonic magmas. Zircon U-Pb data of the syntectonic intrusions indicate that the SMC transpressional deformation occurred mainly between ca. 95-92 Ma and ca. 84 Ma, and had ended by ca. 77 Ma. The transpressional deformation in the SMC and the western Idaho shear zone (WISZ) were kinematically compatible and partially coeval. This suggests that the SMC and WISZ represent a regional transpression system and that crustal deformation inboard of the continental margin may have contributed to the northward orogen-parallel translation of accreted terranes during the Late Cretaceous.
Probabilistic Assessment of Failure for United States Air Force Building Systems

AbstractDeteriorating and failing federal facilities represent a significant cost to the U.S. government. In maintaining these assets, the United States Air Force currently uses a facility data sys...
Thermal considerations in the cryogenic regime for the BNL double ridge higher order mode waveguide

Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) has proposed to build an electron ion collider (EIC) as an upgrade to the existing Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). A part of the new design is to use superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavities for acceleration, which sit in a bath of superfluid helium at a temperature of 2 K. SRF cavities designed for the BNL EIC create a standing electromagnetic wave, oscillating at a fundamental frequency of 647 MHz. Interaction of the charged particle beam with the EM field in the cavity creates higher order modes (HOM) of oscillation which have adverse effects on the beam when allowed to propagate down the beam tube. HOM waveguides are thus designed to remove this excess energy which is then damped at room temperature. As a result, these waveguides provide a direct thermal link between room temperature and the superconducting cavities adding a static thermal load. The EM wave propagating through the warmer sections of the waveguide creates an additional dynamic thermal load. This study calculates these thermal loads, concluding that the dynamic load is small in comparison to the static load. Temperature distributions are mapped on the waveguide and the number of heat intercepts required to efficiently manage thermal loads have been determined. In addition, a thermal radiation study has been performed and it is found that this contribution is around three orders of magnitude smaller than the static conduction and dynamic loads.
Dopaminergic dysfunction in neurodevelopmental disorders: recent advances and synergistic technologies to aid basic research

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) represent a diverse group of syndromes characterized by abnormal development of the central nervous system and whose symptomatology includes cognitive, emotional, sensory, and motor impairments. The identification of causative genetic defects has allowed for creation of transgenic NDD mouse models that have revealed pathophysiological mechanisms of disease phenotypes in a neural circuit- and cell type-specific manner. Mouse models of several syndromes, including Rett syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, Angelman syndrome, Neurofibromatosis type 1, etc., exhibit abnormalities in the structure and function of dopaminergic circuitry, which regulates motivation, motor behavior, sociability, attention, and executive function. Recent advances in technologies for functional circuit mapping, including tissue clearing, viral vector-based tracing methods, and optical readouts of neural activity, have refined our knowledge of dopaminergic circuits in unperturbed states, yet these tools have not been widely applied to NDD research. Here, we will review recent findings exploring dopaminergic function in NDD models and discuss the promise of new tools to probe NDD pathophysiology in these circuits.
Linking Teacher Education to Redesigned Systems of Accountability: A Call for Multiple Measures in Pre-Service Teacher Effectiveness.

In this written commentary for the special issue of Education Policy Analysis Archives focused on “Redesigning Assessment and Accountability,” we call for teacher preparation to embrace a multiple measures philosophy by providing teacher candidates with rich opportunities to engage with data from a variety of sources, beyond teacher test scores and principal evaluations. We apply and extend Bae’s (2018) argument to teacher preparation policies, urging teacher educators to develop programs that promote continuous improvement. We argue that teacher education can and should prepare candidates to engage in multiple measure systems, critically evaluate data and sense make to construct meaning, reflect on and improve their practice to meet the needs of all students, and ultimately advocate for next-generation accountability systems that authentically foreground and prioritize continuous improvement.
Relationship between Lateral Femoral Bowing and Varus Knee Deformity Based on Two-Dimensional Assessment of Side-to-Side Differences.

Purpose: The objective was to evaluate the relationship between side-to-side differences of lateral femoral bowing and varus knee deformity based on two-dimensional (2D) assessment in unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Materials and Methods: A total of 143 patients with varus knee osteoarthritis who underwent unilateral TKA were enrolled. We evaluated the sideto- side differences of the frontal lower limb alignment by assessing lateral femoral bowing, anatomical medial distal femoral angle, and anatomical medial proximal tibial angle (aMPTA). Results: The average values of all anatomical indices were significantly different between the operated side and the non-operated side (p<0.05). The side-to-side difference in hip knee ankle (HKA) angle had a statistically significant correlation with that in lateral femoral bowing (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.259; p=0.002) and that in aMPTA. Linear regression analysis showed 0.199° of side-to-side difference in lateral femoral bowing was associated with 1° of side-to-side difference in bilateral HKA angle. Conclusions: The side-to-side difference in lateral femoral bowing showed a tendency to increase in proportion to varus knee deformity based on 2D assessment in unilateral TKA patients.
Troubling Messages: Agency and Learning in the Early Schooling Experiences of Children of Latinx Immigrants:

Background/ContextEarly childhood education in the United States is currently suspended between the belief that young children learn through dynamic experiences in which they are able to create and...
Faster-X evolution of gene expression is driven by recessive adaptive cis-regulatory variation in Drosophila.

The hemizygosity of the X (Z) chromosome fully exposes the fitness effects of mutations on that chromosome and has evolutionary consequences on the relative rates of evolution of X and autosomes. Specifically, several population genetics models predict increased rates of evolution in X-linked loci relative to autosomal loci. This prediction of faster-X evolution has been evaluated and confirmed for both protein coding sequences and gene expression. In the case of faster-X evolution for gene expression divergence, it is often assumed that variation in 5' noncoding sequences is associated with variation in transcript abundance between species but a formal, genomewide test of this hypothesis is still missing. Here, I use whole genome sequence data in Drosophila yakuba and D. santomea to evaluate this hypothesis and report positive correlations between sequence divergence at 5' noncoding sequences and gene expression divergence. I also examine polymorphism and divergence in 9,279 noncoding sequences located at the 5' end of annotated genes and detected multiple signals of positive selection. Notably, I used the traditional synonymous sites as neutral reference to test for adaptive evolution, but I also used bases 8-30 of introns <65 bp, which have been proposed to be a better neutral choice. X-linked genes with high degree of male-biased expression show the most extreme adaptive pattern at 5' noncoding regions, in agreement with faster-X evolution for gene expression divergence and a higher incidence of positively selected recessive mutations.
Benzodiazepine-refractory status epilepticus, neuroinflammation, and interneuron neurodegeneration after acute organophosphate intoxication.

Abstract Nerve agents and some pesticides such as diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) cause neurotoxic manifestations that include seizures and status epilepticus (SE), which are potentially lethal and carry long-term neurological morbidity. Current antidotes for organophosphate (OP) intoxication include atropine, 2-PAM and diazepam (a benzodiazepine for treating seizures and SE). There is some evidence for partial or complete loss of diazepam anticonvulsant efficacy when given 30 min or later after exposure to an OP; this condition is known as refractory SE. Effective therapies for OP-induced SE are lacking and it is unclear why current therapies do not work. In this study, we investigated the time-dependent efficacy of diazepam in the nerve agent surrogate DFP model of OP intoxication on seizure suppression and neuroprotection in rats, following an early and late therapy. Diazepam (5 mg/kg, IM) controlled seizures when given 10 min after DFP exposure (“early”), but it was completely ineffective at 60 or 120 min (“late”) after DFP. DFP-induced neuronal injury, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration of principal cells and GABAergic interneurons were significantly reduced by early but not late therapy. These findings demonstrate that diazepam failed to control seizures, SE and neuronal injury when given 60 min or later after DFP exposure, confirming the benzodiazepine-refractory SE and brain damage after OP intoxication. In addition, this study indicates that degeneration of inhibitory interneurons and inflammatory glial activation are potential mechanisms underlying these morbid outcomes of OP intoxication. Therefore, novel anticonvulsant and neuroprotectant antidotes, superior to benzodiazepines, are desperately needed for controlling nerve agent-induced SE and brain injury.
Second-Order Cone Programming (SOCP) Techniques for Coordinating Large-Scale Robot Teams in Polygonal Environments

In this paper, we present an online optimization approach for coordinating large-scale robot teams in both convex and non-convex polygonal environments. In the former, we investigate the problem of moving a team of m robots from an initial shape to an objective shape while minimizing the total distance the team must travel within the specified workspace. Employing SOCP techniques, we establish a theoretical complexity of O(k 1.5 m 1.5) for this problem with O(km) performance in practice – where k denotes the number of linear inequalities used to model the workspace. Regarding the latter, we present a multi-phase hybrid optimization approach. In Phase I, an optimal path is generated over an appropriate tessellation of the workspace. In Phase II, model predictive control techniques are used to identify optimal formation trajectories over said path while guaranteeing against collisions with obstacles and workspace boundaries. Once again employing SOCP, we establish complementary complexity measures of O(l 3.5 m 1.5) and O(l 1.5 m 3.5) for this problem with O(l 3 m) and O(lm 3) performance in practice – where l denotes the length of the optimization horizon.
Examining Demographics, Prior Academic Performance, and United States Medical Licensing Examination Scores.

PurposeTo examine whether demographic differences exist in United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores and the extent to which any differences are explained by students’ prior academic achievement.MethodThe authors completed hierarchical linear modeling of data for U.S. and Canadian a
Acute Stroke Trial Enrollment through a Telemedicine Network: A 12-Year Experience

Abstract Background A major barrier to acute stroke trial enrollment is timely access to participating centers. Establishing referral relationships via telemedicine may broaden trial access. We sought to understand the utilization of telemedicine in trial enrollment at a large academic center. Methods This is a single center, retrospective review of subjects consecutively enrolled into cerebrovascular trials requiring urgent consent between January 2005 and December 2016. Subjects were classified to either direct presentation to hub hospital, or transfer from spoke hospitals. We used Pearson linear correlation and a simple linear regression model to describe the relationship between annual trial enrollment rate and the number of spoke sites capable of audio-video evaluation (AVR) as a proxy for the size of the telemedicine network. We correlated the annual increase in enrollment with that of each group using parametric and nonparametric analysis. Results Sixteen trials met our criteria, enrolling 299 subjects: 117 in the hub group and 182 in the spoke group. There was a direct relationship between the number of AVR-capable sites and annual trial enrollment rate (P = Conclusions Telemedicine networks are a major resource for trial enrollment. Expanding the use of remote enrollment could expedite the completion of acute cerebrovascular trials.
Left ventricular vortex formation time in elite athletes: novel predictor of myocardial performance.

Background Efficient transportation of blood through the left ventricle (LV) during diastole depends on vortex formation. Vortex formation time (VFT) can be measured by echocardiography as a dimensionless index. As elite athletes have supranormal diastolic LV function, we aim to assess resting and post-exercise VFT in these athletes and hypothesised that VFT may predict myocardial performance immediately post-exercise. Method Subjects were world class speedskaters training for the Winter Olympic Games. Echocardiographic measurements were obtained before and immediately after 3000 m of racing. VFT was computed as 4×(1−β)/π×α³×left ventricle ejection fraction where β is the fraction of diastolic stroke volume contributed by atrial contraction, α is the biplane end diastolic volume (EDV)1/3 divided by mitral annular diameter during early diastole. Results Baseline VFT was 2.6±0.7 (n=24, age 22±3 years, 67% males). Post-exercise, heart rates increased (64±10 vs 89±12 beats/min, p 0.05). VFT at rest correlated modestly with post-exertion early diastolic mitral in-flow velocity (E; r=0.59, p=0.01), tissue Doppler-derived early mitral annular velocity (E′; septal and lateral, both r=0.59, p=0.01) and systolic annular velocity (S′; septal: r=0.46, p=0.02 and lateral: r=0.48, p=0.02) but not late diastolic mitral in-flow velocity (A; r=0.06, p>0.05) or annular velocity (A′; septal: r=0.34, p=NS and lateral: r=0.35, p>0.05). Conclusion There was no significant difference between VFT at rest and immediately post-exercise. However, VFT at rest correlated with immediate post-exercise augmented systolic and early diastolic tissue Doppler indicators of myocardial performance in elite athletes.
Health Care Business and Historiographical Exchange

Before addressing the commentators for their thoughtful input on “Misrepresented Interests,” let me first thank the editors of Studies in American Political Development for providing a forum for an enduring debate about the power of capitalists in capitalist democracies like the United States. As a comparativist, I ventured into that complicated territory after extensive research in Sweden, where I discovered to my great surprise that the Social Democrat labor movement was kicking at open doors as it introduced each piece of Sweden's famous system of industrial relations and social insurance. Sweden's undeniably powerful employers stood contentedly aside and had no interest in closing the doors afterward. I was able to come to that conclusion with confidence only because the Swedish Employers’ Confederation had allowed me extraordinary access to their entire archives, confidential minutes, internal and external correspondence, and the diaries of a former chief executive.
Can Apps Make Air Pollution Visible? Learning About Health Impacts Through Engagement with Air Quality Information

Air pollution is one of the largest environmental health risks globally but is often imperceptible to people. Air quality smartphone applications (commonly called apps) provide real-time localized air quality information and have the potential to help people learn about the health effects of air pollution and enable them to take action to protect their health. Hundreds of air quality apps are now available; however, there is scant information on how effective these mobile apps are at educating stakeholders about air pollution and promoting behavioral change to protect their health. In this paper, we test how intrinsic and extrinsic motivations can enhance users’ engagement with air quality information through an app, and favor changes in protective behavior. We developed an air quality app, AirForU, with a built-in research study that was downloaded by 2740 users. We found that engagement was higher for users with intrinsic motivations, such as those who are health conscious, either because they are suffering from heart disease or other conditions aggravated by air pollution, or because they exercise frequently and want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Extrinsic motivations such as notifications were also effective. App users stated that they frequently shared air quality information with others, learned about the Air Quality Index (AQI), and took measures to protect their health while using AirForU app.
Un Proceso Muy Vagabundo: The Use of Visual Research Methods to Explore Intergenerational Political Behavior

This article explores the use of visual research methodologies for understanding the everyday political desires and behavior of individuals. Its goal is to extend conversations in geography about t...
Contemporary Trends and Outcomes of Blunt Traumatic Colon Injuries Requiring Resection.

Abstract Background After traumatic injury, primary anastomosis after colon resection has overtaken ostomy diversion. Improved technology facilitating primary anastomosis speed and integrity may have driven this change. Trends in ostomy versus anastomosis have yet to be quantified, and recent literature comparing outcomes is incomplete. Methods The National Trauma Databank (2007-2014) was queried for all blunt colon injuries requiring resection. Patients were dichotomized into study groups based on whether they underwent ostomy creation. Ostomy creation frequency was compared over time. After subgrouping patients by colon injury location, multivariate regression adjusted for baseline characteristics and evaluated the impact of ostomy on clinical outcomes. Results A total of 13,949 colon injuries requiring colectomy were identified. Ostomy frequency did not vary by study year (P = 0.536). Univariate analysis showed that patients undergoing ostomy were older (median, 40 versus 32; P Conclusions Ostomy creation for colonic injury has reached an equilibrium trough. The impact of ostomy creation varies by not only clinical outcome but also injury location. Further study is needed to define the optimal surgical management for blunt colon injuries requiring resection.
Optogenetics: Rho GTPases Activated by Light in Living Macrophages

Genetically encoded optogenetic tools are increasingly popular and useful for perturbing signaling pathways with high spatial and temporal resolution in living cells. Here, we show basic procedures employed to implement optogenetics of Rho GTPases in a macrophage cell line. Methods described here are generally applicable to other genetically encoded optogenetic tools utilizing the blue-green spectrum of light for activation, designed for specific proteins and enzymatic targets important for immune cell functions.
A transcomplementing gene drive provides a flexible platform for laboratory investigation and potential field deployment.

CRISPR-based gene drives can spread through wild populations by biasing their own transmission above the 50% value predicted by Mendelian inheritance. These technologies offer population-engineering solutions for combating vector-borne diseases, managing crop pests, and supporting ecosystem conservation efforts. Current technologies raise safety concerns for unintended gene propagation. Herein, we address such concerns by splitting the drive components, Cas9 and gRNAs, into separate alleles to form a trans-complementing split–gene-drive (tGD) and demonstrate its ability to promote super-Mendelian inheritance of the separate transgenes. This dual-component configuration allows for combinatorial transgene optimization and increases safety by restricting escape concerns to experimentation windows. We employ the tGD and a small–molecule-controlled version to investigate the biology of component inheritance and resistant allele formation, and to study the effects of maternal inheritance and impaired homology on efficiency. Lastly, mathematical modeling of tGD spread within populations reveals potential advantages for improving current gene-drive technologies for field population modification. Gene drives raise safety concerns around unintended propagation. Here the authors present a trans-complementing split-gene drive that requires inheritance of separate transgenes to assemble a fully functional drive.
Escalating Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support In Worsening Cardiogenic Shock: Feasibility In Advanced Heart Failure Therapy Candidates

Background Temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS) can be used in cardiogenic shock (CS) as a bridge to advanced heart failure therapies (AHFT) (durable LVAD, cardiac transplantation). tMCS escalation in worsening CS has never been studied and prognostication in this cohort is needed, particularly in candidates for AHFT. We evaluated potential predictors of survival and outcomes of those that received AHFT. Methods From 07/2016-07/2018 we identified patients with worsening CS shock requiring tMCS escalation. Worsening CS was defined as persistent hypotension; increasing doses of vasopressors/inotropes; worsening end-organ perfusion parameters; and/or worsening invasive hemodynamics. tMCS escalation was defined as adding/exchanging tMCS device to existing tMCS. Potential prognostic variables were evaluated in ROC curves. All statistical tests were performed with a two-sided p value=05. Results 81 consecutive patients (61±14y, 73%m) had worsening CS shock requiring tMCS escalation. Devices used were IABP, Impella (2 5, CP, 5 0), ECMO and Tandem (TandemHeart, TandemLife, ProtekDuo). Survival to discharge was 32%. Etiology of shock was heterogeneous (33% AMI; 62% decompensated heart failure). 62% were transfers from outside hospitals. Utilization of a PA catheter pre-escalation was associated with improved survival compared to absence of a PA catheter (40% vs 18%, p=0.05). ROC curves demonstrated prognostic thresholds associated with survival: age 0.92 Watts (87% specificity). While prognostic thresholds associated with mortality were: age >69 y (81% specificity), BMI >35 kg/m2 (81% specificity), pre-escalation cardiac power output (CPO) 3 mmol/L (81% specificity). AUC was greatest in post-escalation blood pressure indicating persistence of hypotension post-escalation (SBP Conclusions tMCS escalation in worsening CS incurs poor survival overall (32%). tMCS escalation is feasible in stabilizing patients with worsening CS that are candidates for AHFT.
Effective COVID-19 Management Prerequisites: National Culture, Governance, Human Development, and Income Inequality

COVID-19’s profound impact on global health, well-being, social, economic, and political discourse is unparalleled in recent history, perhaps comparable to the 1918 flu pandemic. Despite the worldwide havoc the current pandemic has caused, there are significant differences among nations with respect to testing, tracing, infection, hospitalization, and ultimately, death rates. In order to effectively manage COVID-19 and future pandemics, it is paramount that macro national factors associated with favorable health outcomes be identified and addressed. This research used four independent macro databases and explored the impact of national culture, governance effectiveness, human development and income inequality on COVID-19 outcomes. Surprisingly, HDI and effective governance indicators were significantly but modestly related to national COVID case and deaths per million outcomes, but in unexpected directions. Implications for future research are discussed.
Original contributionTolerability and safety of alosetron during long-term administration in female and male irritable bowel syndrome patients

OBJECTIVES: Alosetron (Lotronex) is a new therapeutic agent for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women with diarrhea-predominant IBS. This multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessed the safety and tolerability of alosetron during long-term (≤12 months) treatment. METHODS: A total of 859 subjects (637 female and 222 male) with IBS were enrolled from 130 sites in the United States and were randomized 3:1 to receive 1 mg alosetron or placebo b.i.d. for 48 wk; of the subjects, 649 (76%) were randomized to the alosetron group and 212 (24%) to the placebo group. Of the original group, 850 subjects received at least one dose of alosetron (n = 640) or placebo (n = 210). RESULTS: In all, 59% of the subjects completed the study. Safety data were similar in treatment groups and within age, sex, racial origin, and hormone use. Adverse events were reported by 83% (530/640) and 76% (159/210) of subjects in the alosetron and placebo groups, respectively, (p < 0.05) and were similar with the exception of constipation; 32% of subjects receiving alosetron reported constipation, compared to 5% in the placebo group (p < 0.001). Most reports (72%) of constipation were of mild or moderate severity, and 66% of subjects with constipation had single episode of 8 days median duration. Constipation occurred a median of 13 days after initiating treatment and resolved spontaneously, with laxative, or after a brief interruption of therapy. Of the subjects, 4% (11/210) in the alosetron and 5% (28/640) in the placebo group experienced serious adverse events. Two deaths occurred in subjects with pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors; neither death was attributed to the study drug. CONCLUSIONS: Alosetron 1 mg b.i.d. for 12 months was well tolerated. Constipation is the most frequent adverse event, with a higher incidence of transient constipation in alosetron-treated patients, typically occurring in the first month of treatment.
Atrial fibrillation exacerbates cognitive dysfunction and cerebral perfusion in heart failure.

Background Heart failure (HF) increases risk for cognitive impairment in part due to the negative effects of cardiac dysfunction on cerebral perfusion. Atrial fibrillation (AF), an independent risk factor for cognitive impairment, often accompanies HF and is associated with lower systemic perfusion. However, no study has examined the associations among AF, cognitive function, and cerebral perfusion in patients with HF.
A Study of the Regeneration Process in Diesel Particulate Traps Using a Copper Fuel Additive

The goals of this research are to understand the regeneration process in ceramic (Cordierite) monolith traps using a copper fuel additive and to investigate the various conditions that lead to trap regeneration failure. The copper additive lowers the trap regeneration temperature from approximately 500 C to 375 C and decreases the time necessary for regeneration. Because of these characteristics, it is important to understand the effect of the additive on regeneration when excessive particulate matter accumulation occurs in the trap. The effects of particulate mass loading on regeneration temperatures and regeneration time were studied for both the controlled (engine operated at full load rated speed) and uncontrolled conditions. The trap peak temperatures were higher for the uncontrolled than the controlled regeneration. The higher peak trap temperatures were predominantly controlled by the effect of the exhaust flow rates on the energy transfer processes. The total regeneration time was faster for the controlled regeneration compared to the uncontrolled regeneration. All traps passed the controlled regeneration tests having maximum temperatures less than 900 C. During the uncontrolled regeneration tests, trap failure occurred at 135 and 139 g particulate matter loadings. The maximum temperatures were in excess of 1,150 C. The pressure drop acrossmore » the trap was modeled using the one dimensional Darcy`s law which accounted for the pressure drop due to the ceramic wall and the particulate layer. The experimental results for the substrate correlate well with the empirical substrate pressure drop models available in the literature. The models also enable an estimate to be made regarding trap mass loading. These data along with the laboratory data have indicated that mass loadings greater than 110 g followed by high temperature operation and subsequent engine idling can result in trap failures during regeneration.« less
Electoral Reform and the Fate of Factions: The Case of Japan's LDP

For years, scholars and pundits have blamed Japan's single, non-transferable vote (SNTV) electoral system for the factions that divide and organize the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). In January 1994, Japan abandoned SNTV, and the first election under the new rules occurred in October 1996. If SNTV did in fact sustain the factions, it makes sense that the factional structure ought to weaken under the new rules. In this paper, we provide an informal model of what the old factional exchange between leaders and followers was like and investigate the extent to which the terms of this exchange, and hence the characteristics of Japanese factionalism, have begun to change under the new rules. We expect and find the largest decline in factional leaders' role in the area of nominations, and the slightest changes, at least in the short run, in the allocation of posts. On the other side of the exchange, we find that followers appear less willing to march to their leaders' tunes in LDP presidential elections.
SIZE-SPECTRUM OF EXTENSIVE AIR SHOWERS OF THE COSMIC RADIATION

The operation and calibration of a single scintillator of area 7.3 m2 is discussed. The integral spectrum of particles passing through the scintillator at 1575 m.s.l. has a logarithmic slope of — (1.514±0.022); from this it is deduced that the integral spectrum of extensive air showers whose sizes lie in the range from 105 to 108 particles is given byK(⩾N)=3.2·10−7 (N/106)−1.514 m−2 s−1 sr−1. Smaller events are identified with stars produced locally in the toluene of the scintillator; the integral spectrum of such events dissipatingE MeV in the scintillator is given byR(⩾E)=4.5·102 E −2.76 min−1/g of toluene.
Team Selling And Customer Satisfaction In The Mission Critical Sector: A Case Study of Eyp Mission Critical Facilities Inc.

This study examined the relationships between selling teams (STs) and customer satisfaction within the mission critical power design industry. The literature indicates that STs, which are considered a state of the art sales model, deserved further research. The SERVQUAL survey was used to measure customer satisfaction with EYP Mission Critical’s most strategic customers. The difference in customer satisfaction for customers serviced by STs and traditional sales personnel were compared. The investigation found support indicating that a ST approach had a positive relationship to increased customer satisfaction levels. Based on the results of the study, it is recommended that sales leaders within the specialized service industry consider a ST approach when formulating future revenue growth and relationship strategy.
Ionospheric ion temperature forecasting in multiples of 27 days

The ionospheric variability found at auroral locations is usually assumed to be unpredictable. The magnetosphere, which drives this ionospheric variability via storms and substorms, is at best only qualitatively describable. In this study we demonstrate that over a 3 year period, ionospheric variability observed from Poker Flat, Alaska, has, in fact, a high degree of long-term predictability. The observations used in this study are (a) the solar wind high speed stream velocity measured by the NASA Advanced Composition Explorer satellite, used to define the corotating interaction region (CIR), and (b) the ion temperature at 300 km altitude measured by the National Science Foundation Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar over Poker Flat, Alaska. After determining a seasonal and diurnal climatology for the ion temperature, we show that the residual ion temperature heating events occur synchronously with CIR-geospace interactions. Furthermore, we demonstrate examples of ion temperature forecasting at 27, 54, and 81 days. A rudimentary operational forecasting scenario is described for forecasting recurrence 27 days ahead for the CIR-generated geomagnetic storms. These forecasts apply specifically to satellite tracking operations (thermospheric drag) and emergency HF-radio communications (ionospheric modifications) in the polar regions. The forecast is based on present-day solar and solar wind observations that can be used to uniquely identify the coronal hole and its CIR. From this CIR epoch, a 27 day forecast is then made.
Consideration of impact of atmospheric intrusion in subsurface sampling for investigation of suspected underground nuclear explosions

Radioactive noble gases radioxenon and radioargon constitute the primary smoking gun of an underground nuclear explosion. The aim of subsurface sampling of soil gas as part of an on-site inspection (OSI) is to search for evidence of a suspected underground nuclear event. It has been hypothesized that atmospheric gas can disturb soil gas concentrations and therefore potentially add to problems in civilian source discrimination verifying treaty compliance under the comprehensive nuclear-test-ban treaty. This work describes a study of intrusion of atmospheric air into the subsurface and its potential impact on an OSI using results of simulations from the underground transport of environmental xenon (UTEX) model.
Communication-efficient group key agreement

Traditionally, research in secure group key agreement focuses on minimizing the computational overhead for cryptographic operations, and minimizing the communication overhead and the number of protocol rounds is of secondary concern. The dramatic increased in computation power that we witnessed during the past years exposed network delay in WANs as the primary culprit for a negative performance impact on key agreement protocols. The majority of previously proposed protocols optimize the cryptographic overhead of the protocol. However, high WAN delay negatively impacts their efficiency. The goal of this work is to construct a new protocol that trades off computation with communication efficiency. We resurrect a key agreement protocol previously proposed by Steer et al. We extend it to handle dynamic groups and network failures such as network partitions and merges. The resulting protocol suite is provably secure against passive adversaries and provides key independence, i.e. a passive adversary who knows any proper subset of group keys cannot discover any other group keys not included in the subset. Furthermore, the protocol is simple, fault-tolerant, and well suited for high-delay wide area network.
A Rewrite Rule Based Framework for Combining Decision Procedures

A rewrite rule based framework for combining decision procedures for universally quantified theories is proposed. It builds on the key ideas of Shostak's combination approach. A distinctive feature of the proposed framework is that its soundness and completeness can be easily established. Furthermore, the framework has the desired property of being efficient (by avoiding duplication of equality reasoning in all decision procedures) as well as generating canonical forms as in Shostak's combination framework. It thus enables tight integration of decision procedures with equational and inductive reasoning based on rewriting.
Elevated Levels of Mast Cells Are Involved in Pruritus Associated with Polycythemia Vera in JAK2V617F Transgenic Mice

Pruritus occurs frequently in patients with polycythemia vera (PV), and the pathophysiology of PV-associated pruritus is unclear. We have previously demonstrated that transgenic mice expressing JAK2V617F displayed clear PV-like phenotypes. In the current study, we found frequent occurrence of pruritus with aged JAK2V617F transgenic mice and further investigated the underlying mechanisms by studying mast cells, key players in allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. Massive accumulations of mast cells were observed in the skin of pruritic JAK2V617F transgenic mice. In vitro culture yielded much higher mast cell counts from the bone marrow, spleen, peripheral blood, and peritoneal cavity of JAK2V617F transgenic mice than from controls. Cultured mast cells from JAK2V617F transgenic mice exhibited enhanced proliferative signals, relative resistance to cell death upon growth factor deprivation, and a growth advantage over control cells under suboptimal growth conditions. However, these mast cells displayed normal morphology and contained normal levels of mast cell proteases before and after degranulation. Finally, the JAK2 inhibitor G6 effectively reduced mast cell numbers and alleviated pruritus in JAK2V617F transgenic mice. Collectively, these data demonstrate that mast cells are involved in PV-associated pruritogenesis and that JAK2 inhibitors are potential antipruritus drugs.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF BRAIN INFARCTION IN SEVEN DOGS

Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in seven dogs with histopathologically-confirmed brain infarcts. The infarcts were non-hemorrhagic in four dogs and hemorrhagic in three dogs. Six dogs had single infarcts involving the cerebrum and one dog had multiple infarcts involving the cerebrum and brain stem. Non-hemorrhagic infarcts were typically wedge-shaped, hypointense on T1-weighted images, hyperintense on T2-weighted images, and did not enhance with gadolinium-DTPA. Hemorrhagic infarcts had mixed intensity on T1- and T2-weighted images, with variable patterns of enhancement.
Comparison of non-fuel hydrocarbon concentrations measured in coflowing nonpremixed flames fueled with small hydrocarbons

Abstract Centerline concentrations of twenty-nine C2 to C12 hydrocarbons were measured by extractive gas sampling combined with on-line photoionization mass spectrometry in soot-containing methane and nitrogen-diluted ethane, ethylene, acetylene, propane, and n-butane coflowing nonpremixed flames. Additional measurements were made of temperature with thermocouples and of soot concentration with laser light scattering and thermocouple particle densitometry. The fuel hydrocarbon and nitrogen flowrates were chosen such that each flame had a visible flame length of approximately 40 mm and similar soot concentration profiles. Essentially the same species were detectable in each flame, and these species are generally those that are predicted to be most thermodynamically stable under rich flame conditions. The different fuels produce widely varying ratios of C2 to C5 non-aromatic species, enough to suggest that the primary pathways to aromatic species may be different among the flames. The fuels produce relatively similar ratios of aromatic species, but the concentrations of aromatics varies considerably among the fuels, even though the soot concentrations were very similar. However, the temperatures at the onset of soot formation were similar to within 100 K.
Risk factors for infection in patients with traumatic lacerations.

Background: Most of our knowledge of laceration management comes from studies in animal models or patients with closure of sterile postoperative surgical incisions. Traumatic laceration management has not been well studied. Objective: To determine which characteristics of traumatic lacerations were associated with the development of wound infection. Methods: A cross-sectional study of consecutive patients with traumatic lacerations repaired over a four-year period was conducted. Structured closed-question data sheets were prospectively completed at the time of laceration repair and suture removal. Infection was determined at the time of suture removal. Multivariate modeling was used to determine the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of infection. Results: Five thousand five hundred twenty-one patients were enrolled; 195 patients developed an infection (3.5%). An increased likelihood of wound infection was associated with age (adjusted OR per year, 1.01; 95% CI = 1.0 to 1.02); history of diabetes mellitus (adjusted OR 6.7; 95% CI = 1.7 to 26.4); laceration width (adjusted OR 1.05 per mm; 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.08); and presence of foreign body (adjusted OR 2.6; 95% CI = 1.3 to 5.2). Laceration location on the head/neck was associated with a decreased risk of infection (adjusted OR 0.28; 95% CI = 0.18 to 0.45). Conclusions: Both patient and wound characteristics of traumatic lacerations have an influence on the likelihood of infection. This knowledge may be valuable for determining whether various methods of wound cleansing, debridement, and repair can improve the outcome of patients with traumatic lacerations.