cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Retapamulin 1% Ointment and Clobetasol Propionate 0.05% Foam is More Efficacious than Vehicle Ointment and Clobetasol 0.05% Propionate Foam in the Treatment of Hand/Foot Dermatitis: A Single Center, Randomized, Double-blind Study.

Hand/foot dermatitis (HFD) is a chronic disease with both genetic and environmental contributing risk factors.1 Several studies have implicated bacterial colonization, especially Staphylococcus aureus, as a pathogenic factor for eczematous lesions.2-4 Different mechanisms have been suggested to account for the increased S. aureus colonization. For example, the defective epidermal barrier in subjects with eczema allows S. aureus to invade these lesions and stimulate keratinocytes to release proinflammatory cytokines.5-9 In a recent study, which investigated the relationship between S. aureus and hand dermatitis, infection rates with S. aureus were found to be significantly higher in the disease cohort (48%) as compared to controls (8%). Furthermore, the presence of S. aureus correlated closely to disease severity.10 Another published clinical trial investigated the effect of treating S. aureus infection in children with generalized atopic dermatitis. The concomitant use of intranasal mupirocin and dilute bleach baths significantly decreased the severity of eczema in the treatment arm as compared to placebo. However, S. aureus carriage persisted in both skin and nares cultures.11 In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of nasal carriers of S. aureus who applied retapamulin 1% ointment (Altabax®, Stiefel Laboratories) to both nostrils for five days, cultures carriage four weeks after treatment was negative for 86 percent of subjects.12 Thus, retapamulin 1% ointment offers the opportunity to effectively treat the presence of S. aureus in HFD. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the use of retapamulin 1% ointment in combination with clobetasol propionate 0.05% foam for the treatment of HFD in adult subjects.
A History of Previous Severe Injury and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Former Collegiate Athletes

Context Empirical evidence supports the idea that previous severe injuries in former collegiate athletes may adversely affect their ability to participate in daily activities later in life, which may then decrease health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Objective To assess the influences of previous severe injury on the HRQOL of former National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Online survey. Patients or Other Participants A total of 171 former NCAA collegiate athletes (69 men, 102 women; age = 29.7 ± 3.9 years, height = 171.5 ± 10.4 cm, mass = 76.4 ± 12.9 kg) participated. All individuals completed a demographics questionnaire and the Short Form-36 version 2 (SF-36v2) Health Survey via Qualtrics. Main Outcome Measure(s) The dependent variables were the physical composite and mental composite summary scores and the 8 subscales of the SF-36v2. The independent variable was the presence of previous severe injury (history of a severe injury or no history of...
Methylomic correlates of autophagy activity in cystic fibrosis

Autophagy is a highly regulated, biological process that provides energy during periods of stress and starvation. This conserved process also acts as a defense mechanism and clears microbes from the host cell. Autophagy is impaired in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients and CF mice, as their cells exhibit low expression levels of essential autophagy molecules. The genetic disorder in CF is due to mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (cftr) gene that encodes for a chloride channel. CF patients are particularly prone to infection by pathogens that are otherwise cleared by autophagy in healthy immune cells including Burkholderia cenocepacia (B. cenocepacia). The objective of this study is to determine the mechanism underlying weak autophagic activity in CF macrophages and find therapeutic targets to correct it. Using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) to determine DNA methylation profile, we found that the promoter regions of Atg12 in CF macrophages are significantly more methylated than in the wild-type (WT) immune cells, accompanied by low protein expression. The natural product epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) significantly reduced the methylation of Atg12 promoter improving its expression. Accordingly, EGCG restricted B. cenocepacia replication within CF mice and their derived macrophages by improving autophagy and preventing dissemination. In addition, EGCG improved the function of CFTR protein. Altogether, utilizing RRBS for the first time in the CF field revealed a previously unrecognized mechanism for reduced autophagic activity in CF. Our data also offers a mechanism by which EGCG exerts its positive effects in CF.
The Principle of Double Effect and Moral Risk: Some Case-Studies of US Transnational Corporations

In this paper Werhane analyzes what Michael Walzer (1973) has called the “dirty hands problem.” Here Walzer refers to the impossibility of being a perfectly ethical company while operating globally across complex political economies. Particularly at issue for Werhane are the ethical divergences arising from varying and competing cultural and religious norms in the complex array of transnational settings. Whether manufacturing in China and South East Asia, trading with Arab states, or procuring materials from African countries, every transnational company faces a range of potential moral risks. These could include colluding with corrupt and/or repressive governments while offering employment and technological transfer opportunities to a foreign country or in a different culture. Werhane does not come to any firm prescriptive conclusions on whether to operate in or avoid these situations. The emphasis here is the importance – for managers and companies – of being aware of the possibility of these trade-off challenges and weighing the effect of adding positive contributions versus dealing with “dirty hands.”
Smoking status and quit behaviors among health center patients with substance use disorders: A national study.

Abstract Background Despite a high prevalence of smoking among individuals with substance use disorders, tobacco dependence in this vulnerable population is undertreated. Methods We analyzed data from 5592 adult ( ≥ 18 years old) respondents to the 2014 Health Center Patient Survey, a nationally representative cross-sectional survey of individuals who receive care at U.S. Federally Qualified Health Centers. We evaluated self-reported smoking status, smoking-related quit behaviors (having quit, wanting or attempting to quit in the past year, and planning to quit in the next 6 months), and receipt of advice to quit smoking among participants with and without alcohol use disorder (AUD) and drug use disorder (DUD). Results Current smoking was common among individuals with AUD (64.3%) and DUD (55.0%). Few patients with AUD or DUD had quit smoking (16.7% and 24.0%, respectively). Smokers with AUD had higher odds of wanting to quit smoking in the past year (adjusted odds ratio = 2.88; 95% confidence interval = 1.19, 7.05), but were not more likely to have made a past-year quit attempt. DUD was not significantly associated with smoking-related quit behaviors. Smokers with AUD or DUD, as well as those who engaged in treatment for AUD or DUD, did not differ significantly from other smokers in receipt of advice to quit smoking. Conclusions Smokers with AUD and DUD were unlikely to have quit smoking despite interest in quitting. Our findings suggest a need for individualized tobacco treatment approaches in patients with AUD and DUD and missed opportunities to provide tobacco cessation counseling during addiction treatment.
NOVEL INTERVENTIONS FOR THE COMMUNITY CARE OF LATE-LIFE DEPRESSION: A REPORT BY THE WEILL CORNELL ALACRITY CENTER

Abstract The research team will present effectiveness data of three developmental projects offering ALACRITY treatments to primary care patients living with depression and chronic pain, depressed mistreatment victims, and depressed attendees of senior centers. Dr. Alexopoulos will present neurobiological findings that contributed to the neurobiological model of mid- and late-life depression and discuss the rationale for developing this model and highlight how they can be used to streamline behavioral interventions. He will also discuss how the introduction of behavioral economics principles delivered by mobile technology can be used to increase adherence to treatment and to treatment assignments. Dr. Marino will present findings of the REDS study, which is implemented in senior center clients. REDS uses a community care model to improve recognition of depression, referral, and treatment adherence. The REDS intervention is Engage-M, a stepped-therapy, streamlined based on the theory that a dysfunction of the reward network is central to the pathogenesis of depression and uses “reward exposure” as its principal intervention. If patients fail to engage in “reward exposure”, therapists address barriers to reward exposure originating from other network dysfunctions (e.g. negativity bias, apathy, or emotional dysregulation) so that “reward exposure” can proceed unimpeded. Dr. Kiosses will present the theory and new data on “Relief”, a 9-session intervention for depression and chronic pain in primary care practices. These patients are mainly treated in primary care practices and often receive opioids and benzodiazepines. Relief assumes that chronic pain and depression are characterized by an attentional bias assigning greater salience to interoceptive stimuli and to negative emotions along with difficulty shifting attention to a goal-oriented/reward-driven state, leading to inadequate engagement of the reward networks. Accordingly, Relief aims to shift patient attention away from pain and negative emotions and to increase their focus on pleasurable activities. Dr. Sirey will present feasibility and effectiveness data of EM/PROTECT, a psychosocial intervention for depressed older mistreatment (EM) victims. EM/PROTECT is based on a model, which postulates that chronic stress promotes dysfunction of the cognitive control (CCN) and reward networks, impairing the victims’ ability to flexibly respond to the environment and limits their rewarding activities. PROTECT therapists work with victims to develop action plans to reduce stress, and to increase rewarding experiences. The intervention is designed to work in synergy with EM mistreatment resolution services that provide safety planning, support services, and links to legal services.
Stem Cell Therapies and Treatment Advances for Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is characterized by a left ventricular ejection fraction of 50% or greater. While heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is well-characterized and has numerous treatment options, HFpEF remains poorly understood. HFpEF has long been termed *diastolic dysfunction*, because it was thought that fibrosis and impaired relaxation of the left ventricle could alone explain the underlying pathophysiology. However, recent research has identified additional mechanisms that influence HFpEF, specifically metabolic disorders and proinflammatory conditions. Despite this recent progress in elucidating the pathophysiology, there are still no approved treatment options that increase survival in patients with HFpEF. In the context of limited pharmacological options, stem cell therapy and cardiac biomarkers have emerged as potential breakthroughs in the treatment of HFpEF, but there has not yet been a review of their potential. This review evaluates the potential of cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs), mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in the treatment of HFpEF. CDCs have shown promise, with a placebo-controlled animal trial demonstrating an increase in survival and a marked improvement in left ventricular end diastolic filling among the group treated with intracoronary infusion of CDCs. Additionally, with the newfound understanding of HFpEF pathophysiology, studies have also investigated the role MSCs and EPCs play in the inflammation associated with HFpEF, as well as the potential benefit these stem cells would bring to the treatment of HFpEF. While clinical trials are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of these therapies, we offer insight into their potential, as well as a comprehensive summary of the pertinent clinical studies that are currently in progress. Embase, Ovid Medline, and PubMed were used to search all relevant literature for this review.
B-cell maturation antigen expression across hematologic cancers: a systematic literature review

B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) plays a critical role in regulating B-cell proliferation and survival. There is evidence for BCMA expression in various hematologic malignancies, suggesting that BCMA may play an important role as a biomarker or therapeutic target in these diseases. Given advances in understanding the role of BCMA in B-cell development and the promise of BCMA as a therapeutic target, a systematic review is needed to rigorously assess the evidence for BCMA expression and identify areas of consensus and future research. The objective of this review was to summarize the evidence on BCMA protein and mRNA expression across hematologic malignancies. Using a PubMed database search up to 28 August 2019, a systematic literature review of publications reporting BCMA expression in patients with hematologic malignancies was conducted. Data from published congress abstracts presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology were also searched. Studies that assessed BCMA expression (protein or mRNA) in patients of any age with hematologic malignancies were included. A total of 21 studies met inclusion criteria and were included in the review. BCMA was expressed in several hematologic malignancies, including multiple myeloma (MM), chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute B-lymphoblastic leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), and Hodgkin lymphoma. BCMA was expressed at uniformly high levels across all 13 MM studies and at low to moderate levels in acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. These results suggest that BCMA is a relevant target in MM as well as in a subset of B-cell leukemia. BCMA expression in Hodgkin lymphoma and NHL varied across studies, and further research is needed to determine the utility of BCMA as an antibody target and biomarker in these diseases. Differences in sample type, timing of sample collection, and laboratory technique used may have affected the reporting of BCMA levels.
Powder Casting: Producing Bulk Metal Components from Powder Without Compaction

Powder casting was developed to produce metal components with near-theoretical density from low-cost, loose powder using hydrogen sintering and phase transformation. This has significant implications for non-beam metal additive manufacturing processes (e.g., metal extrusion AM, binder jetting, and ordered powder lithography), which produce green parts with relatively low densities. Additionally, powder casting can enable the production of geometries typically not suitable for powder processing, such as plate and bar stock. In the current study, Ti-6Al-4V, Zr, and Hf were densified to 99.2%, 95.7%, and 94.0% of their respective theoretical densities, when sintered from loose powder at 1200°C for 4 h. The relative density and pore size distributions of Ti-6Al-4V produced by powder casting were very similar to those produced by press-and-sinter HSPT. The powder-cast Ti-6Al-4V samples also displayed ductility consistent with press-and-sinter HSPT. However, they exhibited lower strength due to unintentional overheating during the dehydrogenation step.
Recent advances in improving metabolic robustness of microbial cell factories

Engineering microbial cell factories has been widely applied to produce compounds spanning from intricate natural products to bulk commodities. In each case, host robustness is essential to ensure the reliable and sustainable production of targeted metabolites. However, it can be negatively affected by metabolic burden, pathway toxicity, and harsh environment, resulting in a decreased titer and productivity. Enhanced robustness enables host to have better production performance under complicated growth circumstances. Here, we review current strategies for boosting host robustness, including metabolic balancing, genetic and phenotype stability enhancement, and tolerance engineering. In addition, we discuss the challenges and future perspectives on microbial host engineering for increased robustness.
Elemental Abundance Ratios in Stars of the Outer Galactic Disk. II. Field Red Giants

We summarize a selection process to identify red giants in the direction of the southern warp of the Galactic disk, employing VI_C photometry and multi-object spectroscopy. We also present results from follow-up high-resolution, high-S/N echelle spectroscopy of three field red giants, finding [Fe/H] values of about -0.5. The field stars, with Galactocentric distances estimated at 10 to 15 kpc, support the conclusion of Yong, Carney, & de Almeida (2005) that the Galactic metallicity gradient disappears beyond R_GC values of 10 to 12 kpc for the older stars and clusters of the outer disk. The field and cluster stars at such large distances show very similar abundance patterns, and, in particular, all show enhancements of the "alpha" elements O, Mg, Si, Ca, and Ti and the r-process element Eu. These results suggest that Type II supernovae have been significant contributors to star formation in the outer disk relative to Type Ia supernovae within the past few Gyrs. We also compare our results with those available for much younger objects. The limited results for the H II regions and B stars in the outer disk also suggest that the radial metallicity gradient in the outer disk is shallow or absent. The much more extensive results for Cepheids confirm these trends, and that the change in slope of the metallicity gradient may occur at a larger Galactocentric distance than for the older stars and clusters. However, the younger stars also show rising alpha element enhancements with increasing R_GC, at least beyond 12 kpc. These trends are consistent with the idea of a progressive growth in the size of the Galactic disk with time, and episodic enrichment by Type II supernovae as part of the disk's growth. [Abridged]
Abstract 13455: Predicting Emergency Department Disposition at Triage for Suspected Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Machine Learning Algorithms

Introduction: Overcrowded emergency departments (ED) and undifferentiated patients make the provision of care and resources challenging. We examined whether machine learning algorithms could identi...
Scalia's Poker: Puzzles and Mysteries in Constitutional Interpretation

This paper applies the recently-developed political science dichotomy of puzzles and mysteries to constitutional law. A puzzle can be definitively answered by gathering information about events that have already occurred. It is transmitter-dependent, since its solution depends on what information is received. A mystery, on the other hand, cannot be answered with certainty even in principle. The solution may depend on events which have not yet occurred. It is receiver-dependent, since its solution will depend on the skill of the person evaluating the information received. In law, the meaning of a constitutional provision such as the Due Process Clause may be viewed as either a puzzle or a mystery. Moreover, justices such as Antonin Scalia and Stephen Breyer may be said to view all constitutional interpretation as either a puzzle or a mystery, respectively. The paper contends that, in terms of Isaiah Berlin's famous characterization, puzzle justices may exhibit hedgehog-like behavior, while mystery justices may be more fox-like. The paper concludes by examining what the impact of this may be on relations within a collegial court.
How does income affect mental health and health behaviours? A quasi-experimental study of the earned income tax credit

Background Although research has repeatedly demonstrated the association between poverty, mental health, and health behaviours, there is limited evidence on the effects of interventions to improve these outcomes by addressing poverty directly. Moreover, most prior studies are often confounded by unobserved characteristics of individuals, making it difficult to inform possible interventions. We addressed this gap in the literature by leveraging quasi-random variation in the earned income tax credit (EITC)—the largest US poverty alleviation programme for families with children—to examine the effects on overall health, psychological distress, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Methods We used a large diverse national sample drawn from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (N=34 824). We first conducted ordinary least squares (OLS) models to estimate the association of income and the EITC with the outcomes of interest. We subsequently employed a quasi-experimental instrumental variables (IV) analysis—in which EITC refund size was the instrument—to estimate the effect of income itself. Results In OLS models, higher income was associated with reductions in psychological distress, increased drinking, increased smoking, and more cigarettes per day, and larger EITC refunds were associated with reductions in psychological distress. In IV models, higher income was associated with decreased psychological distress. Conclusion These results suggest that typical correlational studies of the health effects of income may be confounded, although results may not generalise to income distributed in different ways than the EITC. The findings also provide valuable information for policymakers and researchers seeking to address socioeconomic disparities in mental health.
Promoting Multilingual Students’ Disciplinary and Language Learning Through the WIDA Framework for Equitable Instruction:

This article explores the development of a guidance document titled the “Framework for Equitable Instruction” (Framework), which aims to support multilingual students’ content-area learning and lan...
Intravascular Large B-cell Lymphoma Presenting as Lumbosacral Radiculopathy (2417)

Objective: NA Background: Intravascular large B cell lymphoma (IVBCL) is an aggressive, systemically disseminated, rare subtype of extranodal large B-cell lymphoma confined to the lumen of small- and medium-sized vessels1. Diversity of presentation, lack of specific laboratory or radiological finding and absence of nodal involvement, poses a diagnostic challenge. Neurological manifestations are frequently observed in western population. CNS involvement is usually preceded by PNS involvement2. Design/Methods: NA Results: We report a female who presented with sign and symptoms of PNS involvement, including intractable radicular pain, moderate motor and sensory loss, along with saddle anesthesia and bladder incontinence. EMG/NCS showed L5/S1 polyradiculopathy. MRI of spine was unremarkable however MRI pelvis showed extensive inflammatory myopathy. MRI changes in gluteal muscles led to muscle biopsy which confirmed the diagnosis of IVBCL. Patient became encephalopathic during admission, MRI brain did not show any etiology except for small lacunar infarct. She was started on Solumedrol, however rapidly deteriorated and passed away. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of IVBCL. The presentation was unique in terms of initial features resembling radiculopathy (PNS involvement) followed by rapid deterioration and possible CNS involvement. In a meta-analysis of 645 patients with IVBCL, CNS manifestations like encephalopathy, dementia and stroke were more commonly observed. PNS involvement was rare and mostly seen as myopathy and neuropathies. Tumor infiltration and occlusion of vasa nervosum is considered as a reason for peripheral nerve involvement3. IVBCL presenting as sensorimotor axonal polyradiculopathy diagnosed with muscle and nerve biopsy has been reported. 4 Conclusions: Patients presenting with rapidly progressive neurological manifestations or ones that cannot be explained, IVBCL should be suspected. A low threshold for muscle and nerve biopsy should be considered when trying to establish an early diagnosis and treatment. Disclosure: Dr. Nauman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mohammed has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hussain has nothing to disclose. The institution of Dr. Shah has received research support from Eisai pharma .
Living Together Unmarried: What Do We Know About Cohabiting Families?

Heterosexual cohabitation has become a normative feature of the life course. The prevalence and incidence of cohabitation have risen considerably in the past 3 decades. In fact, it is now so commonplace that researchers have moved beyond debates about its transience as a trend. Most marriages and remarriages begin as cohabiting relationships, and the majority of young adults has cohabited or will cohabit at some point in their lives (Smock, 2000). Moreover, most young adults in the United States now view nonmarital cohabitation as an acceptable relationship form (Axinn & Thornton, 2000; Scott, Shelar, Manlove, & Cui, 2009; Thornton & Young-DeMarco, 2001). The incidence of cohabiting partners with children is increasingly widespread, too: two-fifths of cohabiting couples are currently raising children and nearly half of these couples have a joint biological child (Kennedy & Fitch, 2009, p. 15).
Is a Logging Road’s Collected Runoff Exempt from NPDES Permitting?—Rethinking the EPA’s “Silvicultural Rule”

The EPA’s various iterations of the Silvicultural Rule have succeeded in circumventing the Clean Water Act’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permitting requirements for decades. Although the Ninth Circuit’s recent decision in Northwest Environmental Defense Center v. Brown significantly narrows the applicability of the Rule, the decision has left the status of the Silvicultural Rule unclear. Moreover, EPA’s latest regulations regarding stormwater discharges—which purportedly aim to provide clarity—only muddy the water. In the Supreme Court’s coming consideration of the validity of the Silvicultural Rule, it should take the opportunity to explicitly invalidate the Rule as inconsistent with the CWA. Moreover, in its decision, the Court should not be influenced by the EPA’s latest regulations because they do not alter the substance of the Silvicultural Rule and fail to conform to the requirements of
Staying Afloat in the Tropics: Applying a Structural Equation Model Approach to Evaluating National Tourism Organization Websites in the Caribbean

SUMMARY This study examines the extent to which the top ten Caribbean destinations market their tourism product using their national tourism organization Websites. A comparison of the national tourism organization Websites of the Caribbean Tourism Organization member countries will be conducted to determine the differences in technical aspects, user friendliness, site attractiveness, and marketing effectiveness using the modified Balanced Scorecard (BSC) for Website evaluation. The modified BSC results were next used to develop and test a model of Caribbean NTO Website visitor retention. Third-order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test the model. The model showed that the four aspects which comprise the modified BSC are important in the development of Caribbean NTO Websites.
A Method to Simultaneously Monitor Hepatitis C Virus NS3 Helicase and Protease Activities

The hepatitis C virus NS3 protein contains a N-terminal serine protease and a C-terminal helicase that unwinds RNA or DNA duplexes. The HCV NS3 protein is the target for several antiviral drugs in clinical trials, which inhibit the protease function. A method is reported to simultaneously monitor the helicase and protease function of the NS3 protein in a single reaction using fluorescence spectroscopy and a single chain recombinant protein where NS3 is fused to its protease activator NS4A. The method monitors both activities together in real time and is amenable to high throughput screening. This new procedure could be used to identify compounds that inhibit both the helicase and protease activity of NS3.
Option-Based Prediction of Commercial Mortgage Defaults

Underwriters set loan-to-value ratios and loan contract interest rates of uninsured commercial mortgages to anticipate the likelihood of subsequent default. The results of the use of a modified Black-Scholes option model suggest that loan-to-value ratios are bound from below by borrowers' desires to maximize project leverage in a limited liability setting and constrained from above by lenders' requirement to originate loans with institutional-grade (Baa) contract interest rates. Given the prevailing risk-free rate and the investment-grade rate, this model at the time of mortgage origination predicts the possibility of default for a new commercial mortgage. The model is empirically verified with ACLI data for 1968-89.
Clinical and economic impact of various strategies for varicella immunity screening and vaccination of health care personnel.

Background Exposure to patients with varicella or herpes zoster causes considerable disruption to a health care facility's operations and has a significant health and economic impact. However, practices related to screening for immunity and immunization of health care personnel (HCP) for varicella vary widely. Methods A decision tree model was built to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of 8 different strategies of screening and vaccinating HCP for varicella. The outcomes are presented as probability of acquiring varicella, economic impact of varicella per employee per year, and cost to prevent additional cases of varicella. Monte Carlo simulations and 1-way sensitivity analyses were performed to address the uncertainties inherent to the model. Alternative epidemiologic and technologic scenarios were also analyzed. Results Performing a clinical screening followed by serologic testing of HCP with negative history diminished the cost impact of varicella by >99% compared with not having a program. Vaccinating HCP with negative screen cost approximately $50,000 per case of varicella prevented at the current level of U.S. population immunity, but was projected to be cost-saving at 92% or lower immunity prevalence. Improving vaccine acceptance rates and using highly sensitive assays also optimize cost-effectiveness. Conclusion Strategies relying on screening and vaccinating HCP for varicella on employment were shown to be cost-effective for health care facilities and are consistent with current national guidelines for varicella prevention.
THE IMPACT OF GENDER AND HIGH SCHOOL GPA ON THE UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE EXAM

Data from a university in a Gulf country is utilized to determine if gender and high school GPA predicted the university entrance exam score. Two separate one-way ANOVAs are used to determine the impact of gender on the two variables of high school GPA and university entrance exam score. This is followed by a hierarchical regression. The hierarchical regression examines whether gender and high school GPA are predictive of the university entrance exam score. The analysis indicates that gender and high school GPA explains 80% of the variability in the university entrance exam. Though it is generally perceived that females are not able to obtain an education similar to males in the Middle East, in particular, in the Gulf States, this study indicates that there are more females entering the university entrance exam than males. Moreover, females also obtain higher scores compared to males in both the university entrance exam and high school GPA
Book Review of The Law of International Responsibility (James Crawford, Alain Pellet, and Simon Olleson eds., Oxford University Press, 2010)

If one were to affix a label to the first decade of work by the UN International Law Commission in this century, a good one to choose would be the “decade of codifying international responsibility.” No fewer than five projects relating to that general topic were brought to a conclusion by the Commission in the space of ten years, constituting a formidable effort at codification that may well influence the field of public international law for years to come. Given that the Commission had spent decades considering, as part of a single project, myriad aspects of state responsibility, in some respects these five projects may be seen as the product of a “divide and conquer” approach. Rather than a single instrument, the Commission produced five instruments directed at different slices of the field, with considerable variations among them in breadth, form, and the understanding of whether they reflect settled law. The book under review here, edited by Professor Crawford, Alain Pellet, and Simon Olleson, reflects an important effort to illuminate the law in this area through expert commentary by academics and practitioners.
El ingeniero Pedro Subiela y el desarrollo tecnológico en las minas de Huancavelica (1786-1821)

En el marco de las reformas implantadas en el virreinato del Peru, la Corona espanola promovio el desarrollo de la actividad minera. Este ensayo estudia la labor del ingeniero Pedro Subiela, a quien le fue encargada la tarea de mejorar la produccion de la mina de mercurio de Huancavelica. La historia de su servicio demuestra los alcances y limites del proyecto reformista impuesto desde Espana en los Andes centrales. --- As part of the reforms that were issued for the Viceroyalty of Peru, the Spanish Crown promoted the development of mining activity. This essay investigates the work of the engineer Pedro Subiela, who was assigned the task of improving the production of the mercury mine of Huancavelica. The history of his service demonstrates the achievements and limits of the reformist project that was imposed from Spain upon the central Andes.
Evaluation of using composite HPV genotyping assay results to monitor human papillomavirus infection burden through simulation.

Background: Researchers often group various HPV types into composite measures based on vaccine subtypes, oncogenic potential, or phylogenetic position. Composite prevalence estimates based on PCR genotyping assay results have been calculated to assess HPV infection burden and to monitor HPV vaccine effectiveness. While prevention and intervention strategies can be made based on these prevalence estimates, the discussion on how well these prevalence estimates measure the true underlying infection burdens is limited. Methods: A simulation study was conducted to evaluate accuracy of using composite genotyping assay results to monitor HPV infection burden. Data were generated based on mathematical algorithms with prespecified type-specific infection burdens, assay sensitivity, specificity, and correlations between various HPV types. Estimated-to-true prevalence rate ratios and percent reduction of vaccine types were calculated. Results: When “true” underlying type-specific infection burdens were prespecified as the reported prevalence in U.S. and genotyping assay with sensitivity and specificity (0.95, 0.95) was used, estimated-to-true infection prevalence ratios were 2.35, 2.29, 2.18, and 1.46, for the composite measures with 2 high-risk vaccine, 4 vaccine, 14 high-risk and 37 HPV types, respectively. Estimated-to-true prevalence ratios increased when prespecified “true” underlying infection burdens or assay specificity declined. When prespecified “true” type-specific infections of HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18 were reduced by 50%, the composite prevalence estimate of 4 vaccine types only decreased by 17% which is much lower than 48% reduction in the prespecified “true” composite prevalence. Conclusions: Composite prevalence estimates calculated based on panels of genotyping assay results generally over-estimate the “true” underlying infection burdens and could under-estimate vaccine effectiveness. Analytical specificity of genotyping assay is as or more important than analytical sensitivity and should be considered in selecting assay to monitor HPV.
Growth, resource extraction and production in a small open economy

This paper analyzed the optimal growth of a resource exporting economy in the framework of a Ramsey-type model. Two versions of the same model are used. In the first version (where the aggregate production function uses the conventional inputs, namely labor and capital) it was shown that along the optimal paths the resource would be exhausted in finite time and that the economy approaches asymptotically the modified golden rule capital intensity, well known from one-sector growth theory. Subsequently the impact of the changes in resource prices on the rate of extraction are investigated by considering an exponentially rising price. In the second version of the model, the resource extracted is divided between domestic production (the aggregate output of the economy is produced by means of labor, capital and the resource input) and export. Under this assumption, it is demonstrated that when the relative price of the resource is constant and given exogenously, the opening of trade (i.e., resource exports) depends on the relative magnitudes of the marginal product of the resource and its price. Furthermore the paper showed that even if trade opens, resource extraction for export will come to an end in finite time. After the economy stops exporting the resource, its optimal growth will be determined simultaneously by the elasticity of substitution between capital and the resource input and the dynamic behavior of the marginal product of the resource input, as explained in detail by Dasgupta and Heal [1974]. Finally, when the resource price has an exponential trend, resource extraction will continue both for domestic production and export purposes.
Radiation trapping in the far wings of the foreign-gas broadened potassium resonance lines.

We have extended our previous studies of the trapping of alkali-atom resonance radiation to conditions where the unity optical depth points are in the quasistatic wings of the foreign-gas pressure-broadened line shape. Under these conditions, and based on the relatively simple Holstein theory, we expected to see a qualitatively different dependence of the effective radiative decay rate on pressure than is observed when the unity optical depth points are in the impact core. However, we found experimentally that the observed dependence is the same as was observed in the lower pressure limit, at least over the range of conditions we were able to access. On the other hand, these observations are found to be consistent with more accurate calculations based upon the Post theory using a recently available experimental line-shape function.
Conditioned Fear Associated Phenotypes as Robust, Translational Indices of Trauma-, Stressor-, and Anxiety-Related Behaviors

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a heterogeneous disorder that affects individuals exposed to trauma (e.g., combat, interpersonal violence, and natural disasters). It is characterized by hyperarousal, intrusive reminders of the trauma, avoidance of trauma-related cues, and negative cognition and mood. This heterogeneity indicates the presence of multiple neurobiological mechanisms underlying the development and maintenance of PTSD. Fear conditioning is a robust, translational experimental paradigm that can be employed to elucidate these mechanisms by allowing for the study of fear-related dimensions of PTSD (e.g., fear extinction, fear inhibition, and generalization of fear) across multiple units of analysis. Fear conditioning experiments have identified varying trajectories of the dimensions described, highlighting exciting new avenues of targeted, focused study. Additionally, fear conditioning studies provide a translational platform to develop novel interventions. The current review highlights the versatility of fear conditioning paradigms, the implications for pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, the robustness of these paradigms to span an array of neuroscientific measures (e.g., genetic studies), and finally the need to understand the boundary conditions under which these paradigms are effective. Further understanding these paradigms will ultimately allow for optimization of fear conditioning paradigms, a necessary step towards the advancement of PTSD treatment methods.
Cytochrome P450 mRNA expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes as a predictor of enzyme induction

Previous reports have supported the concept that messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) concentrations for cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells may be predictive of systemic enzyme activity. We investigated whether changes in mRNA expression for CYP1A2,CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) may serve as surrogate markers for changes in CYP enzyme activity following the administration of rifampin. On day 1 and day 9 of the study, 12 healthy volunteers were administered caffeine 100 mg, debrisoquine 10 mg and omeprazole 40 mg orally, along with midazolam 0.025 mg/kg intravenously. Blood samples and urine were collected for 8 h after drug administration. The subjects took rifampin 300 mg (n=6) or 600 mg (n=6) daily on days 2–8. Total RNA was isolated from PBLs on day 1 and day 9, and mRNA expression for the CYP enzymes and hGAPDH were determined by means of quantitative, real-time, reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. CYP1A2 activity was estimated by calculating the plasma paraxanthine to caffeine AUC ratio (caffeine metabolic ratio; CMR), CYP2C19 activity by the 2-h omeprazole hydroxylation index (HI), CYP2D6 activity by the urinary debrisoquine recovery ratio (DBRR) and CYP3A4 activity by midazolam clearance. Median midazolam clearance (0.362 to 0.740 l/kg/h), omeprazole HI (0.752 to 0.214), CMR (0.365 to 0.450) and DBRR (0.406 to 0.479) all changed significantly following rifampin, consistent with the expected enzyme induction. CYP1A2,CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 mRNA content were measurable in all samples. CYP2C19 mRNA was inconsistently detectable. There were no significant correlations between changes in enzyme activity and mRNA expression by Spearman’s rank order correlation. The results do not support the use of mRNA expression assays for CYP1A2, CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 enzymes in PBLs as surrogates for quantifying changes in systemic enzyme activity in the setting of enzyme induction.
Corn and Cotton Yield with Two Surface Drip Lateral Spacings

Surface drip irrigation laterals were spaced next to crop rows (0.91 m) and in alternate row middles (1.83 m) to document crop yield and partial economic returns compared with non-irrigated areas. A surface drip irrigation system was installed at two sites on a Faceville (Site 1) and a Greenville (Site 2) fine sandy loam with 1 to 3% slope, respectively. Cotton and corn were planted on 0.91-m row spacing. Drip tube orientations, 0.91 and 1.83 m, had the same corn yield (10,555 kg/ha) compared with the non-irrigated areas (5,562 kg/ha). Subtracting the cost of corn seed and drip tubing from the two irrigated regimens show that 0.91-m lateral spacing had $140/ha less net revenue compared with non-irrigated ($484/ha). The 1.83-m spaced laterals had $196/ha greater net revenue than the non-irrigated areas. Cotton lint yield averaged 1194 kg/ha for 0.91 and 1.83-m lateral spacing compared with the non-irrigated lint yield (608kg/ha). Cotton gross revenue at both sites averaged about $1200/ha for both lateral orientations. Non-irrigated cotton revenue averaged over $600/ha. Subtracting the cost of the tubing resulted in net revenues of $613 and $969 for 0.91 and 1.83-m lateral spacing, respectively. The 0.91-m lateral spacing may not be cost effective for either corn or cotton. Partial net return analysis shows that 1.83-m lateral spacing had higher returns for both crops.
Objectives to direct the training of emergency medicine residents on off-service rotations: Internal medicine II

Internal medicine is an essential but diverse field. This is the third in a three-part set of objectives for an off-service rotation in general internal medicine for emergency medicine residents. This series may be used to guide the resident during the rotation or to serve as part of a teaching program integrated with didactic training and emergency department experience.
Enantiomeric Selectivity in the Environmental Degradation of Dichlorprop As Determined by High-Performance Capillary Electrophoresis

The chiral herbicide dichlorprop (2,4-dichlorophenoxy-2-propionic acid), which is sold and applied as the racemic mixture, was observed to degrade completely in soil within 31 days, with a half-life of 6.6 d. Degradation occurred with enantiomeric selectivity, indicating biologically mediated reactivity as opposed to strictly abiotic degradation. The S-(−)-isomer degraded significantly faster (t1/2 = 4.4 d) than the R-(+)-isomer (t1/2 = 8.7 d); this is contrary to other published results that show selective degradation of the R-(+)-enantiomer, although in other media. Soil samples taken from a field plot at increasing time intervals after application of Foxtril, a commercial herbicide formulation, were solvent-extracted and analyzed for total dichlorprop by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE), using an acetate buffer at pH 4.7. Heptakis (2,3,6-tri-O-methyl)-β-cyclodextrin, a chiral reagent, was then added to the buffer to effect separation of the (+)- and (−)-isomers of dichlorprop. Baseline resolution a...
Social Theory of International Politics

Drawing upon philosophy and social theory, Social Theory of International Politics develops a theory of the international system as a social construction. Alexander Wendt clarifies the central claims of the constructivist approach, presenting a structural and idealist worldview which contrasts with the individualism and materialism which underpins much mainstream international relations theory. He builds a cultural theory of international politics, which takes whether states view each other as enemies, rivals or friends as a fundamental determinant. Wendt characterises these roles as 'cultures of anarchy', described as Hobbesian, Lockean and Kantian respectively. These cultures are shared ideas which help shape state interests and capabilities, and generate tendencies in the international system. The book describes four factors which can drive structural change from one culture to another - interdependence, common fate, homogenization, and self-restraint - and examines the effects of capitalism and democracy in the emergence of a Kantian culture in the West.
Comparison of Transcatheter and Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Severe Aortic Stenosis: A Longitudinal Study of Echo Parameters in Cohort A of the PARTNER Trial

Objectives To compare echocardiographic findings in patients with critical aortic stenosis following surgical (SAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR
General structure of a class of resource allocation games

Abstract In this paper, we study a class of games that are generalizations of the minority game, and model, more generally, systems in which agents compete for a scarce resource. In particular, we study a set of games in which the demand and supply of the resource are specified independently. This allows us to study the ways in which such systems behave as the resource becomes increasingly scarce or increasingly abundant relative to demand. We find an intricate and rich structure to these games with a number of very intriguing features. Among these is the existence of a robust phase change with a coexistence region as the demand/supply ratio is varied, and the games move from scarce to abundant resources. This coexistence region exists when the amount of information used by the agents to make their choices greater than a certain level, which is related to the point at which there is a phase transition in the standard minority game. We also discuss practical and theoretical implications of our work.