cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
siRNAs against the Epstein Barr virus latency replication factor, EBNA1, inhibit its function and growth of EBV-dependent tumor cells

The Epstein Barr virus (EBV) plays a role in maintenance of the tumor phenotype in a number of human cancers. The EBV latency replication factor, EBNA1, is required for persistence of the EBV episome, is anti-apoptotic, and is universally expressed in all EBV-associated tumors. Here, we show that EBNA1-specific siRNAs can inhibit EBNA1 expression and function. siRNAs were generated against three target sites in the EBNA1 messenger RNA, and two of these were found to inhibit EBNA1 expression from an ectopic EBNA1 expression cassette. EBNA1 siRNAs also inhibit endogenously expressed EBNA1 in EBV-positive epithelial and B-cell lines. Using a mini-EBV replication model, siRNA-mediated inhibition of EBNA1 expression suppressed the episomal maintenance function of EBNA1. Lastly, introduction of an EBNA1 siRNA into an EBV-positive tumor cell line inhibited tumor cell growth/survival. These data suggest that siRNAs against EBNA1 may have therapeutic value in EBV-associated diseases.
Pain in children with spinal cord tumors.

Pain in children is generally not accorded the same significance by allied health professionals as pain in adults. To some extent this relative neglect may be the result of a general belief that pain
Theory of the square chicken: advances in agricultural intensification theory

Scientific understanding of agricultural change has grown considerably since Boserup's seminal 1965 work, but her model's simplicity has provided a foundation for building more complex understandings of farming societies. Much of the development of these more sophisticated understandings has been led by Harold Brookfield. The first section of this paper summarises our current understanding of the salient points of commonality in intensive smallholder systems. The second section looks at findings from studies that relax Boserupian constraints, revealing new kinds of variability in agricultural systems. Both sections stress the need for continued research on the political- economic context of agricultural intensification.
On conceptual and empirical treatments of feedback in human communication

This paper describes major discrepancies that exist between the empirical and theoretical treatments of feedback in human communication. Its purpose is to offer some conclusions with both descriptive and heuristic value for future development of an informed and useful theory of feedback in human communication. In the paper, feedback is discussed with reference to (1) the contribution of theoretical literature to the concept, (2) the contribution of empirical reports, (3) the relative consistency of theoretical and empirical treatments, and (4) conclusions about the role of the concept in the study of human communication.
Open Charging Kiosk: A Business in a Box

Open Charging Kiosk is a solar charging kiosk that provides reliable power to rural residents and income to the kiosk's operator. Open Charging Kiosk empowers kiosk operators by enabling them to build and operate their own equipment, rather than employing them as operators of equipment provided by a franchising company. Open Charging Kiosk provides open source hardware, software, and documentation to help operators maintain, repair, and upgrade their charging station.
Prime mover speed governors

OPERATORS OF power generating equipment realize that it is desirable from a system control point of view to have all speed governors on their interconnected systems with reasonably similar steady-state characteristics. Normal load changes then would be shared by all units in proportion to their ratings and the action of supplementary controllers would be uniform. This would result in smaller deviation of frequency and load distribution from the desired values. Most attempts to make all prime movers on a system respond to system changes in proportion to their ratings have been confined to setting all speed governors so that they have equal steady-state speed regulation. Tests show that the response of prime movers to changes in system frequency or to the action of supplementary controllers is of a random nature and has little relation to machine rating or steady-state speed regulation. This article outlines the factors that contribute to the random nature of prime mover response and indicate how testing programs for existing units, as well as future design changes of governing systems, can produce a major improvement.
Vibration coupling analysis of band/wheel mechanical systems

Measurements of vibration on continuous bands driven by rotating wheels show coupling occurs between vibration of the band spans and wheels. Significant error in the predicted vibration spectrum and the response of a span can occur if the coupling is neglected. An analytical model describing the vibration of the band/wheel system is presented. When the equilibrium curvatures of the band spans are finite, the transverse motion of the spans are linearly coupled to their longitudinal motions and to the oscillation of the wheels. The analytical predictions are validated by comparisons with experimental observations. The importance of the band tension, the band transport speed, the wheel inertias and radii, and the wheel support stiffnesses to the coupling are discussed. The model can be utilized in analysis of active and passive vibration control of band/wheel systems.
Congenital absence of vas deferens with ipsilateral urinary anomalies.

Abstract Unilateral absence of vas deferens is frequently associated with ipsilateral anomalies of the urinary tract. If a vas deferens cannot be palpated prior to vasectomy for sterilization, it is believed that an intravenous pyelogram should be performed. If any ipsilateral anomaly is found in the latter, only unilateral vasectomy should be performed followed by repeated semen analyses. Only when there is a persistent finding of sperm after three to four months should wide exploration of the hemiscrotum be done in cases in which the vas could not be found.
Minimum complexity density estimation

The authors introduce an index of resolvability that is proved to bound the rate of convergence of minimum complexity density estimators as well as the information-theoretic redundancy of the corresponding total description length. The results on the index of resolvability demonstrate the statistical effectiveness of the minimum description-length principle as a method of inference. The minimum complexity estimator converges to true density nearly as fast as an estimator based on prior knowledge of the true subclass of densities. Interpretations and basic properties of minimum complexity estimators are discussed. Some regression and classification problems that can be examined from the minimum description-length framework are considered. >
Both Multiple-Choice and Short-Answer Quizzes Enhance Later Exam Performance in Middle and High School Classes

Practicing retrieval of recently studied information enhances the likelihood of the learner retrieving that information in the future. We examined whether short-answer and multiple-choice classroom quizzing could enhance retention of information on classroom exams taken for a grade. In seventh-grade science and high school history classes, students took intermittent quizzes (short-answer or multiple-choice, both with correct-answer feedback) on some information, whereas other information was not initially quizzed but received equivalent coverage in all other classroom activities. On the unit exams and on an end-of-semester exam, students performed better for information that had been quizzed than that not quizzed. An unanticipated and key finding is that the format of the quiz (multiple-choice or short-answer) did not need to match the format of the criterial test (e.g., unit exam) for this benefit to emerge. Further, intermittent quizzing cannot be attributed to intermittent reexposure to the target facts: A restudy condition produced less enhancement of later test performance than did quizzing with feedback. Frequent classroom quizzing with feedback improves student learning and retention, and multiple-choice quizzing is as effective as short-answer quizzing for this purpose.
Optical diagnostic monitoring of resonant-tunneling diode growth

We are employing in situ sensors to monitor and diagnose MBE growth in real-time. Two optical methods, spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) and laser light scattering (LLS), provide complementary information on strained layer epitaxy. A quantum effect structure, the resonant-tunneling diode (RTD), provides a challenging and important test device vehicle for these studies. The RTD current-voltage characteristics exhibit sensitivities to thickness changes of less than a monoatomic layer. Strain relaxation in vertically-integrated RTD stacks was detected using LLS. Structural data determined using SE was correlated with RTD electrical characteristics (peak current, peak voltage, valley current, asymmetry ratios). Closed-loop control based on SE is being investigated to improve the reproducibility of RTD growth.
An overview of the maintenance and reliability of AC traction systems

As a result of the AC technology design assessment completed by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) in 1990, the North American freight railroads have developed a performance specification for a pilot fleet of three-phase asynchronous AC traction locomotives. A preliminary economic analysis has shown that the viability of AC traction in North America lies in the fleet reduction that the specification performance levels, when implemented, can bring. However, if fleet reliability does not increase in proportion to fleet reduction, then both projected savings and viability are reduced. A study of maintenance and reliability is performed for several key European fleets of AC traction locomotives, defined in the initial AAR design assessment. Several visits were made to these European railways to gather information and review their service experience. The resulting information is revealed, with respect to the AAR Performance Specification for AC Traction Systems. The European information centers on early failure data and current reliability targets for new equipment. The performance specification is also outlined. >
Employment Exits and the Race Gap in Young Women's Employment*

Objective. A race gap in employment that disadvantages young African-American women has emerged for the first time in U.S. history. This article addresses the extent to which race differences in employment entry, exits, or both are responsible for the gap. Methods. The article relies on event-history analysis using NLSY data. Results. Analyses show that differences in rates of exit, not entry, explain the race gap. Factors encouraging higher exit rates among African-American than white women include lower AFQT scores and greater numbers of children. Conclusion. These findings raise questions about the utility of focusing on employment processes at the point of employment entry, at least for processes involving young women. The importance of exits in understanding race differences in women's employment calls attention to processes within firms that present barriers to African-American women.
Differential expression of NiFe uptake-type hydrogenase genes in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium.

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium possesses three similar NiFe hydrogenases important to its virulence. Here we show that the three hydrogenase operons hyb, hya and hyd are expressed under different environmental conditions and are subject to control by different regulatory proteins. Hydrogenase promoter-lacZ fusion plasmids were transferred into the wild-type strain or into arcA, fnr, iscR, narL and narP deletion mutants, or into a fnr/arcA double mutant. The hyb promoter had highest β-galactosidase activity under growth conditions promoting anaerobic respiration (glycerol plus fumarate) and may be subject to glucose repression, since cells grown with glucose had about half the transcriptional activity of cells grown with mannose. Based on the phenotype of regulatory mutant strains, IscR represses hyb aerobically, and ArcA plays a role in both hyb and hyd regulation. The hyd promoter had about five times more activity in cells grown under aerobic conditions compared to anaerobic levels, and its activity tripled in an arcA mutant grown anaerobically. The hya promoter had the highest activity when cells were grown anaerobically with glucose, and the growth yield of the hya mutant was about 25 % lower than for wild-type cells grown fermentatively, suggesting that Hya may be utilized during fermentation. The hya promoter is repressed by nitrate and this repression was abolished when the NarL-binding site was mutated, or in a narL mutant background. FNR is involved in hyb and hya regulation, since β-galactosidase activity decreased significantly in a fnr mutant. These findings suggest that the three hydrogenases are used under different conditions, likely enhancing the pathogen's capacity to survive in a variety of environments.
Cyclic AMP, cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase, and the regulation of gene expression

Abstract Biological responses produced by cAMP in mammalian cells are remarkably diverse and differ profoundly from one cell type and tissue to another. However, it is thought at this time that all effects of cAMP are mediated through the activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinases. The specificity of the cellular response to cAMP has been considered to result from switching on a specific built-in program of action within the specialized cell type which has been developed during development and differentiation. This review deals with the questions of cAMP control of protein synthesis at the transcriptional and translational levels. Hypotheses are suggested in an attempt to explain the data in tissue preparations and whole animals which suggest that regulation of the synthesis of at least some proteins by cAMP-dependent protein kinases does occur at the transcriptional level.
H2-Independent Growth of the Hydrogenotrophic Methanogen Methanococcus maripaludis

ABSTRACT Hydrogenotrophic methanogenic Archaea require reduced ferredoxin as an anaplerotic source of electrons for methanogenesis. H2 oxidation by the hydrogenase Eha provides these electrons, consistent with an H2 requirement for growth. Here we report the identification of alternative pathways of ferredoxin reduction in Methanococcus maripaludis that operate independently of Eha to stimulate methanogenesis. A suppressor mutation that increased expression of the glycolytic enzyme glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase resulted in a strain capable of H2-independent ferredoxin reduction and growth with formate as the sole electron donor. In this background, it was possible to eliminate all seven hydrogenases of M. maripaludis. Alternatively, carbon monoxide oxidation by carbon monoxide dehydrogenase could also generate reduced ferredoxin that feeds into methanogenesis. In either case, the reduced ferredoxin generated was inefficient at stimulating methanogenesis, resulting in a slow growth phenotype. As methanogenesis is limited by the availability of reduced ferredoxin under these conditions, other electron donors, such as reduced coenzyme F420, should be abundant. Indeed, when F420-reducing hydrogenase was reintroduced into the hydrogenase-free mutant, the equilibrium of H2 production via an F420-dependent formate:H2 lyase activity shifted markedly toward H2 compared to the wild type. IMPORTANCE Hydrogenotrophic methanogens are thought to require H2 as a substrate for growth and methanogenesis. Here we show alternative pathways in methanogenic metabolism that alleviate this H2 requirement and demonstrate, for the first time, a hydrogenotrophic methanogen that is capable of growth in the complete absence of H2. The demonstration of alternative pathways in methanogenic metabolism suggests that this important group of organisms is metabolically more versatile than previously thought.
“Everybody Treated Him Like He Was From Another World”: Bilingual Fourth Graders Develop Social Awareness Through Interactive Read-Alouds Focused on Critical Literacies

This study explores read-aloud discussions of students in a fourth grade, bilingual classroom located in a rural district in the Southwestern United States. This article argues that teachers can develop students’ critical literacy skills through the use of interactive read-alouds with specific texts that problematize specific social issues for older readers (fourth graders). Finally, the study cultivates deeper understanding about how critical read-aloud contexts open spaces for students to deepen understandings of the ways in which social justice issues manifest in real world contexts. Data sources included field notes, audio and video recordings of the read-aloud sessions, semi-structured interviews, and student- and teacher-created artifacts. Analysis included constant comparative methods as well as traditions of interactive sociolinguistics.
Microextraction, capillary electrophoresis, and mass spectrometry for forensic analysis of azo and methine basic dyes from acrylic fibers.

Designed experiments based on a simplex mixture design were employed to explore the effects of three solvent components (water, formic acid, and aqueous acetic acid), extraction time, and extraction temperature for the automated microextraction of basic (cationic) dyes from acrylic fibers. Extractions were conducted by an automated liquid handling system, and dye extraction was evaluated using a UV/visible microplate reader. Highest extraction efficiency for two subclasses of basic dyes (methine and azo) from acrylic fibers was achieved with an extraction solvent containing 88% formic acid/12% water. Cationic dyes were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis using a 45 mM ammonium acetate buffer in acetonitrile-water at pH4.7. The utility of micro- extraction combined with capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry for analysis of extracts from trace fibers was demonstrated by the detection and characterization of three basic dyes extracted from a 2-mm length of single acrylic fiber.
Measuring Psychosocial Environments Using Individual Responses: an Application of Multilevel Factor Analysis to Examining Students in Schools

Interest in understanding how psychosocial environments shape youth outcomes has grown considerably. School environments are of particular interest to prevention scientists as many prevention interventions are school-based. Therefore, effective conceptualization and operationalization of the school environment is critical. This paper presents an illustration of an emerging analytic method called multilevel factor analysis (MLFA) that provides an alternative strategy to conceptualize, measure, and model environments. MLFA decomposes the total sample variance-covariance matrix for variables measured at the individual level into within-cluster (e.g., student level) and between-cluster (e.g., school level) matrices and simultaneously models potentially distinct latent factor structures at each level. Using data from 79,362 students from 126 schools in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (formerly known as the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health), we use MLFA to show how 20 items capturing student self-reported behaviors and emotions provide information about both students (within level) and their school environment (between level). We identified four latent factors at the within level: (1) school adjustment, (2) externalizing problems, (3) internalizing problems, and (4) self-esteem. Three factors were identified at the between level: (1) collective school adjustment, (2) psychosocial environment, and (3) collective self-esteem. The finding of different and substantively distinct latent factor structures at each level emphasizes the need for prevention theory and practice to separately consider and measure constructs at each level of analysis. The MLFA method can be applied to other nested relationships, such as youth in neighborhoods, and extended to a multilevel structural equation model to better understand associations between environments and individual outcomes and therefore how to best implement preventive interventions.
Hadron-nucleon total cross section fluctuations from hadron-nucleus total cross sections.

The extent to which information about fluctuations in hadron-nucleon total cross sections in the frozen approximation can be extracted from very high energy hadron-nucleus total cross section measurements for a range of heavy nuclei is discussed. The corrections to the predictions of Glauber theory due to these fluctuations are calculated for several models for the distribution functions, and differences of the order of 50 mb are found for heavy nuclei. The generating function for the moments of the hadron-nucleon cross section distributions can be approximately determined from the derivatives of the hadron-nucleus total cross sections with respect to the nuclear geometric cross section. The argument of the generating function, however, is limited to the maximum value of a dimensionless thickness function obtained at zero impact parameter for the heaviest nuclear targets: about 1.8 for pions and 3.0 for nucleons.
A model for the adoption of ICT by health workers in Africa.

Abstract Purpose To investigate the potential of information and communication technology (ICT) adoption among maternal and child health workers in rural Nigeria. Methods A prospective, quantitative survey design was used to collect data from quasi-randomly selected clusters of 25 rural health facilities in 5 of the 36 states in Nigeria over a 2-month period from June to July 2010. A total of 200 maternal and child health workers were included in the survey, and the data were analyzed using a modified theory of acceptance model (TAM). Results There was no significant difference between ICT knowledge and attitude scores across states. There were significant differences in perceived ease of use ( P P =.001) across states. Midwives reported higher scores on all the constructs but a lower score on endemic barriers (which is a more positive outcome). However, the differences were only statistically significant for perceived usefulness ( P =.05) and endemic barriers ( P Conclusions Although the objective of this study was exploratory, the results provide insight into the intricacies involved in the deployment of ICT in low-resource settings. Use of an expanded TAM should be considered as a mandatory part of any pre-implementation study of ICT among health workers in sub-Saharan Africa.
Gate field emission induced breakdown in power SiC MESFETs

The breakdown mechanism of SiC MESFETs has been analyzed by careful investigation of gate leakage current characteristics. It is proposed that gate current-induced avalanche breakdown, rather than drain avalanche breakdown, is the dominant failure mechanism for SiC MESFETs: thermionic-field emission and field emission are dominant for the ON state (above pinch-off voltage) and the OFF state (below pinch-off voltage), respectively. The effect of Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ passivation on breakdown voltage has been also investigated. Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ passivation decreases the breakdown voltage due to higher electric field at the gate edge compared to edge fields before passivation. A reduction in surface trapping effects after passivation results in the higher electric field because the depletion region formed by trapped electrons is reduced significantly.
Phylogenetic identification of bacterial MazF toxin protein motifs among probiotic strains and foodborne pathogens and potential implications of engineered probiotic intervention in food

Background: Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are commonly found in bacteria and Archaea, and it is the most common mechanism involved in bacterial programmed cell death or apoptosis. Recently, MazF, the toxin component of the toxin-antitoxin module, has been categorized as an endoribonuclease, or it may have a function similar to that of a RNA interference enzyme. Results: In this paper, with comparative data and phylogenetic analyses, we are able to identify several potential MazF-conserved motifs in limited subsets of foodborne pathogens and probiotic strains and further provide a molecular basis for the development of engineered/synthetic probiotic strains for the mitigation of foodborne illnesses. Our findings also show that some probiotic strains, as fit as many bacterial foodborne pathogens, can be genetically categorized into three major groups based on phylogenetic analysis of MazF. In each group, potential functional motifs are conserved in phylogenetically distant species, including foodborne pathogens and probiotic strains. Conclusion: These data provide important knowledge for the identification and computational prediction of functional motifs related to programmed cell death. Potential implications of these findings include the use of engineered probiotic interventions in food or use of a natural probiotic cocktail with specificity for controlling targeted foodborne pathogens.
Blue Light–Dependent in Vivo and in Vitro Phosphorylation of Arabidopsis Cryptochrome 1

Cryptochromes are photolyase-like blue/UV-A light receptors that regulate various light responses in animals and plants. Arabidopsis cryptochrome 1 (cry1) is the major photoreceptor mediating blue light inhibition of hypocotyl elongation. The initial photochemistry underlying cryptochrome function and regulation remain poorly understood. We report here a study of the blue light–dependent phosphorylation of Arabidopsis cry1. Cry1 is detected primarily as unphosphorylated protein in etiolated seedlings, but it is phosphorylated in plants exposed to blue light. Cry1 phosphorylation increases in response to increased fluence of blue light, whereas the phosphorylated cry1 disappears rapidly when plants are transferred from light to dark. Light-dependent cry1 phosphorylation appears specific to blue light, because little cry1 phosphorylation is detected in seedlings treated with red light or far-red light, and it is largely independent from phytochrome actions, because no phytochrome mutants tested significantly affect cry1 phosphorylation. The Arabidopsis cry1 protein expressed and purified from insect cells is phosphorylated in vitro in a blue light–dependent manner, consistent with cry1 undergoing autophosphorylation. To determine whether cry1 phosphorylation is associated with its function or regulation, we isolated and characterized missense cry1 mutants that express full-length CRY1 apoprotein. Mutant residues are found throughout the CRY1 coding sequence, but none of these inactive cry1 mutant proteins shows blue light–induced phosphorylation. These results demonstrate that blue light–dependent cry1 phosphorylation is closely associated with the function or regulation of the photoreceptor and that the overall structure of cry1 is critical to its phosphorylation.
Penetration of Silicone Polymers into Silica Agglomerates and Its Influence on Dispersion Mechanism

Abstract The dispersion of silica agglomerates suspended in silicone fluids undergoing simple shear flows has been studied. Two different breakup mechanisms, denoted “rupture” and “erosion” have been observed. These two breakup modes produce significantly different fragment size distributions. Penetration of the suspending fluid into the silica agglomerate was found to affect the mode and the conditions necessary for dispersion of the agglomerate. Silica agglomerates totally penetrated by silicone fluids resist dispersion much better than unpenetrated agglomerates. The kinetics of matrix penetration was modeled on the basis of capillary forces driving the penetration and viscous effects resisting it. Agreement of this model with experimental observations is excellent.
Mother's and Father's Responses to Signals of Children With Cerebral Palsy During Feeding

This paper describes mothers' and fathers' interactions in responding to children with cerebral palsy during a meal. Participants were 47 children aged 17–54 months, and their parents. Children were assessed via Bayley, Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, Vineland, or observations, or all of these, and parents by Dyadic Adjustment Scale, Parenting Stress Index, and Reaction to Diagnosis Interview. Parent and child characteristics were related to interactions during lunch. Parents generally responded individually to signals; children gave nonspecific signals or signaled mothers more than fathers. Mothers responded significantly more often than did fathers, even controlling for frequency of signals. Undifferentiated signals were less often responded to by either parent. Parent–child interactions were not related to child's degree of motor impairment. Few significant relations existed between child gender, age, or cognitive function, and child or parent behaviors. Mothers' marital happiness related to father involvement in responding to child signals. Results are discussed in terms of parenting as a cooperative function.
Experimental investigation and molecular dynamics simulations of impact-mode wear mechanisms in silicon micromachines with alkylsilane self-assembled monolayer films

In the current work, polycrystalline silicon microdevices are treated with a 1H,1H,2H,2H-Perfluorodecyltrichlorosilane (FDTS) self-assembled monolayer (SAM) film. Using a microelectromechanical systems-based tribometer, the adhesion characteristics of the FDTS-treated surfaces are compared to those of untreated surfaces over a range of approximately 10 × 106 impact cycles. FDTS-treated surfaces showed a lower zero-hour adhesion force compared to untreated surfaces under identical environmental conditions. The presence of the monolayer did not have a discernible effect on the number of cycles to initiate the surface degradation that was manifested as an increase in the adhesion force. Based on trends in degradation, it is concluded that similar chemical and physical wear mechanisms dominate the evolution of adhesion in both treated and untreated devices. The qualitative results of the experiment are reinforced by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of a single nanoasperity contact coated with an octadecyltrichlorosilane (ODTS) SAM. MD simulations show cleavage of bonds along the aliphatic chains of ODTS resulting in adhesion fluctuations. In agreement with experimental observations, the MD simulation shows a logarithmic increase in adhesion force with increasing number of cycles. MD simulations also predict a logarithmic decrease in adhesion energy with increasing cycles. These results provide insight into the physicohemical changes occurring during repetitive impact of surfaces coated with low surface energy films.
Ecology and Epidemiology of Arenaviruses and Their Hosts

Arenavirus epidemiology must be understood on three levels: (1) The most fundamental and scientifically interesting concerns the distribution of virus in rodent populations. The dominant characteristic of the known, well-characterized arenaviruses is their ability to establish chronic viremic infections in specific rodent hosts. At the population level, this complex problem depends on the interaction of virus, rodent, and ecological variables that mutually determine the abundance of infected rodents, which may in turn contaminate humans with virus. (2) The variables that bring humans in contact with these rodents and their excreta in such a way as to lead to human infection. This process depends on human ecology and habits, as well as the dynamics of infected rodents. (3) The situations in which infected humans may be responsible for secondary infections of humans.
The Doubly Rare Recession of 2007: Consumer Debt Limit Recession; Balance Sheet Recession

The current recession is poorly understood. It is a combination of a very rare consumer debt limit recession and a very rare balance sheet recession. That makes it unique, dangerous and long lasting. It is leading to an extended period of low double digit unemployment that will be very hard to remedy.
Subnational Economic Freedom & Economic Performance: Some Evidence for the United States and Canada

This paper uses panel data for the U.S. states and Canadian provinces over the period 1980-2010 to examine how subnational economic freedom effects income inequality through the former’s impact on economic performance. Using a 2SLS fixed effects framework, the results point towards an efficiency-equality trade-off, suggesting that economic freedom may exert a positive direct effect on economic performance and a positive indirect effect on inequality. Limited government and labor market freedom are associated with higher levels of GDP per capita and employment rates, respectively, which in turn are positively associated with income inequality. The estimates suggest that labor market freedom exerts a stronger and more robust impact on inequality than limited government.
Response of Block Copolymer Thin-Film Morphology to Line-Width Roughness on a Chemoepitaxial Template

Using the Leibler–Ohta–Kawasaki (LOK) phase-field model of block copolymers (BCPs), we characterize how line-width roughness (LWR) in the chemoepitaxial template affects the BCP microdomain shape. Specifically, we derive formulas for the monomer density and the microdomain interface profile of periodic, lamellar BCP melts whose template lines widths oscillate with frequency k. The key idea behind our approach is to identify variations in the microdomain interface positions (relative to their averages) as corresponding to a local excess of one of the monomer types. For lamellar systems, our analysis (i) shows that the BCP morphology arises from the constraint that the total mass in a microdomain is fixed, independent of LWR, and (ii) determines a length scale λ over which template LWR affects the polymer melt.
Comparative analysis of tranexamic acid use in minimally invasive versus open craniosynostosis procedures.

BACKGROUND Intraoperatively administered tranexamic acid (TXA) lessens blood loss during orthopedic and cardiovascular surgery. Its use for craniosynostosis surgery warrants investigation. Therefore, we analyzed our use of TXA during minimally invasive (MI) and open craniosynostosis procedures. METHODS Fifty-six patients were retrospectively studied: 20 in the MI group, 10 receiving TXA; 36 in the open group, 16 receiving TXA. Study variables were weight-adjusted estimated blood loss (EBL) and calculated blood loss (CBL), transfusion and incidence, transfusion volume, and complications. Calculated blood loss was determined by a novel formula based on red cell mass. RESULTS In the MI group, median EBL was significantly lower for TXA recipients (9.62 vs 15.94 mL/kg, P = 0.0231), whereas median CBL was not (36.59 vs 34.12 mL/kg, P = 0.7976). Transfusion incidences were 80% TXA versus 100% control (P = 0.4737). Median transfusion volume trended lower (10.76 vs 19.43 mL/kg, P = 0.0723).In the open group, median EBL and CBL for TXA recipients were lower but not significantly different than for nonrecipients (21.86 vs 23.40 mL/kg, P = 0.7416; 53.54 vs 80.13; P = 0.3137). All patients had a transfusion. Median transfusion volume for TXA recipients versus nonrecipients was 34.01 versus 40.35 mL/kg (P = 0.3137). Tranexamic acid greatly minimized the range of EBL and CBL in both surgical groups. There was a significant correlation between the CBL and EBL (P < 0.0001). There were no adverse events. CONCLUSIONS Intraoperative TXA administration is safe with modest benefit suggested, especially in the MI group. Calculated blood loss correlated well with EBL at lower blood loss volumes, implicating it as a potential measurement of true blood loss.
Multi-Fidelity Design Optimization: Challenges In Complex Physics-based Computational Mechanics

Engineering systems development is currently pushing the envelope of traditional multidisciplinary design capabilities. Bringing multiple physics into the design loop earlier in the design process has shown promise in handling the strict requirements constantly being placed on various areas of computational mechanics, such as the design of next generation military aircraft. The goal in multi-fidelity design is to aid in this process to expand traditional design capabilities through the implementation of techniques developed to mitigate inadequacies and/or obstacles associated with various levels of complex physics in a single design process. Achieving a desired level of accuracy while maintaining a low computational cost may very well be the greatest obstacle combating computational design. However, other hindrances exist such as determining the appropriate physics (i.e. acoustic, thermal, structural), level of physics (i.e. Potential Flow, Euler, Navier Stokes), and mesh refinement to utilize in any given computational model. This work focuses on leveraging higher fidelity information to correct lower fidelity models so as to take advantage of the speed associated with the latter without compromising accuracy. Corrections are implemented via a custom Hybrid Bridge Function (HBF) while the design aspect is governed through the implementation of a special Trust Region Model Management (TRMM) methodology. Multifidelity design optimization is demonstrated on a thermal plate demonstration problem consisting of four differing levels of fidelity. Results show that employment of the described methodology succeeds in obtaining a design at a lower cost while maintaining a necessary level of accuracy.
The Fifth Carlos E. Rubio Memorial Lecture. Sclerosing cholangitis: pathogenesis, pathology, and practice.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a generally progressive, sometimes fatal, chronic hepatobiliary disorder for which no effective medical or surgical therapy now exists. The syndrome occurs most frequently in young men and is characterized by chronic cholestasis, frequent association with CUC, a paucity of serologic markers, hepatic copper overload, and characteristic abnormalities in some liver biopsy specimens and in virtually all cholangiograms. The natural history of the syndrome is still somewhat unclear; the disease likely progresses slowly and relentlessly over a decade or longer from an asymptomatic stage to a condition characterized by symptoms of cholestasis and complicated by cirrhosis and portal hypertension and carcinoma of the bile ducts. Management should first involve a thoughtful decision to observe, which is reasonable in the asymptomatic patient with early disease, or to intervene, particularly in patients with symptoms. Therapeutic goals should be defined and should concentrate on either alleviating symptoms, dealing with complications, or attempting to affect the underlying hepatobiliary disease. Symptomatic treatment and therapy for complications is similar to that employed in other chronic liver diseases, but also involves balloon dilatation of dominant strictures in appropriately selected symptomatic patients. Biliary tract reconstructive surgery may alleviate symptoms in selected patients with PSC, but its effect on the natural history of the syndrome has not been determined. Proctocolectomy for CUC in a patient with CUC and PSC does not beneficially affect the progression of the underlying hepatobiliary disease. In contrast, orthotopic liver transplantation may be life-saving for patients with advanced disease. Medical therapy directed at arresting the progression of the underlying hepatobiliary disease is currently experimental and includes cupruretic, immunosuppressive, antifibrogenic, and choleretic agents. Although a single recently completed controlled trial makes it unlikely that cupruretic agents will be helpful in this syndrome, immunosuppressive (i.e. cyclosporin A and methotrexate) and choleretic (i.e. ursodeoxycholic acid) agents alone or in combination are currently undergoing evaluation in randomized trials.
Dynamics, Perturbations, and Control

The core model of control theory and perturbation theory starts from a nominal dynamical system, with additional terms describing the control input and/or the influence of the perturbation. Open loop control and time-varying perturbations have the common feature that they are expressed as time-varying functions that, in general, have their own dynamics. The difference is that in the context of perturbations one studies the system behavior under all possible perturbation functions and often tries to understand the “worst-case scenario.” In control theory, after analyzing the possible system behavior under the influence of the admissible control functions, one tries to find a control (open or closed loop) that, when applied to the system, results in a desired response. But, in any case, one first needs to study the possible system behaviors under a given class of control and/or perturbation functions.
Comments on “New Thinking on Industrial Policy: Country Case Studies of Successful and Unsuccessful Industrial Policies — The Return of Industrial Policy in Brazil”

I am grateful for the opportunity to comment on this paper discussing industrial policy and Brazil’s economic development. Over the past ten years, Brazil has made remarkable progress in achieving macroeconomic stability and high growth, while at the same time markedly reducing poverty. Indeed, over the period 2004–10 growth more than doubled to over 4.2 percent (from about 1.9 percent during the period 1996–2003), while inflation fell sharply from a peak of 15 percent in 2003 to an average of 3 to 5 percent during 2004–10. Most remarkably, poverty declined from 35 percent in 2000 to 22 percent in 2009. The paper draws appropriate attention to the role that industrial policy has played in fostering growth and to the need for sound principles of implementation to effect the expected results.
An Iterative Mixed-integer Programming Approach to Brachytherapy Treatment Plan Optimization for Prostate Cancer

Ultrasound-guided transperineal radioactive implantation of the prostate is one of the fastest growing medical procedures in the country. The number of yearly implant treatments is projected to increase to over 100,000 by 2005. Conventional treatment planning for interstitial brachytherapy is generally a trial and error process in which improved treatment plans are generated by iteratively changing via expert judgement the configuration of approximately 100 sources within the target volume in order to achieve a satisfactory dose distribution while minimizing damage to normal tissues. Automated stochastic algorithms such as simulated annealing (Pouliot et al.) and genetic algorithms (Yu et al., Yang et al.) have been proposed. The limitation of stochastic algorithms is their tendency to get trapped in local optima rather than producing global optima. Gallagher et al. have utilized mixed integer programming (MIP) and the branch-and-bound method to generate treatment plans. However, their method uses a sampling approach that provides a coarse approximation (which may be inadequate) to the full set of points within the target volume.
12(S)-HETrE, a 12-Lipoxygenase Oxylipin of Dihomo-γ-Linolenic Acid, Inhibits Thrombosis via Gαs Signaling in Platelets

Objective— Dietary supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids has been widely used for primary and secondary prevention of CVD in individuals at risk; however, the cardioprotective benefits of polyunsaturated fatty acids remain controversial because of lack of mechanistic and in vivo evidence. We present direct evidence that an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA), exhibits in vivo cardioprotection through 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX) oxidation of DGLA to its reduced oxidized lipid form, 12(S)-hydroxy-8Z,10E,14Z-eicosatetrienoic acid (12(S)-HETrE), inhibiting platelet activation and thrombosis. Approach and Results— DGLA inhibited ex vivo platelet aggregation and Rap1 activation in wild-type mice, but not in mice lacking 12-LOX expression (12-LOX −/− ). Similarly, wild-type mice treated with DGLA were able to reduce thrombus growth (platelet and fibrin accumulation) after laser-induced injury of the arteriole of the cremaster muscle, but not 12-LOX −/− mice, supporting a 12-LOX requirement for mediating the inhibitory effects of DGLA on platelet-mediated thrombus formation. Platelet activation and thrombus formation were also suppressed when directly treated with 12(S)-HETrE. Importantly, 2 hemostatic models, tail bleeding and arteriole rupture of the cremaster muscle, showed no alteration in hemostasis after 12(S)-HETrE treatment. Finally, the mechanism for 12(S)-HETrE protection was shown to be mediated via a Gα s -linked G-protein–coupled receptor pathway in human platelets. Conclusions— This study provides the direct evidence that an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid, DGLA, inhibits injury-induced thrombosis through its 12-LOX oxylipin, 12(S)-HETrE, which strongly supports the potential cardioprotective benefits of DGLA supplementation through its regulation of platelet function. Furthermore, this is the first evidence of a 12-LOX oxylipin regulating platelet function in a Gs α subunit–linked G-protein–coupled receptor–dependent manner.
Adam Smith's Marketplace of Life: Adam Smith's Moral Theory, Part One: Sympathy and the Impartial Spectator Procedure

Virtually all features of Adam Smith's moral theory can be found in elementary form in the first three chapters of The Theory of Moral Sentiments . One finds there discussions of natural human sympathy, of what I shall call the “impartial spectator procedure,” and of central aspects of Smith's conception of human nature; one finds references to the general rules of morality that guide the human conscience; and one finds hints of Smith's account of human passions that become clear only after one has read the rest of the book. In both TMS and his other central work, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations , Smith begins with what he thinks is the central idea of the book: the first chapter of TMS is “Of Sympathy”; the first chapter of WN is “Of the Division of Labor.” The remainders of both of Smith's books are in large part elaborations and extensions of the ideas brought out in rudimentary form in those first short chapters. The Theory of Moral Sentiments went through six editions during Smith's lifetime, the second and sixth receiving significant revision. The sixth edition, which was published only months before Smith's death in 1790, represents his most mature thought on the subject. He had had thirty-one years to reconsider his original examination since its first publication in 1759, and fifteen years since the publication of WN in 1776.
Communicating Nuclear Power: A Programmatic Review

Civil and commercial nuclear power production is a material and discursive phenomenon posing theoretical and practical questions warranting further attention by communication scholars. We provide a brief discursive history of nuclear power, followed by a review of scholarship in communication and related disciplines. We then examine five areas for further research: (a) the fragmentation of technocratic and public discourses; (b) regulation and governance; (c) the politics of nuclear waste; (d) critical social movements; and (e) intersections of communication, rhetoric, and nuclear risk. We provide a rationale and foundation for further work in these and other areas related to nuclear power.
Truth in Science Publishing: A Personal Perspective

Scientists, public servants, and patient advocates alike increasingly question the validity of published scientific results, endangering the public’s acceptance of science. Here, I argue that emerging flaws in the integrity of the peer review system are largely responsible. Distortions in peer review are driven by economic forces and enabled by a lack of accountability of journals, editors, and authors. One approach to restoring trust in the validity of published results may be to establish basic rules that render peer review more transparent, such as publishing the reviews (a practice already embraced by some journals) and monitoring not only the track records of authors but also of editors and journals.