cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measuring Economic Impacts of Disasters: Interregional Input-Output Analysis Using Sequential Interindustry Model

The damages and losses by disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, and other major natural disasters, or man-made disasters, have significant and intense impacts on a region’s economy. In addition, the impacts from the damages will spread over time, and will bring serious economic effects to other regions in a long run. Furthermore, the impacts of disasters are very complex, including not only the negative effects from damages and losses, but also the positive economic effects from the recovery and reconstruction activities. Most economic models and techniques cannot confront these significant changes in a relatively short time period, since they assume incremental, and/or predictable changes in systems over time. And, the unexpected nature of these events, especially in the case of earthquakes, creates a further complication of measuring the indirect impacts (Okuyama et al., 2002). At the same time, most available data for the direct damages and losses and of the recovery processes are engineering oriented, i. e., physical damages and disruption of lifelines and their repair and restoration, and the dimension and unit of these data are quite different from the economic counterpart—very detailed and short time span in engineering data while aggregated and longer time span in economic models. Consequently, these differences pose great challenges in order to model economic impacts of disasters.
Indexing Moving Objects Using Query Oriented Parallel Grids

To1 improve updating efficiency and querying accuracy for spatial moving object data, we propose a parallel data structure for indexing moving objects. The structure contains a main index and an auxiliary index, which are used for supporting range based and identity based spatial object query operations, respectively. It also utilizes a query index which hooks updating operations to querying operations that may be influenced. Thus, it avoids locking relevant spatial objects and indexing structures as existing approaches do when range query operations are processed. At the same time, it also supports time slice semantics for parallel operations. Experimental results show that, under high working load, the structure can not only guarantee querying accuracy, the throughput is also obviously higher than that of the existing methods. The index improves the degree of system parallelism, makes it possible for object updating and querying operations in same ranges be processed in parallel, and therefore improves the overall efficiency of the system.
Improved Efficacy and Reduced Toxicity Using a Custom-Designed Irinotecan-Delivering Silicasome for Orthotopic Colon Cancer.

Irinotecan is a key chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of colorectal (CRC) and pancreatic (PDAC) cancer. Because of a high incidence of bone marrow and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity, Onivyde (a liposome) was introduced to provide encapsulated irinotecan (Ir) delivery in PDAC patients. While there is an ongoing clinical trial (NCT02551991) to investigate the use of Onivyde as a first-line option to replace irinotecan in FOLFIRINOX, the liposomal formulation is currently prescribed as a second-line treatment option (in combination with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin) for patients with metastatic PDAC who failed gemcitabine therapy. However, the toxicity of Onivyde remains a concern that needs to be addressed for use in CRC as well. Our goal was to custom design a mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSNP) carrier for encapsulated irinotecan delivery in a robust CRC model. This was achieved by developing an orthotopic tumor chunk model in immunocompetent mice. With a view to increase the production volume a...
THE FEDERAL RESERVE'S DUAL MANDATE AND THE INFLATION‐UNEMPLOYMENT TRADEOFF

Using Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) transcripts from 1960 to 2010, this paper examines the evolution of the Committee's approach to the inflation‐unemployment tradeoff. We find: (1) FOMC discussions have increasingly emphasized inflation relative to unemployment and (2) this shift occurred during the Volcker era and has continued even as inflation itself declined, with the result that the emphasis on inflation has become entrenched and disconnected from actual inflation. Finally, we create an expanded Taylor Rule that includes these FOMC discussions and find that the increased emphasis on inflation is positively correlated with the federal funds rate. (JEL E5, E4, E6)
Coccidioidomycosis Among American Indians and Alaska Natives, 2001–2014

Background American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) may be uniquely vulnerable to coccidioidomycosis given the large population residing in the Southwestern United States. We describe coccidioidomycosis-associated hospitalizations and outpatient visits during 2001-2014 in the Indian Health Service (IHS) system and compare hospitalizations with data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS). Methods We identified hospitalizations in the IHS and the NIS and outpatient visits in the IHS using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes 114.0-114.9. We calculated average annual hospitalization and outpatient visit rates per 1 000 000 population and used Poisson regression to calculate rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used multivariable logistic regression to assess factors associated with IHS hospitalization. Results AI/ANs had the highest average annual hospitalization rate (58.0; 95% CI, 49.5-66.6) of any racial/ethnic group in the NIS, compared with 13.4 (95% CI, 12.7-14.2) for non-Hispanic whites. IHS data showed a hospitalization rate of 37.0; the median length of stay (interquartile range) was 6 (3-10) days. The average annual outpatient visit rate in IHS was 764.2, and it increased from 529.9 in 2001 to 845.9 in 2014. Male sex, age ≥65 years, diabetes, and extrapulmonary or progressive coccidioidomycosis were independently associated with increased risk for hospitalization. Twenty-four percent of patients had ICD-9-CM codes for community-acquired pneumonia in the 3 months before coccidioidomycosis diagnosis. Conclusions AI/ANs experience high coccidioidomycosis-associated hospitalization rates, high morbidity, and possible missed opportunities for earlier diagnosis. Yearly trends in IHS data were similar to the general increase in hospitalizations and reported cases nationwide in the same period.
The HARMFUL CYANOBACTERIAL BLOOMS AND DEVELOPED CYANOPHAGES AS A BIOLOGICAL SOLUTION

Abstract Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal blooms (CHABs) cause devastating impacts to fisheries, tourism, public health and ecosystem around the world, and have increased in frequency. Cyanobacterial blooms occur in fresh water and marine environments, producing a variety of toxins, and poisoning risks to humans and animals. Chemicals can be used to kill cyanobacteria. Unfortunately, many of these chemicals are toxic to other forms of life, including fish and organisms they eat. The use of chemicals in natural lakes could create more problems than they solve, is not permitted. Cyanophage is a double-stranded DNA virus that infects cyanobacteria and is detected in both freshwater and marine environments as a biological solution developed Cyanophages can use for long term treatment options. Key words: Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal blooms, Cyanophage, DNA Viruses
A low-cost high-fidelity model for abscess simulation.

Abstract Background Treatment of a subcutaneous abscess is a commonly encountered scenario across multiple specialties. Prior simulation models for abscess incision and drainage have been limited by their cost and reproducibility. Methods We developed a realistic abscess model with commonly available materials that can be utilized in fresh cadaver labs at a cost of less than $1 USD per use. The model was evaluated for content validity with pre- and post-measures by 25 pre-clinical medical students. Results The model described herein successfully simulates commonly encountered subcutaneous abscesses. Pre and post-training surveys demonstrated a significant increase in all outcomes measures. Conclusions The model presented in this manuscript can be easily incorporated into training programs that utilize a fresh cadaver lab for multi-procedural resident training. It provides a realistic abscess that can be placed in almost any anatomical location at a fraction of the cost, and significantly reduced preparation time compared to previously described models.
The Relationship Between Angular Osteologic and Radiographic Measurements of the Human Talus and Calcaneus.

Background: Radiographic imaging of the foot is commonly performed when medical evaluation is indicated. Angular measurements between bones may be assessed as part of the examination for trauma and...
Predictors of Open Reduction in Pediatric Femur Fractures Treated With Flexible Nails.

Background Closed reduction (CR) is sufficient to reduce the majority of femur fractures treated with flexible intramedullary nailing (FIN). No previous study has examined factors associated with failed CR of pediatric femoral shaft fractures treated with FIN. We sought to determine preoperative factors associated with failed CR. We hypothesized that fracture, patient, and surgeon characteristics would impact the need for open reduction (OR). Methods A retrospective review of children treated for femur fracture between 2012 and 2017 at a tertiary pediatric hospital was performed. Comparisons were made between 2 groups: FIN with CR group and FIN that required OR group. Demographic and baseline characteristics were compared between treatment groups using either χ tests or Fisher exact tests for categorical variables and general linear models for continuous variables. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using univariate logistic regression tests. Results Of 449 consecutive pediatric femur fractures treated at our center, 85 children were treated with FIN and constituted the study cohort. CR failed in 14 patients (16.5%) necessitating OR of the fracture site. Significant differences between study groups were found in fracture location (P=0.018), the mechanism (P=0.003), and displacement on the anteroposterior radiograph (P=0.027). Surgical time was found to be longer in the OR group (P=0.010). We identified 3 preoperative predictors of OR for FIN including fractures caused by high energy mechanisms (odds ratio=7.5), distal third fractures (odds ratio=15.3), and fracture displacement on the anteroposterior view (odds ratio=1.06). Surgeon years in practice, patient weight, age, and time from injury to surgery were not associated with OR. Conclusions This study presents 3 preoperative risk factors that predict the need for OR of femur fractures treated with FIN. Surgical time was longer in cases that required OR. Our findings suggest that surgeons should avoid lengthy attempts at CR and consider a lower threshold for OR of at-risk fractures or use another technique other than flexible nails. Level of evidence Level III-prognostic.
Enacted Journalism Takes the Stage: How Audiences Respond to Reporting-Based Theater

In a media environment where content far exceeds what people can pay attention to, news organizations have experimented with different ways of informing and engaging audiences. This article focuses...
Acoustic tweezers based on circular, slanted-finger interdigital transducers for dynamic manipulation of micro-objects

Acoustic tweezing technologies are gaining significant attention from the scientific communities due to their versatility and biocompatibility. This study presents acoustic tweezers based on circular, slanted-finger interdigital transducers (CSFITs), which can steer the propagation direction of surface acoustic waves (SAWs) by tuning the excitation frequency. The CSFITs based acoustic tweezers enable dynamic and reconfigurable manipulation of micro-objects using multi-tone excitation signals. Compared to traditional interdigital transducers that generate and control SAWs along one axis, the CSFITs allow for simultaneously generating and independently controlling SAWs propagating along multiple axes by changing the frequency composition and the phase information in a multi-tone excitation signal. Moreover, the CSFITs based acoustic tweezers can be used for patterning cells/particles in various distributions and translating them along complex paths. We believe that our design is valuable for cellular-scale biological applications, in which on-chip, contactless, biocompatible handling of bioparticles is needed.
11 – linear correlation and prediction

Publisher Summary This chapter describes three main topics: the description of the relationship between two variables for a set of observations; making inferences about the strength of the relationship between two variables in a population given the data of a sample; and the prediction or estimation of values on one variable from observations on another variable with which it is paired. The chapter discusses the principles of linear regression, computation of the equations for predicting y from x and x from y, and how to measure prediction error, the standard error of estimate. Correlation refers to the co-relationship between two variables. The Pearson r coefficient is a useful measure of linear correlation; the sign of r indicates the direction of the relationship and the size of the numerical value of r indicates the strength of the relationship. The maximum values of the Pearson r are: –1 (perfect negative linear relationship) and +1 (perfect positive linear relationship). The Pearson r can be tested for statistical significance; however, it cannot be interpreted as a percent. Linear regression is used to predict scores on one variable given scores on the other. The standard error of estimate is a measure of error in the prediction process.
RNF8 has both KU-dependent and independent roles in chromosomal break repair

Chromosomal double strand breaks (DSBs) can initiate several signaling events, such as ubiquitination, however the precise influence of such signaling on DSB repair outcomes remains poorly understood. With an RNA interference screen, we found that the E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF8 suppresses a deletion rearrangement mediated by canonical non-homologous end joining (C-NHEJ). We also found that RNF8 suppresses EJ without insertion/deletion mutations, which is a hallmark of C-NHEJ. Conversely, RNF8 promotes alternative EJ (ALT-EJ) events involving microhomology that is embedded from the edge of the DSB. These ALT-EJ events likely require limited end resection, whereas RNF8 is not required for single-strand annealing repair involving extensive end resection. Thus, RNF8 appears to specifically facilitate repair events requiring limited end resection, which we find is dependent on the DSB end protection factor KU. However, we also find that RNF8 is important for homology-directed repair (HDR) independently of KU, which appears linked to promoting PALB2 function. Finally, the influence of RNF8 on EJ is distinct from 53BP1 and the ALT-EJ factor, POLQ. We suggest that RNF8 mediates both ALT-EJ and HDR, but via distinct mechanisms, since only the former is dependent on KU.
Probing the aggregated effects of purifying selection per individual on 1,250 medical phenotypes in the UK biobank

Abstract Understanding the relationship between natural selection and phenotypic variation has been a long-standing challenge in human population genetics. With the emergence of biobank-scale datasets, along with new statistical metrics to approximate strength of purifying selection at the variant level, it is now possible to correlate a proxy of individual relative fitness with a range of medical phenotypes. We calculated a per-individual deleterious load score by summing the total number of derived alleles per individual after incorporating a weight that approximates strength of purifying selection. We assessed four methods for the weight, including GERP, phyloP, CADD, and fitcons. By quantitatively tracking each of these scores with the site frequency spectrum, we identified phyloP as the most appropriate weight. The phyloP-weighted load score was then calculated across 15,129,142 variants in 335,161 individuals from the UK Biobank and tested for association on 1,250 medical phenotypes. After accounting for multiple test correction, we observed a strong association of the load score amongst coding sites only on 28 traits including body mass, adiposity and metabolic rate. We further observed that the association signals were driven by common variants (derived allele frequency > 5%) with high phyloP score (phyloP > 2). Finally, through permutation analyses, we showed that the deleterious load score had an excess of nominally significant associations on many medical phenotypes. These results suggest a broad impact of deleterious load on medical phenotypes and highlight the deleterious load score as a new tool to disentangle the complex relationship between natural selection and medical phenotypes. Author summary This study aims to augment our understanding between the complex relation between natural selection and human phenotypic variation. We developed a load score to approximate the relative fitness of an individual and correlate it with a set of medical phenotypes. Association tests between the load score amongst coding sites and 1,250 phenotypes in a sample of 335,161 individuals from the UK Biobank showed a strong association with 28 traits including body mass, adiposity and metabolic rate. Furthermore, an excess of nominal associations at suggestive levels was observed between the load score and medical phenotypes than would be expected under a null model. These results suggest that the aggregate effect of deleterious mutations as measured by the load score has a broad effect on human phenotypes.
Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis With Acupuncture, Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Sarsaparilla (Smilax officinalis) and Vitamin D: A Case Report.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this case report is to analyze the treatment of a patient with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) using natural medicine. Clinical Features A 73-year-old woman complained of PsA in her second and third digits with gradual onset over a 6-month period. PsA was manifesting as dactylitis with moderate to severe stiffness and edema in her proximal and distal interphalangeal joints and the surrounding soft tissue. A radiographic image revealed narrowing of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints, mild erosion, and periosteal thickening. Intervention and Outcome Traditional Chinese Medicine-style acupuncture was combined with 500 mg of turmeric curcumin (Curcuma longa root extract) with 3 mg of black pepper extract (Piper nigrum) that was standardized to contain 95% curcuminoids, 425 mg of sarsaparilla root (Smilax officinalis) powdered capsules that were not standardized and 10,000 IU vitamin D3 as cholecalciferol oil capsules once a day. She received 2 acupuncture treatments in combination with the supplements. She experienced an increased range of motion and a reduction in edema and stiffness. She continued to experience a reduction in symptomatology while supplementing with turmeric curcumin, sarsaparilla root, and vitamin D3, which might have helped to control her symptoms. Supplementation with these agents may have helped to maintain the swelling and stiffness at a tolerable level for the past year. Conclusion The natural modalities administered to the patient might have been able to reduce her symptoms of PsA and maintain them at a tolerable level. Acupuncture, turmeric, sarsaparilla root, and vitamin D3 could be viable natural alternatives for the treatment of PsA.
Hospital- and Patient-Level Characteristics Associated With Unplanned Readmissions and In-Patient Mortality in Men and Women With Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy.

Objective The aims of the study were to (a) determine rates of early, late, and overall 30-day all-cause readmission for women and men with the diagnosis of alcoholic cardiomyopathy (ACM), (b) examine hospital- and patient-level characteristics associated with the risk of readmission and how these factors differed by sex, and (c) examine the association between sex and in-patient mortality during readmission. Method We conducted a multi-year cross-sectional analysis of adult (≥18 years) inpatient hospitalizations in the United States. Descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages were used to describe the study population, stratified by sex. We then used Poisson regression with robust error variance estimation to estimate risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) that represented the associations between sex and likelihood of 30-day all-cause readmission and inpatient mortality. Results Among more than 116 million hospitalizations, there were 53,207 ACM-related hospitalizations (45,573 men and 7,634 women). Thirty-day all-cause readmission rates following an ACM-related index hospitalization were similar between men (20.3%) and women (20.5%). For men and women, cancer, hepatitis, chronic renal failure, cirrhosis, asthma, and anemia were associated with a higher risk of readmission. Although crude in-hospital mortality rates were higher among women (6.6%) than men (4.3%), there were no sex differences in mortality after adjusting for confounders (RR = 1.26, 95% CI [0.88, 1.81]). Conclusions Although men are more likely to be hospitalized for ACM, readmission risk is high (approximately 20%) and is similar in men and women following hospitalization for ACM. Hospital care transition programs that include a multidisciplinary approach are needed to help prevent these readmissions and associated morbidity and mortality.
A Quality Improvement Initiative to Reduce Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in a Level 4 NICU-Golden Hour Management of Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Preterm Newborns.

Background: Prevention of chronic lung disease (CLD) requires a multidisciplinary approach spanning from the delivery room to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) discharge. In 2018, a quality improvement (QI) initiative commenced in a level 4 NICU with the goal of decreasing chronic lung disease rates below the Vermont Oxford Network (VON) average of 24%. Methods: Improvement strategies focused on addressing the primary drivers of ventilation strategies, surfactant administration, non-invasive ventilation, medication use, and nutrition/fluid management. The primary outcome was VON CLD, defined as need for mechanical ventilation and/or supplemental oxygen use at 36 weeks postmenstrual age. Statistical process control charts were used to display and analyze data over time. Results: The overall CLD rate decreased from 33.5 to 16.5% following several interventions, a 51% reduction that has been sustained for >18 months. Changes most attributable to this include implementation of the “golden hour” gestational age (GA) based delivery room protocol that encourages early surfactant administration and timely extubation. Fewer infants were intubated across all GA groups with the largest improvement among infants 26–27 weeks GA. Conclusions: Our efforts significantly decreased CLD through GA-based respiratory guidelines and a comprehensive, rigorous QI approach that can be applicable to other teams focused on improvement.
Folklore and Conspiracy Theories of a COVID Dissenter: The Life and Sermons of Father Sergii (Romanov)

The religious studies scholar Bruce Lincoln famously defined myth as “ideology in narrative form” that “naturalizes and legitimizes” social taxonomies. Over two decades, Father Sergii (Romanov), a convicted murderer who turned toreligion while in prison, has used myth to shape his public persona, legitimize his spiritual leadership, cultivate the loyalty of his followers, and articulate a vision of holy Russia that seeks to reconcile the Soviet and imperial pasts. Weaving his personal biography into a narrative of national redemption from the sin of regicide, he has helped construct and lead a complex of monasteries. Drawing on a variety of narratives that emphasize Russian exceptionalism, Sergii and his admirers present the cleric as a divinely appointed emissary to lead their nation to spiritual greatness. Je conspiracy theories that support this worldview have also encouraged Sergii to denounce both secular and ecclesiastical authorities and to reject public health measures designed to stem the coronavirus pandemic. Despite his revolt against his bishop, Sergii remained in control of his convent until his dramatic arrest on 29 December 2020. Jis article analyzes some of Sergii’s mostsignificant narratives, traces their origins, and weighs their social implications.
Breathing variability during propofol/remifentanil procedural sedation with a single additional dose of midazolam or s-ketamine: a prospective observational study.

Purpose Regulation of spontaneous breathing is highly complex and may be influenced by drugs administered during the perioperative period. Because of their different pharmacological properties we hypothesized that midazolam and s-ketamine exert different effects on the variability of minute ventilation (MV), tidal volume (TV) and respiratory rate (RR). Methods Patients undergoing procedural sedation (PSA) with propofol and remifentanil received a single dose of midazolam (1-3 mg, n = 10) or s-ketamine (10-25 mg, n = 10). We used non-invasive impedance-based respiratory volume monitoring to record RR as well as changes in TV and MV. Variability of these three parameters was calculated as coefficients of variation. Results TV and MV decreased during PSA to a comparable extent in both groups, whereas there was no significant change in RR. In line with our hypothesis we observed marked differences in breathing variability. The variability of MV (- 47.5% ± 24.8%, p = 0.011), TV (- 42.1% ± 30.2%, p = 0.003), and RR (- 28.5% ± 29.3%, p = 0.011) was significantly reduced in patients receiving midazolam. In contrast, variability remained unchanged in patients receiving s-ketamine (MV + 16% ± 45.2%, p = 0.182; TV +12% ± 47.7%, p = 0.390; RR +39% ± 65.2%, p = 0.129). After termination of PSA breathing variables returned to baseline values. Conclusions While midazolam reduces respiratory variability in spontaneously breathing patients undergoing procedural sedation, s-ketamine preserves variability suggesting different effects on the regulation of spontaneous breathing.
Index60 Identifies Individuals at Appreciable Risk for Stage 3 Among an Autoantibody-Positive Population With Normal 2-Hour Glucose Levels: Implications for Current Staging Criteria of Type 1 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE We assessed whether Index60, a composite measure of fasting C-peptide, 60-min C-peptide, and 60-min glucose, could improve the metabolic staging of type 1 diabetes for progression to clinical disease (stage 3) among autoantibody-positive (Ab+) individuals with normal 2-h glucose values (<140 mg/dL). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We analyzed 3,058 Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet Pathway to Prevention participants with 2-h glucose <140 mg/dL and Index60 <1.00 values from baseline oral glucose tolerance tests. Characteristics associated with type 1 diabetes (younger age, greater Ab+, higher HLA DR3-DQ2/DR4-DQ8 prevalence, and lower C-peptide) were compared among four mutually exclusive groups: top 2-h glucose quartile only (HI-2HGLU), top Index60 quartile only (HI-IND60), both top quartiles (HI-BOTH), and neither top quartile (LO-BOTH). Additionally, within the 2-h glucose distribution of <140 mg/dL and separately within the Index60 <1.00 distribution, comparisons were made between those above or below the medians. RESULTS HI-IND60 and HI-BOTH were younger, with greater frequency of more than two Ab+, and lower C-peptide levels, than either HI-2HGLU or LO-BOTH (all P < 0.001). The cumulative incidence for stage 3 was greater for HI-IND60 and HI-BOTH than for either HI-2HGLU or LO-BOTH (all P < 0.001). Those with Index60 values above the median were younger and had higher frequency of two or more Ab+ (P < 0.001) and DR3-DQ2/DR4-DQ8 prevalence (P < 0.001) and lower area under the curve (AUC) C-peptide levels (P < 0.001) than those below. Those above the 2-h glucose median had higher AUC C-peptide levels (P < 0.001), but otherwise did not differ from those below. CONCLUSION Index60 identifies individuals with characteristics of type 1 diabetes at appreciable risk for progression who would otherwise be missed by 2-h glucose staging criteria.
Feeding strategies derived from behavioral economics can increase vegetable intake in children as part of a home-based intervention (808.23)

We tested the effect of using behavioral economic strategies to increase children's vegetable intake in the home. These strategies included pairing cartoons with vegetables to increase appeal and p...
Market Segmentation and Targeting

Segmentation is the process of dividing heterogeneous markets into homogeneous subgroups which display similarities in needs, preferences, and/or behaviors. Effectiveness of the segmentation process is evaluated on the basis of measurability, accessibility, substantiality, and responsiveness of the segments identified. Owing to resource constraints, firms are often unable to pursue all the segments they identify and have to concentrate on selected segment(s). This is known as targeting. The discussion here briefly outlines the bases commonly used to segment consumer and business markets. Consumer segmentation based on geographic, demographic, psychographic, and product-related approaches is discussed. Macrolevel bases (i.e., characteristics of the buying organization and purchase situation, product/service application) and microlevel bases (i.e., key criteria, purchasing strategies, structure of decision-making units) of segmenting business markets are also discussed. The discussion concludes by describing popular strategies for targeting market segments (i.e., undifferentiated marketing, differentiated marketing, macromarketing, and micromarketing). Keywords: segmentation; consumer segmentation; segmenting business markets; targeting; geographic segmentation; demographic segmentation; psychographic segmentation; product-related segmentation; undifferentiated marketing; differentiated marketing; macromarketing; micromarketing
Ecosystem Disturbance, Carbon, and Climate

Models of climate change effects should incorporate land-use changes and episodic disturbances such as fires and insect epidemics.
Selective versioning in a secure disk system

Making vital disk data recoverable even in the event of OS compromises has become a necessity, in view of the increased prevalence of OS vulnerability exploits over the recent years. We present the design and implementation of a secure disk system, SVSDS, that performs selective, flexible, and transparent versioning of stored data, at the disk-level. In addition to versioning, SVSDS actively enforces constraints to protect executables and system log files. Most existing versioning solutions that operate at the disk-level are unaware of the higher-level abstractions of data, and hence are not customizable. We evolve a hybrid solution that combines the advantages of disk-level and file-system--level versioning systems thereby ensuring security, while at the same time allowing flexible policies. We implemented and evaluated a software-level prototype of SVSDS in the Linux kernel and it shows that the space and performance overheads associated with selective versioning at the disk level are minimal.
Abstract 19576: Left Atrial Delayed Computed Tomography Angiography Protocol Markedly Reduces Need for TEEs Prior to Atrial Fibrillation Ablation

Introduction: Delayed computed tomography angiography (CTA) imaging of the left atrial appendage (LAA) has a high negative predictive value (NPV) for LAA thrombus. Many transesophageal echocardiograms (TEEs) are performed to exclude LAA thrombus prior to left atrial ablation for atrial fibrillation and flutter (AF). Because reducing the need for semi-invasive TEEs prior to AF ablation would be beneficial, we evaluated a pre-ablation LAA evaluation strategy based on CTA (with TEEs performed only for abnormal CTA findings). Methods: We tracked outcomes of 124 consecutive AF ablation patients with preablation CTA with delayed LAA imaging (high-pitched acquisition mode, Siemens FLASH, ref mAs 200, ref Kv 120kVp, care kV mode). In Group 1 (CTA-guided, CHADS2 scores ≤ 3, no prior CVA), TEEs were performed only if LAA filling defects were found on CTA. All Group 2 patients (controls) had TEEs regardless of CTA results. In Group 1, negative CTA findings were confirmed by intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) during ablation. Results: The cohort was 61.4 ± 11.6 years old and 27.4% female. 30.7% had persistent arrhythmia, and CHADS2 scores ranged from 0-4. Only 3.3% of Group 1 patients (n=60) required TEEs, while 81.3% of Group 2 patients (n=64) underwent TEEs (Figure). There were no strokes or TIAs in either group within 30 days of ablation. After adjustment for CHADS2 score and persistent arrhythmia, Group 1 was much less likely (OR 0.006, p Conclusions: This integrated pre-ablation imaging strategy safely and dramatically reduced the need for TEEs prior to AF ablation with a low radiation dose from the CTA and no increased risk of thromboembolic events.
Death by Segregation: Does the Dimension of Racial Segregation Matter?

The county-level geographic mortality differentials have persisted in the past four decades in the United States (US). Though several socioeconomic factors (e.g., inequality) partially explain this phenomenon, the role of race/ethnic segregation, in general, and the different dimensions of segregation, more specifically, has been underexplored. Focusing on all-cause age-sex standardized US county-level mortality (2004–2008), this study has two substantive goals: (1) to understand whether segregation is a determinant of mortality and if yes, how the relationship between segregation and mortality varies by racial/ethnic dyads (e.g., white/black), and (2) to explore whether different dimensions of segregation (i.e., evenness, exposure, concentration, centralization, and clustering) are associated with mortality. A third goal is methodological: to assess whether spatial autocorrelation influences our understanding of the associations between the dimensions of segregation and mortality. Race/ethnic segregation was found to contribute to the geographic mortality disparities. Moreover, the relationship with mortality differed by both race/ethnic group and the dimension of segregation. Specifically, white/black segregation is positively related to mortality, whereas the segregation between whites and non-black minorities is negatively associated with mortality. Among the five dimensions of segregation, evenness and exposure are more strongly related to mortality than other dimensions. Spatial filtering approaches also identified six unique spatial patterns that significantly affect the spatial distribution of mortality. These patterns offer possible insights that help identify omitted variables related to the persistent patterning of mortality in the US.
Morphology and electromagnetic interference shielding effects of SiC coated carbon short fibers

The electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of C–SiC/epoxy composites was investigated and compared with that of carbon fiber/epoxy composites. C–SiCs, short fibers with carbon cores and silicon carbide shells, were fabricated by a carbothermal reduction process using chopped carbon fibers (CFs) and rice husk ash. After presenting the morphology and structure of the C–SiC fibers, the electromagnetic interference shielding effect of SiC coated carbon short fibers is discussed. The Kα-band (26.5–40.0 GHz) shielding studies revealed that the maximum total shielding effectiveness (SET) of the composite with 25 vol% of C–SiCs is 17.07 dB, dominated by absorption, while the composite with 25 vol% of the same sized carbon fibers has a SET of 8.44 dB only.
Comparison of SP-A and LPS effects on the THP-1 monocytic cell line.

Surfactant protein A (SP-A) increases production of proinflammatory cytokines by monocytic cells, including THP-1 cells, as does lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Herein we report differences in responses to these agents. First, polymyxin B inhibits the LPS response but not the SP-A response. Second, SP-A-induced increases in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), and IL-8 are reduced by >60% if SP-A is preincubated with Survanta (200 microgram/ml) for 15 min before addition to THP-1 cells. However, the LPS effects on TNF-alpha and IL-8 are inhibited by 90%, and although the inhibitory effects on LPS action increase, they still do not reach those seen with SP-A. Finally, we tested whether SP-A could induce tolerance as LPS does. Pretreatment of THP-1 cells with LPS inhibits their response to subsequent LPS treatment 24 h later, including TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-8. Similar treatment with SP-A reduces TNF-alpha, but IL-1beta and IL-8 are further increased by the second treatment with SP-A rather than inhibited as with LPS. Thus, whereas both SP-A and LPS stimulate cytokine production, their mechanisms differ with respect to inhibition by surfactant lipids and in ability to induce tolerance.
Human Interactions and Sustainability

This chapter describes a framework for understanding and managing complex systems that couple human beings, nature and technology. The framework includes five major components; the first three are necessary capabilities for accomplishing the last two.  Superordinate goals: Human beings have to see the urgent necessity of working together to solve problems like climate change and depletion of natural resources.  Moral imagination: Differences in values can prevent adoption of a superordinate goal. Moral imagination is the equivalent of interactional expertise concerning values; it involves being able to 'step into the shoes' of another stakeholder and see the problem from her or his perspective.  Trading zones: Linking multiple stakeholders will require setting up a series of trading zones for exchanging ideas, resources, and solutions across different communities and interests. Developing the three capabilities above will permit:  Adaptive management: This strategy involves treating management interventions like hypotheses, subjecting them to empirical tests, and revising the strategy based on the results. Adaptive management is difficult in tightly coupled human- technological-natural systems, where hypotheses should be constructed not only about environmental impacts, but also about effects on stakeholders.  Anticipatory governance: Global problems and opportunities will require adding more anticipatory, adaptive capability to governance mechanisms, linking decision makers with other stakeholders. These exchanges will have to be motivated by a superordinate goal so urgent that governance structures can be transformed, if necessary.
Comparative efficacy of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in ankylosing spondylitis: a Bayesian network meta-analysis of clinical trials

Objective To compare the efficacy of 20 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the short-term treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods We performed a systematic literature review of randomised controlled trials of NSAIDs in patients with active AS. We included trials that reported efficacy at 2–12 weeks. Efficacy outcomes were the change in pain score and change in the duration of morning stiffness. We also examined the number of adverse events. We used Bayesian network meta-analysis to compare effects directly and indirectly between drugs. Results We included 26 trials (66 treatment arms) of 20 NSAIDs with 3410 participants in the network meta-analysis. Fifty-eight per cent of trials had fewer than 50 participants. All 20 NSAIDs reduced pain more than placebo (standardised mean difference ranging from −0.65 to −2.2), with 15 NSAIDs significantly better than placebo. Etoricoxib was superior to celecoxib, ketoprofen and tenoxicam in pain reduction, but no other interdrug comparisons were significant. There were no significant differences among NSAIDs in decreases in the duration of morning stiffness or the likelihood of adverse events. Adverse events were uncommon in these short-term studies. In 16 trials that used NSAIDs at full doses, etoricoxib was superior to all but two other NSAIDs in pain reduction. Conclusions Etoricoxib was more effective in reducing pain in AS than some other NSAIDs, but there was otherwise insufficient evidence to conclude that any particular NSAID was more effective in the treatment of AS. Comparisons were limited by small studies.
A 7Li Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Study of Metal-Substituted Lithium Manganese Oxide Spinels

Metal-substituted spinels, LiM x Mn 2.4 O 4 (M = Li, Zn, Ni, Al, Co, Cr), are synthesized with low levels of substitution by solid-state techniques and studied with 7 Li magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR). The NMR spectra are characterized by several distinct peaks, spanning a wide shift range. The shifts are interpreted in terms of the supertransferred hyperfine interaction. The as-prepared spinels show peaks in the vicinity of 510 ppm, assigned to normal lithium in a tetrahedral site surrounded by 12 manganese nearest neighbors, and 530-580 ppm, assigned to near-defect lithium in a tetrahedral site with one or more metal substituents as nearest neighbors. Upon substitution, the peak arising from normal lithium broadens and reduces in intensity, whereas the peaks arising from near-defect lithium increase in intensity, Li-, Co-, and Al-substituted spinels also give rise to a peak in the vicinity of 1700 ppm, assigned to electrochemically inactive lithium in the 16d octahedral site. NMR spectra of electrochemically cycled spinels reveal that the local environment of lithium changes upon cycling. After cycling, the normal lithium peak reduces in intensity and broadens, while the near-defect lithium peak increases in intensity. The extent of these changes is least for spinels that show robust capacity retention, It is found that damage from moisture contamination results in a shift and reduction in intensity of the peak arising from tetrahedral lithium in the spinel. In addition, a new peak at 0 ppm is observed and assigned to multiple diamagnetic, lithium-containing solid electrolyte interface species, No effects of moisture contamination are observed in the electrochemically prepared samples.
Introducing the Great Successor: North Korean English language news coverage of Kim Jong Un 2010–2011

Abstract How did North Korea initially frame coverage of the “Great Successor” Kim Jong Un for an international audience? This paper argues that North Korea's daily English language news reports, while commonly dismissed as purely propaganda, provides potential insights into such framing. Through automated content analysis of daily news reports from 2010 through 2011 coupled with regression analysis, this analysis both suggests an increased focus on Kim Jong Un's formal positions and less on his pedigree.
Reciprocal autocrine and paracrine regulation of growth of mesenchymal and alveolar epithelial cells from fetal lung.

The regulation of DNA synthesis in 19 day rat fetal lung epithelial (alveolar type II) and mesenchymal (fibroblast) cells by protein growth factors has been studied. In each case a single growth factor is capable of stimulating 3H-thymidine incorporation into DNA: platelet-derived growth factor in the case of the alveolar type II cell and epidermal growth factor in the case of the fetal lung fibroblast. We hypothesize that these results indicate that the type II cell endogenously produces progression activities (i.e., epidermal growth factor-like and somatomedin-like activity) while the fibroblast produces competence (i.e., platelet-derived growth factor-like) and progression (i.e., somatomedin-like activity). The latter is in keeping with previous observations with skin fibroblasts.To test the above hypothesis, the effect of fetal lung fibro blast-derived conditoned media upon the growth of fetal alveolar type II cells has been determined. The results indicate that, indeed, such media contain competence ...
Are stimulants overprescribed for youths with ADHD

Critics of stimulant treatment for youths with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have increased their rhetoric of late, contending that the leading medication for it, Ritalin®, is vastly overprescribed. Additionally, they claim that Ritalin (methylphenidate) is inherently dangerous and that the entire system of the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD is seriously flawed. The critics view the underlying reason for the “epidemic” as societal, due to our modern pace of living, our competitive society, and our consumer emphasis. Rejoinders to and clarifications of the more tangible points of the critics are presented, followed by a discussion of some more practical and legitimate concerns for researchers in this area. These concerns include changes within the ADHD category, the clinical need for multiple sources of diagnostic data, infrequent teacher–physician communication, problematic ADHD/conduct disorder comorbidity in adolescence, and the limited amount of community-based research.
Rhinoplasty: Large Nostril/Small Tip Disproportion

Surgeons must recognize large nostril/small tip disproportion as a distinct challenge in rhinoplasty surgery. The critical first step is to correctly analyze the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that contribute to the deformity. The nostril axis is drawn between the nostril apices and extended in both directions. It is then subdivided into a nostril and intrinsic tip component. The ratio of nostril to tip should be 55:45; a ratio of 60:40 is acceptable. The surgical solution requires both an increase in intrinsic tip projection by lengthening the infralobular segment and a nostril reduction. The anatomical deformity consists of three components: (1) the alar cartilages are highly divergent, (2) the infralobular segment is quite short, and (3) the domal segment is flat and ill defined. The operative technique advocated by the author combines a three-stitch tip procedure, including an interdomal suture over a straight strut, plus nostril sill/alar wedge resections.
Anomie and Its Alternatives: A Self-Report Study of Delinquency

(1967). Anomie and Its Alternatives: A Self-Report Study of Delinquency. The Sociological Quarterly: Vol. 8, No. 4, pp. 468-480.
Racial differences in the burden of coronary artery calcium and carotid intima media thickness between Blacks and Whites

Background Identification of racial differences in the burden and correlates of carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and coronary artery calcium (CAC) may provide the basis for the development of race-specific cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction algorithms.
Toward P2P-based multimedia sharing in user generated contents

Online forums have long since been the most popular platform for people to communicate and share ideas. Nowadays, with the boom of multimedia sharing, users tend to share more and more with their online peers within online communities such as forums. The server-client model of forums has been used since its creation in the mid-nineties. However, this model has begun to fall short in meeting the increasing need of bandwidth and storage as an increasing number of people share more and more multimedia content. In this work, we first investigate the unique properties of forums based on the data collected from the Disney discussion boards. According to these properties, we design a scheme to support P2P-based multimedia sharing in forums called Multimedia Board (MBoard). Extensive simulation results utilizing real trace data show that MBoard can significantly reduce the load on the server while maintaining a high quality of service for the users.