cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sociocultural Influences on the Association Between Negative Romantic Experiences and Psychological Maladjustment in Mexican Adolescents.

The goal of this study was to examine whether cultural values (familismo, female virginity) and gender moderated the associations between negative romantic experiences and psychological maladjustment (depressive, anxiety symptoms) in a sample of Mexican adolescents. Self-report survey data were collected from 973 adolescents (M = 15.14 years old; 56% girls) in Mexico. Findings revealed more depressive and anxiety symptoms among adolescents who reported more negative romantic experiences. These associations were stronger for female adolescents reporting greater beliefs of familismo and female virginity. Mental health practitioners may consider negative romantic experiences and cultural values when working with Mexican adolescents.
Safe Zone Quantification of the Third Sacral Segment in Normal and Dysmorphic Sacra.

Objective To quantify the osseous anatomy of the dysmorphic third sacral segment and assess its ability to accommodate internal fixation. Design Retrospective chart review of a trauma database. Setting University Level 1 Trauma Center. Patients Fifty-nine patients over the age of 18 with computed tomography scans of the pelvis separated into 2 groups: a group with normal pelvic anatomy and a group with sacral dysmorphism. Main outcome measurements The sacral osseous area was measured on computed tomography scans in the axial, coronal, and sagittal planes in normal and dysmorphic pelves. These measurements were used to determine the possibility of accommodating a transiliac transsacral screw in the third sacral segment. Results In the normal group, the S3 coronal transverse width averaged 7.71 mm and the S3 axial transverse width averaged 7.12 mm. The mean S3 cross-sectional area of the normal group was 55.8 mm. The dysmorphic group was found to have a mean S3 coronal transverse width of 9.49 mm, an average S3 axial transverse width of 9.14 mm, and an S3 cross-sectional area of 77.9 mm. Conclusions The third sacral segment of dysmorphic sacra has a larger osseous pathway available to safely accommodate a transiliac transsacral screw when compared with normal sacra. The S3 segment of dysmorphic sacra can serve as an additional site for screw placement when treating unstable posterior pelvic ring fractures.
Temporal Aggregation and Econometric Models

Publisher Summary There are numerous reasons, both theoretical and empirical, that a monthly econometric model of a nation may be justified. T. C. Liu was among the first to recognize the benefits and feasibility of constructing such monthly models. His insights were path breaking, and his efforts remain as classical references in the field. Perhaps the most compelling reason is that important economic policy decisions of both government and business are frequently influenced by the latest changes in a number of key monthly economic indicators. In theory, hazards associated with using monthly data in ad hoc fashion could be reduced substantially through the use of monthly econometric models. This chapter presents a comparison of the short-term predictive performance of a monthly model and a quarterly model in a more rigorous manner.
Intracerebral haemorrhage is hard to stop, and must be attacked before, during and after.

Commentary on : Sprigg N, Flaherty K, Appleton JP, et al . Tranexamic acid for hyperacute primary IntraCerebral Haemorrhage (TICH-2): an international randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 superiority trial. Lancet 2018;391:2107–2115. Intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is a substantial public health problem. While ischaemic stroke is commonly accepted as the majority of the burden of stroke, this is a western bias. In many Asian and lower-income countries, ICH represents an increased and even majority proportion of the stroke burden. Despite substantive advancements in the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke (eg, intravenous tissue plasminogen activator and mechanical thrombectomy), no acute interventions have been shown to be unequivocally effective for improving ICH outcomes. Given that much of the global burden of ICH occurs in lesser resourced environments, inexpensive and easily applied treatments for ICH are sorely needed. TICH-2 was an international, placebo-controlled, blinded randomised trial in acute non-traumatic ICH, with last known well within 8 hours.1 The intervention was tranexamic acid …
Flexible Antennas for Wearable Applications: Recent Advances and Design Challenges

Wearable electronics are recently gaining significant scientific interest for a wide range of applications, including healthcare, sports, child monitoring, and consumer electronics. Integration of wireless functionalities into the aforementioned wearable electronics is key to their unobtrusive and round-the-clock performance. Therefore, one of the main challenges associated with wearable electronics lies in the realization of body-worn antennas that are flexible, ubiquitous, robust, and low-cost, while still exhibiting Radio-Frequency (RF) performance similar to that of their rigid copper counterparts. With this in mind, this paper presents a state-of-the-art overview of flexible antenna technologies reported for wearable applications. Specifically, the paper explains the fabrication process and outlines the appealing features of two flexible antenna categories, namely thin-film and fabric-based antennas. The paper also explains the design challenges associated with each of these two flexible antenna technologies, as attributed to their associated constraints and restrictions.
The Study of Moral Revolutions as Naturalized Moral Epistemology

I argue for the merits of studying historical moral revolutions to inform moral and political philosophy. Such a research program is not merely of empirical, historical interest but has normative implications. To explain why, I situate the proposal in the tradition of naturalized epistemology. As Alison M. Jaggar and other scholars have argued, a naturalistic approach is characteristic of much feminist philosophy. Accordingly, I argue that the study of moral revolutions would be especially fruitful for feminist moral and political philosophers.
Microbiota, the brain and epigenetics

Abstract The bidirectional communication pathway between the gut and the brain not only maintains gastrointestinal homeostasis, but is also the link between central cognitive and emotional centers of the brain and gastrointestinal activity. The gut microbiota, the collection of microorganisms residing in the gut, colonizes the gut during early life and exerts its important influence through the gut-brain axis on the development of the central nervous system. Recent evidence suggests that dysregulation of the gut microbiota in early life has severe neurodevelopmental consequences, while disruptions of gut microbiota in adults is linked to neurological disorders. Some of these disorders persist even when the microbiota has been restored, suggesting that epigenetic changes may be involved. Epigenetic modulation can change gene expression patterns for a long time, even when the initial signal has ceased to exist. In this chapter, we summarize how the microbiota can communicate with the central nervous system, and how these organisms may influence the epigenetic signature of the brain-gut axis.
Modeling the biomass production of the biofuel crop Miscanthus x giganteus, to understand and communicate benefits and risks in cultivation

Abstract Bioenergy crop models predict harvestable biomass using known variables, and illustrate key parameters that determine the crop yield. We developed a model, using the systems software STELLA, to provide a conceptual representation of Miscanthus × giganteus crop system and understand various parameters and their influence on the growth and loss of harvestable biomass. Using data from four locations, we developed a model and used it to predict yields comparable to reported biomass production from Champaign, IL, thus validating the model structure. Sensitivity analyses of model variables suggested that solar radiation, rainfall, temperature, soil water holding capacity, solar energy interception and conversion efficiency, evapotranspiration, crop coefficient, irrigation and harvest date significantly influenced the predicted harvestable biomass. The flexible STELLA platform also allows the stakeholders to expand and modify the model to incorporate additional variables if required and ultimately enables informed decision-making for bioenergy crop production at any location.
A Framework to Understand Interspecific Multimodal Signaling Systems

Continued interest in multimodal signaling systems has resulted in new frameworks to understand the evolution and use of these complex signals. Most of these studies have focused on multimodal communication within a species (sexual and agonistic signaling), but members of different species also benefit by communicating through both eavesdropping and evolved signals. Here we develop a framework to understand interspecific multimodal signaling systems that asks three questions: (1) Is there an ecological incentive to communicate? (2) Is interspecific communication mechanistically possible? and (3) Is there a fitness consequence to this communication? Many aspects of multimodal signaling systems are expected to be similar within and across species, and signal reliability underlies all signaling. However, we identify unique constraints that apply to interspecific signaling systems: the need for overlapping sensory systems, sensory thresholds and cognitive abilities between the two species. This new framework should help identify the processes shaping multimodal signaling evolution in interspecific signaling systems.
Bell correlations from local unentangled states of light and quantum electrodynamics

Based on the Bell theorem, it has been believed that a theoretical computation of the Bell correlation requires explicit use of an entangled state. Such a physical superposition of light waves occurs in the downconverter sources used in Bell experiments. However, this physical superposition is eliminated by wave propagation to spatially separated detectors. Bell correlations must therefore result from local waves, and the source boundary conditions of their previously entangled state. In the present model, Bell correlations are computed from disentangled separated waves, boundary conditions of nonlinear optics, and properties of single photon and vacuum states specified by quantum electrodynamics. Transient interference is assumed between photon excited waves and photon empty waves based on the possibility of such interference found to be necessary by the designers of Bell experiment sources. The present model employs local random variables without specifying underlying causality
Sensitivity Analysis of Precision Inertial Sensor‐based Navigation System (SAPIENS)

The future of deep space exploration depends upon technological advancement towards improving spacecraft's autonomy and versatility. This study aims to examine the feasibility of autonomous orbit determination using advanced accelerometer measurements. The objective of this research is to ascertain specific sensor requirements to meet pre-defined mission navigation error budgets. Traditional inertial navigation (dead reckoning and external aiding) is not considered. Instead, measurements from pairs of advanced, highly sensitive accelerometers (e.g., cold atom accelerometers) are used onboard to determine gravity field gradients, which are then correlated to onboard gravity maps and used to determine orbital information. Linear Covariance Theory helps to efficiently conduct an error budget analysis of the system. This error budget analysis helps to determine the effect of specific error sources in the sensor measurements, thereby providing information to rank and compare relevant sensor parameters and determine an optimal sensor configuration for a given space mission. The procedure is repeated to evaluate different accelerometer configurations and sensor parameters.
Distance Between Home and the Admitting Hospital and Its Effect on Survival of Low Socioeconomic Status Population With Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia.

ObjectiveBacteremia is the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between low socioeconomic status (SES) and the epidemiology, proces...
Racialized, Judaized, Feminized: Identity-based Attacks on the Press

The press is under a growing and dangerous form of attack through identity-based online harassment of journalists. Armies of online abusers are strategically targeting non-white and non-male journalists to intimidate and silence their voices using a variety of rhetorical tools (including references to lynching, the Holocaust, rape and dismemberment). Such expressive violence is matched by the mounting physical dangers faced by reporters, both in the United States, as evidenced during Black Lives Matter protests in summer 2020, and around the world. Unsurprisingly, identity-based online harassment of reporters has increased at the very moment that news organizations attempt to enhance the diversity of the professional press. The ‘double whammy’ of online harassment and physical danger goes far beyond harming individual journalists, although those damages ought not be understated. The scale and intensity of these online identity-based attacks collectively undermine all journalists and the press as a whole. While prior accounts, especially by media studies scholars, have recognized the threat to the press writ large, this Article is the first to identify these attacks as one of three reinforcing tactics designed to hobble journalism at critical inflection points in its lifecycle. The refrain of ‘fake news’ is designed to undermine public faith in press output, critiques of libel law seek to roll back press-protective judicial outcomes, and identity-based verbal violence works to undercut and paralyze the journalistic process. Thus, racial and misogynistic vitriol, while generated ‘bottom up’ by members of the audience, is also an element of elite press-delegitimating strategies that presidential change has not derailed. The Article analyzes the factors that most contribute to growing peril for our democracy, including the professional self-monitoring and self-censorship inevitable in conditions of harassment; the likely effects of reporter intimidation on news organization diversity; and the particularly ‘sticky’ character of identity-based vitriol for the audiences exposed to it. Finding realistic ways to stem and counteract online identity-based abuse is an imperative next step if the press is to perform its constitutionally-recognized role under current conditions of existential threat. Traditional legal responses are insufficient for such non-traditional devices. The Article develops and advocates a variety of ameliorative moves directed to a spectrum of actors: news organizations, journalism schools, press-protective organizations, social media platforms, and social science researchers. Collective, rather than individual, solutions across a range of constituencies offer the only realistic hope of stemming this tide.
Digital Assemblages: Ahmed Basiony's

Ahmed Basiony, an artist and Arab Spring activist killed by pro-Mubarak forces in 2011, exemplified a generation of Egyptian artists who turned to video during the first decade of the twenty-first century. Works like "30 Days Running in Place," a video of Basiony monitoring his body with biofeedback technology, emerged from a period of experimentation as Egyptian artists grappled with the potential of video and new media. Basionys piece gained posthumous fame and inspired controversy when it was exhibited, after the artists death and without his instructions, as the official Egyptian contribution to the 2011 Venice Biennale. / / My project will explore how "30 Days Running in Place" and Basionys tragic biography came to represent, to the Biennales global audience, the commitment to new media practice that radically transformed Egypts political and artistic topography before, during, and after the Arab Spring demonstrations. Basionys inclusion is exemplary of a swiftly changing media landscape in North Africa and the Middle East as artists and activists in the region increasingly engage with digital and new media technologies. My paper will analyze the convergence of technological innovation, artistic practice, radical politics, and national identity represented by the exhibition of Basionys work at the Biennale. /
Earthquake Response of Concrete Gravity Dams

The problem is simplified to a linear analysis of the two-dimensional vibration of coupled reservoir-dam systems, with the response of the dam being approximated by its deformations in the fundamental mode. Four cases are considered: dam alone (without reservoir); reservoir-dam system-interaction neglected; reservoir-dam system-interaction included; and reservoir-dam system-interaction included but water compressibility neglected. Expressions for the complex frequency response functions for the dam displacement and lateral hydrodynamic force in each of these four cases are presented. These results along with the Fast Fourier Transform algorithm are utilized to compute the time-history of responses of 28 reservoir-dam systems to Taft, CA, earthquake. It is concluded that: (1) the presence of the reservoir may increase the dam response significantly, and (2) the commonly used simpler analyses which neglect reservoir interaction or compressibility of water may result in significant error.
OKLAHOMA WOMEN AND POLITICAL LEADERSIDP

This paper reveals obstacles and challenges women politicians in Oklahoma feel they themselves or women in general face as officeholders Also examined in this paper is whether attending leadership programs for women, such as N.E. W. Leadership institute held each year at the University of Oklahoma's Carl Albert Center provide an extra edge for women politicians. In determining fact from fiction with regards to these issues, an analysis was done using a mail-in survey of 49 female officeholders in county, city, and state level political positions.
In vitro activity of Bay 12-8039, a new 8-methoxyquinolone, compared to the activities of 11 other oral antimicrobial agents against 390 aerobic and anaerobic bacteria isolated from human and animal bite wound skin and soft tissue infections in humans.

The in vitro activity of Bay 12-8039, a new oral 8-methoxyquinolone, was compared to the activities of 11 other oral antimicrobial agents (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, sparfloxacin, azithromycin, clarithromycin, amoxicillin clavulanate, penicillin, cefuroxime, cefpodoxime, and doxycycline) against 250 aerobic and 140 anaerobic bacteria recently isolated from animal and human bite wound infections. Bay 12-8039 was active against all aerobic isolates, both gram-positive and gram-negative isolates, at or = 4.0 microg/ml) and one strain of Prevotella loeschii (MICs, 2.0 microg/ml). In comparison, the other quinolones tested had similar in vitro activities against the aerobic strains but were less active against the anaerobes, including peptostreptococci, Porphyromonas species, and Prevotella species. The fusobacteria were relatively resistant to all the antimicrobial agents tested except penicillin G (one penicillinase-producing strain of F. nucleatum was found) and amoxicillin clavulanate.
Leadership in Turbulent Times: Competencies for Thriving Amidst Crisis

Many organizational leaders have a laissez faire attitude toward the possibility of a crisis happening in their firm, despite the high probability that every business leader and every organization will experience a crisis of some significance. Consequently, leaders are underprepared not only for "managing" crisis situations when they occur, but also - and more important - for leading organizations in turbulent times with a vision or expectation that they and their organizations can be positively transformed by the experience. This article proposes that there is, in fact, a difference between crisis management and crisis leadership, and that what differentiates firms that thrive following a crisis from those that do not is the leadership displayed throughout the crisis-management process. Using years of prior research, we introduce six competencies for leading amidst crisis. Our framework of crisis-leadership competencies goes beyond managing corporate communication to highlighting the notion that the best crisis leaders are those who build a foundation of trust not only within their organization, but also throughout the supply chain. These leaders then use that foundation to prepare their organizations for difficult times, to contain crises when they occur, and to leverage crisis situations as a means for creating change and, ultimately, a better organization. The article's concluding message describes a study that conveys the significant impact of crisis leadership.
Flow guided peripoperative resuscitation shortens hospital stay

Studies in surgical patients [1,2] have suggested that using noninvasive measurements of cardiac output to guide intraoperative fluid resuscitation results in improved patient outcome. We tested this hypothesis in patients for major elective surgery.
Measuring Antimicrobial Peptide Activity on Epithelial Surfaces in Cell Culture

To more accurately assess the activity and role of epithelial cell-derived antimicrobial peptides in their native settings, it is essential to perform assays at the surfaces under relevant conditions. In order to carry this out, we utilize three-dimensional cultures of airway and gingival epithelium, which are grown at an air-liquid interface. Under these conditions, the cultures can be subjected to challenge with a variety of factors known to cause an increase in antimicrobial peptide gene expression. The functional relevance of this induction can then be assessed by quantifying antibacterial activity either directly on the surface of the cells or using the fluid secreted onto the apical surface of the cultures. The relative contribution of the peptides can also be measured by pre-incubation of the secreted fluid with specific inhibitory antibodies. Thus, a relatively inexpensive in vitro model can be used to evaluate the role of antimicrobial peptides in mucosal epithelium.
Vaccination with an Acidic Polymerase Epitope of Influenza Virus Elicits a Potent Antiviral T Cell Response but Delayed Clearance of an Influenza Virus Challenge

The mechanisms underlying epitope selection and the potential impact of immunodominance hierarchies on peptide-based vaccines are not well understood. Recently, we have shown that two immunodominant MHC class I-restricted epitopes, NP(366-374)/D(b) (nucleoprotein (NP)) and PA(224-233)/D(b) (acidic polymerase (PA)), which drive the CD8(+) T cell response to influenza virus infection in C57BL/6 mice, are differentially expressed on infected cells. Whereas NP appears to be strongly expressed on all infected cells, PA appears to be strongly expressed on dendritic cells but only weakly expressed on nondendritic cells. Thus, the immune response to influenza virus may involve T cells specific for epitopes, such as PA, that are poorly expressed at the site of infection. To examine the consequences of differential Ag presentation on peptide vaccination, we compared the kinetics of the T cell response and influenza virus clearance in mice vaccinated with the NP or PA peptide. Vaccination with either the NP or PA peptide resulted in accelerated and enhanced Ag-specific T cell responses at the site of infection following influenza virus challenge. These T cells were fully functional in terms of their ability to produce IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha and to mediate cytolytic activity. Despite this enhancement of the Ag-specific T cell response, PA vaccination had a detrimental effect on the clearance of influenza virus compared with unvaccinated or NP-vaccinated mice. These data suggest that differential Ag presentation impacts the efficacy of T cell responses to specific epitopes and that this needs to be considered for the development of peptide-based vaccination strategies.
Changes in the Levels of Plant Secondary Metabolites Under Water and Nutrient Stress

Increasing interest in the stress physiology of higher plants has, in the last few years, greatly expanded our knowledge concerning the effects of stresses such as drought, freezing, nutrient deficiencies, disease and insect attack on plant metabolism. This work, however, has concentrated on the influences of stress on the basic processes of growth and development (primary metabolism). Very little attention has been paid to the changes in secondary metabolism that may be occurring. Information on the effects of stress conditions on secondary metabolites has come mainly from research efforts to maximize the yield of active constituents from herb, spice and drug plants and from attempts to reduce the levels of toxins in certain food and forage crops. Advances in our understanding of the functional roles of secondary metabolites in plants, however, and new information about how pest resistance is altered by stress should stimulate additional interest in the responses of secondary metabolites to stress.
In situ activity of enzymes on polyacrylamide gels of a deoxyribonucleic acid-membrane fraction extracted from pneumococci.

Abstract A deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-membrane fraction extracted from Diplococcus pneumoniae was subjected to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis after treatment with 0.16% sodium dodecyl sulfate. At least two DNA polymerase activities were detected by in situ assays with appropriate substrates, templates, and inhibitors, including a co-polymer of deoxyadenylic and thymidylic acid and N-ethylmaleimide. This activity coincided with a fraction in the gel containing 7.5, 9.4, and 24%, respectively of the DNA, phospholipid, and protein present in the DNA-membrane fraction before electrophoresis and sodium dodecyl sulfate treatment. Assays with minced gels showed that several nuclease activities, deoxyribonucleotide kinase activity, and DNA ligase activity also coincided with this fraction. However, ribonucleoside diphosphate reductase activity did not. These results demonstrate that a complex of enzymes involved in DNA replication is firmly bound to the DNA-membrane fraction in pneumococci.
Does "Two is Better Than One" Apply to Surgeons? Comparing Single-Surgeon Versus Co-surgeon Bilateral Mastectomies.

Background Bilateral mastectomies (BM) are traditionally performed by single surgeons (SS); a co-surgeon (CS) technique, where each surgeon concurrently performs a unilateral mastectomy, offers an alternative approach. We examined differences in general surgery time (GST), overall surgery time (OST), and patient complications for BM performed by CS and SS.
Democratization after Civil War: A Brush-Clearing Exercise

Why do some states emerging from civil war take significant strides toward democracy while others do not? The existing literature comes to contradictory and puzzling findings, many of which, we argue, are driven by methodological problems. We examine the determinants of democratization in the short, medium, and long term after civil wars ending between 1945 and 1999. Other than a short-term effect of negotiated settlements, we find little support for the prominent claim that the outcome of the war shapes the prospects for postwar democratization. Neither does peacekeeping foster democratization. Meanwhile, consistent with the more general democratization literature, we find that economic development aids democratization while oil wealth hinders it. In short, we find the determinants of democratization to be much the same for post-civil war societies as for other societies. Why do some states emerging from internal conflict take significant strides toward democracy, while others do not? Why, for example, did Mozambique, Nicaragua, and Peru become more democratic after their civil wars ended, while Angola and Sri Lanka did not? The few extant studies that address this question come to a number of contradictory and puzzling findings. This paper attempts to clear the considerably tangled brush on the subject of democratization after civil war. The aim is empirical: rather than present a novel theory, it improves on existing research methods to examine the determinants of democratization for all countries emerging from civil wars ending between 1945 and 1999. 2 We use the term democratization to refer to moves along a continuum toward democracy, not necessarily to convey the crossing of a threshold to democracy. Our findings are rather striking with respect to existing studies on regime change after intrastate conflict: correcting for several methodological issues that we believe contribute to some of the contradictory findings in the literature, we find little support for the prominent notions that the war’s outcome, its death toll, or the presence of peacekeepers affects the prospects for democracy. Rather, democratization in societies emerging from civil war is shaped by much the same factors thought to affect democratization in other societies. Patterns of democratization after civil war are not so puzzling after all.
Kinetics of the efflux of 3H-norepinephrine from rabbit irides.

The pigment cell dependent accumulation of 3H(-)-norepinephrine (1 μmol/l) was studied in rabbit irides. Albino irides served as controls. Neuronal uptake, deamination and O-methylation of 3H(-)-norepinephrine were reduced by desipramine, pargyline and U-0521, respectively. Results are discussed in relationship to the pigment cell-dependent uptake of the catecholamine.
Schwann cells: activated peripheral glia and their role in neuropathic pain.

Schwann cells provide trophic support and in some cases, insulation to axons. After injury, Schwann cells undergo phenotypic modulation, acquiring the capacity to proliferate, migrate, and secrete soluble mediators that control Wallerian degeneration and regeneration. Amongst the soluble mediators are pro-inflammatory cytokines that function as chemoattractants but also may sensitize nociceptors. At the same time, Schwann cells produce factors that counterbalance the pro-inflammatory cytokines, including, for example, interleukin-10 and erythropoietin (Epo). Epo and its receptor, EpoR, are up-regulated in Schwann cells after peripheral nerve injury. EpoR-dependent cell signaling may limit production of TNF-α by Schwann cells within the first five days after injury. In addition, EpoR-dependent cell signaling may reduce axonal degeneration and facilitate recovery from chronic pain states. Other novel factors that regulate Schwann cell phenotype in nerve injury have been recently identified, including the low-density lipoprotein receptor related protein (LRP-1). Our recent studies indicate that LRP-1 may be essential for Schwann cell survival after peripheral nerve injury. To analyze the function of specific Schwann cell gene products in nerve injury and sensory function, conditional gene deletion and expression experiments in mice have been executed using promoters that are selectively activated in myelinating or non-myelinating Schwann cells. Blocking ErbB receptor-initiated cell-signaling in either myelinating or non-myelinating Schwann cells results in unique sensory dysfunctions. Data obtained in gene-targeted animals suggest that sensory alterations can result from changes in Schwann cell physiology without profound myelin degeneration or axonopathy. Aberrations in Schwann cell biology may lie at the foundation of neuropathic pain and represent an exciting target for therapeutic intervention.
Hydroxychloroquine use associated with improvement in lipid profiles in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Objective Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Disease-modifying therapies that improve risk factors for CVD, such as dyslipidemia, are desired. This study used an electronic health record to determine if hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) use was associated with an improvement in lipid levels in an inception RA cohort. Methods All adult individuals with the initial diagnosis of RA between January 1, 2001, and March 31, 2008, were identified (n = 1,539). Only patients with at least one lipid level post–RA diagnosis were included (n = 706). Information on demographics, medical history, body mass index (BMI), laboratory measures, and medications were collected at office visits. Potential risk and protective factors for dyslipidemia were controlled for in linear mixed-effects regression models for low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL/HDL, and total cholesterol/HDL. Results Patients were 69% women and 98% white, with a median age of 65 years and a median BMI of 29.8 kg/m2. In the adjusted regression models, HCQ use was associated with the following average differences in lipids: LDL decrease of 7.55 mg/dl (P < 0.001), HDL increase of 1.02 mg/dl (P = 0.20), total cholesterol decrease of 7.70 mg/dl (P = 0.002), triglycerides decrease of 10.91 mg/dl (P = 0.06), LDL/HDL decrease of 0.136 (P = 0.008), and total cholesterol/HDL decrease of 0.191 (P = 0.006), which were stable over time. Conclusion Use of HCQ in this RA cohort was independently associated with a significant decrease in LDL, total cholesterol, LDL/HDL, and total cholesterol/HDL. Considering these results, its safety profile, and low cost, HCQ remains a valuable initial or adjunct therapy in this patient population at high risk for CVD.
Anisotropic Strain Effects on Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Physiology

Biological development is a complex and highly-regulated process, a significant part of which is controlled by mechanostimulus, or the strain imparted on a cell by its environment. Mechanostimulus is important for stem cell differentiation, from cytoskeletal assembly to cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion [1]. The mechanics of cells and tissues play a critical role in organisms, under both physiological and pathological conditions; abnormal mechanotransduction — the mechanism by which cells sense and respond to strain — has been implicated in a wide range of clinical pathologies [2,3].Copyright © 2007 by ASME
An investigation of the relationship between board composition and stockholder suits

In recent years lawsuits against corporate directors have increased dramatically. Moreover, many critics feel that with current shifts toward greater insider representation, the number will rise still more. This study examines the relationship between board composition and shareholder suits. The results indicate that, when compared to a control group, boards sued for failing to maintain their fiduciary responsibilities tended to have a greater proportion of inside directors. There was, however, no significant relationship between composition and suit outcomes.
Numerical studies of adiabatic population inversion in multilevel systems

A numerical analysis is presented of several potential pulsed-laser applications of adiabatic population inversion in atoms or molecules. A simple numerical method is demonstrated for evaluating adiabatic processes in multilevel systems for both swept-frequency and resonant, time-delayed pulses. Adiabatic inversion with time-delayed pulses is generalized to systems with any number of levels. The effect of Doppler broadening on time-delayed adiabatic pumping of a three-level system is investigated.
Elucidating the structural chemistry of glycosaminoglycan recognition by protein C inhibitor.

Abstract Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) including heparin accelerate the inhibition of serine proteases by serine protease inhibitors (serpins), an essential process in regulating blood coagulation. to analyze the molecular basis for GAG recognition by the plasma serpin protein C inhibitor (PCI; also known as plasminogen activator inhibitor 3), we have constructed a complete, energy-minimized, three-dimensional model of PCI by using the structure of homologous alpha 1-antitrypsin as a template. Sequence analysis, hydrogen-bonding environment, and shape complementarity suggested that the N-terminal residues of PCI, which are not homologous to those of alpha 1-antitrypsin, form an amphipathic alpha-helix, here designated A+ since it precedes the alpha 1-antitrypsin A helix. Electrostatic calculations revealed a single, highly positive surface region arising from both the A+ and H helices, suggesting that this two-helix motif is required for GAG binding by PCI. The dominant role of electrostatic interactions in PCI-heparin binding was confirmed by the strong ionic strength dependence of heparin stimulation. The involvement of the A+ helix in heparin binding was verified by demonstrating that an anti-PCI antibody that specifically binds the A+ peptide blocks heparin binding.
Childhood growth and chronic disease: evidence from countries undergoing the nutrition transition

Evidence is accumulating that the pattern of growth in childhood is associated with development of cardiovascular disease in adulthood, but such evidence comes mostly from developed countries. We conducted a review of studies from countries undergoing the nutrition transition. Five birth cohorts with measures of child growth and outcomes through adolescence were identified, from China, India, Guatemala, Brazil and the Philippines. Across studies there are major differences in data availability and in statistical approaches to modelling child growth and its effects. Nevertheless, generally consistent associations of growth failure in early childhood and development of overweight in later childhood with the risk of elevated blood pressure, glucose, and serum lipids in adulthood were observed. As these cohorts mature they will provide a wealth of critical information on the relation between early life factors and later disease risk, and efforts should be made to ensure ongoing follow-up using standardized approaches and more comprehensive assessments.
Effects of Capillary Discontinuities on Water Flow Retention in Layered Snow covers

The effect of capillary barriers in layered snowcovers has been examined through use of a numerical mass and energy balance model, laboratory tests and field tests. The degree of suction within the layers has been related to capillary rise and in turn to snow porosity and grain size. The relative importance of permeability and capillary tension on liquid water levels has been examined and it was concluded that capillary discontinuities play a dominant role. It has been shown both theoretically and experimentally that high-over-low suction transitions lead to interruption of water flow vertically and to horizontal movement along discontinuities. Infiltration rates predicted by the numerical model are low because of the omission of finger flow. A more realistic rendering would require a three-dimensional model or incorporate the empirical approach of Marsh and Woo.
INSIGNIA: An IP-Based Quality of Service Framework for Mobile ad Hoc Networks

We present the design, implementation, and evaluation of INSIGNIA, an IP-based quality of service framework that supports adaptive services in mobile ad hoc networks. The framework is based on an in-band signaling and soft-state resource management approach that is well suited to supporting mobility and end-to-end quality of service in highly dynamic environments where the network topology, node connectivity, and end-to-end quality of service are time varying. Architecturally INSIGNIA is designed to support fast reservation, restoration, and end-to-end adaptation based on the inherent flexibility and robustness and scalability found in IP networks. We evaluate the framework, paying particular attention to the performance of the in-band signaling system, which helps counter time-varying network dynamics in support of the delivery of adaptive services. Our results show the benefit of our framework under diverse mobility, traffic, and channel conditions.
Reply to “Shear-wave splitting to test mantle deformation models around Hawaii” by Vinnik et al.

INDEX TERMS: 7218 Seismology: Lithosphere and upper mantle; 8120 Tectonophysics: Dynamics of lithosphere and mantle— general; 8121 Tectonophysics: Dynamics, convection currents and mantle plumes; 8130 Tectonophysics: Heat generation and transport; 8162 Tectonophysics: Rheology—mantle. Citation: Walker, K. T., G. H. R. Bokelmann, and S. L. Klemperer, Reply to ‘‘Shear-wave splitting to test mantle deformation models around Hawaii’’ by Vinnik et al., Geophys. Res. Lett., 30(13), 1676, doi:10.1029/2002GL016712, 2003.
Coronary Endothelial Dysfunction in Humans Is Associated With Myocardial Perfusion Defects

Background Coronary endothelial dysfunction may occur in patients with minimally obstructive coronary artery disease and angina, and potentially may cause myocardial ischemia. Methods and Results Coronary endothelium-dependent vasodilation was examined in patients with angina and <50% coronary artery diameter (CAD) stenosis by selectively infusing acetylcholine (10−6 mol/L to 10−4 mol/L) into the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). Percent change in CAD (%ΔCAD) was measured by quantitative coronary angiography, and percent change in coronary blood flow (%ΔCBF) was calculated using intracoronary flow Doppler. Coronary endothelium-independent vasodilation was examined using intracoronary adenosine and nitroglycerin. 99mTc sestamibi was injected intravenously just prior to the infusion of the highest dose of acetylcholine. Patients were divided blindly into three groups: Perfusion defects in non-LAD territory (group 1, n=6), no perfusion defects (group 2, n=7), and perfusion defects in the LAD te...
The economic theory of rent seeking

Tullock’s concept of rent seeking was the first statement of a quantitative principle about the social costs of such activities as lobbying and favor seeking. As such, this part of Tullock’s legacy to modern economics is one of his most important contributions.
The use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists in peripheral arterial occlusion.

The use of intra-arterial, catheter-directed thrombolytic therapy has been associated with the necessity to infuse the agents over a protracted period of time. The large, randomized studies suggest that most treatments require more than 24 hours of infusion. There are data to suggest that the risk of complications, especially hemorrhagic complications, increases as the duration of administration increases. Moreover, the economic burden of thrombolytic therapy increases in proportion to the length of infusion, specifically with respect to the cost of the agent and the use of hospital resources, such as the intensive care unit. For these reasons, it is desirable to formulate a treatment strategy that results in a more rapid rate of thrombolysis. Thrombolytic dissolution of an occluding thrombus is a dynamic process; new thrombus is laid down as old thrombus is dissolved. Because this process occurs in the high-flow arterial milieu, platelets are of prime importance and contribute directly to the phenomenon of rethrombosis. Platelets have also been implicated in the more chronic problems associated with smooth muscle cell and leukocyte-dependent intimal hyperplasia that culminates in restenosis at sites of arterial injury. Platelet antagonists, such as the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, are attractive as adjuvants to peripheral thrombolysis; the rate of thrombolysis may be increased by inhibiting new thrombus deposition. The agents may also discourage the formation of a restenotic lesion at the site of intervention. Initial studies suggest that this may indeed be the case, and there is much interest in validating the use of platelet antagonists through the performance of well-designed clinical trials.
Compositional parallel programming languages

In task-parallel programs, diversee activities can take place concurrently, and communication and synchronization patterns are complex and not easily predictable. Previous work has identified compositionality as an important design principle for task-parallel programs. In this article, we discuss alternative approaches to the realization of this principle, which holds that properties of program components should be preserved when those co ponents are composed in parallel with other program components. We review two programming languages, Strand and Program Composition Notation, that support compositionality via a small number of simple concepts, namely, monotone operations on shared opbects, a uniform addressing mechanism, and parallel composition. Both languages have been used extensively for large-scale application development, allowing us to provide an informed assessment of both their strengths and their weaknesses. We observe that while compositionality simplifies development of complex applications, the use of specialized languages hinders reuse of existing code and tools and the specification of domain decomposition strategies. This suggests an alternative approach based on small extensions to existing sequential languages. We conclude the article with a discussion of two languages that realized this strategy.
Entrepreneurial Drive in the Top Management Team: Effects on Strategic Choice and Firm Performance:

Based on upper echelons theory and the logic embodied in the entrepreneurship, strategic choice, and resource-based view literatures, a theoretical model was developed showing the relationships bet...
Social epistemology and information science

L'epistemologie, et plus particulierement l'epistemologie sociale, represente veritablement la branche de la philosophie la plus centrale aux sciences de l'information, comme l'a montre Jesse Shera. Cet article presente les applications de l'epistemologie sociale aux sciences de l'information, ainsi que les objections soulevees par ces applications. L'epistemologie peut notamment aider les services d'information a remplir leur objectif premier, a savoir l'acquisition de connaissances. L'ethique represente egalement un domaine crucial pour les sciences de l'information.
“Getting to Zero”: Preventing invasive Candida infections and eliminating infection-related mortality and morbidity in extremely preterm infants

Prevention of invasive Candida infections (ICI) is an achievable goal for every NICU and supported by A-1 evidence. Due to the incidence of ICI, high infection-associated mortality and neurodevelopmental impairment, antifungal prophylaxis should be targeted to infants <1000 g or ≤ 27 weeks gestation. There is A-1 evidence for both fluconazole and nystatin prophylaxis for the prevention of ICI. Evidence currently would favour fluconazole prophylaxis in high-risk preterm infants since intravenous fluconazole prophylaxis has greater efficacy compared to enteral nystatin prophylaxis, efficacy in the most immature patients in whom mortality is the highest, requires less dosing, and can be given to infants with gastrointestinal disease or haemodynamic instability. All NICUs caring for extremely preterm infants should use antifungal prophylaxis. Even in NICUs with low rates of ICI, antifungal prophylaxis is crucial to improving survival and neurodevelopmental outcomes for this vulnerable population. For infants 1000-1500 g if there is concern for ICI in the NICU, either drug could be chosen for prophylaxis. Fluconazole prophylaxis administered at 3 mg/kg twice a week, while intravenous access is required, appears to be the safest and most effective schedule in preventing ICI while attenuating the emergence of fungal resistance. Invasive Candida infections are one group of infections we can prevent.